Category Archives: History
National Library Week & Writing News
First off—Happy National Library Week—April 19-25, 2020 Libraries have so much to offer, even from the comfort of your own home. Have you checked your local library’s online offerings? From story-times to downloadable books, movies, magazines, audiobooks, and music, there’s something for everyone. As mentioned in my last post, I’ve had trouble concentrating on my …
Strawbery Banke Fall Festival
Strawbery Banke is a 10 acre outdoor living history museum located at 14 Hancock Street in Portsmouth, NH. This restored colonial village is worth checking out. The historic houses are staffed and open for touring May 1 through October 31, from 10 am to 5 pm. They are also open for special events throughout the …
Books of Childhood
When I run out of time, as I often do nowadays, but know I’m long overdue for a post, I think fondly of the books that got my mind and heart into this writing business in the first place. Anybody else remember The Five Little Peppers? Other favorite series from childhood were Donna Parker and …
Picture Book Biographies
I’m finally getting around to writing another of my all-time-favorite posts—picture book releases! This time my focus is on picture book biographies. There are an abundance of excellent ones appearing on the scene. I don’t see this type of book ever losing ground in popularity. With their lavish illustrations and informative back matter, picture book …
Hans Christian Andersen’s Paper Art
I’ve been busy writing and editing, hence the gap between posts this month, but I’ve also been thinking about the art of paper-cutting. I’ve always found this craft fun to do and fascinating to see displayed. I went to a wonderful exhibit of paper cutting at the Currier Museum in Manchester, NH, last May. As …
John James Audubon
John James Audubon (April 26, 1785 — Jan. 27, 1851) became interested in drawing birds and nature during his childhood in France. When he was 18, he moved to America where he began an in-depth study of North American birds. By the time he was 41 years old, his portfolio had become quite impressive. Audubon …
The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss
My last post was about a visit to Emily Dickinson’s house in Amherst, Massachusetts. Well, during that same trip, we also visited The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum in nearby Springfield. Since The Cat in the Hat is celebrating its 60th year in print, it seemed a good time to check it out. Theodor Seuss …
A Visit with Emily Dickinson
Emily Elizabeth Dickinson (December 10, 1830 – May 15, 1886). A few months back I was able to visit Amherst, Mass., where Emily lived and wrote most of her amazing poetry. Only a handful of her poems were published during her lifetime, but she left behind hundreds for future generations to enjoy. Her first collection was published in 1890 …
E. B. White
Elwyn Brooks White was born on July 11, 1899, in Mount Vernon, New York. In a 1980 article from the New York Times he discusses his name: “I never liked Elwyn. My mother just hung it on me because she’d run out of names. I was her sixth child.” Later, at Cornell University, he was called …
The Cottages of Martha’s Vineyard
Martha’s Vineyard is an island off the coast of Cape Cod in Massachusetts. It’s a smooth 30-40 minute ferry ride to get across from nearby locations. The island has become quite touristy in season and with good reason as it’s very scenic. But we’ll save the gorgeous rock cliffs and beaches for another day. What …
Marcia Strykowski 