It's a new year and a new book!
I started Book 4: HAWAII! this morning. I was able to insert 263 words for today in my January writing calendar. That's not very much, but it's definitely a start.
I spent a lot of time staring at the screen and researching Hawaii. I finally found a starting point, and then the words began to flow. I am so excited about the research for this book, as Hawaii is such a rich state with so much to learn about.
Stay tuned as I flesh out this plot.
Aloha!
The cover (and interior design, etc.) of Adventure USA - Book 3: OHIO! The Mystery of the Mound continues to hum along. I have seen some early concepts, and I am over the moon at how well Erik Drohman conceives the perfect cover to showcase the themes of each book in the Adventure USA series.
While I wait for its publication in early (fingers crossed) 2025, my mind has been hopping with ideas for Book 4: HAWAII! I don't have a title yet, but plenty of plot strands and ideas continue to percolate.
Here's my writing calendar ready to go for January:
My technique is to enter the number of words for each day (with a big old black X for a day I didn't write), and then keep a running total at the bottom of each daily box. Off to the right I write the weekly total. It really works!
I would love to start right now, this very minute, but I hesitate to turn on the waterfall of creativity during this season. Anyone else feel the same?
Happy Holidays!
I'm thrilled to be close to sending OHIO! to my editor. I'm very excited about the story and its many dimensions. I can't wait for it to be released.
In the meantime, I'm also getting ready for the OELMA (Ohio Educational Library Media Association) Conference in October. I'll be part of their author showcase, so I've been gathering materials for my table. Front and center will be this framed letter from the governor of Massachusetts commending MASSACHUSETTS! The Stolen Spyglass:
Erik Drohman, the very talented illustrator and graphic designer, has done a superb job on the cover, the illustrations, and the interior.
I can't wait for MASSACHUSETTS! to join its place beside ALASKA! More information is here on my website: https://barbaralarmonfailing.com/
I do a lot of research for all my books, and I love it. It makes the books more interesting, and it is fun for me to pass along the information to my readers. OHIO! has been more challenging since it deals with the obscure topic of the mounds or earthworks of Ohio.
In January 2023, I was doing research one morning before breakfast and discovered that the Archaeological Society of Ohio was having a meeting that day. It was snowing, but after church, I hopped in the car and sped off to nearby Hillard. I met lots of wonderful people in the display hall and browsed numerous tables/displays of arrowheads and other items. This was the first time that I heard the term "field find." This term is used to describe arrowheads and artifacts found in fields, the most frequent source of finds.
While I was there, I came across the paperback, "Ohio Flint Types," at the book table. The price was more than I wanted to spend, but fortunately, I was able to find a 1973 edition on eBay. This book has been an incredible source of information for me.
When I left the meeting several hours later, considerable snow had fallen, making for a slick trip home. But the trip to the ASO meeting was more than worth it.
I have been out of touch, and I apologize. The holidays came and went, and I was busy working on OHIO. Then I traveled a bit in February.
But I am thrilled to announce that I finally (and I mean finally) have a first draft of OHIO! This has been such a hard time coming. My usual approach—sit down and write, and the story will follow—did not work at all. I think it's because the topic, Mounds of Ohio, is a tricky one to explain to children. I had one plot, then another, then another, and on and on.
I spent way too much time staring at the computer screen, hoping for a break-through. I should have gone out for a walk, as Margaret Renkl in her new book, A Company of Crows, so clearly explains. Movement is critical to creativity. A study to measure creativity in college students found unremarkable results when they were sitting, but once they were up and moving around, the screen lit up with their brain activity. I will remember that.
The last few days, I have been editing OHIO, and there is still a whole lot to do. But at least I now have something to edit!
I highly recommend Margaret's excellent book, A Company of Crows. It's a walk through her backyard garden, month by month, and so much more. A book to relax and revel in. It's truly beautiful.
I wanted to insert a cover image of Margaret's book but couldn't. So here's a crow instead.
I'm happy to report that the story for OHIO! slowly started to find its way, and the plan forward was clear. But then the holidays were here, and I had to make the decision to slow down and focus on family. I wasn't being successful with both writing and holiday preparations, so I stopped.
But now, I'm back! I could have been back a little earlier in the month, but I've been occupied with marketing for ALASKA! and also editing MASSACHUSETTS! All is going very well, and the release date for MASSACHUSETTS! The Stolen Spyglass will be Spring 2024.
This morning, my first task is to reread OHIO! I haven't touched it since the beginning of December, so I'm eager to find out how I feel about it and if my plans for the rest of the book are solid.
Over the Christmas holiday, I spent an afternoon at Hopewell Culture National Historical Park in Chillicothe, Ohio. The visitor's center featured a fascinating 20 minute film which can be seen here: https://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm%3Fid%3D0D6D9715-CD96-9409-65BA31CE0A87522C
I spent a lot of time walking and thinking about these ancient peoples and all that they did to create those amazing earthworks.
