For as long as I can remember I have been writing. I have kept diary after diary and more journals than I can count over the years. But until recently I never really knuckled under and worked to create a career for myself as a writer. I am living proof that it is NEVER too late to be what you might have been. My dream of writing professionally is coming true at last.
Miss E and G-man at our wedding
When I remarried five years ago I became an instant grandmother. Mr. T got to raise his fifth teenager and I got to embrace the joy of having Emmeline and Graham in my life. They are both so incredibly bright and funny, it’s always a treat to spend time with them separately or together. Emmeline is probably the more outspoken of the two, although our last visit with Graham and his family in Atlanta showed me that he is developing into quite a talker himself!
Skylar and Em in the French Quarter
Emmeline’s history of outrageous one liners led her mother to begin writing things down that she would say or do. I quickly learned that you don’t want to miss anything Miss E has to say! Mr. T kept telling me I needed to write a children’s book that would feature our dear granddaughter and her one of a kind way of looking at the world. I let that sit and brew in my mind for quite some time before coming up with the idea of a trilogy of children’s books featuring Emmeline and even introducing Graham in the second book.
Since Emmeline lives in New Orleans with her parents there is plenty of writing material to be found. Having visited Commander’s Palace on several visits, where our son-in-law is a manager, an idea began to form. To combine my love for New Orleans with my passion for wonderful food, especially the food at Commander’s Palace, and put them together in a story. “Emmeline At Commander’s Palace” is the result of all of this. Everything began to fall into place once I had the text written. My dear friend, Marion Snyder, an uber talented local artist, stepped forward, eager to illustrate her first children’s book, which she did so beautifully! And when it came time, Bob Drury, put the finishing touches on each page before handing everything over to Three Dolphin Press to take the final steps in getting the book published.
I am so excited that the book is now available on Amazon.com as both a hard copy and an e-book! I enjoyed writing this little story, sharing Emmeline’s quick sense of humor and adventure and, of course, including a bit of culinary flavor to the story. At the end of the book is a small collection of easy “French” oriented recipes that are child friendly to encourage young readers to get in the kitchen, with the help of an adult, and experiment! Take a look here: www.amazon.com, enter the name of the book and search. If you happen to be in New Orleans, I’m very excited to say that the books will soon be available at Commander’s Palace and other area book stores.
The more I grow as a person, the more I realize the importance of playing. We tend to forget this aspect of our lives as we age and become set in our ways. Having Emmeline and Graham in my life is a never ending adventure that will continue to provide me with material for stories for quite some time! I’ve already begun the second book which finds Emmeline and her cousin having an evening at City Park in NOLA at Christmastime. You won’t want to miss it! Being creative is my passion and finding my muse has changed my life…..join me on the adventure and let the good times roll!
8 Responses
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Marisa Franca @ All Our Way Says:
How wonderful — I can’t wait to see the book. Our grandsons are older but there is always the possibility of another little one. And for me it took my Hubby to take up fishing for me to do something creative that can travel — blogging, cooking, and finding DIY projects. There certainly seems to be a lot of creative talent on SSI!
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Tamra Says:
Great job Melissa! I’ve been working on one for two years and still haven’t finished the paintings for it. Maybe there’s still hope?
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Melissa Says:
Absolutely there’s hope! You can do this, Tamra. Call if you need a pep talk!
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Carolyn T Says:
Congratulations, Melissa! You are a wonder!
Carolyn
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Bob Allison Says:
Just ordered my copy from Amazon. Congratulations! Hope you’ll sign it (with Bob Drury) when we get to SSI in January.
Bob -
Melissa Says:
Of course I’ll sign it! Thanks so much, Bob! Looking forward to your return.
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Elayne Dubin Says:
Well Melissa I always thought you were busy girl but I didn’t realize how busy this is amazing congratulations you’re one of those special people you may meet just once in a lifetime. Lucky me!
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Fran Wheeler Says:
Melissa so thrilled your book has “come to light”.
I am especially proud of your work as my sister is so excited to have been able to do the illustrations.
I look forward to purchasing copies for Christmas presents for my three granddaughters. Wishing you much success for many more books. Again, my best wishes and congratulations.
“Nanny Fran”
