I am so excited! Treasures of My Heart is coming!

    Well... It's almost ready! I am so excited to announce, "Treasures of My Heart" is almost ready to send to the printer.  Carly Kauffman, illustrator, and I will meet for, hopefully, our final work session this weekend.  I am so pleased with her work and tireless efforts and encouragement.   I know God placed her in my life to partner with me in this endeavor.     
     If nothing crops up unexpectedly, we should be ready to send "Treasures of My Heart" to the printer by the end of next week.  I should receive the proof copies within two weeks and be ready to order by the end of February.  This book will be a 8.5"x 11" soft cover book with a full color cover and at least eight beautiful black and white pencil drawings in the interior. 
    Launching a new book is a daunting task.  I covet your prayers as I take on this new adventure. 

Author Day at Ellenboro Elementary School

 What a blessing!  This morning I had the privilege of visiting Ellenboro Elementary School.  From the moment I entered this beautiful school, I was met with smiling faces and helpful folks that directed me to Mrs. Sarah Tisdale's second grade classroom.  Upon my arrival, her precious second graders warmly welcomed me.  Mrs. Tisdale graciously assisted me in setting up my powerpoint presentation on her MAC computer,  (Gotta love Apple products!) and we were ready to begin.

The students were so attentive and respectful.  They listened intently and asked pertinent questions as we discussed the writing process in regards to my "My Days with Nell." We talked about the Pre-Writing, Drafting, Revising, Editing and Publishing phases of the process and I was amazed at how these young, emergent writers understood these concepts. We briefly talked about their perception of a story's  setting, characters, plot and what it means when a book is classified as historical fiction.  We discussed the idea of asking questions and using their five senses to improve and make revisions to their rough drafts.  I have no doubt they are ready to be authors now!  These smart young people can do it!

After my "Writing Process" presentation, we talked about some of the wonderful Christmas traditions at the Biltmore house. I love sharing how the workers at the Estate maintain the 119 year tradition of bringing in the "big tree" for the holidays. I love telling the students how the Vanderbilts generously cared for those that worked at the estate, as well as how kind they were to family and friends who came and stayed at the house, sometimes for extended periods.

We ended my visit with  question and answer time.  I couldn't believe what thoughtful and creative questions they asked.  I was impressed! I hope I persuaded them, informed them and entertained them this morning.  That was after all, this author's purpose! ;)

I am grateful to Mrs. Tisdale for allowing me to come and share "My Days with Nell" with her students.    She is an extraordinary teacher and wonderful person. It was obvious from the moment I stepped into her classroom that her students are valued, respected and are being educated in a caring environment. How fortunate for those second graders to have her as their teacher.  I also enjoyed visiting with Mrs. Tisdale's mother, Mrs. Robyn Elliott.  She is a retired educator and I have known her for years.   There is an old saying; the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Well, like mother, like daughter.  There is a rich tradition of educating excellence in this family!

Christmas is right around the corner... But I received a great present this morning! Visiting Mrs. Tisdale's class was a lovely gift to me... and I am thankful.

Merry Christmas!

Going back to my "Home" school...

Thanks to a sweet invitation from Ms. Deeana Ray, third grade educator, I'm going back to visit my "Home" school. Hopefully during the first few days of December 2014, I will be visiting the third graders at West Marion Elementary School. I worked there for over 20 years as Office Coordinator and have so many friends that I look forward to seeing again.

Mrs. Ray's students will be visiting the Biltmore Estate on December 11, 2014 for a field trip.  The house will be beautifully decorated for Christmas for their adventure.  Wonder how many Christmas trees will be decorated at the estate  this year?  Last year, there were 56 in the four acre house alone!  I know the wonderful staff at the "House" will make them feel welcomed with warm hospitality.

I love to speak to students at the elementary level about the traditions and research I did while writing, "My Days with Nell."  Mrs. Ray invited me to go with her class to my favorite place in this world and I will have to check my calendar... but am honored at her invitation. But either way, Biltmore... they're coming!!!!

Heading back to Glenwood!

I am grateful to Mrs. Katie Carter,  McDowell County educator, who has invited me to come speak to the  third graders at Glenwood Elementary School on December 1, 2014.  This is my second visit to this wonderful place.  In January, 2014, I spent the day with students in grades 2-6 for an Author Day.  I shared the writing process with those students and how it related to writing, "My Days with Nell."

After speaking with Mrs. Carter, I have decided for this visit I will share information based on the research I did while writing the book.  Glenwood Elementary's  third graders will be visiting the Vanderbilt Home during the first week of December and hopefully my visit will get them excited about their trip... as if that were needed. :0)  The "House" will be decorated for Christmas  and I'm sure as in previous years, will be gorgeous.

I am excited about this opportunity and look forward to sharing historical information and wonderful Vanderbilt Christmas traditions with these students.   CAN'T WAIT!

Treasures of my Heart

Well... It looks like "Treasures of my Heart" will become a reality!    Treasures of My Heart is an emotional and touching story based on the Historic Carson House built in 1793 by Colonel John Carson.  Mary Carson, wife of Jonathan Logan Carson, son of the Colonel, must make a heartbreaking decision. Due to her advanced age and failing health, she can no longer live alone in her beloved home. As her furniture is being moved and her mementos boxed up, she makes her final walk through the home with her daughter, Margaret and her granddaughter, Moffet by her side. Amid vivid accounts of Stoneman's Raiders during the civil war, a brother-in-law's duel, or tales of the underground railroad, Mary teaches her granddaughter powerful life lessons. The struggle of change haunts Mary, but she is resolved in what she must do. The stories set in the latter part of the 1800's will spark the imagination of children and enlighten them on bygone days of plantation life. It will encourage them to cherish their family memories . . .  for it's their memories that will become the treasures of their heart.  
    I am very excited about this new book and look forward to our release. I  met with the illustrator, Ms. Carly Kauffman, and have seen several of her drawings.  They are wonderful and have perfectly captured what I see in my head when I am writing.  I have been blessed beyond measure to work with wonderful illustrators. Ms. Virginia Palmer, local Marion portrait artist, is an awesome artist that did the lovely pictures for "My Days with Nell". And now the talents of Ms. Kauffman are bringing the Carson House families to life!!! We are tentatively planning a September release date for "Treasures of my Heart". Let's just hope we can get it all together by then.... Keeping my fingers crossed!

Visits!

I love sharing with civic and school groups! In the last two or three months, I have probably visited ten schools and a precious senior citizen group. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with them.   At this juncture, I have two presentations available. The first one targets elementary students in grades 3-6 and shows how I used the five steps of the Writing Process: Pre-Writing, Drafting, Revising, Editing and Publishing in the publication of "My Days with Nell."    I also have a presentation based on the extensive background research I did while preparing to write, "My Days with Nell." It primarily  presents interesting information about the Biltmore Estate and the family of  George Vanderbilt.

If you are interested in hosting an "Author Day" at an elementary school or if you would like me to speak to your group, please contact me.

I can be reached at vblake1012@gmail.com.

Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you and  sharing my love of all things Biltmore!

Meadowbrook Fourth Graders!

     WOW! What a fabulous day at Meadowbrook Elementary School in Canton, NC! From the moment I stepped in the front door, I was met with sweet smiles and friendly conversation.  My dear friend, Mrs. Vickie Gray, welcomed me with open arms and as usual with precious friends, we picked up where we left off the last time we saw each other.  True friendships know no boundaries... not time... nor distance.    After a few hugs, Mrs. Gray led me to Meadowbrook's beautiful media center;  it is such an  inviting place for students to learn. Within a few moments, I was set up and ready for the fourth graders.  THEY WERE AWESOME!  These perfectly behaved young ladies and gentlemen were so kind, respectful and attentive. They asked remarkable and well prepared questions concerning the Biltmore Estate.
      One unique aspect of this particular visit  was these students had already read, "My Days with Nell."  In previous presentations to other schools, I am introducing the book to my audience.  However, with these bright students, they were already familiar with the story.  This was so nice for me! I shared the writing process with them and then we got into the "good stuff" concerning all things Biltmore.
      Friday, these fourth graders will be visiting the Biltmore Estate on a field trip!  I am so jealous!  If I were going to be in North Carolina on Friday, I would sneak over to meet them.  I would love to see their faces when they see "the House" for the first time.  Ok, Meadowbrook students... don't forget to check out the "teddy bears",  the "GV" copper flashings on the roof and  the stable clock. And inside the house don't forget to look for the oak leaves, acorns and secret passageways!  The Biltmore House is a treasure nestled in the mountains of Western North Carolina.   I hope the students learned something new today and are excited for their Biltmore adventure.
     Today was a magical day for me at Meadowbrook.  I witnessed a school where students are valued and encouraged.  I met wonderful students. I was introduced to educators who I know are dedicated professionals. And I reconnected with my dear friend, Mrs. Gray. Yes, today was a magical day for me. . . thanks to the wonderful faculty, staff and students of Meadowbrook Elementary School. Thank you for welcoming me into your school and into your hearts.  I haven't stopped smiling since I left you!

PS... Look here students... not one "that" or "very"... YAY!