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“Stories from the Attic” is a work of historical fiction inspired by old photos, newspaper clippings and family lore. Research unearthed tales of fortunes made and lost, love, tragedy, perseverance and everyday life in the Victorian Age.
This was a journey of serendipity.Through the internet I reconnected with long lost relatives and learned their stories and adventures. Photos and diaries shed new light on The Great War and the Spanish Flu. It was a true journey back in time.
The A J Phillips Historical Museum was a valuable source of information. Kim Wheeler and Connie Foley were so helpful in locating resources. I also researched at the Bentley Historical Museum in Ann Arbor at the University of Michigan and the Benson Ford Research Center at The Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan. And read countless memoirs.
After the research and writing was completed I had to learn the nuts and bolts of publishing : editing, graphic design and publishing. My niece recommended an editor she knew. Terie Spencer couldn't have been a better fit for this project. She was local so we worked together in person and she had experience as a costumed interpreter at Greenfield Village.
My graphic designer was also a former co-worker and friend who had started her own graphic design business, Canoe Circle Graphics. Although we worked remotely she was able to bring my ideas to life on paper with her layout, font choices and design.
The cover is an original painting by an artist in Holly, Michigan - William Brody. I met him on Facebook and loved his art. Going through his website I discovered he had painted my great grandfather's house on Main Street in Fenton. This is one of my favorite houses and plays an important role in "Stories from the Attic." I was so honored that he allowed me to use this painting for the book cover.
What's my next project? Help me decide -
My father's family is also from the Fenton area. I can begin researching his family and life on the farm to write the McKeon family story
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I'm tempted to write a murder mystery set in Fenton at the turn of the last century
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a Nuts and Bolts how-to self-publish book
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Email me with your vote!
I hope you've had an opportunity to read "Stories from the Attic." If you enjoyed it please let other readers know by posting a review on Amazon, Barnes and Noble or Goodreads.
I'll keep posting photos and information about the Fenton area and life in the Gilded Area. Please feel free to email me with any specific requests or suggestions. I'd love to hear from you.
After reading "Stories from the Attic"so many people have told me they'd like to visit Fenton. If you'd like to walk the streets the Phillips, Corrigans, Scotts and Colwells did and see their homes I've compiled a list of the addresses for the buildings mentioned in the book. Please contact me for a copy of the list and I will email i
After reading "Stories from the Attic"so many people have told me they'd like to visit Fenton. If you'd like to walk the streets the Phillips, Corrigans, Scotts and Colwells did and see their homes I've compiled a list of the addresses for the buildings mentioned in the book. Please contact me for a copy of the list and I will email it to you. I just ask that you respect the privacy of the current occupants. Although the A J Phillips Historical Museum is not open at this time due to Covid-19 you can visit the local bookstore, Fenton's Open Books, and have lunch or dinner at the Laundry restaurant.