October 20, 2014
From my librarian mother, I received the gift of reading by age 3. For writing, though – I need to thank my fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Flak. Fourth grade really was a magical year for me. By then, I was so far ahead of my peers that I was in my own independent reading group. I discovered National Geographic Magazine and decided I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up. And then came the writing assignment. We needed to write a two page story about anything we wanted. While other classmates squirmed in their seats or chewed the ends of their number 2 pencils, I was flabbergasted. We HAD to write a story? About anything? And it only was a 2 page assignment? No boring worksheets, but something from our own imagination? I felt I had just been given a free pass out of jail! I had recently read a book about the Civil War, and imagined what it would have been like to be a little girl watching a battle near her own home. So I wrote about Roberta, a little girl who watched a battle in horror, but then was brave enough to go out afterwards to bring water to the wounded soldiers. It was called “Water Call,” and went way over two pages. But, Mrs. Flak loved it. She read it out loud to the class, and the other fourth grade class, too. Then, she did the most magical thing – she put a huge gold star on it, placed it at the top of the bulletin board, and left it there for the rest of the school year. Wow. What a powerful affirmation that was for me – to be rewarded, not once, but every day, that I was good at something. Should we all be so lucky to feel that kind of encouragement in our daily lives. We are all good at something. Pat yourself on the back for your accomplishments.
Nancy, this is so exciting! I’m so proud of you and am so happy to begin reading your words and thoughts!
Thanks, Cheryl – I can’t tell you how exciting this is! I think being an author will take me to the end of my days. I’ve already started my next book, and four more behind that one are in my head!
NRG
I can imagine how exciting this is for you. You have been very fortunate in having mentors that encouraged you and set you on your path. I am very proud of you and your accomplishments. Love to you, dorothy
You’re one of them, Dorothy! Thanks for being such a support in my life. Go Giants!
NRG
Hey Nancy ..
Congratulations and thanks for including us in the maiden voyage of your website and book launching. I ordered Northern Arizona Authors Association Collected Works II (is there an acronym or abbreviation for that) as a surprise for Tom’s upcoming birthday. We’re looking forward to ordering On The Brink of Shards in December. YOU GO GIRL!!
Caroline
Thanks, Caroline! And we know Tom’s birthday is coming up! We just call ourselves NAAA. Kinda like NAHHHH!
NRG
How proud I am to be related to such a wonderful person. So exited to soon be reading your book and all of those to follow. Best wishes always on following your dreams.
Love ya….Linda
And how lucky I am to have such a wonderful older cousin!! Thanks for sticking with me through the years! What interesting lives we’ve both had. But – we’re still young enough to make plenty more of our dreams come true!
Love, NRG
Loving your blogs and looking forward to reading your first novel. Have enjoyed our visits and am looking forward to the next. Soon? My best wishes for you, and Keith (my youngest aunt’s first born). Love to you both.
Keep up the good works.
Thanks, Gertie! Being an author is my fourth career, so I’m just learning as I go. And, boy howdy – there’s a lot I don’t know! But, I love my writing time. I get lost there, joyously. Maybe we’ll try for a winter visit to see you this year.
Love, NRG