-
The Man Behind the Story
The Man Behind the StoryAnd I want to hear about your Patriot ancestor.Hello friends,I’ve been eyeballs deep in the research on my Patriot ancestor, so I’d like to take a moment and share the backstory behind the book I’m currently writing. This ancestor is the very one I entered into the Daughters of the American Revolution with. I’ll be spending a significant amount of time now feverishly writing to get the book done before our Idaho DAR annual meeting in April—I want to feature it there. I’ve already donated some of my other books to raise funds for the DAR,…
-
When the Muse Goes AWOL (And Takes Your Sanity With Her)
You know those Instagram posts where writers are perfectly framed in a sunbeam, cradling a latte in an aesthetically pleasing mug, hair cascading in beach waves, gazing pensefully at their laptop like they’re about to birth the next Great American Novel?Yeah. Today is not that day.It’s 5 AM. I’ve been up since 2:30, doing the grandbaby shuffle so mom can get a few precious hours of sleep. You know the shuffle, right? That squat-bounce-sway combo that would make a CrossFit instructor weep with pride? My quads are screaming. I’m basically doing lunges every forty-seven seconds because the binky has become…
-
So Much To Do, So Little Time
With the new year, there is so much that I need to get done. I’ve been at this for a year now, and though I’m not rolling in the dough, the future is looking promising. I’ve been working on my advertising on Facebook, so if some of you are in my Facebook group, you’ve seen some of the beautiful black and white ads I’ve been working on. If you are not a part of The Ancestral Pen Facebook group, please come join us. I’m in the process of making this journey official by setting up an LLC today. I’ve been more invested in…
-
From Amy’s Pen
From Amy’s PenI can’t believe that this week marks one year since I published my first book.I spent about six months seriously writing The Last Wagon, though it was built on many years of compiling information that contributed to it. I’ve been researching my ancestry and my husband’s ancestry for more than 20 years, and the one thing I noticed about genealogists is we are hoarders of information, but few share that information outside other genealogy hoarding circles. I set out to change that. I wanted to find a way to share all those stories I’ve been hoarding for 20 years…
-
Christmas Through the Eyes of My Ancestors
Christmas Through the Eyes of My AncestorsChristmas has always been a time of reflection for me—not just about the present, but about the past. As a historical fiction author who writes about real people from my own family tree and the communities I call home, I can’t help but wonder: what did Christmas look like for them?This year, as I’ve been writing and researching, I’ve been transported to three very different Christmases—each one a world away from our modern celebrations, yet each one filled with the same human longing for warmth, connection, and hope.Christmas with My Romani AncestorsFor my English…
-
Back on Track
The house has settled back into its comfortable silence, and with it, so has my focus. Last week felt like finding my footing again — Book Two is officially released, and the cover and full outline for Book Three are finished.That means I get to share a small treat with you: an early sneak peek at the Book Three cover.Now the real work begins. I’m deep into writing Book Three, back in the rhythm of early mornings, quiet rooms, and stories that refuse to be rushed.Here is a brief blurb about book three:When the land takes a man, the world…
-
New Release: The Outlaw’s Second Chance
New ReleaseThe Outlaw’s Second ChanceFinally, the second book has been released. I was a little behind on my schedule and I greatly appreciate all of your patience over the last few weeks as I dealt with family. ButtonWhat a whirlwind these past two weeks have been! I wanted to pop in with a quick update, especially for those waiting on the other versions of the new book. So far, only the ebook is live. I’m working as quickly (and sanely!) as possible to get the print and audio versions ready.As I mentioned in my last newsletter, family came to visit for…
-
Holiday Chaos, Book Edits, and a Baby on the Way.
It’s that time of year when I’m either going to lose my mind or come out on the other side feeling like an Amazon warrior. Speaking of Amazon, don’t forget to stop by my author page and pick out another one of my books while you’re doing your Christmas shopping—like I am from the comfort of home.Those of you who know me will completely understand this: I do not like shopping. Never have. I’ve always considered it a chore, not an escape. I know for some of you ladies, that’s sacrilegious, but not to me. So am I grateful to be living in an…