Happy New Year!

I don't need to apologize for not writing because all yawl have been busy with the holidays, too. Hope you're still enjoying friends and family, food and festivities. Jamey and I certainly are! Take Saturday for example. Another author friend Ed Putnam has a son getting married on January 2. Hopefully all the wedding guests will purchase his new book "The Final Season" at the reception!

As for the Propst house, we're also mighty caught up with BAMA and our game against Texas for the National Championship on January 7. This is said with apologies to the Taylors, the Cohns, and to any other rabid University of Texas fans who may read my blog.
It's comin', it's comin, can't help it, it's comin' ROOOOOOLLLLLL Tide Roll!!!!!!
Yes, Jamey and I are pretty pumped. In fact, this season is the first since Bear Bryant died that the man of my dreams has felt super positive about his BAMA football team.
Rest in peace, Coach Bryant. Jamey is happy.

There's no exciting news about "The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash" at this moment. I will ask you to keep spreading the word about our Ociee girl and keep your fingers crossed for what might come to be. No hints as yet.

OH, I may actually make an attempt to self-publish a little picture book that's been churning around in my wee brain for some time. Just an idea for now. Anyone out there tried self-publishing? (Write me at Milamwritesbooks@gmail.com) I'll keep everyone posted.

Happy 2010! I wish each and every one of you a healthy, prosperous, joy-filled year. With sincere good wishes, Milam

Such a great time!

Saturday, I was a guest of my first publisher, Dr. Marc Jolley, at the Twentieth Annual Mercer University Authors Luncheon. What a grand time I had! The event was part family reunion and part becoming a "groupie" with such outstanding speakers as Billy Collins, United States Poet Laureate, and a delightfully entertaining man in general. Last March I had the privilege of meeting him at a writers conference in Augusta. Also speaking were Nancy Grace, Barbara Brown Taylor, and Kathryn Stockett, author of "The Help", one of my favorite books of the year.
Be still my heart, Kathryn actually recognized me and remarked, "Milam, you've bought so many copies of my book, the next one will be free!"

Best of all, I got to see lotsa old friends, the Brantleys, the adorable Mary Frances and Jim Burt, who designed my first three book covers, the Hollands, Laura Braddick and Betsy Duffey. Betsy is the author of 25 childrens books and was at the gathering to support her husband Bill's new book. My dear friends/family of Mercer Press were scurrying about like chipmunks but still had time for a warm welcome for everyone. Along with Marc Jolley were Marsha, Jenny, Barbara, Kevin and Mr. Edd. I met some very interesting and talented new folks at our table, too, but mostly I talked with Marc, the Burts, and with Andrea Griffith, a former television anchor and now a journalist in Athens. Andrea lives in a cottage with radio active spiders and a beer drinking raccoon. Shouldn't she be writing a book? This was NOT a boring luncheon.

Sometimes being a writer can be a solitary profession. However, yesterday was much more about hugs and laughter, sharing stories and rekindling friendships. I loved every minute and I sincerely thank my friend Dr. Jolley for his kind invitation. *By the way, this man was the very first person who believed in our OCIEE!
Milam

Grinnin' in Atlanta

I'm tickled pink and warm as toast on this cold Georgia night.
Tony Peters, a reviewer for LUXURY READING, has written the dearest comments about all three Ociee books. Below is the portion which includes her kind words about Ociee's newest story.
Here's what Tony has to say about "The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash"-------

". . . is a wonderful story for children of all ages. It is very similar to Anne of Green Gables, and yet has its own unique flare to it. The Nash family is full of life, adventure, and value. They are all very deep characters and Ociee is a little girl you cannot help but love. The story has many lessons involved in it and yet, it does not seem to be preaching them to the children.

The storyline is great and I love the adventures/situations Ociee finds herself in and how she manages to make the best of her situations/troubles. This beautiful tale tells of the Southern states at the turn of the century as the 1900s take shape. The plot was not a deep or complicated one, but it was enough that I think young girls and some young guys will enjoy reading it. The writing style was also well done and I think young readers will appreciate Propst’s style."

The entire review can be read at http://www.luxuryreading.com/2009/12/adventures-of-ociee-nash-series-by.html
Tony has also sent her readers to my website. I certainly hope she will read my own words of appreciation for her. If you're reading, Tony, THANK YOU sooooo much, Milam

Okay, I'm reeeaaallly over the horrific picture

It's Saturday morning and I'm about to pull out our Christmas tree ornaments. Friends are furious with me because my house is decorated, inside and out, and they've already received this year's Christmas card. Sorry, but my OCD kicked in big time AND I was working out my last few layers of angst over last week's grizzly photograph in the paper.
Oh, one last repercussion: my hair looked so bad in famed photo, I went and got it all chopped off. Think Jamie Leigh Curtis, but without her fine figure and pretty face. I met with some girlfriends Thursday morning; everyone of them gasped, one offered her hairdresser's phone number. I'll be wearing hats for the remainder of the holidays.

This blog is supposed to be about my work. Hmmmm. Did I mention Christmas?
Wait! I do have a talk with a book club on Wednesday. Just love to chat with readers and will hopefully sell a buncha books at the event. Our son Jay's car was totaled by a freak on Buford Highway Tuesday and I'd like to contribute to the "Send Jay off for his MFA (in a car, not his bike)" Fund with the proceeds from Wednesday's gathering.

Also, hold positive thoughts that our Ociee girl will eventually be called upon for a television series, Broadway show or a movie. Hey, it could happen, did once before.
Merry Christmas Yawl. Milam

This ugly woman couldn't be ME!

Reporter Laura Braddick wrote a simply marvelous story about Ociee and me for the Northside Neighbor Newspaper. I could not be more delighted . . . Ociee Nash would be equally pleased. I know.

HOWEVER the photograph taken in my own house right in front of family pictures is certainly not me! A profile, the strange lady is apparently in the final stages of life, has no smile, and will certainly frighten small children. Big ones for that matter. Not only did she scare my grandsons and their young Miami cousins, but she terrified their two older cousins as well!

Actually, this dreadful creature is oddly similar to the witch-woman in "The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash."
There, I've let it go now.
Again I am truly grateful for Laura's article. I'm just concerned for the poor woman in the picture.
Bless her heart. MMP

Happy Thanksgiving Yawl

I'm waiting for out-of-towners to arrive and am not only ready but actually "chompin' at the bit" to give warm welcoming hugs to everyone. I love Thanksgiving because there's no wrapping paper involved, just lotsa good food, fine conversation, and much laughter. It's fast becoming my favorite holiday because it's uncomplicated and seems to bring out the best in people.

Today I got a call from my friend Helen who's on her way to the mountains to celebrate with the huge Murray family; trying to count her five siblings and all of their family members is beyond my math skill. We have only 22 all together and we will be "all together" this year. *Another reason I'm in such a happy frame of mind.

Anyway Helen did tell me something I want to pass on . . . there's an article in the Northside Neighbor Newspapers about Ociee. I'm announcing this on the good faith she's not only correct, BUT also that the story is a positive one and that this author doesn't look too bad!

Must close, headlights just came up our drive way! They're here . . .
HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you and to all of yours. Milam

Gettin' kinda cocky

It's Friday afternoon and I was about to close up shop when Deb Smith, the ace marketing voice of Belle Books, sent me a review of "The Adventures of Ociee Nash." Bridget, a librarian who reviewed my book, began by briefly telling the novel's storyline. THEN she wrote a paragraph called "What I thought."

I WAS SO THRILLED I COPIED THE ENTIRE BOOK REVIEW and may frame it for rainy writing days! Here's part of Bridget's piece:

"What I thought"--------------------

"I continue to be delighted with the character of Ociee Nash. She is wonderfully spunky and adventurous. In many ways, she reminds me of L.M. Montgomery’s Anne and Astrid Lindgren’s Pippi. Ociee is the South’s answer to a classic juvenile heroine. I especially like the fact that the author bases Ociee’s adventures on her real relatives. That gives the book something extra—historical flavor and truth. I eagerly await the next installment in her adventures."
What is Bridget Reading is a place to deposit all the book talks, reviews, and opinions I have about children's and young adult books

IF I KNEW WHERE BRIDGET LIVES, I'D TAKE HER THE WHOLE POT OF CHILI WE'RE HAVING TONIGHT FOR DINNER.
Deb Smith continues to encourage me saying, "Slowly but surely, we ARE getting there."
The truth is our success is due to the readers who appreciate my grandmother, readers such as Bridget. We thank you.

By the way, if you are reading my blog, please tell me so. I keep running into sweet friends who mention they enjoy it, but I don't have a real handle on who's out there following the blogging adventures of Ociee and me.

Gotta go stir the chili, Milam

Another big grin

A couple of folks have written very nice reviews of "The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash." I just gotta brag a tad:

Midwest Book Review has made Ociee a Reviewer's Choice and gave it the following review.
"The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash" is Book Three of a wonderful series about an eleven-year-old girl's life in Tennessee and Mississippi circa 1900, based on the real life biography of the author's grandmother, Ociee Nash Whitman. Plunging right in with a near death daredevil leap off of a moving train, "The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash" is mesmerizing to readers young and old from start to finish. Aimed at readers age 7-12, the Ociee Nash is a delightful invitation to experience real history from a child's point of view.
Also from Midwest:
The 11/09 issue of their online book review magazine "Children's Bookwatch" features Ociee. The review has been provided to the "Cooperative Children's Book Center' (University of Wisconsin, Madison) where it will be made available to school and community librarians throughout Wisconsin's public school systems and community libraries. The review has also been provided to the Cengage Learning, Gale
interactive CD-ROM series "Book Review Index"

The real credit here goes to Deb Smith of Belle Books for working herself into a frenzy getting our book into the hands of people who seem to appreciate our Ociee girl. You can see why I'm so very happy this evening.
Ociee's Grandgirl, Milam

Just a quickie:

I'm still happily promoting E. C. Putnam's "Final Season," but please take a minute to go to "Library Things" and type in my name, Milam McGraw Propst.
Hmmm, think I'll get Mr. Putnam to put his book in this marvelous site, too.
Going to babysit darlin' grandsons now. Milam (MyMy)

Congratulations on your fine book, E. C. Putnam!

This Sunday afternoon I've been trying to copy a beautifully done book cover to my blog. I know my readers would love to see it. Alas, no luck. So we must rely on my own words to praise E.C. Putnam's new book "THE FINAL SEASON, State of Grace."

Initially I thought I'd not be terribly caught up with the story because it's about baseball. HOW WRONG I WAS! Putnam's page-turner will intrigue even the least sports-minded reader because the story is compelling, it's heartwarming and faith-filled, and is well written with all manner of twists and turns in the plot.

Although the book is set to be released on January 5, 2010, it can be ordered right away by going online to www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore. "The Final Season" would make a terrific Christmas gift. Besides, can Spring training be very far away?

Gotta run now; think I'll reread Putnam's novel. Milam

Just in time . . .

I was beginning to get a tad discouraged wondering how people liked the new Ociee story. THEN today came the nicest review on "Google Alerts". The reviewer said some lovely things which, in humility, I'm a bit reluctant to repeat to you. However, here's one great point she made which I am delighted to both hear and share with you.

FREDA'S VOICE
My Take on the Book:
For the third installment of the series, it did not disappoint. With all the great adventures of this young woman, and her family. It is a pleasure to read about her life. Usually the final book is more boring than previous, however I found myself just as rapt as the previous books. I had to know the outcome, and was so happy at the end! Of the three books, so far, this was my favorite. I hope the next will be just as good! A great read for any young girl!

It is sooooooo nice to learn "The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash" is her favorite of the three. Why? Because it's my favorite, too. The marvelous Georgia author Terry Kay taught me how to best reply to the question, "Which book of yours do you like the most?" Terry said, "Milam, always say it's your most recent one!"

Not only am I following his advice, but I'm also being perfectly honest. One thing I enjoy about this new story is it includes some little boys. Ben Nash, Ociee's brother gets more of the spotlight and there's a brand new character, Billy Boy Williams.

Thank you "Freda's Voice" for your generous remarks. Milam

DONE!

Greetings! I'm almost blind, have gained a few pounds, and have lost most of my friends, BUT I am done with the fifth in the series of our Ociee Nash Adventures. Hip hip hooooorah!
Tomorrow night at a dinner with the girls, I'll present two copies to my friends, Jackie Brown and Pam Weeks because they are always the first to read my novels. This has been a tradition since 1995 or so when I first gathered my courage to have them read my work. Before I send this manuscript to Belle Books, the ladies will give me their honest opinions.
Just had to announce this news. In my opinion, the Ociee series keeps getting better. Cocky? Maybe it's Ociee Nash's voice you hear.
Good night all, Milam

NICE REVIEW! Author is over the moon!

I had a lovely visit with the very bright and charming middle school girls at Pinecrest School yesterday. Tomorrow I get to lunch and chat with The Metro Atlanta Better Film Council, so this is a good week, indeed.

That said, Deb Smith just sent me this absolutely marvelous review. I don't like to brag much, but this one is a doozie! Please allow me one giant grin. Milam

Tuesday, October 20, 2009
The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash by Milam McGraw Propst

Eleven-year-old Ociee Nash was born and raised on a farm in Abbeville, Mississippi in the late 19th century. A year after her mother died, when Ociee was only 9, she headed to Asheville, North Carolina to live with her Aunt Mamie. Her adventures there are recorded in "A Flower Blooms on Charlotte Street". Ociee came back home in "Ociee on Her Own" for her brother, Fred's wedding and now she's moving, with her father and her other brother Ben, to Memphis, Tennessee where Fred and his wife live.

Ociee Nash, like Pollyanna and Anne Shirley, has a knack for making people love her. Early in life Ociee learned that a person's appearance has nothing to do with their inner beauty and in her third book of adventures, she once again proves that a caring heart and a willingness to look beyond a person's outside, can break down walls and create friends.

The author has based these books on the life of her grandmother, the real Ociee Nash. Knowing that the books are a fictionalization of a real person's life brings added depths to the major events and lessons in Ociee's life. Though they're intended for an audience much younger than I, I thoroughly enjoyed reading them and would highly recommend them for children between the ages of 8 and 11. If I had a little girl, I know I'd encourage her to find Ociee Nash.
Posted by biblioholic29 at 2:45 PM

The Adventures of Ociee Nash

I'm preparing for a couple of talks next week, one is to the students at Pinecrest Academy. For inspiration, I decided to Google the movie trailer for "The Adventures of Ociee Nash." The film was based on my first book, "A Flower Blooms on Charlotte Street."
Viewing the marvelous footage brought tears to my eyes when I saw Skyler Day as Ociee and Bill Butler as Ben in their first encounter with the Gypsy who was so wonderfully portrayed by Atlanta actor, Anthony Rodriguez.

Kristen McGary and her sister Amy McGary kindly allowed me to be on their set everyday as they filmed. As info,the two also wrote, directed, and produced the movie. One of these days, I want to write a book about this, the most exciting experience of my entire professional life!

I'll happily share more about the story of my book's becoming a movie, but now it's time to celebrate our son William's birthday. He, his wife Abigail, and their first son Loftin played passengers on Ociee's train as she traveled from Mississippi to North Carolina in the year 1898. William still talks about how hot and itchy his vintage wool suit was!

Please check out the film in its entirety (Netflix, Amazon or Blockbuster) and let me know if you enjoy it . . . hopefully, you will, almost as much as did this author tonight, October 15, 2009. Milam

P.S. As I sign off, I'm looking at an old photo of my grandmother Ociee Nash Whitman holding brand new baby William in her arms, circa: 1972. MMP

Andalusia

Thank you, Martin Lammon for our gift.
Because of this talented poet and charming friend, whom we met at Sandhills Writers Conference in March, several of us enjoyed a private tour of Flannery O'Connor's home, "Andalusia". What a delight, what an encouragement to walk the same land as did this incredibly gifted woman. I returned home on fire to complete the first draft of my new book. That said, I feel unworthy to refer to myself as "an author" having surveyed Flannery's untouched room, the very spot where she created so many of her amazing stories.

Touring with Jamey and me were artist and children's author, Phyllis Tildes and her husband Bill. We four would recommend a trip to Milledgeville, Georgia's first capital. There's much to see; number one on the list is Flannery's farm. By the way, the peacocks are coming back . . . we "met" three of them!

I must sign off now and try to come up with an appropriate name for an old character made anew. Wish Flannery would whisper a suggestion in my ear. MMP

Ociee's getting fat!

Most women would be upset, not me. Ociee is gaining weight. Belle Books e-mailed me this evening with the news "The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash" is being reprinted in a format that will make her 30 or so pages longer. In a word, she'll become short and squatty, just like her author!

I went onto Amazon only to discover "Further" is N/A, not available. Yikes! Are we all sold out? There's a nice ring to that!
Please hang on a couple of days and the new and improved design will be there awaiting your purchase. She can be ordered from Belle Books, which I recommend, or through Amazon or by calling Barnes & Noble, Borders, or better, any INDEPENDENT (please support them!) bookstore.

Good day, Milam

Garnett Cobb turns 100 years old today!!!

To put Garnett Cobb's birth date (October 3, 1909) into proper prospective, only nine years after my books' main character Ociee traveled to Memphis in a horse-drawn wagon (1900), Garnett Cobb was born.
This weekend we celebrate the event with her children, Tommy and Sandra Cobb, and her family including my oldest friend, Betty Ann Putnam Colley. On Sunday, two hundred and fifty, that's 250 of Garnett's closest friends will gather at the Williams-Payne Museum for a party in her honor.

As info, many years ago, Garnett and BA's mother, Frances Cobb Putnam, rode on the back of the transport truck which moved the historic home to its current location on Sandy Springs Circle. How fitting the party honoring Garnett will be held there.

In case readers wonder how she's doing, the 100-year-old lady is upbeat, remarkably healthy, beautifully dressed and well groomed, and very, VERY excited about her party. Garnett remains much a part of the city of Sandy Springs and continues to set the standard as a wife and mother, friend, banker, and volunteer extraordinarie!

I'm just relieved we made the cut for her party. MMP

National Parks Series

I'm supposed to be hard at work writing Ociee V for Fall 2010, but I'm taking ample time off to watch a fabulous new series on PBS. It's another Ken Burns gem; this one is about our National Parks. I'm enjoying the series so much I'm tempted to shelve my grandmother's stories all together, jump into my Jeep, and head due west to Yosemite! Anybody wanna to come along with me?
At very least, close this blog, turn off your computer, and run, do not walk to your nearest TV!
Milam

Gotcha Covered

I've spent a delightful afternoon reading a charming book featuring aprons, yes aprons, vintage ones. Each apron tells a story! Penned by 49 retired nurses, "Gotcha Covered: A Legacy of Service and Protection" was lovingly published in an effort to support registered nurses in Kenya. All proceeds will assist these valiant women through a charitable organization, Burning Bush, Inc.

Nurse or not, cook or anti-cook, every woman should treat herself to this step back in time for a visit with a mother or sibling, a grandmother or beloved aunt. Like a treasured family quilt, some of the apron pieces will call up laughter, while others, a tear, and for some, a knowing smile.

I googled "Gotcha Covered: A Legacy of Service and Protection" and found all the info I needed. Milam

Thank you, Kelsey

Ociee must be grinning this day.

My friend, 12-year old Kelsey Fitzpatrick, was walking down the hall of her middle school reading "The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash" when another student passed by her. According to Kelsey, the young lady was also reading . . . the novel in her hand was one of the earlier books about my heroine. Be still my heart! Wonder if it was Charlotte Street or Ociee on Her Own?

AS INFO: when Kelsey was much younger, she and her Nana were "extras" in the film, "The Adventures of Ociee Nash." Readers are encouraged to look for Kelsey and Nana in the final scene which, by the way, was shot at Agnes Scott College here in Atlanta.

Kelsey, many thanks to you and to your grandmother for sharing this story with me, AND for spending that whole long and very hot day in 2002 filming our movie! Milam

Today Atlanta is fighting flood waters. As I write, many people we know are actually having to evacuate their homes.
After dinner tonight, our son Jay and I went by a friend's mother's home to make sure she was safe. Thankfully, she was. But much of her neighborhood was under water, waist deep water, so much so, many families were packing up to leave. Because the water was so deep, a huge firetruck couldn't reach some of the stranded folks. Fast thinking Jay raced home, loaded our canoe on his truck, and gave it to the firemen. The men paddled off down to the end of the street and rescued all the flood victims.

My husband bought the canoe on Ebay. His purchase became a great family joke. We've used the bloomin' thing a grand total of two times . . . it's too darn heavy to move! Jamey hardly got it out of a lake after his first ill-fated outing. The second and only other time it was used, Jamey and I posed in it in our swimming pool, our attempt at a humorous Christmas card . . . to rave reviews!

But tonight, some five years later, the canoe finally found its calling.

Another mention of the "man of my dreams," he is a sweetheart. Jamey took an obviously distraught neighbor to her sister's home along with her cat and dog. He also drove to Kroger and picked up fresh cat litter for the frazzled pet.
Hopefully, the rain is over . . . for all concerned, especially for the poor little kitten. MMP

Hopeful News about Ociee Nash

It's Friday afternoon, and I'm supposed to be writing Ociee V. Well, I'm not, because I'd rather write to you.
Deb Smith just told me that she's sending out a gigantic email today---an "e-blast" she calls it. The e-blast will appear on 150,000 computer screens to promote our three Ociee books. Try to think of this as a fine cut of "filet" NOT spam!
She also mentioned a blogger named J. Kaye, who apparently loves our Ociee girl and said some mighty nice things about her in an online review. My hope-filled heart is beating extra fast as I type all this glorious news to you.
Have a lovely weekend.
I AM going back to work now. MMP

Being an author can be rather humbling. For example, fellow author Anabel Alderman tells this story. She asked her dearest friend why she'd not yet read her book. After all, it had been out for several months. Naturally, Anabel's feelings were hurt.
The friend replied with an extremely apologetic, sugary, sincere Southern drawl, "Huuunny, I've been meaning to read yo' nice story. Truly, Anabel darlin', I have. Fact is I just had to clean out my freezer first."

Along those lines, I was preparing to sign "It May Not Leave a Scar" at an event where I'd just spoken. A lady in the audience came up to me. Grinning from ear to ear she announced, "I got your book on Amazon. Guess what I paid for it?"
"I give up. How much?"
She placed the book in my hands. As I put pen to paper, she said, "Fifty-three cents."

So here's my suggestion. If you'd like to catch up with the Ociee series, you may want to go to Amazon for the first two: "A Flower Blooms on Charlotte Street" and "Ociee on Her Own." The movie "The Adventures of Ociee Nash" is also available there and at Blockbusters.
**PLEASE PAY MORE THAN ONE DOLLAR or don't tell me about it! Milam

So here's what happened today. I ran into a member of my garden club who said she didn't have anyone for whom to buy "The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash." I was astonished. Speechless actually.
Kim Russell, my way smart real estate friend, suggested I blog about this shocking dilemma. Good idea. Sooooooooo pleeeze believe my BOOK IS WRITTEN for folks of ALL AGES. Yes, it looks like a children's book with the idea that young girls and boys will pick it up to read. However, the first two Ociee books, "A Flower Blooms on Charlotte Street" and "Ociee on Her Own" have been enjoyed by readers of every age. This one is no different. Thank you, Kim. I hope you'll sell another house tomorrow! MMP

Hope everyone had a nice Labor Day weekend. The weather was most inviting for us here in Atlanta, and our friend George Elliott (Crazy Starfish) had very successful photography sales in Marietta's Art in the Park. On Sunday, we took a break from George's show and journeyed over to the Decatur Book Festival. As always, it was fabulous.

Here's some information regarding our film "The Adventures of Ociee Nash." Jamey and I don't yet subscribe to Netflix. Should we? Anyway, Joel Davis just told his folks that our film is available on Netflix. Seeing the movie makes for a fine introduction to Ociee Nash.

Speaking of my grandmother Ociee, the first box containing "The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash" was delivered yesterday. Nothing beats opening a UPS box and finding one's own work stacked up and ready to sell!
Our grandsons Loftin and Emmett were over playing at the time. Emmett's jet pack for his Star Wars Halloween costume was delivered along with the books. Much excitement!!!

BY THE WAY, because we do have these two little boys in our lives, Ociee's books are focusing more on her brother Ben. Also in "The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash" there's a new character named Billy Boy Williams.
*This is important news for my friend Linda who wants me to speak to a "girls only" class. Linda, I write about boys as well! MMP

BIG NEWS FOR OCIEE!!!! I must announce an amazing accomplishment for our Ociee. Her first story "A Flower Blooms on Charlotte Street" has recently become available "online" through Belle Books.
AND the news, drumroll, please----Da DA Daaaaaa:
Deb Smith emailed me two minutes ago. She wrote, "Flowers is at No. 6 on the Fictionwise Children's List. That makes it a bonafide top-ten bestseller."
To which she added, "YAY."
To which I add, "Bless you, Deb Smith!" Milam

Another mention about George Elliott Photography:
I hope everyone will drop by and see his work at the Marietta Art Show over Labor Day weekend. Please check my blog below for details.

I'm simply grinning about everything today! MMP

Enough about my work for a while. Over Labor Day weekend, our friend George is coming to town with his amazing photography. Lucky Georgia! A well known Southern artist, this will be his very first showing in our fair city. He'll exhibit at the 23rd Annual "Art in the Park Festival" around the square in Marietta on Saturday, September 5, also on Sunday, AND again on Labor Day from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm each day.
"George B. Elliott Photography" will be in booth #153 on the east side of Marietta Square. Jamey and I will drop by along with George's wife, Jerrie, and our friends Judy and Bill Ekiss, who are coming all the way from Chattanooga, Tennessee.
To view George's work, please go to his website: Crazy Starfish.

"The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash" is now out there for everyone to read. I truly hope BelleBooks.com is being inundated with orders for our Ociee girl's latest experiences!
Having a book published is not unlike birthing a baby, there's excitement, anxiety and worry, a bit of pain and finally absolute elation as the baby snuggles in mommy's arms.
I'm a mom with three grown children, two grandsons, and five books with another on the way. And like any mother, I don't want to neglect the older children because of the new baby's birth. I well remember our Amanda and William when we brought home baby Jay. Amanda thought Jay was a gift for her, while William was anxious to show his baby brother his own brand new cowboy boots, a gift from his grandparents, Softie and Mary.
So, not wanting to neglect my other books, I'd like to single out just one, my first Belle Book novel, "Creola's Moonbeam." Like a big sister, she needs some attention, too. Besides, Deb Smith did the most darling promo for the novel. Easy as pie. Simply type these words: Youtube Creola's Moonbeam and get ready to dance. Part of the storyline describes the title character as a successful author of children's books. Surely this will prove true with "The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash"!
*It's also interesting to compare Deb's different approaches to the two very different books, Ociee's for girls of all ages while Creola appeals more to grown girls.
Youtube Creola's Moonbeam
Youtube The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash
More later . . .

Soooo a couple of friends have suggested I blog about more personal tidbits. For example, Deb Smith said readers might be interested in some of my grandmother's recipes. My grandmother Ociee was as fine a cook as am I . . . . . NOT! We "Nash girls" don't like to cook. A Home Ec major at the University of Alabama, I once started a fire in the home management house while trying to fry chicken. Got an "A" for the report I wrote because it made the professor laugh. My best "recipe" is to get in the car and drive to Taxco for Mexican cheese dip and chips.

Nonetheless, I DID most certainly enjoy many, many delightful dinners with my grandmother, dinners she happily prepared for me. Always, the choices included two types of sandwiches. The first was peanut butter with mayonnaise and tomato. *Don't knock it until you try it. My all time favorite was her peanut butter with pickle relish and mayo stirred together into a paste and slathered open-faced onto fresh Wonder Bread. I swear by this taste treat.
Gotta close now and fix myself a peanut butter sandwich and remember how much more fun it was to talk with my beloved Ociee than most people might have watching somebody slave over a hot stove. MMP

Here's the deal. Below is a way scary witch looking lady who is NOT, I repeat, is not me. She appears on a slide show about "The New Adventures of Ociee Nash." Whatcha need to do is push the triangle button in the middle of her chest and a bunch of cool pictures about the 1900 world of Ociee Nash will come onto your screen. Give it a try.

It's Monday, only six days to go until the publication date for "The Adventures of Ociee Nash." My friend Mary Alyce told me she's already ordered three copies. Sounds like a rush to purchase to me . . . everyone best hurry before we're completely sold out!
Even more exciting news has come onto my computer screen this day. Deb Smith e-mailed from Belle Books to announce my first book "A Flower Blooms on Charlotte Street" is now #25 on the EBOOK Bestseller List for young readers.
My dear author friend Jerry Lee says this is truly amazing. I, for one, am amazed, and stunned, and pleased as can be.
*By the way, the hold-in-your hand "Charlotte Street" book remains available from Mercer University Press: www.mupress.org. Same is true for "Ociee on Her Own" the second in the series.
ALSO, it seems some precious people are blogging about all three Ociee books. Who'd thunk it?
A couple of months ago, I didn't know what blogging meant, now my grandmother Ociee is being blogged and so's this author.
That's my blog for today. MMP

Hi everyone,

The good news is my book "The Adventures of Ociee Nash" is coming out SOON-- September 1st, to be exact! You can order today directly from: Belle Books at Bellebooks@bellebooks.com
I also invite you to check out their website by simply googling Belle Books. It's a marvelous place to visit and, of course, to purchase books.
Deb Smith has done two remarkable slide shows with music to promote both Ociee AND my first book with Belle Books, "Creola's Moonbeam." The Ociee video made me cry; Creola had me up dancing around the room! What a surprise . . . thank you, Deb.

Unfortunately, after numerous attempts to "embed" these gems on my blog and on my website, I QUIT! I'm taking our dog Bella for a long walk now. Poor girl, she needs running shoes to keep up with my angst. I'm also going swimming and perhaps have Jamey take me to a movie.

Hope you're having a nice weekend . . . Milam

After seeing the film "Julie and Julia" I began to think about all the people I know who have leapt into new fields, like Julia Childs, perhaps "a tiny bit" later in their lives. A favorite example of mine is an artist friend who lives in Birmingham, Alabama. Diane Shepherd and I didn't launch our creative lives until our children left home. Just a few years ago, I was in town for Alabama Bound and visited my old friend. Diane said, "Think these are any good?" With that, bunches of gorgeous watercolors tumbled from her closet! Diane needed encouragement and she certainly got some from me. She's truly amazing and many, many more people now know that, too. I have several of her lovely works hanging in my home.
Another example is Jerry Lee Davis. This fabulous man simply quit his job at Co-Cola in June of this year and moved to Los Angeles to pursue his writing career. Another friend, J. Kershaw Cooper quit his lawyering and jumped in feet first to writing. He's doing super with a newspaper column and numerous books. Jackie White hung up her law enforcement uniform and turned on her computer, too. How many books, Jackie? Are you at eight now? I think so.
I also want to mention my friends Marilynn Winston Ph.D. and Susanne Katz who have published "A Woman's Guide to Managing a Mid-life Divorce", AND Ed Putnam whose page-turning novel about a championship Cobb County Georgia highshool baseball team will be out in a few months, AND Frank Cox who has penned his incredible story of serving as a Marine in Vietnam. We're looking for that, I believe, after the first of the year.
George Elliott is one last fellow who springs to mind. George is a FABULOUS photographer. Come to our house if you don't believe me. His website is CrazyStarfish.
These are but a few of the people I admire in the arts, all people who've stepped boldly into new careers because they listened to their creative spirits.
The point is we need to pursue our passions, age matters not.

Milam Writes Books

Hello, I'm Milam McGraw Propst, an author and the creator of a series of family focused books about my beloved grandmother, Ociee Nash. This is perhaps my second or third attempt to BLOG . . . I think I likely erased my first few efforts. As Ociee would say, "DRAT!"

Soooo I'm here blogging away and happy to say my new book "The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash" will be released by Belle Books on September 1, 2009. www.bellebooks.com

The first two books based on the childhood of my beloved grandmother, "A Flower Blooms on Charlotte Street" and "Ociee on Her Own" will always be available from Mercer Press at www.mupress.org.
AND the charming film written and produced by Amy McGary and Kristen McGary, "The Adventures of Ociee Nash" starring Skyler Day, Keith Carradine, Mare Winningham and featuring Tom Key, Anthony Rodriguez and Ty Pennington can be gotten wherever you buy or rent DVDs.
***The premiere of the film at Atlanta's Fox Theater remains the best day of my life! It's lovely to see one's characters come to life on a great big movie screen!

I'm super excited about the new book which is set in Marshall County, Mississippi AND in Memphis, Tennessee. The storyline includes Ociee, her family, a snake, the Milam Madstone, a WITCH and a Dominican nun. Just an ordinary cast of characters who lived in 1900.

My publisher tells me folks may want to ask questions so let's get started. I'm waiting! Milam