tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10423112619056297832024-02-20T17:42:40.940-08:00MilamwritesbooksMilam McGraw Propsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12848840484937533615noreply@blogger.comBlogger109125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042311261905629783.post-14551878807556950052014-03-02T06:10:00.000-08:002014-03-02T06:10:34.590-08:00Is Anyone Out There?I am not sure I have many readers for my blog and am seriously thinking of closing it down! BUT, in the meantime, here's one last howdy-do.<br />
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I've had a wonderful winter speaking to ladies groups, notably, to the two most recent. I addressed a fabulous gathering, "Clipped Wings," which included 150 charming retired Delta Airlines folks. Not only did they laugh at my stories and cheer me on, but they also bought lots and lots of books. And they treated me to a yummy lunch at a lovely Atlanta Italian spot. Special thanks to my friend, Bea, a former president, for arranging the event. I had a blast!<br />
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Secondly, just this Thursday, another darling friend, Beth, had me talk to an organization she adores, as do I, PEO. A women's service group and sisterhood, these remarkable ladies were extremely hospitable and welcoming. They, too, fed me in a member's fabulous home. Sounds like I work for food!<br />
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No, this is not entirely true. I work to encourage other artists to pursue their creative endeavors and to follow their dreams, whether it's to become a painter, a writer, or, perhaps even better, to become the most satisfied and complete person they can be. As for me, I just happen to have found my path by becoming an author.<br />
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My next major adventure is Monte Sano Writers Conference in Huntsville, Alabama on April 5. It's right up my alley, too, with the theme being "What Makes You Come Alive?"<br />
This is an especially good topic for Spring 2014 given the dreadfully nasty winter we've experienced or may still experience. Yikes!<br />
Their topic also gets my juices boiling to think of the eager participants who want to create. So I'd best get busy preparing my talks and lesson plans right now! For addition information, contact msumc@knology.net.<br />
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Stay warm and be creative! Milam<br />
<br />Milam McGraw Propsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12848840484937533615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042311261905629783.post-60714235355339424832013-11-16T06:59:00.000-08:002013-11-16T06:59:18.317-08:00Holidays!!!We're just back from a delightful day in Albertville, Alabama, where my husband and I lunched with special people; his sister Maryetta, our niece Mary Shea, and our friend Carolyn. Afterwards, we sent Jamey to the golf course while we girls shopped. Fortunately, I made some headway into my Christmas list.<br />
Oh yes, and I spoke to the Thursday Book Club. Charming ladies were they, AND they served a delicious hummingbird cake. That treat, alone, was worth the drive! Praise be to Jamey, the Man of My Dreams, for driving me over and back.<br />
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We arrived home by 9 o'clock, just in time to greet our son Jay after his 39-hour-drive from San Jose, California. Yes, indeed, he drove straight through with only one stop to get some sleep! Jay also filmed scenery along his journey. Picture-taking runs in our artsy family!<br />
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So Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and lovely holidays to all you readers out there. Don't forget, signed copies of any of my eight books are available for gift giving! Please contact me at: Milamwritesbooks@gmail.com. MMPMilam McGraw Propsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12848840484937533615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042311261905629783.post-60124293643250610382013-11-07T20:05:00.000-08:002013-11-07T20:05:40.817-08:00Great Evening at St. PiusJamey, Amanda, and I arrived just after 6 to set up for the St. Pius Literary Evening. Organized by the Alumni Department of St. Pius X High School, the event featured three writers, Judi Mason, Claire Miller, and yours truly.<br />
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We three participated in an interesting panel discussion. The younger panelists spoke about high tech issues and communication, while I focused on the funnier aspects of our shared craft. Our common ground, other than being graduates of St. Pius, was that we all love what we do---WRITE. Nothing else can feed our souls.<br />
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In a small world moment, Claire and I immediately recognized one another. I remembered her from someplace, while she agreed I looked familiar, too.<br />
"Wait!" I squealed. "You interviewed me for a story in your newspaper."<br />
"That's IT," Claire replied.<br />
We also share a friendship with Georgia author Jackie White.<br />
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Judi, author of "The Chloe Chronicles," was especially nice, too. In fact, she's actually offered to help me move forward in the technical arena. Or not. I'd hate to run off such a generous person. Perhaps being colleagues would prove more pleasant for us both!<br />
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Tonight was a treat for me with friends, Cynthia and Bill Davis, Bea Hill, and Pius faculty members, including English teacher, Charleen Klister. AND, of course, the Class of 1963, forever loyal, made up much of the audience. What a wonderful group; they were attentive, supportive, and laughed at my stories. Doesn't get much better than that!<br />
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Many, many thanks to Vicky Dorsey and to her committee, Sebastian and Kevin, for one super special time. This is why I love my work, I love the audience! MMPMilam McGraw Propsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12848840484937533615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042311261905629783.post-66247681385971127722013-10-29T07:51:00.008-07:002013-10-29T07:51:59.557-07:00You CAN go home!I'm pretty pumped up about next week. First of all, I've been invited to speak to a group of retired folks at Emory on Tuesday morning. Having been there four times now, I can tell you these people are far more interesting than is this author.<br />
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Then on Thursday, November 7, which is Ociee Nash Whitman's birthday, her 125th, I AM going home. Yes, St. Pius X Catholic High School has invited this alum to participate in a Literary Evening from 6:30 to 8 pm at our school.<br />
I almost cannot wait. I have a couple of surprises for the audience. One is I'm planning to don my 1959 yellowed, nasty, moth-eaten blazer. *I'll burn it shortly thereafter!<br />
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Our Class of 1963 just celebrated our 50th anniversary. What a terrific weekend we had due in large party to the Alum folks at Pius, headed by Victoria Dorsey, and to our own amazing reunion planning committee.<br />
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Upon signing in at the football game that Friday night, I caught a glimpse of a large banner behind the table. First, I spotted a couple of Ociee book covers, then more, then my other books including the new one, "Writer, Writer."<br />
My head immediately swelled. "Holy Cow!" I felt famous!<br />
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More good news, my fellow classmates are telling me they're actually coming to the Nov. 7 event.<br />
I'd best get busy with a talk . . . wouldn't want to let down my Pius family. MilamMilam McGraw Propsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12848840484937533615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042311261905629783.post-73179971021976030852013-09-20T15:01:00.001-07:002013-09-20T15:01:32.430-07:00Ociee FilmI'd forgotten how truly beautifully filmed is "The Adventures of Ociee Nash." Last night, along with a nice contingent of friends of Nora King, we viewed the movie at the Murphy (NC) Library. We laughed and cried and cheered as Ociee was finally reunited with her beloved Papa and brothers, Ben and Fred.<br />
Skyler Day is simply adorable! Her acting skills were already apparent under the excellent direction of Kristen McGary (director/writer/filmer).<br />
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I'm reminded of a Christmas chat Jamey and I enjoyed with Skyler last year when she traveled home from Los Angeles. Said the young actress, "Miss Milam, I was totally spoiled with my first film. Everyone was sooooo nice to me! What a wonderful introduction I had to the movie business."<br />
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I loved seeing Anthony Rodriguez as the gypsy and Tom Key as the dashing George Lynch. I'd also forgotten how funny Ociee's brother Ben was, and we all giggled along with Miss June, "nervous as a Junebug." Keith Carradine made us weep saying farewell to his Ociee Sweet Corn . . . and Aunt Mamie, Mare Winningham, was spot on in her role, too.<br />
Several audience members commented that all actors were perfectly cast.<br />
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Nora went all out with refreshments, including Roselyn Carter's cheese ring. What a terrific night everyone had.<br />
Earlier in the day, I did have a delightful time with a very receptive group, who listened to me discuss "Writer, Writer." Many stayed for the movie showing.<br />
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Thank you, Nora King and Friends of the Library for treating me like a rockstar!<br />
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<br />Milam McGraw Propsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12848840484937533615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042311261905629783.post-22840834242623905782013-09-16T14:33:00.001-07:002013-09-16T14:33:07.245-07:00Hitting the Road!I'm leaving the Man of My Dreams at home while I travel to North Carolina on Thursday. Nora King has invited me to speak to a couple of writers groups at the Murphy Public Library at 4 p.m. (September 19).<br />
Nora is a super enthused person and way fun to visit. She's also arranged for us to show "The Adventures of Ociee Nash" at 6 p.m.<br />
"Yes," she says, "there will be popcorn!"<br />
I've not watched the film recently, so I'm pretty excited about my special day with Nora, her friends, and the folks in Murphy.<br />
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I've also lined up several local talks here in Atlanta, including a visit to Emory in November. I always like to speak near my grandmother Ociee's birthday. This one is two days prior on November 5. I'll be in Albertville, Alabama the following week. More about that later.<br />
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Back to the present----my next trip will be to Arkansas and Tennessee on September 28 where I'll be focusing on "Writer, Writer." My beloved friend Betty Ann Colley called several months ago to apologize.<br />
"For what?" I asked.<br />
BA has never had reason to apologize to me since the day we met in 1959 at Tennessee's Camp Marymount.<br />
She replied, "I've never given you a book party."<br />
"So? You live in Arkansas."<br />
"Okay, so will you come to Arkansas?"<br />
"'Sure!"<br />
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Thanks to her, the Fort Smith Library has planned a reception for Monday, September 30 at 1 p.m. I can hardly wait. The library people have circulated a lovely poster around town publicizing my upcoming talk. BA has invited lots of her friends, while her mother-in-law, Cathy Colley, who turns 90 the week before, is bringing along several guests and her writer's group. Yes, her writer's group!<br />
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About the poster, were I clever enough, it would be displayed on this blog. Sadly, I'm NOT. Please know it's green and gorgeous, and features several book covers along with a picture of Jamey and me.<br />
Alas, I will be leaving him behind once again. Someone has to keep the home fires burning---and walk Bella the dog.<br />
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Two days later, BA and I will travel to Bartlett, Tennessee, where her daughter, Emily Ford is hosting another party. My cousin Kay and two Memphis friends, Jane and Betty are also coming. I'm so pumped up, I've even bought something new to wear.<br />
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I do enjoy writing, always have, but traveling about and telling stories surely is FUN.<br />
Must get packed up now.<br />
Milam<br />
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<br />Milam McGraw Propsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12848840484937533615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042311261905629783.post-21260466564046095012013-07-03T16:24:00.001-07:002013-07-03T16:24:42.500-07:00The Northside Neighbor Newspaper and our PostmanFour men made my day today.<br />
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#1 Bobby Tedder wrote an absolutely beautiful story in The Northside Neighbor. He managed to write about me and my new book as if we were long time friends. This young man is on his way to becoming a super newspaper reporter.<br />
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#2 Photographer Nathan Self took the front page picture of me, and of all eight books, AND of the Man of My Dreams, Jamey Propst. My husband is mentioned rather frequently in "Writer, Writer"!<br />
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#3 Northside Neighbor editor Everett Catts started the whole publicity process after we chatted at a local lunch spot, Nancy G's. *Perhaps I should thank Nancy, too. Hmmmm<br />
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#4 Our mailman TC arrived at our door just as we were sitting down to dinner. In his hands were fifteen extra copies of the newspaper. Flashing his toothy grin, the gentle man said, "I thought you might need a few extras for your family and friends."<br />
He was right. Jamey is off to mail them to our out of town folks.<br />
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Yes, indeed, July 3 has been a very special day at the Propst's house. Thank you, fellows. MilamMilam McGraw Propsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12848840484937533615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042311261905629783.post-42644197936518248852013-06-27T08:49:00.000-07:002013-06-27T08:49:47.162-07:00Marketing is hard!After I put a huge wooden stork in our front yard announcing "It's a BOOK," any number of neighbors called to congratulate us on a new grandchild. That would be wonderful, of course, but it's sadly not the case.<br />
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This is to say, although I was schooled in marketing and worked for years in PR, promoting "Writer, Writer" has not been my strong point thus far. At least, it wasn't going well until yesterday. A charming young reporter, Bobby Tedder from The Northside Neighbor, interviewed me for an upcoming article. I was so excited, I all but burned off his ears talking about the new book and about the other seven long since published. Bobby was polite and encouraging, and he even sent a photographer named Nathan to take my picture this morning.<br />
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Here's the best part. Jamey was rushing out the door to play golf when Nathan stopped him.<br />
"I've read your wife's book, you must be 'The Man of Her Dreams'? Come on, jump into the picture with her."<br />
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Always my champion, Jamey obliged. Outfit-wise, we didn't match. My husband was ready for sport, while I was dressed to enhance my reputation as an author. But then again, it didn't really matter. Jamey and I just celebrated our 46th wedding anniversary on Monday, so Nathan's timing was perfect. We'll have a professional anniversary photo. Next time we're in the paper, perhaps we'll be celebrating our 50th. By then maybe I will have sold out our guest room closet full of books!<br />
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The article should be out in a couple of weeks, I don't know when for sure. I will announce it on Facebook.<br />
Ah, my marketing campaign has taken flight! MMPMilam McGraw Propsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12848840484937533615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042311261905629783.post-62175853605841812072013-04-25T06:51:00.000-07:002013-04-25T06:51:16.766-07:00Great time last night with teachers!Good morning, y'all,<br />
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Last evening, I spoke to a delightful group of teachers at Holy Innocents' Episcopal School. I took books, of course, and expected chatting for 30 minutes or so. Weeeelllll, what a fun group were they! For more than two hours, these charming gals asked questions, listened and laughed, and even bought books.<br />
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My precious friend, Marilyn Bailey, a retired teacher, finally brought me home in time for the 10 p.m. news. I'm hoping my audience may want to meet for lunch, because I so enjoyed their company. Nothing feeds a writer more deliciously than being asked questions about her craft.<br />
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Boosted by their enthusiastic interest in my books, I bravely went on Facebook a couple of minutes ago and mentioned having just received two more cartons of my memoir, "WRITER, WRITER." My guest room closet is overflowing. HELP ME!<br />
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Thanks again to the Holy Innocents' book club. I love you all. MilamMilam McGraw Propsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12848840484937533615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042311261905629783.post-41200374090307270162013-04-18T10:52:00.000-07:002013-04-18T10:52:19.776-07:00Writer, Writer arrived today!!!!I'm en route to the party store to buy one of those storks folks put in the yard to announce a new baby. Ours will read, "It's a BOOK!" (Thank you, Mary Ann, for the clever idea.) Loftin and Emmett, our adorable grandboys, to whom the book is dedicated, will help me with this, my initial marketing effort.<br />
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Brian Aubitz gets all the credit for producing "Writer, Writer," while our son Jay's precious girlfriend, Summer Paul, designed the perfect cover. It looks marvelous, you two!!!<br />
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The first two boxes have already arrived, and there's an offer for a party down the road. So we're on our way! I love being an author, especially on days like today!!!<br />
Milam<br />
<br />Milam McGraw Propsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12848840484937533615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042311261905629783.post-72103404868804971892013-04-17T18:22:00.003-07:002013-04-17T18:22:48.013-07:00Books Are Coming Any Day!Just got the word "Writer, Writer" will be here any day now! I'll make the announcement on my blog and on Facebook! MilamMilam McGraw Propsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12848840484937533615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042311261905629783.post-52979418763478721052013-03-05T18:19:00.002-08:002013-03-05T18:19:43.191-08:00Gone!!!!I just emailed my new book and am about to upchuck. Signing off on a manuscript is akin to mailing a fragile puppy to the other side of the world.<br />
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I realize there will always be writing to be improved, edits to be made, and typos to be corrected, etc. BUT, the truth is, I had to let it go.<br />
The feeling is sorta like when we sent our children off to college. We're never ready, but we hope they are. I pray any mistakes will be miraculously corrected, and the book will be perfect.<br />
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More soon, I'm off to sleep, MilamMilam McGraw Propsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12848840484937533615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042311261905629783.post-91105568886950200612013-03-04T07:59:00.000-08:002013-03-04T07:59:01.562-08:00Almost!Today I will begin my final run through on the new book. I just got the edits back from Jackie and cannot wait to see her comments.<br />
First it's off to the gym for me. As usual, I gained a few pounds working on my story. Look for news of a release date in the next few weeks.<br />
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In the meantime, I do have some delightful events on my calendar, one is a talk in Brazelton, Georgia, with another in Huntsville, Alabama. I always enjoy meeting readers, especially after a long winter alone in my study.<br />
It's akin to being a momma bear as she exits her cave in springtime! Joy!!!<br />
MilamMilam McGraw Propsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12848840484937533615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042311261905629783.post-73083201628817773972013-02-13T16:42:00.002-08:002013-02-13T16:42:28.882-08:00Almost Done!I'm celebrating with lunch today, tomorrow, and again on Friday. After being cocooned in my study for the better part of a month, this gal is taking a break to chat with long neglected friends and celebrate birthdays.<br />
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I'm through the initial drafts of "Writer, Writer," so late spring still looks good for the release date!<br />
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As I type this message to you, my sweet Jamey is reading the manuscript for me. Once he's done, I will pass the current draft to my retired teacher friends Jackie and Pam, who will proofread the story. Between the two of them, they've found many a typo through the years. After Jackie and Pam finish, it will be back to the computer for me. That's terrific because for me editing is the fun part of writing books.<br />
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Work also goes well with the travel book I'm co-writing with author Jaclyn White. But that's another topic for a blog many moons from now!<br />
Just wanted to let everyone in on the latest. Milam<br />
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<br />Milam McGraw Propsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12848840484937533615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042311261905629783.post-45960878440626388912013-01-19T19:11:00.005-08:002013-01-19T19:11:47.589-08:00Big ChangesWednesday, I met with Tish Sweitzer, a truly brilliant editor, regarding "A Teaspoon of Trauma." After several hours of discussion, followed by a good bit of soul searching, I decided to change the game plan.<br />
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Rather than offering a few writing anecdotes for friends and family, I'm going to pen a piece which may even be of interest to readers who do not know me, or know Ociee, or Honey, or any of the more familiar characters in my novels.<br />
In fact, I've decided to revamp the whole bloomin' thing. Changes include a brand new title, a totally different cover designed by Summer Paul, AND a complete reorganization of the body of the story. That's all! For two days, I'm been working until my eyes crossed.<br />
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Hopefully, readers will think it worth the rewrite. I'm still planning for an early Spring release date. <br />
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MilamMilam McGraw Propsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12848840484937533615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042311261905629783.post-30022823639606413052013-01-01T07:48:00.003-08:002013-01-01T07:48:36.854-08:00Happy New Year, Happy New Book!I hope everyone's 2013 is off to a good start. Mine certainly is!<br />
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I'm giving a talk to a local Kiwanis group on Thursday and am busy at work on a new book, one which should be out in late winter or early spring. It's called "A Teaspoon of Trauma, the Seasoning of an Author." Not a book for children, this one is more of a memoir and focuses on drawing from one's challenges to create art. Especially excitingfor me is that our son Jay's talented girlfriend Summer Paul is designing the cover for Teaspoon. <br />
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Also in the works for the more distant future is a travel book I'm working on with fellow author Jaclyn Weldon White. So far we've gotten lost a hundred times, eaten our weight in out of the way diners, and laughed so much that people tend to stare. Should the publisher turn us down, Jackie and I will have have a marvelous adventure with this, our first mutual effort.<br />
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January 1, 2013 greeted me with a lovely surprise this morning. I received a fan-e-mail from a mother in Canada, one in which she shared her daughter Rose's love of our Ociee girl. She gave me the charming news that Rose is such a devoted reader that she's named her new puppy for Ociee Nash.<br />
I had to grin! <br />
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Happy New Year! MilamMilam McGraw Propsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12848840484937533615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042311261905629783.post-34051689951693693882012-11-10T12:39:00.004-08:002012-11-10T12:39:37.784-08:00Great Morning!This week, thanks to Loftin's teacher, Eta Nagle, I spent time with the entire fifth grade of Christ the King School. Not only were the students polite and attentive, but they also asked very interesting questions.<br />
For example, one young man wanted to know who might be my "muse." So surprised was I, I hesitated in making a reply.<br />
The bright 5th grader quickly responded, "You understand, Mrs. Propst, I want to know who is your inspiration."<br />
Of course, I told the class my muse was my beloved grandmother, Ociee Nash.<br />
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Another rather astute little girl questioned George Nash's reason for sending Ociee away from her family farm in Mississippi to Asheville, N.C. I often leave out the fact that Ociee's mother had died because I don't want to make young audiences fearful about losing their parents.<br />
However, her question provided me with an opportunity to explain the importance of those dreadful immunization shots children must have before going to school. Had such shots been available in 1897, Ociee's mother surely wouldn't have died from measles.<br />
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I was impressed with the entire fifth grade. I came home wearing a smile on my face and carrying a gorgeous bouquet of flowers, some of which are lilies. Our house smells ever so sweet. And my smile continues.<br />
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In closing, I must thank the three gentlemen who escorted me to and from my talk. Included were Loftin and his friends, Jack and Jared. They even carried my props and posies.<br />
*Yes, Loftin, you may interview me any time you like. I'd be honored.<br />
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Now it's back to work for me. I have another talk to prepare for next week, this one is for grownups. And I have book to edit; this because Loftin has asked me to get busy!<br />
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Congratulations to Christ the King School. You produce lovely children. Milam<br />
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Milam McGraw Propsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12848840484937533615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042311261905629783.post-69783922031376997452012-08-13T16:29:00.004-07:002012-08-13T16:38:33.718-07:00Thanks to Loftin!Today Jamey and I took our grandsons, Loftin and Emmett, to Barnes & Noble. After making our selections, I wandered over to the Nook Book section. Thankfully, 10-year-old Loftin went with me.<br />
"So this is the nook thingamagig," I commented.<br />
"Look, MyMy, it's pretty cool. Let's see if your books are listed," he suggested.<br />
"Okay."<br />
We typed in my name, and, glory be, up popped all five Ociee Nash books along with "Creola's Moonbeam"!<br />
I was so thrilled, I whipped out my camera and took a picture. Fortunately, Loftin is still young enough that he's not easily embarrassed by his grandmother. It was a perfect trip to the bookstore!Milam McGraw Propsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12848840484937533615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042311261905629783.post-68135675218710311232012-07-31T12:00:00.001-07:002012-07-31T12:00:54.735-07:00Ociee Takes Flight!!!Great news!<br />
I'm not sure what this might lead to, but the last two novels in the Ociee Nash Series have just been bumped up to "PREMIUM" on Smashwords.<br />
They'll now ship to Barnes
& Noble, where they're available for the Nook Book (joining "A Flower Blooms on Charlotte Street," "Ociee on Her Own," and "The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash," along with "Creola's Moonbeam," which is NOT an Ociee series book. (*It's a "wishful thinking" autobiography of sorts).<br />
AND they are ALSO shipped to
Apple, ready to download via the iPad; go to Sony, Kobo, etc., and to all other
retailers with which Smashwords is connected.<br />
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To think, in 1898, little 9-year-old Ociee Nash once climbed aboard a train bound for Asheville, North Carolina. Now she's flying through space and into homes all over the world. Not bad for a little farm girl from Marshall County, Mississippi! <br />
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As for me, her granddaughter, I'm grinning from ear to ear. Thank you, everyone, for helping us spread the exciting news! <br />
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Sincerely, MilamMilam McGraw Propsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12848840484937533615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042311261905629783.post-73067008913544373082012-07-17T07:56:00.002-07:002012-07-17T07:56:57.684-07:00Important Information!Just a quick note to readers: the address to reach my new link at Smashwords and to see the last two online Ociee books is: <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/MilamMcGrawPropst" target="_blank">http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/MilamMcGrawPropst</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">We would love to know what you think!!! Milamwritesbooks@gmail.com</span>Milam McGraw Propsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12848840484937533615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042311261905629783.post-8445469659954922102012-07-15T16:51:00.003-07:002012-07-15T16:51:30.654-07:00Online, a new home for Ociee!!I think we're in business thanks to a brilliant gal in North Georgia, who has worked diligently with me to put two books on Smashwords! The patience of a saint has Miss Mae.<br />
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The books on Smashwords are "Ociee and Ben Nash, the Asheville Adventure" and "Ociee Nash, the Finale."<br />
That's all five of the Ociee books ONLINE!!!!!<br />
**Nook Book houses online editions of "A Flower Blooms on Charlotte Street," "Ociee on Her Own" and "The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash."<br />
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OKAY, I'm taking Bella the Dog for a richly deserved walk!!!!<br />
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Happy Reading, Happy Reading Online, Yawl! MilamMilam McGraw Propsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12848840484937533615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042311261905629783.post-30059778898222037112012-07-12T08:50:00.002-07:002012-07-12T08:50:57.925-07:00Sneak PreviewFriends, family, and fans, here's a little preview of some upcoming publishing news.<br />
First, however, for a bit of background; "A Flower Blooms on Charlotte Street," "Ociee on Her Own," and "The Adventures of Ociee Nash" along with "Creola's Moonbeam" (not part of the Ociee Nash series) have been available on Book Nook (Barnes and Noble) for a couple of years.<br />
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So it just seems right to share <b><u>online</u></b> with her readers the last two in the Ociee series . I've been working with a lady named Miss Mae, who's "nursed" me through the task of sending into cyberspace "Ociee and Ben Nash, the Asheville Adventure" and "Ociee Nash, the Finale."<br />
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Of course, it will take additional time to get this done completely, but if you simply click on the site below you should be able to get to "Ociee Nash, the Finale." <br />
<a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/179064" target="_blank">http://www.smashwords.com/<wbr></wbr>books/view/179064</a><br />
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I'm particularly excited about this project and hope that more and more readers will meet Ociee Nash and her fellow characters in the 5-book series.<br />
Hats off to Miss Mae for her patience and persistence, AND for her wonderful cover for Ociee's FINALE! Thank you, Miss Mae.<br />
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Feel free to let me know whatcha think. ENJOY!!! MilamMilam McGraw Propsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12848840484937533615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042311261905629783.post-71456117176003983212012-05-13T11:11:00.000-07:002012-05-13T11:11:53.212-07:00JDRF GALAYou're used to me writing about writing or speaking. However, this morning I must, instead, salute our son William and his beautiful wife Abigail for co-chairing a marvelous event last night, The Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund Gala. A huge success, they, their dear friends, Donna and Andy Cash, and an amazing committee raised more than $1.5 million for the cause closest to their hearts.<br />
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Abby and William's second son, 7-year-old, Emmett is a precious, healthy, smart little boy with huge blue eyes with cheek-sweeping lashes. He was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was a mere 17- months-old. Yes, that's 17 months.<br />
Now, however, equipped with an insulin pump (thank you, Dr. Bruce Bode), Emmett joyfully plans soccer and baseball, does very well in first grade at Christ the King in Atlanta, and wins the hearts of every person he meets. <br />
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Last night, a tuxedo clad Emmett was an "Ambassador" greeting the approximate 700 guests at the JDRF Gala. Among his official tasks was walking up on stage with his fellow ambassadors to help the auctioneer with various items from golf excursions to Ireland to a trip to North Carolina to have lunch on the movie set of "Iron Man" with Gwyneth Paltrow. Emmett, one of the youngest and cutest children on the stage, carried out his assignments with a big grin, much charm, and ample enthusiasm!<br />
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Some day, there will be a book written about Emmett James Propst. Perhaps, the author will be his incredible father. At the Gala, William brought tears to many an eye as he recalled a promise he made to his little man when asked, "Daddy, will I always have diabetes?"<br />
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Maybe, the book will be written by his supportive big brother, 10-year-old Loftin, who is already an aspiring author; his first work completed last year as a third grader.<br />
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But books can always come later. For now, it is the CURE for Juvenile Diabetes on which we concentrate. Last night's theme was "A Gift of Time" . . . the time is now, please, God; bless Emmett, Rachel, Gavin, Liam, Beatrice and Katlyn, and all the Gala's courageous ambassadors, bless them with the cure.<br />
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Milam<br />
<br />Milam McGraw Propsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12848840484937533615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042311261905629783.post-4808684560941172122012-04-26T15:45:00.002-07:002012-04-26T15:57:21.399-07:00Much too much fun!I've had the best time since finishing my new manuscript. I've been talking to folks about books and writing and anything else they wanted to discuss.
A couple of weeks ago,I had a terrific audience in Huntsville, where my sister-in-law Maryetta so nicely gathered her friends to listen to my tales of movie making and book writing. The girls were so enthusiastic, I felt like a sure 'nuf star!
Then last week, my sweet friend Patty invited me to chat with her book club, a group peopled with ladies I always enjoy.
Today was extra special, too. I went to Lovett School, where the kindergartners in Faye Odum's class asked wonderful questions and shared their thoughts on writing with me. So smart, so attentive, so precious were these students! One of the kindergarten authors was our darling 6-year-old neighbor, Margaret French,who wore a star proclaiming her "Student of the Week."
It seems to me getting out and visiting with readers is far more fun than writing books!Milam McGraw Propsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12848840484937533615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1042311261905629783.post-62345168781726273052012-03-28T15:17:00.003-07:002012-03-28T15:27:07.073-07:00Done!I finished my new book, and, yesterday, drove down to Macon to present the manuscript to Mercer University Press. I had a delightful luncheon meeting with Publisher Marc Jolley and his incredible assistant, Marsha Luttrell. <br />Fingers crossed, toes, too, I hope MUP will like the story. I should hear back from Mercer in mid-summer. <br />YES, the process does take forever, but the end product is well worth the effort.<br /><br />Now what? For starters, I'm going to walk my dog Bella and try to get off the extra five pounds I added as I ate my way through creativity! MilamMilam McGraw Propsthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12848840484937533615noreply@blogger.com0