Goals for 2010

Ever have trouble getting back on the writing track? I do. I write in spurts. I need to be a more disciplined writer, stay focused and write everyday. How about you? How is your writing going? Share your thoughts and inspire others!

Author Event Virginia, Minnesota

A wonderful experience, signing books at Woodward's in Virginia, MN. Shirley and Brandy were wonderful hosts. Many thanks to Shirley for a successful event and great job on the photo, Brandy!

Book Makes Great Gift

"I loved your book, Miriam Daughter of Finnish Immigrants, so much, I bought more copies for gifts!" Miriam's story is a great gift for readers. It provides an honest picture of how life was for a family of nine during the Great Depression. Available through independent bookstores and online at Amazon.com.

Midwest Booksellers Association

Miriam Daughter of Finnish Immigrants is listed on page 7 in the Midwest Booksellers Association fall catalog as a blue ribbon "Midwest Favorite." Independent bookstores distribute the MBA catalog through newspapers, in-store displays, "bag stuffers," and direct mailings to customers. They feature titles at book fairs, open houses, and holiday events. The MBA Catalog is also promoted on their websites, newsletters and in radio and print advertising. Check out the MBA website for independent book stores in your community and download the catalog at www.midwestbooksellers.org. Miriam's story makes a great gift for readers young and old!

Rolling Along With Writing

I am headed for the La Jolla Writers Conference November 6-8th. I have a chunk of my book drafted and ready for feedback. During a "pitch session" I will have three minutes to sell the idea to possible agents and publicists. I am also busy marketing Miriam Daughter of Finnish Immigrants. I participated in the Midwest Booksellers Trade show in September where I met many bookstore owners throughout the midwest. The book is listed in the Midwest Booksellers catalog which reaches independent bookstores throughout the midwest. I will be doing a signing at Howard Street Booksellers in Hibbing, Minnesota November 14th from 1:00-3:00. Besides writing, teaching an evening graduate class at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls is keeping me very busy. Hope your writing is rolling along,

Radio Interview

In July KAXE radio in northern Minnesota interviewed me about our book, Miriam Daughter of Finnish Immigrants. The hosts, Scott and Maggie, asked great questions. I enjoyed our twenty minute radio conversation and would love to share our family's story with others. Getting the book translated into Finnish is my next goal. All of you writers out there, keep writing!

Greatest Generation Stories

The Minnesota History Center is collecting stories about the Great Depression, World War II and the 1950s Baby Boomers for their Greatest Generation Exhibit. Check out the excerpts from our book, Miriam Daughter of Finnish Immigrants that are posted on their website.

June 2009 Publication News

I presented our book Miriam Daughter of Finnish Immigrants (Outskirts Press 2008) at the Finnish-American Immigrants In Transition 2009 seminar in Turku, Finland June1-2. My sister Mary Jones, the artist who did the sketch work for the book, participated in the session. The international seminar draws researchers from Finland, Denmark, Canada and the United States. Miriam Daughter of Finnish Immigrants is a story of a family’s commitment to build a life in the barren northern Minnesota wilderness during the Great Depression. The book received a very positive response and my first visit to Finland was a wonderful experience. I promoted the book in Helsinki and Turku as we toured the cities. Check out the photos for some of my favorite sites. To order your copy of our book visit my website at http://outskirtspress.com/dianedettmann Kiitos!

Writer's Wisdom and Wit

As a writer I need other writer's thoughts and ideas to keep me going. This is a lonely business and at times down right frustrating. Inspiration from other writers always helps me keep going. I started this blog as an avenue for writers to network, share writing suggestions and inspire each others to keep going. My writing days are filled with marketing, editing work and constantly staying on top of my "to do list" that gets longer everyday! In between I am working on Mice In The Kitchen, a memoir of my life as a widow. I am sure other writers would enjoy stories about your writing life, so blog away!