Cecily Markland here...I am eagerly awaiting Liz Adair's arrival here in the Phoenix area where she will present a workshop tonight (Thursday, May 29) on one of her favorite topics, "Using Family History in Fiction," and we will participate in "A Family Celebration of Music and Art" in Mesa on Saturday. For those of you who aren't in this part of the country or who won't be able to attend, but are interested in the material, a booklet (also titled, "Using Family History in Fiction") will be available to purchase from www.inglestonepublishing.com (which will be up and running in raw form as of Saturday!) In the meantime, if anyone is interested in inquiring about purchasing the booklet or in scheduling Liz for a workshop or seminar, please e-mail me at writeone at cox dot net (written this way to avoid phishing, you know what I mean!).

All of this is just part of what is happening as we are ramping up to introduce, Counting the Cost, Liz's powerful new novel based on her own family history. As the book is in its final edit and we are working on the design of the cover, it really feels like history in the making! It's a beautiful story and it's going to look beautiful as well! I believe Counting the Cost is Liz's best work yet, one that will not only bring a small piece of history to life and pay tribute to all that makes up our nation's Western heritage, but that also reaches deep into the hearts of strong, interesting characters and, in so doing, teaches each reader insightful lessons for life. Indeed, for each of us, doesn't life come down to the cost of our choices?

To receive updates about the progress of Counting the Cost, come back to this blog or sign up for updates by going to www.inglestonepublishing.com anytime after June 1.

Using Family History in Fiction

It's been a while since I've posted here, but I've got a good excuse: I've been finishing my booklet on using family history in fiction. It's titled, natch, Using Family History in Fiction.

Here's what it says on the back cover (written by my editor):

Does your family have a story that needs to be told?

Are you a writer wanting to add life and “care-a-bility” to your stories?

Do you want to learn how to tell your family history in an interesting and inspiring way?Learn from a pro how to do just that and more!

• Discover how to use familiar settings as the backdrop for believable scenes
• Find out how and why to tell true family stories from a fictional slant
• Learn how to mold your ancestors or family members into strong fictional characters
• Share your favorite memories and family lore
• Develop your storytelling ability

Liz's information about using family history in fiction is very interesting and valuable. I recommend it. It will help you "write what you know." - T. Deighton

Published by Inglestone PublishingPrinted in United States

The booklet sells for $4.95 and is hot off the press. Click here and you'll be taken to the Inglestone Publishing web site where you can purchase the book.

I'll be in Phoenix on May 31 at the Music and Arts Festival and would love it if you would stop by the booth so I can meet you. I'll have these booklets for sale, and a great brochure on blogging family history that I'm giving out free. Go to www.musicandartsfestival.com to find out more about the festival. Hope to see you there!