The Faces of Your Ancestors...

...could be here.

Many of these photographs used in this video were taken by Augustus Sherman. He appears in my novel, Grace's Pictures, and takes Grace McCaffery's photograph as she prepares to leave Ellis Island. These faces hold so many stories--the reason I wrote this book.

An Irish Book Launch

Ballina photo by eric.delignieres

When I was in Ireland, I had the unique opportunity to attend Kate Kerrigan's book launch!

The event was held in the beautiful little town of Ballina (Bow-lynn-ah)--I pronounced it wrong continually until I heard Kate say it. The town is near her home and the place where her mother Moira lives.

Her book, the one just launched in Ireland, is the final in a series about an Irish immigrant who makes a home in Hollywood, and the party was at a beauty salon. Read her blog post about it here. (I actually appear in the background of one of the pictures she has up on her blog. I was on my way back from the bathroom when the costume award was being given. Yep, a photobomb by yours truly!)

I met Kate through my blog, www.novelpastimes.com, where I interviewed her. About a year and a half ago I had another unique opportunity. I learned she was going to Manhattan on book tour just the time I planned to be there to research my book. She invited me to a book blogger luncheon hosted by her publisher, Harper Collins, at the HC headquarters.

That's me in front of HC holding Kate's book.

The luncheon was an intimate gathering where we heard insides stories from the author, the best kinds!

Besides being a delightfully nice person, she is a wonderful writer and I've enjoyed her books. You should check them out!

Grace Is On Her Way!

My author copies arrived today, which means it won't be long until release day!

So pretty. And they smell good too!

The Blessing of Saint Patrick

"As you arise today, may the strength of God pilot you, the power of God uphold you, the wisdom of God guide you. May the eye of God look before you, the ear of God hear you, the word of God speak for you. May the hand of God protect you, the way of God lie before you, the shield of God defend you, the host of God save you. Amen."

What I've Learned About Publishing

I was a guest on Tamera Kraft's blog. I hope you'll check it out and leave a comment. I'd love to hear what you think.

http://wordsharpeners.wordpress.com/2013/03/15/cindy-thompson-what-ive-learned-about-publishing/

Cooper Union

I've been researching Peter Cooper and Cooper Union for one my characters in book three. You may have heard of Cooper Union in New York, famous for so many reasons. Abraham Lincoln spoke there on his way to becoming president. Thomas Edison was a student.

Cooper Union, still educating students today, was innovative at the time almost beyond belief. Women and blacks were admitted before the Civil War. There was a free reading room library before the New York Public Library was built. Supported by investors the likes of Andrew Carnegie the school was free (it still is, but recently it was announced that may soon change.)

Peter Cooper was quite a character and I'm tempted to drift away from the research I need to be doing to learn all about him.

For instance, these glasses! Four lenses. I googled and found some examples. Andrew Jackson had a similar pair it seems, but I still think they were unusual.

We see them reappearing as steampunk, unusually colored like sunglasses and more like goggles. Peter's glasses, though? Bi-focals, maybe? The man invented so many things, from the locomotive steam engine to Jello, so I wonder if he made these.

And then I found a new invention that I thought was wonderful. And then I thought I'd share what I found and then get back to what I really should be doing!

Today's Research: Dogs

Or rather the personality of dogs and what people can learn from them. A dog is key in Book Three of my Ellis Island Series. The inspiration is The Master's Voice advertising icon. That dog is a mixed breed but mostly fox terrier.

I'd love to hear from some dog owners about what spiritual lessons they've learned from their dogs. And I have a question: What one thing might someone who doesn't own a dog and might not really understand dogs learn from YOUR dog?

Talk it up, please.