Strong women inspire me, not necessarily for their physical strength, but for the impact they make in the world. My passion lies in writing about women who bring positive change.
Writers are individuals who promote, entertain, and communicate through their stories, building a brand around them. They have a unique skill to turn an idea into a vivid reality. While writers and authors share similarities, they cater to different audiences and have distinct objectives.
Some writers specialize in crafting handwritten letters, a practice considered outdated today. However, beautifully crafted letters are still appreciated when delivered by mail or hand.
In today's world, we often communicate through emails, Facebook messages, or texts. Despite their impersonal nature, they've become a way of life. Yet, a handwritten letter holds a unique charm, much like receiving a beautifully wrapped gift.
I feel fortunate to celebrate with all of you. I've written and completed eight novels and am currently working on three more and one fairy tale fantasy book for children and adults.
Interacting with readers daily lets me bring some joy into others' lives. I sincerely thank all who have supported this journey of empowering women. My blog, "Nine Husbands of Aunt Ida," focuses on a remarkable woman.
The first woman who springs to mind is my mother-in-law, May Hannah Lynaugh, who made an impact on many lives from 1903 to 1989. May predominantly communicated through handwritten letters, leading a remarkable and private life. She possessed extraordinary abilities, gifts that could only be described as superpowers. However, these unique abilities were not known to the world. She had managed to keep them concealed, hidden away from the prying eyes of society. She only wanted to be known as Michael’s mother.
May kept parts of her past hidden, but the large scars on her arms were reminders of her history. She stored her beautiful stationery in a decorative wooden box and spent hours writing letters. Each letter was sealed with a kiss and adorned with a $0.22 postage stamp featuring the Statue of Liberty. I would watch her as she meticulously penned long letters, her writing resembling a sketch more than mere words.
The deep scars on her arms were from removed tattoos, daily reminders of her stint as a Rosie the Riveter. She moved from Minnesota to California to work in a shipyard during World War II.
A woman can achieve anything she sets her mind to. May was not only a writer but also an entrepreneur, a visionary, a loving mother and mother-in-law, a trusted friend and neighbor, and a resilient woman I respect and loved.
In the picture above is May with her son Michael, who
was her firstborn at 40 years old. Michael became a
helicopter pilot, my loving and devoted husband.
I enjoy creating stories about powerful women who defy norms, pursue their dreams, and challenge societal expectations. May was a great example and my greatest mentor, inspiring me to write my next novel.
The story of Nine Husbands of Aunt Ida shares a common theme about the history women have experienced. It portrays women who overcome challenges and shape their destinies, inspiring future generations of women.
Let's revive the art of writing. Start by keeping a journal, writing a letter to someone special, or dare to write your novel. Follow the story of "Nine Husbands of Aunt Ida," and create a better world one word at a time. Let's keep our history alive for the next generation of strong women.
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The impetus to narrate this tale sprung from a simple interaction with my granddaughter, an incident that revealed the ever-widening generational gap. One ordinary day, as the mellifluous tunes of Elvis Presley's music filled the room, she turned to me with a question. "Who is Elvis Presley?" she asked, her curiosity piqued by the unfamiliar rhythm and melody. It was then that I realized that she was the same age as Elvis when he first walked into Sun Records in Memphis. He was there to record the song, "My Happiness."
Elvis, with only $4 in his pocket, managed to get an acetate copy of the 78 RPM record from the studio. His intention was to gift it to his beloved mother, Gladys.
Unbeknownst to Elvis, this seemingly mundane act was about to etch its place in history. The year was 1953, a pivotal time that has been largely forgotten by the teenagers today. This tense disconnect between the past and the present stirred my determination to document this story. It represents an essential segment of our shared history that must not be allowed to fade into obscurity.
This sudden realization ignited my consciousness about the precious fragments of our collective past that are slowly being forgotten. Now, more than ever, it is time to delve back into the intricate tapestry of our history and engage in meaningful conversations with our elderly grandparents, relatives, or friends. These individuals, the living embodiment of our past, have been silent witnesses to remarkable events and societal shifts throughout their lives. It is our solemn duty to meticulously document and preserve these invaluable pieces of our shared history for the enlightenment of future generations before they are irrevocably lost to the relentless passage of time and it is "My Happiness" to do so.
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May Hanna Lynaugh you were an heron.