Contest Winner

Hello,

The winner of my February contest is Kathryn Ann Davis. Kathryn you are a new follower on Twitter. Would you please leave a comment with your email address so I can contact you to mail you your prize.

Thanks,
Donna

When Do I Need An Editor?

Hello,

Every writer will ask themselves the following question at some point in their writing career. At what point do I need an editor. Our featured post today discusses that very question. I hope you enjoy the article.

First, why does every serious writer need an editor?

§  We have blind spots when it comes to our own writing

§  Our family and friends will love what we write, no matter how good it is

§  Our family and friends may not be able to tell us how to fix weak spots

§  Fiction without glaring errors is more apt to be the kind readers talk about

§  Critique partners, while helpful, may not have the knowledge or experience or ability to analyze that will move our fiction to the next level

Loved this article. Click here to read the rest.

Donna

Voting History for Women

Hello,

On this date in 1922, Supreme Court unanimously upheld validity of 19th Amendment, which allows women the right to vote. Click here to read about this and other historical trivia.

Enjoy,

Donna

Antique Valentines

Hi,

Antique Valentines are fun to look at and compare them to the cards of today.

Featuring:

A card to Lavinia Dickinson, the sister of Emily Dickinson.

1816 Puzzle Purse Valentine

1850 hand made Valentine

1700's lace paper Valentine

1850's Lace Valentine

1840's Lithograph Valentine in England

Click here to read the history of the cards and look at the Valentines.

Enjoy,
Donna

Mary Beard

Hello,

Mary Ritter Beard was an interesting woman. She worked hard to help women earn the right to vote. She even opposed the United States entry into World War II and took some critism for that. I hope you enjoy today's featured article.


Mary Ritter Beard was a historian and campaigner for women's suffrage. Born and raised in Indianapolis, she attended DePauw University, where she met her future husband, Charles Beard, who became a noted economic historian. Married in 1900, the couple traveled to England so that Charles could continue his studies at Oxford, before returning to New York City in 1901 to pursue graduate studies at Columbia. Mary enrolled in the graduate program at Columbia briefly, but she quickly became involved in the growing campaign to secure women's suffrage. Click here to read the entire article.

Donna

ALLBETTSAREOFF CONTEST LAST DAY

Hi,

My online friend is having a giveway on her blog this week too. You can click here to see what is happing over at ALLBETTSAREOFF.

Donna

Last Day of the Contest

Hello,

Today is the last day of my contest this month. I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have.  The winner will be announced tomorrow.

I am hosting a giveaway here at HiStoryThruTheAges. The prize awarded to the winner will be a $10 gift card to Starbucks.

Here are the rules.

1. You can link this contest on your own blog. Please leave a comment here with your link back to your blog so I can validate that you did so. That will also get you an entry into the contest. You may link my site to yours once a day and come back here to leave a comment and link. One entry per day, please.

2. You can "Like" my author Facebook page. Log-on to Facebook and go to my page and click on the "Like" button. All new friends on my author Facebook page will be added into the contest. My Facebook author page is at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Donna-SchlachterAuthor/222781831141129?ref=hl or you can find me under Donna Schlachter/Author using the search feature on Facebook.

One entry per new follower on Facebook.

3. You can sign up to follow this blog by using the button in the right column on the side bar. Use the "FOLLOW BY EMAIL" feature. That will get you one entry into the contest.

4. You can follow me on TWITTER: HiStoryThruTheAges

The contest will run from Monday, February 18, 2013 through Sunday, February 24, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. The winner will be announced here on Monday, February 25, 2013.

Thank you so much,

Donna

ALLBETTSAREOFF GIVEAWAY

Hi,

My online friend is having a giveway on her blog this week too. You can click here to see what is happing over at ALLBETTSAREOFF.

Donna

Contest Day Six

Hello,

Today is day six of the contest. It is wrapping up tomorrow. To enter, the rules are listed below.

I am hosting a giveaway here at HiStoryThruTheAges. The prize awarded to the winner will be a $10 gift card to Starbucks.

Here are the rules.

1. You can link this contest on your own blog. Please leave a comment here with your link back to your blog so I can validate that you did so. That will also get you an entry into the contest. You may link my site to yours once a day and come back here to leave a comment and link. One entry per day, please.

2. You can "Like" my author Facebook page. Log-on to Facebook and go to my page and click on the "Like" button. All new friends on my author Facebook page will be added into the contest. My Facebook author page is at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Donna-SchlachterAuthor/222781831141129?ref=hl or you can find me under Donna Schlachter/Author using the search feature on Facebook.

One entry per new follower on Facebook.

3. You can sign up to follow this blog by using the button in the right column on the side bar. Use the "FOLLOW BY EMAIL" feature. That will get you one entry into the contest.

4. You can follow me on TWITTER: HiStoryThruTheAges

The contest will run from Monday, February 18, 2013 through Sunday, February 24, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. The winner will be announced here on Monday, February 25, 2013.

 

Thank you so much,

Donna

Scrivener Software

Good morning,

I purchased the Scrivener software program for writers. It features sections whereby the writer can keep her research, websites, manuscript, and notes all in one program. I have found it to be a useful tool and is helpful in keeping my information more organized.

Many writers use this system. Click here for more information.

Donna

ALLBETTSAREOFF CONTEST

Hi,

My online friend is having a giveway on her blog this week too. You can click here to see what is happing over at ALLBETTSAREOFF.

Donna

Contest Day Five

Hello,

Today is day five of my contest. I hope you enjoy this one.

I am hosting a giveaway here at HiStoryThruTheAges. The prize awarded to the winner will be a $10 gift card to Starbucks.

Here are the rules.

1. You can link this contest on your own blog. Please leave a comment here with your link back to your blog so I can validate that you did so. That will also get you an entry into the contest. You may link my site to yours once a day and come back here to leave a comment and link. One entry per day, please.

2. You can "Like" my author Facebook page. Log-on to Facebook and go to my page and click on the "Like" button. All new friends on my author Facebook page will be added into the contest. My Facebook author page is at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Donna-SchlachterAuthor/222781831141129?ref=hl or you can find me under Donna Schlachter/Author using the search feature on Facebook.

One entry per new follower on Facebook.

3. You can sign up to follow this blog by using the button in the right column on the side bar. Use the "FOLLOW BY EMAIL" feature. That will get you one entry into the contest.

4. You can follow me on TWITTER: HiStoryThruTheAges

The contest will run from Monday, February 18, 2013 through Sunday, February 24, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. The winner will be announced here on Monday, February 25, 2013.

 

Thank you so much,

Donna

History of Valentine Cards

Hi,

Have you ever wondered about the history of Valentine Cards?  When were they first printed and what were they like? For a fun walk through history, read the excerpt below and click on the link.






While handmade Valentine’s Day cards were in existence long before, the first printed paper cards made in the United States appeared around 1840.
- Stand-up cards with a base and several three-dimensional fold-out layers were popular from about 1895 until 1915, as were honeycomb paper puffs which opened to form bells, fans, balls, hearts and other shapes. Click here to read the article and view the old Valentines.

Donna

ALLBETTSAREOFF GIVEAWAY

Hi,

My online friend is having a giveway on her blog this week too. You can click here to see what is happing over at ALLBETTSAREOFF.

Donna

Contest Day Four

Hello,

Today is day four of my contest. Here are the rules.

I am hosting a giveaway here at HiStoryThruTheAges. The prize awarded to the winner will be a $10 gift card to Starbucks.

Here are the rules.

1. You can link this contest on your own blog. Please leave a comment here with your link back to your blog so I can validate that you did so. That will also get you an entry into the contest. You may link my site to yours once a day and come back here to leave a comment and link. One entry per day, please.

2. You can "Like" my author Facebook page. Log-on to Facebook and go to my page and click on the "Like" button. All new friends on my author Facebook page will be added into the contest. My Facebook author page is at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Donna-SchlachterAuthor/222781831141129?ref=hl or you can find me under Donna Schlachter/Author using the search feature on Facebook.

One entry per new follower on Facebook.

3. You can sign up to follow this blog by using the button in the right column on the side bar. Use the "FOLLOW BY EMAIL" feature. That will get you one entry into the contest.

4. You can follow me on TWITTER: HiStoryThruTheAges

The contest will run from Monday, February 18, 2013 through Sunday, February 24, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. The winner will be announced here on Monday, February 25, 2013.

 

Thank you so much,

Donna

Clara Barton

Hello,

I enjoy reading historical facts about those who have lived before me. Today's focus will be on Clara Barton and her tireless work helping solders. She was also a teacher. Enjoy.

The founder of the American Red Cross, Clara Barton's war relief efforts began during the Civil War in Washington, DC in 1861, when she assisted soldiers who had lost belongings and supplies during battle. Horrified by reports of severe supply shortages, she advertised in a newspaper for provisions and organized the distribution of collected public donations to soldiers in the battlefields. Barton's lasting commitment to aiding soldiers earned her the nickname "The Angel of the Battlefield." Click here to read more.

 Donna

ALLBETTSAREOFF CONTEST

Hi,

My online friend is having a giveway on her blog this week too. You can click here to see what is happing over at ALLBETTSAREOFF.

Donna

Contest Day Three

Hi,

Today is day three of my giveaway. Here are the details.

I am hosting a giveaway here at HiStoryThruTheAges. The prize awarded to the winner will be a $10 gift card to Starbucks.

Here are the rules.

1. You can link this contest on your own blog. Please leave a comment here with your link back to your blog so I can validate that you did so. That will also get you an entry into the contest. You may link my site to yours once a day and come back here to leave a comment and link. One entry per day, please.

2. You can "Like" my author Facebook page. Log-on to Facebook and go to my page and click on the "Like" button. All new friends on my author Facebook page will be added into the contest. My Facebook author page is at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Donna-SchlachterAuthor/222781831141129?ref=hl or you can find me under Donna Schlachter/Author using the search feature on Facebook.

One entry per new follower on Facebook.

3. You can sign up to follow this blog by using the button in the right column on the side bar. Use the "FOLLOW BY EMAIL" feature. That will get you one entry into the contest.

4. You can follow me on TWITTER: HiStoryThruTheAges

The contest will run from Monday, February 18, 2013 through Sunday, February 24, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. The winner will be announced here on Monday, February 25, 2013.

 

Thank you so much,

Donna

ALLBETTSAREOFF GIVEAWAY

Hi,

My online friend is having a giveway on her blog this week too. You can click here to see what is happing over at ALLBETTSAREOFF.

Donna

Contest Day Two

Hello,

Today is Day Two of my contest this month. Details as follows.

I am hosting a giveaway here at HiStoryThruTheAges. The prize awarded to the winner will be a $10 gift card to Starbucks.

Here are the rules.

1. You can link this contest on your own blog. Please leave a comment here with your link back to your blog so I can validate that you did so. That will also get you an entry into the contest. You may link my site to yours once a day and come back here to leave a comment and link. One entry per day, please.

2. You can "Like" my author Facebook page. Log-on to Facebook and go to my page and click on the "Like" button. All new friends on my author Facebook page will be added into the contest. My Facebook author page is at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Donna-SchlachterAuthor/222781831141129?ref=hl or you can find me under Donna Schlachter/Author using the search feature on Facebook.

One entry per new follower on Facebook.

3. You can sign up to follow this blog by using the button in the right column on the side bar. Use the "FOLLOW BY EMAIL" feature. That will get you one entry into the contest.

4. You can follow me on TWITTER: HiStoryThruTheAges

The contest will run from Monday, February 18, 2013 through Sunday, February 24, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. The winner will be announced here on Monday, February 25, 2013.

Thank you so much,

Donna

Valentine Crafts for Kids

Hello Readers,

I have been enjoying the Valentine theme this month.  This site features fun crafts for children using the Valentine theme. One project features recycleable cardboard used as picture frames. It would be fun to make some of those and put antique photos or Valentines in them.

The projects feature items most of us have in our homes. Simple and fun for the kiddos to do.

Click here to learn more.

Donna

ALLBETTSAREOFF CONTEST

Hello,

My online writing friend is having another contest too. You can see what is going on over at her blog by clicking here.

Donna

Contest Day One

Hello,

Today is day one of my week long contest. Here are the details.

I am hosting a giveaway here at HiStoryThruTheAges. The prize awarded to the winner will be a $10 gift card to Starbucks.

Here are the rules.

1. You can link this contest on your own blog. Please leave a comment here with your link back to your blog so I can validate that you did so. That will also get you an entry into the contest. You may link my site to yours once a day and come back here to leave a comment and link. One entry per day, please.

2. You can "Like" my author Facebook page. Log-on to Facebook and go to my page and click on the "Like" button. All new friends on my author Facebook page will be added into the contest. My Facebook author page is at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Donna-SchlachterAuthor/222781831141129?ref=hl or you can find me under Donna Schlachter/Author using the search feature on Facebook.

One entry per new follower on Facebook.

3. You can sign up to follow this blog by using the button in the right column on the side bar. Use the "FOLLOW BY EMAIL" feature. That will get you one entry into the contest.

4. You can follow me on TWITTER: HiStoryThruTheAges

The contest will run from Monday, February 18, 2013 through Sunday, February 24, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. The winner will be announced here on Monday, February 25, 2013.

 

Thank you so much,

Donna

Contest Starting

Hello,

My new contest starts tomorrow. Here are the details.

I am hosting a giveaway here at HiStoryThruTheAges. The prize awarded to the winner will be a $10 gift card to Starbucks.

Here are the rules.

1. You can link this contest on your own blog. Please leave a comment here with your link back to your blog so I can validate that you did so. That will also get you an entry into the contest. You may link my site to yours once a day and come back here to leave a comment and link. One entry per day, please.

2. You can "Like" my author Facebook page. Log-on to Facebook and go to my page and click on the "Like" button. All new friends on my author Facebook page will be added into the contest. My Facebook author page is at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Donna-SchlachterAuthor/222781831141129?ref=hl or you can find me under Donna Schlachter/Author using the search feature on Facebook.

One entry per new follower on Facebook.

3. You can sign up to follow this blog by using the button in the right column on the side bar. Use the "FOLLOW BY EMAIL" feature. That will get you one entry into the contest.

4. You can follow me on TWITTER: HiStoryThruTheAges

The contest will run from Monday, February 18, 2013 through Sunday, February 27, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. The winner will be announced here on Tuesday, February 25, 2013.

Thank you so much,

Donna

Writer's Toolbox

Dear Readers,

I hope you enjoy the featured selection about multi-published author, Lisa Gardner.  She has a page on her website that lists articles and lectures on writing. Topics include: research, plotting, romance, suspense, villians, writing resources, writing a synposis, and developing characters. This site is very informative and worth the time spent reading all of her information.

Welcome to the Writer’s Toolbox, a section I’ve included on the site for aspiring writers and those of you who are merely curious about the whole messy creative process. Here you’ll find articles I have written about the writing process and the resources that I find useful. Also available are the materials I’ve developed for two lecture series on writing. CLICK HERE TOREAD MORE.

Donna

Top Ten Demonstrations of Love

Hello Readers,

I found the article featured today a very interesting one. How does a garbage disposal have anything to do with love?

A symphony serenaded wake-up call?

Click here to read the Smithsonian's Top Ten Demonstrations of Love.

Happy Valentine's Day,

Donna

Jane Addams

Hello,

Today we are going to be reminded of how much an individual can do if she puts her mind to it. Jane Addams was such a woman. She worked hard to change the lives of the poor and women. She even won the Nobel Peace Prize. I hope you enjoy the article.

Jane Addams, activist, social worker, author, and Nobel Peace Prize winner, is best remembered as the founder of Hull-House in Chicago, a progressive social settlement that sought to reduce poverty through offering social services and educational opportunities to the poor immigrants and laborers of working-class Chicago. Addams became one of the country's most prominent women through her settlement work, her writing, and, later, as an international activist for world peace. Click here to read more.

 

Donna

Do It Yourself Vintage Valentines

Hi,

For those of you who are artsy/craftsy, you might enjoy downloading free Valentine cards to decorate yourself.

Perhaps this could be a project for your children or grandchildren.

Click here to download free Valentines.

Donna

Inspiration for the Writer

 Hello,

I think it is important to read pieces that encourage and inspire us as writers. I found this article to be a source of encouragement and wanted to share it with you.



I don’t generally use this space to write inspirational pieces. For the most part, I assume someone who is reading a blog offering writing tips is probably already motivated and doesn’t need too much sideline cheerleading from another writer.
But for most of us, there comes a time when we start to wonder what it is we’re doing. Whether it’s agent rejections, tough critique group responses, contest failures, low sales, a scathing review, few blog post comments, dwindling followers–need I go on?–there will come a time in our experience that we might get discouraged and wonder why we’re writing. Click here to read the rest of the article

Donna

Digital Valentines

Hello,

In researching vintage Valentine's Cards, I ran across this site that features many Valentine cards for your personal enjoyment. Take a trip down memory lane and enjoy the gallery.

Click here to view.

Donna

New Contest Coming

Hello,

I have a new contest coming up in another week.

A reader asked me to post the winning entry from the last contest. I am still waiting to hear back from the winner.

Here are the details of the upcoming contest.



I am hosting a giveaway here at HiStoryThruTheAges. The prize awarded to the winner will be a $10 gift card to Starbucks.


Here are the rules.


1. You can link this contest on your own blog. Please leave a comment here with your link back to your blog so I can validate that you did so. That will also get you an entry into the contest. You may link my site to yours once a day and come back here to leave a comment and link. One entry per day, please.


2. You can "Like" my author Facebook page. Log-on to Facebook and go to my page and click on the "Like" button. All new friends on my author Facebook page will be added into the contest. My Facebook author page is at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Donna-SchlachterAuthor/222781831141129?ref=hl or you can find me under Donna Schlachter/Author using the search feature on Facebook.


One entry per new follower on Facebook.


3. You can sign up to follow this blog by using the button in the right column on the side bar. Use the "FOLLOW BY EMAIL" feature. That will get you one entry into the contest.


4. You can follow me on TWITTER: HiStoryThruTheAges


The contest will run from Monday, February 18, 2013 through Sunday, February 27, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. The winner will be announced here on Tuesday, February 25, 2013.


Thank you so much,


Donna

Edith Abbott

Dear Readers,

Today's featured historical piece is about Edith Abbott 1876-1957. She became a part of history with her work in developing a more human social welfare system. I hope you enjoy a step back into history.

Edith Abbott was an influential economist who championed reforms to alleviate urban social problems that afflicted immigrants in American industrial centers.

She was born in Grand Island, Nebraska, to active, civic-minded parents. Her mother was an abolitionist and women's suffrage leader, and her father was the first lieutenant governor of Nebraska. Her sister, Grace, was born two years later, and their lives were intertwined with mutual interests and involvement in the public welfare and in federal and state responsibilities involving social problems. Click here to read the rest of the article.

Donna

 

Finishing

Hello,

I have an article featured over at ACFWColorado on The Inkwell. I hope you enjoy it.


THE END. There are not many other words that make me want to do the happy dance as much as these. Sure, “signed contract”, “big advance”, and “book launch” are great words, too, but I, for one, haven’t heard those words mentioned in the same sentence as one of my titles.
I may not have control over a lot of things in my life, but I do have control over “THE END”. And so do you.
If you haven’t written those words in a long time, I want to encourage you to keep going until you do. Here are a few things I’ve done to keep me writing until THE END comes. Click here to read the rest of my article.

Donna

More Valentine's Day Cards

Hello,

Remember the cheesy Valentine's Day cards from elementary school? How about decorating a box or brown paper bag to put Valentines in for the class party on Feb. 14 each year?

Fun times.


For the most part, these cards were cheesy, cheap and did their part to make us feel special. We're talking about the incredibly corny puns, large puppy dog-eyed characters and everything you remember from the '50s: rosy cheeks, antique telephones and big bows. Click here to read more and view the collection.

Did you recognize any from your childhood?

Donna

Ida Tarbell

Dear Readers,

During my novel research, I found an interesting article about Ida Tarbell, an investigative reporter. She was an example of diligent research, good ethics, and hard work. I enjoy reading about her contributions to society. Below is an excerpt from the article.




Ida Tarbell (1857-1944), the sole woman who matriculated in 1876 and graduated in Allegheny College class of 1880 was America's first great woman journalist. She set an example that today's practitioners would do well to emulate. A relentless pursuit of all the facts and fairness in presenting them marked her writing throughout her career. She also refused to exploit her professional accomplishments for monetary gain or celebrity status. Click here to read more.

Donna
 

Vintage Valentines

Hello,

With Valentine's Day fast approaching, I thought we would enjoy a bit of fun looking at old Valentine's Day Cards.

The postcards date from the early 1900s and the cards are from the late 1930s through early 1940s.
Click here to view the collection.


Enjoy,
Donna

Contest Winner

Hello,

The winner of the "finish the sentence" contest is Kathleen Maher. Congratulations Kathleen and thank you to all who participated.

Kathleen if you would please leave your email address in a comment, I can start the communicating process to get you your prize. I will not publish your email.

Thanks,
Donna

Editors?

Hello Readers,

Have you ever wondered at which stage it would be good to hire an editor to look over your manuscript? As we complete our novels and re-write them, there comes a time when it is a serious consideration to ask another pair of eyes to help out. Rachelle Gardener recently ran an article on this topic.

Here are some questions I’ve received from readers lately, and my brief answers.

I’m stuck on my second draft. When is it a good idea to bring in an outside editor?

You should bring in an editor when you can’t go any further on your own. Try a critique partner first—it will save you money and help you get your manuscript to the point where the cost of an editor will be worth it.

Click here to read the rest of the article. It is informative and worth the trip.

Donna

 

Contest Update

Greetings readers:
We are running a little behind, and so will announce our contest winner on Monday, Feb.4th. Sorry for the delay, but life got in the way. Hey, that rhymes! Have a great weekend and check back on Monday for the announcement!

Television in the 1950's

Yes, there was television in the 1950's dear readers.

Today's featured article focuses on the television sets of that decade and some of the programs aired during that season in our country's history. It was a fun read. I hope you enjoy it too.


The fifties had a lot of innovation in the entertainment department. Handheld transistor radios were a man's best friend, and a brand new device known as television was coming in full force to take over the living rooms of America.

While the television itself has become a staple of American culture, the old television clicker, or better known as the remote has been easily forgotten. But why has it? After all, every day millions of people use the device to find their favorite television shows, and without it, some of these people would just be plain old lost. Click here to read the rest of the article.

Donna