Jim Potter's Blog, page 7
June 15, 2023
Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Direct Selling
(To listen to the audio of this blog post, use the purple play button.)Direct Selling
When K-9 Kudzu: Observations of a Working Dog Who Loves to Play is published, I’m going to do an experiment with direct sales. I’m not going to share my print files with Amazon.com or Ingram Spark. Instead, I’m going to do my own thing.
Why should I give away the keys to the printing room, the keys to my newest creative work, so that Amazon can undercut my price and make more profit than me on my book?
Front cover of Deputy Jennings Meet the Amish printed by Amazon.
Front cover of Deputy Jennings Meets the Amish printed by Amazon.Another reason for direct sales is the quality of printing. K-9 Kudzu is a masterfully created and colorfully illustrated book. It would be a shame to have the colors print poorly. Unfortunately, it’s well known by indie authors that Amazon and Ingram Spark are inconsistent with their printing quality. Fortunately, POD Print, located in Wichita, has always been dependable for me.
In the past, whenever I’ve published a book, I’ve been quick to send Amazon and Ingram Spark my print files so they can market my books while I’m selling direct through my website. This time, with K-9 Kudzu, I’m going to focus on selling direct on my website and in person. This includes me marketing my books by getting out of my cave and participating in more commercial events.
Selling direct will allow me to benefit financially without a middle person taking a huge chunk of change. I’ll also learn who is purchasing my books. That will allow me to contact previous customers via email if I publish a sequel.
Click for full-size image
Click for full-size imageIf an independent bookstore wants to carry K-9 Kudzu, I’ll wholesale them the children’s book and at the same time promote my other titles. This feels better than helping Amazon put brick and mortar bookstores out of business.
By not involving Amazon with print book sales, I’ll lose some business and I’ll gain some business. That’s okay. It’s an experiment.
For those readers who no longer purchase print books, I intend to offer my e-book at Amazon, but if someone wants a dynamic, printed, color copy, then they can visit my website at jimpotterauthor.com to purchase it. Shipping and handling is free and customers pay no sales tax.
I’m ready to meet people and be a salesman. I believe I have a great product and will approach organizations and businesses such as FOP (Fraternal Order of the Police) lodges, K-9 police associations, school and public libraries, veterinarians, dog groomers, kennel clubs, animal shelters, book clubs, and more.
K-9 Kudzu will lead to speaking engagements. For some authors, speaker fees can bring in more income than the book sales. In the past, I’ve agreed to forgo a speaker fee if “x” number of my books are sold. I think that’s more equitable for everyone.
If I get tired of devoting extra time to marketing or if I decide writing is more important to me than direct selling, I can change my mind and reevaluate my approach.
Time will tell. That’s why I call it an experiment.
*
Until next time, happy writing,
The post Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Direct Selling appeared first on Sandhenge Publications.
June 8, 2023
Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Cover Reveal
(To listen to the audio of this blog post, use the purple play button.)
Click for full-size imageCover RevealToday’s the day to reveal the cover of K-9 Kudzu: Observations of a Working Dog Who Loves to Play.
We’re really pleased with the layout, including the title, illustrations of Kudzu and Deputy Tom Jennings, Kudzu’s introduction of the book, and the endorsements.
Once Gina Laiso, Integrita Productions, developed K-9 Kudzu’s branding image, we knew it would be displayed prominently on the cover. However, Deputy Tom Jennings was another story. We didn’t want Tom to overpower Kudzu, the narrator of the book, but we wanted Tom in uniform to reinforce the message that the children’s book was about law enforcement.
It’s brilliant having Tom wearing his duty belt, displayed without seeing his face, his image wrapped around the front to the back cover.
We found the limited space on the back cover too small to include the introduction of the book, three endorsements, two bios, and a barcode. That’s when Gina thought outside the box. She put K-9 Kudzu’s introduction on the front cover near Kudzu’s image, his eyes looking directly at the readers as though he was talking to them.
*
For those listeners on my podcast, here’s Kudzu’s introduction that we placed on the front cover, immediately below the title:
My name is Kudzu. I’m a German Shepherd Dog who works in law enforcement as part of a team. My partner’s name is Deputy Tom Jennings.
Since I’ve been working as a K-9 for the last fourteen years—that’s two years in people time—I’ve learned a lot about the way police officers do their jobs. Today I’m going to share with you some of the vocabulary words I’ve learned while helping police officers. I’ll introduce the words to you in alphabetical order.
Have fun learning! Kudzu
*
Click for full-size image
Proof of proofs from POD Print!And here are the three “blurbs” or endorsements on the back cover:
“I like the story because it is being told from Kudzu’s perspective as a police dog, and I got to learn police words. Kudzu was cute and funny. I love animals, especially dogs! Good job Kudzu!”—Isaiah St. Pierre, 10-year-old, 4th grade student
“A great book for students, parents, or teachers. Learn more about the canine unit with Kudzu’s humorous narrative. Read for fun or just because you love dogs or police officers. Fun and informative. – Gwen Bartlett, former grade school librarian
“The author did an excellent job of explaining the A-B-Cs of police work. Each chapter’s discussion questions can lead to meaningful dialogue between children and parents, increasing critical communication.”—Randy Henderson, Retired Reno County (KS) Sheriff; Executive Director KS Association Chiefs of Police; FBI National Academy Associate #227
POD Print, 2012 E. Northern St., Wichita, KS. www.podprint.com*
Finally, here are our bios:
Jim Potter has published an award-winning play, a police memoir, two novels, and over 200 blog posts and podcast episodes. K-9 Kudzu is his first children’s book. jimpotterauthor.com
Gina Laiso, Integrita Productions, is a graphic designer, videographer, and illustrator. She created all the dynamic color illustrations in K-9 Kudzu.
*
If you’re interested in purchasing K-9 Kudzu, we expect to have books in hand by mid-July and our website updated for online sales. If you’d like me to make a presentation about writing &/or publishing the book, contact me at jim@copintheclassroom.com.
*
Until next time, happy writing,
The post Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Cover Reveal appeared first on Sandhenge Publications.
June 1, 2023
Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Designer’s Proof
(To listen to the audio of this blog post, use the purple play button.)
We take Alex’s sculpture of Deputy Tom Jennings with us whenever we set up a vendor book table. Deputy Jennings and K-9 Kudzu are a team of two.
Tablecloth banner by D’s Duds, Hutchinson, KS helped me with my promotional and graphic needs. Contact Angie at dsduds@yahoo.com or www.dsduds.com.Designer’s Proof
We’re getting closer to a published book. It’s an exciting and anxious time with restless nights, but we can see light at the end of the tunnel and I’m positive it’s not another train.
This blog series about publishing my children’s book, K-9 Kudzu: Observations of a Working Dog Who Loves to Play, began the first week of January, so we’re five months in with one month, or so, to go. We’re expecting to celebrate publication prior to Hutchinson’s Third Thursday celebration on July 20th when I’ll be selling books at my “meet the author” table.
I’m pleased to report we’ve had a remarkable week of progress towards completing K-9 Kudzu. Gina Laiso, Integrita Publications, has been so productive that I’m wondering if she’s been swallowing sugar cubes by the mouthful. The book is now designed and formatted. This includes all, I said ALL, of the seventy-plus colorful spot illustrations!
J. Alex Potter, my trusted, visual, artistic adviser, has helped Gina tweak some final illustrations while I’ve made a few minor edits to the narrative.
As Gina works on the covers, Alex and I will examine the designer’s interior proof. We’re anxious to send K-9 Kudzu’s electronic file to POD Print, but we’re well aware that overlooked errors now can become expensive corrections later.
Typos are easiest to find by readers with fresh eyes. Thanks to the valuable proofreading service of author Melody Cole, our draft copy of K-9 Kudzu took another important step forward.
Melody may be reached at sentimentsofasurvivor@gmail.com. Her remarkable book is available for purchase at numerous locations, but I’d recommend https://timehonoredproductions.com/ if you’re ordering online. If you live in or near Hutchinson, KS, Bookends bookstore, 123 N. Main, is very supportive of local authors.
While Gina was completing illustrations, I did my online work of acquiring the Library of Congress control number, assigning the book to an International Standard Book Number (ISBN) I already had, preparing a barcode to be printed on the back cover, and lining up endorsements.
My barcode includes the retail price of $24.95. Pricing is complicated for indie authors because we want to sell as many books as possible at a reasonable price, but we can’t afford to give our books away. If we set the book’s price too low, it will prevent us from offering our book for sale at bookstores due to their commission rates, and we won’t make any money for our creative work.
As I’ve mentioned previously, the costs of publishing a children’s book increases drastically if you hire an illustrator and when you print in color.
Just recently, I received my last “blurb” or endorsement for K-9 Kudzu. All three will be printed on the back cover to help inform potential readers about what to expect from the book. The endorsements will follow my brief synopsis of the work.
I’m really pleased with the blurbs written by pre-publication readers who were sent an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) file. I’ll share their comments when I can display the front and back cover. The endorsers consist of a 10-year-old reader who loves dogs, a former elementary school librarian who owns a bookstore, and a former sheriff who is networked across the country.
My team of dedicated book lovers exemplifies the fact that it takes a village to birth a book.
This sounds premature, but I can’t help it. Like a proud parent, once K-9 Kudzu comes into the world I’ll want to show him off. If I meet you in the street or in an elevator, don’t be surprised if I make a speech, tell you stories, and show you photos. Please understand, he’s my beautiful baby.
*
Until next time, happy writing,
The post Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Designer’s Proof appeared first on Sandhenge Publications.
May 25, 2023
Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Sequel
(To listen to the audio of this blog post, use the purple play button.)Sequel
K-9 Kudzu branding image created by Gina Laiso, Integrita productions.
Our vendor table prior to purchasing a tablecloth banner from D’s Dubs.Last week I met several friendly members of the Hutchinson Kennel Club (HKC) and their well-behaved canine companions. We gathered at the Reno County Museum during Third Thursday activities. The club volunteers shared with the public a great deal of educational information about dog care and training. They even had a dog breed parade! It was an enjoyable time.
Alex and I set up our vendor table and promoted our upcoming color-illustrated children’s book, K-9 Kudzu: Observations of a Working Dog Who Loves to Play. I was given the opportunity to introduce myself and K-9 Kudzu to the participants. That led to people signing up to be notified when the book’s available for purchase this summer.
I learned quite a bit about the Kennel Club. I’m amazed at how the organization continually offers training classes and competitions to the public. It’s always busy.
Here are some of the classes available at the Hutchinson Kennel Club: Puppy Kindergarten, Obedience, Agility, and Conformation. Also, members make regular Therapy Dog Visits to nursing homes, schools, and to a youth shelter. Check out the club’s website for a listing of upcoming events at www.hutchinsonkennelclub.org. HKC’s mission is “to promote activities that increase the bond between dog and owner and that are enjoyed by both dogs and owners.” I like the club’s tagline: “We train you to train your dog.”
*
What surprised me the most after meeting so many dog people, and learning about extensive training, was the urge I had to write another children’s book using K-9 Kudzu as the narrator.
A writer friend of mine, Kimber Silver, wrote a should be #1 Best Seller in the genre of murder mystery-romance. Titled Broken Rhodes, readers, including me, have asked Silver: “When is your next book coming out?” and “Is there a sequel?” Being asked for more of your books is the best compliment an author can receive.
To read the first four chapters of Broken Rhodes for free from Amazon, click the link below:
I don’t want to be presumptuous about the future success of my still unpublished book, but I’m hoping there will be a demand for a follow-up after K-9 Kudzu. So, I’m beginning research and developing story ideas for a sequel.
I’m researching dog training and considering how Julia, and Hannah, the children of Tom (K-9 handler) and Jesse Jennings, might have a larger role in a sequel. The girls could take courses in obedience, tracking, or agility training, each with their own dog.
It would be fun to have the canines—not the humans—share their experiences from the training classes. I can imagine the dogs discussing the ease or difficulty of scent and agility work, giving a critique of the trainer, and judging their doggie treats on a scale from one to ten.
*
I’ve already circled September 13, 2023, on my calendar as a dog event I don’t want to miss. During the annual Kansas State Fair, located on the fairgrounds in Hutchinson, HKC will run dog demonstrations most of the day in the Horse Expo Arena. It’s called Total Dog Demo.
I’m planning on having a vendor table to sell my books during the one-day event.
Meanwhile, I’m still preparing K-9 Kudzu for publishing and marketing. I’ve purchased a six-foot long plastic table and a tablecloth banner (the later, from D’s Dubs) that I’ll use as a vendor at community events. I know I need to spend money to make money, but I’m still waiting for my financial investment to reap rewards beyond personal pleasure. Hopefully, K-9 Kudzu will gain traction with dog lovers.
*
Last Saturday, the third Saturday of the month, I attended the Kansas Authors Club District 6 monthly meeting at Hutchinson Community College (also available on Zoom). I gave the writers an update on K-9 Kudzu, and they were supportive of my efforts as we discussed strategies for success. If you want to learn more about the Kansas Authors Club, check out the website at www.kansasauthors.org. The public is invited to attend the free meetings. Also, despite the name of the club, you’re not required to be an author to join.
*
Finally, here are a few questions for you. See what you know about authors.
Q: How can you tell if a person’s an author?
A: They’re always talking about their next book.
Q: How can you tell if authors are also marketers?
A: They’re always promoting their current book that’s for sale.
Q: How do you make authors laugh?
Multiple choice. Choose one.
a) Ask them how many books they’re writing simultaneously;
b) Ask them how many times they’ve changed the working title of their latest manuscript;
c) Tell them you have a great idea for a book they should write;
d) All of the above.
For me, the answer to the last question is “D”–all of the above.
*
Until next time, happy writing,
The post Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Sequel appeared first on Sandhenge Publications.
May 18, 2023
Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Promotion
(To listen to the audio of this blog post, use the purple play button.)
Color illustrations of Sparkle and K-9 Kudzu, created by Gina Laiso, Integrita Productions, in K-9 Kudzu: Observations of a Working Dog Who Loves to Play.K-9 Kudzu branding image created by Gina Laiso, Integrita productions.PromotionI’m chomping at the bit to get K-9 Kudzu: Observations of a Working Dog Who Loves to Play, published, but all good things take time.
Here’s my bad news: It’s tough watching so many great opportunities to sell my children’s book pass by because the book’s not ready for publication yet.
Here’s the good news: For the sake of my sanity, I choose to believe that most of my sales opportunities aren’t being missed, only delayed.
*
This advertising poster was created by Bri Buller, Event Coordinator, of the Reno County Museum. Used with permission.Today, May 18th, is Hutchinson’s (KS) monthly Third Thursday celebration where individuals, organizations, businesses—including vendors—gather downtown to have fun, socialize, get publicity, and attempt to make a buck.
I recently learned that at this Third Thursday’s celebration, the Hutchinson Kennel Club (HKC) will be offering Canine Good Citizen Evaluations, a drive-up chip clinic, and have its members available to answer questions. HKC’s table will be set up in the Reno County Museum’s courtyard (100 S. Walnut) from 5 to 7 p.m.
Thanks to Bri Buller, Reno County Museum’s Event Coordinator, I’ll have a vendor table next to HKC. In that location, I know I’ll learn a lot about canine care while I’m introducing myself and my upcoming book to their volunteers and my visitors.
*
I had this 2′ x 3′ K-9 Kudzu branding image laminated & dry mounted. I’ll use the poster for advertising at my vendor table at least until I get my tablecloth banner printed at D’s Duds Custom Clothing. The poster will be displayed using one of Alex’s sturdy painting easels.K-9 Kudzu, my book’s German shepherd dog narrator, introduces children to the world of law enforcement by examining police vocabulary words and telling stories. For example, the first few chapters are titled, “A” is for Accident, “B” is for Badge, “C” is for Car, “D” is for Detective, etc. As a big bonus, there are dynamic color illustrations.
At our vendor table, we have loose pages of the first few chapters of K-9 Kudzu to show the public. I highly recommend ESSDACK Marketplace for your printing and lamination needs. They do professional work and are reasonably priced. ESSDACK is located at the Hutchinson Mall.When you team up K-9 Kudzu–the police dog, with Deputy Tom Jennings–his handler, it’s a winning combination. As long as children enjoy stories about canines and/or police officers, and with half the US population owning a dog, there’s an unlimited number of customers waiting to discover my book.
There I go again. When I write a book, I’m an eternal optimist. I think my new publication will be discovered by the world and will lead to sales through the roof. As a fictional author with an active imagination, can you blame me?
For now, while I’m waiting for the illustrations to be completed, I’m selling my other books, promoting the next one, and collecting contact information from interested customers so I can notify them once K-9 Kudzu is available for purchase this summer.
I may not like waiting for my book to be published, but it’s much easier when I’m taking steps forward. I remind myself: I’m a lucky guy to be on this adventure. I’m a writer with a dream that’s come true. Today I get to meet new people and new canines while having fun selling my books. What could be better than that?
*
Until next time, happy writing,
The post Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Promotion appeared first on Sandhenge Publications.
May 8, 2023
Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Collaboration
(To listen to the audio of this blog post, use the purple play button.)CollaborationCopyright 2023 © by Jim Potter
I call myself a cave dweller. My computer cave room is where I, alone, write blogs and books. But, at some point, I do collaborate. While writing my books, I read my new chapters to Alex—my wife—and she regularly encourages me and improves my work.
Currently, I’m collaborating with Gina Laiso, Integrita Productions, as she creates colorful illustrations for my first children’s book, K-9 Kudzu: Observations of a Working Dog Who Loves to Play.
There are twenty-six chapters in K-9 Kudzu and most of them have at least two or three spot-illustrations. I’m sharing a few of them with you in today’s blog post.
Gina kept telling Alex and me that we needed to decide what Kudzu, a German shepherd police dog, looked like since he’s the book’s narrator, and would have a recurring image in different poses.
We knew we wanted Kudzu to look friendly and intelligent since the book was going to be educational. We also wanted to show the playful side of Kudzu because the best police K-9s have a heavy play-drive. And finally, we wanted K-9 Kudzu to be engaging and humorous without looking silly.
Eventually, all three of us were pleased with K-9 Kudzu’s branding image showing him playing with his blue ball.
When I originally sent Gina my finished book, I included ideas and placemarks for many illustrations, but my plans weren’t deeply developed. Then, she started a storyboard and layout, plotting the images among the formatted pages.
I’ve mentioned previously that my visual artistic skills are nearly none. I draw stick people.
Lucky for me, both Gina and Alex work extremely well together in communicating effectively and developing superb images. Gina creates the illustrations, then, at times, Alex, a visual proofreader, will recommend a tweak. The two professional artists are focused on the best presentation of the image while my feedback is more about it fitting into the context of the story.
It’s amazing how well the three of us work together. We listen attentively, we’re creative, and our egos are in check so we can produce the best outcome. That’s only possible because we respect, trust, and enjoy one another. I have no doubt that our finished product will be just as rewarding as our collaborative journey.
Gina had at least one book illustration job before us, with total creative freedom to visually tell the story. Her client wasn’t critiqing a thing during the process. That must have been liberating for Gina. In contrast, we’re eagerly engaged with each newly illustrated chapter. We can’t be Gina’s typical clients. I know we slow her down.
We’re lucky Gina is patient with us as we all work towards getting the illustrations “just right.” I marvel at her welcoming attitude upon receiving our suggestions. It can’t be easy. Fortunately, she doesn’t see it as going backward; she sees it as forward progress.
If you’re planning on writing a children’s book with illustrations, I wish you the best in finding a J. Alex Potter and a Gina Laiso. They’re both precious gems.
*
Until next time, happy writing,
To contact Gina Laiso, Integrita Productions, click on the following Facebook link.
http://www.facebook.com/IntegritaProductions
The post Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Collaboration appeared first on Sandhenge Publications.
April 29, 2023
Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Creative and Colorful Illustrations
(To listen to the audio of this blog post, use the purple play button.)Creative and Colorful IllustrationsCopyright 2023 © by Jim Potter
The above image, created by Gina Laiso, Integrita Productions, is trademarked as part of our branding.Everyone’s heard the expression about how something is so special it’s “icing on a cake.” The icing is an extra step. It makes something that’s already excellent, even better.
When I complete a draft of a book, I print it out and assemble the pages in a three-ring binder so I can hold the work in my hands. I also make sure that I have the title of the book displayed on the cover. Sometimes, I’ll even add a rough drawing of how I want the final, professional cover to look.
My old-fashioned, tactile routine of assembling mockups, without a hint of illustrations, never prepared me for the exciting visual world of colorful art and design required to build a children’s book.
Looking back, I feel like I’ve been a colorblind author. As I marvel at color illustrations created by Gina Laiso, Integrita Productions, I feel like it’s my first springtime when I appreciate the beauty of a wide assortment of sensuous flowers.
K-9 Kudzu: Observations of a Working Dog Who Loves to Play, my first children’s book, is written. Now, Gina continues to add images to enhance the reading experience to our targeted audience of 5th and 6th grade level students. I’m pleased to say that professional illustrator Laiso has already surprised me with her imaginative, creative, and colorful work. Her illustrations knock my socks off!
Here are a few illustrations that we’re using in K-9 Kudzu in the first three chapters. A small portion of each chapter is included with each illustration. If you haven’t heard, K-9 Kudzu is a German shepherd police dog who is the narrator of this book.
Color illustration by Gina Laiso, Integrita Productions from K-9 Kudzu: Observations of a Working Dog Who Loves to Play. To be published summer 2023.“A” is for AccidentOne time, Tom left me locked in our car for too long. Eventually, I needed to pee. When Tom didn’t return, I had an accident. It wasn’t planned. I didn’t do it on purpose. It was an accident.
I’ve been on duty with Deputy Jennings when he’s worked car accidents. In the summer, the asphalt on the highways can get so hot it feels like my feet are on fire. In the winter, I’m glad to be wearing my heavy coat.
After an accident, Tom always asks the driver, “What happened?” I’ve heard a lot of responses. Sometimes the driver blames another driver. Other times people admit to falling asleep or texting on their phone.
I’ve also heard people blame dogs for running out into the road. I don’t take it personally. I know dogs who don’t have a lick of common sense.
Illustration by Gina Laiso, Integrita Productions.*
“B” is for BadgeThe letter “b” is the first letter in badge, but it’s also the first letter in ball. I love playing with my blue ball. Tom picked that color because he knows it’s easy for me to see.
Deputy Jennings and I both wear a silver-colored badge that’s in the shape of a star with six points.
Both of our badges say, “Sheriff’s Office.” Tom’s badge also has his radio call number, “431.” Mine says, “K-9.” As a bonus, my badge is personalized with my name, “Kudzu.”
*
Color illustration, Gina Laiso, Integrita Productions.“C” is for CarEvery day—or night—when I work on patrol with my partner, Deputy Tom Jennings, he’s always using his car, computer, or camera.
While Tom drives our SUV, I’m usually in my kennel, which is located behind the front passenger’s seat. Since I don’t wear a seat belt, the kennel—or crate—is for my safety, not because I’m being punished.
Some states have dog restraint laws. They require the driver of the vehicle to secure their dog with a seat belt or crate when the vehicle is moving on the road. Other states have laws against distracted driving. That means drivers can get a ticket for having a dog on their lap.
On traffic stops, I’m always ready to assist Tom. If he’s outside the car and needs my help, he can press a remote button on his belt that opens the door of our SUV.
Tom can be funny. I try not to laugh at him when he gets tangled up in his seatbelt. He has more trouble getting out of the car than I do. Of course, I’m much faster. I have four legs and I’m in shape. Toms big. He tells people he’s “jumbo size.”
Our SUV is solid blue, but I’ve seen officers driving cars that are other colors. Some are black and white.
*
Until next time, happy writing,
To contact Gina Laiso, Integrita Productions, click on the following Facebook link.
http://www.facebook.com/IntegritaProductions
The post Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Creative and Colorful Illustrations appeared first on Sandhenge Publications.
April 26, 2023
Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Write While You Wait
(To listen to the audio of this blog post, use the purple play button.)Write While You WaitCopyright 2023 © by Jim Potter
It may not seem like it, but my children’s book, K-9 Kudzu: Observations of a Working Dog Who Loves to Play, is progressing. Gina Laiso, Integrita Productions, is very close to sending us a draft copy of the entire book with color illustrations. Once that occurs, we’ll start tweaking the images.
While publishing a book, it’s normal for authors to have time to begin writing their next one. I’ve started a sequel to Deputy Jennings Meets the Amish, a novella where Deputy Tom Jennings interacts with the horse-and-buggy Amish near Humble, Kansas.
In my novel-in-progress, I intend to hear more from my female characters, including Jesse Jennings—wife of Tom, and from Old Order Amish women.
The book begins when Jesse meets some Amish women in the waiting room at a chiropractor’s office. Jesse hears the women discussing how their “English” driver won’t be available to take them bulk-shopping the following week. Since one lady, Rosanna Borntrager Yoder, knows Tom, Jesse decides to speak up and make them an offer. However unlikely, Jesse volunteers to be their driver since she’s already planning a shopping trip to Wichita.
This introduction prepares readers for Jesse’s cultural exchange during her round-trip adventure with a van full of interesting Amish women.
*
Recently, I’ve been doing a lot of historical research on the Amish, both at local cemeteries and in friendly conversations with individuals. I don’t know yet if my day trips will inspire a fictional story of death and burial or if I’ll mention any migration from eastern Amish Country to the plains of Kansas.
A recent horse-and-buggy ride could be duplicated between the book covers, but if it does, I’ll need to account for Tom’s obesity if he and his family want to ride together.
*
The Amish in America: Settlements That Failed, 1840-1960 by David Luthy, was first published in 1986 by Pathway Publishers.The Old Order Amish community that I’ve been searching for in Hayes Township, McPherson County, Kansas, has been located thanks to a book by David Luthy (The Amish in America: Settlements That Failed, 1840-1960, copyright 1986) and information from Harry W. “Historian” Bontrager, Yoder, Kansas.
Luthy writes that the first Amishman who migrated to McPherson County, John Schlatter, came from Iowa as early as 1872. John Zimmerman, who arrived in 1877 from Iowa, became the settlement’s first minister. In 1884 Jacob J. Stutzman, a newly ordained minister from Indiana, assisted Zimmerman in the ministry.
Using a modern highway map, the Old Order Amish settlers (1872-1904) covered an area between Windom and Inman in McPherson County, KS. At the geographic midway point was a town called Monitor. It’s marked in lime green with an “X.” A red circle marks the location of the so-called “Amish Mennonite” cemetery. A half-mile west, also marked in red, was the meeting house which caused a “sorting out” or division in the congregation. One mile north, marked in pink, is the location of West Liberty Mennonite Church and Cemetery. The church was torn down in the 1970s. Today, two miles NE of Monitor is the active Monitor Church of the Brethren.
This Amish Mennonite cemetery is 3 miles north and 3.5 miles west of Inman, Hayes Township, McPherson County, KS. The earliest headstone marks the grave of John Zimmerman who died in 1877. He was the 2-year-old son of Old Order Amish minister John Zimmerman and Catherine Zimmerman.Until I studied Luthy’s book, I didn’t know if an Amish settlement ever existed in Hayes Township. Now I understand that the Amish settled in an area between the towns of Windom, Monitor, and Inman. I’ve also learned from Bontrager that the “Amish Mennonite” cemetery I visited is only a half-mile east from where John Zimmerman’s congregation’s meetinghouse once existed.
It makes sense that a congregation would have a nearby cemetery. And now I have a better understanding of how the word “Amish” became a part of the cemetery’s name. The burial ground was used by the early Amish and by a congregation of Old (MC) Mennonite families that became the West Liberty Mennonite Church 1.5 miles NW, before they started their own church cemetery.
The Amish settlement that was ministered by John Zimmerman and Jacob J. Stutzman sorted themselves out after a disagreement in 1886 over whether to continue holding church in the homes of the members or to build a meetinghouse for group worship. This controversy led to a division between Zimmerman and Stutzman, and they parted ways.
By 1902, Jacob Stutzman was living in Michigan. “In 1904 the Amish-Mennonite minister, John Zimmerman, and his congregation moved to Harper County, Kansas, in search of cheaper land. They dismantled their meetinghouse and rebuilt it at their new location.” (Luthy)
It’s common knowledge that over the years many Old Order Amish became Amish Mennonite and later, Mennonite, but I wonder how often Old Order Amish church members seek out a more conservative community.
While living in Harper County with their children who were Amish-Mennonite, John Zimmerman and his wife remained Old Order Amish and began attending Old Order Amish church services in Sumner County, twenty miles down the road. They traveled the extra distance because they believed their Amish-Mennonite congregation was becoming more Mennonite than Amish.
In 1919 the Zimmermans moved to Sumner County and became Amish members in that congregation. Then, John Zimmerman began taking his turn preaching with the other ministers.
As an example of irony, “when Jacob Stutzman died in 1921, a funeral service was held in Harper County at the Amish Mennonite meetinghouse which he had opposed in McPherson County. Then his body was taken to Sumner County for another service in charge of the Old Order ministry.” Old friend, John Zimmerman, “with whom he had disagreed thirty-five years earlier” preached the funeral sermon. (Luthy)
Jacob was buried in the Sumner County settlement’s cemetery. Two years later, John Zimmerman died. He was buried two graves away from Jacob. “Thus, two ministers who had parted ways in McPherson County now lay together in peace.” (Luthy)
*
Until next time, happy writing,
The post Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Write While You Wait appeared first on Sandhenge Publications.
April 20, 2023
Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: More Research
(To listen to the audio of this blog post, use the purple play button.)This cemetery is 3 miles north and 3.5 miles west of Inman, Hayes Township, McPherson County, Kansas. The earliest gravestone shows a burial in 1877. Most of the other burials were in the 1880s and 1890s.More ResearchCopyright 2023 © by Jim Potter
While my children’s book illustrator, Gina Laiso, Integrita Productions, is closer to sending me a draft of the book with color illustrations, I continue historical research on the Amish in preparation for my sequel to Deputy Jennings Meets the Amish.
Looking for Old Order Amish, finding MennonitesLast week I learned of an Amish Mennonite cemetery ten miles from our front door. I asked myself: How could I not know about this? Curious, I started searching Find-A-Grave’s website before my in-person visit. In my opinion, the second-best place to make historical connections is by reading headstones or gravestones. The best opportunity is interviewing an old timer.
Here are my questions generated from learning about the cemetery that was never lost: 1) Had there been a mostly forgotten Amish community in McPherson County, just up the road? 2) If so, had it organized as an Amish settlement, and if it existed, 3) when? 4) If it had been organized, when did it disband? 5) The on-line cemetery sign said, “Amish Mennonite Cemetery 1877,” but what did that term mean in the late 1800s when most of the burials took place? Were the settlers Mennonites of Amish origin, or Old Order Amish living amidst an increasingly progressive “change minded” Mennonite world? And finally, 6) What does the term “Amish Mennonite” mean today?
The term “Amish Mennonite” can be confusing because over time it has held different meanings. Followers of Jakob Ammann were originally called “Amish Mennonites,” or “Amish” for short after they “sorted out” from the Mennonites.
However, other writings explain that the term “Amish Mennonites” was adopted through reform movements among North American Amish, mainly between 1862 and 1878. These Amish moved away from the old Amish traditions and closer to the Mennonites, becoming Mennonites of Amish origin. Over the decades, Amish Mennonite groups removed the word “Amish” from the name of their congregations or merged with Mennonite groups.
The conservative Amish called themselves “Old Amish,” but outsiders eventually labeled them “Old Order Amish” because they defined their concerns in terms of a traditional understanding of the Ordnung (“order”)–church standards and regulations. [A History of the Amish, Third Edition, Steven M. Holt, © 2013 by Good Books]
Today, some students of history may explain that the Beachy Amish Mennonites and the Amish Mennonites are not Amish because of their different cultural practices, not because of differences in religion. For example, the Old Order Amish continue to use horse-and-buggies, reject electricity from the grid, and speak Pennsylvania Dutch, as a way of preserving their traditions and community.
The term “Amish Mennonite” has different meanings because people have every right to self-identify as they wish. Being an “Amish Mennonite” rather than a “Mennonite” may be a way for people to identify with their Amish roots, recognizing the importance of their cultural and spiritual journey, but also finding common cause with the larger group of Mennonites.
*
West Liberty Mennonite Church, in Hayes Township, McPherson County, KS, started their own cemetery on the church grounds in 1892. It used to stand next to their church cemetery. Prior to establishing their on-site cemetery, some members were buried 1.5 miles SE at the cemetery that is now called “Amish Mennonite Cemetery.”In my research, I could not find an Old Order Amish settlement in Hayes Township or anywhere in McPherson County. Instead, I learned that by the mid-1880s the Amish Mennonite cemetery had begun as a “Miller family cemetery” and was referred to as the “west Liberty cemetery” which could have referred to the geographical area since there was a Liberty school to the SE. This was prior to the establishment of West Liberty Church, organized in 1883, and it’s official incorporation in 1892 as West Liberty Mennonite Church. * (It was located four miles north and four miles west of Inman.)
Once incorporated, the church started their own cemetery on the church grounds. Prior to 1892, church members who died were buried in the “Amish” cemetery located a mile south and one-half mile east.
*
Elizabeth was married to, or wife of, D. M. Frey.
Tombstone of Elizabeth Holdiman Frey (1847-1890) in the “Amish Mennonite” Cemetery.To try and understand the early Hayes Township community, I chose to research a sampling of the people who are buried at the Amish Mennonite cemetery. One person is Elizabeth Holdiman Frey who was born in 1847, in Schuylkill, Pennsylvania. After her mother died and her father remarried, she was raised in Wheatland, Illinois.
In 1865, while living in Wheaton, Elizabeth, age 18, married Daniel Mentzer Frey, age 25, born in Warwick, Pennsylvania in 1840.
By the time the Freys arrived in Kansas about 1876, after living in Iowa, they had five children, and by 1899 they had four more offspring.
The tenth child never survived. As a result of childbirth in 1890, Elizabeth and the newborn baby died. Today, Elizabeth’s gravestone stands out in the Amish Mennonite cemetery with no trace of an infant’s grave marker.
Here’s Elizabeth’s obituary printed in the Hutchinson News on November 23, 1890:
Mrs. Elizabeth Frey, wife of Daniel M. Frey, who died at her home nine miles north of Hutchinson on Thursday morning, was buried last Friday. Rev. J. H. Keeler preached the funeral sermon from Psalms 1xxxx12 at the Mennonite church twenty-one miles north of Hutchinson. Rev. Zimmerman made a few remarks in the German language at the close of the ceremonies.
Mrs. Frey was a Christian loved and respected by all who knew her, as the crowded church proved. She exhorted all her children to meet her in heaven, and then passed quietly away. She leaves a sorrowing husband and nine children to mourn her death. Her age was 43 years, 10 months and 20 days.
*
I haven’t researched all twenty-four identifiable adults buried in the Amish Mennonite cemetery. Two members of the West Liberty Church buried in the cemetery (considered the church cemetery prior to the church opening their own cemetery next to the church) are Levi Lantz (1811-1887) and Lizzie M. Schrock (1850-1887). The last two people buried in the Amish Mennonite cemetery, but by then called “Union Cemetery,” were a married couple, Jacob J. Burkholder (1845-1926) and Nettie Unruh Burkholder (1855-1934).
We know that Nettie was born in Germany, united with the Mennonite Church at age 16, and immigrated to America with her parents in 1874. They landed in Philadelphia. Nettie and Jacob married in Indiana and moved to Kansas in 1880, settling on a farm eight miles NW of Inman, McPherson County. Her funeral services in 1934 were at West Liberty Mennonite Church.
Jacob united with the Old Order Amish Church when he was about twenty years old. “Later in life he became a member of the conservative branch of Amish to which church he remained a member until his death.” Since the above information is from the Gospel World (Vol. XVIII, No. 51- March 18, 1926), this means I may have located my first Old Order Amish member buried in the so-called Amish Mennonite cemetery.
If we only knew what was meant by the “conservative branch of Amish.” Could that mean conservative Amish Mennonite or conservative Mennonite? If so that might help explain Nettie and Jacob following a similar religious path in the same household.
I can still get confused about the differences between the Old Order Amish, Mennonites, and Amish Mennonites. Maybe, instead of their differences, I should be focusing on their similarities.
*
Until next time, happy writing,
* “Around five Old (MC) Mennonite families arrived in SW McPherson County in the early 1880s. One family moved from a Mennonite settlement in Marion County: Mathias Cooprider and his (3rd) wife, Susanna (Heatwole) (Brunk) Cooprider. The others moved from LaGrange County, Indiana: David D. & Veronica (Miller) Yoder, Samuel C. & Annie H. (Yoder) Miller, Reuben C. & Maggie C. (Bontrager) Yoder, and J. C. Bontrager and wife (?).” South Central Frontiers: A History of the South Central Mennonite Conference by Paul Erb, © 1974.
** In 1892, Daniel, 52, married Mary Elisabeth Lucas, 28, in Hutchinson, Kansas. After relocating to Oklahoma, they had five children together. Daniel died in 1925, Mary in 1937.
*** George R. Brunk Sr. (1871-1938), grew up on the western prairie near Marion, KS, then lived in McPherson County, KS, as a young man. At age 21 he was ordained to the ministry of West Liberty Church and at age 26 ordained to the office of Bishop. In 1900, he married Katie E. Wenger in VA, but they raised their family in McPherson County until 1909. Moving to Virginia, Brunk became known for his charismatic leadership and for editing “Sword and Trumpet,” an unofficial Mennonite paper. [His son, George R. Brunk II (1911-2002) is known for conducting huge summer “revival meetings” for weeks at a time under a massive tent, all across the Mennonite world.]
**** Thanks to Melissa Smith, McPherson Public Library, for sharing helpful resources.
*
The post Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: More Research appeared first on Sandhenge Publications.
April 13, 2023
Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Research
(To listen to the audio of this blog post, use the purple play button.)Copyright 2023 © by Jim PotterResearchNow that my children’s book is in the hands of illustrator Gina Laiso, Integrita Productions, I’m refocusing for a few days by doing some historical research in preparation for my sequel to Deputy Jennings Meets the Amish.
A Buggy Ride to Visit Christian C. Miller (1855-1931)
Christian H. Miller, b. Dec. 23, 1819, d. Mar, 24, 1889, 69 YOA
Today was a special day for me. I had an Amish horse and buggy ride. Harry “Historian” W. Bontrager, my Old Order Amish friend, was the driver. We’re from different cultures—Amish and English—but we’re both obsessed with researching history, especially when it’s local. In fact, we could talk history ‘til the cows come home.
Don’t tell anyone, but besides turn signals, blinkers, brakes, an interior dome light, and a slow-moving vehicle sign, Harry’s buggy has a horn.
Harry and I met through the mail when he purchased my novella, Deputy Jennings Meets the Amish. Even though we live in the same county, he heard about my book through my advertisement in The Budget, a weekly newspaper popular in Amish and Mennonite communities.
I know it’s strange, but I enjoy history so much that I often find myself researching people even if we’re not related. When I read a historical story about someone, before you know it, I’m searching old newspapers and the U.S. Census online to better understand their world and family through genealogical connections.
Harry and I share stories. He’s working on a history of the Yoder Amish (KS) community while I’m curious about the culture of the Old Order Amish. I don’t know enough Amish people well enough to categorize them, but I’m pleased that I’m acquainted with several “Plain People” who appear comfortable in answering my questions.
Christian C. Miller, b. March 31, 1855, d. Sept. 10, 1931, 76 YOA
Polly Plank Miller, b. Aug. 18, 1857, d. Feb. 7, 1925, 67 YOALately, I’ve been researching Christian C. Miller (1855-1931). He and his father, Christian H. Miller (1819-1889), are considered the founders of the 1884 Haven Township Amish settlement (that today includes the town of Yoder). Both men, and Christian C’s wife, Mary “Polly” Plank, moved from Shelby County, IL, to Reno County in September 1883.
According to The Family Record and History of Mose P. Miller, (son of Christian C. and Polly) the first post office in Yoder, KS, was in the house of Christian C. Millers.
My first introduction to Christian C. Miller was learning of the amputation of his left leg above the knee to save his life in 1896, and that the leg was buried at the cemetery on his property 1.5 miles east of Yoder. Christian C’s successful surgery took place on his dining room table with neighbors holding him down while three Hutchinson doctors performed the life-saving task. (Yoder Amish Cemetery Records)
In The Family Record and History of Mose P. Miller, Katie E. Miller Schrock Miller, youngest child of Christian C. and Polly, repeated a family story on how her father’s left leg had gotten infected. She was born a year after the surgery, so she never knew him without crutches.
Christian C. had a threshing rig and a crew that could be gone the entire week except Sunday, depending on the distance to the next farm and the weather. “One time while waiting on a shower of rain, the crew got to wrestling. A big, rough guy picked up Dad and socked him down hard on his feet. Dad said he never forgot how he saw the stars fly in all directions when he landed. It bruised his leg which developed bone arysiplis (infection).” [Spelled erysipelas]
After the amputation, and due to Christian C. using crutches, he was given a nickname. To distinguish him from other Christian Millers in the community, he went by the name “Lame Crist” until his death in 1931. (Yoder Amish Cemetery Records)
In 1909, Christian C. sold the one-acre plot of land to the Haven Mennonite Church for one dollar. By that time, Christian C., and Polly Plank, had buried four of their children and Christian’s father in the Old Order Amish Cemetery. (Yoder Amish Cemetery Records & Reno County Register of Deeds.)
On this 1918 plat map, Christian C. Miller is noted as “The First Mennonite Farm.” His property is 1.5 miles east of Yoder. Note the cemetery symbol on the SW corner of Mose P. Miller’s (1885-1978) property. He was a son of Christian C. and Polly.
While riding back to Yoder, I thought of my only other Amish buggy excursion. It was in 1990, 33 years earlier, when Dennis Schrock, 19, gave Alex—my wife—and me a ride on a hot July night.
As Harry and I neared Buddy’s home, I was surprised that the Morgan breed horse picked up speed all on his own. It seemed remarkably fast for a one horsepower “engine” that was twenty years old.
*
Until next time, happy writing,
The Family Record and History of Mose P. Miller, compiled by Clarence and Edna Miller, Chouteau, OK, in 2006.
The post Publishing My Children’s Book in Six Months: Research appeared first on Sandhenge Publications.
