Helen B. Henderson's Blog, page 90

2015 Rose Hill Cemetery Tour

History Comes Alive in Matawan At
Rose Hill Cemetery

-- Called by some the
most haunted cemetery in
New Jersey.

Saturday, October 17 at 2:00 PM
Sunday, October 18 at 2:00 PM                     









Join Local historian Al Savolaine of the Matawan Historical Society and the Rose Hill Board at the  annual guided walking tour of Matawan’s Rose Hill Cemetery.   Where:   Rose Hill Cemetery, Ravine Drive, near the intersection of Ravine and Middlesex Road. (Parking in cemetery & in the school lot across street)$10 per adult; $5 for children over 12.tickets available at event;  All proceeds from the tours will go to the preservation of the Rose Hill Cemetery.
 



 
It's a fun, interesting time with a knowledgeable guide. Among the tales told on other tours Ghost SightingsThe GREAT Matawan fire of 19011896 gruesome murder;Tragic 1916 shark attack victims; Strange death at the Matawan House HoteFuneral attended by two US presidents1918 Morgan explosion Civil War casualties, WWI heroes
Event Sponsored by the Matawan Historical Society and Rose Hill Cemetery                          For additional information contact: savolaine@hotmail.com

 

Tuesday's Title - Hidden History of New Jersey at War

Although fiction is usually featured as a Tuesday Title (and in a different format), this post showcases  Hidden History of New Jersey at War by Joseph G. Bilby, James M. Madden, Harry Ziegler.
 History books can assist authors in various ways. Those are the topic of many othr posts. When looking for a history book, among the criteria is where the information came from whether primary or secondary research. However authors also look at history for a storyline which leads to today's Tuesday Title. The following blurb from Hidden History of New Jersey at War points out how as an author we should pay attention to more than just the larger historical narrative.

The Garden State has made innumerable contributions to our nation's military history, on both battlefield and homefront, but many of those stories remain hidden within the larger national narrative. Perhaps the most crucial one-day battle of the Revolution was fought in Monmouth County, and New Jersey officers engineered the conquest of California in the Mexican War. During the Civil War, a New Jersey unit was instrumental in saving Washington, D.C., from Confederate capture.

In World War II, New Jersey women flocked to war production factories and served in the armed forces, and a West Orange girl helped ferry Spitfire fighters in England. War came home to the coast in 1942 with the sinking of the SS Resor by a German submarine, but the state's citizens reacted by contributing everything they could to the war effort. 

Uncover these and other stories from New Jersey's hidden wartime history. And who knows what storylines they'll inspire.  ~Till next time, Helen


Hidden History of New Jersey at War  
Available at Amazon.com
Paperback: 176 pagesPublisher: The History Press (May 6, 2014)Language: EnglishISBN-10: 1626191786ISBN-13: 978-1626191785About the AuthorsJoseph Bilby served as lieutenant in the First Infantry Division in Vietnam and is the author/editor of more than three hundred articles and fourteen books on New Jersey and military history. He is a trustee of the New Jersey Civil War Heritage Association, publications editor for its 150th Anniversary Committee and assistant curator of the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey.

James Madden has written for many Civil War publications, including the New Jersey Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission. He is a trustee of the New Jersey Civil War Heritage Association, the Historic Jersey City and Harsimus Cemetery, the Association of Professional Genealogists and the Jerramiah T. Healy Charitable Foundation for a Better Jersey City.

Harry Ziegler worked for many years at the Asbury Park Press, New Jersey's second largest newspaper, rising from reporter to bureau chief, editor and managing editor of the paper. He is currently associate principal of Bishop George Ahr High School, in Edison, New Jersey, and has co-authored several books on New Jersey history.(Author's Note: In the interest of full disclosure, Ziegler is a fellow graduate of Monmouth University.)

Tuesday's Title - Hawaiian Heartbreak

When do you let yourself admit a holiday romance is so much more?

Title: Hawaiian Heartbreak
Author: Libby Cole
Released: August 29 2015
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Buy link: http://www.amazon.com/Hawaiian-Heartbreak-1-Libby-Cole/dp/1517126223/
 
Blurb:
What do you do when you meet someone who could be the love of your life, but to be together, one of you will have to give up everything?

Kayla had her life all mapped out, before her ex-boyfriend tipped her world upside down by cheating on her. But she's had her time licking her wounds. Now she's ready to take time out for herself on a dream vacation in Hawaii. If that won't pull the shattered pieces of her heart back together, nothing will. 

What she hadn't planned on was falling for someone new. Especially someone tall, tanned, and distractingly sexy. What starts out as a fun holiday fling quickly turns into a full-blown love affair, with neither wanting to face up to the fact that the clock is ticking until Kayla has to return home.


(The first book of three in the Hawaiian Heartbreak trilogy. This book is recommended for readers over the age of 18 due to explicit sexual content.)

Author Bio:
Libby Cole was an avid fan of romance books before she decided to do what she loved, and become a writer of them too.

Now you can usually find her in a cafe in her home town of Wellington, New Zealand, typing up her latest love story while having her fifth coffee of the day.

If you want to know when new books are out, and special deals underway, head to https://libbycole.wordpress.com/find-out-when-new-books-are-published/ and sign up to the email list. 

Blog posts on daily writing frustrations, terrible beauty tips, and book giveaways can be found as her website https://libbycole.wordpress.com/. To connect through Goodreads, check out https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14245495.Libby_Cole or follow through Amazon on http://www.amazon.com/Libby-Cole/e/B014OL08C0/

Pre-Release Orders Being Taken - From the Back Street to Main Streeet

History of a congregation chronicled from its first church building back amongst the horse barns through to the 21st century church.

From the Back Street to Main Street chronicles the Society of Methodists of Middletown Point from its early beginnings with circuit rider preachers to the current congregation of the 21st century as the Matawan United Methodist Church in Aberdeen. Author Helen Henderson blends the context of times past with over 100 images as she presents over 180 years of the church’s history and that of the Monmouth County, New Jersey towns of Matawan Borough and Aberdeen Township.
 

Author Helen Henderson blends the context of times past with over 100 images as she presents over 180 years of the church’s history and that of the Monmouth County, New Jersey towns of Matawan Borough and Aberdeen Township.

Two-hundred forty pages long 100 plates of photographs and artwork, comprehensive indexUse the Pre-Release Order Form to order signed copies from the author by mail. General paperback release 11/15/15, ebookto follow. Click on the cover in the banner for full details.
 

Out and About--Update Matawan Day Cancelled

****  UPDATE ****
MATAWAN DAY IS CANCELLED.

APOLOGIES I CAN'T MAKE THE RE-SCHEDULED DATE.


Due to the weather cancelling the book signing at Matawan Day, use the Pre-Release Order Form to order signed copies from the author by mail. 
  ~   ~   ~


History of a congregation chronicled from its first church building back amongst the horse barns through to the 21st century church.

From the Back Street to Main Street chronicles the Society of Methodists of Middletown Point from its early beginnings with circuit rider preachers to the current congregation of the 21st century as the Matawan United Methodist Church in Aberdeen. Author Helen Henderson blends the context of times past with over 100 images as she presents over 180 years of the church’s history and that of the Monmouth County, New Jersey towns of Matawan Borough and Aberdeen Township.
 

Author Helen Henderson blends the context of times past with over 100 images as she presents over 180 years of the church’s history and that of the Monmouth County, New Jersey towns of Matawan Borough and Aberdeen Township.

Two-hundred forty pages long100 plates of photographs and artwork,comprehensive index.
 

Out and About--In Matawan and Aberdeen

The Matawan Historical Society will be hosting a special pre-release signings for the new local history book, From the Back Street to Main Street... And Beyond at the following events.


Aberdeen Day, Sept. 26th 12 - 4 at the
Matawan-Aberdeen Regional High School
Matawan Day, October 3rd, 12 - 5 Main Street Matawan
A limited number of copies will be available for signing.
For more information on the events or to reserve a book for pickup at one, contact: helenhenderson.author@gmail.com

Use this Pre-Release Order Form to order signed copies from the author by mail.
  ~   ~   ~



History of a congregation chronicled from its first church building back amongst the horse barns through to the 21st century church.

From the Back Street to Main Street chronicles the Society of Methodists of Middletown Point from its early beginnings with circuit rider preachers to the current congregation of the 21st century as the Matawan United Methodist Church in Aberdeen. Author Helen Henderson blends the context of times past with over 100 images as she presents over 180 years of the church’s history and that of the Monmouth County, New Jersey towns of Matawan Borough and Aberdeen Township.
 

Author Helen Henderson blends the context of times past with over 100 images as she presents over 180 years of the church’s history and that of the Monmouth County, New Jersey towns of Matawan Borough and Aberdeen Township.

Two-hundred forty pages long100 plates of photographs and artwork,comprehensive index.
 

Tuesday's Title - Dragon Knight's Axe

     Be swept away by battles, ancient curses and magic.   

Title:  Dragon Knight's Axe (Book 3 of the Order of the Dragon Knights)
Author: Mary MorganDate of Release: June 26, 2015

Genre: Paranormal Time-travel Scottish RomancePublisher: The Wild Rose PressBuy Links: Amazon   Barnes & Noble

Blurb:

Battled scarred, Dragon Knight, Alastair MacKay, has fled to the seas to separate himself from his powers that are connected to the land. Yet, when he rescues a woman from a slave trader in Ireland, he steps back inadvertently into a world filled with magic—taking on the role of protector and leading him on a journey to confront his greatest fears.

Research assistant, Fiona O’Quinlan loves translating ancient artifacts at Trinity College. When she falls asleep on an archeological dig, she awakens in another time. She soon discovers a Dragon Knight’s relic has been entrusted into her care. Determined to return the artifact to the Great Glen, Fiona is unprepared for the danger ahead—losing her heart and soul to Alastair “Beast” MacKay.

Will their love be strong enough to soothe the beast and heal the man? Or will Death swing its axe, leaving them lost for all eternity?
About Mary Morgan:

I am a constant daydreamer and have been told quite often to remove my head from the clouds. Yet, this is where I find the magic to write my stories. Not only do I love to weave a good tale, but I have a voracious appetite for reading. I worked for Borders Books for almost fourteen years. Imagine my delight to be surrounded by so many books, talking to others about them, and getting paid.

I have traveled to England, Scotland, Ireland, and France. There are those who know me well when I say, “My heart is in the Highlands.” I believe I have left it there or maybe in Ireland.

When not writing, I enjoy playing in my garden—another place where magic grows. Of course, there is time spent with my family. They are the ones that keep me grounded.

Find Morgan and more information on the rest of the series on the web at http://www.marymorganauthor.com. Follow her on twitter https://twitter.com/@m_morganauthor.

What's in a Cover, Return to the Darkside

The series, "What's In A Cover," began with non-fiction. Taking advantage of a short hiatus from flying with dragons, I thought I'd celebrate the upcoming release of From the Back Street to Main Street… And Beyond by sharing its cover design.
Unlike the colorful covers for the fantasy series, the Dragshi Chronicles, the design for From the Back Street to Main Street utilized a different principle--KISS. Or for polite company, Keep It Simple SXXX (you fill in the blank.)
Unlike the previous non-fiction books, which covered multiple topics over an extended period of time, this one is about a single group for the shorter time span of only 180 years. And the final critera? The entire design one had to be suitable for a church.
Selecting a title was the easiest of the cover triad of title, image, and back matter. Combining the title of a slide presentation from an earlier anniversary celebration with a suggestion from a church member resulted in From the Back Street to Main Street… And Beyond.
The simplicity of the overall design meant the image increased in importance. A scan of the possible images grouped them into three possible themes: people, building, and objects.
Each category had its own issues. If a person, or group of people) was selected was from among the ministers, congregation members, or events received the honor? Various objects including the stained glass windows were evaluated and discarded. Only one window survived the demolition of the Main Street sanctuary and it was not available. Pictures taken over the years were not of production quality. The communion set seemed more appropriate for an antique reference. Early documents blurred into unreadability when seen in thumbnail size. Which left buildings.
No known image existed of the earliest sanctuary which left the landmark red brick building that graced the center of town for 100 years or the modern church of today.
For a history, some claim the older the image the better. But production issues such as crispness still had to be acknowledged. Laying out a selection of images in different formats from several eras helped narrow down the front cover image to three possible ones, then to one. A black and white cover wasn't wanted so the background became a solid color. Encircling the image with white provided contrasts for the art.
My personal approach to have a cover reflect the story raised the question of how to incorporate "And Beyond."  Putting both the old and new buildings made the cover too busy, especially with the long title. A reminder that the history book would be published in paperback as well as in digital format solved the problem of incorporating present and future with the past. The modern sanctuary went on the back cover.
Introducing From the Back Street to Main Street… And Beyond.
















The official release is mid-November, but if you are in the central New Jersey area, the Matawan Historical Society will be hosting a special pre-release of From the Back Street to Main Street… And Beyond at Aberdeen Day (September 26th, Matawan-Aberdeen Regional High School) and Matawan Day (October 3rd, Main Street, Matawan)
~till next time, Helen

Blog Post Optiimization

As blogging has increasingly become a more important aspect of a writer's life, whether we're promoting or disseminating information, I thought I'd share the following hint from Karen Cioffi.~Till next time. Helen


The Writers World --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Blog Post Optimization – 4 Tips

By Karen Cioffi
In a screen-sharing webinar for Writers on the Move, the topic was creating an optimized post on Blogger. Much of the information was relevant to posting to WordPress and other hosting sites.

When presenting webinars without the help of a moderator, you can sometimes miss questions – it’s tough to present and keep track of the chat box at the same time.

Reviewing the replay, I noticed I missed two questions, so there answered here. I’ll also include a couple of questions that I did answer during the webinar.

1. Where do you get the links to use for anchor text and deep linking in your posts?

You create your own lists of article titles and their links either in a Word or Excel document. I have a number of different lists: one contains posts from this site; one has posts from Writers on the Move, another is made up of articles from other sites.

I also have separate lists within those categories for writing and marketing.

This makes finding and using relevant article links easier and quick.

2. Do you need permission to link to someone else’s site?

No, you don’t. Linking to other sites is recommended for a couple of reasons:

a. It offers your reader a broader reading experience.
b. It brings traffic to the site you’re linking to.
c. You get more search engine juice from the article when you link to quality sites that are relevant to your content.

3. What’s the etiquette on responding to comments on your post?

It’s important to respond to every comment your post gets, if at all possible. This is the effective marketing thing to do. The visitor/commenter should feel that you took the time to read his comment and that you value his visit enough to respond.

It would be as if you had a guest to your home - you certainly wouldn’t ignore him.

In some cases this isn’t always possible, such as in the case of sites that get a tremendous amount of comments.

Comments, along with your responses, is part of blogging optimization. All your online activity is picked up by the search engines.

4. How many anchor text and deep links should you use?

If you’re hyperlinking text within your content, two should be sufficient. If you’re adding a “Read More” section at the end of the article, three to five links is a good amount.

Most sites use the ‘read more’ or ‘you might be interested in this also’ sections, rather than using anchor text within the content of the article. This format makes the post cleaner and easier for the reader to find and use the hyperlinks to additional information.

Definitions:

Anchor text - text within your blog post that you're linking to a webpage (yours or another website).
Deep linking - this is also called 'internal linking' and it's linking to other blog posts or webpages on your site. The first two links in the section below, More on Online Marketing, is an example of deep linking.

TO COMMENT, please go to:
http://www.karencioffiwritingandmarketing.com/2013/02/article-marketing-blog-posting.html

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I hope you found this information interesting and helpful. Too advanced, not enough, just right? I’d really love to know, so please leave a comment – good or bad or email me at: karencioffi@ymail.com

P.S. If you liked this article, PLEASE SHARE IT BELOW!






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Tuesday's Title - Dark Moon Rising

Dark Moon Rising: A searing paranormal romance of passionate love and intense hate…


Author: Jacqueline Seewald
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Luminosity
Buy Links: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Z7824A4/

Blurb:

Cassandra Lowry has a sixth sense. She dreams about a handsome man making love to her. He appears to need and want her. However, danger and evil surround him. Her dreams and visions are disturbingly real. When Cass drives south, her sensitivity warns her that something is not right. She swerves to miss a deer and her car ends up in a ditch. Chased by two country boys, she gets lost in the forest and spends a night exposed to the elements, only to be found the next day by her dream man.

Set in the modern South, this novel reaches back into a troubled family heritage. Two female ghosts, women from different centuries, haunt male members of the Hunt family. The heroine of this sensual gothic romance is young, just graduated from college, and alone in the world. Although in danger herself, Cass seeks to solve the mystery and end the curse that enshrouds the family while at the same time finding the passionate love of her life.


Author Bio: Multiple award-winning author, Jacqueline Seewald, has taught creative, expository and technical writing at Rutgers University as well as high school English. She also worked as both an academic librarian and an educational media specialist. Fifteen of her books of fiction have been published to critical praise including books for adults, teens and children. Her short stories, poems, essays, reviews and articles have appeared in hundreds of diverse publications and numerous anthologies such as: THE WRITER, L.A. TIMES, READER’S DIGEST,PEDESTAL, SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY MAGAZINE, OVER MY DEAD BODY!, GUMSHOE REVIEW, THE MYSTERY MEGAPACK, LIBRARY JOURNAL, and PUBLISHERS WEEKLY. 

She’s also an amateur landscape artist and loves blue grass music.

Find her on the web at: http://jacquelineseewald.blogspot.com