To share and connect with those interested in writing from life, recording their personal histories, writing a memoir for publication and/or personal use, and all things related to writing one's story.
"Have you thought about writing your family history, but found yourself stuck from the start? Writing a family narrative can be a daunting task, but Karen Jones Gowen found a way to bring her mother's story to life." (Homespun Magazine)
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
P is for People Dead or Alive
A man said that there are no dead people. And I suppose that's true if one believes in life after death, which I do. When I wrote Farm Girl, I could feel my Grandmother Marker's presence and interest in this book. I was very aware of the presence of those who had gone before and whose stories were recorded there.
This is my favorite photo from Farm Girl, showing young Lucille on the fence around her family's farm. To me, it seems like she is looking back and forward at the same time. Back at all those who came before and sacrificed so their children could have a better life, and forward to those to come.
My dad died when I was just a kid, but even now I sometimes feel his presence. The times when he pops into my mind without apparent reason...well, I wonder it those are the times HE'S thinking about me as well.
I totally see that in the photo. I have always believe that those we love don't go too far from us. I like the idea of our loved ones cheering us on as we go through life.
Whenever we visited my grandparent's farm we slept in the attic and woke up to the smell of bacon and coffee.
A week after my grandma died I woke up one morning to the smell of bacon and coffee, and suddenly I was a kid back in the farm house attic. I think my grandma was standing beside my bed saying hello.
A traveling Nonny. Foodie. Writer. Exclamation point addict in recovery. With extreme restraint I managed to write this bio without using a single exclamation point.
"I devoted myself, early on, to writing. Really writing. Just doing it, no matter how awkward and unfit I felt. So every single morning I am on the planet, I grit my teeth and this hard, embarrassing, abject, thrilling thing--writing--because I want, in part, to count." (from Page after Page by Heather Sellers)
Photos from Farm Girl
High school graduation photo of Lucille Marker, the farm girl
Lucille drinking from the well
John Marker, Dust Bowl Days
The Marker Nebraska farmstead
"Farm Girl presents a vision of life on a Nebraska homestead during the 1920's and 1930's, told from a child's perspective, and illustrated with photographs of the time." (Quincy Herald Whig)
"Through the intertwined stories of the life of the Marker family and of the broader historical time period, the book is more than captivating. Gowen's vivid account of her mother's life allows Farm Girl to read as seamlessly as if one were recalling personal memories." (The Holyoke Enterprise)
"Farm Girl will capture the interest of readers in the photos the book contains and witty recollections Lucille has of her grandparents in Catherton Township." (The Red Cloud Chief)
To Buy My Books
True coming of age story of a young girl growing up on a 1930's Nebraska farm.
Click to order
A young married couple struggles to find balance during the over-the-top decade of the Seventies. An autobiographical novel.
Praise for Uncut Diamonds
"What I love is the dialogue." (Deirdre Paulsen, BYU English professor)
"Gowen shows a command of the language." (Jennie Hansen, Meridian Magazine)
"Uncut Diamonds--A unique piece of artistic realism." (M. Gray, Author)
"...tight, realistic, warm family truth... exactly the kind of realistic character-and relationship-driven writing I have been waiting to happen in the LDS market." (Marilyn Brown, award-winning author and benefactor of the annual Marilyn Brown Award)
For More Information about My Five Published Books please see website karenjonesgowen.com
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That's a great pic of young Lucille!
ReplyDeleteI always like to think that people I've loved who are now gone are here with me in spirit. Take care
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I believe in spirits. It's lovely to think someone is watching over you.
ReplyDeleteI too believe those who have gone before us are watching over us. Great photo! Looking back and looking forward....I think she is at that.
ReplyDeleteThat's a wonderful picture. :)
ReplyDeleteMy dad died when I was just a kid, but even now I sometimes feel his presence. The times when he pops into my mind without apparent reason...well, I wonder it those are the times HE'S thinking about me as well.
I totally see that in the photo. I have always believe that those we love don't go too far from us. I like the idea of our loved ones cheering us on as we go through life.
ReplyDeleteWhenever we visited my grandparent's farm we slept in the attic and woke up to the smell of bacon and coffee.
ReplyDeleteA week after my grandma died I woke up one morning to the smell of bacon and coffee, and suddenly I was a kid back in the farm house attic. I think my grandma was standing beside my bed saying hello.