Feathers & Trumpets, A Story of Hildegard of Bingen

 March 16th Launch

What an exciting week it is! My publisher is hosting a launch party for my book this weekend, and I'm preparing a talk. Looking back over my 13-year journey with this story has been an amazing exercise. Most writers do not write in a vacuum. In re-living each stage of my manuscript, I've come to appreciate more deeply the mentors and colleagues who have guided me to each milestone. I've paid homage to Agnes, the character who walked onto the page and changed my writing.

Appearances and opportunities are starting to line up, and I hope young readers will soon meet the young medieval girl who developed into the 12th century's strongest female voice. Though I will never achieve Hildegard's fame, I am thinking how far I have come and am enjoying my little spotlight. Thank you, Vermont College of Fine Arts for preparing me for this journey!

I hope that Saint Hildegard is smiling.

Feathers & Trumpets, A Story of Hildegard of Bingen, YA historical novel
Apprentice Shop Books, March 16, 2014

Poetry Friday

Here’s a poem from New Hampshire’s Sarah Josepha Hale. The author of the nursery rhyme “Mary’s Lamb” and editor of the first women’s magazine, Godey’s Lady’s Book, Sarah firmly believed in a national day of Thanksgiving. She wrote letters for years advocating for this holiday. In 1863, Lincoln’s proclamation made it a reality. Heidi hosts the roundup today at my juicy little universe

HAPPINESS
“Tis not when th’ obsequious throng
Raise their plaudits loud and long,
Golden showers each wish supply
And surfeit even luxury;
‘Tis not then we taste of bliss,
Or feel the glow of happiness.

Rosy health the cheek may dye,
Youth exult with jocund eye;
Pleasure spread her syren feast;
Parasites attend their guest;
‘Tis not then we taste of bliss,
Or feel the glow of happiness.

Haste, unlock the hoarded store;
Feed the hungry, clothe the poor;
Aid the injured, nor the sigh
Of sorrow pass unheeded by.
Then, yes, then we taste of bliss,
and feel the glow of happiness.

Sarah Josepha Hale
from The Genius of Oblivion and other Original Poems, 1823


Check out To My Countrywomen, The Life of Sarah Josepha Hale by Muriel L. Dubois at Apprentice Shop Books.