I am looking forward to the last show of the year. It’s coming up this Saturday Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be 100 vendors offering unique gifts.
The show is making a comeback after a two-year hiatus. Overall, I did well this year compared to previous years. Although I missed a big one–Christmas Through Lowell due to illness.
Books available
Book Nook of Saugatuck, Bettie’s Pages
My hottest seller remains historical fiction The Lost Town set in Singapore, MI.
I am wrapping up the final edits to The Quest for the Lost Town.
My second best seller is my award-winning Greenwich Meridian Memoir which is a two-generation saga trackng our escape from former Czechoslovakia.
Stop by to purchase a unique gift that keeps on giving. My book no. 2 Secrets continues to sell very well. Part of its magic is the 3D optical illusion cover titled Gossip, and then the killer title Secrets.
Copyright (c) Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.
Author of the Shifting Sands series, Greenwich Meridian Memoir a journalist for The Lowell Ledger & Podcast Producer.
Novel set in Michigan’s most famous ghost town
By Emma Palova
The Lost Town
In the third book of the Shifting Sands series- “The Lost Town”- author Emma Palova of Lowell creates the protagonist, Miss Ida. The historical fiction novel is set in the ghost town of Singapore on the shores of Lake Michigan at the foot of the sand dunes adorned with white pines. Beautiful Ida is torn between her hometown of Chicago and her new home on the other side of the lake, and between two men.
Developed by New York investors, the once-thriving settlement of Singapore nurtured the dreams of adventurers like Oshea Wilder and pioneer settlers alike. Singapore would rival Chicago and Milwaukee. It almost did with its sawmills, hotels, boarding houses, stores, and a “wildcat” bank.
Entrepreneurial Ida struggles to adjust to the rough environment but finds more than support from her boss who invited her to Singapore to be the “Mistress” of the Big House. A “wildcat” bank was established in Singapore in 1837.
Who will win Ida’s heart?
INTRODUCTION
I first visited Saugatuck originally “Flats” in the mid-1990s while exploring the Lake Michigan shore and its resorts. It struck me as a charming resort town at the confluence of the Kalamazoo River and Lake Michigan. I immediately fell in love with the shops on main which is Butler Street named after the first white settler, William Butler, who came to the area in 1830.
I was already writing at the time, always on the lookout for new themes and subjects. The lakeshore has provided a bounty of stories with its natural beauty settings, the Great Lakes lore and history. Enchanted by the small-town atmosphere of these lakeshore resorts, I wrote travel pieces for different magazines and newspapers. In pursuit of a travel story, I took a ride aboard the Saugatuck riverboat to the mouth of the Kalamazoo River, the re-engineered channel that cut off half a mile of the river with its bends near the buried ghost town of Singapore.
It was at the northernmost bend of the Kalamazoo River where the thriving settlement of Singapore once stood. One of the largest sand dunes in the area stands on what the old maps indicate as the main street in Singapore running east to west on top of the bend.
On another visit, we took a ride through the eerie sand dunes north of Saugatuck, and that too stayed with me forever along with the sand dune Mt. Baldhead aka Monarch of Dunes that I never got to climb. And that the sand hills could bury a town with its dreams and its future. Was it destiny?
I stepped inside the Saugatuck Drug Store at 201 Butler Street in the summer of 1995 and found out about the ghost town Singapore buried in the shifting sands from a book about Singapore. I was determined to write about this Michigan’s most famous ghost town. I just didn’t know when. I must have used some of the information about the ghost town of Singapore in an essay, but I don’t remember when. It’s been that long ago. But the inspiration never went away. It just stayed with me.
In 2017, I published the first book in the Shifting Sands series: “Short Stories.” I used the analogy of shifting sands in the case of character development that characters shift their personalities with their stories if they make it. I like the idea, people loved the title and the stories, so I continued with book two in the Shifting Sands series: “Secrets.”
During an author’s event at the Lakeshore Art Festival (LAF) in Muskegon in 2019 & 2021, several people asked me if Shifting Sands series has a story about the original shifting sand dune of Muskegon. I didn’t know there was a shifting dune in Muskegon. So, I pulled out the book about Singapore searching for inspiration. I wanted to write a short story about Singapore in the third book in the Shifting Sands series: “Steel Jewels.”
However, I found out there was a lot more to Singapore that would make it into a novel on its own merit. I switched tracks from penning a book of short stories as my NaNoWriMo 2021 project to penning a novel “Shifting Sands: “The
Lost Town.” It seemed like a natural transition considering the town’s interesting destiny. I did some research ahead of time.
We visited Saugatuck on October 8th, 2021, and stopped at the museum of the Saugatuck Douglas Historical Society (SDHS) where I took pictures of the exact location of the ghost town of Singapore. Once I started writing the novel, I did research as I wrote. The research usually transpired into later scenes which have proven to be an interesting insight in itself.
This is my second historical fiction piece after “Silk Nora” in “Secrets.” I love history because it inspires my writing, whether non-fiction or fiction. “Greenwich Meridian Memoir” is set on the backdrop of two major historical events: the 1968 Prague Spring and the 1989 Velvet Revolution. History seeps into most of my stories.
March 2022
The whimsical cover was designed by graphic artist Jeanne Boss of Rockford. The book was edited by Carol Briggs of Lowell.
Winter book signings
Nov. 15-17, 2024 Christmas through Lowell, Lowell Area Historical Museum, 325 W. Main St., Lowell, MI
Dec. 3 West Catholic High School Craft Show,
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
West Catholic High School 1801 Bristol Ave NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Listen in to the interview on @The Morning Show with Shelley Irwin on 95.3 / 88.5 FM Grand Rapids and 95.3 FM Muskegon
Click on the link below to listen to the interview.
I’ve been waiting for this beauty to bloom. Acidanthera is also known as peacock orchid. It has beautiful white flowers on long stems. I planted it only in May. Unlike their tropical counterparts, it wasn’t expensive. I only paid $9.99 for 30 bulbs. The ones planted in the pot are doing the best.
My other gardening great news is that one of our cherry trees is recovering and has new leaves. We also planted more plum trees for our plum brandies, and of course, it’s harvest time. The fruits are looking great. For info about our Moravian Sons Distillery go to https://moraviansonsdistillery.com/
I also canned blueberry syrup which is out of this world. We used it to mix our signature cocktail Blueberry Crush. I designed the cocktail after studying the basics of making a good cocktail.
Summer events & discoveries
I hate to see summer go. Overall, I had a good selling season. My best event was the Wild Blueberry Festival in Paradise, UP. I was there with seven other authors. We stayed in Paradise Shores Cabins which were excellent. Thanks to our hosts Mark & Melody Ricci. We discovered a hidden gem on Lake Superior- Crisp Point Lighthouse.
Last author’s summer event
Sept. 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Apple & BBQ Festival, Silver Lake Sand Dunes
Join us for the Winter Virtual Festival by Pages Promotions on Zoom every night in February except for Valentine’s Day. Register by 6:45 p.m. for a chance to win a signed copy of a book on the fabulous Spinny Wheel of Happiness. Support your local authors.
The Case of the Missing Manuscript
Bring the entire family to listen to the authors’ readings at 7 p.m., followed by the Case of the Missing Manuscript. Help us solve the mystery with your witness.
Who did it? Was it the sly reporter? The snarky head librarian? The historic author with one last copy of his book? The foggy psychic? The traveling author at large? The vague library assistant? The suspicious researcher? or the mysterious Coffee Lady?
Join us for the 23rd annual Mid-Michigan Women’s Expo in Lansing at the Lansing Center, 333 E. Michigan Ave. next weekend including Friday.
Michigan Authors representing most genres will be among the 300 exhibitors. They are Jean Davis, Emma Palova, Loraine J. Hudson, Kristine Brickey, Sylvia Hubbard, Norma Lewis, Mikel Classen, Melanie Hooyenga, Rod Sadler, Julie Nelson, Rhonda Accardo, and Andrew Smith.
This is a fun day out geared toward ladies and their families or friends. There are lots of demonstrations, samples, activities, and opportunities to support local businesses and artists. There’s even a bar so you can enjoy a beverage or two while you shop. Michigan Authors has been a feature of the Mid-Michigan Women’s Expo for several years.
” We enjoy meeting new and returning readers and sharing our stories with them,” said author Jean Davis.
With this year’s array of twelve authors, we will have a wide selection of books, including books for children and young adults as well as romance, non-fiction, Michigan-related, fantasy, thrillers, suspense, true crime, science fiction, and more.
Stay tuned for a special podcast episode about the Expo experience on @For the Love of Books Podcast with host author Emma Palova and guest author organizer Jean Davis next week on your favorite podcasting app.
We will be located in booth 652-656. Show hours are Friday & Sat. 10-6 and Sunday 11-4.
Parking is available under and behind the expo center for a fee. Recommended vendor parking is North Grand Parking Ramp (public parking) 3rd level which is connected to the expo center by an enclosed pedestrian walkway.
Saluting Nurses, Doctors, Military, Police, Fire and Rescue – FREE admission all weekend to Mid-Michigan Women’s Expo! Your Health, Your Home, Your Style, Shopping and Fun! Lansing, Michigan, January 10, 2023 –The Mid-Michigan Women’s Expo announced its 2023 date, a full weekend that will inspire personal health, home, and style, giving women something to feel good about. The 23 rd annual event will be held the weekend of February 10-12 at the Lansing Center. The three-day expo is the largest single consumer event for women in Mid-Michigan and will feature hundreds of women-focused businesses with products, services and demonstrations that aim to provide a weekend of enjoyment, education, and entertainment for women of all ages. First 1000 attendees on Saturday will receive a tote bag compliments of Capital Area District Libraries. Receive your bag directly inside the door at their booth! This year’s event will offer FREE admission to Nurses, Doctors, Military, Police, Fire and Rescue that show valid ID at the Box Office. Visit the Lansing Center Box Office during show hours and show ID card to receive one free admission. “We wanted to take a moment to salute and thank those that help others in our community. We are so grateful for the work they do and appreciate their service,” says Pam Glass, President of Kohler Expos, Inc. EXPO HIGHLIGHTS this year include Interactive Areas spread throughout the expo, which are designed to entertain and enhance the patron experience. A few of the Interactive Areas include:
Fashion Boutiques – try on and give yourself a new look
Make-n-Take Painting Workshops – live step-by-step painting on a Canvas, Mason Jar, Planter Stake, Puzzle Kits, and Wine Glasses
Hair Styling and Hair Tricks
Michigan Authors – meet and greet and book signings
Interactive Rowing Demonstrations
Food Sampling! Dips, Soup, Cookies, Bread, Pickles, Jerky, Sausage, Honey, Tea and more
Community Blood Drive – all hours of the expo
IV Hydration and Vitamin Infusions onsite
Bra Fittings and Consultation
Quartz Crystal Singing Bowls for relaxation
T-Mobile Photo Booth – strike a pose!
Skincare and Beauty – try the latest lotion, bath products, and oils
Shop and explore hundreds of pop-up shops! NEW! DOOR PRIZES – patrons will sign up at the entrance for a chance to win daily door prizes. Winners will be announced onsite to take home their prize. MID-MICHIGAN WOMEN’S EXPO February 10-12, 2023 Hours: Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm Lansing Center – Lansing MI http://www.KohlerExpo.com WLNS-TV continues to be a media sponsor for the upcoming expo, providing exclusive coverage of the event throughout the weekend. Visit them onsite to take selfies with on-air talent at the event.
Join us this evening, Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. for fun and adventure with authors Dana Storino and Emma Palova for Day 4 in the Winter Virtual Festival by Pages Promotions, LLC. Help us solve the mystery of the missing manuscript in a well-designed setting, sign up each evening to listen to authors’ readings through Feb. 28.
Be a witness as the mystery unravels.
Register on Zoom prior to 6:45 p.m. for a chance to win a free book on the Spinny Wheel of Happiness. In the box on the registration form, fill out that Emma Palova invited you.
Join us this evening, Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. for fun and adventure with authors Dana Storino and Emma Palova for Day 4 in the Winter Virtual Festival by Pages Promotions, LLC. Help us solve the mystery of the missing manuscript in a well-designed setting, sign up each evening to listen to authors’ readings through Feb. 28.
Be a witness as the mystery unravels.
Register on Zoom prior to 6:45 p.m. for a chance to win a free book on the Spinny Wheel of Happiness. In the box on the registration form, fill out that Emma Palova invited you.
I will not be at West Catholic Central tomorrow Dec.3 Please order books below. I offer free shipping. Books make great gifts and souvenirs.
I logged in 50,036 words with my sequel to The Lost Town in the NaNoWriMo 50K word challenge this morning at 9 a.m.
To celebrate my third-time win in National Novel Writing Month, all my books will be 20 percent off until midnight EST on Nov. 30 for the duration of the challenge.
I had to combine the totals for the two NaNoWriMo writing days, since Day 20 on Sunday, Nov. 20 wasn’t a writing day at all. More like research and staying in touch with my writing project, a sequel to The Lost Town based in Singapore, MI during a major selling event, Christmas through Lowell.
For the third day in a row, I was stationed inside the Lowell Area Historical Museum, Industry & Retail Room with the Cutter Factory sleigh, selling books with six other vendors. Although we had a ball and enjoyed good sales it was exhausting.
I had a clear view of the Strand Theater’s playbill from who knows when that actually inspired me. Check out the feature photo.
By now, we know each other’s sales pitches by heart.
“Are you readers?” I ask. “Do you like to read?”
“No, I don’t have the time,” was the overwhelming response.
“My earrings are two for 10,” Ashley Thompson said.
And so on.
“I have postcards from Lowell,” Bruce Doll said.
“Would you like to buy a candle?” the candle kid said.
NaNoWriMo Day 21
I logged in a total of 1,600 words trying to get back into the swing of things. You would not believe what a two-day break from writing does. It puts you out of touch with your own story, and with the characters, you have created. It takes forever to get back into the zone of the book.
To be continued..
Copyright (c) 2022. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.
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