Milamwritesbooks

More on My School Visit

2012-01-25T17:29:00.000-08:00

I have to admit I am totally in love with the third graders at Christ the King.
When we picked up Loftin and Emmett after school today, our older grandson presented me with an interesting envelope. I opened it right on the spot to discover "thank you" letters, cards, and hand-drawn pictures from the darling, polite, smart, talented children to whom I spoke last week.

Several of them promised to become authors, while one actually has designs on making movies. I am most impressed with these enthusiastic students. Many were already reading the Ociee books from the school library while several opted to watch the film first! My grandmother, who honored her own teachers and education, in general, would be proud of these girls and boys.

I had spent the day, frustrated, simply trying to work on my new book during a bit of chaos. Tincture of praise and appreciation from the CKS kids was just what this author needed.
Tomorrow I will begin with renewed vigor!

Thank you, CKS Third Grade

On a Roll!

2012-01-18T17:38:00.000-08:00

My new book is just about writing itself and I'm having a great time! This feels as good as when I first began to pen "Charlotte Street." Big grin from this author!

ALSO I had a terrific time chatting with the 3rd grade class at Christ the King School yesterday. What a delightful and well behaved group of students were these! A major highlight was walking into the school library and seeing a representative from grades one and four.
Guess who they were? None other than Emmett Propst from the first grade and Loftin Propst from fourth . . . made this grandmother's day!

Thank you media specialist, Melanie Brent, for your surprise and for an all around perfect event.

Must get back to work. Milam

Roll Tide Rolllllllll!!!!!!!!!!!!

2012-01-10T07:47:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I am supposed to be working on my new book. HOWEVER, this day must belong to the University of Alabama National Championship FOOTBALL TEAM!

We watched last night, mostly standing up and chewing our nails, and cheered our hearts out through all five field goals AND Trent Richardson's picture perfect touchdown. What a game it was!!!!! Jamey, our son Jay, and I are exhausted!

The game took me back to the 60's and to our remarkable four years in Tuscaloosa. Jamey and I were at Alabama during Coach Bryant's kingship, so admittedly, we were spoiled.
That being said, we've not been as caught up in an Alabama victory since the Sugar Bowl in 1993. Another national championship. Brag brag. We were in New Orleans for that upset against the University of Miami. Today feels much the same . . . I may never sleep again!

This writer will soon be off to have lunch with fellow author Jaclyn Weldon White.
***Speaking of SPORTS, Jackie's new book, "The Greatest Champion That Never Was" is a great sports read about boxer W.C. "Young" Stribling.
More than simply a story about an athlete, her book is a compelling study of the life of a very colorful and drop dead georgous man and his equally fascinating family. Her publisher is Mercer University Press. Do yourselves a favor and go to her website or to Mercer's.
I hope and pray there will be a movie from Jackie's book!

I must go now. Should you see me out today and for the next week, I'm wearing my Sugar Bowl shirt, vintage 1993.

ROOOOOOOOLLLLLLLL TIDE, ROLL. Proud Fan

FINALLY

2011-12-30T19:09:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to everybody on planet earth!!!!
I'm been Trick or Treating, stuffing the Thanksgiving turkey, addressing Christmas cards, shopping, wrapping, cooking and decorating our home for the holidays.
GUESS WHAT ELSE?
I'm finally writing again. Woooo hoooo.

My New Years resolution was going to be overcoming my writer's block. One thing urging me on was our grandson Loftin . . . he asked me when I was going to write another story.
"Soon," said I.
It's amazing how little folks can encourage us old guys! Thank you, Loftin Propst.

Thus far, I'm some 30 pages into my new book!
Yawl, please wish me luck. Milam

Enough Attention for Jamey!!

2011-09-11T14:27:00.000-07:00

It was a week ago today that my husband officially ended his water skiing career. I'm happy to report that the Man of My Dreams, currently a lovely blueish purple from his waist down, is healing nicely from his fall into Lake Guntersville. He even managed to mow the lawn yesterday---this when I wasn't watching, of course.

In other news, Skyler Day, the star of "The Adventures of Ociee Nash" has a new and exciting role. Skyler, who, just last week, was a quite a hit in an episode of "The Closer" has landed a recurring part on another terrific TV show, "Parenthood." According to her very proud mother, Kelly Day, Skyler will make her debut on the show September 27.

Jamey and I will be watching, that is, if we have no more accidents and aren't back at St. Joseph's emergency room. I say this because, I wasn't home yesterday, AND, had our daughter not been here to stop him, my husband would have climbed up on the roof to clean out the gutters!

Nurse Milam, retired

Never Too Old to Ski?

2011-09-05T15:32:00.000-07:00

The cool weather has inspired me. Having not written a blog for weeks now, a pleasant evening walk with our dog Bella has given me renewed energy. Perhaps a new book is in the mix???

There's something else, too. I have a dreadful story to share.

It began as a perfect day for my beloved husband, Jamey Propst on Lake Guntersville in Alabama. Perfect for HIM, no sun, dark clouds, misting rain.
We should have known.

"I'm ready," said the Man of My Dreams as he jumped into the water and signaled our nephew to bring his boat around to the front of the dock.

I tensed up as the crowd of family and friends gathered in anticipation of Jamey's magnificent return to his former glory as an ace water skier.
(Only later did I discover he'd been lifting weights for weeks in preparation.)

Jamey gave us a thumbs up and curled his fingers around the rope.
"GO!" he commanded.
Less than five seconds later, he shouted, "I'm done."

Indeed, he was.

Our niece's husband is trained as a physical therapist. Thank goodness. His news: "It's not serious, Uncle Jamey, BUT you'll be in a great deal of pain."

That was Sunday. Jamey moaned and groaned, packed his body with ice, and limped about like Chester on the old TV western "Gunsmoke."
**For readers decades younger than are we, my poor husband's gait looked as though he had flaming rods up both legs. It only gets worse.

As much as Jamey hates pain, he hates even more being bored. So on Monday, while I was occupied in our room, my extremely uncompliant patient escaped my jail-keeper's watch and got on his computer. Well, that is, he attempted to do so. Actually he missed the desk chair all together and crashed down onto the floor injuring his shoulder The man howled like a wounded moose.
I ran to the scene. It's a full blown miracle I didn't plunge down the basement steps and kill myself.

The headline would have read: "Two elderly people were found dead in the basement of their Sandy Springs home. Police are investigating the mysterious circumstances. The husband was so badly hurt, the late wife is considered the primary suspect."

In a scene like this, sometimes it helps to laugh. Once I saw Jamey was breathing, I did. He didn't.

Long story short, we ended up at St. Joseph's Hospital where a very kind and patient staff diagnosed the Man of My Dreams with a severely pulled groin muscle along with a badly sprained shoulder. We came home with pain pills, a walker (which he plans to sell on Ebay), and a gallon of mint chocolate chip ice cream.

The lesson to be learned here is people can be too old to ski, especially, if they've not practiced the sport within the last twenty years.

I may have to chronicle our disaster in a sequel to "Creola's Moonbeam." However, fans of the Newberrys would never believe Beau tried to water ski (he's much too wise) or that Honey laughed at her beloved's tumble. Honey Newberry is much more compassionate than am I.

Then again, Honey isn't married to Wile E. Coyote.

Too Old to Ski

2011-09-05T15:00:00.000-07:00

djustin

Home from the Beach

2011-07-30T19:06:00.000-07:00

You may ask what the beach could have to do with books and writing. If so, please read on:

One vacation morning, while we were finishing breakfast, our daughter-in-law Abigail casually mentioned to me that she thought her husband William might just write his own book one of these days.
I, of course, lit up like a torch, as in passing mine on to our son!

William and Abigail's son Emmett, a dreamy blond little man of six, who has enormous blue eyes and lama-like eyelashes, immediately put down his bacon and joined in on our conversation.
"I'm going to write a book, too," he proudly proclaimed. "About my family, and I'll put love on every page."

Abigail and I looked at one another, sighed, and both welled up in tears. Such a sweet, precious moment was this.
Surely wish I were back at that breakfast table with both our grandsons . . . MMP

Nice Trip

2011-07-20T18:36:00.000-07:00

Jamey and I just returned from a delightful book event in Highlands, N.C. Having turned into a couple of plump-ish chickens roasting on a spit for the past few weeks in Atlanta's heat, the mountains provided quite a cool respite for my husband and for me.
*One marvelous perk of becoming an author is being invited to speak to charming groups of readers and this was no exception.

The gathering came about through Boo Jackson, a darling friend whom my Jamey has known for a long, long time-----well almost since the day he was born!
*Admittedly, Jamey was quite a spirited young man; and Boo made note of the fact the bad little boy from Clanton, Alabama, still has a certain, shall we say,"zest for fun"? We'll not discuss the cherry bombs at the county courthouse or Mrs. Popwell's garage fire.

My audience was made up of some kindly enthusiastic ladies from the Center for Life Enrichment. We did have a pleasant afternoon of conversation and viewing the Ociee movie. ALSO they fed us a wonderful lunch. Prior to the program, my special guests, Mary Brantley and Betty George, the audience, and I feasted on yummy tomato pie, cookies and salads, AND pimento cheese sandwiches----with the crusts trimmed away! That's work as any woman knows.
*Could it be that people are more inspired to cook while in the comfortably cooler mountains miles away from summer's heat? Just a theory.
At any rate, everyone seemed to enjoy the luncheon as well as my talk. As for me, the amount of food I consumed certainly adds credence to the phrase "I work for food."

Thank you, Boo, and thank you, too, Evelyn Miller and Jack, for your tremendous help, especially with the Ociee DVD. Milam

Nook Book . . . DUH!

2011-07-02T06:20:00.000-07:00

I was having lunch with some friends yesterday when one of the ladies mentioned "NOOK BOOK" . . . here's where the "Duh" comes to light. I pulled up my website and realized, thanks to Belle Books, I currently have FOUR, make that FOUR BOOKS available through Nook Book (Barnes & Noble ebook).

Here's the list: "A Flower Blooms on Charlotte Street", "Ociee on Her Own", "The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash", AND, for those of you who might be interested in reading about someone besides my grandmother(!), Nook Book offers "Creola's Moonbeam." The novel is based very roughly on this author and, according to my high school English teacher, is my best story.

Happy Fourth of July to one and all! Milam

Amazing PARTTTTTEEEEEEE

2011-06-25T09:37:00.000-07:00

Last night was our 44th wedding anniversary, and what a grand time we had-------at a BOOKSIGNING! The gathering was so much fun, the food delicious (CRABCAKES!!), and the guests so delightful that my bridegroom and I couldn't drag ourselves away for a "just us" anniversary dinner.

I joined three other authors poolside in an Eden of a Garden until the sky cracked open; thunder, lightening, heavy rain, hail even. All of us ran, books in hand, for the safety of the host's home.
Oh my, what a home it was! Beautiful, welcoming, and around every corner was something or someone interesting to enjoy. For those of you who have read "Creola's Moonbeam", think of Beatrice's art-filled abode. If you haven't, try to imagine a magical house with marvelous surprises in every direction you turn.

John Cuevas, the author of "Cat Island", headlined the list of booksellers. His fascinating story is set on a Mississippi Gulf Coast barrier island. Painstakingly researched and beautifully written, John's historic book about his own family's island makes for quite a read.

We were also in the company of Casi McLean, whose book, "Wingless Butterfly: Confessions of a Recovering Jerk Magnet" was released only days ago. I recently met this courageous gal and plan to check out her website: www.WinglessButterfly.com.

You've often read about Frank Cox in my blogs. Our longtime friend was also there last night and hopefully had as much fun as did Jamey and I. His "Lullabies for Lieutenants" is still going gangbusters! More congratulations to our Marine.

Indeed, congratulations to all the authors ... an event like this is what keeps us writing!

Many, many thanks to our host and hostess and to their terrific helpers/cooks/money handlers. The party couldn't have been any better.

How about those Cat Island descendants who graced the gathering . . . quite a family you've introduced us to, Beverly. Thank YOU!

On a personal note, thank you each and everyone, friends, neighbors, fans, Pius alums, Marist buddies, bridge players, and the Artist Way dear one, for our super anniversary celebration----did I mention the crabcakes?

What a night! Milam

2011-06-25T09:36:00.001-07:00

Great Career Day at Belmont Hills

2011-05-23T10:40:00.000-07:00

Ociee and I just spent a delightful morning at Belmont Hills Elementary School in Smyrna, Georgia. What a grand time we had!

Our audiences were made up of the 4th and 5th graders, all of whom were polite, responsive, enthusiastic, and asked truly interesting questions---one boy, in particular. This young man will know who he is because he said he was smart; AND his teacher agreed!
Another boy, a math whiz, gave me a big hug in the hallway later in the day. I thrive on hugs. Thank you.
And the last group all asked me for autographs. Grin. I felt like a celebrity, sure enough.

Had my late grandmother Ociee Nash, REALLY been there with me, she would have been very impressed with this school.

I don't know if any of the students will go right home and begin to write their own books, but many seemed to want to read mine. Reading is a great start to writing!
My congratulations to the faculty and staff of this very fine Cobb County school.

Happy summer to all of you, and thank you again, Linda Kelleher, for inviting me to Belmont Hills Career Day!

Milam

Things are Hoppin'

2011-04-14T16:51:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter, Happy Springtime, Happy Reading!

If you read my blogs, you'll know how much this author enjoys receiving fan mail, most especially, letters from young readers.
Well, my latest favorite emails are from a darling girl named Janey. She is reading the entire Ociee series (YES, SHE IS!!!). Janey has told me, even though she's living in 2011, not in 1898, when the stories are set, she finds she has something in common with both Ociee and Elizabeth Murphy. For example, Janey is adventuresome and rather curious.
I've also taken notice about how SMART this young lady is.

For my part, I'm having a delightful time sharing with Janey some of the secrets in my books, such as who the real Elizabeth was/IS, and the fact that the big fire in the movie and in "A Flower Blooms on Charlotte Street" actually took place some 100 years AFTER Ociee Nash lived in Asheville!

I'm also having lots of fun talking to audiences about my work. A couple of school visits, a book club appearance, and a trip to the Highlands to teach a class are on my schedule in the coming weeks.

But, prior to these events, I will have a booksigning at our neighborhood pharmacy here in Atlanta. Yes, indeed, all of my books are currently being shelved at Tuxedo Pharmacy on Wieuca Road, a charming shopping destination noted for its fine selection of gifts, childrens items, wonderful greeting cards, and books by local authors.
Wanting to do something special around Mother's Day, Robin, the gift buyer, invited me to visit the store for a couple of hours the first week of May. Kindly write to my e-mail address for details.

I'll close now with best wishes for each and everyone, especially for Janey, for Robin and the folks at Tuxedo Pharmacy, Milam

Gretchen

2011-03-03T04:09:00.000-08:00

Ociee Nash has two new fans, Gretchen and her mommy, Andreana, who live in Southern California.
Gretchen is a very busy little girl; home schooled, she loves "Little House on the Prairie" and is helping her parents with two younger siblings, Amanda and Toby.

Seems Mommy and Gretchen discovered "The Adventures of Ociee Nash" on Netflix, and much to my delight, wrote to me with a few questions about the real Ociee.
Gretchen also shared photos of her family with me . . . precious people, they made my day! Folks like these are the reason writers write!

Back from Memphis

2011-02-01T11:01:00.000-08:00

The real Ociee Nash (Whitman) was honored this weekend as a new inductee into the Saint Agnes Academy "Hall of Fame." Her family, the Whitmans, could not have been more delighted or prouder. Surely Ociee herself was dancing on the clouds as her name was called and so kindly added to the list of other outstanding graduates of the school.

The organizers permitted me to accept the award and to speak on Ociee's behalf. For the occasion, I had planned to read my grandmother's own words of praise from a 1925 "75th" anniversary publication.
In her beautifully penned piece, Ociee writes about St. Agnes Academy, happily recalling her treasured years there, most especially, as she singles out several of the beloved Dominican nuns. I would follow her words with a personal memory of my own, regarding my grandmother's support and devotion to our school.

HOWEVER, just before the program began, I was told Ociee's tribute in the decades old publication so touched the committee, they would introduce me by quoting directly from her text! YIKES.

Although I'd not planned to read from one of my books, I had little choice. Right?! So I read from the chapter where George Nash takes his daughter Ociee into St. Agnes (the original building on Vance) for the very first time.

KNOWING MY GRANDMOTHER, I have to believe she orchestrated every moment of the Hall of Fame event, including the shameless "tooting of my own horn." After all, she was a business woman with a keen sense of promoting things about which she cared, including St. Agnes and, fortunately for me, including her granddaughter's work!

Friday night's celebration was one of the best evenings of my life. I will be forever grateful to the school, of course, and also to Jane Tonning, Ginger Jordan, Suzanne Gehringer, Marta Patrick, and to Barbara Daush, O.P.A., president of St. Agnes and St. Dominic School.

I truly hope Ociee Nash Whitman enjoyed her front row seat . . . I saved one right next to me.
Milam

Ociee Nash to be Honored

2011-01-14T15:20:00.000-08:00

My smart, beautiful, and talented grandmother, Ociee Nash Whitman, is going to be inducted into the St. Agnes Academy "Hall of Fame." A 1908 graduate of SAA, she spent many years supporting and saluting our school.

Along with my mother, Mary Catherine Whitman McGraw, and yours truly, Milam McGraw Propst, many Whitman cousins followed in Ociee's footsteps. Some attended the original school on Vance in Memphis, TN, while all of the recent graduates went to the "new" school which opened in 1951. I was in the first 1st grade. Yes, old as dirt am I.

I will write and tell the readers of the Ociee Nash series all about the festivities. For now, just know how happy this news makes Ociee's biographer and her biggest fan. Me.

*I will also be taking additional copies of the five Ociee Nash books to donate to the school library. Wouldn't want any of St. Agnes students having to wait to read about St. Agnes Academy, circa: 1900!

New Photo of Skyler

2011-01-01T18:20:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to everyone. Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.
Over the holidays, we had an opportunity to visit with Skyler Day and her entire family when they returned from LA for a Christmas visit to Georgia. Naturally we jumped at the chance.

So on Facebook, readers and moviegoers can see how our little Ociee girl from "The Adventures of Ociee Nash" has gotten all grown up; AND HOW! Check out her photograph with me and with our grandson Loftin on my Facebook page.

When Loftin greeted Skyler, he said, "Last time I saw you, I was wearing a dress!"
Yes indeed, our grandson, who has just turned nine played the "baby" in the film. He and his parents (our William and his Abigail) are passengers on the train that carries Ociee to Asheville.

Check out Skyler Day's website, too. She is one busy young lady!

Best wishes for a fruitful and joy-filled 2011, Milam

A Lady from Blackfoot Just Made My Day

2010-12-14T18:26:00.000-08:00

Sorry, as of late, I've been rather remiss in writing on this blog. I was waiting for the "just right" item to come along, something as special as Jamey's letter of gratitude from the Vietnam soldier in my last message.
Yesterday an e-mail from a young mother in Idaho provided exactly what I needed. The following is one of the nicest fan letters Ociee Nash has ever received.
Here it is:

"Thank you for writing the wonderful stories of Ociee and her family. Your books have brought great delight into our life. I first stumbled upon Ociee through netflix and the great movie "The Adventures of Ociee Nash" which my kids and I have greatly enjoyed. From there I went on Amazon and ordered your first three books of Ociee. What a delight!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have read your books with my seven year old daughter mostly before bedtime, while her two little brothers were already in bed. Reading about the life and adventures of your grandmother strengthened the bond between my daughter and me. We thoroughly enjoy your writing and Ociee. The kind spirit of Ociee provides a beautiful role model for my daughter. She loves reading and your books provide a wholesome, family friendly, and clean reading material for my child.
Last night we finished "The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash" and my daughter and I looked at each other sadly, saying "This is it. This is the last book."
Luckily I went on your website this morning and found out that you have two more books about Ociee and her family. I was so excited, I just about called my daughter at school to tell her the great news. We would love to order the last two books on Ociee from you! Please let me know how much they are and where to send the money.
I can't repeat how grateful I am for your writing and what a wonderful special bond Ociee helped create between my daughter and me. Thank you for your time and talent.
Have a great day!
Manu Hatch from Blackfoot, Idaho"

As I told this lovely young lady, my head is permanently swollen from such generous praise. It is support like this that keeps us writers happily typing away on our computers!
In closing, I sincerely thank my new friend Manu and her charming daughter, Hannah, for this email, as well as for the delightful ones that followed, along with the precious photographs of Hannah, her horse, AND her two little brothers.
By the way, Hannah, age 7, is working on a story of her own. It's about one of her farm animals, but I'll say no more . . . wouldn't want to give away her idea!

Merry Christmas to the Hatch Family and to all dedicated readers of every age. I hope everybody will get a new book or two as a gift this year.

Happy, Healthy New Year, Yawl from Ociee and her Grandgirl

An unexpected thank you note . . .

2010-09-09T08:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I received the most surprising email. Seems a young man was looking for his father's hero who turned out to be-----are you ready? My husband Jamey!!!!
He found the man of my dreams through a search which connected him to Jamey's character in "The Adventures of Ociee Nash". The determined guy then wrote to me through my website asking, "Is your husband the Jamey Propst who went to the University of Alabama?"

Long story shortened, the fellow wanted to locate Jamey for his father Tom, who had long hoped to thank Jamey for saving his life. Yes, indeed! While my dear husband was serving in Vietnam, one job he had was assisting new arrivals with their assignments. Upon hearing Tom's warm Southern drawl, Jamey immediately recognized him from their ROTC days at the university. Apparently, Jamey had acquired some "Brownie Points" and was able to redirect his buddy's orders to a much safer spot down in South Vietnam.
Here 40+ years later, Tom plans to correspond with Jamey to extend a word of thanks. Can't wait for the two of them to chat.

Yet another benefit of writing books and my blog is reconnecting with folks from our past. THIS, however, was a very special such connection. Lt. Jamey Propst was reminded of something he'd been able to do for someone, oh so long ago. As his wife, it was especially nice to discover his ROTC buddy has been speaking kindly of my guy for more than four decades and counting!

I am mighty proud of my husband; retired banker, fabulous grandpa, great golfer, and now, "life-saver", at least, in the heart of one man's family. MMP

Yes, it was a GREAT time!

2010-08-29T16:06:00.000-07:00

The Suwanee Festival of Books was one fantastic event! Some 100 authors spent this weekend sharing stories, teaching classes, sitting on panels, selling books, and simply chitchatting with gracious knows how many festival goers.

Yes, friends, I did fine with my talk and panel discussion, and managed to sell some books, too. But mostly I had a ball hobnobbing with the likes of Terry Kay, Jackie Cooper, Haywood Smith, Dale Kramer, Ed Putnam, John Wilsterman and Patti Callahan Henry, along with soon-to-be published, Renea Winchester.
I also got to meet Melinda Long, who wrote the fantastic picture book about the little boy who becomes a pirate (until bedtime). It's been a favorite with our grandsons. Melinda autographed her new one for Loftin and Emmett and they are thrilled.

I saw Spider Man, enjoyed lots of talented dancers and musicians, and met a gentleman who wore a fish on his head as he played the piano. Needless to say, there was something for every taste and shopping need: book-wise, food and product-wise!

The festival planners didn't overlook a single detail from welcoming and taking care of authors to providing two days of fun for everybody who attended this, Suwanee's inaugural "celebration of the book."

Surely hope to be back next year! MMP

Saturday

2010-08-26T18:02:00.000-07:00

Saturday is the big day in Suwanee, Georgia. The Suwanee Festival of Books kicks off at 10:00 a.m. My friend Ed Putnam, author of "The Final Season", checked out the venue today. He tells me it's a perfectly wonderful place for a book event.
Besides, even the weather man is cooperating with festival planners. Just image, a coolish day in the Atlanta area in AUGUST. A miracle, for sure!

I plan to chill out with Ed in his tent for a while in the early part of the day, then drop by The Brown Bag Deli and go to the Barnes and Noble Book Marketplace where "Creola's Moonbeam" will be for sale. I plan to catch Haywood's talk and Patti's talk on the main stage at 11:30 and 12 prior to making my way to the children's stage to tell folks about Ociee Nash at 12:30 . . . hopefully meet a few fans, then I'll go to Olde Towne Tavern and Grill for our 1:30 panel. Whew, that's a busy schedule. Next, Terry Kay speaks at 2, a talk I couldn't miss! Lastly, dear friend J. Kershaw Cooper speaks at 5 o'clock. What a perfect end to our authors day.

Am I ready? Sorta. Tomorrow, I must pack up books, get some change for customers, and pick out an outfit. So far, I'm thinking something comfy.
Also, after 18 months of letting my hair turn silver, I caved in today and got it colored again. Why not? After all, Ociee Nash was a blond until the day she died (age 94). She'd approve, wouldn't she?

Hope to see you at Suwanee Town Center Park day after tomorrow. Milam

A puzzlement

2010-08-15T12:06:00.000-07:00

I just opened my website to find some 374 "hits". This brings the question: either I have a crazed person who checks on my site every few minutes, or there are 300+ folks who are a tad curious, but a bit too shy to write to me. I never, but never, receive comments. Please understand it's perfectly fine to contact me; no purchase is necessary.
For now, however, I will remain content with the website's attention!

I've mentioned the Suwanee Festival of Books a couple of times and hope to see lotsa folks there on Saturday, August 28, especially when I'm on the Childrens Stage at 12:30. Now I've also been invited to sit on a panel at the Old Town Grill to discuss children's literature. That event will be at 1:30. I figure by mid afternoon, I'll be without much else to say!

Speaking of children, our two precious grandsons, Loftin and Emmett, are due here shortly, so I must step out of author mode into MyMy, the doting grandmother's shoes.

Let me hear from you! Milam

More excitement about Suwanee

2010-08-06T13:00:00.000-07:00

I was chatting with Ed Putnam, author of "The Final Season" when he suggested I check out the website for the Suwanee Festival of Books. Weeelllll, guess I should have done so before now, because much to my surprise and delight, along with Terry Kay, are several other precious and talented author buddies.

Included with Ed Putnam are J. Kershaw Cooper, Haywood Smith, Patti Callahan Henry, Franklin Cox, and John Wilsterman. This is going to be one fun event. For me, it feels a bit like a family reunion!

So mark your calendars for that last week in August: Saturday, August 28 (10 a.m to 6 p.m.) and Sunday, August 29 (1 p.m. to 6 p.m.) at Suwanee Town Center Park. Do check out the festival's website. The organizers are offering many exciting things to do for book lovers of all ages including, of course, authors with a terrific selection of books, presentations by authors, along with art and music, games and yummy food. I, for one, cannot wait.

Please try to get to the Children's Stage on Saturday at 12:30 where I'll be blabbing about our Ociee girl! *See yawl in Suwanee.

Another Freebie

2010-08-03T05:02:00.000-07:00

"Get Caught Reading at the Suwanee Festival of Books 2010"

There's a brand new book festival in the Atlanta area, and it's going to be a great one! The event is set for Saturday, August 28 and Sunday, August 29.

I'm scheduled to speak at 12:30 Saturday on the Children's Stage. The address is Suwanee Town Center Park, 370 Buford Hwy NW. I truly hope to see you there! For complete details, kindly go to: suwaneefestivalofbooks.com.

Ociee Nash is continuing to receive lots of attention with the free KINDLE offer for "A Flower Blooms on Chartlotte Street"--------------AND she's very pleased! Hurry, however, the freebie only runs until August 12.

Signing off now; I'm looking forward to seeing Ociee fans in Suwanee that last weekend in August. Milam

Ociee is #5!!!!!

2010-07-28T13:14:00.000-07:00

Things are popping for Ociee Nash this July 28 afternoon! Just hours after Kindle's offer was posted, "A Flower Blooms on Charlotte Street" was #5 on the site's top 100 list. Naturally, Belle Books, Mercer Press, and this author are thrilled beyond words.

Even better, yours truly, "low-tech Milam" found the process simple to do. Please go to Kindle and type in the book's title. Voila, there she IS! AND FREE.

By the way, new reviews "want a sequel" so please tell your friends there are already FOUR sequels which we'd love to sell! MMP

OCIEE news!

2010-07-21T07:18:00.000-07:00

I know, long time no hear. Sorry, but I was waiting to announce some reeeeeally great news!

"A Flower Blooms on Charlotte Street", the first book in the Ociee Nash series, AND the one on which our movie, "The Adventures of Ociee Nash", is based, is available FOR FREE on Kindle now through August 8. Hurry!

This offer from Belle Books is intended to bring in new Ociee readers and drum up business for the other books in our series, "Ociee on Her Own", "The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash", Ociee and Ben Nash, the Asheville Adventure" and "Ociee Nash, the Finale."

Kindly help me tell folks about this lovely opportunity to meet my grandmother! Also please encourage your family and friends to go to my website Milam McGraw Propst.com to order books through me.
Having two publishers is complicated! So I'm standing by to answer any and all questions.
Lest you forget, I'm all too happy to SIGN, SELL, AND SHIP copies of ALL my books including "Creola's Moonbeam" and "It May Not Leave a Scar".

Again, the time is short for the free Charlotte Street; July 26-August 8.
Many thanks from Ociee's Granddaughter

Solution

2010-06-16T05:58:00.000-07:00

A couple of new readers have alerted me to a bit of a problem. It seems that having two publishers is confusing to folks. So here are my thoughts on the subject.

Should you be interested either in discussing a book or books, or in purchasing copy/ies please e-mail me at milamwritesbooks@gmail.com. That way, I can answer your questions, discuss the stories, AND also sign and ship the books directly to you.
Say, if you live in Atlanta, I'll even deliver! Ha ha. Hmmmmm, maybe that's not a bad idea either.

Our grandsons, Loftin and Emmett are here, so I'm off to play Monopoly. Loftin, age 8, always beats me. Yesterday, I landed on his Boardwalk with four hotels and a house! Milam

Back to Work!

2010-06-06T12:34:00.000-07:00

Jamey and I just got home from another fun, fun wedding. This one was in Highlands, N.C., not too terribly far from Ociee and Ben Nash's stomping grounds in Asheville. Yes, I did talk about my books to a couple of the wedding guests, because, believe it or not, they knew a little something about my work. Grin.

I've written on my Facebook page and am not terribly comfortable about this. I mentioned having a guest room closet overflowing with several hundred books for sale. Whether this is good marketing OR an invitation for bad guys to steal my identity, I know not for certain. Several people I trust, including my cousin Fred, tell me writing on Facebook can open folks up to all manner of problems.

That said, our son Jay Propst is now on Facebook, too, so I suppose we'll both be in duck soup should the harbingers of doom be right!
Would love to know what you think.

Gonna go unpack and do laundry now. Milam

St. Jude School

2010-05-31T09:48:00.000-07:00

I had a ball with the 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students at St. Judes last week. The children were receptive and very interested not only in our Ociee girl, but also in creative writing in general.

One enthusiastic English teacher, Cole Hansard, worked with his students in writing, illustrating, and even binding their very own books WITH marvelous covers. Yes, indeed, and very well done were their projects. I just wish I had enough time to read each and every one of their stories.

AND the media specialist, Eleonora Straub, along with teacher, Terri Marks, produced binders with their students which included chapters about their goals and ambitions, service projects, and marvelous autobiographies along with delightful family photographs.
*Mrs. Straub's son, David, is a particularly nice young man who assisted me during the afternoon session. Thank you, David.

Fun for me, too, was seeing some familiar faces, including Charley Pickel, the son of one of my husband's former co-workers. The charming young man approached me following my talk to his class and introduced himself as Walt's son. I loved seeing him.

Another delightful young lady, Emily Lennings, also greeted me and announced that she is in the midst of writing her own novel about her sister and herself, and her grandmother's cats. Shhhhh, please don't give away her plot.
***One of the best things about my job is meeting my future competition.

Putting all work aside for now, however, I wish a very Happy Memorial Day to you to and yours.
Hats off this day to our military heroes!

Milam

Wednesday

2010-05-20T08:04:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty pumped about a talk, make that three talks, I'm to give on Wednesday, May 26. I've been invited to St. Jude the Apostle School to chat with the 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students about my Ociee series. The children will have seen the film, "The Adventures of Ociee Nash" by the time we meet, so there will likely be lots of cool questions about making the movie.
What I enjoy most about these conversations is always what the young people have to say to me. So this promises to be an interesting day. If not, I'll have to do most of the talking and that would be rather BORING.

That being said, hats off to teachers who can not only open young minds, but also keep control of their classrooms! I tend to stimulate my audiences a tad too much, which is the very reason I write books and not teach school. Hold positive thoughts for me next week. PLEASE.

What I really plan to accomplish is to encourage the girls and boys of St. Jude to read, read, read AND to write, write, write . . . not only during the summer but all the time as well. Shhhhh, don't tell them.

Confession: if I have one major regret from my younger days, it's that I lost my childhood diary (it was pink and had a lock and key). I never again got back into the fine habit of chronicling my thoughts. How I wish I could remember oh so much that's lost in my now well cobwebbed mind! Therefore, my mission is for these young students to avoid making that dreadful mistake by jotting down things in their own journals.

Enough of my sermon, I must now gather some thoughts for my very important audience next week. Milam

Cute Ociee Story

2010-05-06T11:28:00.000-07:00

Our 4-year-old neighbor Alice was watching "The Adventures of Ociee Nash" with her parents and two older sisters, Emma and Lucy.
Toward the conclusion of the movie, one of the characters says, "God bless you, Ociee Nash."
Hearing this, darlin' little Alice questioned, "Why did he say 'God bless you'? Ociee did NOT sneeze."

Tomorrow!

2010-05-05T05:07:00.000-07:00

Just a quick howdy-do and a reminder of tomorrow's booksigning! Franklin Cox, talented author of "Lullabies for Lieutenants" and I will be signing our books this very Thursday, May 6, from 5 to 7 at Eagle Eye Book Shop in Decatur, Georgia. The book store is located in a shopping center at the corner of Clairmont and North Decatur (2076 No. Decatur Road).
Please refer to my last blog for additional comments. I'm off to visit a school this lovely May morning.
Hope you will enjoy your day, Milam

About time, huh?!

2010-05-02T09:03:00.000-07:00

We've recovered from our Authors Gathering-----AND from our grandson Emmett's 5th birthday party . . . well almost!

Yesterday, because Abigail and (our son) William's yard was totally destroyed when a massive 100-year old oak tree crashed to the ground last week, we had Emmett's "Prince" party at our place.

Jamey and I lost count of the number of guests who came to honor the adorable birthday boy. In addition to Emmett, who was all decked out in his golden crown and Prince Charming costume, there was a real honest-to-gosh prince who did magic tricks for the children, along with a jumpy-jump with a sliding board, turns in both Jamey's 1949 Ford pickup truck and on the new pool ride, and some last minute surprises including "fireworks." Thanks, Uncle Jay.

Big brother Loftin was appropriately costumed as the purple prince, while Mommy and Daddy came as queen and king! Many of the attendees also dressed for the occasion as the beyond enthusiastic Prince Emmett welcomed his fellow princes and princesses, a knight or two, and Robin Hood himself.

BUT I AM SUPPOSED to be writing about professional topics. Right? SOOOO, here's an important announcement about an event this week:

THURSDAY, MAY 6, FROM 5 TO 7, FRANKLIN COX, the popular author of "LULLABIES FOR LIEUTENANTS" and I will be signing books at EAGLE EYE BOOK SHOP IN DECATUR. Try to drop by. A terrific independent book store, it is located at the corner of Clairmont and North Decatur Road.

As information: George Scott of Eagle Eye, hosted one of the very first Atlanta book signings for Kathryn Stockett, the now most famous author of "The Help."
***On a personal note, I'll always be thankful to my cousin Kathleen Plucker for flying down from Indiana to visit her best friend and take us both to meet Kathryn speak that evening.

I need to sign off because the men are here to pick up the jumpy-jump. Hmmm, perhaps George, you should have a jumpy-jump delivered for our event? It's a crowd pleaser!

Hope to see some of you on Thursday, Milam

WOW!

2010-04-19T23:35:00.000-07:00

Good evening. I'm writing without my glasses, so please try to overlook any typos. I'm still too excited about our party's success to sleep, and I don't want to awaken Jamey to look for them.

Well over 200 folks came to our Authors Gathering and Book Signing on Sunday, and, lo and behold, they bought a huge number of books written by Frank, Ed, Jackie, Sam, Marilynn and Susanne, John, and me.
The weather was puuuurrrfect and the azaleas splendid. My dear bridge club ladies and authors Marilynn Winston and Sam (his wife, Pat) Heys provided the most delicious goodies for our guests.

My friend Betty Ann sent a darling bouquet, while one of our daughter's friends, and author Frank Cox each brought flowers. Two couples arrived bringing champagne, while our beloved neighbors, Mary and Marvin contributed wine. It felt like a birthday party as much as it did a book gathering. THANK YOU, everybody!

As I told my friend Pam today, I must admit to a bit of a letdown now that the special day is over. HOWEVER, writing this blog is perking me up considerably.

Our son Jay and his music partner Summer entertained with some of their new compositions. Grin. Several in their audience had lovely compliments about this, the duo's second only performance.

In an emotional and most surprising moment, a courageous friend appeared. Battling cancer, the wonderfully gifted sculptress, sporting her very cute chemo wig, said, "I just wanted to be here."
I couldn't believe she was. What an amazingly brave women is Dale.

Also, a little girl with gorgeous eyes, my new friend, came to the party to meet me. Elizabeth had seen the movie, "The Adventures of Ociee Nash." So charmed was I by this precious girl, I told her I was doubly happy Ociee's best friend, Elizabeth Murphy carries "her" name.

My sincerest gratitude to all who came. It was a marvelous day! I'm going back to sleep now. Milam

Busy Week Ahead

2010-04-10T18:32:00.000-07:00

Whew, I've been pulling up weeds and trimming bushes today to get ready for the Georgia Authors Gathering at our house on Sunday, April 18.
To repeat, here's who is scheduled to participate in our special event: Sam Heys, J. Kershaw Cooper, Jaclyn White, E.C. Putnam, John Wilsterman, Franklin Cox, Marilynn Winston and Susanne Katz.
Please let me know via e-mail if you want to come to the party and meet everyone: Milamwritesbooks@gmail.com

So why did I spend the day weeding? With 200+ folks coming, our house can't possibly hold everyone, so we're counting big time on entertaining both inside AND out. If this gorgeous weather will hold for eight more days, we're golden.

On Wednesday, my sweet husband Jamey will take over yard beautification while I drive over to Alabama to visit my children's old school, Our Lady of Sorrows, in Birmingham. OLS is hosting its first "Ultimate Authors Day" and has kindly invited me to speak to the 4th and 5th grades about my now five Ociee books. I understand many of the children have seen "The Adventures of Ociee Nash" so it will be fun to hear what they think about our film.

When speaking at schools, I often encourage the students to interview some older people and ask questions about their childhoods (what games they played, what they ate, how they dressed).
Once a darling little boy told me he knew someone REALLY old.
"Who might that be?" I asked, thinking of a great grandparent pushing 90.
The ten-year-old excitedly replied, "My Daddy! Daddy's real old. Back when he was little, there were only three channels on his TV!"
All the boy's classmates gasped.
"Three channels," I mused. "Guess what? My family was one of the first on our street to buy a TV. The programs were all black and white and the screen was 'this big.'" I positioned my fingers to demonstrate the tiny image.
The room went totally silent.
I may as well have said, "My dinosaur is tied up out back."

Best get back to work. It's dark now, so I've come inside to make nametags for the authors. I also need to gather my books and pre-sign a few. Thank goodness my friends have offered to bake goodies for the party; I couldn't handle much kitchen duty! Milam

It's Spring at last

2010-04-01T15:02:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, Happy Easter and best wishes for Passover, too.

My Jamey is outside happily working in the yard. The cherry trees are blooming here on Cherrywood Lane as the daffodils are already beginning to fade. Everything is turning green AT LAST; greener than normal due to all our winter rain. Feels like we Atlantans have been let out of our cages as everybody seems to be out wandering about like dazed bears after our winter naps.

Actually, I have nothing of note to say other than I hope you dear readers will have a lovely weekend and enjoy some well deserved weather. *This is said with sincere apologies to precious family, friends, and fans who are still cold and/or wet.

Please, yawl, come on down. We're waiting for you with a glass of sweet tea. Milam

Encouragement

2010-03-28T09:32:00.000-07:00

I traveled to Birmingham last week to speak to Ascension School and to have my first official Book Release party at the home of Margaret and Charles Farrell.
*I first met Margaret when I asked her daughters, Debra and Teresa, to babysit our children. The cautious mother immediately raced over to our house to check me out. To her, I must have sounded like a crazed and desperate woman (three children under six!). Our cup of coffee became a life long friendship.

The party was delightful due to those who came by, to her wonderful refreshments, and to the entire Farrel family, who appeared in full force to offer its warmest hospitality. I gave a short talk, hugged old friends along with some new ones, and sold a good many Ociee books. Going to Birmingham IS going home for me.

Earlier that morning, I visited the precious school headed by another beloved friend, Jerrie Elliott. Soon to retire from Ascension, Jerrie plans to restart her painting career. And why not; her husband George is the amazing photographer I've mentioned several times in previous blogs.
In fact, the generous George Elliott donated a couple of his photographs to the event. One I gave to Margaret, of course; the second to Betty George, who'd driven all the way from Montgomery to attend. Thank you, Betty!

As a point of interest, Betty remarked about how many talented people are in my circle of Alabama friends, including painter Diane Shepherd, photographers George Elliott and Becky Crum, and fellow authors Barbara Bullock and Ruth Cook. Having surrounded myself with gifted AND supportive friends has always encouraged me in my own creative efforts.
I truly hope my writing will uplift the readers of this blog. Milam

The Eagle Has Landed!

2010-03-19T05:18:00.000-07:00

Were you to drop by our house this March morning, I'd have to let you in through the garage. Why??? Because our front entry is totally blocked with 600 copies of "Ociee and Ben Nash, the Asheville Adventure" AND "Ociee Nash, the Finale." The twins have arrived!!!!!!!
FuzionPrint did a marvelous job with our two Ociees. Thank you, again and again, smart, talented, careful Brian C. Aubitz.

Monday afternoon, my Mercer publisher, Marc Jolley was having copies of "A Flower Blooms on Charlotte Street" loaded into my Jeep. He commented, "This is about a third the number of new books you'll be receiving."
To which my concerned friend added, "Milam, you DO realize how many books that'll be, don't you?"
MARC, I DO NOW!!!!

There's also a box full of 1000 postcards featuring Ociee's photograph, which I'll be using for publicity. Eh gads. There are some mighty busy days ahead for this writer.

Attention volunteers---------any persons wanting to help find places to store the beautiful books are welcome. Better still, all customers wanting to purchase books, COME ON!!!!!!
Ociee is grinning and so am I. Milam

Happy St. Patrick's Day Yawl

2010-03-16T17:55:00.000-07:00

Well, the luck of the Irish is certainly with Ociee and me on this, the day before the March 17th holiday. I just got word from Brian Aubitz at FuzionPrint that my books are flying south, and, best of all, he says they look TERRIFIC.

The shipment includes 1000 postcards which feature my grandmother's photograph . . . or the primary reason I wanted to write the last book. YES, friends, I wrote an entire novel so we could put the real Ociee Nash on the cover.

A word of warning, however, if you think she appears to be somewhat somber in the portrait, that's because posing with a serious expression on one's face was the custom in the late 1800's. For readers of the series, perhaps you will remember Ociee's lament that her mother's portrait wasn't smiling either. Like mother, like daughter, so they say.
As information, especially for history buffs, the photographic artist was J.E. France, whose studio was in Water Valley, Mississippi.

When I first came upon Ociee's long lost portrait, her image was so badly faded, it was only barely visible. Even so, my friends at Wolf Camera were able to bring her back to life! The first time I saw the enhanced image, I was struck by how similar my grandmother and my mother looked as little girls.

Maybe I should go outside and sit on the front porch, just in case the postman comes early tomorrow! MMP

Ociee's being printed TODAY!

2010-03-06T13:20:00.000-08:00

Brian C. Aubitz, the world's most capable and patient printer, tells me we're on the homestretch with our two new books!
Last night he wrote that Book IV, "Ociee and Ben Nash, the Asheville Adventure" AND Book V, "Ociee Nash, the Finale" will be shipped to me by March 19!!!!!

My first "Book Release Party" is scheduled for Tuesday, March 23, in Birmingham.

Here at home, Jamey and I are already busy readying things for our gigantic "Authors Gathering and Book Signing" on Sunday, April 18. As mentioned before, eight of my fellow Georgia authors will join in the fun that afternoon. In addition to a variety of book titles, we'll have live music and refreshments. The authors coming include J. Kershaw Cooper, Franklin Cox, Sam Heys, E. C. Putnam, Jaclyn Weldon White, John Wilsterman, Marilynn Winston and Susanne Cohn.

Our Ociee books look amazing, both have inviting covers, and a very nice paper choice and font. Please check them out on my website and see what you think of the real Ociee Nash.
As always, our home will become a bookstore as I begin to inundate our family and friends with Ociee announcements.

As information, Fuzion Print (Info@fuzionprint.com)will offer books for sale through their store in Minneapolis.

This time I'm also trying something a bit different. I've decided to mail books to readers, at least, I'm going to give that a try. A number of people have asked how to purchase autographed books if they live in other states. The only solution I could come up with was to sign and mail the books myself. We'll just have to see how this goes. Hopefully, I'll be so busy, our local post office will tell me to stop bringing in packages!

That's it for now. THINK OCIEE NASH! MMP

Ociee's on the last stretch!

2010-02-20T18:44:00.000-08:00

Got word from the printer today . . . we'll have the final proofs of the two last Ociee books by week's end! I'm excited, of course, but kinda nervous, too. This is something akin to the week before one's baby arrives. And this time, it's gonna be twins! Well, not exactly; guess we could call the books "fraternal" twins.

As I've mentioned before, I'm especially thrilled about the cover for the final story. If you've read my blog, you may know that a few months ago I came upon a barely visible photograph of my grandmother, one I never knew existed. In it, Ociee is a little girl, perhaps 10-years-old. Sadly, the image was very unclear, almost ghostlike; but the magicians at Wolf Camera managed to bring her back to life!

Now, more than 110 years after the picture was taken, it will become the cover of Ociee Nash's fifth and final story.

About this, I am thrilled. Milam

P.S. There's something extra special about Ociee IV, too. THAT will have to wait until my next blog. Hint? Not yet! MMP

New DATE

2010-02-09T09:44:00.000-08:00

OOOHHH NOOO!!!
The man of my dreams just reminded me that the final round of the Masters Golf Tournament is on the very Sunday I'd selected for our Authors Gathering. SOOOOOOOOO please correct your calendars to read:

Come one, come all! AUTHORS PARTY AND BOOK SIGNING: The PROPST'S HOME, SUNDAY, APRIL 18 from ONE til FIVE O'CLOCK

Scheduled to be part of our very special event are friends and fellow authors: Jaclyn Weldon White, J. Kershaw Cooper, E.C. Putnam, Franklin Cox, Sam Heys, and John Wilsterman.
Consider this as a mini-bookstore offering a variety of books featuring more than 25 titles. We hope to please every taste in reading for men and women, girls and boys.

More about our party is to come . . . Milam

Save the Date

2010-02-08T18:21:00.000-08:00

Mark you calenders, we're having a party! Come one, come all . . .

Sunday, April 11, Jamey and I will host a gathering at our home for our Ociee girl. We're introducing her new books, the last two of the Ociee Nash series. My other novels will be available, too. We'll serve lemonade and light refreshments, well maybe we will!

Also, because I'm not one to call lots of attention to myself, we're inviting some fellow authors to sell their books, too. So far Jaclyn Weldon White and J. Kershaw Cooper have promised to join us. The gathering will start at 1 o'clock.

I do have one concern, however, that's how to collect money. For those who know me, that's always a dilemma; I'm a writer not a banker. Math terrifies me. Guess we'll simply ask our guests to bring cash and/or multiple checks for the various authors. Anyone have a suggestion for us?

Jamey's helping me by proofreading the galleys while I write this blog. How sweet is that! He just called to say he's found a typo. Gotta run . . . Milam

Decision Made!

2010-01-26T18:53:00.000-08:00

The last two books in "The Adventures of Ociee Nash" series will come out SOON!
That's TWO books. After much angst, research, and study, I'm going with two 200-page stories, both of which are, this very minute, sailing through cyberspace to a fine young printer in Minnesota!

Brian Aubitz of Fuzion Print is one enthusiastic fellow. In fact, Brian tells me "we" can anticipate seeing the new covers in just a couple of weeks. ("We" being one Jamey Propst, my new business partner, in this two-book venture of ours.)

Here's the most exciting part of the project for me. The final cover will feature a recently discovered and restored photograph of my beloved grandmother as a little girl. Five books into her story, and I'd never seen her as a child!!!! More about this will be shared in future blogs.

Ociee's grinnin' grandgirl

New Idea

2010-01-23T19:06:00.000-08:00

My new book or books will be out in April, if not sooner; and I'm looking for input from Ociee's loyal readers. This book/s will mark the conclusion of the Ociee Nash series. AND, da, da, DAAA, there's going to be a little surprise at the very end, an epilogue. Lots of folks have asked me about the "older Ociee" so this may answer some of your questions about my grandmother.

At present, I'm thinking about combining the last two Ociee novels (numbers 4 and 5) into one, a two-part book of some 400 pages. Whatcha think about that?

As always, I'll keep everyone posted on this blog. Anyone wanting a copy hot off the press, be sure to let me know. Milam

Kindle

2010-01-11T12:22:00.000-08:00

I understand Kindle is quite a nice device for folks who want to read books electronically yet still enjoy having something to hold in their hands. So it is with great pleasure I announce the first two books in the Ociee series are available on Kindle: "A Flower Blooms on Charlotte Street" and "Ociee on Her Own."

In case you missed it, our FILM, "The Adventures of Ociee Nash" is available on Netflix. Jamey and I need to heed our son's advice and sign up for that good deal.

The above said, I'm sure my sainted grandmother's eyebrow is raised, and she's urging readers to go to Mercer University Press and order the first two books the old-fashioned way, and then go to Belle Books to order the most recent in the series: "The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash."
Ociee might also suggest checking out "Creola's Moonbeam" which, by the way, is a novel based loosely on her granddaughter's own real life experiences.

Now if all of this is completely confusing, just call me and come by. I've stockpiled everything in the guest room closet!

Happy reading or viewing or clicking or whatever is your pleasure. Milam

Tide Rolled and 2010 Brings New Ideas

2010-01-09T16:19:00.000-08:00

Of course, we are delighted our beloved BAMA won the National Football Championship. However, as a mom, I'm sick about the University of Texas quarterback and his awful injury. It was worlds more fun to beat Florida. That said, I'm mighty happy for the University of Alabama and the players, and for the fans, the coaches, and for the proud parents of players, too.
By the way, congratulations to Joel Davis's parents Cynthia and Bill. Their son wrangled a last minute ticket to the game and added to his family's treasure trove of memories as lifelong Tide fans. *They are so crimson and white, we're still amazed Joel is Joel and not "BEAR" Davis.

We're finally beginning to thaw out from an ice and snow storm here in what was formerly referred to as Hotlanta. If you're staying inside like us, curl up and finish reading "The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash" because a new book is coming in the spring. I'm doing something different this time; the book will be 400 pages telling several stories in two parts.

If you're interested in coming to my release party, please let me know. I'm having several other authors as well so there will be reading material for every taste. Much more about the party and the book will appear here in the weeks to come. Right now, this writer has bunches of work to do.

Happy New Year, Milam

Happy New Year!

2009-12-30T07:48:00.000-08:00

I don't need to apologize for not writing because all yawl have been busy with the holidays, too. Hope you're still enjoying friends and family, food and festivities. Jamey and I certainly are! Take Saturday for example. Another author friend Ed Putnam has a son getting married on January 2. Hopefully all the wedding guests will purchase his new book "The Final Season" at the reception!

As for the Propst house, we're also mighty caught up with BAMA and our game against Texas for the National Championship on January 7. This is said with apologies to the Taylors, the Cohns, and to any other rabid University of Texas fans who may read my blog.
It's comin', it's comin, can't help it, it's comin' ROOOOOOLLLLLL Tide Roll!!!!!!
Yes, Jamey and I are pretty pumped. In fact, this season is the first since Bear Bryant died that the man of my dreams has felt super positive about his BAMA football team.
Rest in peace, Coach Bryant. Jamey is happy.

There's no exciting news about "The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash" at this moment. I will ask you to keep spreading the word about our Ociee girl and keep your fingers crossed for what might come to be. No hints as yet.

OH, I may actually make an attempt to self-publish a little picture book that's been churning around in my wee brain for some time. Just an idea for now. Anyone out there tried self-publishing? (Write me at Milamwritesbooks@gmail.com) I'll keep everyone posted.

Happy 2010! I wish each and every one of you a healthy, prosperous, joy-filled year. With sincere good wishes, Milam

Such a great time!

2009-12-13T10:03:00.000-08:00

Saturday, I was a guest of my first publisher, Dr. Marc Jolley, at the Twentieth Annual Mercer University Authors Luncheon. What a grand time I had! The event was part family reunion and part becoming a "groupie" with such outstanding speakers as Billy Collins, United States Poet Laureate, and a delightfully entertaining man in general. Last March I had the privilege of meeting him at a writers conference in Augusta. Also speaking were Nancy Grace, Barbara Brown Taylor, and Kathryn Stockett, author of "The Help", one of my favorite books of the year.
Be still my heart, Kathryn actually recognized me and remarked, "Milam, you've bought so many copies of my book, the next one will be free!"

Best of all, I got to see lotsa old friends, the Brantleys, the adorable Mary Frances and Jim Burt, who designed my first three book covers, the Hollands, Laura Braddick and Betsy Duffey. Betsy is the author of 25 childrens books and was at the gathering to support her husband Bill's new book. My dear friends/family of Mercer Press were scurrying about like chipmunks but still had time for a warm welcome for everyone. Along with Marc Jolley were Marsha, Jenny, Barbara, Kevin and Mr. Edd. I met some very interesting and talented new folks at our table, too, but mostly I talked with Marc, the Burts, and with Andrea Griffith, a former television anchor and now a journalist in Athens. Andrea lives in a cottage with radio active spiders and a beer drinking raccoon. Shouldn't she be writing a book? This was NOT a boring luncheon.

Sometimes being a writer can be a solitary profession. However, yesterday was much more about hugs and laughter, sharing stories and rekindling friendships. I loved every minute and I sincerely thank my friend Dr. Jolley for his kind invitation. *By the way, this man was the very first person who believed in our OCIEE!
Milam

Grinnin' in Atlanta

2009-12-10T16:42:00.002-08:00

I'm tickled pink and warm as toast on this cold Georgia night.
Tony Peters, a reviewer for LUXURY READING, has written the dearest comments about all three Ociee books. Below is the portion which includes her kind words about Ociee's newest story.
Here's what Tony has to say about "The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash"-------

". . . is a wonderful story for children of all ages. It is very similar to Anne of Green Gables, and yet has its own unique flare to it. The Nash family is full of life, adventure, and value. They are all very deep characters and Ociee is a little girl you cannot help but love. The story has many lessons involved in it and yet, it does not seem to be preaching them to the children.

The storyline is great and I love the adventures/situations Ociee finds herself in and how she manages to make the best of her situations/troubles. This beautiful tale tells of the Southern states at the turn of the century as the 1900s take shape. The plot was not a deep or complicated one, but it was enough that I think young girls and some young guys will enjoy reading it. The writing style was also well done and I think young readers will appreciate Propst’s style."

The entire review can be read at http://www.luxuryreading.com/2009/12/adventures-of-ociee-nash-series-by.html
Tony has also sent her readers to my website. I certainly hope she will read my own words of appreciation for her. If you're reading, Tony, THANK YOU sooooo much, Milam

Okay, I'm reeeaaallly over the horrific picture

2009-12-05T08:15:00.000-08:00

It's Saturday morning and I'm about to pull out our Christmas tree ornaments. Friends are furious with me because my house is decorated, inside and out, and they've already received this year's Christmas card. Sorry, but my OCD kicked in big time AND I was working out my last few layers of angst over last week's grizzly photograph in the paper.
Oh, one last repercussion: my hair looked so bad in famed photo, I went and got it all chopped off. Think Jamie Leigh Curtis, but without her fine figure and pretty face. I met with some girlfriends Thursday morning; everyone of them gasped, one offered her hairdresser's phone number. I'll be wearing hats for the remainder of the holidays.

This blog is supposed to be about my work. Hmmmm. Did I mention Christmas?
Wait! I do have a talk with a book club on Wednesday. Just love to chat with readers and will hopefully sell a buncha books at the event. Our son Jay's car was totaled by a freak on Buford Highway Tuesday and I'd like to contribute to the "Send Jay off for his MFA (in a car, not his bike)" Fund with the proceeds from Wednesday's gathering.

Also, hold positive thoughts that our Ociee girl will eventually be called upon for a television series, Broadway show or a movie. Hey, it could happen, did once before.
Merry Christmas Yawl. Milam

This ugly woman couldn't be ME!

2009-11-27T05:15:00.000-08:00

Reporter Laura Braddick wrote a simply marvelous story about Ociee and me for the Northside Neighbor Newspaper. I could not be more delighted . . . Ociee Nash would be equally pleased. I know.

HOWEVER the photograph taken in my own house right in front of family pictures is certainly not me! A profile, the strange lady is apparently in the final stages of life, has no smile, and will certainly frighten small children. Big ones for that matter. Not only did she scare my grandsons and their young Miami cousins, but she terrified their two older cousins as well!

Actually, this dreadful creature is oddly similar to the witch-woman in "The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash."
There, I've let it go now.
Again I am truly grateful for Laura's article. I'm just concerned for the poor woman in the picture.
Bless her heart. MMP

Happy Thanksgiving Yawl

2009-11-25T18:33:00.000-08:00

I'm waiting for out-of-towners to arrive and am not only ready but actually "chompin' at the bit" to give warm welcoming hugs to everyone. I love Thanksgiving because there's no wrapping paper involved, just lotsa good food, fine conversation, and much laughter. It's fast becoming my favorite holiday because it's uncomplicated and seems to bring out the best in people.

Today I got a call from my friend Helen who's on her way to the mountains to celebrate with the huge Murray family; trying to count her five siblings and all of their family members is beyond my math skill. We have only 22 all together and we will be "all together" this year. *Another reason I'm in such a happy frame of mind.

Anyway Helen did tell me something I want to pass on . . . there's an article in the Northside Neighbor Newspapers about Ociee. I'm announcing this on the good faith she's not only correct, BUT also that the story is a positive one and that this author doesn't look too bad!

Must close, headlights just came up our drive way! They're here . . .
HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you and to all of yours. Milam

Gettin' kinda cocky

2009-11-20T12:39:00.000-08:00

It's Friday afternoon and I was about to close up shop when Deb Smith, the ace marketing voice of Belle Books, sent me a review of "The Adventures of Ociee Nash." Bridget, a librarian who reviewed my book, began by briefly telling the novel's storyline. THEN she wrote a paragraph called "What I thought."

I WAS SO THRILLED I COPIED THE ENTIRE BOOK REVIEW and may frame it for rainy writing days! Here's part of Bridget's piece:

"What I thought"--------------------

"I continue to be delighted with the character of Ociee Nash. She is wonderfully spunky and adventurous. In many ways, she reminds me of L.M. Montgomery’s Anne and Astrid Lindgren’s Pippi. Ociee is the South’s answer to a classic juvenile heroine. I especially like the fact that the author bases Ociee’s adventures on her real relatives. That gives the book something extra—historical flavor and truth. I eagerly await the next installment in her adventures."
What is Bridget Reading is a place to deposit all the book talks, reviews, and opinions I have about children's and young adult books

IF I KNEW WHERE BRIDGET LIVES, I'D TAKE HER THE WHOLE POT OF CHILI WE'RE HAVING TONIGHT FOR DINNER.
Deb Smith continues to encourage me saying, "Slowly but surely, we ARE getting there."
The truth is our success is due to the readers who appreciate my grandmother, readers such as Bridget. We thank you.

By the way, if you are reading my blog, please tell me so. I keep running into sweet friends who mention they enjoy it, but I don't have a real handle on who's out there following the blogging adventures of Ociee and me.

Gotta go stir the chili, Milam

Another big grin

2009-11-12T16:18:00.000-08:00

A couple of folks have written very nice reviews of "The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash." I just gotta brag a tad:

Midwest Book Review has made Ociee a Reviewer's Choice and gave it the following review.
"The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash" is Book Three of a wonderful series about an eleven-year-old girl's life in Tennessee and Mississippi circa 1900, based on the real life biography of the author's grandmother, Ociee Nash Whitman. Plunging right in with a near death daredevil leap off of a moving train, "The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash" is mesmerizing to readers young and old from start to finish. Aimed at readers age 7-12, the Ociee Nash is a delightful invitation to experience real history from a child's point of view.
Also from Midwest:
The 11/09 issue of their online book review magazine "Children's Bookwatch" features Ociee. The review has been provided to the "Cooperative Children's Book Center' (University of Wisconsin, Madison) where it will be made available to school and community librarians throughout Wisconsin's public school systems and community libraries. The review has also been provided to the Cengage Learning, Gale
interactive CD-ROM series "Book Review Index"

The real credit here goes to Deb Smith of Belle Books for working herself into a frenzy getting our book into the hands of people who seem to appreciate our Ociee girl. You can see why I'm so very happy this evening.
Ociee's Grandgirl, Milam

Just a quickie:

2009-11-10T05:08:00.000-08:00

I'm still happily promoting E. C. Putnam's "Final Season," but please take a minute to go to "Library Things" and type in my name, Milam McGraw Propst.
Hmmm, think I'll get Mr. Putnam to put his book in this marvelous site, too.
Going to babysit darlin' grandsons now. Milam (MyMy)

Congratulations on your fine book, E. C. Putnam!

2009-11-08T10:58:00.000-08:00

This Sunday afternoon I've been trying to copy a beautifully done book cover to my blog. I know my readers would love to see it. Alas, no luck. So we must rely on my own words to praise E.C. Putnam's new book "THE FINAL SEASON, State of Grace."

Initially I thought I'd not be terribly caught up with the story because it's about baseball. HOW WRONG I WAS! Putnam's page-turner will intrigue even the least sports-minded reader because the story is compelling, it's heartwarming and faith-filled, and is well written with all manner of twists and turns in the plot.

Although the book is set to be released on January 5, 2010, it can be ordered right away by going online to www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore. "The Final Season" would make a terrific Christmas gift. Besides, can Spring training be very far away?

Gotta run now; think I'll reread Putnam's novel. Milam

Just in time . . .

2009-11-04T10:07:00.000-08:00

I was beginning to get a tad discouraged wondering how people liked the new Ociee story. THEN today came the nicest review on "Google Alerts". The reviewer said some lovely things which, in humility, I'm a bit reluctant to repeat to you. However, here's one great point she made which I am delighted to both hear and share with you.

FREDA'S VOICE
My Take on the Book:
For the third installment of the series, it did not disappoint. With all the great adventures of this young woman, and her family. It is a pleasure to read about her life. Usually the final book is more boring than previous, however I found myself just as rapt as the previous books. I had to know the outcome, and was so happy at the end! Of the three books, so far, this was my favorite. I hope the next will be just as good! A great read for any young girl!

It is sooooooo nice to learn "The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash" is her favorite of the three. Why? Because it's my favorite, too. The marvelous Georgia author Terry Kay taught me how to best reply to the question, "Which book of yours do you like the most?" Terry said, "Milam, always say it's your most recent one!"

Not only am I following his advice, but I'm also being perfectly honest. One thing I enjoy about this new story is it includes some little boys. Ben Nash, Ociee's brother gets more of the spotlight and there's a brand new character, Billy Boy Williams.

Thank you "Freda's Voice" for your generous remarks. Milam

DONE!

2009-10-28T19:37:00.000-07:00

Greetings! I'm almost blind, have gained a few pounds, and have lost most of my friends, BUT I am done with the fifth in the series of our Ociee Nash Adventures. Hip hip hooooorah!
Tomorrow night at a dinner with the girls, I'll present two copies to my friends, Jackie Brown and Pam Weeks because they are always the first to read my novels. This has been a tradition since 1995 or so when I first gathered my courage to have them read my work. Before I send this manuscript to Belle Books, the ladies will give me their honest opinions.
Just had to announce this news. In my opinion, the Ociee series keeps getting better. Cocky? Maybe it's Ociee Nash's voice you hear.
Good night all, Milam

NICE REVIEW! Author is over the moon!

2009-10-21T13:55:00.000-07:00

I had a lovely visit with the very bright and charming middle school girls at Pinecrest School yesterday. Tomorrow I get to lunch and chat with The Metro Atlanta Better Film Council, so this is a good week, indeed.

That said, Deb Smith just sent me this absolutely marvelous review. I don't like to brag much, but this one is a doozie! Please allow me one giant grin. Milam

Tuesday, October 20, 2009
The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash by Milam McGraw Propst

Eleven-year-old Ociee Nash was born and raised on a farm in Abbeville, Mississippi in the late 19th century. A year after her mother died, when Ociee was only 9, she headed to Asheville, North Carolina to live with her Aunt Mamie. Her adventures there are recorded in "A Flower Blooms on Charlotte Street". Ociee came back home in "Ociee on Her Own" for her brother, Fred's wedding and now she's moving, with her father and her other brother Ben, to Memphis, Tennessee where Fred and his wife live.

Ociee Nash, like Pollyanna and Anne Shirley, has a knack for making people love her. Early in life Ociee learned that a person's appearance has nothing to do with their inner beauty and in her third book of adventures, she once again proves that a caring heart and a willingness to look beyond a person's outside, can break down walls and create friends.

The author has based these books on the life of her grandmother, the real Ociee Nash. Knowing that the books are a fictionalization of a real person's life brings added depths to the major events and lessons in Ociee's life. Though they're intended for an audience much younger than I, I thoroughly enjoyed reading them and would highly recommend them for children between the ages of 8 and 11. If I had a little girl, I know I'd encourage her to find Ociee Nash.
Posted by biblioholic29 at 2:45 PM

The Adventures of Ociee Nash

2009-10-15T18:47:00.000-07:00

I'm preparing for a couple of talks next week, one is to the students at Pinecrest Academy. For inspiration, I decided to Google the movie trailer for "The Adventures of Ociee Nash." The film was based on my first book, "A Flower Blooms on Charlotte Street."
Viewing the marvelous footage brought tears to my eyes when I saw Skyler Day as Ociee and Bill Butler as Ben in their first encounter with the Gypsy who was so wonderfully portrayed by Atlanta actor, Anthony Rodriguez.

Kristen McGary and her sister Amy McGary kindly allowed me to be on their set everyday as they filmed. As info,the two also wrote, directed, and produced the movie. One of these days, I want to write a book about this, the most exciting experience of my entire professional life!

I'll happily share more about the story of my book's becoming a movie, but now it's time to celebrate our son William's birthday. He, his wife Abigail, and their first son Loftin played passengers on Ociee's train as she traveled from Mississippi to North Carolina in the year 1898. William still talks about how hot and itchy his vintage wool suit was!

Please check out the film in its entirety (Netflix, Amazon or Blockbuster) and let me know if you enjoy it . . . hopefully, you will, almost as much as did this author tonight, October 15, 2009. Milam

P.S. As I sign off, I'm looking at an old photo of my grandmother Ociee Nash Whitman holding brand new baby William in her arms, circa: 1972. MMP

Andalusia

2009-10-11T09:38:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Martin Lammon for our gift.
Because of this talented poet and charming friend, whom we met at Sandhills Writers Conference in March, several of us enjoyed a private tour of Flannery O'Connor's home, "Andalusia". What a delight, what an encouragement to walk the same land as did this incredibly gifted woman. I returned home on fire to complete the first draft of my new book. That said, I feel unworthy to refer to myself as "an author" having surveyed Flannery's untouched room, the very spot where she created so many of her amazing stories.

Touring with Jamey and me were artist and children's author, Phyllis Tildes and her husband Bill. We four would recommend a trip to Milledgeville, Georgia's first capital. There's much to see; number one on the list is Flannery's farm. By the way, the peacocks are coming back . . . we "met" three of them!

I must sign off now and try to come up with an appropriate name for an old character made anew. Wish Flannery would whisper a suggestion in my ear. MMP

Ociee's getting fat!

2009-10-05T19:08:00.000-07:00

Most women would be upset, not me. Ociee is gaining weight. Belle Books e-mailed me this evening with the news "The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash" is being reprinted in a format that will make her 30 or so pages longer. In a word, she'll become short and squatty, just like her author!

I went onto Amazon only to discover "Further" is N/A, not available. Yikes! Are we all sold out? There's a nice ring to that!
Please hang on a couple of days and the new and improved design will be there awaiting your purchase. She can be ordered from Belle Books, which I recommend, or through Amazon or by calling Barnes & Noble, Borders, or better, any INDEPENDENT (please support them!) bookstore.

Good day, Milam

Garnett Cobb turns 100 years old today!!!

2009-10-03T12:56:00.000-07:00

To put Garnett Cobb's birth date (October 3, 1909) into proper prospective, only nine years after my books' main character Ociee traveled to Memphis in a horse-drawn wagon (1900), Garnett Cobb was born.
This weekend we celebrate the event with her children, Tommy and Sandra Cobb, and her family including my oldest friend, Betty Ann Putnam Colley. On Sunday, two hundred and fifty, that's 250 of Garnett's closest friends will gather at the Williams-Payne Museum for a party in her honor.

As info, many years ago, Garnett and BA's mother, Frances Cobb Putnam, rode on the back of the transport truck which moved the historic home to its current location on Sandy Springs Circle. How fitting the party honoring Garnett will be held there.

In case readers wonder how she's doing, the 100-year-old lady is upbeat, remarkably healthy, beautifully dressed and well groomed, and very, VERY excited about her party. Garnett remains much a part of the city of Sandy Springs and continues to set the standard as a wife and mother, friend, banker, and volunteer extraordinarie!

I'm just relieved we made the cut for her party. MMP

National Parks Series

2009-09-30T17:11:00.000-07:00

I'm supposed to be hard at work writing Ociee V for Fall 2010, but I'm taking ample time off to watch a fabulous new series on PBS. It's another Ken Burns gem; this one is about our National Parks. I'm enjoying the series so much I'm tempted to shelve my grandmother's stories all together, jump into my Jeep, and head due west to Yosemite! Anybody wanna to come along with me?
At very least, close this blog, turn off your computer, and run, do not walk to your nearest TV!
Milam

Gotcha Covered

2009-09-27T13:12:00.000-07:00

I've spent a delightful afternoon reading a charming book featuring aprons, yes aprons, vintage ones. Each apron tells a story! Penned by 49 retired nurses, "Gotcha Covered: A Legacy of Service and Protection" was lovingly published in an effort to support registered nurses in Kenya. All proceeds will assist these valiant women through a charitable organization, Burning Bush, Inc.

Nurse or not, cook or anti-cook, every woman should treat herself to this step back in time for a visit with a mother or sibling, a grandmother or beloved aunt. Like a treasured family quilt, some of the apron pieces will call up laughter, while others, a tear, and for some, a knowing smile.

I googled "Gotcha Covered: A Legacy of Service and Protection" and found all the info I needed. Milam

Thank you, Kelsey

2009-09-24T04:00:00.000-07:00

Ociee must be grinning this day.

My friend, 12-year old Kelsey Fitzpatrick, was walking down the hall of her middle school reading "The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash" when another student passed by her. According to Kelsey, the young lady was also reading . . . the novel in her hand was one of the earlier books about my heroine. Be still my heart! Wonder if it was Charlotte Street or Ociee on Her Own?

AS INFO: when Kelsey was much younger, she and her Nana were "extras" in the film, "The Adventures of Ociee Nash." Readers are encouraged to look for Kelsey and Nana in the final scene which, by the way, was shot at Agnes Scott College here in Atlanta.

Kelsey, many thanks to you and to your grandmother for sharing this story with me, AND for spending that whole long and very hot day in 2002 filming our movie! Milam

2009-09-21T18:20:00.000-07:00

Today Atlanta is fighting flood waters. As I write, many people we know are actually having to evacuate their homes.
After dinner tonight, our son Jay and I went by a friend's mother's home to make sure she was safe. Thankfully, she was. But much of her neighborhood was under water, waist deep water, so much so, many families were packing up to leave. Because the water was so deep, a huge firetruck couldn't reach some of the stranded folks. Fast thinking Jay raced home, loaded our canoe on his truck, and gave it to the firemen. The men paddled off down to the end of the street and rescued all the flood victims.

My husband bought the canoe on Ebay. His purchase became a great family joke. We've used the bloomin' thing a grand total of two times . . . it's too darn heavy to move! Jamey hardly got it out of a lake after his first ill-fated outing. The second and only other time it was used, Jamey and I posed in it in our swimming pool, our attempt at a humorous Christmas card . . . to rave reviews!

But tonight, some five years later, the canoe finally found its calling.

Another mention of the "man of my dreams," he is a sweetheart. Jamey took an obviously distraught neighbor to her sister's home along with her cat and dog. He also drove to Kroger and picked up fresh cat litter for the frazzled pet.
Hopefully, the rain is over . . . for all concerned, especially for the poor little kitten. MMP

Hopeful News about Ociee Nash

2009-09-18T10:50:00.000-07:00

It's Friday afternoon, and I'm supposed to be writing Ociee V. Well, I'm not, because I'd rather write to you.
Deb Smith just told me that she's sending out a gigantic email today---an "e-blast" she calls it. The e-blast will appear on 150,000 computer screens to promote our three Ociee books. Try to think of this as a fine cut of "filet" NOT spam!
She also mentioned a blogger named J. Kaye, who apparently loves our Ociee girl and said some mighty nice things about her in an online review. My hope-filled heart is beating extra fast as I type all this glorious news to you.
Have a lovely weekend.
I AM going back to work now. MMP

2009-09-13T18:09:00.000-07:00

Being an author can be rather humbling. For example, fellow author Anabel Alderman tells this story. She asked her dearest friend why she'd not yet read her book. After all, it had been out for several months. Naturally, Anabel's feelings were hurt.
The friend replied with an extremely apologetic, sugary, sincere Southern drawl, "Huuunny, I've been meaning to read yo' nice story. Truly, Anabel darlin', I have. Fact is I just had to clean out my freezer first."

Along those lines, I was preparing to sign "It May Not Leave a Scar" at an event where I'd just spoken. A lady in the audience came up to me. Grinning from ear to ear she announced, "I got your book on Amazon. Guess what I paid for it?"
"I give up. How much?"
She placed the book in my hands. As I put pen to paper, she said, "Fifty-three cents."

So here's my suggestion. If you'd like to catch up with the Ociee series, you may want to go to Amazon for the first two: "A Flower Blooms on Charlotte Street" and "Ociee on Her Own." The movie "The Adventures of Ociee Nash" is also available there and at Blockbusters.
**PLEASE PAY MORE THAN ONE DOLLAR or don't tell me about it! Milam

2009-09-09T18:47:00.000-07:00

So here's what happened today. I ran into a member of my garden club who said she didn't have anyone for whom to buy "The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash." I was astonished. Speechless actually.
Kim Russell, my way smart real estate friend, suggested I blog about this shocking dilemma. Good idea. Sooooooooo pleeeze believe my BOOK IS WRITTEN for folks of ALL AGES. Yes, it looks like a children's book with the idea that young girls and boys will pick it up to read. However, the first two Ociee books, "A Flower Blooms on Charlotte Street" and "Ociee on Her Own" have been enjoyed by readers of every age. This one is no different. Thank you, Kim. I hope you'll sell another house tomorrow! MMP

2009-09-09T09:39:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone had a nice Labor Day weekend. The weather was most inviting for us here in Atlanta, and our friend George Elliott (Crazy Starfish) had very successful photography sales in Marietta's Art in the Park. On Sunday, we took a break from George's show and journeyed over to the Decatur Book Festival. As always, it was fabulous.

Here's some information regarding our film "The Adventures of Ociee Nash." Jamey and I don't yet subscribe to Netflix. Should we? Anyway, Joel Davis just told his folks that our film is available on Netflix. Seeing the movie makes for a fine introduction to Ociee Nash.

Speaking of my grandmother Ociee, the first box containing "The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash" was delivered yesterday. Nothing beats opening a UPS box and finding one's own work stacked up and ready to sell!
Our grandsons Loftin and Emmett were over playing at the time. Emmett's jet pack for his Star Wars Halloween costume was delivered along with the books. Much excitement!!!

BY THE WAY, because we do have these two little boys in our lives, Ociee's books are focusing more on her brother Ben. Also in "The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash" there's a new character named Billy Boy Williams.
*This is important news for my friend Linda who wants me to speak to a "girls only" class. Linda, I write about boys as well! MMP

2009-09-03T11:16:00.000-07:00

BIG NEWS FOR OCIEE!!!! I must announce an amazing accomplishment for our Ociee. Her first story "A Flower Blooms on Charlotte Street" has recently become available "online" through Belle Books.
AND the news, drumroll, please----Da DA Daaaaaa:
Deb Smith emailed me two minutes ago. She wrote, "Flowers is at No. 6 on the Fictionwise Children's List. That makes it a bonafide top-ten bestseller."
To which she added, "YAY."
To which I add, "Bless you, Deb Smith!" Milam

Another mention about George Elliott Photography:
I hope everyone will drop by and see his work at the Marietta Art Show over Labor Day weekend. Please check my blog below for details.

I'm simply grinning about everything today! MMP

2009-08-30T14:13:00.000-07:00

Enough about my work for a while. Over Labor Day weekend, our friend George is coming to town with his amazing photography. Lucky Georgia! A well known Southern artist, this will be his very first showing in our fair city. He'll exhibit at the 23rd Annual "Art in the Park Festival" around the square in Marietta on Saturday, September 5, also on Sunday, AND again on Labor Day from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm each day.
"George B. Elliott Photography" will be in booth #153 on the east side of Marietta Square. Jamey and I will drop by along with George's wife, Jerrie, and our friends Judy and Bill Ekiss, who are coming all the way from Chattanooga, Tennessee.
To view George's work, please go to his website: Crazy Starfish.

2009-08-28T18:02:00.000-07:00

"The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash" is now out there for everyone to read. I truly hope BelleBooks.com is being inundated with orders for our Ociee girl's latest experiences!
Having a book published is not unlike birthing a baby, there's excitement, anxiety and worry, a bit of pain and finally absolute elation as the baby snuggles in mommy's arms.
I'm a mom with three grown children, two grandsons, and five books with another on the way. And like any mother, I don't want to neglect the older children because of the new baby's birth. I well remember our Amanda and William when we brought home baby Jay. Amanda thought Jay was a gift for her, while William was anxious to show his baby brother his own brand new cowboy boots, a gift from his grandparents, Softie and Mary.
So, not wanting to neglect my other books, I'd like to single out just one, my first Belle Book novel, "Creola's Moonbeam." Like a big sister, she needs some attention, too. Besides, Deb Smith did the most darling promo for the novel. Easy as pie. Simply type these words: Youtube Creola's Moonbeam and get ready to dance. Part of the storyline describes the title character as a successful author of children's books. Surely this will prove true with "The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash"!
*It's also interesting to compare Deb's different approaches to the two very different books, Ociee's for girls of all ages while Creola appeals more to grown girls.
Youtube Creola's Moonbeam
Youtube The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash
More later . . .

2009-08-26T19:28:00.000-07:00

Soooo a couple of friends have suggested I blog about more personal tidbits. For example, Deb Smith said readers might be interested in some of my grandmother's recipes. My grandmother Ociee was as fine a cook as am I . . . . . NOT! We "Nash girls" don't like to cook. A Home Ec major at the University of Alabama, I once started a fire in the home management house while trying to fry chicken. Got an "A" for the report I wrote because it made the professor laugh. My best "recipe" is to get in the car and drive to Taxco for Mexican cheese dip and chips.

Nonetheless, I DID most certainly enjoy many, many delightful dinners with my grandmother, dinners she happily prepared for me. Always, the choices included two types of sandwiches. The first was peanut butter with mayonnaise and tomato. *Don't knock it until you try it. My all time favorite was her peanut butter with pickle relish and mayo stirred together into a paste and slathered open-faced onto fresh Wonder Bread. I swear by this taste treat.
Gotta close now and fix myself a peanut butter sandwich and remember how much more fun it was to talk with my beloved Ociee than most people might have watching somebody slave over a hot stove. MMP

2009-08-25T17:02:00.000-07:00

Here's the deal. Below is a way scary witch looking lady who is NOT, I repeat, is not me. She appears on a slide show about "The New Adventures of Ociee Nash." Whatcha need to do is push the triangle button in the middle of her chest and a bunch of cool pictures about the 1900 world of Ociee Nash will come onto your screen. Give it a try.

2009-08-25T17:01:00.000-07:00

2009-08-24T13:15:00.000-07:00

It's Monday, only six days to go until the publication date for "The Adventures of Ociee Nash." My friend Mary Alyce told me she's already ordered three copies. Sounds like a rush to purchase to me . . . everyone best hurry before we're completely sold out!
Even more exciting news has come onto my computer screen this day. Deb Smith e-mailed from Belle Books to announce my first book "A Flower Blooms on Charlotte Street" is now #25 on the EBOOK Bestseller List for young readers.
My dear author friend Jerry Lee says this is truly amazing. I, for one, am amazed, and stunned, and pleased as can be.
*By the way, the hold-in-your hand "Charlotte Street" book remains available from Mercer University Press: www.mupress.org. Same is true for "Ociee on Her Own" the second in the series.
ALSO, it seems some precious people are blogging about all three Ociee books. Who'd thunk it?
A couple of months ago, I didn't know what blogging meant, now my grandmother Ociee is being blogged and so's this author.
That's my blog for today. MMP

2009-08-22T09:10:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

The good news is my book "The Adventures of Ociee Nash" is coming out SOON-- September 1st, to be exact! You can order today directly from: Belle Books at Bellebooks@bellebooks.com
I also invite you to check out their website by simply googling Belle Books. It's a marvelous place to visit and, of course, to purchase books.
Deb Smith has done two remarkable slide shows with music to promote both Ociee AND my first book with Belle Books, "Creola's Moonbeam." The Ociee video made me cry; Creola had me up dancing around the room! What a surprise . . . thank you, Deb.

Unfortunately, after numerous attempts to "embed" these gems on my blog and on my website, I QUIT! I'm taking our dog Bella for a long walk now. Poor girl, she needs running shoes to keep up with my angst. I'm also going swimming and perhaps have Jamey take me to a movie.

Hope you're having a nice weekend . . . Milam

2009-08-11T19:14:00.000-07:00

After seeing the film "Julie and Julia" I began to think about all the people I know who have leapt into new fields, like Julia Childs, perhaps "a tiny bit" later in their lives. A favorite example of mine is an artist friend who lives in Birmingham, Alabama. Diane Shepherd and I didn't launch our creative lives until our children left home. Just a few years ago, I was in town for Alabama Bound and visited my old friend. Diane said, "Think these are any good?" With that, bunches of gorgeous watercolors tumbled from her closet! Diane needed encouragement and she certainly got some from me. She's truly amazing and many, many more people now know that, too. I have several of her lovely works hanging in my home.
Another example is Jerry Lee Davis. This fabulous man simply quit his job at Co-Cola in June of this year and moved to Los Angeles to pursue his writing career. Another friend, J. Kershaw Cooper quit his lawyering and jumped in feet first to writing. He's doing super with a newspaper column and numerous books. Jackie White hung up her law enforcement uniform and turned on her computer, too. How many books, Jackie? Are you at eight now? I think so.
I also want to mention my friends Marilynn Winston Ph.D. and Susanne Katz who have published "A Woman's Guide to Managing a Mid-life Divorce", AND Ed Putnam whose page-turning novel about a championship Cobb County Georgia highshool baseball team will be out in a few months, AND Frank Cox who has penned his incredible story of serving as a Marine in Vietnam. We're looking for that, I believe, after the first of the year.
George Elliott is one last fellow who springs to mind. George is a FABULOUS photographer. Come to our house if you don't believe me. His website is CrazyStarfish.
These are but a few of the people I admire in the arts, all people who've stepped boldly into new careers because they listened to their creative spirits.
The point is we need to pursue our passions, age matters not.

Milam Writes Books

2009-08-07T09:24:00.000-07:00

Hello, I'm Milam McGraw Propst, an author and the creator of a series of family focused books about my beloved grandmother, Ociee Nash. This is perhaps my second or third attempt to BLOG . . . I think I likely erased my first few efforts. As Ociee would say, "DRAT!"

Soooo I'm here blogging away and happy to say my new book "The Further Adventures of Ociee Nash" will be released by Belle Books on September 1, 2009. www.bellebooks.com

The first two books based on the childhood of my beloved grandmother, "A Flower Blooms on Charlotte Street" and "Ociee on Her Own" will always be available from Mercer Press at www.mupress.org.
AND the charming film written and produced by Amy McGary and Kristen McGary, "The Adventures of Ociee Nash" starring Skyler Day, Keith Carradine, Mare Winningham and featuring Tom Key, Anthony Rodriguez and Ty Pennington can be gotten wherever you buy or rent DVDs.
***The premiere of the film at Atlanta's Fox Theater remains the best day of my life! It's lovely to see one's characters come to life on a great big movie screen!

I'm super excited about the new book which is set in Marshall County, Mississippi AND in Memphis, Tennessee. The storyline includes Ociee, her family, a snake, the Milam Madstone, a WITCH and a Dominican nun. Just an ordinary cast of characters who lived in 1900.

My publisher tells me folks may want to ask questions so let's get started. I'm waiting! Milam