In some ways, I'm almost glad April is over.  It was a month packed with many exciting events--a book signing at Barnes & Noble Galleria, a presentation to my colleagues at the Wisconsin Retired Educators Association Meeting, an interview with cable-access TV BECT, an evening with a UW--River Falls graduate student writing lab class, and an adventure-to-remember book club experience.  It was thrilling--and exhausting.  And, unfortunately, the weather sometimes didn't cooperate!  I wasn't able to make the Lake Elmo Public Library Celebration of Local Authors due to a snowstorm.  I can't remember ever having had so many late winter storms like we experienced this year in April!  But summer is at hand--and I'm looking forward to a warm and pleasant May and June! 

Barnes & Noble Signing at the Galleria on April 25

 Meeting with Two Book Club Groups on April 18 

My visit to a Hudson book club in April turned out to be a very unique experience. It began with not-unique sleet and snow driving conditions that caused most of the members and me to be late. Subsequently, we were told that our reserved private dining room had been inadvertently double booked and the other group was already in the room. But this book club group had read my book and their pulsating perseverance spurred them to accept a narrow hallway-size room in the back of the restaurant.

So we sat in the windowless hallway facing each other along the two walls so close our knees almost touched. My reward was a wonderful meeting/discussion. What a gracious group of women, and wow, they were set for discussing The Dirty Days and to learn much more about life in those times! Meanwhile, the bad weather conditions had escalated outside. But my almost two-hour energetic discussion with these very bright women was worth my hazardous twenty-mile drive back to St Paul.

My book THE DIRTY DAYS was recently reviewed on historyandwomen.com by Mirella Patzer, historical fiction book reviewer and author.  

Here's an excerpt of what she had to say:  

"What made this novel so poignant is that the author based it upon her own first-hand experiences....Norma Welty gives voice to an era of American history so that our children and grandchildren can understand all that helped shape our history. It is a stark reminder that despite this fast-paced, technological era that we currently live in, our elders faced what seemed like insurmountable strife to provide for their family and future generations."

On Tuesday, February 26, 2013

I had the privilege of speaking about the Dust Bowl to two high-school classes in Stillwater, MN--a delightful, attentive, eager-to-learn group of young adults. I so enjoyed my time with them.  I'd like to thank their teacher Peter Schield for inviting me.

A visitor (teacher's father-in-law sitting on the wide windowsill) and some of the students enjoying my humor.

Now You Can Follow Me on Facebook, Twitter, and at Wordpress.com!  

Book Club Presentations!

In November, I was invited to attend a combined book-club event with two adult groups in River Falls, WI, which I thoroughly enjoyed! Then on December 4, I had the priviledge of interacting with another book club in Maplewood, MN, which was stimulating and enjoyable.  I very much enjoy the Q&A format of a book club presentation and am happy to speak/dialogue with all readers.  If you have a book club and you are interested in having me attend one of your meetings, send me an email at norma@normawelty.com.

School Visits!

I was pleased and surprised to receive a call from a River Falls, WI middle school teacher of 20+ amazing and sophisticated 6th Graders who had read my book. On Wedneday, December 12, I participated in a Q&A/discussion of my book with these precocious, highly interested young boys and girls.  Many of their questions demonstrated a curiosity about the foods, activites, and events of the 1930s.  What was my favorite food?  The most fun thing I did in the 1930s?  What was it like to be their age that many years ago?  I was charmed by their enthusiasm! 

A special thank you to Ms. Velure, the teacher, for her interst in me and my book and for her warm and gracious welcome! 

October 5 Book Signing at Hastings Books in Altus, OK

October 4 Book Signing at Barnes & Noble in Norman, OK