In case you missed Michelle’s special post yesterday, be sure and check it out! A two-book contract with Pocket Books is a grand way to start 2010! Congratulations again, Michelle!
Now to my blog… As a child, toting home 3 Nancy Drew books from grade school every Friday is something, that to this day, brings a smile in the remembering. I would’ve carted more home, but the limit was three. Curious about the author behind the series, I was delighted that her story resembles the fearless Nancy Drew.
It began a long time ago in 1930, that Millie Benson submitted a story for publication and was instead offered a contract for an upcoming Nancy Drew series; a brainchild of the publisher who didn’t want his name attached in case of failure. ( Bet he regretted that one!) He’d created the characters, but needed an author to bring them to life in story. She was sworn to secrecy about the project, and the world never knew the first author behind the pseudonym, Carolyn Keene, until 1980. It is said of the Nancy Drew books that they, allowed teenage girls to imagine all things might be possible at a time when females struggled for any sense of loyalty. I love that! Miss Millie lived to be 96.
We all know what kind of writer she was, but a quote of hers says it all. “Not only in the Nancy Drew books but in others…’feel’ for a situation and presentation of a character with which readers can identify were my goals.” Miss Millie knew the importance of connecting emotionally to characters, and through them connect with readers. Emotions are the real connectors in story.
The inspirational lives that writers leave behind are shining lights for all of us to see. Her legacy will live on, just as her spirit will encourage others to move forward on their journey. If I live as long as Miss Millie, I figure I have 40-some great years left. That’s a lot of living, and a lot of books! There’s much to learn from our fellow writers. The soul is a rich field and like the song goes, through all kinds of weather, the spirit’s evolution is also the magic inside terrific stories. Let’s all be inspired today, and smile at the gifts we all share and the memories that will live on like Miss Millie made. Her books touched the little girl that I was, and planted a seed inside of me. I had no clue that my early love of books would grow into a writer’s passion. I’m grateful to Miss Millie and many others like her. I’m feeling a little of that magic today, what about you?
LaDonna,
I loved this post and the memories it jogged of all the twice weekly trips to the library I made as a young girl. I actually “read the library out” of suitable books and discovered inter-library loan at a very early age and with the help of a memorable librarian.
Readers are so fortunate to be sponge-like with the wisdom, the wonder, and the art of writers.
Yep, after this post, my more healthy living goals are reinforced because of Miss Milly.
Mornin’ Mary Jo!
If we’d known each other as children, we could’ve carried so many more books home from the library! And I had to smile at your mention of inter-library loans. When I worked at the local library, years ago,I processed inter-library loans and loved the service it provided patrons.
And I found Miss Milly’s life to be a total inspiration. We’re talking adventure; she got her pilot’s license in her late 50′s, and explored archeology digs as a hobby. And the more I discovered about her, that gal had the secret to life. Living her passion was the key to her longevity, I believe. She showed up for life everyday, and loved what she was doing. Doesn’t get any better than that!
Love this post! I was a Nancy Drew fan too. I think I read all her books. Like Miss Milly, I believe that our job as writers is to make the reader feel emotion. Love the way you phrased it.
Is there a biography out on Miss Milly? I’d read it.
Hey Edie, I have no clue if there’s a biography or not. Like you, I’ll be trying to find one. Here’s an article I ran across, and it has more details on her sassy life! The pic of her in the airplane is so fun!
http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2002105290069
Now I am!
I’ve never seen a picture of her. I LOVED the Nancy Drew books. Just… wonderful!
Hey, Spy! Isn’t she the cutest?
And when I think of Nancy Drew, I immediately see myself in this big bed with a flashlight, after the lights were supposed to be out. I’d cozy under the covers and read till I fell asleep, most times with my head under the covers so my mom wouldn’t see the light. Halcyon days, for sure!
I loved Nancy Drew, too! I read every one I could lay my hands on. You’re right, LaD, isn’t she CUTE!
I knew you’d love that pic too, Michelle!
She’s got a twinkle in her eyes.
I have to admit that I’ve never read Nancy Drew. Was never interested in mysteries. However, I used to go to the library twice … sometimes three times week to explore every animal book they had. The library was a place of magic for me. Bookstores are now a place of magic. I can find any book I want and if I purchase them … they’re mine for as long as I wish.
Great post, LaD. You just brought back a lot of memories.
Liz, you just explained beautifully my love affair with books! Thanks! “A place of magic,” is exactly how I view bookstores and libraries too. Where we live now, neither is very close but it’s always a treat to visit them. And one of life’s gifts is that all my grandchildren adore books too! I’m a happy camper.