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Dear Friends and Followers:
MY IMMIGRANTS’ HOPE
In my award-winning historical novel, FRED: Buffalo Building of Dreams, I introduced you to my tenants who came to America from all over the world. To escape fear, wars, poverty and persecution, they braved the unknown and left their countries penniless but with hope for freedom and a better life in America.
For the past one hundred twenty years, I’ve learned of their struggles, secrets, and stories of personal loss in their pursuit of freedom for themselves and families. I’ve seen them work hard to become full-fledged citizens, free to take advantage of the opportunities afforded them here.
After they arrived and became my tenants, it was the first time most of them would live in a residential and industrial neighborhood where they could live and work. It was the beginning of a dream to save money to support a family, buy a house, educate their children and even start a business of their own. This was the America they envisioned when they left the poverty and hardship of their former countries.
Best,
FRED
FRED’S sequel titled, FRED’s Timeless Tenant Tales: Buffalo West Side Stories, will be published in 2025. We’ll keep you posted
Frances Schmidt
&
Jim Costa
Violet’s Post:
HOPE and ENDURANCE
Before my award-winning novel, Forever Violet: From Stony Hill to Broadway, was published, I relived my life as a young girl who endured a difficult childhood in the middle of the Great Depression. At that time, ‘hope’ wasn’t something I actually felt or even thought about. All I knew was the unhappiness I experienced growing up in a home with an alcoholic father and a mentally ill mother. To escape my troubles and find a measure of peace, I would go to the park and lie down in a field of violets, where I would gaze up to the sky. It was there, embraced by nature, that I suddenly began to hope for a better life. At the same time, deep inside of me, I realized there was more to life, that it was possible for me to enjoy and share the beauty of life.
Every year the violets are killed by frost and crushed by snow, but each spring they are reborn with the return of the sun. In a sense, I too was reborn by the hope kindled in my heart by the violets surrounding me.
Since my story’s been published, I realize that it was hope that freed me from the bondage of poverty and abuse, and faith in myself that helped me achieve success in life. May my life be an example and an inspiration to those who are experiencing difficulties in their lives and may they know, too, that hope and endurance are the keys to personal freedom and success.
Best,
Violet
Dear Friends & Followers,
Repost for Black History Month in honor of Granny Mattie’s African-American Treasures.
In the early 90’s, eighty-five-year-old Granny Mattie Brown, the mother of 15 children and 31 grandchildren moved into one of my apartments with her youngest son Douglass and his wife. Please use your imagination to visualize a small cozy living room, with a small two-tiered table in the center. On the top of the table was a small collection of Mattie’s favorite items, but her most precious treasures were placed on the bottom shelf. It held her collection of books and family journals. At first, I wondered why Granny Mattie celebrated “Memory Sundays”. I can’t tell you the answer right now, but when you read my story, it’ll give you food for thought.
The first book I saw on the bottom shelf, was an original copy of abolitionist, Harriet Beecher Stowe’s, Uncle Tom’s Cabin – an anti-slavery novel published in 1852. This book was based on actual events from freed slave narratives, anti-slavery newspapers and first-hand accounts. More than 10,000 copies were sold in the first week.
The second book was written by another abolitionist, Fredrick Douglass. It was an autobiography of his life titled, The Narrative of the Life of Fredrick Douglass, An American Slave.
Beneath the copy of his book, was a large faded black and white copy of Harriet Tubman, wrapped in plastic. I found out that in 1849, Harriet, along with her two brothers, escaped slavery from Maryland and fled to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They followed the North Star on their 90-mile journey.
Mattie’s most important items on that shelf were her great, great Granny Pearly’s slave journal and her own family journal. When you read the novel you’ll step back in time to learn the importance of family names and the many truths regarding Afro-American history including the value of “Memory Sundays”.
Best,
Fred
New post for ‘Violet’, titled Power of Resilience
It’s a grain of sand, a metaphor, invisible to the naked eye. It blows into our lives gradually and unexpectedly over decades of time. At first it has no name. It gathers slowly in waves of uncertainty. It is stoked by fear, loss, stress, misgivings, endings and new beginnings. It’s a gut punch, but it also hits the heart and soul.
The story of my life is recorded in my novel Forever Violet. It is filled with ups and downs, trauma, indecision, grief, heartbreak and disillusionment. I realized I survived it all, the good and the bad, by never giving up hope, strengthening my will and coping with life’s uncertainties to the best of my ability. It’s when I realized the power of resilience.
Best,
Violet
In Honor of Black History Month Read More »
SNIPPETS
Award winning FRED: Buffalo Building of Dreams and Forever Violet wish all their friends and followers a Peaceful and Happy New Year 2025.
SNIPPETS FROM ‘FOREVER VIOLET’
“I’m fifteen years old and live in a crappy house on a crappy street with crappy families. I call it the pits with 4D’s: Dark, Dirty, Damp and Depressing.”
“I left Annie alone, her darkened eyes staring into an empty sky, and I descended the treacherous path the same way I came up, but much more quickly.”
“Violet, I guess you just aint used to the Big City life,” he said, slapping my knee. “But you’ll get used to it. Where do you want to go next time? Your call.”
Forever Violet and FRED are available at Amazon, Barnes& Noble and online book websites.
Best,
Violet
SNIPPETS FROM ‘FRED’
“My first tenants overcame many challenges and obstacles confronting them and turned their dreams into reality. Undaunted and courageous, they never gave up their ambitions and plans for a better future. Like them, and in my own way, I’m determined to be a trailblazer, too.”
“With the passing generations, I am in constant transition. As a result, I have made a conscious decision to view change as a companion rather than as an unwelcome guest.”
“I’m a building that can listen, observe, and become emotionally attached to my tenants. Together we are all survivors.”
My sequel FRED II: Timeless Tenant Tales; Buffalo West Side Stories will be published in the spring of 2025. I’ll keep you posted.
Best,
FRED
1941: America is Forever Changed
Benedict (Benny) Farley and Bianca Martucci were a young couple who lived in separate apartments in my building. They were on a date at the Marlowe Theatre on December 7, 1941 when their lives and the lives of all Americans were forever changed. I wasn’t physically with them at the theatre but heard the shocking news as soon as they came home. Yes, you probably already know what I’m talking about – it was the day the Japanese Army bombed Pearl Harbor and the start of World War II.
My tenants were scared – truly panic-stricken. All many could do was stand up and volunteer in the War effort, while their hearts and souls prayed for peace. When you read my upcoming novel, you’ll learn more about these troubling times – about V-mail (Victory Mail), Production Soldiers, Ration Stamps, victory gardens, and the meaning of The Blue Stars of America.
Benedict and Bianca’s story however involves a hasty marriage and a monumental goodbye. I’ll share more details later, but here’s a little bit of insight about this couple. Shortly after they started dating, Bianca invited Benny in to have a cup of coffee and a piece of homemade chocolate cake. This is when I overheard them talking about their childhoods. It was a serious conversation and I was listening intently as Bianca wiped a tear from Benedict’s eye.
When Benny was only thirteen years old, he became one of thousands of children put into the Orphan Train Movement. He was suddenly taken from his orphanage and put on a train with other children ranging from five to thirteen years of age. All that Benny and the other children were told was that they were going on a long train ride, but they were really headed to the Midwest to join farm families – some in the US and others to Canada. Benny’s story may shock you when you read more about what happened. Bianca too unfortunately became an orphan at the age of seven, although she was sent to the Saint Vincent DePaul Female Orphanage Asylum in Buffalo New York. Here she grew into a young woman before heading out on her own.
Their remarkable tale and the tales of all my tenants helped me understand life’s twists and turns and in turn made me stronger. Each decade of my life has been filled with a rich history, and the life lessons I’ve learned from my tenants who came to live with me – special people from all over the world. I hope when you read this historical novel, you’re inspired in the 21st century, by stories of the past.
Best,
Fred
Violet’s Chapter One
Life’s Unpredictability
Have you ever thought about the way life’s unpredictable twists and turns have affected your life, or the role fate and destiny play in it? If you answered ‘yes,’ you may want to consider reading FOREVER VIOLET. As you accompany Violet on her life’s journey, you will see how this young girl managed to meet and overcome those challenges.
“When I was a fifteen-year old girl growing up during the Great Depression of the 1930s, I endured the harsh reality of poverty and an unforgiving family environment. Abandoned by my mother and abused by my father, I struggled against the emotional bondage that held me captive until I looked within myself to find the courage and the will to escape. Determined not to be subdued or made a victim of fate, I fought against the bleak future that destiny had in store for me. Perhaps by reading my story, you will be inspired to take up the challenges in your own life and overcome them.”
Forever Violet recently received an Independent Press Award in the Young Adult Category as a Distinguished Favorite for 2024.
Best,
Violet
Forever Violet and Fred’s novels are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and all online websites.
Violet’s Chapter One Read More »
Dear Friends and Followers,
FRED: Buffalo Building of Dreams received a New York City Big Book Award in the Historical Fiction category as a Distinguished Favorite 2020 and an Independent Favorite Award in the Historical Fiction category as a Distinguished Favorite 2021.
Best,
Fred
Fred’s Chapter One Read More »
THE POWER OF FREEDOM
FRED’S SECOND THOUGHTS
For those of you who are unfamiliar with my first novel, “Fred: Buffalo Building of Dreams,” let me introduce myself. I am Fred, a 124 year old building located at the corner of Niagara Street and Potomac Avenue, on the West Side of Buffalo, N.Y. In time you will come to know how I got my name and how I achieved the ability to narrate my stories.
My original stories were set in the early Twentieth Century, and involved people who occupied my apartments over those same years. These tenants arrived from all over the world: immigrants from Europe, refugees, internal migrants, new Canadians and descendants of enslaved peoples of Africa. Although the League of Nations had not yet been created, I had my own League of Nations of Hope. Like my tenants, I was a survivor of those very hard times, and like them, I endured.
Of course, it was impossible to tell all of their stories, stories of success and failure, sadness and joy. Now, several years after my first novel, my co-authors, James Costa and Frances Schmidt, have completed on a new sequel to Fred’s Buffalo Building of Dreams novel, titled Fred’s Timeless Tenant Tails: Buffalo West Side Stories. It will be available for purchase in early 2025. I’ll keep you posted.
Best,
Fred
FREEDOM
My name is Violet. Sharing a website with “Fred: Buffalo Building of Dreams” is an eye opener. I’ve discovered I have a lot in common with so many of Fred’s tenants. Most important, is freedom.
Freedom. It is a powerful, liberating word that rings and excites people throughout the world, wherever it is heard. What Fred’s tenants wanted most was the freedom to take charge of their lives, achieve their goals, provide an education for their children, buy a home, start a business—in short, all those things that can be acquired as citizens in a free country.
To a large extent, that word applies to my own life. In my novel, “Forever Violet” I began as a young girl, trapped in an abusive environment that provided no freedom. Nevertheless, because of the opportunities afforded me in a free country, and my personal determination and belief in myself, I was eventually able to escape a dreary and hopeless future.
In that sense, Fred’s tenants and I have much in common. More than that, our stories can encourage others who are oppressed to take advantage of the opportunities afforded them in a free society, have faith in themselves and persevere. Just as so many others have done before them, they too can achieve the American Dream.
Best,
Forever Violet
(Fred’s new friend)
Repost: The Power of Freedom Read More »
It’s been a busy month and I’m excited to announce my NYC Big Book Award press release. I hope you consider buying a book for a friend or family member to share Violet’s legacy of hope.
Best,
Violet
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Frances R. Schmidt/francesrschmidt.com
Frances R. Schmidt & James A. Costa receive national recognition through the NYC BIG BOOK AWARD®!
Buffalo, New York: The NYC Big Book Award recognized ‘Forever Violet’ in the category of Young Adult Fiction as a Distinguished Favorite.
The competition is judged by experts from different aspects of the book industry, including publishers, writers, editors, designers, booksellers, librarians and professional copywriters. Winners and distinguished favorites are based on overall excellence.
Forever Violet
‘Forever Violet’ is the story of Violet Sheehan growing up in the Great Depression in Stony Hill, a poor neighborhood section of New London, Connecticut. Raised in a loveless home, she endures years of cruelty and indifference from an alcoholic father and a mentally unstable mother.
Violet vows to escape the trappings of her bleak existence and fulfill her ambition to become a professional writer. Her journey to Broadway is fraught with traumatic experiences and setbacks, which leaves open the questions of life and the role fate and destiny play in it.
This original novel reflects Violet’s unquenchable spirit and her belief that life is a gift to be lived fully, regardless of outcome.
NYC Big Book Award received book submissions worldwide. Journalists, well established authors, small and large press, and first-time indie authors participated in record numbers. Entries this year were received from the United States as well as countries such as Australia, Canada, China, Cyprus, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Scotland, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. Cities represented included Asheville, Beijing, Colorado Springs, Dublin, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Melbourne, New York, Portland, San Francisco, Singapore, Tel Aviv, and Vancouver were among the entries.
Publishers included Atmosphere Press, Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Beaufort Books, Beyond Words Publishing, Blackstone Publishing, Familius Publishing, Flatiron Books, Hachette Go, HarperCollins Leadership, Oceanview Publishing, Old Stone Press, Rowman & Littlefield, Simon & Schuster, Ulysses Press, Watkins Publishing, Westminster John Knox Press to name a few.
“We were delighted to see so many quality publishers and authors from around the world participate this year. I can’t wait to share these books with a global readership,” said awards sponsor Gabrielle Olczak.
To view the list of NYC Big Book winners and distinguished favorites, please visit: https://www.nycbigbookaward.com/
Dear Followers and Friends,
Special Announcements
I’m happy to share my good news with you. FRED’s Timeless Tenant Tales: Buffalo’s West Side Stories, sequel to FRED: Buffalo of Building of Dreams. The sequel will be published in January of 2025. We will keep you posted.
Co-authors James A. Costa and Frances R. Schmidt have also completed a Romance Novel titled Accidental Virgin, which will be published this December 2024.
Carly Miller and Bryan Perri invite readers to hear the story of their relationship from their individual point of view. It’s sometimes humorless and often tumultuous as they deal with their emotions and life experiences and the conflicts resulting from them. Can love survive where secret fears compound their already problematic relationship? To learn the answer we invite you to share their personal drama.
More exciting news about Forever Violet will be shared soon.
Repost: Comfort Food and More
Food is such a big part of life and community. Restaurants on the West Side of Buffalo, NY, where I live, have offered a continuing source of nourishment and gathering for decades. Two restaurants in particular, Santasierio’s and Deco Restaurant are near and dear to my heart.
I was 21 years old when Dominic Santasierio opened his restaurant at 1329 Niagara St., just doors away from my address at 1469 Niagara. Dominic’s sauce made from a family recipe, is still used today, and proof of its popularity. Santasierio’s is best known for comfort food, consistency in quality, large portions and reasonable prices.
This popular Italian American restaurant was the site where Sammy Consiglio and Molly Murphy, two tenants in my had their first date. After that, whenever they could, they would go back there again and again. They struggled for a whole year to keep their relationship quiet. I’ll share more about them another time.
David Abramovich, a Russian Jew and his 41-year-old cousin Samuel Jaroslow , a Polish Jew who came to America from the Pale of Russia in 1910 moved into my building in 1935. I can’t share their harrowing story now, but I can tell you that Santasiero’s helped them survive when they couldn’t afford kosher food. It was good, cheap and filled their bellies after a long workday.
The smells of all their leftovers – spaghetti, Italian wedding soup, eggplant parmesan – was delicious! Boy did I wish I could taste that food. Dominic Santasierio’s descendants will be celebrating their 100th Anniversary in 2021 and if I could shake any other building’s hand, this is the one I would choose!
Deco Restaurant first opened in 1918 when Gregory Deck opened a small stand on the corner of Main and Lisbon. The success of this stand gave way to more than fifty Deco lunch counters that eventually sprouted up around the city of Buffalo, NY. Molly Murphy, yes, the same one who dated Sammy Consiglio, got a waitress job there in the early 1930’s, in the restaurant on West Eagle Street, on the corner of Pearl. She worked the late-night shift. It was a favorite spot at night for cops, late night revelers, and the homeless. Young, old, rich, poor, came together to get a good cup of coffee for 10 cents, 5-cent hamburger, or a hot dog and Cherry Coke. The spot was small but popular, and you were lucky if you could get a dining stool at the counter. Molly just loved working there.
I honor Santasierio’s and Deco, for their dedication to the local customers of Buffalo, NY. These restaurants fed hundreds and hundreds of people, helping them survive tough times and celebrate good times.
Best,
Fred
Special Announcements Read More »