Hope warms the heart in times of need. Hope helps us survive to face our fears. Hope transcends our thoughts of loss. Hope is an invisible thread of steel that can be tapped into for a lifetime…

Best,

Fred

Writing

Writing is a puzzle waiting to be solved with a second thought, an eraser, or revision. The joy is compiling scraps of paper filled with random thoughts and ideas.

Moments turn into seconds, minutes and hours.

A project begins with a title and lead sentence encouraging readers to turn the page. Pencils, paper, and time are best friends. When ideas reach an empty page, sometimes they stop in the middle of a thought.

Each revision moves the project closer to the finish line.

Adjectives and adverbs allow it to come alive.

Trials and tribulations provide strength.

It’s climbing a mountain of knowledge realizing “the more I learn, the less I know”. When a project ends and another begins…turning into pure pleasure.

Best,

Violet

In honor of Black History Month I’m reposting eighty-five year old Granny Mattie’s African American Treasures. Hope you will enjoy how she celebrated her weekly “Memory Sundays”.

It’s my pleasure to let you know that Forever Violet: From Stony Hill to Broadway is currently available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and worldwide online. Below is a link containing 6 book reviews for you to read.

Happy New Year!

Please enjoy your complimentary Chapter 12 titled: Orphan Train Rider Tales from FRED: Buffalo Building of Dreams.

Best wishes for a wonderful New Year from my author Frances R. Schmidt and her co-author James A. Costa. Their novel FOREVER VIOLET: From Stony Hill to Broadway is located on my author website and available for purchase on Amazon and Barnes & Noble directly with the attached links.

Amazon: FOREVER VIOLET: From Stony Hill to Broadway

Barnes & Noble: FOREVER VIOLET: From Stony Hill to Broadway

Best,

Fred

We are happy to share three of our pre-release reviews.

What People Are Saying

“Just finished the book. I loved it. Such a relatable story with all of life’s struggles and triumphs. Violet took center stage. Her life is instructive for all of us.”-Marty F.

” ‘Forever Violet’ is such an inspirational story! I was most impressed by Violet’s remarkable resilience.  I am in awe of her. With all her ups and downs, challenges and heartache, she continued to follow her dreams. A truly heartfelt lesson of adversity and hope. I will be passing this brilliantly written novel along for family and friends to enjoy!” – Elaine C.

“Be All You Can Be” is the motto of the U.S. Army, and the dream of a young girl named Violet. She is no shrinking violet! Violet is full of desire, perseverance  and, perhaps more importantly, filled with great self-worth. All these traits take her from street urchin to successful author. Her journey is filled with many fortuitous events, along with several hard knocks. Life is not fair!  But, it’s one’s response to various circumstances that builds character and sustains one through the bumps of the journey of our life. Not a self-help book, yet the story reminds us the American Dream still exists for those who dream, create, and work hard toward a goal they have set for themselves. Truly a lovely read from beginning to end!”  – Theresa W.

Best,

Frances R. Schmidt

Jim A. Costa

Violet’s publicity date is coming early this November. This repost reminds me of Violet’s unquenchable spirit and her belief that life is a gift to be lived fully, regardless of the outcome.

FRED’S New Memory of Hope

During the past several years FRED: BUFFALO BUILDING OF DREAMS 2021 struggled to survive long enough to be published, What FRED has learned most from his culturally and ethnically diverse tenants is hard to believe and often harder to maintain.

It is the power of HOPE in the middle of desperation that kept generations of Fred’s immigrants, refugees, internal migrants, and descendants of enslaved peoples of Africa survive and thrive in America. Their hope helped them survive long enough to face their fears and cope with many losses. Fred learned first hand that hope is a powerful force that can last a lifetime.

Best,

Fran

While waiting to have Violet: From Stony Hill to Broadway published this Fall, I’ll be re-posting a few of my original posts until the official announcement of Violet’s novel.

I also thank you for your continuing interest in my novel FRED: Buffalo Building of Dreams.

SECRETS

I’ve learned many secrets in my lifetime. Some are too hot to handle. To me a secret between two people is sacred. Only sometimes they reveal themselves in unexpected ways. I believe we all have secrets and some we never share with anyone except ourselves.

I don’t think secrets are bad if they keep people from despair. I was a secret for a hundred and twenty years. Now many of my historical secrets have been revealed while others will remain hidden within my walls. They can be happy or sad depending on one’s circumstances. They can even be serious or embarrassing. Sometimes saving lives or destroying them.

To tell or not to tell a secret is a question I’ve often asked myself while telling my tenants tales. I’ve learned  what it is to be a human, although I’m really only a building with a human perspective. I’ve tried to be understanding and kind when privy to secrets. They have sometimes inspired and disillusioned me. I’ve learned to respect and at times fear knowing them.

Most of all I believe secrets can help us to survive tragic situations. And if the bearer of a powerful secret can make the world a better place, it would be worth sharing…

Best,

FRED

Dear Readers,

I hope you’ll enjoy your free pre-promotional first chapter of Forever Violet: from Stony Hill to Broadway. 

This inspirational coming of age novel will be published by Bookbaby Publishing in the Fall of 2023.

Perhaps you may consider purchasing a copy when it’s available. Will keep you posted regarding actual publication date.

Best,

FRED

It’s a pleasure to present you with a bio of my author, Frances R. Schmidt and co-author James A. Costa who collaborated on their new upcoming novel Forever Violet: From Stony Hill to Broadway which will be published by BookBaby Publishing in the fall of 2023. The novel will also share my website located at francesrschmidt.com. This will be an exciting innovative event.

In August the author’s will share the first chapter and hope you’ll look forward to reading it. It will be available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and at other online book sellers.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

James A. Costa is a retired West Seneca, N.Y., English teacher, and the author of a number of novels, including A Portal in Time, and Murder on Mulberry Street.

Frances R. Schmidt is a retired D’Youville University college administrator and author of an historical fiction novel, titled FRED: Buffalo Building of Dreams, and two job search books.

This unique co-authorship resulted from an unexpected meeting between two authors of different genres.  Forever Violet is a collaboration honoring the life and legacy of ninety-seven year old Lillie R. Sharon’s first writing project, titled Violet.  Unfortunately, she passed away in 2022, leaving the ‘bare bones’ of her novel intact.

The authors believe Lillie’s spirit brought them together to complete her novel regarding Violet’s transformative life and ultimate destiny. It is their fervent hope they have stayed true to her intent and given some measure of justice to Lillie’s vision.

Best,

Fred