Dear writers:
Book clubs are not for everyone. I’m a member of several, because I not only love to read but I also appreciate the insight of other readers. One of my clubs met this past Monday. The book we discussed was the biography of a woman I’d never heard of: Anna Rosenberg. Her contributions to Roosevelt’s New Deal, to labor, to WWII logistics, and to the GI Bill made her the most influential woman of her day. Yet she was unknown to me until this book club selection.
The biography, The Confidante: The Untold Story of the Woman who Helped Win WWII and Shape Modern America, includes mention of one of Anna Rosenberg’s powerful friends. If you attended the July meeting of Gulf Coast Writers Association, you’ll remember her name: Mary Lasker. The definitive biography of Lasker, Crusade to Heal America: The Remarkable Life of Mary Lasker, was penned by our July speaker, Judith L. Pearson, who led us on a merry journey into research.
It goes to show that the more you read, the more you connect. I now know about two of the 20th Century’s early feminists, Rosenberg and Lasker, who used their power and influence to alter the course of history. They would never have called themselves feminists, of course. They were simply American women committed to change.
Our August 17 meeting is about how we as writers can create change for ourselves, increase the visibility of our books and spark sales. Two published authors who know how to use the press to get attention will help us jumpstart our marketing. Join us with Craig Handle and Dave Kratzke at the Fairfield Inn, 7090 Cypress Terrace, Fort Myers, at 10:00 on Saturday August 17. And if you cannot attend in person, here’s how to join us by Zoom: Register today
