Memory Lane

Ah! Books! Such a pleasure and delight.

Memory Lane
by Lucille Dickinson Ainsworth and Joan Ainsworth Reeves

This book is my mother’s memoir which I edited and helped her write. I hope you enjoy reading the story behind the story. I spent the better part of last year working with Mom as I helped her write her stories after which I edited them. This labor of love was my special Christmas present to her.

Story Behind the Story

How It Began

A year ago I had decided to compile all the essays and stories of her youth that my mom had written into a little book. I thought it would be a nice Christmas present to give her with a copy and print some for my brothers and all our kids so they’d have a chance to get acquainted with Nanny as a interesting person who had led an interesting life – not just as their aged grandmother.

So I started work on this little project, but I made the mistake of telling my mother what I planned to do. I should have known better. My mother immediately imagined a beautiful bound book that all her friends could buy in their favorite bookstore.

Of course I told her no publisher would want a biography or memoir from anyone who was not a household name. That did not quench her enthusiasm for what was now her project.

Little Project That Grew

The little project turned into a big project that involved purchasing the Adobe suite, roping in my daughter the artist, and learning that what publishing professionals do is worth every penny they’re paid. All in all, my mom’s memoirs took a big chunk of my writing life for the past 12 months. The book, naturally, wasn’t ready for a Christmas present in 2007. Finally, it was ready in December 2008.

Who Will Enjoy This Book

I think the audience for my mom’s book is actually greater than one might suppose. Of course, those of my mother’s generation who lived through the Great Depression will want to read it for the shared nostalgia. So if you’re looking for a gift for an older American, perhaps grandparents, it’ll be the perfect holiday gift.

For anyone interested in early twentieth century life, especially as lived by ordinary people in small towns and rural America, Memory Lane will be a resource to treasure. If you’re a teacher or a writer, this book will help you understand life during that long ago era.

Unusual Background

My mother was born to parents who themselves were born in the 1880’s so she has a unique perspective which she brings to her writing with stories about outlaws Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, the Long political dynasty, life without electricity and running water, butchering and curing your own meat, home remedies for people and animals, and celebrating holidays when times were hard.

The book describes a woman’s lot in life when washday involved building a fire outside and hanging a big black iron pot over it. From the Roaring Twenties, to the New Millennium, my mom Lucille Dickinson Ainsworth, has experienced it all and tells about it in Memory Lane: My Sentimental Journey.

Mom’s Plans

My mom has visions of sales dancing in her head. And royalties! I hope you’ll order my mom’s book from the Publisher MEMORY LANE: My Sentimental Journey or from Amazon. Get it today!

Mom and I will thank you!

If you have any questions or want more information, please let me know. Joan at JoanReeves dot com and place Real Live Person in the subject box.