Before it became fashionable to self-publish, Elizabeth Pomeroy formed her own publishing company--not just to publish her own books but important historical titles as well. Writer, editor, publisher, educator--it's a wonder she finds time for it all. Please welcome today's guest author, Elizabeth Pomeroy.
If time is the fourth dimension, then knowing the history of a place puts you into that four-dimensional reality -- neat !
Lost and Found: For five years I wrote a weekly column on historic places called "Lost and Found." This ran in the Pasadena Star-News, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, and Whittier Daily News. My beat extended to 40 cities, the circulation areas of those papers. I looked for nooks and crannies of history, the overlooked and the obvious, including places we might pass every day.
Many Moons Press: Then I collected my favorites of these articles into a take-it-with-you guide published by my new small business, Many Moons Press. The book is Lost and Found, and it was followed by more articles in Lost and Found II. I said on the book jacket, "These are YOUR treasures, which history has saved for you in its vast Lost and Found Department."
Now Many Moons Press has published eight titles all about Southern California, including books on John Muir and the native plant expert Theodore Payne. Some of the books are new editions of wonderful titles long out of print. This series is called California Voices. Take a look at the website for information and reviews.
What next? Now I'm writing the Centennial History of the City of San Marino, which will be published by the San Marino Historical Society. It will be a beautiful illustrated book, with many photographs, historic and modern. It's due out in the fall of 2012, in time for the centennial year of 2013. So far it's a lively story of people and places.
Come and see: I'll be at the Duarte Festival of Authors on Saturday October 8th with my books. Come and say hello; we'll talk history and share thoughts about books. I'd love to hear your comments on my work and to have your ideas about what Many Moons Press should publish in the future. We are looking for new projects.
Mantra: Thanks for listening, and here's my mantra for all book lovers and book people: "May the writers write and the readers read !"
20 comments:
It's lovely to meet you, Elizabeth. Many Moons Press is a wonderful name! Wishing you many moons more of uncovering those precious layers of history.
"Meet" is a good word, Shell. I'm hoping the guest posts will introduce authors to readers.
They certainly work that way for me. I had met Elizabeth in person and I knew she was a writer, but it wasn't until I read her guest post that I knew how much she'd written and published!
Nice to meet you Elizabeth. It looks like you know how to get things done. Well done. I too love history. I have researched my family history and found them rubbing elbows with Abraham Lincoln in Petersburg, IL. Best of luck to you. You are living the dream.
small world abounds again.
I've actually met Mrs Pomeroy as well, I attended school with her daughter.
Fun to see a different side of her than I knew back then.
Elizabeth
I look forward to the San Marino history you are uncovering.
btw: I do hope someone in the historical society (or somewhere) got a chance to photograph and document the San Marino public library tiles before they were destroyed to make way for the new library. They were on the pillars outside before you entered the library. Aqua on the sides with leaf shapes on a ground of yellow. They are not in the new library. Those are reissued Batchelder tiles. I feel really bad I didn't take the time to document them myself. Regrets there.
Nice to meet you, Elizabeth. What a lovely introduction to your journey discovering local history. I'm excited to check out the books on your website. Unfortunately I don't think I can make it to the Duarte Festival of Books. Are your books available at Webster's or Vroman's?
Sad about those tiles, PA. It's a shame they weren't saved.
It's been delightful to talk with Elizabeth about San Marino history and I'm really looking forward to getting the Centennial Book. There's so much history in the city besides the obvious Huntington Library and community organizations, it's actually quite diverse.
I didn't know about those tiles, PA. I hope there are photos.
I love our area history--yes, Laurie, quite diverse! The idea of Elizabeth's Lost and Found books sounds intriguing to me, covering the obvious as well as the special finds.
Yet more wonderful inspiration. Petrea, your Guest Authors never cease to amaze me and Elizabeth's is a great story. As you know, writers, publishers and historians are to me what rock stars are to most kids so I'm a little biased here. I just wish I weren't 6,000 miles away and could pop along to the Festival. I hope you'll be there to enjoy it on my behalf and to thank Elizabeth for the gift of inspiration.
Thanks, everyone, for these friendly comments.
Pasadena Adjacent: I'll see what I can find out about the tiles!
Susan C: yes, Vroman's should have all the Many Moons books, though sometimes they run out. Also you can send an order via the Many Moons Press website. I hope you'll enjoy the books !
I'm so glad you're featured here, Elizabeth. I'm such a fan of yours. Loved Lost and Found, but I've gone and lost it - lent it to someone who kept it, I think. So both Losts and Founds are now on my wishlist. You didn't mention your book "Pasadena: A Natural History," in the Images of America series, which is the best written and researched of this wonderful series. You also didn't mention you're Chairman of the local Sierra Club! I don't know how you do it all, but thank you.
I'll be going to the Festival in Duarte Saturday and I'm looking forward to it. I hope to see you all there. It's going to be fun--a big day for books!
Exploring any aspect of history than one finds interesting is an excellent way of meeting interesting, involved people. I began my own because of a quirky event: reading about a small-town policeman who happened to capture a couple men who were stealing mussels, a protected species, from a near-by river. Once the police and DNR checked their catch, it was found the men had over $400K in mussels, once the fines and penalties were considered. It sparked an interest in unusual stories that might illustrate an area's wildlife and/or history.
I get to meet a lot of nice people who are happy to share their knowledge with me. In passing it on, I hope to do well by them, my publisher and myself.
Uncovering history, small bits that people can relate to, such as Ms. Pomeroy is doing helps people to understand and appreciate where and who they are.
I know that top photo so well - but right now I'm trying to decide whether it's in the Lower Arroyo or Hahamongna.
Speedway, you must let us know all the information when your book comes out. Don't be shy! Tell us all the details. Or tell me, and I'll spill the beans.
It's at Hahamongna, Bellis. You see it from the lower path, it's above you on your right as you're walking north along the east side of the park.
Now I know you've got it.
Now I'd like to thank Elizabeth for her gracious participation. Such a lovely post! For some of us--at least for me, I think your publishing company and your books are a real discovery. Can't wait to see you Saturday in Duarte.
I met you in person at the enviromental potluck held at Eaton .canyon Nature Center but I've been a fan of your for years. I forgot to tell you that. You're adorable too.
She means you, Elizabeth, not me!
18 comments! (Now 19.) When I post here in Wellesley, Mass., the silence is deafening. What is it about those author-loving 'Denans? Elizabeth, we've met on previous occasions, and I admire your books a lot. I wish I could be in Duarte today.
I got to go, Davo! It was great.
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