Turning 78 MPH into a real book
When I started writing my blog in June, 2015 I had no idea how well it would grow. Thanks to my editor/publisher, Colleen, who not only was a big help in making my writing more interesting by the usage of the “three C’s – clear, concise and complete” but always has an idea of what I should write for the next post. And the next post. And the post after that.
Now with 77 blog posts, more than 10,500 views and a total of 62,298 words I have decided to put it into book form, and this post will be the last entry in the book. We’re looked around and decided to use intorealpages.com to do this, we’ve tried single, double and triple column formats, different colours and options and I’m really excited to put it into print.
Part of 78 MPH’s book cover
When I print it, I will have 197 comments on the blog, but I would really like to hear what you think of my blogging, how you know me, that kind of stuff. I can’t use the Facebook comments so I would REALLY like you to comment on the bottom of this so it will show up in my book. Good or bad – let me know. I want you to be a part of the hardcopy.
Thanking you in advance, I look forward to your comments. This doesn’t mean I’m going to stop writing — I have lots to write about — but nearly six months in, I think I have enough content and want to see what it looks like!
Mom,
It’s been a great journey so far, and although I know how capable you’ve always been, I’m sometimes so surprised at the ideas you have and your energy too. Putting the book together is a great idea, it will be nice to go through it, look at the pictures and re-read the things you’ve written about your summer of 2015 road trip – and some of the great memories you’ve recounted leading up to that trip, and the start of your latest title – Maureen O’Shea, Blogger.
Love you,
Colleen
Thank you so much for suggesting I should do a blog. Your help and encouragment has made a big difference in the success of this adventure. I could not have done this without you. Love you so much.
Mom
We have been friends since many years and I must admit that your talents and creativity never cease to amaze me. Your blogs are very interesting and I always look forward to the next one as I know that you have many experiences to share. Keep up the good work, Maureen!
Sincerely,
Irene
Your kind words are appreciated so much! Your friendship has been exceptional over all these years and texting has not taken away our phone calls! We still can talk for hours over world problems or a simple recipe for rhubarb/strawberry crumble.
I started following your blog the summer of 2015 when you drove West with my sister-in-law Ruth. I have enjoyed everyone one of your great writings and continue to follow and look forward to your next blog. Keep up the writing, I admire what you do and your energy. Diane
Thank you so much for your kind words. I am enjoying blogging so much: the research, the writing and the knowledge that others are looking forward to my next posting.
Love your blogs. I am a big fan of your daughter, Bridget and your sweet grandkids , Lily and Mats. I have enjoyed reading your blogs ! You are an amazing lady!
I am now so happy that Colleen talked me into doing a blog. I had no idea what it involved and I always said you can learn something new everyday. Well I jumped into this with both feet and I must admit I love it. I had no inkling of how much I would like to write. Now to have it put into book form will be great for my grand kids and future generations.
Every life has a story.
Because I am so fond of our mutual friend, Ruth, I enjoyed reading about your summer trip. So now I look forward to reading your blog. It kind of makes me wonder why I didn’t try golfing in my younger years. I’m a great reader so I appreciate good writing. Keep up your new passion. Thank you. Elsie
Thanks Elsie. I love to hear how people feel about my blog.
Congratulations on your blog! I have truly enjoyed the historical content of your posts as well as your involvement as an engaging writer!
I think discovering a satisfying activity at any age is great! Looks like you have found your niche!
Thanks Rita. You take the time to comment on my blogs on a regular basis and that is very much appreciated. There is so much satisfaction getting feedback from you, an avid reader.
I have really enjoyed your blogs. I love how it can take you back to a moment in your life and it feels like I’m sitting next to you taking in the events.
Great read again. I’m proud of you. Hope you will have a great book.
Maureen, the blog 78mph.com was started in June at the suggestion and with the assistance of your daughter, Colleen. I believe she is totally surprised with the results!
With each blog I have seen your enthusisam for writing and picture taking increase. You realized that you loved telling stories and along with the desire to leave a legacy for your children and grandchildren, you found a new passion.
The Nov. 11 and Sacrifice is a wonderful blog. It shows the continued improvement, good research, hard work and wonderful storytelling you are capable of.
Keep up the good work, my friend, and ENJOY!
I look forward to the book.
Sincerely, Ruth
Yes, Ruth, thanks to Colleen I started this blogging experience and with her help it has been a fantastic success. However it was your co-operation that enabled me to work at writing, while we were at Sauble Beach without any internet connection, that made a writer out of me. You enabled me to make trips to the Bruce County Public Library, the Two Chicks Cafe and the Sauble Dunes Bar so I could write and send my writing off to Colleen to publish. You took me to many places you are familiar with so I could get material for a story and you patiently waited for me to get the “exact picture” to go with the story. I think you enjoyed being a part of my “learning curve” of blogging. I thank you for helping me find time to write with our busy schedule.
Looking forward to our next road trip!
Hey Mo,
I must say that I am impressed with the success of your blog!
So many interesting topics that you talk about, and so many adventurous stories you tell.
I would also say that your blog is an important relationship for me towards my family.
Living so far away from everyone makes me “forget” about a lot of things going on in our loving family.
When I talk to Colleen on the phone, we often talk about your blog and I just love to hear her talk about your next post, or listen to her read me a paragraph or two of your next story.
Mo and I did not often have the chance to spend quality time together, but being able to read all of your adventures and post, make me feel closer to you, and in some kind of way, I can also be a part of all your stories.
I am proud to be the grand son of such an awesome grandmother who for sure knows how to tackle an interesting subject and to tell a great story! And I am also proud to be the son of such a great mom, who supports and pushes her mom to be great and to show the world how great she is. I wish that I can do the same for my mom one day.
I love you with all of my heart Mo!
Gregory
Thank you so much for such a heart felt testimony of your appreciation of my blogging. At the beginning it was just to replace a diary of a trip. Then ideas either your Mom or I would think of something to write about and a story was born. Current happenings like the tornado scare in Calgary just had to be written about! I thought about family history and I want to have an account of my life for generations to come. Not just the facts but how I felt at the time. More writing to follow.
I have been a big fan since the first blog. My adventures with you began when I first lived with you and Doc. Finishing a basement, reupholstering furniture and so much more. You have always been fearless and oh so much fun to be around! Love you lots! Good luck!
Love Debba