What’s Up?

Wow, it’s been a long time since I’ve sat down and written a post specifically for this blog. But I often get questions and comments from people seeking help with local zoning laws for livestock. Thank you for using Ames Family Farm as a resource.

I started Ames Family Farm about 2.5 years ago to secure the identity in case I proceeded with my crazy business ideas such as opening a greenhouse, creating a local homesteading educational circuit, or even just publishing a few books on the lifestyle. Soon after AFF went live, an editor from Backyard Poultry Magazine sought me out and invited me to blog for the magazine. I was flattered. After thinking it over for a short time I agreed. My posts have appeared on Backyard Poultry Magazine’s website for over two years now.

In October and November of the same year I became a published author. Life changed drastically. I was the same person but with more responsibilities. I still needed my day job and farm, and my family still needed me. In addition I had writing, editing, marketing, book signings, and public speaking engagements. September of 2014 brought the next novel, Vassal, into print. At that point I struggled with the promises I had made. I was stretched too far and had to choose. So that November I chose not to attempt NaNoWriMo, a huge month-long writing push that produced both Minstrel and Vassal. I regret that. I wish I had taken the opportunity to bring another book to life during a time when I didn’t have to garden.

January of 2015 brought delightful surprises: Finch Lee and Countryside Magazines asked me to write for them, and friends shared my name as the local resource for homesteading help. I gladly accepted. And as I chose new seed varieties and mentored budding homesteaders, I recognized that I’ve finally surrounded myself with what I love: writing, homesteading, helping people, and sharing with those I cherish.

So where are we now? As I write for all three outlets, I’ve decided to revitalize my Ames Family Farm site for my works in progress. At the same time I grapple with the harvest and pack as much food into storage as I can. The garden is going crazy. And so am I. But the season’s end is in sight and after that I’m back to writing.

Plans for Ames Family Farm: Thanks to the magazines my identity is snowballing. That’s a good thing! I’d like to become a local and national resource for information regarding small-scale and low-income urban homesteading. Expect more how-to articles focusing on a simpler, more natural way of doing things that save much more money than they cost. Whether these are original or reposted from the magazines, they’ll help you move toward self-reliance.

I want to help you. Want to learn something new? Do you have a question about livestock or zoning? A crop variety that you’d like to try but want some input? A product you’ve seen but want discussed before you shell out the money? Email me at [email protected] with your questions. I will try to test it out and write about it. Publication of the post may take awhile if testing involves several seasons. I’m also available to review products and write about them. (Homesteading products only. No multi-level-marketing, please.)

To keep information going I would like to open this blog up to guest writers. If you have a blog post you wish to include, please email me at [email protected] with your idea and we will go from there. Acceptable topics are gardening, homesteading, family life, sustainability, non-GMO and heirlooms, education, advocacy…and many more. Unacceptable topics include anything that’s meant to sell your product (especially if the product has no direct link to homesteading,) issues that have nothing to do with homesteading, offensive posts, or posts that are poorly written and need extensive editing. Other topics may be discussed through email. By guest writing, you’ll be able to include links to your websites, have a bio which also talks about your websites or businesses, and receive coverage on the Ames Family Farm Facebook page. I reserve the right to accept or decline any idea or blog post and to edit posts in regards to spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

In November I’ll retreat from society and write the next book. I have three (three!) in the works:

Huntsman: The third book of Tir Athair, Huntsman takes place about twenty years after Vassal. A condemned man’s execution wagon makes a wrong turn at the market square and Jayce is offered a second chance with indentured servitude. The Saoiran king needs men to hunt a breed of golden bear that interferes with expanding civilization. But when Jayce arrives in Tir Saoirse he learns the truth of the hunting camp, the golden bear, and the mad queen behind the king’s demands, he becomes prey in a foreign kingdom. His only salvation may be the very “bear” he was hired to hunt.

(Working title PAH): I can’t tell you all my secrets but I can tell you this: PAH is book one of a three-book series that helps you homestead…in the city, with no money, using it to climb out of a poor situation. Or just because you want to. The PAH series will contain hacks, tips, and tricks so you can accomplish more than you thought possible in your environment.

(Working title Project 1712): Again, I can’t tell too many secrets until I have a copyright slapped onto my words. But Project 1712 will include a year of research plus historical references to discuss how our attempts to modernize and simplify our food have instead complicated our health when Mother Nature had it right all along.

Which one will be in print first? My muse has more control over that than anything. But since I’m finally working the jobs I love, I want to give my husband the same opportunity. And the fantasy fiction industry has a lot of competition. Homesteading is red hot right now. I’m leaning toward PAH or Project 1712.

I’m so excited about where AFF has gone since I started a whimsical blog without many expectations. Here’s to more exciting developments. Until next time…Happy Homesteading!