When writing comes easy

Avis Boone, the inspiration for Abigail

I remember writing those first Abigail stories.

I don't remember researching for them (much) but I do remember writing them. I sat at the big white iMac computer in our home office and the words just poured out of my fingers. Once I got the basic concept and characters down, there was no stopping me.

I've only had that experience one other time in my life -- the experience of writing as typing, or typing as writing, where the story, the setting, the characters are so fully developed in my mind that I didn't even really have to think but simply to write.

It's a joyful, blissful experience for a writer. You feel free and powerful and filled with talent.

I actually wrote twelve stories in a very short space of time, perhaps two months, even though Lynn and I had only planned on a single volume with four stories. 

The first story in Volume 1, "Passing the Test", was based on comments made by Avis Boone, the real-life inspiration for Abigail, in a documentary made by the local Rogers Cable station (find it here). Avis talked about how she and her cousin had applied for jobs at the McAdam Station and, bam, there was the story idea.

Several of the characters also leapt fully formed from that interview: Abigail (Avis), Martha (Avis' cousin), Miss Pierce (Miss Quinn, the stern hotel manager about whom Avis told several interesting tales).

Easy peasy.

The second story, "In Trouble", was also inspired by one of the tales Avis tells in the Rogers "Backtracks" program. Talk about a great resource for material -- I have had the honour of meeting several of Avis' family members and I have thanked them over and over again for her contributions to the Abigail stories.

Once I had those two stories done (and that took maybe two days at most), it was smooth flowing from there. Abigail and Martha were clear in my mind; Miss Pierce was also coming together nicely. And I felt I had a pretty good handle on the times (the stories are set in the early 1940s).

"Behind Bars" was a simple little story that was intended to highlight the fact that the McAdam Railway Station had its own jail cell. And to show the Martha was indeed a mischievous little person who would cause no end of trouble for her more straight-laced cousin.

And then there was "Canada's Sweetheart", a story which has gone on to become far and away the favourite story for most people who love Abigail. The good folks at the Station have even created a skit based on the story that they perform at many of their special events.

Canadian skating legend Barbara Ann Scott visit to the McAdam Station in the late 1940s was mentioned on several of the tours of the Station I had attended and I realised early that there was a story there.

 Then, on a visit to Ottawa the summer before sitting down to write Abigail, I had a chance to visit a museum display on Ms. Scott's amazing international skating career. As I toured the display, I realised that Ms. Scott was just hitting her stride at the time of the Abigail stories, not yet Canadian or Olympic champion but just about to burst onto the international scene.

So I decided to change the dates of her visit to McAdam and have her interact directly with my characters in what I think turned out to be a very sweet story.

And so "Canada's Sweetheart" was born.

The story holds an especial place in my heart as the author because it marks the first time I incorporated a real person into the world of Abigail. Barbara Ann Scott appears as herself and my characters interact with her directly.

This is an approach I used over and over again throughout the Abigail stories. I had Prime Ministers and Premiers drop in. After finding the McAdam Telephone Book from 1939 in the New Brunswick Provincial Archives, I was able to incorporate the actual townspeople of the time (like Mr. Cook, the greengrocer, and Dr. MacLean) into the stories.

And, in later stories, I did much more. But that I will have to save for a later post.

Jumping in with both feet

Frank Carroll

The first significant memory I have of the Abigail Project is that first meeting with the executive of the McAdam Historical Restoration Commission.

It's important to remember: I had never met any of these people and had no idea how they would react to our crazy idea and the sample books we brought.

If memory serves, Mary O'Keefe helped set up the meeting and she and I drove out to McAdam one Saturday afternoon to meet the group: Frank Carroll, Elsie Carroll, Dave McInroy and one other person whose name current escapes me. It is possible that Gail Swan was also there and that perhaps Elsie wasn't -- my memory has always been quite problematic.

I had written 12 stories already, flawed, wonderful stories that introduced cousins Abigail and Martha, their new friends Alice and Jenny as well as the stern Miss Pierce and the gruff Mr. Fitzpatrick.

Using only the first four stories -- "Passing the Test", "In Trouble", "Behind Bars" and "Canada's Sweetheart" -- my sister Lynn had created a beautiful sample book, complete with illustrations she herself had drawn. I remember being stunned at how beautiful those illustrations were and how the book looked so professional.

Lynn had seven sample copies printed and sent to me specifically for this meeting.

Frank and the team were nothing but kind and supportive and, after I did my brief pitch about what we had done and what we hoped to accomplish, I produced the sample copies with something of a flourish.

Dave, who had been fairly quiet throughout the early part of the meeting, pulled out his wallet, slapped a ten-dollar bill on the table and said, "I'll buy one right now."

At that point, I knew we were in business.

I asked for their consent to use the Station and its history in this way and said that we would print and donate 20 copies to the Station. They could sell those copies, pocket an easy $200 and move on to the next project.

Elsie Carroll

If they felt the idea had promise, however, I would pay to print 100 copies for them to sell, with the Station reimbursing me for the cost of printing if proceeds from sales were sufficient to cover it. I didn't want them to be out any money just because they chose to support our crazy idea.

Frank looked affronted, smiled a slow smile and said, "Print 500".

I sat back as if I had been punched. FIVE HUNDRED copies? That's an initial investment in printing costs of $3000. And I had promised to cover the cost if the books didn't sell.

I swallowed hard, glanced at Mary and caught her grin. She seemed to have caught whatever fever was afflicting Frank.

I looked from smiling face to smiling face and thought: Okay. They know their market better than I do. If they think they can sell 500, who am I to question them?

With that settled, we agreed on a launch date for the Abigail book for early November, with further discussions to be held and details to be sorted.

Then Mary and I drove back to Fredericton and I had the delicious luxury of telling my partner Patti that Christmas was cancelled: all our money was to go into printing 500 copies of Abigail Massey at McAdam Station, Volume 1. 

With the faint hope that we would sell enough copies to recoup our investment!

Journey's end: Abigail co-creator Mark Walma bids farewell to his beloved character

Me, Mark Walma, speaking at the recent book launch

With the publication of Unclaimed Baggage, Mary E. O'Keefe's wonderful new novel, in the fall of 2022, our long journey with the Abigail Abigail Massey at McAdam Station project comes to an end.

At least my journey comes to an end.

Mary has expressed an interest in writing additional stories exploring the lives of some of our supporting characters -- like Miss Pierce and Mr. Fitzpatrick -- but for me, as one of the two creators of Abigail, Martha and their friends and of the popular story books that chronicle their adventures, I am bringing this 13-year project to a close.

The fact that I am not sad or worried or scared or melancholy or uncertain about this decision tells me it is the right thing to do. The time has come to focus my attention on other projects, other creative endeavours.

The Abigail Project has been an amazing experience for me, filled with memorable moments and wonderful surprises.

Once Lynn and I decided this was something we wanted to do -- to tell the (fictionalised) stories of the young women who lived and worked at the McAdam Railway Station and Hotel as a way to raise money to help preserve the Station, the first 12 stories just poured out of me.

We had planned to print only one collection of four stories, with only 20 copies, and to donate them to the McAdam Historical Restoration Commission. We figured they could earn maybe $200 from selling the book and then be done with the whole idea.

The Commission had other ideas, however, and asked that we print 500 copies, confident that the interest would be there to support such a massive print run. Lynn and I, along with my partner Patti, took a big gulp and ordered 500 copies of Volume 1, hoping beyond hope that our little project wouldn't end up costing the Commission, or us, a bundle of money.

Within a week of publication, that original print-run of 500 had sold out. We can thank the people of McAdam for that, and the media in New Brunswick who threw their full support behind the venture. We have since printed and sold about 2,000 copies of Volume 1 of Abigail Massey at McAdam Station and followed it up with Volumes 2 through 5, plus a Christmas novella, a coffee table book, a beautiful poster Lynn designed, mugs, bookmarks and even an fake McAdam Junction newspaper. And now, finally, Mary's epic novel that brings Abigail back to McAdam in the year 2017.

The experience has been so filled with joy and delight that I have a million wonderful memories of the Abigail Project. And I hope to use upcoming blog posts to share those with you as well.

It will be sort of my farewell to Abigail. And my thanks to everyone who has supported our books.

Breaking New Ground: Abigail novel makes CBC Christmas book list

 We have spent a decade and more building the Abigail Massey at McAdam Station project, publishing five collections of stories, a Christmas-themed novella, a coffee-table book and now Unclaimed Baggage, Mary E. O'Keefe's wonderful new Abigail novel.

 This novel continues the story of Abigail and her friends, while bringing the story of Abigail's long and complicated life full circle. This novel introduces the mystery of what drove Abigail and her beloved cousin, Martha Casey, apart in the latter part of the war and traces Abigail's efforts to reconcile with Martha.

It is a wonderful book, beautifully written and spectacularly designed and illustrated, and has sold fantastically well since we released it just over a month ago.

And now Mary and her novel Unclaimed Baggage have accomplished something unprecedented in the history of our project: they have earned mention in an article in the provincial media, promoting New Brunswick books for the Christmas season: CBC Article

The entire Abigail team extends our hearty congratulations to Mary and Lynn, author and illustrator/designer of this wonderful novel. And we want to thank Patti Simmons, who has worked her social media promotional magic to ensure that this amazing book has become known across the province and around the world. 

Unclaimed Baggage is available for purchase at the McAdam Railway Station, the McAdam Village Office and at Artful Persuasion, located on York Street in downtown Fredericton.

And, even more exciting, Mary will join Abigail creator and author Mark Walma will be appearing live in person at the Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market on Saturday, December 17 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Look for them inside the market buildings and, please, drop by to say hello!

 

Unclaimed Baggage launch a huge success

Unclaimed Baggage launched on September 25 at a wonderful event held at the McAdam Railway Station.

The McAdam Historical Restoration Commission outdid itself with its preparations -- the formal dining room looked beautiful as it hosted more than 100 fans of author Mary O'Keefe, the McAdam Station and the Abigail project.

Mary gave a wonderful talk about her life, her book and her writing process while local dignitaries and McAdam Station volunteers also spoke.

We started with 61 chairs available for guests but we soon had to haul out additional chairs and, even then, people were left standing all around the room. The energy was fantastic and it was hard not to be carried away by the emotion of the day.

Mary dedicated the novel to her sister, who passed away while the book was being written,  and in an emotional moment presented the first copy of the novel to her brother-in-law, as family and friends looked on.

And there was even a surprise -- Mary introduced Abigail Massey herself and, as Abigail began her remarks, she was interrupted by her cousin Martha, with whom she has been quarrelling for almost 70 years.

The script for the Abigail/Martha skit was taken from the pages of Unclaimed Baggage itself and proved a hit -- several guests appeared scandalised when Martha leapt to her feet to interrupt Abigail's remarks and so effective were the performances that it took a moment for many people to realise it was simply a skit for their entertainment.

After the official program came to an end and as guests enjoyed the wonderful refreshments provided by the McAdam volunteers, Mary and Abigail creator/author Mark Walma got the chance to meet dozens of guests and sign their copies of the new novel and of many other Abigail books.

It was a huge success and a lot of fun for everyone involved. If you wish to purchase your copy of Unclaimed Baggage (or of any other Abigail books), visit the McAdam Station website to place an order.

Abigail's final story to be launched September 25 in McAdam

Two women. Both born in McAdam. Both raised in McAdam. Both having left McAdam years ago to pursue their careers, to follow their dreams.

 

Both returning to McAdam on September 25 to share a shining moment.

 

One is real, the other fictional.

 

And their stories meet at the McAdam Station.

 

Author Mary O’Keefe returns to her hometown McAdam, New Brunswick, on Sunday, September 25 to celebrate the launch of her first novel, Unclaimed Baggage, at 2 p.m.

 

The final chapter in the successful “Abigail Massey at McAdam Station” saga, Unclaimed Baggage tells the tragic but heart-warming story of an aging woman, Abigail Massey, who returns to her hometown in rural New Brunswick to make one last attempt at repairing her relationship with her once beloved cousin.

 

“Abigail and her cousin Martha were torn apart by tragic events at the end of the Second World War and have not spoken to each other since 1944,” O’Keefe explained. “I’ve set the novel in 2017, when Abigail, now in her 90s and living in Ontario, decides to make one final visit home to McAdam in hopes of solving the mystery that has kept her and her cousin apart for more than 70 years.”

 

A retired nurse and health consultant who has spent most of her life in Fredericton, O’Keefe seems perfectly suited to write this final Abigail novel.

 

“We have a lot in common, this character and I,” O’Keefe said with a smile. “We were both born and raised in McAdam with the Station playing an important role in our lives. And, like every McAdam native, no matter where our lives have taken us, this amazing little village in rural New Brunswick has always held a special place in our hearts.”

 

Introduced almost 15 years ago as a fund-raiser for the McAdam Historical Restoration Commission, the Abigail Massey stories have entertained thousands of readers, young and old, across New Brunswick and around the world.

 

“The Abigail stories are based on the lives of the young women who lived and worked at the McAdam Railroad Station and Hotel in the 1940s,” O’Keefe explained. “We’ve now published five collections of stories, one novella, a coffee table book, and now the new novel, all in support of the restoration of this gorgeous national landmark. I think we’ve raised between $40,000 and $50,000 for the Station so far and I really hope Unclaimed Baggage captures our readers’ imaginations the way the original story books have.”

 

Mary O’Keefe will launch her new novel, Unclaimed Baggage, at a special event on Sunday, September 25 at 2 p.m. at the McAdam Railway Station. It is a free event and everyone is welcome to attend, tour the historic station and learn more about these two amazing women with so much in common.

 

“I am so excited to be able to present this book to the world,” O’Keefe said. “It’s been a labour of love for me for the past four years and I hope the many fans of Abigail Massey, of the historic McAdam Railway Station and Hotel, find my novel to be an exciting, emotional, satisfying finale for the whole Abigail Massey series.”

A magical moment for author Mary

As the September 25 launch of Unclaimed Baggage, Mary E. O'Keefe's wonderful new Abigail Massey novel, continues to approach, the excitement builds. At least for the people on the Abigail team and, we hope, the folks with the McAdam Historical Restoration Commission.

The writing and publication of a novel is a long and complex journey and the Abigail team is trying to celebrate each step in that challenging but rewarding process. Last week, we enjoyed the creation and implementation of the marketing and promotion plan, with videos being filmed and schedules being worked out.

This week, we celebrate one of the most magical moments in an author's career -- the moment they first see and hold their published novel. For Mary, that memorable moment happened this past Saturday in the middle of a downtown Fredericton coffee shop when Abigail creator and author Mark Walma presented Mary with the printer's proof of Unclaimed Baggage.

To make the moment even more magical, Mary happened to be in mid-conversation with a mutual friend who was, at that very second, asking when the new book was expected to be out. Mark handed Mary the printer's proof and, in an excited, almost sing-song voice, Mary said, "Oh my goodness, that's it!" before accepting the book and cradling it carefully in her hands.

The book itself is absolutely beautiful. Mark and Mary agreed that illustrator and designer Lynn Walma had taken her already fabulous work on early Abigail books up another notch with Unclaimed Baggage: beautifully designed, perfectly executed and with three new illustrations that are already among our favourites, UB is simply a stunning work of art.

As Mary flipped through the new novel, Mark asked her how it felt to hold her first novel in the her hands. Again, with a delighted laugh, Mary said simply, "It feels pretty good!"

The printer's proof copy is a single printing of the new book that is prepared by the printing company so that the creative team can give it one last review before the full print run is initiated. This review is not intended to be another edit -- the time for changing the text is long since passed -- but to give us the chance to ensure that no mistakes were introduced to the book as it moved from computer file to printed form.

For example, we look for duplicated pages, or pages that might be missing, or print that is fuzzy or otherwise unclear, or text that is misaligned on the page or even chapters that have somehow been printed out of order.

We're happy to report that Sure Print and Design in Toronto produced an absolutely perfect printer's proof and we are ready to give the go ahead for the initial print run of 500 copies. With the marketing and promotion strategy in full swing and interest already high, we are hopeful that we sell out of those 500 copies soon after the September 25th launch and have to go back to Sure Print to ask them to run off hundreds more copies of Unclaimed Baggage!

Preparing for a September launch

 

(L to R) Sariah, Mary and Jen preparing to record

It was an amazing and exciting day at the McAdam Railway Station and Hotel yesterday.

Abigail authors Mary O'Keefe and Mark Walma met with Jennifer Yamazaki, Operations Manager for the Station, and Sariah Murray, newly hired summer student, to start to implement the promotional campaign for Mary's upcoming Abigail novel, Unclaimed Baggage. 

The day started with a lovely surprise: McAdam Historical Restoration Commission mainstays Gail Swan, Frank Carroll and Elsie Carroll joined the group for a coffee and a catch-up chat. It's hard to believe that 14 years ago the first meeting took place involving the Abigail creative team (represented by Mark, Mary and Mark's partner Patti) and the Commission's executive, which included Gail, Frank and Elsie!

Getting set up

So much has happened since then and the morning coffee was a wonderful opportunity for the group of friends to compare notes about their lives and the Abigail Massey journey they have all shared.

There was a lot of laughter, some tears and a number of stories shared, making it hard for Jennifer to get the group refocused on the task at hand: recording a series of videos featuring Mary and Mark in preparation for a summer of promotion for the new novel.

But focus we did. With Sariah serving as interviewer and Jen staffing the camera, Author Mary turned out to be a natural, providing eloquent, heart-warming and fascinating answers to the questions Sariah posed. Mary was so good, in fact, we nicknamed her "One-Take Mary" since she rarely needed more than one try to deliver a wonderful performance.

Mark was almost as smooth and the day, which we expected to be a long one, wound up early with photos on the Station platform and a delicious lunch at the newly refurbished McAdam Cafe.

The new novel!

Now it's up to Jen and Sariah to take the raw video and begin to prepare it (editing, cropping, adding titles) for posting throughout the coming months. This is all in preparation for the Book Launch Event for Unclaimed Baggage, which is now scheduled for late September (likely the 25th).

Even as we were wrapping things up in McAdam, we received word from Lynn Walma in Ontario that yesterday she picked up a printed sample of the new novel at the printers for our final review before the entire run is printed! It's beautiful.

Green Light: the new Abigail novel has been approved for publication

It's official. The new Abigail Massey at McAdam Station novel, Unclaimed Baggage by Mary E. O'Keefe, has been given the green-light. We're finishing up final edits right now and starting to plan the marketing and promotion of this exciting new addition to the Abigail saga.

We expect to launch Mary's novel later in 2022, probably in the fall.

For more information, keep your eyes on this blog, visit Abigail on Facebook or go to the McAdam Station website.

While visiting the Station's website, you can visit the Gift Shop and peruse all of the earlier Abigail Massey story books. Complete your collection! Or send a nice, local gift to a friend or family member, happy in the knowledge that every penny of the purchase price goes directly to the McAdam Historical Restoration Commission to help operate and restore this amazing building.