Lots of people have been asking me lately, “Are you still writing?” I am! Just quietly, for now.

Over the past year, I have been learning a lot about the process of bringing my blog writings to a book. I've talked with a creative coach, who referred me to a book coach, who worked with me to craft a business plan, complete with “mission statement,” “vision statement,” “elevator pitch” to use as tools as I move forward. Everyone keeps telling me that I need a social media presence (insert groaning sounds here).

I have experience in public relations, marketing, and promoting OTHER people and causes, but I’ve gotta tell you ... the idea of promoting MYSELF makes me feel like a precocious seventh grader. So, I’ve been avoiding the issue. I’ve been editing my writing, meeting with an independent editor for input, writing some new content and only doing the social media thing in fits and starts.

Back in October I worked up the nerve to attend the Erma Bombeck Writer's Workshop in beautiful Dayton, Ohio, which was fabulous. There, again, they kept talking about the importance of “engaging your audience” (see this letter), creating and nurturing a social media presence to establish and promote your brand, blah, blah, blah. Ugh, I could not get away from this task, looming over my head!

And then, all of the sudden, I became viral. Not in a Covid way or even RSV or the flu. I am – brace yourself – trending on Instagram.

Let me explain:

The day before Thanksgiving, I was given package of chestnuts by our friend who has thing for these odd little nuts. He even planted a few chestnut trees on our farm. He gave me a quick rundown on how to roast them. First you soak them, then you put them into a 350°F oven ...“Yeah, sure. I’ve got it. Thanks!” I said dismissively. How hard could it be?The next day, my husband, the Host with the Most, and I had family over for Thanksgiving, per usual.

Weeeelll .... I obviously missed a crucial step on those chestnuts. The next evening, just as my whole, beautiful Thanksgiving dinner was coming to a crescendo, I started hearing muffled popping noises coming from my oven. Eager to take a peek at what I expected were my chestnuts gently opening, I opened the oven and this happened.

It was mayhem. And hysterical, to say the least.

It turns out, as you can hear my husband, The Big Nut, reprimanding me in the video, I was “supposed to crack them before putting them in the oven.” Of course, every 20 something in the house whipped out their phones and recorded the incident. Next day, my daughter, who is savvy at these things, helped me post it to social media.

And then it happened. I went viral.That stupid video with me cackling and the chestnuts going off like little bombs started flying through the social media sphere. As I write, it is up toover 3.7 million viewssince it was posted the day after Thanksgiving. Incredible.

So, my daughter took my hand and helped me crafta follow up video.

So, all this is to say ... what, exactly? I don’t really know. I still don’t know what I’m doing with social media ... but I guess I’ll just keep at it as I work to get the book version of What the Farm published and publicized.

Thank you so much for reading my blog and for your support and kind words over the past 5 years of its existence. If you don’t mind, I’ll keep you updated with occasional status reports on my progress on all fronts.

In the meantime, ... beware the chestnut!!!

And Merry Christmas!

Love,
Mary