Nissitissit Witch's World

Author Writes a Chilling Tale with a Deeper Meaning

Rose — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 20:04:25 +0000

Rosemary Chaulk has always felt connected with the environment. Working outside as a land surveyor for many years kept her love of the Earth alive, but oftentimes made her feel helpless and disappointed in humanity.

“At times in my career, I was sickened and even despondent about the massive pollution I saw,” Chaulk said.

Chaulk knew she had to do something to bring attention to our ailing environment. Wanting to take an unconventional and creative route, she decided to deliver her message through a book that that did something other than simply list facts about environmental issues. She hoped to convey her message in a fiction story.

With her goal in mind, she began to research local legends of an evil witch said to have plagued the town she lived in, North Pepperell, Mass. (known as Nissitissit Village in some folklore). The land that the witch once roamed, Nissitissit Village, is said to be cursed to this day, leading to unusual deaths among the people who live there.

Chaulk began to wonder, could the land really be cursed or is it just people who contaminate it? Connecting this thought to the lessons she’d learned about pollution, she knew she’d found an excellent way to link an exciting tale to her observations about our world and humanity.

The Challenge
At face value, Nissitissit Witch is the story of a witch and a cursed land, but a second glance shows the novel to actually be a metaphor for the environment and humanity’s damaging effects on the planet. Interestingly, she based her fictional characters off of real people who lived in the allegedly cursed village, whom she’d researched about in newspaper articles.

“This book was challenging to write. It absolutely controlled my life for six months,” Chaulk said.

Her determination paid off. A friend of Chaulk’s owned a small publishing company and was able to help her get the book published quickly. But when she began to sell the books, she found that local demand was very strong, and Chaulk had to find another reliable and quick way to get enough books printed as fast as she could.

The Self-publishing Journey
Chaulk knew self-publishing was the way to go, and began actively researching her options. Along the way, she ran into many traps, including companies trying to steal the rights to her book.

“Self-publishing can be like trying to cross the Atlantic with a rowboat, fraught with peril all the way,” she said.

Luckily, she recognized the frauds and, after many hours of research, determined that AuthorHouse was the publisher that could help her meet her goals.

“AuthorHouse was able to help me out of a bind,” Chaulk said. “Using AuthorHouse, I was able to meet local demand for Nissitissit Witch.”

Using the Rapid Release program gave Chaulk the flexibility and timely delivery she needed, and AuthorHouse’s knowledgeable staff helped her meet her goals and set them even higher than she had before. The excellent local demand for her book and the help of a reliable self-publisher showed her that her book has potential.

“One of my dreams is to catch national attention and share my message with the world,” Chaulk said.

What the Future Holds
Chaulk knows there’s a lot of work ahead for her book, and says she is yet to reach the success she hopes for, but she’s ready for the challenge.

“It was like raising a child. I tried doing my best raising it [the book]. I tried to instill my wisdom in it and now, I have to release it and see how it does on its own,” she said.

Chaulk has hired a publicist (Denise Cassino) who also set up a Web site (www.rosemarychaulk.com), and, through her hard work, has received some excellent media. Local demand for her book is strong, and her Web site is getting global attention. She feels her book has wings and is excited to see where it goes, but, all along, sharing her insights about the environment that she loves has been at the forefront.

“What has moved me the most was to create a book where my love for the environment might possibly have an effect on the world,” she said.

Jo Lindsell Re-Launches Writersandauthors.com with VBT

Rose — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 19:56:59 +0000

Jo Linsdell is a freelance writer and author of ‘Italian for tourists’ and ‘A guide to weddings in Italy’ which are available to buy from www.lulu.com/jolinsdell along with her various ebooks.

Originally from the UK she moved to Rome, Italy in 2001 where she now lives with her husband and their baby son.

She is currently working on the ‘Italian Home Study’ series of ebooks and a pocket size edition of her book ‘Italian for tourists’.

As well as writing she is the creator and manager of the Writers and Authors website (http://writersandauthors.blogspot.com) and she is here today to tell us a bit more about it.

What is Writers and Authors?

A place for people in the writing industry to gather and share experiences, tips and advice. Not to mention promote their latest work and discuss various topics related to the writing industry. Included in this blog you will also find; links to sites for writers, competitions and contests, interviews, writer and book event listings and more…

Why ‘relaunch’?

My baby son was born in December 2007 after a difficult pregnancy, so I’ve been away for a while. Having to spend 8 months on bed rest meant I had a lot of time on my hands, which I used to work on my various writing related projects. The Writers and Authors site was a big success and my plan is to make it even better now I’m back online. To make sure everyone gets the chance to take part and see the great opportunities on the site I thought it was a good idea to have a big relaunch party to celebrate and spread the word.

What changes have been made to the site?

The new format will be as follows:
Mondays: Opportunities for writers. This will include paying markets, competitions, online courses etc…
Tuesdays: Featured Authors. This will include author interviews and samples of their writing.
Wednesdays: Publishers, editors, etc… This section will include interviews with publishers, editors, etc… and explain how the industry works and give helpful advice on the more technical aspects of the writing industry e.g. what they look for, how to query, etc…
Thursdays: Book reviews. This will include reviews about any type of book. I’m particularly looking for reviews about self help for writers books (and related) but will also post reviews about fiction, poetry and basically anything else.
Fridays: Upcoming events. This section will include dates and details about conferences and other events for writers online. Also author chats online, virtual tours etc…

How can people get involved?

For those of you interested in being interviewed for the ‘Featured Author’ section please send me an email (writersandauthors@yahoo.it) giving some details about yourself and your writing. Please also include your website address.
The same applies for publishers, editors, etc…

As you can see, I also want to include a section with book reviews. You are welcome to review any type of book (e.g. self help for writers or a fiction or poetry book). In fact I’ll be all the happier to have a good mix. If your new to writing reviews and want some pointers check out http://library.queensu.ca/research/guide/book-reviews/how-write for some tips. Please send your review in the body of the email to writersandauthors@yahoo.it with ‘Book Review’ in the subject line.

How can people support Writers and Authors?

Nominations (e.g. Writers Digest 101 best sites- any others are good too J), blog postings, interviews, putting a link on their sites, spreading the word to others.

Tell us about the Virtual Tour?

To relaunch this site in it’s new format I’m organising a virtual tour starting from October 1st 2008. Anyone who is interested in hosting me for an interview or featuring the Writers and Authors website on theirs, please send me an email to the new address writersandauthors@yahoo.it with virtual tour in the subject line. I will post a copy of the Virtual Tour calendar soon so you can keep track of the events.

LOCAL AUTHOR TO SHARE STORIES WITH SEVERELY DISABLED CHILDREN WHOSE FUNDING MAY SOON EVAPORATE

Rose — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 18:02:56 +0000

October 18, 2008- Pepperell, MA – Local author, Rosemary Chaulk whose book, Nissitissit Witch, has taken the area by storm, has been invited to read portions of her book and answer questions posed by severely disabled children at the Seven Hills Pediatric Center in Groton, MA.

“I was deeply moved when I saw the twisted bodies of these little children and the kind and loving care administered by the staff, “ said Chaulk. “It’s just terrible that the State is considering cutting funding for such essential services.”

Chaulk will spend time with the children on Monday, October 20, at 10am and revisit the center again on October 22 at 10am to read and visit with both the disabled adults and children.

The center is located at:

Seven Hills Pediatric Center

22 Hillside Ave

Groton, MA 01450

cgates@sevenhills.org

www.sevenhills.org

(978) 448-3388 X 280

(978) 448-2329 Fax

Carol Gates, Administrator

Nissitissit Witch has been roundly received as the book focuses on the legendary witch of North Village and the strange deaths that shrouded the area in the early days of the industrial age. Book is available at www.rosemarychaulk.com.

Lillian Cauldwell’s book, Anna Mae Mysteries – The Golden Treasure to be released

Rose — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 17:50:28 +0000

Star Publish LLC will soon release the much awaited young adult mystery by Lillian Cauldwell. Based in Atlanta, these sneakered-toed sleuths unearth Jefferson Davis’s lost treasure with the help of a ghostly black fist and divining rods. What makes this series unusual is that the main characters are two young black girls and their Hispanic pal. Check it out at www.lilliancauldwell.com

Rosemary Chaulk visits Lanaia Lee on her Book Tour

Rose — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 12:38:23 +0000

http://lanaialee.wordpress.com/2008/10/10/rosemary-chaulks-book-breaking-sales-records/

Rosemary Chaulk’s Book Breaking Sales Records!

Rosemary Chaulk better quit her day job to keep up with the demand for her book, Nissitissit Witch. The book revolves around a small NE village in the early industrial age where folks are dying strange deaths and Indian Tribes have disappeared. Is the witch killing them or is it something else? Rosemary is keeping busy with public appearances, book signings and watching all those books go out the door! Good job, Rosemary.

www.rosemarychaulk.com

Long Story Short features Nissitissit Witch as Book of the Month

Rose — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:02:31 +0000

Long Story Short, an ezine for writers, featured Nissitissit Witch as their October Book of the Month. Check out the page for an excerpt, book summary and more.

Joyce Anthony hosts Rosemary Chaulk on her Virtual Book Tour

Rose — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 19:59:44 +0000

Joyce Anthony tooks some time to interview Rosemary. Here’s what she had to say about her life, her philosophy, her writing and her book, Nissitissit Witch:

30 September 2008
Talking With Rosemary Chaulk
Topic: Author Interview
Rosemary Chaulk the person:
1. What three words do you think describe you as a human being?

An emotion receptor.

2. How do you think others would describe you?

Intelligent but misguided.
3. Please tell us what you are most passionate about outside of writing.

Helping fight for the rights of the working person against the abuse of them by the government.

4. Do you have any pets? If so, introduce us to them.

5. What is your most precious memory?

My son

Rosemary Chaulk the writer:

6. Can you describe the time you realized you were indeed a “real” writer?

Three years ago was when I started writing for real.
7. What is going on with your writing these days?

Marketing Nissitissit Witch and finish writing J1T (just one tear)

8. What are your future goals for your writing?

To write a bestseller and make the world cry.

9. Can you describe a typical writing day for you?

I can only write during the winter months when I can take time off from land survey.
10. Why do you write?

I want to take my life’s experience both good and bad and feed them back to the world. I want to touch the hearts of people and move them forever. I want to leave my readers better off than they were before.
11. What writer most inspires you? Why?

Robert A. Heinlein. His book Stranger in a strange land helped show me the follow of modern religions.

12. How do you define your writing?

Straight from the heart. Raw and emotional.

13. In one sentence-what do you want people to say about your writing in fifty years?

Wow

Rosemary Chaulk the details:

14. Can you tell us where to find more information on you? Website? Blog?

www.rosemarychaulk.com
15. Is there a place where readers can reach you?

On my website and on Helium.com

16. Can you list all your book titles so people can look for them?

Summer Dreams by Rosemary Chaulk,

Dragonfly Daughter pen name Violet Rose,

Nissitissit Witch by Rosemary Chaulk

17. For new readers-what can they expect when they read your book(s)?

Summer Dreams is whimsical, Dragonfly Daughter is an epic tragedy that turns into salvation, Nissitissit Witch is spiritual and environmental.

In conclusion:

18. Take as much space as necessary to speak to our readers-what would you like them to know about you and your writing?

I write for the chance to help change the world.

Media Release – Nissitissit Witch Hits the Mark!

Rose — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 19:51:52 +0000

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Denise Cassino, Publicist

dencassino@gmail.com

LOCAL AUTHOR HITS THE MARK ON LEGENDS OF NORTH VILLAGE WITCH WITH NEW BOOK

PEPPERELL, MA, October 11, 2008 – Author, Rosemary Chaulk’s new book, Nissitissit Witch, has taken Pepperell by storm. “I can’t keep up with the demand,” says Chaulk as she unboxes another shipment. “The book has touched a chord with people of Massachusetts.” Centering on North Village because of the curse of the witch, research showed that North Village was doomed long before the witches ever came.

The book, Nissitissit Witch, suggests that the original curse on the valley was from the Indians who were slaughtered when the invading white settlers took the Nissitissit. The white man, as victor, wrote the history, but what about the history of those who came before us, what about the troubled Indian spirits? While telling tales of Indian Spirits and witches, Chaulk used this platform for her true message, which is the ravages of early pollution. “We took America from the natives and the first thing we did was to decimate the woods, pollute the rivers and torture the land for anything we could take for profit. We dammed the rivers and killed the salmon,” says Chaulk. Desperate for answers, the locals blamed the unusual and untimely deaths on a curse by the “witch”, a local woman whose extraordinary insight enabled her to predict and warn against the toxic practices.

During the 1800s, the Nissitissit was no different than any other river. During that time, rivers were the recipient of every waste product and poison produced. North village is located in a narrow valley that concentrates the flow from about forty thousand aces of land upstream. There were many little villages along the Nissitissit and any toxins they wanted to dispose of were dumped into the river. Right in North Village, Chaulk found that they made felt and had a velvet shop. The process of making felt uses mercurous oxide. Velvet clothes use felt in the collars, and the dyes in the velvets were also very toxic. Long-term exposure to mercury causes death by fits of insanity and people died in ‘an unusual way’.

Nissitissit Witch takes all of these factors and spins a fictional entertaining yarn that has lots of history of the area spun into a tall tale.

In its second printing, Nissitissit Witch is available on the author’s website, www.rosemarychaulk.com or through Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.

Great Video Promotion for Nissitissit Witch

Rose — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 15:13:05 +0000

Check out this great video promotion of Nissitissit Witch!

Bits ‘n Pieces – a short excerpt from the intro of Nissitissit Witch

Rose — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 14:50:38 +0000

Many of the chapters (of Nissitissit Witch) were based on events that occurred in North Village, and information was derived from published articles in The Times Free Press. Other Internet research was used for authenticity, such as the crossing of Baltimore by the Union troops from Lowell. Additional research pertained to the various chemicals and heavy metals to which the villagers were exposed and the resultant health effects of such exposures.

With numerous newspaper and magazine articles written about the unusual events that allegedly occurred, North Village is steeped in myth to this day. Some homeowners continue to report that their houses are haunted. My saga deviates from the microcosm of North Village and examines why some of these bizarre incidents may have happened. Finally, my story makes us wonder about the Indian souls who inhabited the valley for thousands of years. Most importantly, it illustrates the power they had with the land, long before any settlers had invaded their valley.