Interview with Veronica MacDonald Ditko

Author of A Rock Solid History of Hawthorne, New Jersey

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I am from the Jersey Shore and spent a lot of time in nature growing up, both by the ocean, in the woods, and by Takanassee Lake in Long Branch. I grew up close to Monmouth College (now University) and knew an anthropology professor, Dr. Bill Mitchell. It shaped my future, as I studied Anthropology and Psychology at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Now I’m in Northern New Jersey.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

I couldn’t find jobs by the Jersey Shore after college (it was when the Dotcom bubble burst), but I did find one at a trade magazine publishing company in Northern New Jersey. I’ve done a lot of writing since then, at magazines, newspapers, business journals, blogs, a science consulting company, advertisers/marketers, home health care company, a library, you name it! What I love about writing and editing is that it is never boring. I am especially passionate about history and finding new and interesting ways to relate history to the people of today. I also love finding little-known history, or trying to crack a local mystery, and sharing the findings with others.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

When my boys were little, I noticed that they learned more by touching what they were learning about – tactile learning. As a lover of history, I began to see the connections that could be made between dusty old history books and actual living history, especially things made of rocks, which were all around us. The idea was first born in 2009. In 2010 and 2011, I tried twice to get grants from the New Jersey Historical Commission to write “A Rock Solid History of Hawthorne, New Jersey,” but was not successful. It forced me to write it on my own, which took a while because I needed to have a day job too. Writing this book was a burning desire, a life purpose for me. When I was done writing it, I approached a well-known publishing firm and they loved the book, but felt the market it was serving was too small for them to take it on. With the tremendous support of my family, the Hawthorne Historical Society and many local friends and experts, this book came to life. It is written for elementary school children in grades 3-5, but has been enjoyed by adults as well.

Also a strange but true fact – I took almost all the photos in the book and purposely waited until January to take them because the leaves would not obscure the items I was photographing and the winter evening sun made everything look so beautiful and golden.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

“A Rock Solid History of Hawthorne, New Jersey” explores the history of Hawthorne, New Jersey through rocks, and inspires school-aged youngsters to look at their surroundings, learn from what they can touch and see, and keep them searching for more. The book runs through prehistoric times to present day in Hawthorne with compelling language, photos, and go-get-‘em encouragement. Children will not even realize they are absorbing history and learning some earth science along the way.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Boys and girls interested in the outdoors, history, rocks and gems, as well as adults who grew up or live in this part of New Jersey. The best part about the book is that is makes you want to see these rocks in person, everything from a cemetery stone to a glacial rock in the park.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

Writing about history needs a lot of organization, but self-publishing (and I would imagine regular publishing) requires even more. I did not know this level of organization before. I would say writing is only about 50-75% of creating a book. The rest is publishing. I took an entire year to layout, edit, secure photos and permissions for photos, coordinate the cover art, start a marketing plan and establish an internet presence, and then finally say, “Ok it’s time to launch this baby!” Pulling that plug was the hardest part. I was ready, but I didn’t feel like I was. It was like staring over the cliff of the Grand Canyon into the unknown. Well I’m here on the other side telling you “Do it!” It is so worth it to follow your passion.

If you could, what advice would you give to past self yourself before embarking on this journey?

A long time ago, a former New York Times journalist gave me this advice: “Write what you know.” I found it puzzling and I was too young to know anything very well. But now I understand. I would update that advice by saying, “Write about what you are passionate about. It doesn’t matter if there is an audience yet. Your best writing will naturally flow through you.”

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

I don’t have a set number, but I am committed to bringing this way of learning history to many more places. Deals are not set in stone (get the pun!?) yet, but I will keep you posted on social media (Facebook, Instagram) @authorditko!

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

A lot happened in my life between 2009 and now. I was laid off from two jobs during the Recession. I also had a computer that died, a lot of doubt and some battle wounds from rejection. Each time I had to pick myself up, dust myself off and move on. You need some grit to get through these trials and tribulations. But if I can do it, you can do it.

It is also shocking how you can look at something 100 times and still miss a mistake. I encourage you to let many people edit your book, and if it is historical, fact-check with you. Both things will really help with your credibility as a writer.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

A. I think I am able to see unique perspectives and make connections others may not make between facts/historical happenings and tell them in an engaging way.
B. Publishing definitely upped my game in terms of organization.
C. Marketing today is largely social media. Doing a search for common hashtags has helped boost my online interactions, and so have charitable giveaways.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

A. I have sometimes written something within a matter of hours and was so excited, I submitted it. Take it slow. Give the story time like a fine wine. You won’t regret it.
B. I had a difficult time turning my book into platform to be read on an electronic device, mostly because my book is picture-heavy. It looked so bad after 30 different versions, I gave up.
C. I don’t take advantage of all the times Facebook offers to boost posts for free, because I don’t think the posts are worth boosting. Then that probably means I need better posts! I should also follow authors I like to see what they do.

When do you think you will you write your next book?

I already started. 🙂

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

Self-published on Amazon