First Blog

I am a writer and I like to share, so I thought it was time to start a blog. But what should I blog about? It would be easiest to start with what I know and love: reading and writing; oh and food and travel, cats and gardening. Well, I like a lot of things, but I don't think many people would be interested in my antics in the third grade or what my son did as a preschooler. Although they might find my daughter's novels interesting. Well, I guess they are for her to write about.

I think I will concentrate on writing and writing related activities. I was a journalist for years, working for both weekly and daily newspapers. I also was a public relations professional. Now I am trying my hand at a variety of genres, as well as continuing with non-fiction.

A few years ago I did a presentation for the Business and Professional Women (BPW) in Garrett County on how to write a press release. Since I still have those notes, I decided to start my blogs with this type of information. As I mentioned, I like to share.

I've written press releases for all kinds of organizations through the years, beginning in my teens when my father, Joseph Farinholt, was a Boy Scout leader. I helped his troop receive lots of press coverage. Later, as a newspaper reporter, I found it frustrating, trying to get information about fundraisers from charitable organizations. These people were doing wonderful volunteer work for good causes, but they didn't know how to get media attention. Whether in the newspapers, on the radio or television or on the web, publicity can be a boom to non-profits. Paid advertising is wonderful, but basic publicity doesn't have to cost and it is easy.

In future blogs I will discuss information how you can get publicity for your organization, or maybe for your latest novel.