Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Missouri Resources, a Free Magazine with Resources for Writers


Image from the Missouri Resources magazine
Timing is everything, and this week the Fall 2016 issue of Missouri Resources magazine arrived in my e-mail box while I was in the middle of doing rewrites for a historical short story that features a teenage Sam Clemens. (Notice the subtle way I gave a writerly excuse for not posting on my blog for several weeks?)

Image from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources
Back to the magazine: Published by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the free magazine is filled with interesting facts, figures, and photos.

As a Missouri writer, I'm always searching for interesting tidbits about the "Show Me State" to weave into my writing or give me inspiration for a story or an article. And, as luck would have it, the fall 2016 issue includes the article "A Magical Tour on US 36."  US Highway 36 runs across the top third of northern Missouri and has been dubbed "The Highway of American Genius" because of some of the raw American talent with roots across that stretch of land. 

The "A Magical Tour on US 36" article features phots of the birthplaces or childhood homes of famous Missourians, including Samuel L. Clemens (aka Mark Twain) in Florida, MO; Walt Disney in Marceline, and General John J. "Black Jack" Pershing in Laclede.

Being a native St. Louisian, I also found the article "The Bricks that Built St. Louis," fascinating. This issue also includes a really cool photo from 1904, the year St. Louis hosted the World's Fair. The "Time Exposures" photo was taken in front of a shoe store in Old North St. Louis, which is the neighborhood where I was born and grew up, so that got my attention.

Did I mention the Missouri Resources magazine is free? Click here to read the latest issue.

A word of warning, reading this magazine can cause a writer to get lost in the fascinating articles and research material.

17 comments:

  1. Donna--Free AND jam-packed with interesting tidbits? Thanks for sharing this.

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  2. Sounds like a wonderful issue for anyone interested in the history of our country. I'm intrigued by the story you're currently writing about a teenage Sam Clemens. What a great and colorful person to write about. Keep us posted, Donna!

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    1. Hi Clara,
      Your books are historical gems. Sam Clemens was an intriguing writer. I started the short story with a goal of 3,000 words and somehow ended around 10,000.

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  3. I used to take this magazine and enjoyed it greatly. Thanks for the reminder about it. I've missed your blogs but glad it was because you are busy and not knocked down in some way!

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    1. Hi Claudia,
      You are welcome. Hope you are doing well.

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  4. Thanks for this info, Donna. You are always so generous.

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  5. Thanks for this info, Donna. You are always so generous.

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  6. Thanks! I had no idea. That pyrite article caught my interest. Once a science teacher, always a science teacher...

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    Replies
    1. Me either, Val. Glad you enjoyed the science article, and I hope you're enjoying your retirement.

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  7. Thanks for the great tip, I love this kind of information and will subscribe!

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    1. Hi Mary,
      You're welcome. I'm with you. This story of information fascinates me too!

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  8. This is a wonderful resource. Great photos and interesting articles.

    Missouri Conservation is also free to Missouri residents and has beautiful pictures and great articles about the outdoors.

    Pat
    www.patwahler.com

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    1. Hi Pat,
      You are absolutely correct!
      We are so fortunate to have these wonderful resources, thanks to our Missouri Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. It's good to know our taxes are being spent on these worthwhile endeavors.

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  9. There are so many resources. How do we find time for them all? We are lucky to have this problem. :) Thanks for sharing this. I didn't realize that Samuel Clemens was actually from Florida, MO. I am not sure I knew there was a Florida, MO. Anyway, I'm glad to see you are still writing on Donna's Book Pub. You have had this site for a LONG time!

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    1. Hi Margo,
      I'm writing, but not as often as I'd like because life always seems to be throwing me a curve. Hope you are well, dear friend.

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