Aviation · Connecting communities to the world
The written word
Books & Writing
A passion for telling stories, preserving our heritage, and putting faces on facts.
Aviation · Aviators and astronauts
101 Trailblazing Women of Air and Space
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Aviation · Inspiration
Inspiring Words for Sky and Space Women
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Local history · For young and old
A to Z: Your Grand County History Alphabet
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Western history · Images of America
Grand County
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Grit and Lace
History on the page
The books & their stories
“ Be generous with yourself. Don’t stop short of splendid things.”
Willa Cather
Here is a comment from one of my editors for Absent Aviators , “Penny Hamilton is a noteworthy woman aviator. Her commitment to women in aviation has contributed a great deal of understanding about the experience of women in general aviation and her research has enlightened the field of aviation about barriers women experience when they pursue the desire to be a pilot. Dr Hamilton’s work has been a significant factor in increasing knowledge about how general aviation facilities and instructors can increase the number of women learning to fly and how they can retain them.
Penny’s dedication to women in aviation makes her a role model to women pilots and on top of this she is a highly motivated person who is wonderful to work with due to her enthusiasm, her collegial spirit and her unwavering work ethic.” Donna Bridges Ph.D., Doctor of Sociology at Charles Sturt University Australia. Western and Women’s History topics are important to me. My first book on local history was written in 2005 for our community Centennial and published by our Chamber of Commerce. Although out-of-print, copies are often sold at www.amazon.
com . Here is a comment from another history researcher, “ Granby, Then & Now is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the history of Granby, Colorado. It is an easy read, with many historic photos, and covers changes in Granby through the years. I especially enjoyed the chapter called A 2005 Stroll Along Agate Avenue, where Dr. Hamilton outlines the occupancy of buildings ‘then and now.’” Mari Kast Muffley Around Granby which can be purchased at www.ArcadiaPublishing.com and at several local stores. Here are some comments about it. “ Around Granby captures the spirit of the West.
The book, just recently published, features an outstanding selection of historic images along with insightful and accurate text by the author. Dr. Hamilton’s keen research skills and knowledge of Granby and Grand County are reflected in this volume. I highly recommend Around Granby to both visitors and residents of Grand County.” Kristi B. Martens, Ph.D., Cozens Ranch Museum Director. Historian, Dave Lively says, “ Around Granby showcases Dr. Hamilton’s passion for the preservation of local history and her enthusiasm, hours of research and hard work that bring the past to life.
She allows us to return to the past while showing us how others have created the relative comforts of the present. I encourage you to have your own copy of Around Granby to pass along to future generations.” My more recent Western history book, A to Z: Your Grand County History Alphabet , is a wonderful children's history book of Grand County, Colorado, that features many historical photographs, stories and facts. This book groups photos and topics in alphabetical order offering fun facts and tidbits that are sure to delight both young and old.
This book is available online at www.amazon.com and several Grand County retail locations, including the museum gift shops of the Grand County Historical Association. 100% of this book’s net proceeds promote local history projects. Publication date: February 1, 2017. "This A to Z book gives a perfect introduction to highlights of the fascinating heritage of Grand County Colorado. Curiosity to discover more will lead readers to explore our museums and participate in the many heritage activities offered throughout the year. We are delighted that Dr.
Penny Hamilton donated her time and energy to create this gem!" Dede Fay, Coordinator, Heritage Coalition of Grand County
Granby, Then & Now: availability
All copies were sold. Used copies are often available on www.amazon.com . Several libraries have circulation copies in their holdings, also
In my own words
A writer’s journey
"It’s never too late-in fiction or in life-to revise.”
Author Nancy Thayer
You are invited to join author Penny Hamilton's New Free Weekly Grit and Lace Substack Newsletter https://gritandlace.substack.com/ Because writing is a talent and skill which needs to be nurtured, writers need to write, edit, revise, and write more. Unlocking your “inner writer” takes lots of practice. Just as the story about the lost tourist, who supposedly asked famed musician Jascha Heifetz, “how to get to Carnegie Hall?”to which Heifetz relied, “Practice,” so too writers must follow this important advice. Join encouraging writers groups. I belong to several.
My newspaper writing began in June, 1982, with a weekly “Dr. Penny” advice column. This local column was printed for over ten years. Over the years, the newspaper editor asked me to write and take photographs for special feature sections on Women’s issues, real estate, and business topics. This led to a three-year opportunity to function as the newspaper Special Features editor. Recently, another newspaper editor, Autumn Phillips, said of my articles, “Penny Hamilton’s writing is engaging because she understands her readers. She puts faces on facts and uses her writing to both inform and inspire readers to action.”
How wonderful to enjoy writing and have other industry professionals notice. Other sources for publishing are professional magazines and journals. Each industry and profession has at least one national publication. In early 1980, as I was getting my hair cut, I noticed a copy of American S alon on the reading table. I copied down the information from their masthead. I followed the Writers Guidelines which are now usually available to freelance writers on-line. The editor was receptive to my writing a freelance article for them on “Preventing Burnout,” which at the time was a very “hot” topic.
Using this same topic, I approached Pizza Today with fresh quotes from pizza restaurant owners and managers to make the story unique to that industry. Another approach is to write the story and submit your completed article to them, instead of being assigned in advance. The more quotes you can get from industry professionals, the better your chances of getting it published. Always follow the magazine’s Writer’s Guidelines on article submission and the photograph requirements. Often writing and photography skills can be combined to open the doors to publication.
Colorado Country Life publisher, Mona Neeley, wrote about my articles and photos for her magazine over the years, “Penny brings her enthusiasm for life to her writing, turning out articles that offer a new look at the chosen topic. Her writing makes for fun, interesting reading and has been a welcome addition to our magazines.” Interesting reading on-line has opened a world of publishing possibilities for writers. E-zines, as the State Aviation Journal (SAJ), are another great source for my professional writing. Kim Stevens, the publisher, sent this comment, “As a contributing writer for the State Aviation Journal, Penny Hamilton has proven to be thorough and accurate in her reporting.
Her resources have been amazing. I’ve grown very confident in her ability to meet any assignment, even when I have dropped something on her plate with a short turn-around time!” Because promoting aviation and women’s history are a few of my passions, I am been writing for national aviation publications for over 25 years. The National Association of State Aviation Officials-NASAO honored me with their National Aviation Journalism Award. My “journey” continues with several new aviation book projects moving toward publication.