Do you remember a day in your life when everything changed? How about a day in our nation’s history? What springs to mind–Pearl Harbor, JFK’s assassination, Septemeber 11?
For many San Franciscans, that memorable date was April 18, 1906. The region was rocked by a massive earthquake, touching off an inferno that consumed much of the city. Though only a few hundred deaths were reported, historians now believe there were over 3000 fatalities. Nearly 500 city blocks (28,000 buildings) were destroyed, leaving more than half of the city’s population homeless (USGS facts).
This coming Saturday is the anniversary of the great quake, and I’d like to spend the week commemorating the people who endured those harrowing days. All week I’ll be sharing stories of the earthquake and its aftermath–a combination of survivor accounts and scenes from my novel, Out of the Ruins. I hope it helps bring the event to life for you.
I’ll also be hosting some fun giveaways to honor the anniversary week. On Wednesday, I’ll announce the winner of the advance copy of Beyond the Ashes. Have you entered? All you need to do is subscribe to my email newsletter (see the form on the right side of the website). I’ll pick a winner from the subscriber list. You might get a chance to read this book well before its June release! [UPDATE: CONTEST NOW CLOSED.]
On Saturday morning–the actual anniversary of the 1906 quake, I’ll give away one copy of Out of the Ruins. To enter that giveaway, see the form below. [UPDATE: CONTEST NOW CLOSED.]
I hope you’ll check back during the week to read the survivor’s accounts and book excerpts. See you tomorrow!
Quick links to each of the posts in this series:
Sept. 11th. I was at my parents in WV getting ready to fly back to WI when my dad yelled for me. My flight was cancelled and it was two weeks before I could fly back. Forever etched in my mind.
September 11 is a big one for me, too. I was pregnant with my second child at the time. Just last month, she went with me to the 9-11 memorial and museum. Our reactions were quite different. To me, it was a flood of memories. To her, it was another history museum. Such a difference in perspective.
I day I met my hubby!
That’s a great one, Sherry!
I remember the day President Kennedy was assassinated. We got sent home from school. I also remember exactly what I was doing on 9/11.
And if I were to win, I’d take the advance copy of Beyond the Ashes. Thanks. Loved Out of the Ruins!
Kennedy’s assassination seems to be one many people remember. It definitely shaped our nation and that generation. I think for my generation it was the Challenger explosion and 9/11.
I remember 9/11. It is very memorable. your books are great.
Yes, 9/11 would be a big one for me, too. I’m glad you enjoy the books!
9/11
I would like to enter to win the book!
I hope you found the Rafflecopter entry form above, Donna! That’s how you put your name in the drawing. 🙂
The day Kennedy died, 9-11 and to balance those–the days my daughters were born and, of course, my wedding day.