National Doughnut Day

National Doughnut Day--June 2nd. Whether you're partial to the cream-filled, glazed, jelly or chocolate varieties, the doughnut is something near and dear to so many of us. While there are several stories (or call them myths) about how the doughnut (or donut) came about, the Salvation Army established National Doughnut Day in 1938 to raise funds during the Great Depression and honor the women volunteers, who supported the soldiers on the front lines during World War I by serving them delicious meals, and of course, doughnuts. Approximately 250 "lassies" provided assistance to American soldiers in France in 1917.

Today, women's role has expanded beyond ones more traditionally related to the hearth, such as providing food, to more active military roles. But the tradition of National Donut Day continues with many national chains and smaller shops are offering free doughnuts to celebrate.

Doughnuts have a disputed history. One theory suggests they were invented in North America by Dutch settlers. According to anthropologist Paul R. Mullins, the first cookbook mentioning doughnuts was an 1803 English volume which included doughnuts in an appendix of American recipes. By the mid-19th century, the doughnut looked and tasted like today’s doughnut,
and was viewed as a thoroughly American food.

The story I like the most is not about the donut, but the donut hole. A sailor supposedly pushed one of the treats onto a ship's wheel. It eliminated the raw center and temporarily freed his hands. Now you know why I said, myths.

While donuts may be most commonly associated with police stories (and more than one author has had their character stop for a midnight jolt of sugar), that is not the only way an author could incorporate an event such as National Doughnut Day. If writing a historical, the character could be one of the lassies. Or for later years, the descendant of one or find a letter written by one where they talk about a doughboy (yes I couldn't resist that) who was leaving for battle.

For myself, I'm celebrating. Instead of cereal, eggs and sausage, or a bagel, I'm reading my morning emails with a donut in hand.

More information on National Donut Day can be found at https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/national-donut-day/ .

Thanks for joining me. Until next time. ~Helen

June Tips and History #mfrwauthor

Welcome to this week's post of the MFRW 52-week challenge. The official topic is about authors write their characters, whether full-figured or always slim. I don't create my characters descriptions. They are who they are. Some, like Murdo from the Windmaster Novels is a giant of a man. Then there is Glyn of the Dragshi Chronicles whofor most of her life impersonated a male. However, I decided to go off-topic on the post and resurrect a June tips from years back. Enjoy.

One thing that is uniform among all genres is backstory. All characters have a past. They may not know it, or we may not want to reveal it, but there is one. While authors sometimes have their characters participate in a well-known event (such as Hurricanes Catrina and Superstorm Sandy or watching a horse race in the Belmont Stakes for the Triple Crown) that is not the only way events, both national and worldwide, can be brought into a character's past. 

June 6th is the anniversary of D-Day, the Allied forces invasion of Normandy.  For those writing in a future setting, the character could find an ancestor's personal letter written after the event. The loss of a family member as the numbers of the members of the greatest generation dwindle might be another item of backstory. The point is that the character does not have to be the one experiencing the event for it to be part of his or her past. There doesn't even have to be any personal relationship at all. The character might witness an elderly man riding up the street in a convertible or be stuck at a traffic light as a funeral goes by. An even more haunting usage is to be walking past as cemetery as the bugler plays the final tribute.

As you go through your daily life, keep an eye (or ear) open for celebrations, anniversaries, and commemorations. You never know what will tickle your interest and provide insight into your characters history. 

till next time ~ Helen

For more information on D-Day, look up the National World War II Museum or visit dday-overlord.com.