New Book Contract

I just got my seventh book contract! I'll be doing another Arcadia title on the history of Southport, NC. This is the first time I'll be co-authoring. A friend on mine grew up in Southport and thought it would make a super book. Apparently Arcadia thought so too.

We're heading to the coast on Monday to do some recon and scan photos. This should be fun.

I'm still working on trying to get Evelyn published and am now on another rewrite. I'm hoping it's the last one.

I've also been working on a really cool project, where I'm actually earning a salary. The gig is transcribing letters from gentlemen involved in the mining business in Arizona.

Wrapping up Evelyn

This week I am free from book signings and all things Cary related. My goal is to complete the rewrite on E.M.H.: The Aristocratic Ranch Wife.

The only other thing on my plate this week is to write a review for a book I just read for the Wild West History Association. It will be fun, because I enjoyed the book immensely!

Speaking Event

Last  night I gave a talk at the Page Walker Arts & History Center in Cary, NC. There were about 15 people. I was very pleased that three of the people who shared their photos and history with me were in attendance.

I asked them to join me and be my "show and tell." It was a lot of fun and I think the other attendees enjoyed meeting and hearing from them. The Cary book has been fun and I've done more signings and talks on this book than I have on all my others.

I have off next week, but the following  week I am booked almost every day. So, Evelyn with get of my attention until then.

Personal Discovery

It always amazes me how things work in the universe.

I was asked to read a non-fiction historical book about food in America and write a review. Of course I said yes and the deadline is fast approaching--so what's new? LOL

As I began to read this book I realized the author has a gift for telling a story and weaving seemingly irrelevant details into his work masterfully. I was interested in things that have little bearing on the main subject and hardly noticed them being intertwined. I noticed because that's what I'm trying to do with Evelyn.

Two days ago I thought, "I will never be able to write that well." Then I slept on it. I told myself I would strive to write like this author. Not his style, but the concept. I'm only a few chapters in, but I've already had some awesome inspiration for my Evelyn book.

I'm working on her today and I am totally inspired!!

Skunked All Around

Well, I guess you could say the last three days have been a bust. I started off with good news about a possible new option for my Evelyn book.

That all ended when I got skunked at my Saturday book signing. It's been a while since that's happened. Not one sale. The store ordered a bunch, which I signed, so they will eventually sell, but still...

Then this morning I learned I did not win another award I entered my True West column in. There's still hope for one more, but that won't be decided until June or July. Fingers crossed...