Tuesday, November 5th, the Most Important Election Of Our Lives; narrowly edging 2020, which was The Previous Most Important Election Of Our Lives.
Anyone who hasn’t voted yet is either truly undecided (you know, like the choice between chicken or decomposing rat) or planning to sit this one out.
Don’t.
I won’t tell you how to vote, but I have a couple thoughts:
No Jill Stein, or Mickey Mouse or other protest votes. It’s a two party world because of the Electoral College. Vote for the person you hate least, if nothing else.
If you have kids, the world we will leave them may be unfathomable. Vote for the one likely to address climate change.
I am delighted to have been invited this Wednesday October 23rd at 7PM ET, to chat about my book, A Breath of Fresh Air (A Transplant Tale), with Rob and Joan Carter, the charming hosts of the fun and entertaining podcast, Meet the Author. (www.indiebooksource.com)
The Meet the Author podcast publicizes indie authors (hey, like me!) That also perfectly describes Rob and Joan (Their pen names are RC and JP Carter and they are members of the Underground Authors writing group. Their latest effort is A Chance of a Ghost: Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles, Book 23).
The podcast streams live on Youtube, Facebook, Linkedin, and X and also broadcasts on both WLFE-db radio and WDJY FM radio in Atlanta.
I've been catching up on the podcast by listening to some archived shows and all of the writers are interesting and accomplished. I hope I don't break the streak, but if you know me, you know I won't run out of things to talk about. ("Mr. Murray, the show has been over for 20 minutes...")
Tune in if you can, but if you miss it, the shows are archived (I think I said that already.)
My first novel, A Breath of Fresh Air (A Transplant Tale) was published on August 26th. So far, it hasn’t set the world on fire* but I’ve sold some copies. I chatted about it with Erik and Iris, the hosts of the swell morning talk show Bridge Street on channel 9, which was great fun.
The good folks at Parthenon Books (https://parthenonbookstore.com/) in downtown Syracuse hosted eight local writers, myself included, last month. I met some really nice people there and am grateful to Parthenon for the exposure.
My pal, Rey
Another friend, Kevin
On November 6th at 6PM, I'll share a table with another local author at the Onondaga Free Library on West Seneca Turnpike, talking about the book and maybe selling a few. I have tentatively landed another couple of library gigs down the road.
I’m having a blast!
I have been heartened by a number of (so far) five-star reviews on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Goodreads. I’m touched that so many readers were inspired and encouraged by my story.
I would ask those of you who have finished the book to consider writing a review (or, heck, reviews).**
Let me, and the world, know what you think. It means a lot to independent writers like myself, as we seldom get many (or any) professional reviews. We love feedback, even if it’s criticism because that makes us better writers.
So if you have time, dash off a review. It doesn’t need to be long or fancy, just heartfelt. If you know anyone at the New York Times, you know, you can tell them about it, also. Thanks, and thanks for reading.
* The world is already on fire, after all.
** Give me an inch and I'll ask for a second review (I think that's how it goes)
I have a long list of people who want a copy of A Breath of Fresh Air (A Transplant Tale), including three family members (!) Ugh. Unfortunately, my last order of books is apparently lost somewhere in the Bermuda Triangle (or the lesser-known Haitian Parallelogram). I promise that when my supply is replenished I will let everyone know.
I had a swell time last Saturday the 7th at Parthenon Books on S. Salina Street. Eight local authors, including me, chatted about our newest books and even sold a few. A splendid time, I thank Ann and the rest of the Parthenon staff for being such charming hosts.
Upcoming appearances: Erik and Iris, the genial hosts of channel 9's fun morning talk show, Bridge Street, will welcome me on September 23rd at 10 AM.
Then on October 23rd at 7PM, I will be chatting with hosts Rob & Joan on the popular podcast, Meet the Authors. https://indiebooksource.com/podcast/
There are a couple more dates that are not firmed up yet. When I know for sure, you'll know.
Now, I probably should price flights to Bermuda. Or Haiti. Or Cuba. Or...
Good morning! My appearance with the good folks on Bridge Street, the swell morning talk show on channel 9, WSYR-TV, has moved to Monday, September 23rd.
However, I will still be taking part in a local authors showcase from 1-4 tomorrow, Saturday 7th at Parthenon Books on South Salina Street, across from the Landmark Theatre. So come and say hi!
"A couple of years later, the boys reached sign-making Nirvana. For the
final game in 1989, Danny rigged up a fancy rotating letter system to honor two
departing seniors, Herman Harried and Sherman Douglas, and junior Derrick
Coleman. He cut and pasted black letters on large orange posterboard, and the
boys lugged them up to section 315. Danny and Johnny duct taped another posterboard
on the wall to their left that just said MAN.
Pete and Leslie, two other season ticket holders that sat next to the
guys, eagerly agreed to help. They were all set. Whenever one of the three
players scored a basket, Danny barked out instructions. Following a Coleman
basket, Danny yelled, “C-O-L-E! ”and Pete held up the “C,” Leslie the “O,”
Johnny held up the “L,” and finally the “E” was Danny’s job. Derrick was honored with a black and orange
COLE-MAN for all to see.
Herman Harried didn’t see much action, but he did score a couple
buckets. “HER!” said Danny (Pete got to stay seated for that one). HER-MAN, section
315 boasted.
Photos, presumably, taken by Pat, Dick's wife (Dick is the man in the white baseball cap) two great people who sat directly ahead of us in lofty section 315. Steve and I referred to them as the Nixons. Of course. And thanks to my main established man, Steve Heller, for unearthing these pics.
Not necessarily the mountain, unless you see people up on the mountain* who would like to read a great review of A Breath of Fresh Air (A Transplant Tale).
I am delighted with the critical response to the book so far. People come to me and quote parts from it and that really makes me happy. And no, smart guy, I didn't pay any of them to say nice things.
Though I'm not above it.
But in this early stage, word-of-mouth means a lot, so tell your friends, or friendly enemies, about BFATT. (I don't know about that acronym, though.)
Remember to support your local independent bookstore. Here in Syracuse, that means Parthenon Books on S. Salina Street (https://www.parthenonbookstore.com/)
It just so happens that yours truly will be part of their local author showcase from 1-4, Saturday, September 7th,
But taking the extra step and writing just a teeny review on the website of the bookseller of your choice helps a lot.
*I will personally pay the first person to post a picture of A Breath of Fresh Air from the top of Mount Everest the sum of TEN DOLLARS. No joke. Ten bucks. First picture only, please.
