What Do You Think?
October 31, 2006
A couple of things have happened in the last few days that have made me wonder …
First, a friend of mine said, “David, you’d sell a lot more books if your books were a little more risqué – more like John Jakes. Have you ever read Kent Family Chronicles
When I admitted I hadn’t read any of the books in the series, my friend gave me a copy of one. It didn’t take me long to realize that there was plenty of action in bedrooms (and other places!) as well as the more public actions I write about. Now Adam Mitchell fathered 13 children, so obviously he didn’t spend all his time in the corn fields or the battle field. But I prefer to let him and his wives – he married Elizabeth several years after the death of Jennetta – have some privacy.
I was surprised to read early reviews of Spring House that called the book a great love story. Reviewers (and readers) recognized the love story without any graphic descriptions, and my friend’s suggestion to make the stories a little more risqué was the first time anyone had suggested I should write any more explicitly.
Shortly after that, I started hearing political campaigning about sex in novels – one senatorial candidate quoted sexually-explicit passages from his opponent’s novels in an attempt to demonstrate the writer’s unsuitability for the Senate. Amidst the political rhetoric, Slate published a quiz to match authors with passages – of varying degrees of explicitness – from their writings. (Note: If you prefer not to read explicit sex scenes, you won’t want to take the quiz.) The authors include politicians from Winston Churchill to Barbara Boxer, Jimmy Carter to William Buckley. Seeing what some of these national and world leaders have written kept me wondering if I should spice up my writing.
Then I went to visit my aunt in Lubbock, Texas. “Aunt Polly,” I said, “I’ve been told that my writing is too Pollyanna-ish. What do you think?”
Polly Ann Black responded, “Pollyanna-ish is a good thing to be! Just keep your writing exactly like it is. You’ll never have to worry about your grandkids being embarrassed to read what you wrote, and you can go into schools with your books because they’re suitable for anyone.”
So now I want to know what YOU think. Take my poll and tell me whether I should keep my writing as is, spice it up just a little, or make my books more titillating. Share your thoughts by clicking on “Comments” below.
Liberty Hill Library Benefit
October 24, 2006
Last weekend I enjoyed participating in an arts and crafts show to benefit the Liberty Hill, Texas Public Library. Six authors shared a tent, and I had a great time getting to know other writers, meeting some of the local folks in this community near Austin, and supporting the library.
Getting to Know You
October 15, 2006
Two of the things I enjoy most are meeting readers and sharing what I’ve learned from researching and writing The Westward Sagas. And I can do both of these things when I speak to groups and participate in author events.
If you’re near San Antonio, Austin, or the Dallas/Fort Worth metro area (and some smaller cities with more being added all the time), you can meet me in person and/or hear me speak. You’ll find upcoming events on the Westward Sagas Web site.
And no matter where you are, I’m available to speak to your organization, church, or school. You can learn more on the speaker page of the Web site. If you need a speaker or know someone who does, please fill out the request form, and I’ll get in touch with you.
Hope to meet you in person!
Spring House Available in Bookstores
October 10, 2006
Of course you can still order Spring House from the Westward Sagas Web site. The advantage of ordering directly from Plum Creek Press, Inc. is that I will autograph the book as you request. You can also order the e-book there if you prefer to download the book to read on your computer.
Now, in addition to Amazon.com and BarnesAndNoble.com, you can order Spring House from your local bookstore. The stores probably won’t have the book in stock, but they can order from the distributor Baker & Taylor. You can ensure the store orders the right book by giving them the book’s ISBN: 0-9777484-0-5.
Autographed copies of Spring House are available at the following stores:
Barnes & Noble San Pedro Crossing, San Antonio, TX
Twig Bookshop, San Antonio, TX
Downtown Books, Corinth, MS
Lemuria Books, Jackson, MS
Wherever you buy it, I hope you read and enjoy Spring House!
Attending the Church of My Ancestors
October 7, 2006
One of the highlights of my trip was attending church services at Salem Presbyterian Church in Washington County, TN. The church is on the grounds of the old Washington College, one of the first colleges west of Appalachians. Unfortunately, the college is no longer active, but the buildings remain.
You’ll find information about the college and church at Goodspeed’s History of Washington County, Tennessee.
The church was founded in 1780 by Rev. Samuel Doak. When Adam Mitchell arrived in Washington County, he first attended this church, which was 10 miles away from the Mitchells’ home. The current building was built in 1894, but I was told the church bell is the same bell from the original church. The church has beautiful stained glass windows in honor of Rev. Doak.
I was lucky enough to be there on Fellowship Sunday. The gracious church members invited me to attend a wonderful potluck lunch in the basement of church. Lulubelle lounged in the shade of the magnificent trees of the campus, doted on by all church members.
Imagine worshipping in a church your ancestors worshipped in 100+ years before! The experience was amazing, and I felt a real connection to those Mitchells of long ago as well as the welcoming people of the present.
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Logo Credit: From the Imagination and Graphic Artistry of K.A. M'Lady & P.M. Dittman