Getting Published

Upcoming Book Release!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 4 Comments

Though I know you can’t possibly have been waiting as impatiently as I have, I thought perhaps you’d like a quick update on my “Morgan’s Landing” novel series. (I’m thinking that by now some of you have come to think I’m fibbing about the whole thing.)

The first book in the series will be entitled, “Hear My Whisper”. I am painstakingly reviewing the final proof as we speak and have another set of eyes on it as well. After you’ve spent this much time writing and editing a manuscript, you learn not to trust yourself.

I am awaiting the arrival of what I hope is the final cover design. This has been a struggle, as the artists doing the work haven’t actually read the book and you can just imagine what it might be like to give them ideas as to the feel of the thing when they don’t know the characters or the setting from a hole in the ground.

Once the proof of the internal manuscript and the cover design get the thumbs-up, “Hear My Whisper” (Book 1 of the Morgan’s Landing series) will go to print!

The release date is projected for June (or perhaps July). I am praying fervently that it will be in your hands in June. It’s a fun read and I think you’re going to enjoy it.

It’s been a long road and while the journey isn’t over, I’m starting to see the finish line. I remind myself, however, that there are at least two more books in this series that must undergo all these processes, so I just hum that little tune about the mulberry bush and press on.

The screenplay for “Morgan’s Landing” is a whole different matter than the actual books. It’s in the hands of several well-known studios and updates are encouraging.

If you’re surprised at all this, you might need to play catch-up and check out the earlier updates here and here. You’ll see that the cogs of the publishing world turn slowly and realize that if you’re going to write your book and get it published, you’d better start now!

If you have any questions, I’m happy to answer, so leave a comment!

Exciting News! I’m Hot Off the Press!

~ Midwest Storyteller ~ 2 Comments

Just a quick note today to announce that once again, one of my stories has been accepted for publication in the Columbia Chapter of the Missouri Writers’ Guild’s annual collection of poetry and prose! “Well Versed 2020” makes it’s debut this Saturday, June 13th! My story, “The Eyes of Love” is among the entries chosen for this year’s book.

I was honored to be chosen for publication in this anthology last year (Well Versed 2019) with a story called, “The Brown Wedding Dress” a true-life depiction giving but a snippet of the great love story of my Aunt Martha and Uncle George who were married over eighty years and shared a life and love that I was privileged to witness and record.

I share more of their story this year with “The Eyes of Love” which tells of a horrifying incident that occurred shortly after they married and which, though it brought them shock, pain and responsibilities that any of us would shrink from, drew them into a greater knowledge of love’s sacrifices and brought healing to Martha’s soul.

My apologies for being so late with this announcement. It seems there’s something about keeping a five-month-old while in the midst of this kitchen remodel that keeps me from getting things done quite the way I’d like.

Further apologies for having to announce that if you’d like a copy, you will have to email me at barb@midweststoryteller.com no later than Friday, June 12. (I told you I was behind on things!) They are $11 and if you need me to ship it to you, they will be $14 if you’d like to get one directly from me. You may also respond to my Facebook announcement in the comments. They will be available on Amazon at a later date.

Mine is one of the many contributions to this anthology and I offer my congratulations to all the other contributors!

If you’d like to have get to know Martha and her family members, glimpses into their lives are found along with other family stories can be found right here on my “Laugh” page.