The Haves and the Have Nots make for good reading

Years ago, I met Gene Vickers when he attended a writing class I taught. I remember him well because, just as the class was ending, Gene stood and addressed those who sat in the chairs. I had told them that my husband had very recently been diagnosed with cancer. 

Gene got the attention of the group and said, " I hope you all will pray for this lady. She is going to have a rough time ahead. She needs our prayers."

I didn't know the man, but was impressed that he thought of me and what I was going to face in the coming months. I did have a rough time for the next year while my husband, Barry, went through chemo and ended up in the hospital in Atlanta. He died soon after. 

A few years later, Gene contacted me and signed up for one of my classes at Writers Circle around the Table. It was his first writing class, and it was not his cup of tea. He was the only man present.

After the class ended, Gene asked if I would give him private lessons. I knew he had an active imagination and could write a short story with a moment's notice. There was no doubt he was a writer at heart. Like all successful writers, he just needed to learn the craft of writing. 

We went to work, and he tried to come to my studio once a week, but he has his own business and was sometimes working and unable to attend class. Gene was working on a book meant for his family, especially his grandchildren.  Eventually he took his manuscript to an editor who helped him with finishing touches to prepare for publishing. The book was printed, and I was proud of him and his determination to complete the work even when it was not easy for him as a first time author.

Now Gene Vickers has written and published his second novel, Amen and Amen. 

With this title, you might assume this is a book for the Christian Book Store, but this novel is about the human spirit, the difference in economic classes in our country and the pain caused by this. It is also about two teens from different backgrounds who fall in love and bridge the chasm. It is about high school boys who loved football, were fine athletes, but never tried out for the high school team. They knew how the system had always worked. They knew they would not be chosen because of where they lived and their economic standing in the town. It is about wealthy men who made sure their sons made the team, but were surprised when the coach did not let wealth and position dictate who played on his team. The characterization is good and the reader will be rooting for the underdog all the way.

There is no violence and vulgar language in this book. It is about people and their relationships. It is also about football, and followers of the sport will enjoy descriptions of the game and meeting the high school boys who play.

This is a feel good book, which I think is perfect for today. 

My brother, Max, read this book, and he said he didn't want to put it down. He really liked it.

Find the book on Amazon.com. 

 

Prepare to Publish - What Beginning authors need to know

Saturday, October 19, 2:30 p.m. at Moss Library in Hayesville, NC, three authors will join me on a panel discussion, Prepare to Publish. 

Kathryn Magendie, author of Secret Graces and other books, will represent the traditional manner of publishing. She has several books out. 

Maren O. Mitchell, author of a self-help book, Beat Chronic Pain; An Insider's Guide, will discuss her journey to publishing.

A former Writers Circle student, Nadine Justice, author of I'm a Coal Miner's Daughter, But I Cain't Sang, will talk about the next step she took after the last sentence of her memoir had been written.

The question I hear most from beginning and amateur writers is, "Now I have the manuscript completed, what next?"

We hope to bring to the public ideas about preparing for publication, what the author should be doing before the book has been written and what to do once he/she has the printed copy in hand. 

We will give out handouts with some places, links, etc. that will be helpful to our novice authors. 

This is a free event sponsored by Writers Circle Studio.

The library is located at 26 Anderson St. Hayesville. Call Mary Fonda, librarian at 829-389-8401 for directions. Call Glenda Beall 828-389-4441 for further information. 

Are You Looking for an Agent?

Successful author, Judy Goldman, wrote a post on her blog with some very good advice for finding an agent for your novel or memoir. Many books have been written by authors who can't find an agent to help them reach  traditional publishers. Judy suggests you not even look for an agent until your book is completely finished and that means edited by someone with who knows what they are doing.  Click the link below and read more by someone who has published two novels. And read the excerpt of her latest. I did and now I have to read the entire book.

http://judygoldman.com/blog/?p=159