Month: June 2021

I know it has been a hot minute since I posted last; sorry about that. It’s due to the whirlwind of activity I’ve been engaged in since the launch of my book–and I’m not complaining, y’all. I’ve been having FUN! 🙂

Here’s a quick recap of all the doings and goings on since my launch:

1. Public readings: I was able to share a chapter of my book at the college where I teach AND at the library I worked at briefly as a page before COVID went and ruined that. (I got too busy having to shift my classes to online and then having to figure out how to teach face-to-face while still keeping everyone six feet apart. Nightmare.) The audience at my college was mainly English majors, aspiring young writers, and faculty from the English department. Everyone was gracious and kind, and I was in my element, since teaching there has been my bag for lo these many years.

The audience at the library was made up of community folks, many who still remember the REAL White River Red and were happy to tell me stories about her after I read my chapter. I loved that part! I got to meet Charlotte Steele, whose late husband, Phillip, wrote the short biography of Forrestina that I relied on heavily for my research. I was also able to meet Karen O’Connell, the Arkansas State Library Coordinator of the Arkansas Center for the Book, and she said she would be adding White River Red: A Novel to their Book Club Collection so that libraries around the state would have access to it for their book clubs. So that’s pretty cool!

2. And speaking of book club picks . . . White River Red: A Novel has now been chosen for SIX book club picks so far, and I’ve offered to visit with all of them! I just recently dropped in via Zoom for the first one, and it was great fun answering questions and getting a feel for how people interpret my book. I’m looking forward to hanging out with the other groups, whether in person (my favorite) or on Zoom. If you are looking for a book for your book club, I reckon mine is a popular choice; if your group does choose my book, drop me a line and I’ll be happy to check in with y’all however is handiest!

3. Bookstores: In addition to being available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble online, I really wanted my book to have a place in physical stores. There’s just something magical about “brick and mortar” shops! And hurrah! My book is slowly finding its way into some great places. It’s now available at Barnes & Noble in Rogers and Chapters on Main, in Van Buren. (Both in Arkansas.) It will soon show up in Daisies & Olives in Prairie Grove and Oli + Meg in Bentonville, also both in Arkansas. I guess I need to start working on the Oklahoma market now, eh? 🙂

4. Movie treatment: Before we get TOO excited, this is just an early stage, feeling-it-out process. I’ve been told by multiple folks that my book would make a great movie, and truth be told, I’ve always personally thought that Forrestina’s life was big-screen worthy. So with my publisher’s encouragement, that’s what I’m working on right now. (Actually, I should be working on it instead of writing this blog!) Stay tuned!

So there it is, friends and readers. Two months in since the launch, and I’ve been having the time of my life. And now can I ask a huge favor of you? If you have read and enjoyed White River Red: A Novel, would you take a quick minute to leave a positive review on Amazon? The more reviews, the more likely that my little book catches broader attention, and I’d love for Forrestina’s story to be known all over. Asante!