Libraries – 2

Man, I love libraries!

I’m in the Chicago suburbs, having arrived for a conference downtown a little early to check into my hotel. What else to do but find a library?

So I’m working on a chapter of Book #2, enjoying the free internet, eavesdropping on conversations, and watching all manner of humankind — children and grownups, besuited business-types and sweatsuited retirees, the well-off and the unemployed — making use of this free public institution.

And for Anna Louise, here’s a bonus–there’s a poster of Ewan McGregor on the wall across from me. He’s reading a copy (or at least posing with a copy) of The Complete Tales of Beatrix Potter.

Book trailer

I’m a newbie at marketing, but people tell that a good book trailer is important. Here’s mine, and I love it! Thanks to Blank Slate Press for the diligent work!

Favorite Ozarks Images – 6

Tree and Sky in early spring, Iron County, Missouri.

Early reviews

I know it’s a danger to believe your own publicity, but the early reviews of Slant of Light are really coming in great. Since childhood I was taught not to toot my own horn, but I’m going to toot a little now. Sorry, Mom.

“Slant of Light will appeal to fans of both historical fiction and nonfiction—or to anyone who appreciates a strong story told with a true and honest voice. Author Steve Wiegenstein carries us back to a complex time and invites us to share in the tale of a resilient people who are mightily challenged, yet struggle to overcome all. I came away from Slant of Light wishing two things: that the book wouldn’t end and that I too could one day write like this.”
— Dianna Graveman, Editor, Missouri Writers’ Guild / Author, Arcadia Publishing Images of America series

Book Launch

The official launch of Slant of Light will happen on April 19 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Subterranean Books, 6275 Delmar, in University City (on the Delmar Loop). The location is a bit serendipitous . . . a former student of mine from the 1990s is married to an employee there, so the connection was made.

That weekend, those of you who are attending the Missouri Writers’ Guild conference in St. Louis can pick up a copy there . . . I’ll be signing books on Friday, the 20th, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

If my Hannibal/Canton/Quincy friends can hold out till May, there will be at least one event up there. Working with the dear folks at the Unitarian Church for a wine & cheese party/book reading & signing . . . specific date and time to be announced.

Advice

I had a great morning on Saturday talking to members of the St. Louis Writers’ Guild. I was part of a panel on “Perfecting the Pitch” to agents, editors, and publishers. It’s hard to imagine myself as a fount of wisdom, but everyone seemed interested in what I had to say. The other panelists, Margo Dill and Peter Green, had their own unique takes on their experience, so I think we made a good trio.

I’m sure there were writers in the group who had much more experience at pitching than I, but there were also some utter beginners, so I suppose it’s the whole experience of sharing information that mattered. I was grateful to be part of the day.

 

Cover

Blank Slate Press is getting close to choosing a cover for the book…..they’re down to two options at this point. I like them both, so either one is a winner as far as I’m concerned. Thanks to everybody who participated in the comment/voting on their blog!

The Civil War in Missouri

I’ve been reading the Autobiography of Samuel S.Hildebrand in its newly edited, annotated version from the University of Arkansas Press, edited by Kirby Ross. I’ve read it before in its raw 1870 form, but Mr. Ross’s annotations provide a terrific addition.

Want to know what the war in Missouri was like? Here’s a random quote: “I found Mr. Miller in his field, and shot him. After night I found Mr. Johnson at home, took him out of his house, and cut off his head with my bowie knife.”

Not so much war as terrorism, practiced every day by both sides. War up close and personal.

Favorite Ozarks Places – 4

Mina Sauk Falls

When I first started visiting Mina Sauk Falls as a teenager, the way to get to it was this: Park at the fire tower on Taum Sauk Mountain. Go through the Boy Scout primitive camping area. Find the semblance of a path on the other side. Realize after a quarter mile or so that it’s the wrong path. Backtrack and find the right one. Work your way downhill as the path becomes a well-worn trail. As the trail enters a glade, the collared lizards will get out of your way but the rattlesnakes won’t, so keep an eye out. Pretty soon you’ll hear the falls–follow your ears.

Nowadays it’s easier. The falls are part of the Missouri state park system, and the trail is well maintained. But I do miss the rough romance of the older days a little.

Pitching

I’ve been invited to sit on a panel at the next month’s meeting of the St. Louis Writers’ Guild to talk about pitching to agents, editors, and publishers.Not to brag, but I’ve had good luck at pitch sessions. The last time I pitched at the Historical Novel Society (2009), I had two requests for more material out of three pitches. When I pitched at Missouri Writers’ Guild last year I was three for three.

Also on the panel will be Margo Dill, a multi-talented writer, editor, and coach, and Peter Green, vice president of programs for the St. Louis guild. We’ll also be talking about the upcoming Missouri Writer’s Guild conference.

Check the St. Louis Writers’ Guild webpage for specifics of time and place….the date is Saturday, March 3.