Get 'Em While They're Hot!

Today I'm unabashedly promoting two books, both of which I had a part in.

The first is a Chicken Soup for the Soul book, Kindness Matters, in which I have a story on page 19 called, My Alpine Angel. My story relates back to living in El Cajon, CA and working in Alpine and the very unexpected act of kindness and decency I received from another driver one harrowing, rainy day. 

The book goes on sale March 22 at your local bookstore, or, I have some copies if you want one. The books from me, while the supply lasts, are $10 each and that includes the cost of shipping. I'll even autograph my story for you. Such a deal!

In our small read and critique group called NC Scribes, we have had a total of forty-eight stories published in CSS over the years. So much so, that the editor, Amy Newmark, calls us "The Chicken Coop."  I'm honored to be part of the chicken coop. This is my second story with CSS.

Okay, on to the second book. This one is called, Testing Michael, the seventh in my historical novels. I just finished it, self-published it, and it's for sale on Amazon under the name of Linda Loegel/Hemby (Type in Linda Hemby). My other books are under the name of Linda Loegel.

Michael Mueller is a thirteen-year-old boy who joins the Civil War as a messenger. He travels to places far outside his New Haven, CT home, makes friends, meets new people, and witnesses not only big city wonders but also the atrocities of war that give him nightmares. Will he get back to his family in one piece? Guess you'll have to order the book to find out.

I enjoyed writing this book more than any of the others and I trust my passion will shine through the pages. The battles, generals and events are true, so if you want to see the Civil War through a young boy's eyes, I urge you to read Testing Michael. You may learn history in a whole new, fascinating way.

Since all of my books are connected to each other in one way or another, this story has a double connection to Willard Manor. One connection is obvious, the other might take time to discern. 

I appreciate any and all reviews left on Amazon, but mainly, I just appreciate you being a friend or family member that I can share my stories with. Thank you for that.

Quote of the Day: A house divided against itself cannot stand. Abraham Lincoln

 

From Books to Bullet Holes

It’s a glorious world!  I've started a read and critique group here in Garner, NC called the Indian Creek Writers’ Guild.  We have two writers plus myself to start with and I expect it will grow as more people realize they have something to say and want to share that something with others. 

I’m back in the writing community and all’s right with the world again. Yaay!

While we’re on the topic of writing, there are a lot of fine historical novels on the shelves that take us to places and times that are unfamiliar to us.  The stories bring these times to life for us.  

I want to tell you of a real life historical event that is still with us here in Garner.  I found a church, the New Bethel Baptist Church, that reminds me a lot of the church I left in California--small to average congregation, varied ages and ethnicities, music with drums, piano, and guitars, and friendly people. However, New Bethel Baptist has one thing my former church does not have--a bullet hole from the Civil War!  

Here’s a quick history of the church.  Built between 1805 and 1811, the one-room church was called Wake Bethel.  In April 1858, the church opted to build a new church and call it New Bethel Baptist Church.  It was still a one-room building.

Then, on April 11 or 12, 1864, General Sherman’s troops marched through and shot up the town including firing several shots at the church.  One very noticeable bullet hole was found just under one of the front windows.  

The church was rebuilt in 1930.  The board with the bullet hole was preserved and used as part of the casing on one of the inside doors.  As I sit in a pew, I can see the bullet hole, a very vivid reminder of the Civil War, a war which is no longer just words in a history book.  

There are signs indicating battlefields from the war scattered around this area that we hope to visit come warm weather.  

Here’s to a living history!


Quote of the Day:  The subject of history is the life of peoples and of humanity.  Tolstoy, War and Peace.