Quick Update on WIP

It's been nearly three weeks since I last posted anything about my work in progress (actually, it'll be three weeks tomorrow).  

Time flies by when you're immersed in writing.

And I've been busy writing each and every day, topping 80k words, so that's why you haven't heard from me. The sequel to "Darkness Beyond the Light," is coming along and the first draft should be completed in the next week or so.

As mentioned in a previous post, it appears that what I'm working on will be divided into two books; in other words, a fourth novel in the "John Ross Boomer Lit" series. We'll see.

So that's where I stand at this point in time. I hope to announce to everyone in the next week or so that I'm about to delve into the rewriting phase. 

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I've got two library appearances lined up:

June 20 at the Montgomery County Public Library in Mount Sterling, Ky. I'll be discussing my work and taking questions, and trying to provide answers. It begins at 7 p.m. (ET).

July 14 at the Warren County Public Library, Bob Kirby Branch, for its Indie Author Fair. It runs from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. (CT)

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I'm also involved in the Bluegrass Writers Coalition in Frankfort, Ky. It's open to writers of all levels in central Kentucky. The next meeting is June 14, 5:30 p.m., at the Thorn Hill Learning Center.

Until the next time . . . 

Banned Books Week Part II

Isn't it interesting that books that some people enjoy, others would like to have banned from bookstores, libraries and classrooms? This is Banned Books Week, which ends Oct. 1.

To me, for the most part, the act of censoring and banning books is an individual matter. There are always exceptions, but for the population in general, I believe a person can make that decision on whether or not to read a book. I don't need some self-righteous person or group deciding for me.

In the marketplace of ideas, if word gets around that a book may be questionable for a certain age group, or the general populace, people will look at it a bit more closely to see if it deserves the label. And that's more democratic.

When my wife and I raised our two sons, we always had books in the house. While I can't think of any books being banned from our home, it certainly would have happened if there was something we didn't  think was appropriate for them to read. That's not to say that they didn't read "controversial" books outside the home -- without our knowledge.

Hey, I did the same thing. Most folks I know hid books from their parents, and they all survived and became responsible citizens. For my generation, those books included "Lolita," "Candy," and "Peyton Place." After sneaking around to read them, most of us said, "What's the big deal?" I bet our parents, grandparents, and others in our distant past found racy magazines and pulp fiction to satisfy their curiosities about all sorts of things about the human condition.

Other books that titillated citizens through the years, and angered government and self-imposed censors, include "Madame Bovary," "Tropic of Cancer," "Brave New World," "Fanny Hill," "Naked Lunch," and "Howl." Wikipedia has a list of books banned by governments that you may find interesting.

Until the next time...

Time to Get Carded

Many of you may not know that this is National Library Card Sign-up Month.

As public libraries are recommending, it's time to get carded. The library is one of my favorite places -- for books, research, and other activities. Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. is the spokesman for American Library Association's national effort.

I like what the International Reading Association says about the library card on its ReadWriteThink.org website, calling it a passport that "permits its owner to travel to other places and times through the pages of a book."

Of course, those who frequent a library know that a library is more than a place for books (in my opinion, that's still its primary purpose). Not only can you check out books, but also CDs and DVDs; use computers; access the Internet; attend functions such as book discussion groups, author readings, story hours for children, and art exhibits; visit the used book store  and much more.

At my local library -- Paul Sawyier Public Library -- residents who sign up for a card this month can get discounts from area businesses.

The month may be over soon but it's not too late to sign up for a library card. It's really never too late. If you're busy this month, then drop by in October and get your card.  Just get one. It's one of the best bargains you'll find anywhere.

Until the next time...

A Day at the Library

I spent five hours at the Paul Sawyier Public Library in Frankfort on Saturday, taking part in the fourth annual "Gathering of Authors."

About 30 authors participated in the event -- talking to readers and signing a few of their books. There was an assortment of writers -- nonfiction, fiction and poets. Some had books by the big New York publishing houses, others with small, independent presses, and a few were self-published authors.

As an author, I enjoy these kind of activities at libraries. At Paul Sawyier Public Library, with the help of the Friends of PSPL, writers such as Kim Edwards, Sena Jeter Naslund, Gwyn Hyman Rubio, Silas House, Frank X Walker, Crystal Wilkinson and many others have read from their works, discussed their books, and talked about writing with library patrons. Needless to say, we have a very good library where I live.

Let's be honest -- libraries are truly the virtual home for authors. It's the place where authors share space on the shelves. It's the place where most of our books will reside long after they are out of print and no longer available in book stores, and when we move on to that literary beyond.

I believe libraries are a wonderful venue for authors to meet the public and talk about their books and the craft of writing. And I think libraries should reach out and invite writers to readings, book clubs, and similar activities. It's a win-win proposition for everyone involved. Just ask the folks who attended the "Gathering of Authors."

Until the next time...