My publisher has informed me that it is just a matter of days before my new book, 17 Days That Changed America, will be available for purchase. It’s been a long time coming…over a year or more.

The idea was birthed some time during the late spring or early summer of 2021, and research began shortly thereafter. In fact, some of my research notes go back to early August of that year. For the next six months or so, I “combed” over old newspaper articles dating back to 1925. The writing actually began not long into the new year, but it was slow going at first because I had so much that I wanted to say about the deadliest bridge tragedy in American history.

I took a break from writing in late March of this year to travel to the site that, until then, I had only read about. This may come as a shock since I was born and raised about a hundred miles to the north in New Martinsville, WV. Needless to say, the experience of seeing where the bridge once stood, standing at the landing site were the ferries transported vehicles across the Ohio River while the new bridge was being built, talking to local residents, and reading those roadside markers was emotional.

The first rough draft was submitted to proofreaders in late spring and edits made. From there, the book was sent to the publisher, IndigoSea Press. I received a rough copy of the book for final proofing in early July. And last week, the design for the book cover was finalized. Clearly, the process was painstakingly long, but worth it.

The end is in sight, and I can’t wait for you to read the book.

I’ve heard it said before that other people make you look good, and I believe it. What other people say and do can bring a person unexpected accolades. Case in point is my website and my publisher.

The website was designed by Zvenz, a top-notch computer company in Raleigh, NC. I know you’ll agree that the website was professionally designed, artistically built, and easily navigated. These are three qualities that a writer like myself needs in a website, especially if the writer wants to be noticed and their books brought to the public’s attention.

Likewise, the same could be said of my publisher, Dr. Mike Simpson, and the good folks at Indigo Sea Press in Kernersville, NC. For over a decade, Mike has helped me become a better writer thanks to his professional guidance, timely thoughts, and valuable insights. He is the publisher that all writers wish they had working with them.

So, hats off to you, Zvenz, and Mike. You’ve made me appear to be better than I actually am!