Pat Mcgauley's Blog, page 7

Home Again

Saturday: 04/23/2016

Believe it or not, I left Naples (FL) at 5:00 am on Tuesday of this week and arrived back in Hibbing at 9:30 pm the following day. That’s 2082 miles in two days! By myself. What does that say about me? Crazy? O.C.D.? Homesick? Or is it something more obscure? I’ve heard that the Range (In my case Hibbing) has some magnetic pull on those of us who have spent much of their lives here. Perhaps it’s the magnetite in the earth that draws us back or warm our memories this place conjures. I assure you that it was not the northeastern Minnesota weather that motivated my departure from Florida. My months in Naples were wonderful and the people in my neighborhood just marvelous. But, here I am and here is where I should be.

Arriving ‘home’ I found the house in perfect order and Gail looking good–even younger than I remembered. Maybe being a new grandmother and the fulfillment that goes with that are part of it all. We didn’t ‘facetime’ over the winter months but talked almost daily. Thanks, Gail. Part of the reason for leaving earlier than usual was that my grandson, Braden will be having his First Communion tomorrow in Grand Rapids. I miss my grandkids terribly when I’m away. And I miss my son Tiffer and daughter-in-law, Susan, as well. Shannon (my oldest) came down for a two-week visit at my little Florida home, and my granddaughtr Cali (finishing her second year at the UofM) and i must get together soon as she will be traveling to Europe this summer for studies. She’s twenty already. My youngest granddaughter. Grace Ann, turned three on the 17th of this month and her ‘big brother’ Jack is a sophomore in high school. I was Jack’s Confirmation sponsor in February. Erin continues to stay strong through her post-divorce struggles with her ex. I’m glad I could be of some support for her through this winter. Family! I have a sign on my deck that sums everything up in three of the most meaningful words I can think of: FAITH, FAMILY, FRIENDS. So is life for most all of us in this turbulent world.

While away I wrote my next novel–the rough draft is the most fun because everything is new and exciting and so very unpredictable. I left Florida with my more than 100,000 word first draft and am beginning the rewrite process which is the most tedious work. In that I already know the ending the rewrites are a combination of polishing transitions, improving flow, and some rudimentary preliminary editing. These things have to be done before the story goes on to my pre-readers and then to professional editing, formatting, and the copywrite procedures. My working title is TEARS. I so enjoyed my last story and the interaction of its characters that I couldn’t leave them out of the new story. And I so enjoy creating new exploits for my protagonist, Father Mickey. At the risk of being a ‘huxster’ I will say that having previously read THE SACRED SEAL and THE LAST MORAN will add to the texture to my new novel. (Locally, all of my books are available at the Mulberry Bush in the Mesabi Mall. See Patty, she has a fine little shop.) I will add another more informational blog closer to my anticipated publication date in October. So you still have time to read the others.

I will say this however. I’ve wanted to tell a teacher story for years. So much of who I am is due to my years of teaching. Teaching for me was learning new things every day. So, my challenge was to integrate a teacher into the fabric of a murder/mystery that didn’t involve the teacher at all . . . or, not literally anyhow. It was fun to do, even if it may be controversial. I take literary license to make some strong references to what has become of this once fair city in recent times. I posted some candid observations on Facebook just to see if my perceptions were legitimate and had a strong response. It is hard for me to say that I’m of the impression that the town I love is dying a slow death, the symptoms seem almost too obvious to be ignored.

On a more upbeat note, I am anxious to renew my friendships–many years of friendships. I have missed seeing so many of you at church, or Super One, or almost anywhere in town. I still think some of the brightest, and finest people I’ve ever known are still here. It made me happy with anticipation to see the sign HIBBING as I finished my 2082 miles home. God bless.

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News and Renews

Friends and readers,

My tenth novel-The Sacred Seal-has sold well in my local market. That is most pleasing. To those of you who have purchased/read the story, I’m hopeful you found it suspenseful and surprised at the end. That’s what I a murder-mystery should do. But, an apology seems appropriate. I had a production date set for early October so that I could fulfill obligations–scheduled book events–by the first of November. When the submission deadline arrived I did not have the final ‘professional editing’ in my possession. So, I felt compelled to send the publisher what I had at the time. I hope that the grammar errors did not detract from the story itself. I’ve always held that if I read a perfectly edited book with a lousy story I am disappointed, however, if I read a good story with punctuation errors I’m highly satisfied. Enough said about that.

Now, a very well edited version of The Sacred Seal is available on Kindle. If you are a Kindle reader and get this blog by tomorrow, Monday, it is being offered ‘free of charge’! Just download it before it returns to $7.95.

Since the first of the year I have been working on my next novel–number 11–with a ‘working title’ of ‘TEARS’. I’ve always wanted to write a teacher story. And, I want, at the same time to keep my protagonist, Father Mickey, as a central figure. Thirdly, I want the story to pick up the thread of my last novel. A challenge that has been as challenging as it has been frustrating. I beginning to feel my way in all three regards.

That’s the ‘news’ part of this blog. Now the ‘renews’. I will never be much more than a regional author and that is fine with me. My only hope is to net enough money to cover the expenses of my next book. So far, I’ve been fortunate. Hours, days, and months of writing and rewriting and all the details of self-publication have one reward–a story that is appreciated by my readers. You’ve never let me down in that regard. However, I need your help with something I’ve learned is very important in marketing. Readers check authors on many sites including Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, etc. It is on these sites that they look for reviews by readers. In this regard I am overlooked. I ask, once again, for your help. If you have read any of my books, novels or children’s stories, PLEASE write a review. Even if you didn’t like a story/stories, thats helpful, too. Any comments will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for being my inspiration to continue what can be an arduous task. I love to tell a story and my ‘ego’ appreciates a compliment.

Although I am enjoying another winter in Florida, I look forward to seeing you all in May. Just a reminder, all of my books are currently available at the Mulberry Bush (Mesabi Mall) and Patty can use the sales as much as I can.

God bless,

Pat

Merry Christmas

Friends and relatives and fellow Rangers everywhere.

I’ll miss being home in Hibbing for Christmas again this year. I arrived at my Florida place on 12/01 and missed lots of mild December weather up North. I won’t say a word about the weather down here in Naples . . . except . . . no snow! As you know, I have a daughter and two super grandkids down here so I’ll have a wonderful family Christmas with palm trees adorned with Christmas lights. Sorry about the last part.

I haven’t started my next book yet but plan to begin the process after the holidays. I’ve got a few ideas swimming about but haven’t quite got them worked out yet. Usually the core ‘IDEA’ is the genesis and I think I’m close.

My last novel, The Sacred Seal, has been selling very well I’m told. Patty Schafer at the Mulberry Bush has ordered more copies as she sold her last copy this morning. I hope to have the book available on Kindle and Nook early in the new year. I think there are some interesting spring boards from the last book that might launch my next creation. In that vein, I’d like to ask each of you a big favor. As I learn more about ‘marketing’, book reviews from readers are critical to potential buyers. If you’ve read any of the ten novels or three kids books I’ve published (and enjoyed them) please put a review on the Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Goodreads websites.

Last summer I often visited several of my old and dear friends–most with health issues–and I miss them all. The most estranging thing about being down here is that everywhere I go I see strangers. I’ve got some great neighbors and the folks in this little community couldn’t be more friendly . . . but . . . I miss all of you. Maybe especially so at this time of the year. I sincerely hope that all of you have a safe, and healthy, and bountiful New Year. If you ever get down this way please get in touch.

God bless,

Pat

The Sacred Seal

I just got off the phone with the store manager of the Duluth Barnes and Noble store. In past years I have had book signings in the Duluth store . . . but not this year! I am told that November is ‘filled’ with corporate events and the best the local store could do is something in February. If someone wants a copy of my new title, ‘The Sacred Seal’, I was assured that they can order it. This is also true of my last novel, ‘The Last Moran’, order only! These are corporate policies, not those of the local store: the local cannot make decisions on their own. That bothers me. What is ironic, however, is that my new story is set in Duluth. Further, I have been invited to present this title to the Duluth public library in November. I might suggest that you order the new title, and others, through Amazon.

Enough complaining.

I’m really optimistic about The Sacred Seal. It is a murder/mystery with several twists and turns. The cover blurb reads: ‘Good cop . . . bad cop . . .? Sometimes we can be utterly fooled. Adam Trygg is the rookie cop and Brenden Murphy the veteran. Together they must solve a gruesome murder in the perilous Hillside neighborhood of Duluth. Within the tensions of the story is a diverse cast of characters: a priest bound by the sacred seal of the confessional, a beautiful temptress name Holly, and-once again- the colorful and capricious Father Mickey Moran. As has happened many times before, the young priest finds himself in circumstances that challenge both his cleverness and resolve.’

As I contemplate my calendar for next month I realize that, so far, I haven’t made event arrangements in many locations.

To date I have the following:

*-Mulberry Bush (Hibbing Mesabi Mall) Tuesday, 10/27 . . .2:00-5:30

-ADK Craft Fair (Hibbing Armory) Saturday, 11/07 . . . 9:00-3:30

-Village Books (Central Sq. Mall-Grand Rapids) Sunday, 11/08 . . .11:00-1:00

-Eveleth Library: Tuesday, 11/10 . . . 5:00-7:30

-Eagan Barnes and Noble (Promenade Plaza) Saturday, 11/14 . . .1:00-3:00

-Aurora Library, Tuesday 11/17 . . . 6:00-7:30

-Duluth Library, Saturday 11/21 . . . 11:00-3:00

I gave the Mulberry Bush a * because it is the ONLY store in Minnesota that carries my complete works–all ten novels and three children’s books. Thanks Patty!

You might wonder about my event in Eagan. The Eagan store manager is a former Ranger so I have an ‘in’ with their store. Thanks Paul! I hope to add a few locations over the next few weeks and when I do I will Facebook them under ‘events’. Is anybody interested in opening a book store in Hibbing or Virginia?

Wherever you find ‘The Sacred Seal’ it is worth the price.

Now, if you want an author-signed copy of any of my books you can order them from me. For a copy of ‘The Sacred Seal’ send a check for $17.00 (postage S/H) to:

Pat McGauley

2808 Fifth Ave. West

Hibbing, MN 55746

Hope you can make one of my events, if not . . . God bless.

Pat

Coming Soon

I wish I could describe the thrill of writing a new story . . . but I can’t. And me being a writer? Perhaps ‘thrill’ or excitement works well enough. While writing, every day is a new adventure. I truly don’t know where the story will go that day . . . nor where the characters will take it. On some episodes I have a preconceived idea, but mostly I am as excited as if I were reading the story for the first time. And, I guess I am! My new story–‘The Sacred Seal’–took me four months to write and another month to rewrite. Rewriting is tedious because I already know what’s going to happen. Each ensuing rewrite–after two readers and an editor have critiqued the story– is even more tedious. (I am very grateful to Rich Dinter and Jim Huber who spent hours of their valuable time to read and offer valuable insights to my story, and Gail Nevalainen for her patient editing).

Things taken for granted by the reading public must be taken care of in a timely manner: filing for a copyright from the Library of Congress, purchasing and ISBN identification number, getting listed in ‘Books in Print’, purchasing a barcode, connecting with my distributor in Michigan, getting into the corporate Barnes and Noble system, and a listing with Amazon books, etc.

The project which began in January is ready for formatting in September. Here Renee Anderson–at Express Print in Hibbing– does her magic. I give her a cover concept and she designs it. Ever cover has been exceptional and the new one might even be better than all the others. Anyhow, Renee does the formatting so that the files can be sent to the publisher. Although somewhat stressful, all that has occurred so far is nothing compared to what lies ahead: the PR and marketing madness! (As I write this blog, my publisher has told me that the book will be available in late October).

Sales are the most critical part of the process because that revenue from one book enables me to publish the next one–I’ll need about $4000 to cover any new story that might come up. Sales require a series of press releases, vender outlets, book events, craft fairs . . . anyplace where I can sell a book. The challenge is that I must accomplish everything before Thanksgiving because I leave for Florida at the end of November. (In Florida I will do much the same as I’m doing here in Hibbing, and across the Range, as I’m beginning to establish a readership there as well). Patience, I must confess, is not one of my virtues.

Wish me luck!

If any of you would like to purchase a copy of my new book you can pre-order by sending me a check for

$18.00 and I’ll send it off to you as soon as I have the copies available. Otherwise, I’ll be out and about throughout Minnesota during the month of November. As soon as I have my calendar of events worked out I will publish it on my next blog. Or, if things work out as I hope they will, you’ll find my events in your local newspaper. Now, if you really want to give me a boost, ask your local bookstore to get copies of my books–all of them, but especially the new title. Also, I’ll be sharing what ‘The Sacred Seal’ (a murder mystery set in Duluth) is about. Yes, if you are one of my readers, Father Mickey will be heading up the cast of characters.

Lest I forget, my address is: Pat McGauley, 2808 5th Ave. W., Hibbing, MN 55746

Have a great day and God bless.

Pat

Looking Back

This morning I did something I haven’t done in years–I walked back in time. It was fifteen years ago that I said good-bye to Hibbing High School and a legacy of sorts. In addition to teaching at the fabled high school, I coached and taught some of the brightest kids ever to grace those hallowed halls that I walked today. Nostalgia is a powerful emotion. In the sixties I coached debate, in the nineties the high school academic team (Knowledge Bowl). Over the eight years I coached, our academic teams had the reputation as Minnesota’s very best! This is not due to this man’s coaching prowess by any means, but rather a tribute to our HHS teachers and what they taught every day in their classrooms. I merely took our teams to tournaments throughout the state. (For two years we won every tournament we entered . . . including two State championships. Our 2000 and 2001 teams were among the best in the nation and participated in national tournaments at Pepperdine University in Malibou, California. Our program had a trophy case crammed with hardware from our victories and photos of our scholars. To my chagrin, the trophy case was empty and only a few banners near the second floor ceiling remained. I was disappointed but it’s no big deal. The past is past.

Not only did our teachers do their masterful work, the maintenance people did theirs. The halls were newly waxed and glistening. Without a doubt, Hibbing High School is the most elegant and well-preserved public ediface in Minnesota and worth anybody’s time to visit. If you attended school there, or even visited while in Hibbing, you know exactly what I mean. I could spend a day writing about the school’s rich history–something I’ve done in many of my early books.

Anyhow, what prompted this blog more than anything could be summed up in one word: CHANGE! I’ve been gone for quite some time and fully expected to see changes–which I did–but what struck me the most was not what I saw but what I felt and what I learned. I found a veteran teacher-friend in her classroom and we visited for a few minutes about the past we shared as well as the upcoming school year. When I taught the overhead projector was my most useful visual aid. Computers (for teacher record-keeping) had arrived in the late nineties. Today . . . yes, laptops and cell phones, national standards and social media and teacher websites so they can be connected at any time by students or parents relative to lesson plans, assignments, etc. And, of course, there were many new faculty names on the new, and more secure classroom doors, but some old names still remained; those evoked memories of a bygone day.

When I left the building I had a smile on my face. The old place still looked great but it has passed me by. It even made me feel ‘old’–I disliked that part of my visit. I think I’ll feel much better by clinging to my wonderful years and deeply-etched memories. As I’m inclined to do, I thanked God that I was a part of everything that happened there in the best of times. Or, I should say, the best of times for me. When next September rolls around and the football practices have started at the Lincoln ELEMENTARY school, I will still remember my excitement of a new school year . . . and I’ll get an even stronger sense of nostalgia than I have right now.

Roots

Finally a rainy morning. An opportunity for reflection on recent days and past years. Last night a group of friends–many going back nearly forty years–met at my place for our monthly book club meeting. As always, we discuss the chosen book as well as share anecdotes on our changing lives. One of our ‘old timers’ made a surprise visit after months of health issues, another of our membership announced his ‘semi-retirement’, and our youngest member, mentioned his chemo treatments were nearly finished. Our gathering on this night, however, was unique in another way . . . the author of our chosen book joined us for an interesting discussion of his story and of the creative life. Rick Novak’s book–‘The Doctor and Mr. Dylan’ was given thumbs up by all of us.

The perspective I’m heading for this morning is ‘roots’ . . . something I rarely give much thought to. Rick was a ’72 Hibbing High School grad and a former student of mine. After graduation, and college years, he ended up in California and a position on the staff at Stanford University. His novel is set in Hibbing, a place that remains dear to him. His Iron Range birth roots are deeply set in the hematite earth of this place. Like myself, most of our group have immigrated here from other places and made Hibbing our home. Our Hibbing roots have become even deeper than Ricks in so many ways. We chose Hibbing while Rick chose a career in upscale Palo Alto. My birth roots, like those of my parents, are in Duluth and–in the process of growing up–in Hoyt Lakes, while these ‘secondary’ roots of my adult friends have spread under the same earth as Ricks– in Hibbing. It is here where, one day, most of us expect to be buried. So, there are many types of roots, all of them shape and ground us in many ways.

The thought that inspired my blog, however, is both simple and profound. Rick, like most of the best and brightest young men and women who sat in my classrooms over the years, has made his adult life in a place far away from where he grew up. As I looked around the room at my friends I realized that we, like the town itself, are growing older and not likely to relocate ourselves in order to pursue new opportunities. I might empahsize ‘not likely’ because, of course, we never know for sure. (Hibbing, as a city and citizenry, made a big move years ago, and it’s new roots are far deeper, and probably more secure, than those of the former village. Hibbing will age like we all must.)

Yet, taking a step back, fortunately not all of our Hibbing kids abandoned the Range for other places. Yesterday I visited with one of Rick’s classmates–a professional that has flourished here, in the city where he was born. Every day I see others who have remained here and enjoyed success in almost every field you can think of. Many others have found employment in the mines, raised their families, and enrolled their kids in our wonderful schools. They wouldn’t have it any other way! And, as we know, many of our children who have relocated (mostly to the Twin Cities),now return often in order to visit their aging parents, and/or to take advantage of our many rural amenities: hunting in our forests, fishing in our lakes, and even… breathing our fresh northern air.

A last thought has crept in . . . I’m thinking of friends of mine who have kids and grandchildren living down in the Cities. In recent months several have made the life-changing decision to move closer to their own and to a place where there are so many things going on all the time. One of our book club members has tried to sell his house in Hibbing to no avail: too many houses on the market and real estate prices bottoming out. And, as in Rick’s case, children relocate their aging parents to where they are living in order to care for them more efficiently. The population and demographics here is dwindling and graying at a rate that further stiffles potentials for optimism. It makes me wonder . . .what if the taconite plants close down for extended periods–our economy has always been cyclic? Will places like Zimmy’s and the Old Howard ever reopen? Will I succumb to a boredom of ‘nothing much to do’? Or, will I be part of an inevitable cycle: have children, watch the children relocate, then relocate closer to where they have settled. I wonder these things this morning . . .

A commercial post-script: My tenth novel, ‘The Seal’ is undergoing its final critique and edit. I’m hopeful that my next blog will be an announcement of a publication date–September? And, a favor to ask of my readers as Rick did with our group last night. . . if you’ve read any of my books and enjoyed them, PLEASE put a favorable review on Amazon, Goodreads, or any book review site. It really helps!

Summer: 2015

How could I be so remiss in posting a ‘blog’ these past few months? Being too busy is a weak, but my only, excuse. It’s already the middle of June and I’ve been back home in Minnesota for over a month. Late April in Naples just got too hot and humid for me so I packed up and headed north. Along the way I had a wonderful visit with friends, Peter and Sandy, in the Villages (north of Orlando). Quite a place! Two days later I pulled in front of 2808 Fifth West and my too-long abandoned girlfriend. Since returning, both Gail and I have been busy with catching up on everything–and getting green. We both love flower gardening and, when the weather permits, we toil in our little park behind the house–flowers and birds give me a needed sense of serenity.

When back in Hibbing I got right back to the novel–my tenth–that I had roughed out during my winter months in Florida. Rewriting has always been tedious stuff. But, with my new story, it has been almost inspiring. I really like it! The story, I mean. I’ve titled the story simply: ‘The Seal’. It’s another Father Mickey Moran ‘mystery’ (not a Sea World or San Francisco harbor seal story). Rather, it’s about the ‘seal’ of the confessional–both Mickey and I are Catholic. I think the story builds some tension from the start and has a rather surprising conclusion. At least I hope so. My friend, Rich Dinter, is the first reader and I’m awaiting his candid critique soon. Gail is editing as I go along with the rewriting process. Oh, I must mention, part of my inspiration is the success of my last novel. ‘The Last Moran’ has been selling quite well and the feedback has been very good.

And, there are other developments on the McGauley front. Daughter Shannon has finally been determined to be eligible for disability and social security benefits. She has a ‘new’ little boat now and goes fishing at every opportunity. My granddaughter, Cali, has finished a great freshman year at the U. and is taking classes this summer. Daughter Erin’s past many months have been very painful for me . . . and, even more so, for her. Her brief marriage failed and the divorce proceedings have been long and contentious. On a positive note, she has found a lovely home for her and Jack and Grace in a community near Jack’s school. I have every confidence that Erin will put the pieces of her life back together–I hope the same for her former husband. Two-year-old Grace, is a precious gift to both of them. Jack, like his cousin Cali, has done very well academically (and lettered in baseball this spring). He has a job at a new Asian restaurant and will be a sophomore in the fall.

Son Chris (Tiffer), and his wife Susan, also have a ‘new’ home in Cohasset, near Grand Rapids. Chris also has a new, and challenging, sales job with a northern Minnesota territory. I just had a wonderful visit with them and their three handsome and bright children: Braden, Noah, and Madeline. I am truly blessed!

Positive vibes for the summer. Flower garden never better. A few road trips planned. A few book-signing events. Optimism galore for my ‘Twins’. I had a ‘feeling’ this spring that they would put the recent past behind them and be a contending team. So far, I’m impressed–even after their five straight losses. Go Twins.

And, go I must, as well. Hopefully, I’ll get back to my blogging on a more regular basis. I am also hopeful that ‘The Seal’ will be published by fall–late October is my expectation. I conclude with a wish that all of you have a wonderful summer. God bless . . .

Pat

From Florida

Friends. My March 6th has been wonderful and I hope your TGIF day is going as well. I have a long weekend and thought it would be nice to post something as I haven’t done so in a long time. (I’ve had long weekends for nearly fifteen years but I never get tired of them.)

I’ve been in Florida (Naples) since mid-December. As some of you know I purchased a little mobile home in a place called Naples Land and Yacht Harbor which is only minutes away from downtown and the Gulf beaches–i can bike there in twenty minutes. And I do nearly every day. I simply love my new Florida home and winter retreat: It’s roomy and comfortable in every way. My daughter Erin did a good job in finding it for me and spending hours to make it ‘homey’. It’s great to be near both her and my two grandkids–Jack is fifteen (has his driving permit) and Grace will be two next month. Grace is without a doubt the cutest little girl in Florida–and smart.

I’ve settled into my winter routine of writing nearly every morning for 2-3 hours and am well into my tenth novel–it’s a murder mystery and has been fun to create. Yes, Father Mickey is involved. Today I rolled over 62,000 words so I’m more than half through the story. I’m getting an idea about how it might end and I’m excited to see if I’m right. Along with the writing, biking, beach-walking,and enjoying my new neighbors, I’ve been doing some gardening, painting, and making the property look good. I put in a little patio last week. My daughter, Shannon was down to visit for two weeks and my friend Dick will be down next week for a visit. He’s got a place for the month of April.

I’ve been up to Fort Myers–the Twins spring training site–three times so far and have tickets for two more games. The remodeled stadium is spectacular! And, the new team, is going to surprise a lot of people this year. I’m really, really, optimistic. Playoffs again. Also saw the Gopher baseball team play a local college last week–they swept FGCU. I golfed for the first time yesterday–with my Minnesota friend Ken. Life is good! Mostly . . .

Part of the reason for my decision to purchase a place down here is because of the weather (and my aversion to northern Minnesota’s winters) but also to support my daughter Erin who is going through a nasty divorce. Nobody wins in a divorce. All I can do is pray that at some point things will soften and both will be able to do what’s best for little Grace. The trial is scheduled for next week, I hope you will pray for all involved.

Tiffer has a new job and likes it very much. He has a sales position with his cousin Kevin’s company and will be able to live in northern Minnesota after several years of moving his family around the country. I have been blessed with faith, family, and friends. My special friend, Gail, has just learned that she is going to become a grandmother for the first time. Congrats to Charla and Josh. And, thanks to Gail for keeping the home fires burning.

My grandson, Jack, is playing for the Community School varsity baseball team (he’s just a freshman) and he has a game tonight. I’ll be cheering him on tonight and my Twins of Sunday afternoon. God bless you all.

I have been remiss. Twice I have started a blog and let ...

I have been remiss. Twice I have started a blog and let it die of malnutrition. Now the news is stale and the memories faded. We’ve had a lovely autumn up here in ‘God’s Country’ and I had begun to share my feelings about the time and place so dear to me. I live on the western edges of Hibbing and across the street I am blessed with with an imagery of olden times. Years ago, in the days of intense iron ore mining, the overburden of earth was transported some distance away from the ore digging sites–a labor intensive process creating massive ‘dumps’ that span the Mesabi Range landscape. The mesa-like dump across the abandoned railroad line from my house is a constant reminder of our heritage and keeps me always connected to the past. Although heavily overgrown now, I’ve found writing inspiration from what has become my ‘little mountain’. The first blog that died on my computer told of my feelings while hiking up there one gorgeous fall afternoon about a month ago.

The second mini-story that went unpublished occurred two weeks ago on an equally Sunday afternoon. Gail and I spent an afternoon walking the abandoned beach at Sturgeon lake (McCarthy Beach State Park) northwest of town. The stillness of the lake and quiet air was as peaceful as only nature can bless us with. Watching a pair of eagles swooping and gliding above the stately pines put us in touch with God’s creative wonderment. This blog also was abandoned when the urgency of Monday matters prevailed.

The Monday matters are the topic of this morning’s blog. One might think that the arrival of a newly published book would be a mundane happening by now. ‘The Last Moran’, my ninth novel, is a new challenge and will consume my time for the next few months. I’ve said many times that the writing of book is a creative adventure and a passion for me . . . however, the marketing of the new book is as tedious and time-consuming as it is necessary. When stacking twenty-six cases (nearly forty pounds each) on my storage shelves I begin to feel the daunting stress of sales–my only means of recouping some of the production costs. Oh, yes . . . there are many, many, cases of previous books that are neighbors of the newly arrived family. That’s where I have been for two weeks and where I am this morning–Wednesday, November 5th: wondering and hoping. This afternoon I will have my first book-signing event at Howard Street Booksellers in downtown Hibbing from 2:00-4:00. Locally, I was buoyed by a wonderful story about ‘The Last Moran’ in Sunday’s Hibbing Tribune (Kelly Grinsteinner always gives my new books a great plug) so I’m off to a pretty good start. On Saturday I’ll be at the ‘ADK Annual Craft Fair’ at the Hibbing Armory . . . thus beginning a two-month series of events that will have me hustling to take advantage of the Christmas gifting season. (I’ll list my events to date at the end of my blog). Add to this, the promotional efforts of trying to get the word out through all and every media outlet that will give me a blurb–I have no advertising budget! Believe me, marketing is the most challenging thing I do and I’m not very good at it.

A final few words. ‘The Last Moran’ is a very good story–maybe even better than last years ‘The Sons of Marella Windsong’. I’ve dedicated the new book to my readers who have always provided me with the inspiration to keep doing what I’m doing.

Promotional events and book signings:

Nov. 5: Howard Street Booksellers (2:00-4:00)

Nov. 8: ADK Fall Basaar at the Hibbing Armory (9:00-5:00)

Nov. 14: Toner Planet, Hibbing (10:00-2:00)

Nov. 15: Village Books, Central Mall/Grand Rapids (Noon-2:00)

Nov. 16: Barnes and Noble, Duluth/Miller Hill Mall (1:00-3:00)

Nov. 29: Lakes and Pines Craft Fair Sawmill Inn/Grand Rapids (10:4:00)

Dec. 5-6: Mesaba Mall/Hibbing (10-4:00

Dec 11: Aurora Library ‘Open House’ (2:00-4:00)

Dec. 12-13: Irongate Plaza/Hibbing (10-4:00)

*I’m still working on other events . . . especially the Twin Cities Barnes and Noble stores.

** ‘The Last Moran’ should be available as an E-book (Kindle) later this week.

As with most of our endeavors, “we get by with a little help from our friends”.

More important than the above stuff, I’d like to ask your prayers for my daughter in Florida as she copes with difficult times. Thanks and God bless . . .