Mark R. Hunter's Blog, page 80
October 20, 2015
Genre Hopping
That gray period between the alarm going off and actually climbing out of bed can be used for something better than cursing the climbing out of bed part. Last night I woke up with a half-formed idea, possibly helped along by sinus drugs.
By the time I got up a the idea had solidified, right down to some characters and lines, for a new novel—a fantasy parody, kind of an anti-Harry Potter. (I mean in an anti-hero kind of a way; we’re very pro-Harry Potter in our house.)
Despite my history with humor, I’ve never written a full parody before—nor have I ever written a fantasy, so there I go genre hopping again. That’s the least of my problems, considering I get ten or twelve good story ideas for every story I actually get time to write. I also recently came up with an idea for a new book in the Storm Chaser series, although whether that ever gets written depends on sales of The Notorious Ian Grant.
Someday, one of my books will hit with a larger audience (I hope). When that happens, it might be a signal to stick with that one genre for a while, and build an audience. Meanwhile, all I really need for Christmas (other than book sales) is more time to write. Does anyone have a favorite, out of what I’ve published so far?
By the time I got up a the idea had solidified, right down to some characters and lines, for a new novel—a fantasy parody, kind of an anti-Harry Potter. (I mean in an anti-hero kind of a way; we’re very pro-Harry Potter in our house.)
Despite my history with humor, I’ve never written a full parody before—nor have I ever written a fantasy, so there I go genre hopping again. That’s the least of my problems, considering I get ten or twelve good story ideas for every story I actually get time to write. I also recently came up with an idea for a new book in the Storm Chaser series, although whether that ever gets written depends on sales of The Notorious Ian Grant.
Someday, one of my books will hit with a larger audience (I hope). When that happens, it might be a signal to stick with that one genre for a while, and build an audience. Meanwhile, all I really need for Christmas (other than book sales) is more time to write. Does anyone have a favorite, out of what I’ve published so far?
October 17, 2015
It’s still Fire Prevention Month. No, really.
For the first time since I can remember, I didn’t get an article in this year for Fire Prevention Week. But since there’ve been attempts to expand fire prevention into a whole month, I thought I’d repost this piece from 2013:
http://markrhunter.blogspot.com/2013/...
There, I feel better. And here’s some slightly more seriously fire safety information from a much more serious source:
http://www.nfpa.org/safety-informatio...
(Oh, and don't forget that proceeds from the sale of our book Smoky Days and Sleepless Nights go to the Albion Fire Department's equipment and training fund.)
http://markrhunter.blogspot.com/2013/...
There, I feel better. And here’s some slightly more seriously fire safety information from a much more serious source:
http://www.nfpa.org/safety-informatio...
(Oh, and don't forget that proceeds from the sale of our book Smoky Days and Sleepless Nights go to the Albion Fire Department's equipment and training fund.)
October 15, 2015
Pink Moon Rising
A few weeks back, as I drove down the road with my wife, a silver SUV approached us from the opposite direction. At least, I’m pretty sure it was a silver SUV—my full attention was drawn to the ass in the passenger seat.
No, it wasn’t a politician: It was more literally an ass, as in a posterior pressed against the windshield to moon oncoming drivers. It could very well have been their better half, and maybe even their better looking half, no butts about it.
You might think their sense of humor was scraping the bottom, but that breezy fanny didn’t ruffle my rear. I figure it was a harmless prank, the kind that doesn’t hurt anything or anybody unless somebody’s startled enough to drive off the road.
Still, if I was a passing police office I would have stopped the SUV, if only for the chance to tell the driver: “I suspect your passenger wasn’t wearing his seat belt.”
That’s my tail for the day … I hope it doesn’t put your schedule behind.
No, it wasn’t a politician: It was more literally an ass, as in a posterior pressed against the windshield to moon oncoming drivers. It could very well have been their better half, and maybe even their better looking half, no butts about it.
You might think their sense of humor was scraping the bottom, but that breezy fanny didn’t ruffle my rear. I figure it was a harmless prank, the kind that doesn’t hurt anything or anybody unless somebody’s startled enough to drive off the road.
Still, if I was a passing police office I would have stopped the SUV, if only for the chance to tell the driver: “I suspect your passenger wasn’t wearing his seat belt.”
That’s my tail for the day … I hope it doesn’t put your schedule behind.
October 9, 2015
Six Authors, Waiting on a Rock
NASA has confirmed a 1.5 mile wide asteroid will close in on Earth this weekend, so tomorrow might be your last chance to come to see your favorite local authors at appearances in Kendallville and Auburn.
By “close” they mean 15 million miles, which by astronomical standards is like tossing a rock in New York and having someone in Los Angeles hear it whistle by their ear. But just in case, you should buy a book and get some calories in case the world’s infrastructure comes down. We’ll be in coffee shop/bookstores, so there you go.
So if it’s not too far from your bunker we’ll see you from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Joanna’s Dealicious Treats, at 201 S. Main Street in Kendallville. Later you’ll need more coffee, so come on over from 3-7 p.m. to the Cupbearer Café, at 138 East 7th Street in Auburn. Remember, six authors—no waiting!
Remember also, that every time you don’t go to a book signing, the presidential election season gets just a little longer …
Don’t let that be your fault.
By “close” they mean 15 million miles, which by astronomical standards is like tossing a rock in New York and having someone in Los Angeles hear it whistle by their ear. But just in case, you should buy a book and get some calories in case the world’s infrastructure comes down. We’ll be in coffee shop/bookstores, so there you go.
So if it’s not too far from your bunker we’ll see you from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Joanna’s Dealicious Treats, at 201 S. Main Street in Kendallville. Later you’ll need more coffee, so come on over from 3-7 p.m. to the Cupbearer Café, at 138 East 7th Street in Auburn. Remember, six authors—no waiting!
Remember also, that every time you don’t go to a book signing, the presidential election season gets just a little longer …
Don’t let that be your fault.
October 8, 2015
Six Authors, Two Appearances, One Day
I usually post press releases for upcoming author events, so everyone can see how dull my press releases are. This one was sent out last week, so I hope you’ve seen it—it’s very different from our previous book signings in two ways:
First, it’s our first gathering of multiple authors (unless you county Emily and me as two authors, which you should). Six—count ‘em, six—authors will be at one of the two gatherings Saturday.
Which brings us to the second way: Being gluttons for punishment, we’re doing two separate author appearances in one day. All the details are below, and I hope you can make at least one of them. Maybe both, it would be like having … author groupies.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Six local authors will have a busy day, organizing for two book signings in two cities Saturday, October 10th. The authors will have plenty of opportunities for caffeine to keep them going, though: Both appearances are at coffee shops.
The first, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., will be at Joanna’s Dealicious Treats, a book store, coffee shop, and restaurant at 201 S. Main Street in Kendallville. After just an hour’s pause the second will be at the Cupbearer Café in Auburn, at 138 East 7th Street, from 3-7 p.m.
All the authors will have copies of their books for sale, and will be happy to sign them and discuss their writing with visitors. Authors include:
Dawn Crandall is a graduate of Taylor University with a degree in Christian Education, and a former bookseller at Barnes & Noble. Her books are published by Whitaker House, a leading publisher of Christian living and leadership books, as well as Inspirational Fiction. Dawn's debut novel, The Hesitant Heiress, is the 2015 winner of the Hearts Through History Romancing the Novel RWA reader’s choice award, the WISRWA Write Touch Reader’s choice award and the RWA Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, all in the inspirational categories. The Hesitant Heiress was also a finalist in the 2015 Carol Awards—the American Christian Fiction Writer’s recognition for the best Christian fiction published by traditional publishing houses in the previous calendar year. Her second novel, The Bound Heart, is the 2015 winner of the Clash of the Titles Laurel Award. Her website is http://dawncrandall.blogspot.com.
Nick Hayden is the author of the fantasy novels Trouble on the Horizon and The Remnant of Dreams. He has penned a number of short story collections, including Dreams & Visions, and the novella The Isle of Gold. He co-hosts a story-telling podcast, "Derailed Trains of Thought," about once a month, and also helps run the Children of the Wells web serial.
Hayden describes himself as a mild-mannered bookkeeper by day, a mild-mannered (albeit tortured) writer by night, a writing teacher three times a week, a youth leader on weekends, and a podcaster every month or so. He has a wife and two kids, who do a fine job of putting up with him. You can find out more about Nick at his website, www.worksofnick.com, his podcast, his blog, or on his Facebook page. His books include the fantasy The Unremarkable Squire, a flash fiction collection, Another World, and the fantasy Bron & Calea Volume 1, with Laura Fischer
Mark and Emily Hunter of Albion have a match made in literature: They met on a writing website.
Mark R. Hunter is an emergency dispatcher for the Noble County Sheriff Department and a volunteer for the Albion Fire Department, and served two terms on the Albion Town Council. His humor column, “Slightly Off the Mark”, ran for twenty-five years in local newspapers. His books include the romantic comedies Storm Chaser and The Notorious Ian Grant, and a related story collection, Storm Chaser Shorts.
Emily Hunter graduated from Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne University with a degree in English with writing concentration, and is indulging her love of horses by working at the Pokagon State Park saddle barn. In addition to their collaboration on the book Images of America: Albion and Noble County, Emily did editing, setup, and cover design for their other history book, Smoky Days and Sleepless Nights: A Century Or So With the Albion Fire Department. She did similar work for the humor collection of Slightly Off the Mark, and the young adult adventure novel The No-Campfire Girls. More information about their writing can be found at www.markrhunter.com.
Nathan Marchand is from northeastern Indiana. Homeschooled from an early age, he discovered his talent for writing in sixth grade English, and has loved speculative fiction since his dad introduced him to the original Star Trek at age three. He attended Taylor University Fort Wayne, earning a B.A. in professional writing. Nathan worked as a reporter in a small town, a feature writer for www.Examiner.com, and as a freelance writer, among other things. His first novel, Pandora’s Box, was published in 2010 by Absolute XPress. He’s also the co-creator of the ongoing fantasy serial, Children of the Wells (www.ChildrenoftheWells.com), and the host of his own YouTube show, “But I Digress….” When not writing, he enjoys other creative endeavors like photography, acting, ballroom dancing, and occasionally saving the world. His website is www.NathanJSMarchand.com.
Nathan’s books include Pandora’s Box (military SF); Destroyer (giant monster/SF, with Natasha Hayden and Timothy Deal; The Day After (short story anthology); Children of the Wells: Jaysynn, Vol.1 (post-apocalyptic fantasy, with John Bahler and Timothy Deal); Ninjas and Talking Tress (fantasy/comedy, Book 1 of The (Mis)Adventures of George Francis); 42: Discovering Faith Through Fandom (devotional, with Eric Anderson)
R. A. Slone writes Young Adult & New Adult Horror/Paranormal. Her love for telling stories goes way back: She remembers taking pieces of paper, cutting them into squares, and stapling them together to form small books. When she was a teenager, her parents bought her a Smith Corona typewriter for Christmas, and she would stay up late at night writing about horses galloping into the sunset. Later, after she grew up and had some life experience, she tried her hand at writing again. This time she started with short stories and eventually worked her way into writing full-length novels, and now writes short stories for the Kendallville Mall under Rita Robbins. She lives in northeast Indiana with her husband and cats. Her website is www.raslone.com.
R.A. Slone’s work includes Ghost in the Blue Dress – Young Adult Horror.
First, it’s our first gathering of multiple authors (unless you county Emily and me as two authors, which you should). Six—count ‘em, six—authors will be at one of the two gatherings Saturday.
Which brings us to the second way: Being gluttons for punishment, we’re doing two separate author appearances in one day. All the details are below, and I hope you can make at least one of them. Maybe both, it would be like having … author groupies.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Six local authors will have a busy day, organizing for two book signings in two cities Saturday, October 10th. The authors will have plenty of opportunities for caffeine to keep them going, though: Both appearances are at coffee shops.
The first, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., will be at Joanna’s Dealicious Treats, a book store, coffee shop, and restaurant at 201 S. Main Street in Kendallville. After just an hour’s pause the second will be at the Cupbearer Café in Auburn, at 138 East 7th Street, from 3-7 p.m.
All the authors will have copies of their books for sale, and will be happy to sign them and discuss their writing with visitors. Authors include:
Dawn Crandall is a graduate of Taylor University with a degree in Christian Education, and a former bookseller at Barnes & Noble. Her books are published by Whitaker House, a leading publisher of Christian living and leadership books, as well as Inspirational Fiction. Dawn's debut novel, The Hesitant Heiress, is the 2015 winner of the Hearts Through History Romancing the Novel RWA reader’s choice award, the WISRWA Write Touch Reader’s choice award and the RWA Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, all in the inspirational categories. The Hesitant Heiress was also a finalist in the 2015 Carol Awards—the American Christian Fiction Writer’s recognition for the best Christian fiction published by traditional publishing houses in the previous calendar year. Her second novel, The Bound Heart, is the 2015 winner of the Clash of the Titles Laurel Award. Her website is http://dawncrandall.blogspot.com.
Nick Hayden is the author of the fantasy novels Trouble on the Horizon and The Remnant of Dreams. He has penned a number of short story collections, including Dreams & Visions, and the novella The Isle of Gold. He co-hosts a story-telling podcast, "Derailed Trains of Thought," about once a month, and also helps run the Children of the Wells web serial.
Hayden describes himself as a mild-mannered bookkeeper by day, a mild-mannered (albeit tortured) writer by night, a writing teacher three times a week, a youth leader on weekends, and a podcaster every month or so. He has a wife and two kids, who do a fine job of putting up with him. You can find out more about Nick at his website, www.worksofnick.com, his podcast, his blog, or on his Facebook page. His books include the fantasy The Unremarkable Squire, a flash fiction collection, Another World, and the fantasy Bron & Calea Volume 1, with Laura Fischer
Mark and Emily Hunter of Albion have a match made in literature: They met on a writing website.
Mark R. Hunter is an emergency dispatcher for the Noble County Sheriff Department and a volunteer for the Albion Fire Department, and served two terms on the Albion Town Council. His humor column, “Slightly Off the Mark”, ran for twenty-five years in local newspapers. His books include the romantic comedies Storm Chaser and The Notorious Ian Grant, and a related story collection, Storm Chaser Shorts.
Emily Hunter graduated from Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne University with a degree in English with writing concentration, and is indulging her love of horses by working at the Pokagon State Park saddle barn. In addition to their collaboration on the book Images of America: Albion and Noble County, Emily did editing, setup, and cover design for their other history book, Smoky Days and Sleepless Nights: A Century Or So With the Albion Fire Department. She did similar work for the humor collection of Slightly Off the Mark, and the young adult adventure novel The No-Campfire Girls. More information about their writing can be found at www.markrhunter.com.
Nathan Marchand is from northeastern Indiana. Homeschooled from an early age, he discovered his talent for writing in sixth grade English, and has loved speculative fiction since his dad introduced him to the original Star Trek at age three. He attended Taylor University Fort Wayne, earning a B.A. in professional writing. Nathan worked as a reporter in a small town, a feature writer for www.Examiner.com, and as a freelance writer, among other things. His first novel, Pandora’s Box, was published in 2010 by Absolute XPress. He’s also the co-creator of the ongoing fantasy serial, Children of the Wells (www.ChildrenoftheWells.com), and the host of his own YouTube show, “But I Digress….” When not writing, he enjoys other creative endeavors like photography, acting, ballroom dancing, and occasionally saving the world. His website is www.NathanJSMarchand.com.
Nathan’s books include Pandora’s Box (military SF); Destroyer (giant monster/SF, with Natasha Hayden and Timothy Deal; The Day After (short story anthology); Children of the Wells: Jaysynn, Vol.1 (post-apocalyptic fantasy, with John Bahler and Timothy Deal); Ninjas and Talking Tress (fantasy/comedy, Book 1 of The (Mis)Adventures of George Francis); 42: Discovering Faith Through Fandom (devotional, with Eric Anderson)
R. A. Slone writes Young Adult & New Adult Horror/Paranormal. Her love for telling stories goes way back: She remembers taking pieces of paper, cutting them into squares, and stapling them together to form small books. When she was a teenager, her parents bought her a Smith Corona typewriter for Christmas, and she would stay up late at night writing about horses galloping into the sunset. Later, after she grew up and had some life experience, she tried her hand at writing again. This time she started with short stories and eventually worked her way into writing full-length novels, and now writes short stories for the Kendallville Mall under Rita Robbins. She lives in northeast Indiana with her husband and cats. Her website is www.raslone.com.
R.A. Slone’s work includes Ghost in the Blue Dress – Young Adult Horror.
October 7, 2015
A School of Authors, Fishing for Readers
What is a group of writers gathered together called? A herd? A gaggle? If they write mysteries, a murder of writers?
I would suggest: An ink of authors. Or, possibly, a paper of pundits.
https://www.facebook.com/events/44139...
I would suggest: An ink of authors. Or, possibly, a paper of pundits.
https://www.facebook.com/events/44139...
October 5, 2015
Hoosier Hysterical
Despite all the book signing and promotion work, I’m close to finishing the first draft of my newest WIP, a humor book about Indiana history. (My space opera story is “cooling”, so I can run through the next draft with a more objective eye.) I figure there will be lots of Hoosier books published for the bicentennial, but maybe not a lot of humor books.
My book, which still doesn’t have a real working title, is divided up in two ways: by time periods and subjects. There will be sections on pre-state history, becoming a state, the Revolutionary War, and the Civil War, for example. Some subjects include weather, state symbols, famous Hoosiers, transportation, sports, crime, and so on.
It’ll be funny. I promise.
What do you think? What other subjects related to the Hoosier state and its history should be covered in the book? Preferably something I can make fun of, but what the heck—I’ve already covered the Klan and serial killers.
By the way, if you come to our appearances Saturday feel free to ask questions about our writing projects, past and present. I had a great conversation last Saturday about Albion history, with one of the town’s old timers.
My book, which still doesn’t have a real working title, is divided up in two ways: by time periods and subjects. There will be sections on pre-state history, becoming a state, the Revolutionary War, and the Civil War, for example. Some subjects include weather, state symbols, famous Hoosiers, transportation, sports, crime, and so on.
It’ll be funny. I promise.
What do you think? What other subjects related to the Hoosier state and its history should be covered in the book? Preferably something I can make fun of, but what the heck—I’ve already covered the Klan and serial killers.
By the way, if you come to our appearances Saturday feel free to ask questions about our writing projects, past and present. I had a great conversation last Saturday about Albion history, with one of the town’s old timers.
October 4, 2015
It Was a Great Day … For a Book Signing … Indoors
Many thanks to Dan and Lori Gagen for hosting us at the Noble Art Gallery yesterday. Emily was able to make it despite her cold, and although it was cool and wet outside, we were nice and toasty warm inside and got to sign books and speak to several great people.
Images of America: Albion and Noble County will be available to sale there, as it also is at Albion Village Foods, Black Pine Animal Sanctuary, Doc’s Hardware, and the Noble County Historical Society (which runs the Old Jail Museum). But you can get all our books at the gallery! They’ve got their own book table amongst the art.
Now, to spend the next week harassing (ahem, asking) everyone to visit us—all of us, six authors—at two author appearances Saturday, October 10, in Kendallville and Auburn. The Facebook events page has the details:
https://www.facebook.com/events/44139...
Those are our last book signings scheduled before spring—with one possible exception that hasn’t been confirmed yet.
But remember, Christmas shopping season is coming … and when you don’t buy enough books, Santa gets overworked and ends up needing bypass surgery. Keep poor St. Nick off the operating table.
Images of America: Albion and Noble County will be available to sale there, as it also is at Albion Village Foods, Black Pine Animal Sanctuary, Doc’s Hardware, and the Noble County Historical Society (which runs the Old Jail Museum). But you can get all our books at the gallery! They’ve got their own book table amongst the art.
Now, to spend the next week harassing (ahem, asking) everyone to visit us—all of us, six authors—at two author appearances Saturday, October 10, in Kendallville and Auburn. The Facebook events page has the details:
https://www.facebook.com/events/44139...
Those are our last book signings scheduled before spring—with one possible exception that hasn’t been confirmed yet.
But remember, Christmas shopping season is coming … and when you don’t buy enough books, Santa gets overworked and ends up needing bypass surgery. Keep poor St. Nick off the operating table.
October 1, 2015
Selling The Soap (Soap is Books. Clean Books?)
http://www.inkfreenews.com/2015/09/21...
I’m not sure how many people were attracted to my book signings by anything I’ve written or posted … some. “Some” is the best most writers can do when asked how many books sold as a result of their promotion efforts.
You have to worry about oversaturation, which is why I have only one more signing planned this year in Albion … plus one in Kendallville, and my first out of the county, in Auburn. Unless I get invited to something else, I’ll stop until my next book comes out in the spring (ahem—that’s the plan).
You don’t have to sell your writing … in fact, one of the best fiction writers I know has no intention of getting it published. But if you want to be a working writer, you have to sell the soap.
It can be rough for a writer, selling the soap. A lot of people don’t like your kind of soap. Many others will only buy the brand name soap they’re familiar with. And, let’s face it, a lot of people just don’t read—I mean, use soap—at all. There you are, going door to door, hoping someone will open up long enough for you to meekly say, “I designed this soap myself … it’s full of exciting, soapy action, soap figures you’ll root for, and themes that resonate in a soapy world.”
“Sorry, but I’ve already bought Stephen King’s soap.”
Many people who’ve never actually tried to write or sell their writing say it’s easy. I’d love to wash their mouths out with soap, but then I couldn’t sell it.
For their Images of America line, Arcadia Publishing does a routine first printing of 1,200 copies. They did a good bit of promotion and distribution themselves, but still … 1,200 copies.
I have to sell enough copies of The Notorious Ian Grant to justify writing another book in the Storm Chaser series. I have to sell enough Slightly Off the Mark books to show people want more. I have to …
And so it goes, with some similar story for each of my books, and each future book. This is why I get so annoying every time a new one comes out. My message basically boils down to “let me entertain you”, and I need to deliver it in a way that’s, well … entertaining.
So if I bug you to join me at Noble Art Gallery on October 3rd, or at Joanna’s Dealicious Treats in Kendallville and the Cupbearer Café in Auburn on October 10th … and I will, probably tomorrow … go easy on me.
With that much soap, hopefully it’ll all come out in the wash.
I’m not sure how many people were attracted to my book signings by anything I’ve written or posted … some. “Some” is the best most writers can do when asked how many books sold as a result of their promotion efforts.
You have to worry about oversaturation, which is why I have only one more signing planned this year in Albion … plus one in Kendallville, and my first out of the county, in Auburn. Unless I get invited to something else, I’ll stop until my next book comes out in the spring (ahem—that’s the plan).
You don’t have to sell your writing … in fact, one of the best fiction writers I know has no intention of getting it published. But if you want to be a working writer, you have to sell the soap.
It can be rough for a writer, selling the soap. A lot of people don’t like your kind of soap. Many others will only buy the brand name soap they’re familiar with. And, let’s face it, a lot of people just don’t read—I mean, use soap—at all. There you are, going door to door, hoping someone will open up long enough for you to meekly say, “I designed this soap myself … it’s full of exciting, soapy action, soap figures you’ll root for, and themes that resonate in a soapy world.”
“Sorry, but I’ve already bought Stephen King’s soap.”
Many people who’ve never actually tried to write or sell their writing say it’s easy. I’d love to wash their mouths out with soap, but then I couldn’t sell it.
For their Images of America line, Arcadia Publishing does a routine first printing of 1,200 copies. They did a good bit of promotion and distribution themselves, but still … 1,200 copies.
I have to sell enough copies of The Notorious Ian Grant to justify writing another book in the Storm Chaser series. I have to sell enough Slightly Off the Mark books to show people want more. I have to …
And so it goes, with some similar story for each of my books, and each future book. This is why I get so annoying every time a new one comes out. My message basically boils down to “let me entertain you”, and I need to deliver it in a way that’s, well … entertaining.
So if I bug you to join me at Noble Art Gallery on October 3rd, or at Joanna’s Dealicious Treats in Kendallville and the Cupbearer Café in Auburn on October 10th … and I will, probably tomorrow … go easy on me.
With that much soap, hopefully it’ll all come out in the wash.
September 29, 2015
Stage, Screen, and Snakeoil Salesmen
If you haven't caught it in a newspaper or maybe Time Magazine, here's the press release I sent out about the book signing this coming Saturday. Let me know what you think of it. (No, it wasn't in Time Magazine ... although I did send it out to about three dozen newspapers, radio and TV stations, and snake oil salesmen. You'd be surprised how hard it is to find a good snake oil salesman outside of Washington, D.C.)
As authors Mark and Emily Hunter promote their book about Noble County history, it was inevitable that they’d find their way back to an Albion location where they’ve already held two book signings—a building that also appears in their newest book.
The Black Building in downtown Albion can be glimpsed several times in Images of America: Albion and Noble County, a photo-filled history book that’s part of Arcadia Publishing’s popular Images of America series. The building is at the junction of State Routes 8 and 9 in Albion, a location once called “Black’s Corner”, across from the Noble County Courthouse and within feet of what was once the geographical center of Noble County.
Currently the Noble Art Gallery, the building held numerous businesses over the years before being purchased by Dan and Lori Gagen. The Gagens invited the Hunters for a third appearance on Saturday, October 3rd, from 1-5 p.m.
Mark and Emily were there before with copies of their other books, including a history of the Albion Fire Department, a humor collection, a young adult adventure, and Mark’s two romantic comedy novels. But Albion and Noble County has a direct connection to the Black Building. In fact, there’s also a photo in the book of the building that used to be in that location, which was also built by the Black family.
Owen Black arrived in Albion in 1856, and built a general merchandise store at Albion’s main intersection, Orange and Main Streets. When fire leveled the whole block in 1867 Black rebuilt, only to lose his dry goods business to another fire in 1879. Black persevered, this time building a fire-resistant three-story brick building, which has stood there for over 135 years. The Black family also stayed, operating several businesses in town and getting involved in local projects and organizations.
The Hunters appeared September 12th at Stone’s Tavern, another location mentioned in Albion and Noble County, during the Stone’s Trace Pioneer Festival. One of their two book signings on October 10th will be at Joanna’s Dealicious Treats, in historic downtown Kendallville. (The other is at the Cupbearer Café in Auburn.)
Albion and Noble County collects well over 200 images of towns, locations, and people in the area. The Hunters’ website is at www.markrhunter.com
As authors Mark and Emily Hunter promote their book about Noble County history, it was inevitable that they’d find their way back to an Albion location where they’ve already held two book signings—a building that also appears in their newest book.
The Black Building in downtown Albion can be glimpsed several times in Images of America: Albion and Noble County, a photo-filled history book that’s part of Arcadia Publishing’s popular Images of America series. The building is at the junction of State Routes 8 and 9 in Albion, a location once called “Black’s Corner”, across from the Noble County Courthouse and within feet of what was once the geographical center of Noble County.
Currently the Noble Art Gallery, the building held numerous businesses over the years before being purchased by Dan and Lori Gagen. The Gagens invited the Hunters for a third appearance on Saturday, October 3rd, from 1-5 p.m.
Mark and Emily were there before with copies of their other books, including a history of the Albion Fire Department, a humor collection, a young adult adventure, and Mark’s two romantic comedy novels. But Albion and Noble County has a direct connection to the Black Building. In fact, there’s also a photo in the book of the building that used to be in that location, which was also built by the Black family.
Owen Black arrived in Albion in 1856, and built a general merchandise store at Albion’s main intersection, Orange and Main Streets. When fire leveled the whole block in 1867 Black rebuilt, only to lose his dry goods business to another fire in 1879. Black persevered, this time building a fire-resistant three-story brick building, which has stood there for over 135 years. The Black family also stayed, operating several businesses in town and getting involved in local projects and organizations.
The Hunters appeared September 12th at Stone’s Tavern, another location mentioned in Albion and Noble County, during the Stone’s Trace Pioneer Festival. One of their two book signings on October 10th will be at Joanna’s Dealicious Treats, in historic downtown Kendallville. (The other is at the Cupbearer Café in Auburn.)
Albion and Noble County collects well over 200 images of towns, locations, and people in the area. The Hunters’ website is at www.markrhunter.com
