American Historical Fiction discussion
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Jonestown and the Clinton era are two recent historical events that feature in our new release novel, The Orphan Factory (The Orphan Trilogy, #2), which has just been published. A coming-of-age spy thriller novel, it is book two in The Orphan Trilogy and a prequel to The Ninth Orphan.
An epic, atmospheric story that begins with twenty three genetically superior orphans being groomed to become elite spies in Chicago’s Pedemont Orphanage and concludes with a political assassination deep in the Amazon jungle.
Go on another frenetic journey with the ninth-born orphan as he busts out of the clandestine orphanage he knew as home and goes on the run across America.
The Orphan Factory's Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008M9WWKW/
Today is my birthday. Yes, this grizzled old writer has turned 43. To celebrate, I'm dropping the prices of my ebooks for the rest of the month.My Civil War novel A Fine Likeness is going down from $5.99 to $2.99, and my short story collection The Night the Nazis Came to Dinner, and other dark tales is reduced from $2.99 to $.99. That's right, just 99 cents!
If you read them, I'd love to hear your honest feedback in a review. My readers are important to me and I want to know their opinions.
Nice looking site you have. The graphic you put in this thread compelled me to click. My book is e-book only or I would participate.
I'm running an ebook special until the end of the year for 99cents. Have you ever wonder about what life was like inside Japanese American interment camps? Reviews are standing at 4 stars.http://kpkollenborn.com/book.htm
I've read K.P. Kollenborn's book and recommend it. She did extensive research and spoke with survivors of the internment camps. The characters and plot are compelling.
The intro chapters of The Platte River Waltz, introductory chapters are free today on Amazon (8-19). If you are a Amazon Prime member, the second volume The Platte River Waltz, Orphans in the Storm is a freebie 'borrow'. It contains the sample chapters so is the better option."In 1848, only seventeen years old, on the Oregon Trail and suddenly orphaned, Josh begins a journey through the unsettled frontier of a wild continent. Just making first acquaintance with manhood, he quickly finds his future linked to Elizabeth Hampton, a coquette from his old hometown. Together they resolve to venture into an uncertain and dangerous future. Accompanied by Jubilee, an escaped slave, Josh and Elizabeth join a wagon train of Missouri emigrants led by a voyageur scout and a town constable turned captain. The couple commences a lusty exploration of the lands they pass and of each other."
Jenny, our moderator, had a hand in this project as editor.
Hello Everyone,I've put up an excerpt from my novel, The Adventuress, on my author page. Here's what it's about:
In The Adventuress, the daughter of a free black man and an Irish immigrant moves up the social ladder by passing as white in Civil War-era New York. On her way, Verena Green clashes with a wounded Irish veteran, who both loves and is repelled by her; becomes engaged to a railroad magnate, who plots to use her as a bargaining tool with his labor force; and is pursued by her brother, the only other family member to survive the Draft Riots, who blames her for escaping, and stands ready to reveal her secret.
I'd love to get some feedback!
Tomorrow, Volume oneThe Platte River Waltz, Orphans in the Storm will be a freebie for prime members.Not a prime member, The Platte River Waltz, introductory chapters will be free for all.
"What a wonderful and superbly written account of a journey West!
I was completely absorbed by the remarkable characters and sweeping landscapes- caught so brilliantly by the magnificent writing and plotting!
A winner!!!"
Rick Friedman
Founder
THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB
Rush to Destiny by L. J. Martin Free for Kindel 12/27 & 12/28 http://www.amazon.com/Rush-To-Destiny...
Jenny wrote: "Hey ya'll-- If you want to let other members know about any giveaways, events, etc., this is the place! Let's try to keep them out of the discussion threads. If you've posted a notice under anoth..."
Jenny wrote: "Hey ya'll--
If you want to let other members know about any giveaways, events, etc., this is the place! Let's try to keep them out of the discussion threads. If you've posted a notice under anoth..."
Happy New Year! My eBook is FREE today and tomorrow (DEC 30-31) on Amazon Kindle. UNTIL THE ROBIN WALKS ON SNOW is sitting on the "to-read" shelves of almost 600 Goodreads members, so I hope some of these readers especially can take advantage of this giveaway. The novella takes place this time of year and can be read in an afternoon. It is based on the real event of my uncle's birth in 1922, weighing 1.5 pounds, and the efforts of my immigrant family and the midwife to save him. It pieced together the facts, family history, and research ---producing the story that "might have happened." This is an inspirational story for adults, as well as grades 5 and up, I am told by teachers/school media specialist who have read it. Would appreciate any feedback. Thanks so much.
Penguin is running a contest to win copies of my debut book, The Turncoat: Renegades of the Revolution
, a spy thriller set in occupied Philadelphia during the winter of 1777, now.
Hi, all. I'm a new member and am excited to tell you about my new novel The Midwife's Revolt. It's American Historical fiction and is set during the American Revolution. My heroine, Lizzie Boylston, is a friend of Abigail Adams. Publisher Weekly has called the novel "A charming, unexpected, and decidedly different take on the Revolutionary War." you can read more about it at themidwifesrevolt.com. I have an extensive reading schedule (D.C. tomorrow, Jan. 24), which you can check out there as well. I'll be back in touch soon! -- Jodi Daynard
Here it is, finally, after many long years of research, interviews, listening to 1940s blues, and spinning tales. An historical novel about Camp Gordon Johnston, a WWII amphibious training camp here in Florida. Lots of great stuff about local jook joints, Southern race relations, military politics, and WWII color....and a murder mystery, of course.If anyone would be willing to review my book, please ask for a free review copy. I'll email you a copy that you can upload to your Kindle.
Cheers, Ruth
http://www.amazon.com/Camp-Sunshine-S...
Just want to mention that life, of course, is odder than fiction, and I just rediscovered George Washington in Giles Ungers' touching and very human biography of a man who was not at all wooden.Shelley
Rain, A Dust Bowl Story
http://dustbowlstory.wordpress.com
New Release Giveaway!He's been a Western legend for over a hundred years, but did anyone really know Doc Holliday? His cousin did, the girl who was his first love and the model for Melanie in "Gone With the Wind." Now the story is told for the first time in the historical fiction trilogy, "Southern Son: The Saga of Doc Holliday." To celebrate the release of "Inheritance," the first book in the saga, Knox Robinson Publishing is giving away five free copies from now until May 8th. Enter to win!
A nice piece in the Boston Herald about The Turncoat: Renegades of the Revolution
here:http://bostonherald.com/entertainment...
I'm so excited about the response to my latest historical fiction, MARCH WITH ME, set during the Civil Rights Movement in Birmingham, AL - the most racist place in the US in the 1960s. Check out the reader reviews on amazon.com from a cross section of blacks and whites - & not my family or people I even know!
At last - after hundreds of books about Billy the Kid, he now tells his own story. My new The Autobiography of Billy the Kid (Black Rose Publishing) is available as a free Amazon Kindle download today, May 3 thru Sunday, May 5:http://www.amazon.com/The-Autobiograp...
Today through Wednesday May 7th my award-winning historical mystery, A Deadly Affection , will be specially priced at just .99 for both Kindle and Nook. In this "delightful combination of suspense and romance" (Historical Novels Review), a psychiatrist in 1907 New York City fears she may have unwittingly provoked a patient to commit murder. A Deadly Affection "A well-paced whodunit full of dark secrets and fascinating intrigue." Kirkus, Starred Review.
Free today are the introductory chapters to the two volume family saga, The Platte River Waltz. The entire work is available as a free borrow for Amazon Prime members."What a wonderful and superbly written account of a journey West!
I was completely absorbed by the remarkable characters and sweeping landscapes- caught so brilliantly by the magnificent writing and plotting!
A winner!!!"
--as reviewed on goodreads.com—
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0055WXMEO
To celebrate Sweet Glory's Grand Prize Win of the TVMe! Contest and to cheer on its having a shot at being made into a movie, Author Lisa Potocar is giving away 3 signed copies of her YA historical novel to 3 randomly drawn winners (from around the world)--for more details about this contest, visit her Goodreads Author Page/Blog at: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Offer expires May 13, 2013!
For the next three days (May 16-18), get your copy of FAITHFULLY YOURS FREE at Amazon.com. http://www.amazon.com/Faithfully-Fore...
I am a published author (you can find my science books on Goodreads. Visit Chip Walter for a list). But I am also a lover of American historical fiction and adventure, and I'm working on a novel, entitled The Misadventures of Ernest Fletcher Quick set at the turn of the 20th century. I plan a series of books. Quick is a rogue and scoundrel with a knack for emerging from close calls with his reputation somehow always a little more embellished than it was before. In these, his memoirs, he promises to tell the absolute truth about himself, his life and the remarkable list of historical figures he crossed paths with (Teddy Roosevelt, Joseph Pulitzer and Stephen Crane among them in this first volume).
With the permission of my publisher I am planning to publish this work in progress in installments on Goodreads. And I am wondering if you would consider becoming part of this experiment. I'll publish one "episode" a week. For Goodreaders, all episodes will be free, and for anyone who participates, I promise to provide a free copy of the completed book when it is published.
I'm doing this to see if the old Dickensian idea of publishing a book in installments can work in today's reading world, and also am looking for feedback about the novel from Goodreaders who tend to be insightful and knowledgeable. You can let me know if you're willing to participate in the experiment by commenting on this entry here, or visit my author site on Goodreads and contact me that way. I'd welcome your help and insight.
Thanks,
Chip Walter
Author, Last Ape Standing (and other books)
I should add that though Quick is a scoundrel, he's a lovable one (if I do my job right :-), and the books will be loaded with historical detail (after all these are memoirs) and tons of adventure. The goal is to provide a fun read that takes you back in time and introduces you face to face with a whole cast of real historical characters through the eyes of Mr. E.F. Quick.
Chip wrote: "I am a published author (you can find my science books on Goodreads. Visit Chip Walter for a list). But I am also a lover of American historical fiction and adventure, and I'm working on a novel, ..."Sounds interesting, Chip. Count me in!
Hi Chip,Quick sounds like a great character and you're writing him into my favorite time period. So yes, I would love to read the installments and send you comments.
UNTIL THE ROBIN WALKS ON SNOW will be on display at Book Expo of America (BEA) in NYC May 29-June 1 at both 2767 (Mom's Choice Awards). AND, the eBook is FREE on May 31 at http://www.amazon.com/Until-Robin-Wal...
Both of my historical ebooks are on sale for 99¢ all this week—my Western short story collection The Ranch Next Door and Other Stories and my short historical mystery The Silver Shawl. It's part of a large indie book sale that contains several other historical fiction and alternate-history titles—check out the full list of books on sale here!
Today and Monday, the first four introductory chapters to The Platte River Waltz, introductory chapters are free for all on Amazon. 
Set in a panorama of the American West as its portrait is first being painted, The Platte River Waltz is the initial stroke in the unfolding of Josh Bonner’s tale. In 1848, only seventeen years old, on the Oregon Trail and suddenly orphaned, Josh begins a journey through the unsettled frontier of a wild continent. Just making first acquaintance with manhood, he quickly finds his future linked to Elizabeth Hampton, a coquette from his old hometown. Together they resolve to venture into an uncertain and dangerous future. Accompanied by Jubilee, an escaped slave, Josh and Elizabeth join a wagon train of Missouri emigrants led by a voyageur scout and a town constable turned captain. The couple commences a lusty exploration of the lands they pass and of each other.
"What a wonderful and superbly written account of a journey West!
I was completely absorbed by the remarkable characters and sweeping landscapes- caught so brilliantly by the magnificent writing and plotting!
A winner!!!"
--as reviewed on goodreads.com—
"I have to say that this was one of the best books I have read in the past year. A few minutes ago I ordered [The Growler Brigade], and cannot wait to start reading it. I'm surprised a book this good was self-published.."
--review on Amazon--
For Prime members, both volumes of the complete book are free borrows.
Hello Everyone! My debut novel A White Room - the cover of which was designed by our very own administrator Jenny Q - is now available on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com in both print and eBook. Soon to be available on Apple's iTunes and Sony, Kobo, and others.
I will be doing debut readings in the Hanford-CA, Fresno-CA, and Fallon-NV areas this June and July.
Visit www.stephaniecarroll.net for details and thank you to anyone who takes a look and considers reading A White Room.
I have started up a new historical fiction blog.http://authorharoldtitus.blogspot.com
I features blogs about the American Revolution and English attempts to establish a colony at Roanoke during the 1580s, scenes from my historical novel, and book reviews that I've written.
Hi everyone. I have been an author on goodreads for several years, but the books are out-of-print limited-interest business books on knowledge management.I'm retired now and writing what I want to write — historical fiction. My first work of fiction is "Hellraiser—Mother Jones: An Historical Novel. It will be launched on September 22, 2013.
I will be adding my profile to my page shortly, but briefly I have had an array of titles in my eclectic career from student, journalism professor, editor-publisher of a small mountain weekly newspaper, author of a coffee table book, "West Virginia USA", state senator in West Virginia, vice-president and then president of two hospital associations, executive director of a human organ procurement organization, and expert in the field of knowledge management.
As you can see, I'm a professional writer, although I admit I'm on a learning curve in fiction writing. My book has been professionally edited and a professional book designer has done the cover and layout.
What I need now is lots of guidance on marketing. I've given a lot of marketing advice in my time, but frankly, in that category, I am an example of "those who can do, those who can't teach." I am, however, convinced that my new profession is marketing/sales and I'm pumped to do it because I feel so strongly about the history and lessons to be learned from history contained in this book. Trust me, this is not an ego trip I'm on. I've seen my name in print too many times, sometimes not pleasant!
Finally, and most importantly, I believe that successful communication depends on both the sending and the receiving. "Hellraiser" is a powerful book, but it is powerless without the reading. Please help me put the power back in the hands of Mother Jones, iconoclastic champion of the rights of the working class and opponent of child labor.
Jeanne wrote: "Hi Chip,Quick sounds like a great character and you're writing him into my favorite time period. So yes, I would love to read the installments and send you comments."
Hi Jeanne,
Apologies for the slow reply, but thanks for your thoughts! I've been away on assignment for an article I am writing for National Geographic magazine, and then was speaking at the Chautauqua Institution about my recent science book (Last Ape Standing: The Seven-Million-Year Story of How and Why We Survived), but now I'm back and working through the first 15 episodes of "Misadventures." Steep learning curve getting each episode ready in various ePub formats, but I'm almost there.
Is there a particular ePub format you read in? Kobo, Kindle, Nook etc? Nook and Kindle don't allow me to distribute through their stores for free. iBook and Kobo will. But there are ways around this. If, for example, you have downloaded an e-reader to your computer or iPad or tablet, I can send you the ePub files episode by episode and you can open them and read them as an e-book. Or I may arrange to have them downloaded from my website (www.chipwalter.com). My plan is to give away the first several episodes, but then begin to sell each one for 25¢, assuming the story gets some traction. For Goodreaders, though, all episodes will be free.
As I mentioned I'm intrigued with the idea of a serial novel and this book, given it's comedic/action nature, kind of lends itself to that approach. My publisher has agreed to the experiment. Later we'll publish the novel in hardback.
Anyhow, I deeply appreciate your help and willingness to participate in the experiment! I'd love your feedback.
Thank you. I'll be in touch here and will also have updates on my Goodreads blog and my website. Also don't hesitate to drop me a note directly through Goodreads!
Linda wrote: "Chip wrote: "I am a published author (you can find my science books on Goodreads. Visit Chip Walter for a list). But I am also a lover of American historical fiction and adventure, and I'm working..."Hi Linda,
Consider yourself counted! Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. See details in my other post on this page. Don't hesitate to drop me a note via Goodreads. Or check my Goodreads blog or my website (www.chipwalter.com) or Facebook page (Author - Chip Walter).
I expect to begin publishing episodes within the week. Thanks for participating in the experiment. Hope you won't mind spreading the word!
Ken wrote: "Tomorrow, Volume oneThe Platte River Waltz, Orphans in the Storm will be a freebie for prime members.Not a prime member, The Platte River Waltz, introductory chapters will be free for all.
"What..."
Terrific. Sounds like a fine book. Will check it out!
Chip wrote: "I am a published author (you can find my science books on Goodreads. Visit Chip Walter for a list). But I am also a lover of American historical fiction and adventure, and I'm working on a novel, ..."I'm new to publishing and so I should not be the one giving advice, but I have published my book in both epub and mobi which, I am told, pretty much cover most of the apps. Haven't actually tested it out, though.
Jerry wrote: "Chip wrote: "I am a published author (you can find my science books on Goodreads. Visit Chip Walter for a list). But I am also a lover of American historical fiction and adventure, and I'm working..."Hoping I have it covered. Publishing in Kobo, Mobi, ePub, Nook. So far the files look good. More problematic. I'me experimenting with publishing the book as an old-fashioned serial, one episode a week. Amazon and B&N don't really allow me to give the first four episodes away as I would like (the charge 49¢ each afterwards for each episode). Working on that. I'm curious to see how a serial might go down. (This is a comedic, adventure novel so lends itself to cliffhangers.) We'll see how it goes.
Getting all of the files set up has been an interesting experience. Learned a lot since this is my first epub adventure.
Thanks!
Chip
Hi,If you're looking for an unusual mix of American historical fiction, humor and action, I hope you'll all explore an experiment I have worked out with my publisher. Before it's hard back publication I'm releasing The Misadventures of Ernest Fletcher Quick as a serial novel - Dickens/Tolstoy style - one episode a week. The first four episodes are free and available now.
Would love to get your thoughts not only on the book, but on the idea of a serial novel like this. Episodes are available for iPad/iPhone at Apple's iBookstore, on Amazon for Kindle, at BarnesandNoble.com for Nook, at Kobo.com. You can find these links at www.chipwalter.com/quick OR download them directly from that site. Here's the flap copy for the book to give you an idea of what it's about: "The winds of change have blown my way more than I care to recall," writes Ernest Fletcher Quick, "and they've given me a stiff neck every time."
How true. Because Quick can't seem to stay clear of trouble no matter how hard he tries. Lucky for him (and us), it made him one of the most revered journalists of his era.
In this first installment of his rollicking memoirs he reveals that he, not Teddy Roosevelt, led the charge up San Juan Hill, tells how he managed to not only remember the Maine, but solve the mystery of its destruction, and faced (despite all his best efforts) one of the nastiest villains of the 20th century.
No matter how much he cheats, skulks or runs, Quick--rake, womanizer and dedicated yellow-belly--always survives and comes out smelling like a rose; toasted and honored beyond his wildest dreams, and the favorite of his crazy boss Joseph Pulitzer. (That's a mixed blessing.)
Now, if only he could get Bailey Stewart to fall in love with him.
"Like finding Hunter Thompson in a time warp!"
If you'd like to know more, drop me email via Goodreads and I'll get back to you!
Hi everyone,I just wanted to let you know that I am giving away copies of my novel, A Beautiful Glittering Lie, this month, so please check it out through the giveaways page on Bookreads. This novel is the first in a series about a family from north Alabama and how they are impacted by the Civil War. It has just received the 2013 John Esten Cooke Fiction Award. Thank you!
Hey, Ms. Hawkins, I'd be interested in reading the ebook, but it's not clear to me how the download works with iUniverse. I have a Kindle and a Nook. And I have no idea how to get to Bookreads--can you put in a link?Thanks, Charlsie
J.D.R., Can you please give us a link to the giveaway page?
Charlsie wrote: "Hey, Ms. Hawkins, I'd be interested in reading the ebook, but it's not clear to me how the download works with iUniverse. I have a Kindle and a Nook. And I have no idea how to get to Bookreads--can..."Hi Charlsie:
I don't know why it won't download from the iUniverse site. You can try getting it from Amazon and/or Barnes and Noble's website. Thank you so much for your interest!
150 Years Ago TodayPosted on August 3, 2013 by stevenwkohlhagen Edit
August 3, 1863 Kit Carson, frustrated by his inability to actually find any Navajos in his war to round up the Navajo, ordered Major Joseph Cummings, also Santa Fe’s U.S. Marshal, to implement a scorched earth policy. All Navajo homes, crops, and their beloved peach orchards were to be burned, the smoke to be visible across the entire New Mexico and Arizona Territories.
Hey, got it on my Kindle, which is where I wanted it. I didn't think to try Amazon--just figured iUniverse was all there was. Sorry about that.
Good. I'm glad to hear it. Thanks again and let me know what you think!
Zoozil Media has contracted with me to do a young adult version of my published historical novel, "Madness: The War of 1812."Zoozil is a startup that describes itself as an Arlington, Va.-based publishing company whose "unique brand of educational books allows readers to learn about pivotal world events. Zoozil engages students with factual fantasy books to ultimately impact and enrich early and ongoing adolescent literacy development. Specialties [include] historical education, publishing, ebooks, reading applications, childhood literacy." In other words, they're trying to get kids interest in reading, especially about history. They're looking for historical fiction that will bring history to life. Publication date has not yet been set. The original version of Madness is available on Amazon, Barnes & Nobel and other booksellers.
American Historical Fiction
Books mentioned in this topic
And Poe Said (other topics)The Sins of Jubal Cooper (other topics)
Blood Moon: A Captive’s Tale (other topics)
Fortitude (other topics)
Blood Moon: A Captive's Tale (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Anne Sweazy-Kulju (other topics)David Hopper (other topics)
Frank E. Hopkins (other topics)
Chip Walter (other topics)
Suzanne Adair (other topics)
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I love participating in giveaway hops but it seems like the historical fiction genre is sorely underrepresented so I am hosting one specifically for historical fiction August 24th-30..."
Great idea, Holly! I've already signed up!