And the New Title Is . . .

And the Crows Took Their Eyes

Raw and powerful, like the book, says the editor.

Well, the book is no cozy--though it has lots of warm, human moments--but the massacre is the central event that informs the story and the lives of those who tell the it.

I'm tweaking my blurb for the back of the book. You are welcome to tell me what you think. It's tricky--trying to hit the high points without giving away too much.

~~~

During the Civil War in bitterly divided western North Carolina, Confederate troops execute thirteen men and boys from a rural community opposed to secession. The Shelton Laurel Massacre, as it came to be known, is a microcosm of the deep horrors of civil war – neighbor against neighbor and violence at one’s own front door. 

Told by those who lived it– the colonel’s wife, helpless witness to the outrage that precipitates the massacre; the jealous second-in-command whose ambition and rage fuel the fatal order; the canny mountain woman who endures torture to protect her people and her land; the mute girl, whose gift of second-sight and spell-working brings an unexpected revenge; and the young conscript, haunted by his part in the massacre and seeking redemption—these voices offer an intimate glimpse into the lives of five people tangled in history’s web, caught up together in love and hate. All five will bear the mark of the massacre long after the event as they struggle to come to terms with the bleak consequences of civil war.
Based on an actual event and historical characters, And the Crows Took Their Eyes is a richly imagined portrait of a dark and bitter time—illuminated by sudden gleams of warm humanity and undying strength.

Here's My Exciting News!

My Civil War novel has found a home! After wandering in the wilderness for way too long, it will be published in the fall of 2020 by Regal House Publishing -- a small traditional press out of Raleigh, NC! I am impressed with what I've learned about Regal and believe that they will give this child of my heart their best attention.

At the moment, the title is undecided. My working tile was THE WAY OF IT, but I have never really been satisfied with it. So some brainstorming is going on with the editorial staff.

I have been installed on Regal House's Website with a bio and a photo. (I would have loved to send in an old one but since my last decent photo is about ten years old and my hair is different now, I felt obliged to face up to the current me.)

"Well, at least you look like a serious author," John said in regard to the glasses and my inability to smile for a camera.

Thanks to all of you who have helped and encouraged me over the years since I began this project. Thanks for not asking too often when the book would ever be published. And major thanks to the folks who helped me with research -- Drew and Louise Langsner, Susan Moore, Dr. James Allen, Priscilla Hope, Dan Slagle, Kimberly Shelton, and especially Patricia Wallin and her family who took me to see the graves of the massacre victims. 

You can follow the link HERE to my author's page at Regal House.