Hi Everyone
Just prior to Thanksgiving, I completed a 12 day book tour in Michigan. I was there to launch the third novel in the Drieborg Chronicles, Honor Restored.
This novel is set in the early days of Reconstruction. It digs into the postwar socio/economic problems faced by members of Congress, the southern landed aristocracy, freedmen, and the military.
During my trip north, I gave Civil War presentations to 416 people (mostly Rotarians). That included 8 Rotary Clubs, 2 libraries, 2 college presentations, 3 book store signings and a private signing for a Rotary Club fundraiser. All in all, I drove almost 2,000 miles in MI on this tour. The roads were clear for that time of year - the Lord was looking after me.
Pictures have been posted on the Honor Restored page of my website www.civilwarnovels.com.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
John Jakes Meeting
Hi Everyone
Two weeks ago I was the featured speaker at the Sarasota Rotary lunch. I was joined at my table by John Jakes. Yep, the same Jakes who wrote "North and South" and ten or twelve other novels of the Civil War era.
A very pleasant fellow, he told me that after 61 years of writing, he is still doing it. Wow! I have always enjoyed his work. In fact, I have so admired his approach to historical fiction that I have tried to follow his style in my writing. When I have sold the millions of Civil War era books he has, I'll know I succeeded.
Put yourself in my position. At this gathering of Rotarians I am expected to give a presentation dealing with the causes of the Civil War. I am no stranger to public speaking. But in front of John Jakes. I must confess to being a tad nervous. I had chosen to present the arguement that regional economic conflict was a major cause of secession. I half expected John to bellow out something like "This guy is full of nonesense" or something. Nothing of the sort. Mr. Jakes was a gentleman. He allowed me my turn at bat without interruption or contradiction. Thank you John.
Two weeks ago I was the featured speaker at the Sarasota Rotary lunch. I was joined at my table by John Jakes. Yep, the same Jakes who wrote "North and South" and ten or twelve other novels of the Civil War era.
A very pleasant fellow, he told me that after 61 years of writing, he is still doing it. Wow! I have always enjoyed his work. In fact, I have so admired his approach to historical fiction that I have tried to follow his style in my writing. When I have sold the millions of Civil War era books he has, I'll know I succeeded.
Put yourself in my position. At this gathering of Rotarians I am expected to give a presentation dealing with the causes of the Civil War. I am no stranger to public speaking. But in front of John Jakes. I must confess to being a tad nervous. I had chosen to present the arguement that regional economic conflict was a major cause of secession. I half expected John to bellow out something like "This guy is full of nonesense" or something. Nothing of the sort. Mr. Jakes was a gentleman. He allowed me my turn at bat without interruption or contradiction. Thank you John.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
War of Northern Agression
After a recent presentation I was confronted by an elderly lady. She insisted that it was not a war of 'Southern Rebellion'. Instead, she believed the conflict to be a war of 'Northern Aggression'. This was not the first time I had heard this strongly held belief.
Since that event, I came across a 1867 quote from Supreme Court Chief Justice Salmon Chase. He was commenting on the capture and imprisonment of Jefferson Davis.
"His capture was a mistake. His trial will be a greater one. We can not convict him of treason."
If you bring these leaders (Confederate) to trial, it will condemn the North; for by the Constitution, secession is not rebellion."
Since that event, I came across a 1867 quote from Supreme Court Chief Justice Salmon Chase. He was commenting on the capture and imprisonment of Jefferson Davis.
"His capture was a mistake. His trial will be a greater one. We can not convict him of treason."
If you bring these leaders (Confederate) to trial, it will condemn the North; for by the Constitution, secession is not rebellion."
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Johnson's Island Prison, Lake Erie
I am just now finishing up the outline for my fourth civil War era novel, the Lincoln Conspiracy.
Included in this adventure will be a character who was a Confederate officer who was sent to Johnson's Island and was one of those few who escapted. If you have any information about the three officers who did just that, or about the prison I would appreciate it if you would contact me. Mike Deeb www.civilwarnovels.com
Included in this adventure will be a character who was a Confederate officer who was sent to Johnson's Island and was one of those few who escapted. If you have any information about the three officers who did just that, or about the prison I would appreciate it if you would contact me. Mike Deeb www.civilwarnovels.com
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Civil War Era Living
Recently, I was asked why I wrote novels instead of non-fiction.
Since I was a pre-teen, I have read historical non-fiction. The past always held a facination for me.
But most historical non-fiction focuses upon the political and military elements of a people's history. I wanted to find out how people lived, worked, interacted, loved and yes even died. More later.
Since I was a pre-teen, I have read historical non-fiction. The past always held a facination for me.
But most historical non-fiction focuses upon the political and military elements of a people's history. I wanted to find out how people lived, worked, interacted, loved and yes even died. More later.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Civil War Book Tour - July 2009
Michigan July '09 Book Tour
I just returned to my home from a ten day book tour in Michigan. While there I gave Civil War presentations to over 300 people (mostly Rotarians).
One topic that generated a great deal of discussion was the oft heard phrase, The War of Northern Aggression. That generated a lively exchange. Another topic was the 'Tarriff War' of March 1861, and its impact on the rush toward war between the Confederacy and the Union.
During most every question period someone would say that they preferred to believe that the North fought the war to end slavery. It was an interesting exchange. I look foward to my November trip north.
I just returned to my home from a ten day book tour in Michigan. While there I gave Civil War presentations to over 300 people (mostly Rotarians).
One topic that generated a great deal of discussion was the oft heard phrase, The War of Northern Aggression. That generated a lively exchange. Another topic was the 'Tarriff War' of March 1861, and its impact on the rush toward war between the Confederacy and the Union.
During most every question period someone would say that they preferred to believe that the North fought the war to end slavery. It was an interesting exchange. I look foward to my November trip north.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Drieborg Chronicles update - June 09
Last week I sent in the manuscript for the third in the series, Honor Restored to the publisher. Once I follow-up with three maps, a cover is picked and various proofing issues are resolved, it should be on the way. I expect it to be available in the fall, much like the first two in the series. Internet Marketing As you might have noted, not only do I have this web page, but I have added a blog, a facebook account and lenkedin to my marketing efforts. Check them out. The internet addresses are listed below. Book Tours/Signings The Tampa area presentations are continuing. I talk about the events, attitudes and economics which led to the outbreak of war between the states. After a recent presentation, a lady (four foot ten inches tall, at least) with a walker came to the front of the room and told me in no uncertain terms: "Young man!" she forcefully told me. "It was not a civil war 'a tall. It was 'the war of northern aggression'." "Yes ma'am." She did not buy a book. This July I will be in Michigan from the 18th through the end of the month. I have eight presentations at this point. Included is one at Schuler Books on 28th Street on the evening of July 23rd at 7 PM. Join me early in their cafeteria for something to eat/drink and conversation. In November I will be back in MI on the 13th to introduce the third book in the trilogy. I have another dozen presentations both in the Thumb area and the Grand Rapids area. Included this time are four in the Detroit suburbs. About time I get into that market. --
Website: www.civilwarnovels.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Michael-J-Deeb/1168646976
Blog: http://civilwarnovels.blogspot.com/
Website: www.civilwarnovels.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Michael-J-Deeb/1168646976
Blog: http://civilwarnovels.blogspot.com/
Monday, March 30, 2009
Post civil war Edisto Island, SC
Prior to the civil war, the Edisto Island economy was booming. Sea Island cotton, rice and indigo were excellent cash crops exported around the world. Their production of corn, sweet potatoes & peas along with poultry, pork and beef supported the several hundred free white people and the over five thousand Negro slaves.
Plantation management was one of the essential elements which contributed to this agrarian success. After the war and emancipation, a new relationship between landowner and worker had to be forged. How successfull was this post war effort? I would appreciate any information you have or source you can identify for me.
Plantation management was one of the essential elements which contributed to this agrarian success. After the war and emancipation, a new relationship between landowner and worker had to be forged. How successfull was this post war effort? I would appreciate any information you have or source you can identify for me.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Welcome to my Civil War Novels BLOG
Welcome to the blog. Please contact me regarding your interest in Civil War study, and visit my website at http://www.civilwarnovels.com/.
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