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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
