Book Marketing Deputy Jennings Meets the Amish (a novella) Published authors will tell you that writing their book was the beginning, not the end of the journey. That’s certainly true for me. I still have a lot to learn about book marketing. I was so naive in 2007 when I published my first book, Cop in the Classroom: Lessons I’ve Learned, Tales I’ve Told. It’s an exaggeration to say that I was expecting Oprah Winfrey to call me, but I was at least hoping to hear from more friends. I … [Read more...] about Book Marketing “Deputy Jennings Meets the Amish”
Cop in the Classroom
Sheriffs of Reno County: 1872-2022
Preface * Books don’t just happen. While growing up, I heard stories that triggered my imagination. Stories are seeds to an author. When planted and nourished, they can become a bountiful harvest. In my case, there are several reasons why I wanted to research and write about the sheriffs of Reno County, Kansas. When I was growing up, I regularly watched weekly westerns on television. My favorites were The Lone Ranger, The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp, and Gunsmoke. The first show was … [Read more...] about Sheriffs of Reno County: 1872-2022
Memories in Motion
· Lessons Learned Make the Memoir · If you write anything, you’re likely to connect with and use your memories. On a daily basis we are reminded of yesterday. The radio is playing a song from our past. The TV or social media announces an anniversary of a special event. We remember from our life, not a history book. We see a faded photograph of us or our family. We look in the mirror and remember a younger self. Memories and stories are everywhere we look. Most people are content with … [Read more...] about Memories in Motion
Writing Memoir Workshop
The Honking Tree If you live or have lived west of Wichita, Kansas, then you might recognize this tree that grows on the south side of K96, a couple of miles west of the Maize exit. Some locals refer to it as the "Honking Tree." Others remember late nights of drinking beer when a pit stop was required in order to empty full bladders. They called it the "Peeing Tree." Still others recall it as "The Ten-Mile Tree," and "The Kissing Tree." I'm a writer and author who is currently developing a … [Read more...] about Writing Memoir Workshop
Writing Experience
· When Did You Start Writing? · Think back for a moment at your desire to write or to be published. Do you recall the first book that moved you? Did an author, parent, or teacher encourage you? Think of all the experience you've already had writing, living, and learning. Maybe you've traveled a lot or have had job experiences that are worth writing about. Maybe you've fought battles, internal or external, that are worth sharing so that others can benefit from your struggles. Or … [Read more...] about Writing Experience
