Award Winning GRANT ME THE MOON

 By Caroline Clemmons

Several years ago, GRANT ME THE MOON won 1^st place in short romance for the International Digital Awards presented by Oklahoma RWA. Writing this book was a pleasure. As do many of my books, this one contains mystery as well as romance.

How did I choose the setting? I’m so glad you asked.

Hero and I grew up in Lubbock, Texas. After we married, we drove from where we lived in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex to Lubbock to visit family a million, gazillion times. Maybe not that many, but that’s what it seemed. We went so often we knew when ranchers or farmers painted the barn or got a new tractor.

On the way via Highway 84, we passed through Post, founded by the cereal magnate Charles William Post, at the foot of the Caprock Escarpment in Garza County. C. W. Post bought 250,000 acres in Lynn and Garza Counties to start an experimental colony. He bought a number of ranches, fenced off the land in 160-acre tracts, laid out a townsite, built houses, and in other ways worked to attract settlers. In 1907 Garza Count was formed and the town of Post City designated as its county seat.

Evidence of early man found in Garza County includes hundreds of artifacts. In 1934 archeologists also discovered the 16-foot tusk of a prehistoric imperial mammoth. Evidence of early man found in Garza County includes hundreds of artifacts from prehistoric man which were  uncovered in the county in the 1960's and named the Garza point. The archeological site is called—what else, the Garza Site. We definitely would have visited the site if we had the opportunity. That’s on private land, though, so we couldn’t have a tour. The same is true for the Lott Site which is less than a mile away.

Nevertheless, Hero and I always wished we could visit the Garza Site. We’ve enjoyed hiking through places like Chaco Canyon, Hovenweep, Mesa Verde (to which tourists can view across a ravine but can no longer walk through it as we did), and various others whenever we had the opportunity. We grew up very near Yellowhouse Canyon and the Lubbock Lake Site. Since we couldn’t visit the Garza Site, I invented one on a nearby ranch.

Writing fiction is so great!

I don’t know why Post captured my imagination, but it did. The thought of C. W. Post’s Utopian community in dusty West Texas both tickles and puzzles me. Post is a nice town with the benefits of a small town, but only forty miles from the larger city of Lubbock. Primarily ranch land, the area has a particular desert beauty. The Double Fork branch of the Brazos River passes through the county. The area also has wind farms to export electricity.

Our parents are no longer living and we don’t have occasion to drive through there now but my fascination with Garza County hasn’t diminished. Perhaps that’s why Post seemed the perfect setting for GRANT ME THE MOON. This is book two of the Texas Caprock Tales Series. Book one is BE MY GUEST and book three, will be CAPTURE A STAR.

Allow me to share some of GRANT ME THE MOON. Here’s the blurb:

All Tory Fraser intended was to show her high school history club students a local archeology dig. How could she know the excursion would involve a murder? Or that one of her students would be suspected as the killer? And she had no idea she would meet the man of her dreams.

Grant Grayson has taken over management of Grayson Ranch near Post, Texas to give his grandfather a less arduous schedule. A flash flood washed away an old talus slope on the ranch to reveal a prehistoric cave that is a Clovis site. Being a good citizen, he invited the nearest large university archaeology department to excavate the cave. When a gorgeous blonde high school teacher asks his permission to take her students to the site, how can he deny her? Especially when he is instantly attracted to her as he’s never been to anyone.

Tory and Grant are drawn into the investigation to clear her student but unintentionally make themselves a target.

 

Now I’ll share an excerpt from GRANT ME THE MOON:

He guided her inside [the restaurant] and they were shown to a table.

After they’d placed their orders, he asked, “Your grandmother, is she all right?”

“Grandpa died last spring. She’s not ill, just frail and deeply in mourning. I was lucky there was an opening in the school.”

“Where did you teach before?”

She offered a wry smile, almost as if embarrassed. “Assistant professor at Texas A&M.” She shrugged and tilted her head. “I realize it appears I took a backwards step, but I was the one who could rearrange my life to move here. Fortunately, I genuinely enjoy teaching high school history and living here.”

“So your grandmother is sad rather than ill. Does she get around well?”

She raised her eyebrows and nodded. “In fact, she can keep up with me. After Grandpa passed away, she was so heartbroken that we were afraid her health was deteriorating. Actually, it was. She wasn’t eating properly and not sleeping well. Or, she was staying up most of the night and sleeping most of the day. With me here, she keeps regular hours and we have breakfast and supper together.”

He reached across the table and laced his fingers with hers. “But not tonight.”

She met his gaze and smiled before she slid her hand to her lap. Disappointment claimed him at the loss of her touch.

“I stopped by the store on my way home and bought her a chicken pot pie in a brand that’s healthy. I only hope she’s doing as I asked and having that and a salad for dinner.”

After they’d eaten, he drove under the speed limit on the way back to Post. Her company fascinated him and he wished he could prolong the evening. When they reached the edge of the Caprock above Post, he pulled over at a wide space on the shoulder and opened the sunroof.

“I love this spot. You can see the lights of our little town below and the stars above.”

She relaxed against the seat and head rest. “The almost full moon tonight obscures many of the stars. This is a beautiful vantage point, though. As if we’re divine and are hanging above the world. I could almost reach out and touch the moon.”

He reached for her hand and entwined their fingers “Should I grab it for you?”

She offered a whimsical smile. “Let’s leave it there so everyone can enjoy the moonlight.”

 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Grant-Moon-Texas-Caprock-Tales-ebook/dp/B06XZZCRYM

Thanks for stopping by. Stay safe and keep reading!

WHY DO I WRITE?

I’ve often been asked why I write romance. Mostly because I can’t stop. There have been a few times when I became discouraged with my career path and decided to quit writing. I couldn’t. It appears I HAVE to write. The people talking my head must be released to the page (monitor).

Romances offer hope

Seriously, I believe romance offers hope to readers who face what seems like insurmountable problems in their own lives. Reading about characters who overcome challenges and achieve happlily-ever-after offers readers the dream that they too can achieve their dreams. In fact, I say romance authors sell hope.

A theme that runs through my stories is hope. Another is family in various forms, but always that family members support one another. Finally, I think a second chance is a continual theme.

I want readers to sigh with pleasure at the outcome of the characters at the same time they’re sorry the book is ended. Also, as I mentioned in your first question, I want readers to feel hopeful after one of my books. Let’s face it, I’m not Ken Follett and I don’t write books like PILLARS OF THE EARTH. I love Follett’s books, but that’s not what I want to write. Romances are what I call mind candy and are intended to entertain and provide escape from worldly cares.  Otherwise, why not watch the evening news?

A brief story from my grandmother
inspired this book

Authors are often asked what inspires them. Frequently it’s a kernel in a family story or newspaper. I think, “This would have been a much better story is if had happened such and such way.” Other times, the story and the main characters just pop into my head and I go with it. That’s ideal, isn’t it? When the story and characters come to you? After all, writers get to make up stuff. It’s a great job.

I’m a full time writer—except when life interferes. I try to limit my email, blogs, and social networking time to three hours a day. It’s tempting to keep going with all the interesting blogs and email loops and Facebook and Twitter, but that doesn’t get books written, does it?  Fortunately, my husband is very supportive and helps by cooking (what a Hero!) and other chores to free up more of my time for writing.

I do have a life outside writing, of course. One of my big passions is genealogy and family history. I’ve always loved history, and learning about family brings history alive for me. My brother and I are compiling a book on my father’s family and hope to have it completed and printed this year. My dad is no longer living, but he asked me to do this book, so my brother and I are trying to honor his request. I also love old photos and collect family photos.

Family photo from 1910

Another passion is browsing antique malls. My younger daughter and I used to have booths in a couple of antique malls, but the time required to maintain a good selection was too much for me. She still has a booth as a part time effort in addition to her career in education. Teachers always need a second income!

Reading and time with family are special interests any time. My husband and I like to watch movies (thanks Netflix). He’s an avid reader, so some evenings we read instead of watching TV or a movie.

Me at work. That must be Max helping because
Sebastian is a black and white tuxedo cat.

I have a laptop my brother gave me, but don’t use it as much as I could. I prefer writing in my office, which I refer to as my pink cave because of the wall being pink and I hibernate in it as if it were a cave. My sweet husband gave me a lovely desk and computer station in dark faux cherry (pretend wood). I have all the equipment I need, including a good desk chair. So, now back to writing.

Thanks for stopping by!

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?

One of my favorite TV shows is "Who Do You Think You Are?" produced by Ancestry.com. Those of you who read this blog regularly know that A Writer's Life maintains family values. Today, I’m talking about a different type of family values.

My brother and sister in law are visiting from halfway across the United States. They live in North Carolina and I live in Texas. I seldom see them, although we keep in touch via phone, email, and Facebook. Having them visit is a treat that occurs only once every few years.

My brother Don and sister in law Penny

For many years I have been interested in family history. A clever move on my part was introducing my brother to the addicting hobby. He has since zoomed ahead of my level of expertise. When we are able to visit face to face, we talk about “Remember when . . . ?” and “Guess what I found out?” until we are exhausted and the eyes of those around us glaze over .

Our Georgia ancestor

Each of us loves history, but particularly as it pertains to our family. Part of my love grew into writing western historical romances set mainly in Texas. Together, we are compiling a lengthy book about our father’s family and allied lines. As my brother unravels more family mysteries, the book grows in content. Hero has asked if we are going back to Noah or all the way to Adam. Such a cynic.

I write western history with happily ever after

Actually, we are almost that bad. Genealogy is an addiction. Each name discovered begs the question What were the names of the parents? When and where were they born? When and where did they die?

We began trying to learn about our father’s grandparents. Many of the stories we have learned would make a wonderful romance novel—if anyone would believe it actually could have happened. The late Tom Clancy said, “The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction has to make sense.” At least, I hope my fiction makes sense.

Our handsome father

You ask the value of all this delving? We have learned much about ourselves. Many patterns repeat in numerous generations. Many illnesses are genetic. We understand our parents’ and grandparents’ superstitions, sayings, and even some behaviors.  

For instance, the only time my grandmother ever scolded me was when I was playing dress up and opened an umbrella in the house. She grabbed it from me and closed it and said, “Now trouble will rain down on this house.”

In addition, we have learned about where we came from as a family. If you’ve watched “Who Do You Think You Are?” you know the type of knowledge I address. We think we are a composite of all those who have come before us.

Another for instance, my maternal grandmother died when my dad was four. She died on Christmas Day. After that, he and his sister and brothers were never allowed to celebrate Christmas. Their father thought it would be disrespectful to celebrate on the date of their mother’s death. What was my dad’s opinion of Christmas? No big deal, just another day. My mom was gung ho on the occasion and planned for weeks and weeks before the day. He went along with her to please her, not because the day had meaning for him.

Our mom's version of Christmas

Over and over, we have learned exciting, sad, funny, and scandalous things about our family. So many events were turning points in our ancestors’ lives.  We have learned why one family moved and another did not. What events persuaded a group to pioneer. What religion they practiced.

We value all this family information. When we have completed this book for which I have been gathering information for twenty years, I will be relieved to pursue my fiction writing exclusively. 

My brother? He will keep digging for the next person or event. It’s an addiction.

Thanks for stopping by! 

WELCOME ED LONDERGRAN AND THE DEVIL'S ELBOW

Today we welcome author Ed Londergan and his new work, THE DEVIL'S ELBOW, a thrilling historical story.

THE DEVIL'S ELBOW

Quick Facts

Release Date: July, 2012.

Genre: Historical Fiction, history, action/adventure, romance.

Formats Available: Paperback, Kindle

Giveaways!

International  -  $15 Amazon gift certificate

US Only  -  a copy of THE DEVIL'S ELBOW

Book Synopsis

Set in colonial Massachusetts, The Devil’s Elbow follows Jack Parker from his orphan childhood days as an apprentice to a greedy and brutal Boston merchant to the isolated pioneer settlement of Brookfield, where he ends up in the fight of his life to protect the people and place he loves.

The knowledge Jack’s father gave him, that the measure of a man is how he deals with the worst life can throw at him, the support of the powerful man who becomes his friend, and deep, unshakable love for the childhood girlfriend who becomes his wife, fuel Jack’s determination and will to survive. All Jack has learned on his eight year journey meets its greatest test when he and ninety-eight others are trapped in a four-room tavern for three hot, humid August days, fighting for survival against 400 once-friendly Indians, who are determined to wipe them out and reclaim their land and way of life.

Praise For THE DEVIL'S ELBOW

Brings the 1600's Bay Colony alive.
A rousing story about tragedy, triumph, perseverance, and love. Rich in historical detail with well developed characters you will come to know. An enjoyable read from start to finish.

- Jeff Lubs- August 9, 2012

A very good story:

This book is a wonderful read. Mr. Londergan brings history to life. His depiction of life in colonial Massachusetts is right on. It reminded me of Kenneth Roberts classic story "Arundel" but much easier to read. One of the best historical novels of this era. I hope there are many more coming.
Lawrence J. Murphy - February 25, 2013

Excerpt 

“I can’t believe we’re actually about to be married,” she said softly, looking up at me. Her face was radiant, a wonder that filled my heart with overwhelming emotion at how much I loved this woman. 

“We’ve been waiting for this for so long,” she said, looking at the three of them. “We’ve wanted to get married for years and now we will,” she told them earnestly, “and now we will,” she repeated in a whisper. 

Mr. Pynchon cleared his throat and began the short ceremony. “Rebecca Morgan,” he said formally, “In the sight of our most gracious God, this man, John Parker, asks that you be his wife, from this day forward, until the Lord removes you from one another by death. How do you answer him?”

She turned and looked into my eyes. I could feel her love for me and it felt so good, so strong, and so wonderful.

“In the sight of God, I will be his wife,” she said never taking her eyes from me.

“John Parker, the Lord has given you this woman, Rebecca Morgan, to be your wife until death parts you. In the sight of God, do you accept her as your wife?” I looked at this woman, this girl that I loved for so long and was filled with a joy and happiness I had never known before.

“Yes, in the sight of God, I take her as my wife.”

“May the Lord in all ways be good to you. You have our heartiest wishes and prayers. You are now husband and wife.”

LINKS:

AMAZON

GOODREADS

The Author

Author Ed Londergan

Ed Londergan is an author and passionate storyteller who enjoys sharing his work with everyone. He loves to write, is working on a sequel to The Devil's Elbow, and is an avid reader and an amateur colonial historian. A graduate of Holy Cross, he lives in Central Massachusetts with his wife Barbara and cat Duncan.

Find more about him at: www.edlondergan.com

And here's a guest post from Ed:

Research

by Ed Londergan

I love doing research. I need to learn and research is my way of experiencing the thrill of new discoveries, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. Depending on what part of the story I am writing, I may make myself and expert on a particular topic.

For me, research takes many forms. I love to read, as most writers do, and will make myself an expert on a particular topic by reading book after book. I also like to go to the physical places that are part of a book. I am writing a story that takes place in Washington, D.C., Boston, and New York City, so I visited each of them and wandered around, soaking up the sights and sounds. I also like to talk to people who know more than I do, and that is quite a few people. They are flattered that you ask their opinion or to share what they know.

I also use the Internet quite a bit. It is an incredible tool. I use it to view a map or satellite image, find obscure bits of information; do research into historical characters or for any general question.  The amount of information you can find is overwhelming and can bog you down and keep you from writing if you let it. I take the basic information, the high-level stuff, and use that to develop the plot. I do far more writing than research.

Before I begin writing, I will do extensive research on the topics on which I am writing, kind of a crash course. I will jump in with both feet and spend hours each week devouring the information I find. Once I have completed the research, I digest it; let it roll around in my head for a week or so before putting it down on paper. 

Follow the tour:

Tour Schedule 

April 11: Black Lion Tours Blog: Tour Kick- Off.

April 12: Laurie's non Paranormal Thoughts and Reviews: Interview.

April 13: Ky bunny's Blog: Guest Post.

April 15: Kimberly Lewis Novels: Guest Post.

April 17: Jody's Book Reviews, Giveaways & Tours: Guest Post

April 18: My Devotional Thoughts: Guest Post.

.April 19: A Writer's Life: Guest Post.

April 20: Pure Jonel: Review.

April 21: Bookworm Babblings: Review.

              A Novel Idea Live: Live Interview.

April 22: Makayla's Book Reviews: Guest Post

               A Novel Idea Live: Promo.

April 23: I know that Book: Interview.

April 24: The Self Taught Cook: Review.

April 25: Black Lion Tours Blog: Wrap- Up.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Many thanks to Ed Londergan and Black Lion Tours for sharing with us today.

Thanks for stopping by!

TIDBITS FROM OLD NORTH TEXAS

My favorite time of day when I was a child was evening when my dad spoke of his family pioneering in Texas in the last quarter of the nineteenth century and forward. Perhaps those tales are the reason I love history so much today. Certainly he told the stories masterfully so that I had a mental image of each of the people in his family saga.

Pioneers on the move to a new life

Daddy always said he was born in Van Alstyne, Texas. Imagine my surprise when he died and I saw his birth certificate. The document listed Pilot Grove as his birthplace. I found out why after reading a brief little booklet titled NORTH TEXAS: THE PEOPLE, THE PLACES, THE TIMES, which I purchased in Denison, Texas. The collection of newspaper stories and recollections was edited by Tom Johnson for the Texoma Council of Governments in 1993.

Van Alstyne, in Collin County, became a city when  the rail lines bypassed nearby Mantua. Readers know this happened to communities all over the United States. As a result in this case, the businesses of Mantua, and even Pilot Grove, moved to the new rail site of Van Alstyne. I figured this is why my dad said he was born in Van Alstyne even though his birth was long after the railroad arrived. No one has heard of Pilot Grove. Until now. ☺

Coming of the railroad made
or destroyed townships

I love the old newspaper accounts in this booklet. Here are a few I found interesting, and I haven't corrected the spelling or punctuation.

The Denison Daily News of November 8, 1873

A free fight took place Sunday night between a pair of soiled doves on Skiddy street. Much hair and calico was spoiled, and the Marshall escorted one to the ‘boose.

~~~~~

The Mayor, council and other city officials of Sherman have tended their resignation to allow the citizens to make another choice on the day of the general election.

If the Denison Mayor and city officials will only do the same thing, they will receive the thanks of all Denison.

The Denison Daily News on March 30, 1874:

A resident of our city furnished his wife funds last week to visit her relatives in one of the older states. After bidding her an affectionate farewell at the depot, he returned to his domicile to find a delicate little note in her handwriting. It stated that she could no longer “love, honor, and obey him”--that he need not be mourning about her long absence, as she never planned to return.

~~~~~~~~

Lawyers, doctors and dentists in the City of Denison, after this date, will be required to pay an occupational tax of $25 a year, instead of $5 as before. Somebody will suffer!

~~~~~~~~

John Younger, who murdered the Sheriff of Dallas County in 1871, and recently made his escape, was killed at the head of a gang of robbers, near Montagaw Springs, St. Clair county, MO.

Gainesville Daily Hesperian of February 5, 1888

A soiled dove of a bad nest of squabs, who recently domiciled herself in the Third Ward, was yanked before the mayor Saturday morning as a vag [vagrant] where she willingly accepted the cognomen [name], and was charged in the sum of $7.70 and in default of not possessing the necessary kopecks [money] she was tow lined to the calaboose, where she will be kept safely anchored until the majesty of an outraged law is satisfied.

The Denison Daily News on April 30, 1874

A well dressed, matronly looking lady walked into a saloon the other day. Laid her muff on the counter, and took out a pair of spectacles. The bar tender promptly informed her that no Bible reading would be in order there! Reaching down into her dress pocket, the woman produced a flat bottle and coolly called for a pint of whisky--much to the relief of the bartender.

The Denison Daily News on May 10, 1874

Business is getting alarmingly dull in Sherman. The City Council at a recent meeting reduced the license on saloons from $200 per year to $100 and on wholesale liquor dealers from $200 to $50, in the hope of livening things up a little.

~~~~~~~~~~

An ingenious mechanic of Denison proposes to get up a patent family cremation oven (portable) on the rotating principle, furnished with an odor destroyer of his own invention. Wealthy families who cremate will probably have a room set apart for the cremating oven, supplied for cushioned seats for mourners.

And, finally, one last commentary:

From the Cooke County Immigration Society, 1888

We have to say that we will welcome to Cooke County all people who come with the desire of settling among us and making useful citizens. We care not what your political or religious opinions may be, so they do not outrage common sense and decency.

But we need no anarchists, grumblers, and social reformers.

Thanks for stopping by!

INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR LINDA K. HUBALEK



AUTHOR LINDA K. HUBALEK


Caroline: Readers love to get to know authors. Share anything that lets readers get to know the real you.

Linda: I grew up on a wheat farm in central Kansas. This farm was featured in my Butter in the Well series, and my parents still live there. I was a shy tomboy who preferred being outdoors, and working with animals, farming or gardening—rather than being inside doing housework and cooking. (And my husband would say I’m still that way.)


I have two older brothers and a younger sister and we were all involved in 4-H, church and community projects growing up. One brother now farms the family land and the other two live out of state. My husband and I have lived in three other states due to job careers, but then moved back to Kansas in the 1990s to be close to family.

Caroline: Who are your favorite authors and favorite genres?

Linda: When I read books, it’s right before bedtime so I want something fun, romantic, and not something that will give me nightmares. Right now I’m into contemporary western romances.

Caroline: How many books do you read a month? What are you reading now?

Linda: Depending on the time of year, I read from two to eight books a month. I seem to have a “Linda” theme at the moment…as I’ve been reading Linda Lael Miller’s and Linda Warren’s books.

Caroline: Can’t go wrong there. When you’re not writing, what’s your favorite way to relax and recharge?

Linda: Reading in a quiet room with a nice stash of chocolates…or out walking….off those chocolates…

Caroline: Can I stay behind with the book and chocolates? :D Would you like to share any guilty pleasures that feed your muse?

Linda: Chocolates and chocolate ice cream is my guilty pleasure…for any reason!

Caroline: Me, too. How long have you been writing?

Linda: I started writing books in 1992 when my husband was transferred to California for a two-year engineering project. I was homesick for the Midwest and started writing about the Swedish immigrant woman that homesteaded our family farm.

Caroline: Where do you prefer to write? Do you need quiet, music, solitude? PC or laptop?

Linda: I write in my office with my big computer monitor and curved keyboard attached to my laptop. It’s got to be absolute quiet for me to concentrate so nobody can be in the room with me.

Caroline: Are you a plotter or a panzer?


Linda: Do I plan ahead or charge my way through life or writing? Depends on the day and the situation!

Caroline: I always ask here if you use real events or persons in your stories, but I know that you do.

Linda: All my series have been based on real people, places and the events that went on during their lifetime. It’s a good way to get the research and story started.

Caroline: I was impressed with evidence of your research for TRAIL OF THREAD. Do you research before you begin a new project, or as you go along?

Linda: I start out with lists of ideas first, then research, then outline, then start expanding the chapters—combining everything I’ve absorbed in the process.

Caroline: Tell us about your writing schedule. Do you set goals? Do you write daily?

Linda: My day depends on life…and aging parents’ doctor’s appointments right now. I don’t set goals like I used to as something unforeseen can change and then just makes life stressful. I write something every day and sometimes at night in my dreams too.

Caroline: Yes, family comes first. Do you write full time or do you have a day job. If you have a day job, what is it?

Linda: I’m just getting back to full-time writing. We started raising bison in the 1990s and we ended up opening a Visitor Center on our farm because we had so many people coming in for tours. But both us— and the buffalo herd—were getting tired of tourists and being open seven days a week, so we closed it last year to get our lives back to a more normal pace.

Caroline: I love that you use your ancestors as souces. What do you hope your writing brings to readers?

Linda: I hope my writing gives readers a sense of their ancestors’ lives, and to maybe search out their own ancestors’ stories.

Caroline: What advice would you give to unpublished authors?

Linda: Now you can publish your work by yourself on the internet if you don’t want to look for a publisher, but please be sure to protect your book as best you can with an ISBN, copyright date, etc. You can learn how to do all of this through the internet.

Caroline: Tell us about TRAIL OF THREAD.

Blurb: Taste the dust of the road and feel the wind in your face as you travel with a Kentucky family by wagon trail to the new territory of Kansas in 1854. Find out what it was like for thousands of families who made the cross-country journey into the unknown.


In this first book of the TRAIL OF THREAD series, in the form of letters, Deborah Pieratt describes the scenery, the everyday events on the trail, and the task of taking care of her family. Stories of humor and despair, along with her ongoing remarks about camping, cooking and quilting make you feel as if you pulled up stakes and are traveling with the Pieratts too.

Excerpt: January 24, 1854 . . .


“I don’t usually pay attention when the men talk about politics, but I automatically listened while I laid the dishes of food in front of them. They were discussing the new government bill that proposes to open up prairie Indian land, west of Missouri, to white settlement. A bill called the Territory of Platte failed last spring due to Southern opposition. Now an amended bill, breaking up the land into two sections, the Territory of Nebraska and the Territory of Kansas, is being discussed. Problems of slavery being legal in the new territories are being hotly debated between the Northern and Southern states. It sounds like the government has determined that the people who settle the territories can decide whether they want to allow slavery in their new states.


The traveler carefully pulled a folded newspaper clipping out of his front jacket and handed it to John. Holding it up to the candlelight, John read out loud that when the bill passes in the spring, as they predict it will, a man can claim whatever land he wants in these new territories for about a dollar an acre.


Kentucky was a wilderness in the early 1800’s, when John’s grandfather, Valentine Pieratt, moved his family from Maryland. He sailed across the sea in 1780 from France to fight in the Revolutionary War, decided to stay in the New World, and moved westward to a new wilderness whenever the area he lived in became populated.


Because land is getting scarce here for new generations, the idea of plenty of cheap land immediately stirred our men’s interest. I believe the adventure of their grandfather haunts their thinking, too.


When John finished reading that article and looked up into my eyes, I knew his mind was set to move as soon as possible. He wanted to blaze his own trail to the new territory and be ready to stake his claim when the land opened up. We are partners in life, but I knew I had no say in this move.


Today is my thirty-third birthday. Where will I be on the next? Will my children survive the trip and be around me to help celebrate it?”

Caroline: I love that--"partners but no say in this." Where can readers find your books?


Linda: Go through my website to find all the links for book ebooks and print books.
Amazon.


Books are also available wholesale for stores, libraries and schools through http://www.butterfieldbooks.com/.

Caroline: How can readers learn more about you?

Website: http://www.lindahubalek.com/


Blog: www.LindaHubalek.com/feed/rss


Facebook: www.Facebook.com/lindahubalekbooks


Thanks so much for joining us today, Linda. Continued success with your books!