![]() I did it. Next Train Out is published. For those of you who have faithfully followed the twists and turns of my adventures writing a novel, this is supposed to be the sweet spot. The pinnacle. But I largely feel relief. And fear. What did I miss? What did I forget to do? Was I right to scale back Effie’s vernacular? Should I have expanded the story, given that there were so many more details to share? It’s time to find my way to acceptance. I am a severe taskmaster, but at some point I had to cut the cord and release this product of hard work and imagination to you. I hope it will find a few readers. I hope some of those readers will find Effie Mae and Lyons memorable. I hope the twentieth-century story will shed some light on the issues we’re still facing today. Thank you, again, for coming with me along this journey. Your words of encouragement and support are what finally got me to the finish line. If you decide to read the novel, I would be further indebted if you would consider writing a few words about your response to it on amazon.com. (Scroll to the bottom of the page to see where you can submit a review or a video.) Or send me your comments for a blog post. Either might encourage others to give it a look. Meanwhile I invite all of you to join us for the official book launch April 5 at the very train depot in Paris, Ky., where I have imagined Lyons first made the decision to turn his back on his family and his reasonably secure life. We’ll have music provided by Carla Gover—traditional Appalachian singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, and clogger—playing Effie Mae’s favorite music, and special food created by Trackside Restaurant’s chef John Wheeler to represent dishes evocative of the narrative’s historic period and geographic region. On April 14, I’ll be speaking about Lawrenceburg’s ties to the story at the monthly meeting of the Anderson County Historical Society. Everyone is welcome at both events. (Details) Many of you have asked, “What’s next?” My usual response: “Retirement!” I consider myself a “one-and-doner.” But Effie Mae’s words may better reflect what's in store for me: “It’s all part of life’s road map that I have no way of reading. I just take the turns as they come.”
13 Comments
Sharon Hawkins
3/5/2020 02:24:04 pm
So very proud of you Sally. I can’t wait to read the novel, I love the epic times and the way life was in those times and how they shape us today. Hope to see you at the Train Depot. Don and Sharon
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Lori Meadows
3/5/2020 02:43:07 pm
Congratulations Sally! I look forward to reading Next Train Out and plan to be there April 5th!
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Myra Goodlett
3/5/2020 03:44:34 pm
Can't wait to read it, I'm so proud of you, feel like you are my "little sister"
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Sallie Showalter
3/5/2020 03:59:00 pm
Immensely proud to be your "lil sis," Myra!
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Ed Lawrence
3/5/2020 05:20:31 pm
Can’t wait to read it. I’m surprised you didn’t pull it off the press for one more look, my nattering nitpicker.
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Sallie Showalter
3/5/2020 06:17:51 pm
Oh, you know me so well, Ed!
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Barbara Fallis
3/5/2020 07:31:21 pm
Sallie, so many of us feel like we have been on this journey with you (without having to do the work!) and it speaks so well of you...such a way of pulling people into your orbit, of "belonging" to the can't-wait-for-the-book club. First Train Out will be the same I have no doubt. Excitement is in the air!!
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Sharon Pike
3/6/2020 06:08:34 am
Congratulations! I can't wait to read it.
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Mac Goodlett
3/6/2020 09:35:52 am
While we will be unable to be there April 5, we are so proud of your work and your journey. I am certain that your words are truly eloquent and revealing. However, I suspect that the feelings you experienced every time you talked with Lyons and Effie Mae are the true reward an author receives during the work and these feelings will be everlasting.We are so very proud of you in many different ways!
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Bob Patrick
3/6/2020 10:38:32 am
Congratulations Sallie!! Look forward to reading the book and seeing you i April.
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3/6/2020 01:49:56 pm
Congratulations, Sallie! I know how hard you have worked on this and to finally have it done and in print must feel wonderful. How about an interview about it for Eastern Standard? And, see you on the 5th.
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Donna Ridings
3/6/2020 11:29:48 pm
Congratulations Sallie! Can’t wait to read your new book. I know you’ve worked hard on it. Im so happy for you. I plan to see you at the Train Depot on the 5th.
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Bob Cole
3/10/2020 11:43:22 am
Congratulations and bravo Sallie. Teresa and I are looking forward to the book release event in Paris and barring something unexpected plan on being there.
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