And That's a Wrap

FINALLY! The final proof (what publishers used to call “galleys”) for Hidden History of Mobile arrived in my inbox yesterday. I parused it one last time and it looks great! The editors at History Press really made me look good. Next step – off to be printed then off to your favorite bookstore! You can pre-order now online through Amazon.Com or Barnes and Noble.

I really can’t wait to line up presentations and signings for this one. The book covers some history that has long been forgotten about the Port City - Mobile - and also adds some lesser known history to more well-known stories and characters from Mobile’s past. 

I really need to thank all of the journalists as well as the staff of the Mobile Museum and Mobile Public Library Local History and Genealogy for all of their help. I couldn’t have done it without them.

This book is only a VERY small look at the hidden history of Mobile and its 300+ year old history. There are many other stories out there. If you want to delve deeper into the subject after reading the book, may I suggest you take one of the Secret History tours. Full disclosure, I haven’t been able to go on the tour yet myself (I've been busy with the book), but from very reliable sources and close friends, it’s a must-do tour that walks the streets of Mobile and takes you through some more incredible history. Be sure to check it out. And who knows, I might be on that tour with you.

And a Follow Up

Just got back from my trip back home to New Jersey and had a great time. Had a chance to visit Ellis Island while I was there and almost 97-years to the day that my grandparents arrived in the U.S. on that island, the family name was added to the Wall of Honor along with 700,000 other immigrants. It was an emotional day, to say the least.

Also had a great visit with the old “gang”, you know, the friends you have heard so much about in my short stories and podcast. No one told me I got the stories wrong, so that’s a plus. :)

But the bigger news is a follow up to my last post. I finally had a chance to read through the edits for the new book, Hidden History of Mobile, made what (surprisingly) few corrections had to be made, and sent it back to the editor at History Press. Those folks have this down to a science. Like I said, I sent the edits back on Friday and Monday morning – POOF! They had the book already formatted for printing! Just needs one more read through and off to the printer it goes and to a book store near you in a few weeks.

Can't wait for the big release. I'll keep you posted.

Red Ink Time

I really don’t know what the best part is of writing a book – completing the first draft, first seeing the cover art, or seeing the ultimate layout and working through edits before it goes into production.

I know, the latter – working the edits – seems more like a chore than a pleasant surprise, but to me, it is exciting to finally get to see what the project will look like when completed and the editing process, at least for me, is a learning process. Only rarely do I wear my heart on my sleeve, take offense to a red mark, and fight for a position. So far, all of my editors have been great and have nailed it every time. Oh, there were times, like when they argued with me when I first wrote in Hiking Alabama that, in many years, Mobile is the wettest city in America. I had to get the staff at the National Weather Service in Mobile to set them right. Same with stating that Mobile was the birthplace of Mardi Gras in America and that Mobile produced more Hall of Fame baseball players than any other city with the exception of New York and Chicago.

But I’m excited because the production editor for my latest book, Hidden History of Mobile, emailed and the edits for the book will be in my inbox this week. I’ll let you know if the editors need correcting or if they nailed it again ;)

The book is slated for release in time for Christmas with what I think are fascinating stories of the first women to arrive in the Port City and their “petticoat revolution” and invention (creation?) of gumbo to the country; the story of Elvis, the Radio Ranch, and a concert at Vigor High School; the unknown story of arguably the most successful free black during reconstruction, Reverend Shandy Jones; the tale of Harpo Marx getting his first real harp; and many, MANY more tales.

Can't wait to see the results and FINALLY, share it with all of you.