60 Years of My Life
"Life Through These Eyes Vol I & II"
On April 26, 2017, Volume II of my latest book was released nationally. The release was not without many trials and tribulations - far more than I ever anticipated. However, the finished product was worth the wait. If you have been a regular follower of my blog, you walked with me step-by-step through the process.
The actual release caught me completely by surprise. I was expecting an early or mid-June date. Nonetheless. It all worked out for the best. I received my advance copies just prior to a local Author Forum held at the Clarksburg, West Virginia Public Library. Since that date, I have been able to schedule three more local book signings: Clarksburg Library, Bridgeport, West Virginia Public Library, and at Artworks in Bridgeport, West Virginia. In the next few days, I will release times and dates.
One drawback of switching publishers is that Volume I is no longer available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other national and international, distributors. Tate Publishing, my first publisher, is no longer in business. However, Volume II is being carried by all distributors. For those interested in purchasing Volume I and/or II as a set, you can go to the home page of my website and click on the book cover. It will take you to a page for purchasing.
Currently, Volume I is only available through me, that is, until it is republished by AuthorHouse. Then, it will be available through all the major distributors. So If you want either/or, just contact me. Signed copies are only available through my website or by email ('Contact' on Home Page) that is, unless you are close and attend one of my book signings.
Volume II is available in either paperback and a more durable hardback version. As soon as all the steps are complete,Volume II will also be available as an eBook. You can go to Amazon and Barnes and Noble to read a little more. I am also preparing a book trailer, which should be ready by the end of June.
Meanwhile, here is an inside look into Volume II. This book was dedicated to our precious Labrador retriever, Merry, who helped me see life in a happy, kinder way. There are many stories dedicated to Merry and how difficult it was (for her) raising me to a somewhat tolerable human being.
There are 14 chapters. Here are a few titles: A Child of the 50's - Memories, Some Get It - Some Don't, Being a Man - It's Not Easy, In My Garden, Oh Those Beautiful Brown Eyes, My Community Soap Box, and The Shape of Mean, just to name a few.
Here is an excerpt from the introduction: " I was at peace. Four and a half years of work was before me. I was pleased, exhausted, and excited – all at the same time. Walking into the post office with manuscript in hand was a surreal experience. Handing over years of work to a stranger who would hand it off to strangers, bound for even more strangers, created feelings which made me very uneasy."
This is from AuthorHouse's publicity division: "Remember this as you read “Life Through These Eyes, Vol II:” There is always a ‘story within a story.’ I am often asked, “Are you characters real?” “Oh yes, they are all real - very real to me. I loved a few. Disliked many. And spent years trying to forget some.” The book coves six decades of my life: stories of love, exceptional friendships, pets raising humans, marriage at its best and worst, really mean people, holiday memories, men being men, and much more."
" At age 58, I discovered I had a message I wanted to share: A message which contained memories from childhood to retirement. Wonderful, and sometimes painful, life-lessons. Praise and criticism regarding my community. And events and people which made me angry and disillusioned. I found an outlet for many hurtful experiences. Plus, I found a way to channel my political feelings. Writing became my therapist."
When the cover design was finished, I looked at it for a while and then asked the publisher to add, " and perhaps some of yours." In a few weeks, I will be 68 years old. Life has been good in many ways. Difficult and challenging. Tragic and so sad. But, that is "Life Through These Eyes,"
If you purchase Volume II, get ready to laugh, cry, think and remember...maybe you will see a little of your life within my pages.
And that is the way I see it.
Until next time,
Michael.
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