My newest novel, Skip Rock Shallows, has been successfully launched thanks to Central Baptist Hospital Gift Shop, Kentucky Soaps and Such and The Bluebird, and Joseph Beth Booksellers. Each of these venues graciously had me as a guest during the past few days. I’d like to especially thank, Carla Conley, Angela Correll, Michael Cruikshank and Brooke Raby for facilitating my appearances, and Chef Bob for the divine meal on Thursday night. Thanks also to the Danville Advocate Messenger and to the Lexington Herald-Leader for including news of my events. It’s always a pleasant surprise to be turning the pages of my newspaper and see myself staring back.

My favorite part of a book signing is the Q&A at the end. You might like to see a couple of the frequently asked questions and my answers: Q: “Why do your book titles have a water theme? (creek, springs, falls, run, pond, shallows.”) A. “The first book, Troublesome Creek, was inspired by a story my grandmother told me about the terrible flash flooding of a normally docile creek during which a baby was swept away. The first title set the tone for the next books. Also, I spent many happy hours of my childhood playing in a creek on my family’s farm.

Q: “What is your writing style? Do you outline your chapters?” A: “To quote William Faulkner: ‘The primary job that any writer faces is to tell you the story.’ That’s what I do; I start at the beginning and write to The End. I write in story form. I don’t outline, do character studies, or write random chapters. My books are character driven.”

I’d love to answer any questions you might have about writing. Have a happy but not so hectic week.