I have found two quotes that seem to illustrate my rationale for the angst I've put myself through for the last five years in writing the family story. These will, I'm sure, become my mantra.

Dylan Thomas said: "Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light." I'd like to add a line, "Do not give up without a fight." This explains for me why I don't want to go into my "goodnight" without exposing the way he tried to kill "the light" for so many innocent people.

Kahlil Gibran said: "Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars." This helps me realize that there may have been something positive in my sisters' and my emergence from our childhood. We are strong.

Progress is being made! My workshop/book signing schedule for the next three months is set. I will be presenting mini-workshops in eleven Montana communities between June 22 and October 10. The two hour workshops will provide information about writing memoir and self publishing (also called "Print-on-Demand" publishing.) In addition, at each location I will have readings from both books, along with book signing. I've coerced Jim into going with me, so we'll take our RV and call it a summer vacation.

The schedule so far is as follows:

Miles City June 22
Circle June 25
Glendive July 2
Sidney July 5
Wolf Point July 9
Glasgow July 12
Back to Wolf Point for book signing during the Stampede July 13 & 14
Malta July 20
Livingston July 27
Big Timber July 28 An all-day workshop presented by Sagebrush Seminars (Gwen Petersen)
White Sulphur Springs August 3rd-5th Meagher County Bookfest
Missoula Festival of the Book September 13-15
Dillon Early October

For time and location, you may post the question here, or contact me at Mtbarb@yahoo.com If there are any changes in the schedule, I will post the information. I may be able to squeeze in a book signing in Lewistown the week of July 23, and I would like to attend the High Plains Bookfest in Billings in late October. Stay tuned. My energy level may not get me that far.

Onward!

I'm almost ready with my mini book tour around Montana. I have set up workshops and seminars in twelve communities in two months (June and July.) It seems daunting. At the workshops I'll be talking about writing memoir and self-publishing, along with introducing "Walking Wounded" and signing both books. Everyone I've talked to has been so gracious, and excited to have the event in their towns. All the libraries have said there is a three to four month waiting list for "Dancing." It will be an interesting adventure. Now it's time to get the RV ready.

I will have the proof copy of "Walking" in my hands tomorrow. I'm eagerly waiting. This one was much easier than "Dancing." I need the first shipment to take with me to Montana. I hope there's time.

Russ (my layout artist) and I have learned a lot, that I'm going to share on the tour. Russ is moving to northern California in June. Thank God for the internet. He'll still be able to work with me.