CALENDAR  2008

June - December

Duel citizenship--After June 23 I'll be flitting back and forth between an apartment in Loveland, Colorado and my house in Hoxie, Kansas.  Our daughters all live in Colorado, but I'm a Western Kansas historian.  So I'm always torn between wanting to see more of my family, and wanting to prowl around local Kansas historical societies. 

An Accidental Academic--This Spring, I taught "Writing for the Popular Press" in the English Department at Forth Hays State University.  I learned as much as the students while exploring all the opportunities in freelance writing.  What's more, it gave me a chance to haunt Forsyth Library and do research for my non-fiction book, African American Activists.  If you think academics are dull, think again.  The professors and instructors in the English Department are zestful, zany and full of enthusiasm.  Consider going to Fort Hays! 

Kansas History--Spring 2008 My article "'The Colored Folks Hold The Key': Abram Thompson Hall's Campaign to Organize Graham County" was published in Kansas History.  I'm thrilled!  Writing mysteries and doing historical research goes hand in hand.  There's just something about all these puzzles.

Western Writers of America --Scottsdale Arizona (June 10-14) This is my favorite writing event, hands down.  It's actually sort of a family reunion.   Through the years, I've developed many close friends through this organization.  I can't wait to talk shop, learn which publishing houses and editors are buying, listen to our musical members who can't resist the lure of a jam, and hear the panel discussions that are a vital part of this meeting.   We love having it in different locations because we have a chance to hear local experts from various regions.  Our Spur Awards banquet finishes the week.  We honor the very best fiction and non-fiction writers in a variety of categories.  I helped judge short stories this year. 

TALK Program—Kansas Humanities Council sponsors these lively discussion groups.  Librarians select a particular group of books around a theme that will appeal to their community.  As an avid reader, I’ve always participated, but this will be my first year as a discussion leader.  Here’s my schedule so far:

      September 4, Goodland Public Library:  The Bootlegger’s Daughter

      September 6-7 Dodge City, Ashland, and Meade:  The Trail of the Spanish Bit.

      September 16, Graham County Public Library:  A Prayer for Owen Meany

      September 27, Augusta Public Library:  Empire Falls

Kansas Authors Club--October 4, Dodge City, Kansas.  What a great opportunity!  This is their annual state convention and I’m honored to be asked to give the keynote speech at their banquet.  I’ll also do a morning workshop on historical writing and one in the afternoon on writing mysteries.  This organization provides wonderful support for its members.