Saturday workshop at Laramie County Library outlines steps to getting your novel published

Local writers are staging a one-day conference "designed to help you navigate the next steps toward the publication of your novel." It will be held on Saturday, Nov. 10, 10:15 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Laramie County Public Library, 2200 Pioneer Ave., Cheyenne.

Presenters include Mary Gillgannon, who writes historical novels as well as Celtic and Regency romances; Liz Roadifer, mystery and sci-fi fantasy novelist; Amanda Cabot, author of Christian romances; teen novelist and library board member Tina Ann Forkner; "Saucy Lucy" series mystery novelist Cindy Keen Reynders; and memoirist and sci-fi writer Marjie Smith.

The workshop is free. The day includes a lunch-hour book signing, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Laramie County Library Foundation. You can brown-bag it, or get a delicious lunch at the library cafe. 

FMI: 307-634-3561.

Are you reader enough for "Five Question Friday?"

Get over to Facebook and enter our drawing for a free novel and a chance to be interviewed for "Five Question Friday." Go to http://www.facebook.com/wyomingartscouncil

LarCoPubLib launches NaNoWriMo on Nov. 1

Get ready with your laptops, pens and paper (or even quills and parchment!) for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)! Participants begin writing on November 1 and must finish their novel on or before November 30. The Laramie County Library will host several events for adults and teens.

The kick-off will be Thursday, November 1, from 6:00-7:30 pm in the Willow Room. We’ll have plenty of food and drink available as you buckle down and get writing for this annual challenge. Bring everything you need to make this a successful hour and a half and get started on your 50,000 words!

Next, on Saturday, November 10, 10:00am-4:00pm in the Cottonwood Room, participate in a one-day workshop designed to help you navigate the next steps toward publication of your novel. Paths to Publication will have you joining seven Wyoming authors for a day of workshops filled with insights into the journey from “the end” to publication. These workshops are designed for teen and adult novelists at all levels.

Have some crazy fun on Thursday, November 15 from 6:00-7:30pm in the Willow Room, where you’ll be designing your own book cover. Now’s your chance in this hands-on workshop to create your own cover for a blank book that could be used as a journal, sketchbook, recipe anthology, or even the first draft of your novel! We provide all the supplies needed – just bring your imagination.  Sign up required for this – call 307.634.3561, or visit the library.

The final event for NaNoWriMo will be the wrap-up party on Sunday, December 2, 3:00-4:00pm in the Willow Room. Prizes will be given to everyone who finishes their 50,000 words on time!

Laramie County Library is located at 2200 Pioneer Avenue, Cheyenne. For more information call the library at307.634.3561.

Author Brian Leung visits UW to speak about his novel based on 1885 "Chinese Massacre" in Rock Springs

From a UW press release:

Acclaimed author Brian Leung will visit the University of Wyoming Wednesday, Oct. 24, and Thursday, Oct. 25, for a reading of his work and campus visits.

His campus visit is sponsored by the UW MFA Program in Creative Writing, University Libraries, American Heritage Center and Multicultural Affairs.

Leung will give a free public reading at 7 p.m. Oct. 25, in William Robertson Coe Library, Room 506. A book sale and signing of his latest novel “Take Me Home” follows his presentation. A reception also is planned.

The book presents a fictionalized version of the “Chinese Massacre”-- the riot and killings of Chinese miners -- that occurred in Rock Springs in 1885. Leung conducted much of the research for his novel at the UW American Heritage Center and Coe Library.

Interested students and staff can meet with Leung Oct. 24, in the Wyoming Union’s Rainbow Resource Center (RRC) and the Multicultural Resource Center (MRC). The RRC will host an hour-long reception at 10:30 a.m. From noon- 1 p.m., the MRC will have a question-and-answer luncheon with Leung about his latest novel.

He also will visit with writing students in the MFA Program in Creative Writing at noon Oct. 25.

Leung was born and raised in California’s San Diego County -- a somewhat unlikely location, given that his mother was born in Battleground, Wash., and his father escaped from China in 1949. By coincidence, as a teenager in 1980, Leung took a train trip to visit relatives in Rock Springs -- the very town at the core of his “Take Me Home” novel, which won the Willa Award for Historical Fiction.

Leung’s other works of fiction, nonfiction and poetry have appeared in multiple magazines and reviews. His “World Famous Love Acts” won the Asian American Literary Award in 2005 and the Mary McCarthy Award for Short Fiction in 2002. He also has published another novel, “Lost Men.”

Leung’s short fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction have appeared in Indiana Review, Runes, Crazyhorse, The Connecticut Review, Gulf Stream, Mid-American Review and numerous other publications. Leung recently was the recipient of the Lambda Literary Foundation Mid-Career Novelist Award.

Since 2000, he has taught in Cincinnati and Los Angeles, and currently is a University of Louisville associate professor. Leung earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from California State University, and an M.F.A from Indiana University.

More information about Leung can be found at http://www.readbrianleung.com/.

For more information about his campus visit, call the MFA Program in Creative Writing at (307) 766-6453.

Photo: Brian Leung

Cheyenne author Amanda Cabot hosts book fair Nov. 3 and joins other local writers for a publishing conference Nov. 10

Cheyenne author Amanda Cabot will host a book fair at Barnes and Noble for her new novel Christmas Roses, on Saturday, Nov. 3. Proceeds will benefit the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens and Paul Smith Children’s Village. Come on out for a delightful afternoon with Amanda and finish (or begin) your Christmas shopping at the same time. 

The following Saturday, Nov. 10, Amanda will join some of her fellow Laramie County authors for a publishing conference at the Laramie County Public Library. This conference is "designed to help you navigate the next steps toward publication of your novel." It will be held from 10:15 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Laramie County Public Library. Feel free to brown-bag your lunch or purchase it at the library cafe. The event is free. Authors will be selling and signing copies of their books. FMI: 307-634-3561. 

Author and visionary Ray Bradbury dies at 91

Ray Bradbury in his L.A. office in 2008

Gone is the author of the classics "Fahrenheit 451" and "The Martian Chronicles." See this article by Rick Schindler in Today Books: Ray Bradbury foresaw the future — and didn’t trust it. Excerpt:

Ray Bradbury was the last of the giants of mid-20th century American science fiction, a select fraternity that also comprised Robert Heinlein, Arthur C. Clarke, and Isaac Asimov. The most literary of that pantheon, his work spanned many media, including science fiction pulp magazines, episodic television, and motion pictures -- but passion for the written word and fear for its survival may be his most enduring legacy.

Reid Rosenthal rides into Cheyenne to promote "Maps of Fate"

Reid Rosenthal will sign copies of “Maps of Fate,” the second novel in his “Threads West American Saga” series. He will also read from his latest book.

When: Saturday May 26, 1 to 4 p.m.

Location: Barnes and Noble Booksellers of Cheyenne, WY. 1851 Dell Range Blvd.

Phone: 307-632-3000. Rosenthal’s books are available for sale at Barnes and Noble of Cheyenne.

Author information: http://www.reidlrosenthal.com/

“Threads West”information: http://www.threadswestseries.com/

Read an interview with Reid on Karen Cotton's blog at http://lifeisassweetascottoncandy.wordpress.com/

C.J. Box will debut new Joe Pickett novel at French festival

Best-selling Cheyenne novelist C.J. Box has launched his novels in all kinds of exotic places: Cheyenne, Casper, Elk Mountain, Laramie.

This time, C.J. will travel overseas to debut “Force of Nature” at the Quais du Polar in Lyon, France. He’ll be talking about his work and reading from the new Joe Pickett novel at noon on Friday, March 30. The author will stick around the festival until April 1 to talk livres with conference attendees.

After France, C.J. will return to the West for gigs in California, Colorado, Wyoming and Arkansas. Keep up with C.J.’s travels at http://www.cjbox.net/appearances

New Joe Pickett novel from C.J. Box to be released March 20

New Joe Pickett novel from Cheyenne's C.J. Box. More info at www.cjbox.net

South Dakota novelist Kent Myers speaks at WWCC in Rock Springs Feb. 3

"Longmire" promo hits the airwaves

New "Longmire" promo on A&E, tied in with promos for "The Glades" and "Bag of Bones." Longmire the TV series is based on the mystery novels by Craig Johnson of Ucross. "Longmire" refers to Absaroka County Sheriff Walt Longmire in the novels "The Cold Dish," "Another Man's Moccasins," etc. FMI: http://www.craigallenjohnson.com

To get to GroVont, do I have to drive through Absaroka County?

The following items represent fictional places in a very real state, Wyoming. Name the very creative authors who have given us the sheriff of Absaroka County (No. 24 on state license plates) and the town of GroVont with its fictitious school calendar. There are no prizes for correct guesses. However, you will sleep better knowing that you are up-to-date on your knowledge of Wyoming writers. (P.S.: The books and accompanying paraphernalia make great Christmas presents!).

Michael Cunningham reads in Jackson Oct. 20

Go ahead and read this fine JH Weekly interview with Michael Cunningham ("The Hours") in advance of his Oct. 20 reading and book signing at the Center for the Arts in Jackson.

Ten episodes ordered for new "Longmire" TV series based on Craig Johnson's novels

Wyoming man of mystery Craig Johnson shares this bit of good news (from the Shelf Awareness blog): A&E has given Longmire, based on Craig Johnson's Walt Longmire Mystery series of novels, a 10-episode order, Deadline.com has reported. The pilot, which was directed by Chris Chulack, stars Katee Sackhoff, Lou Diamond Phillips, Bailey Chase and Cassidy Freeman.

Cheyenne author Josh Mitchell signs copies of his new book June 10 at City News

Cheyenne newspaper reporter and author Josh Mitchell will be signing copies of his new book, My Life in Executive Session, from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, June 10, at City News, 1722 Carey Ave., in downtown Cheyenne.

A blurb from the book's promo material:

When investigative journalist Warren Bradley goes to work for a newspaper in Jupiter, Arkansas, he wants to report the truth about the corrupt politicians in the small town. But his boss is part of the local good-ol'-boys system and censors the real news. Bradley uncovers too much and is fired in an attempt to make him leave town. Instead of hitting the road, Bradley starts an online newspaper and is finally able to report the truth. Set in the rural South, the novel has many colorful characters and unforgettable scenes.

Find out more from the publisher at www.westsouthpublishing.com

Robert Greer addresses NAACP banquet -- and signs books -- June 4 in Cheyenne

The multi-talented Robert Greer will come to the Cheyenne Holiday Inn on Saturday, June 4, to speak at the annual banquet of the Wyoming NAACP. His theme will be the contributions that African-Americans made to the history of the West. He will sign copies of his books from 6-7 p.m.. Dinner will follow, with Dr. Greer's speech at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person, $50 per couple. You can purchase tickets for the event by calling Abe Stevenson at 307-634-8304 or Bennie McLaughlin, 307-634-5527.

When he's not writing, Dr. Greer is a professor of pathology, medicine, surgery and dentistry at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver. He also holds a master's degree in creative writing from Boston University and an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Miami University of Ohio, his alma mater.


Greer has lived in Denver for thirty years. In 1986 he founded The High Plains Literary Review and continues to serve as its editor-in-chief. He is the author or co-author of three medical textbooks and over 125 scientific articles. His short stories have appeared in dozens of national literary magazines and his short story collection, Isolation and Other Stories, published in 2000 by the Davies Group Publishers, is also wonderfully illustrated. 

Greer has been involved in cancer research at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center for more than thirty years. In 1983 his research group was the first in the world to report a synergistic link between smokeless tobacco use and human papillomaviruses in certain cancers of the mouth. That research foundation is the basis for the plot of his novel, The Devil's Hatband, the author's first novel featuring Denver bail bondsman and detective CJ Floyd. Several of his novels are set in Wyoming.


Spoon, Greer’s 2009 novel of the contemporary American West, won the Colorado Book Award for literary fiction. It also was a finalist for the Western Writers of America Spur Award and received the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union 2010 Media of the Year Award. Wyoming’s Craig Johnson, author of Another Man's Moccasins and The Dark Horse , had this to say about the novel: "With Spoon, Robert Greer tells the story of a modern-day range war in wildfire prose both taut and lyrical."

Greer also reviews books for a Denver National Public Radio affiliate, KUVO, and raises cattle on a ranch in Platte County, Wyoming. 

Penny Zeller book signing April 2 in Sheridan

Author Penny Zeller will be at Sheridan Stationery this Saturday, April 2, from 1-3 p.m., signing copies of her newest release Kaydie, which was just released last week. Kaydie follows McKenzie in the author's Montana Skies Historical Romance Series. Below is a short blurb about Kaydie:

Since the death of her abusive husband, Kaydie Kraemer’s life has been easier, but she’s wary of men and builds a wall of protection around her, staying with her sister McKenzie as she awaits the birth of her baby. Haunted by her painful marriage, Kaydie is determined never to fall in love again, and it will take the grace of God to change her mind—the same grace that works in the heart of ranch hand Jonah Dickenson, a confirmed bachelor who has unhealed wounds of his own to overcome.

Here is the link to the book trailer: http://youtu.be/Vwihs6rsqDk

"The Western Novel: History, Lore and Practice" March 11 in Buffalo

Presentation by two Wyoming Arts Council roster writers. Bring them to your community through an Arts Across Wyoming grant. Go to http://wyoarts.state.wy.us.

C.J. Box's COLD WIND debuts March 22

Cheyenne mystery writer C.J. Box soon will hit the road with his new book, COLD WIND, set for a March 22 release. The book tour features 20 stops so far. C.J. gets an early start with a March 4 presentation at the Teton County Public Library in Jackson and a swing through Arizona, including sessions at the Tucson Festival of Books March 11-13 in Tucson.

The tour:

Laramie, WY
Tuesday, March 22

Cheyenne, WY
Tuesday, March 22

Denver, CO (two locations)
Wednesday, March 23

Orange, CA
Thursday, March 24

Houston, TX
Friday, March 25

Dallas, TX
Saturday, March 26

Oklahoma City, OK
Sunday, March 27

Lexington, KY
Monday, March 28

Cincinnati, OH
Tuesday, March 29

St. Louis, MO
Wednesday, March 30

Minneapolis, MN
Thursday, March 31

Des Moines, IA
Friday, April 1

Phoenix, AZ
Saturday, April 2

Albuquerque, NM
Sunday, April 3

Fort Collins, CO
Monday, April 4

Casper, WY
Tuesday, April 5

Billings, MT
Wednesday, April 6

Sheridan, WY
Thursday, April 7

Cheyenne, WY
Friday, April 8

Longmont, CO
Monday, April 11

Boulder, CO
Monday, April 11

For details, visit http://www.cjbox.net/appearances and check back in coming weeks for changes and additions.

Tim Sandlin's fourth book in the GroVont saga due out in April

Tim Sandlin sends news "that the GroVont Trilogy is back in action in anticipation of Lydia, the fourth GroVont book, which will be out in April. After a long coma, Sex and Sunsets, Western Swing, Skipped Parts, Sorrow Floats, and Social Blunders may be once again bought at your local bookstore. Buy a set from Valley Books in downtown Jackson and receive a signed copy of The Pyms: Unauthorized Tales of Jackson Hole for free."