The year is filled with exciting events, including book signings, book fairs, talks at various collectors groups and Civil War Round Tables, a photography project at the Gettysburg National Park, a book tour in the United Kingdom (May 1 – 16), and taking part in the Gettysburg Festival (June 18-27).  In addition, Civil War Round Tables have asked that I present my most recent talk, “Relax Men, It’s Only the President! – Lincoln’s Approach to Personal Security,” on several dates in 2011.

Follow Me to Glory - The Crimean War

The Gettysburg Conspiracy - The American Civil War and Abraham Lincoln

Crimean Memories: Artefacts of the Crimean War

I’m looking forward to two full years of book promotion, rich with opportunities to talk to folks about the Crimean War, the American Civil War, Gettysburg, and Abraham Lincoln.  It appears the most difficult part will be finding the time to research and write the third novel in the Ian Carlyle Series, “The Ear Collector,” and work on publishing an extraordinary diary of a Crimean War Scots Fusilier Guards soldier – a project long overdue.

A bit more about the entire “book launch” weekend, which in Gettysburg was the “Remembrance Day” weekend.  There was so much in those few short days.  For instance, I met Richard Dreyfuss, who now has a copy of my new release, The Gettysburg Conspiracy. I told Richard one of my absolute favorite movies is What about Bob, and, of course, The Goodbye Girl.  He was very gracious and witty, which was not unexpected.

I had numerous book signings during the various Remembrance Day festivities.  I even had a book signing with Jeff Shaara, who also has a new book out about World War Two, entitled No Less Than Victory.  I’ve known Jeff since we had lunch a few years ago, and he gave me sage advice about writing historical fiction with characters who have foreign accents.  He is most generous with his celebrity and his advice has stood the test of time.

Today I am beginning the long-term promotional process for the new release, The Gettysburg Conspiracy, and am looking forward to it.

In case Ian’s fans are concerned, I’ve started researching and writing the third in the Ian Carlyle Series.  The outline and a few chapters are completed.  I can only tell you this one puts Ian on the trail of some very bad people in Saskatchewan and Alberta, Canada, in the 1870’s and 80’s.  The working title is The Ear Collector: A Western about the North-West Territories.

The process of writing fiction, especially historical fiction, is amazing, and I love it.  When I thought about the goals of this journal, one of the primary objectives was to discuss and create a dialogue about ‘the historical fiction writing experience.’  I’d be interested in your views.

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