Mussina added to HOF Project
April 29, 2013 - 10:27
Mike Mussina is not yet a Baseball Hall of Famer, and
it may take him awhile to get into Cooperstown as there
are a bunch of players no doubt ahead of him coming
along when he will be eligible. However, using
Baseball-Reference.com as a guide, Mussina is somewhere
around the 23th best pitcher in the history of
baseball. That puts him just below Pedro Martinez and
just above Nolan Ryan. Now you get it. He would be well
ahead of HOFer's like Drysdale and Marichal.
New 2013 Appearance Dates
April 29, 2013 - 09:32
Two new appearances for me in 2013. Check them out
here.
Baseball work
January 14, 2013 - 10:18
I've done a lot of updated work on the New York Mets.
You can check it out here.
Four Days - Four Appearances
September 29, 2012 - 13:06
Hello there. I just want to let everyone know that I am
making four appearances on four consecutive days in
November. I will be at the Christmas at the Old
Courthouse Craft Show in downtown Evansville, Indiana
on November 10 & 11 from 9 AM to 4 PM. On November
12, I will be speaking at the Oaklyn Library branch of
the Evansville Public Library System at 6:30 PM. And on
November 13, I'll be the guest speaker at the Monroe
County Civil War Roundtable in Bloomington, Indiana at
7 PM. Come on out and say hello! I love to talk about
local history.
Added Mariano Rivera to HOF project
August 11, 2012 - 12:09
Mariano Rivera will be a first year election to the
Baseball Hall of Fame somewhere around 2018. I added
his autograph to Book III of my HOF autograph project.
Check it out here.
Ed Bearss Visit
July 23, 2012 - 11:54
Ed Bearss earned the title of Chief
Historian of the United States Park Service and is
perhaps the most well-known, well-respected Civil
War historian alive today. Many people know him
from his appearances on the History Channel, A
& E network, TLC, and, of course, his
compelling appearance in Ken Burns' seminal
Civil War series shown on PBS in
1990.
On July 19, 2012, it was my pleasure to tour Mr. Bearss through the old downtown area of Newburgh, Indiana, and to discuss with him the events of Johnson's Newburgh Raid. Mr. Bearss didn't know that much about the raid and it was a joy and a privilege to tour a man through a Civil War site who himself is known as being a consummate Civil War tour guide. A real thrill for me. I don't mind telling you that I was a bit nervous.
On July 19, 2012, it was my pleasure to tour Mr. Bearss through the old downtown area of Newburgh, Indiana, and to discuss with him the events of Johnson's Newburgh Raid. Mr. Bearss didn't know that much about the raid and it was a joy and a privilege to tour a man through a Civil War site who himself is known as being a consummate Civil War tour guide. A real thrill for me. I don't mind telling you that I was a bit nervous.
New Media & Press Links
May 30, 2012 - 06:42
I have added a new button on the left of the website to
include some of the radio spots, TV, and interviews
done by and on me over the years. Look here. Enjoy!
Newburgh Walking Tour
May 28, 2012 - 15:53
The Newburgh walking tour of May 19, 2012 was a great
success with approximately 200 people attending. To see
a few pictures please go here. It was a fantastic
event and a day I’ll never forget.
Barry Larkin added to HOF project
April 02, 2012 - 18:39
This year’s (2012) Baseball Hall of Fame inductee
is Barry Larkin, famed shortstop of the Reds in the
1990s. I added his autograph to my project here.
Newburgh Walking Tour
March 20, 2012 - 13:14
I will be commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the
Confederate Raid on Newburgh, Indiana on May 19, 2012
by offering a free walking tour of Newburgh to the
public. The tour will gather outside the Edgewater
Grill at 10:45 AM and will begin at 11:00 AM. We will
walk to several places in the old downtown of Newburgh
and visit sites that played a part in the rebel raid.
The tour will last approximately one hour. I will take
questions after the tour and I will be signing copies
of Thunder From a Clear Sky in front of the
Book Nook for the rest of the day. The tour is free and
open to the public. Just come and join me at the
Edgewater at 10:45 AM on Saturday, May 19. Bring your
copy of Thunder From a Clear Sky and follow
along. See you there!!
New 2012 Appearance Date
February 23, 2012 - 09:29
I have accepted an invitation to appear at the Monroe
County Civil War Roundtable on Tuesday, November 14,
7PM at the Monroe County History Center in Bloomington,
Indiana. I look forward to it.
Pedro Martinez added to HOF Project
February 19, 2012 - 14:25
Just added Pedro Martinez to the HOF project here. Also
noted the recent death of HOF catcher, and former
New York Met, Gary Carter. I met Gary at the HOF
induction weekend in 2009 and had my picture taken
with him. He was bright and cheerful as
always. It seems strange to say that he is gone
now. He’ll be missed.
New 2011 Appearance Date
October 13, 2011 - 11:12
I will be appearing to sign books at the 2011 Fall Book
Fair at the Vanderburgh/ Evansville, IN 4H center on
Highway 41. I’ll be there all day Saturday, Oct
29 and Sunday, Oct 30. Hope to see you there!
Books now available on Kindle and Nook!
October 11, 2011 - 13:11
Big News! Thunder From a Clear Sky and
Kentuckians in Gray have gone digital. Both
books are now available as E-books. Check out
Thunder and Kentuckians on Amazon Kindle.
Check out Thunder and Kentuckians on the Barnes &
Noble Nook. Of course, both books are much cheaper
when obtained as an E-book.
Everything still available the old fashioned way, hardcover and softcover, as well.
Everything still available the old fashioned way, hardcover and softcover, as well.
Added Chipper Jones to HOF project
September 27, 2011 - 15:01
Chipper Jones will be a first year election to the
Baseball Hall of Fame somewhere around 2017. I added
his autograph to Book II of my HOF autograph project.
Check it out here.
Lasorda added to HOF project
May 04, 2011 - 17:24
Finally added Tom Lasorda to my HOF project. See
here.
Greg Maddux added to HOF Project
April 17, 2011 - 09:00
After a long wait I received my copy of the 50th
Anniversary of the Baseball Hall of Fame back safely
from MLBPAA. It now has the scribble of Greg Maddux
affixed. Check it out here.
New Letter Posted
April 12, 2011 - 06:53
I just posted another letter from Albert Pancake, this
one to his sweetheart and future wife Elizabeth J.
Huffman. To see and read the letter, go here. The letter
is dated May 1, 1864.
Henderson Gleaner Article
April 11, 2011 - 10:54
An article appeared on the Newburgh Raid and
your’s truly on April 7, 2011. To see the article
click here
"Reader's Favorite" book review of Thunder From a Clear Sky
April 03, 2011 - 21:46
New book review of Thunder From a Clear Sky
from Reader’s Favorite. For the
review, go here.
New 2011 Appearance Date
March 23, 2011 - 06:58
Hello All, I will be appearing at the Henderson
Historical and Genealogical Society’s
“Depot” Headquarter on April 7 at 6 PM to
give a talk on Adam Johnson and the Newburgh Raid. I
intend to focus as much as possible on new info unearth
since the 2005 publication of Thunder From a Clear
Sky.
Blyleven, Alomar, and Marvin Miller added to my HOF project.
March 01, 2011 - 08:32
Just got the book back from Chris Potter with Blyleven,
Alomar, and Marvin Miller (future HOF), on book III
(for those following along at home). Check here to see
it. The book is already on the road again to Matt
Hazzard for Greg Maddux.
New 2011 Appearance Date
February 16, 2011 - 14:29
I have accepted an invitation from Ms. Patricia Lodato,
Executive-in-Residence, School of Business
Administration, Academic Director, The Writing Center
at the University of Evansville to appear for a
discussion on writing Tuesday, April 5, 4PM. This
should be interesting.
Tony LaRussa added to HOF project.
January 17, 2011 - 11:55
I went to the Cardinals Winter Warm-up event on January
16, 2011, and, after a very long wait, obtained Tony
LaRussa’s autograph on Book II of my HOF project.
LaRussa is a cinch for election at the first
opportunity after his post-career waiting period. He is
second all-time in games managed and third all-time in
victories. He is also only the second manager to win a
World Series title in both the American League and
National League. Check here to view
the LaRussa autograph.
New 2011 Appearance Date
December 01, 2010 - 14:30
I have agreed to present a short talk at the Giant
City, IL school event planned for April 29, 2011. Come
back for more details later.
Biggio, Bagwell, Frank Thomas added
September 22, 2010 - 15:08
My baseball HOF autograph collection now updates with
Craig Biggio, Jeff Bagwell, and Frank Thomas. All
certain future Hall of Famers. Look here for more.
New 2010 Appearance date
September 20, 2010 - 18:17
I have decided to appear at the December 11, 2010
Almost Famous Authors’ Faire event in Clifton
Center, Louisville Kentucky. This is a first for me and
I’m not sure what to expect. It will be fun
either way for me. For more, go here.
New 2010 Appearance Date
July 05, 2010 - 08:44
I have gratefully accepted an invitation to attend the
3 rd Annual Princeton, Indiana, Civil War Days. I will
be in attendance Saturday, Sept 11 and Sunday, Sept 12.
For more on the event, please go here. Please come visit me in
Princeton, Indiana.
New 2011 Appearance
May 06, 2010 - 06:54
I will be speaking at the Southern Indiana Civil War
Roundtable in March 2011. Details to follow.
New 2010 Appearance Date
March 13, 2010 - 10:10
Frank Hijuelos, Newburgh, Indiana, Director of Planning
and Development, has invited me to speak at Newburgh in
honor of History Preservation week on Saturday, May 8,
6 PM, at the Old Abshire Ice House downtown next to the
Newburgh Town Hall. I am preparing a completely new
speech for the event titled, The Newburgh Civil War
Home Guard before, during, and after the Confederate
Raid of July 18, 1862. I have done extensive
research on the Newburgh Home Guard and it is a subject
that I love to get into. So, although I will be talking
about the Confederate Raid detailed in Thunder From
a Clear Sky, most of the information that I'll be
talking about will be new to any audience and not
covered in any book. I invite everyone to come.
New 2010 Appearance Date
March 13, 2010 - 10:02
I have accepted an invitation to attend the Billie
Creek Village Civil War Days event in Rockville,
Indiana, on Saturday, June 12, 2010. I will be
attending all day signing books and will give a speech
on the Thunder From a Clear Sky about mid-day.
I have never attended this event so I'm excited about
being there this year. For more on the event go
here.
Update my 50th Anniversary HOF book II
February 03, 2010 - 14:13
I updated the scan of my 2nd copy of the 50th
Anniversary of the Hall of Fame. It now includes Nolan
Ryan, Joe Torre, Randy Johnson, Cal Ripken, Jr., Phil
Niekro, Whitey Herzog, and Andre Dawson in ddition to
the other players present. Look here for more.
Bob Doerr Autograph
February 01, 2010 - 14:23
Chris Potter just came through seemlessly with my Bob
Doerr autograph. He was visiting family in Oregon and
Bobby lives there. Bob Doerr is 91 and doesn't get
around much any more so I am grateful to have been able
to add him to my project. Check here for more.
PS- Keeps me busy while I'm writing my next book.
PS- Keeps me busy while I'm writing my next book.
New 2009 Appearance Date
October 18, 2009 - 10:33
I will be appearing at the Lincoln Heritage Library in
Dale, Indiana, on Decmber 8, 2009. In general, I have
limited my appearances this year, but the folks at the
Lincoln Library have been welcoming and persistant. It
will be my pleasure to introduce a new speech on
Southern Indiana's Civil War heritage on December 8. My
books will be for sale at the library for about a month
before my appearance date.
Wabash County Museum
April 21, 2009 - 06:50
I really enjoyed my appearance at the Wabash County
Museum in Mount Carmel, Illinois. The museum had a
Lincoln-Douglas debate featured and it was very good.
To learn more about what happened, click here.
New 2009 Appearance Date
March 13, 2009 - 20:18
I have accepted an invitation to be part of a Civil War
history event at the Wabash County Museum in Mount
Carmel, Illinois, on April 19, 2009 from 2 - 5 PM. I've
reduced my appearance schedule significantly while I'm
in writing mode, but Mount Carmel is less than an hour
away and it fit into my schedule easily. I look forward
to it!
Removed Audio clips
February 04, 2009 - 16:28
I have removed my audio clips for the moment for some
editing. I will repost in the future.
New Book Review Posted
January 19, 2009 - 09:59
I have just posted my new book review of Edward T.
Cotham, Jr.'s Sabine
Pass: The Confederacy's Thermopylae. This
is a fascinating book about a little know battle in the
far southeastern corner of the Texas gulf coast. If
you've read dozens of books about the Civil War in the
East, or even about the big battles in the Western
theater, I highly recommend this little gold nugget
from Texas. It is the first book I've read about the
Civil War in Texas and I'll soon be reading Mr.
Cotham's book on the battle of Galveston next. My
thanks to Mr. Cotham for his participation in a short
e-mail interview for my book review. For the full
review go here.
New Speech Posted
January 10, 2009 - 09:56
John Davis of the Louisville Civil War Roundtable
digitally recorded my December 6, 2008, speech for his
Roundtable membership and he has shared the recording
with me. I post it here with his
permission. This is the best recording of one of
my speeches that I have (and it was the last
regularly scheduled speech I'm making - go
figure).
Evansville's North High School
December 27, 2008 - 18:30
I was invited to come to Evansville's North High School
to share a lesson with my son's history class. I really
enjoyed it. As usual, I wasn't sure what I going to
say, but also as usual, I came up with something and
before I knew it 50 minutes had come and gone. My
thanks to Mr. Kohlmeyer for sharing his class for the
day. For more, go here.
Louisville Civil War Roundtable
December 27, 2008 - 17:14
Well, the weather was pretty bad the night of my
presentation- icy. Nevertheless, I had a great time and
25 or so die hard members came out to here me speak.
The speech was recorded and I'm going to try to post it
in the future. Look here for more.
New Book Review Posted
December 25, 2008 - 17:34
It seems ironic. I haven't posted a new book review in
a long while and then I go ahead and post one on
Christmas Day. Anyway, I have posted a new book review
on a book that I have studied almost line-by-line,
Partisan Rangers of
the Confederate States Army. This is CSA
General Adam Rankin Johnson's 1904 autobiography. I
recommend it to anyone, but particularly if you are
interested in pre-Civil War Texas, Civil War Kentucky,
and post-war Texas history. Check it out here.
New slideshow posted
December 21, 2008 - 11:51
I have developed the beginning of a new slideshow
covering some the places I've been over the last four
years talking about the Civil War. Please check it out
here. Basically, just wait until
the show begins and enjoy.
New Civil War Letter Posted
December 20, 2008 - 08:09
I have posted the second in a series of Civil War
letters written by Albert Pancake, Company H, 80th
Indiana Volunteer Infantry. This is a letter Albert
wrote to his brother William Henry Harrison Pancake on
May 29, 1863. William H. H. remained at home during the
war. The letter has some interesting references and you
can go here to see it and learn more.
Kentuckians in Gray
December 16, 2008 - 15:57
Kentuckians in Gray: Confederate Generals
and Field Officers of the Bluegrass State
was published November 1, 2008. I am proud to say
that I am one of the co-authors of this terrific new
book. My website will be undergoing modifications to
include Kentuckians in Gray in my
offerings. The book is published by University Press
of Kentucky and is edited by Lawrence Lee Hewitt and
Bruce Allardice. For the first time, a large number
of Kentucky-born Confederate Generals are profiled
in one place. A total of 39 generals and field
officers are discussed. The book contains pieces by
some of the most respected Civil War authors writing
today.
Evansville North High School Appearance
December 13, 2008 - 06:51
My son and I were discussing various Civil War topics
at home one evening and to my surprise he invited me to
speak to his history class at Evansville's North High
School. So, on December 12, 2008, for the first time
ever, I gave an impromptu talk to an audience comprised
exclusively of 17-year old students. I wasn't sure
which aspects of local Civil War History would be of
interest so I discussed various issues. Of course, I
discussed the Newburg raid, but I also discussed Adam
Johnson's role in Morgan's Raid into Indiana and
Johnson's role in the Great Northwest Conspiracy, which
I hardly ever mention in my talks. I really enjoyed
myself and I think the kids did too. My thanks to Mr.
Kohlmeyer for the invitation to his classroom to
discuss local Civil War history. We discussed making
myself and the book available for future classroom
study and discussion.
New 2009 Appearance Date
December 07, 2008 - 13:52
I've just accepted my first 2009 appearance date for
July 16, 2009. I will be speaking at the Southern
Indiana Civil War Roundtable Annual Dinner. I won't be
speaking on Thunder, but rather updating newly
uncovered facts about the Newburg Raid, updating my
upcoming work on Albert Pancake, Sergeant of Company H,
80th Indiana Infantry, and also discussing my new
contributions in Kentuckians in Gray: Confederate Generals
and Field Officers of the Bluegrass State.
Cincinnati Civil War Roundtable
December 07, 2008 - 12:46
I've just added a very quick update on my April 2008
appearance at the Cincy Civil War Roundtable. My thanks
to David Mowery for the invitation. I had a great time
and it was a memorable meeting. Go here for a bit more on the Cincy
meeting.
The Civil War Letters of a Hoosier Volunteer
January 26, 2008 - 11:20
I have updated the web site to include a new section on
my upcoming work on the Civil War letters of Sergeant
Albert Pancake of the 80th Indiana Infantry Regiment.
Go here for more on this exciting
project.
Barnes & Noble Appearance
December 31, 2007 - 07:59
I appeared for my fourth time at the Evansville Barnes
& Noble and still sold 70 books on my farewell
appearance. For more look here. My thanks to the tireless
proprietor of the Evansville Barnes & Noble,
Mariana Mudd.
21st Annual Middle Tennessee Civil War Show & Sale
December 30, 2007 - 14:26
Once again I was guest as the home of Greg Biggs on the
evening before the Nashville Civil War Show. It was a
great time and my thanks to Greg and his wife Karel.
for more go here.
Reitz Home Appearance
December 09, 2007 - 13:58
My last speech in the tri-state area surrounding
Evansville, Indiana, on the topic of Thunder From a Clear Sky:
Stovepipe Johnson's Confederate Raid on Newburgh,
Indiana was given at the historic Reitz
Home in Evansville on November 29, 2007. It was a
bittersweet night. For more go here.
Evansville Courier Article Nov 20
November 21, 2007 - 13:57
Click here for the link to the Evansville
Courier article on me of November 20. Thank you
Rich Davis!
Newburgh Kiwanis Appearance
November 18, 2007 - 13:56
It was a real pleasure to give my last Thunder From a
Clear Sky speech in Newburgh to the Newburgh Kiwanis
Club. It was an extremely receptive and appreciative
crowd and I was very greatful to have the opportunity
to share the story with folks living in Newburgh. For
more go here.
New Harmony, Indiana Appearance
September 19, 2007 - 13:55
I just posted my update on my talk at the Working Man's
Institute at New Harmony, Indiana. It was the first
time that I did a talk outdoors. The weather was just
too nice. To read more about my appearance, look
here.
Miss Mana Jo Hammond
September 17, 2007 - 13:54
It is with much sadness that I communicate the recent
passing of Miss Mana Jo Hammond of Burnet, Texas, Adam
Johnson's granddaughter. She was the last living person
who remembered Adam Johnson when he was alive. I met
her when I did my Texas book tour in October, 2005. She
was extremely vital, sharp, and full of life and humor
at age 90. She was a sweet, sweet lady. In many ways
the last link to the founding fathers of central Texas
has passed. I remember her telling me that she used to
walk the blind General Johnson around the square when
she was a young girl. She will be missed and I will
never forget her.
Tippecanoe Civil War Roundtable Appearance
September 16, 2007 - 13:53
I have just posted my update of my appearance at the
Tippecanoe Civil War Roundtable at Lafayette, Indiana,
on September 11, 2007. My thanks to Mark Jaeger for his
invitation to speak. For more on this appearance look
here.
New review comment
August 11, 2007 - 13:53
I received a wonderful new review comment from USAF
veteran Captain William T. Lohman (retired). For more
on his comments look here.
New 2007 Appearance Date
July 22, 2007 - 13:52
It is my pleasure to accept an invitation to give a
talk at this year's New Harmony Kunstfest at New
Harmony, Indiana, on September 15, 2007. My talk is
tentatively scheduled for 2:00 PM (but I will be there
a little earlier). I will be at the New Harmony Working
Man's Institute. I look forward to it!
New Retail Locations for Thunder From a Clear Sky
July 21, 2007 - 13:50
It is my pleasure to announce two new retail locations
where you can pick up signed copies of Thunder From a Clear
Sky: the Book Nook
in Newburgh, Indiana and the Historic
Newburgh Visitors Center also in Newburgh,
Indiana.
New non-profit supported
July 16, 2007 - 13:48
I donated part of the proceeds from my June 26
appearance to The Friends of the Lincoln Heritage
Library.
Warrick Rotary Club Appearance
July 04, 2007 - 09:48
I had the opportunity to
do a short speech to the Warrick County Rotary Club on
June 28. To learn more, click here.
Lincoln Heritage Library Appearance
July 02, 2007 - 16:48
Marsha Hicks helped
organize a wonderful event at the Lincoln Heritage
Library in Dale, indiana. I had a great time and a
large crowd showed up for the talk. If you want to
learn more about what happened, click
here.
New 2007 Appearance Date
June 22, 2007 - 21:18
I have accepted a new
appointment with the Newburgh Kiwanis Club for November
15, 2007, at the Newburgh Library. It will be my last
scheduled speaking engagement in Newburgh on
Thunder From a Clear
Sky. It's
likely to be an emotional good-bye. I intend to take
the opportunity to thank everyone in Newburgh for their
fabulous support.
Appearance at the Newburgh Winefest
May 20, 2007 - 16:19
I had a great time selling
books and enjoying the day at the 2nd Annual Newburgh
Winefest. I wanted to do one last appearance
supporting Thunder From a Clear
Sky in
Newburgh and this was a great event to ponder all that
had happen to me as a result of this great little
town.
Television Appearance on EVSC Community Link
May 20, 2007 - 15:27
I think it was in February
when I was contaced by Andrew Coil who guides the Bosse
High School Community Link film program. It is an award
winning program that engages students in all different
aspects of reporting and film-making. Its a great
program and the students appear to love the experience.
As a result of working with Andrew and his students I
made my first substantive television apperance on local
Evansville channel 9, WNIN - Public Broadcasting. It
was an 18-minute clip for EVSC Community Link, which
premiered on May 19, at 5:30 PM. The piece was set in
Newburgh, Indiana, and we walked through town talking
about different aspects of the rebel raid.
Unfortunately, a technical hiccup obliterated the first
4 minutes of the broadcast. The program will be
repeated often in the future and, for the sake of the
students, I hope things can get fixed. They put a lot
of work into it and did a great job. My grateful thanks
to Andrew Coil and his Bosse students for a fantastic
experience and a professionally rendered television
piece.
9th Annual McHenry County Civil War Symposium
May 14, 2007 - 19:26
The McHenry County folks
in the suburbs of Chicago put on a great Civil War
Symposium. I was one of the featured speakers this year
and I had a great time. The event was a great success
and a good pile of books was sold. Look
here for the entire write-up on the May
12 event.
PEO Group Appearance
May 13, 2007 - 12:42
The short write-up of my
short PEO Group appearance is here. I had a great time and I wish the
PEO good luck in the future. The PEO Group also
appears as a new charity I am donating to.
Frankfort, Kentucky Appearance Cancelled
May 10, 2007 - 16:07
I apologize for having to
cancel my planned appearance in Frankfort at the Annual
Kentucky Genealogical Society Meeting. Up to this point
I had only cancelled one previous planned engagement -
the same annual meeting last year. Bad luck. I promise
I'll be there after my new book comes out.
Evansville's North Park Public Library
May 05, 2007 - 12:34
I am extremely grateful to
Michael Campese for inviting me to speak at North Park
LIbrary on May 1. He offered me a great rocking chair
to sit in during my presentation and it changed the
whole tone. I felt completely relaxed and had a great
time talking about Adam Johnson and answering
questions. Click here for more on my North Park
appearance.
Newburgh Walking Tour Cancelled
April 26, 2007 - 16:41
For the second time, I am
cancelling the Newburgh walking tour - I just didn't
have time to promote it properly. I'll still be selling
books at the Newburgh Winefest on May 19, but no tour.
It's still on my radar, and I will do it someday. When?
I'm not sure
Tell City/ Perry County Appearance
April 25, 2007 - 20:39
I appeared at the Tell
City/ Perry County LIbrary on April 21 for a talk in
association with a mini-Civil War event. I had a great
time. Check out the write-up here.
New 2007 Appearance Date Set
April 03, 2007 - 19:09
It is my privilege to
accept an invitation to speak to the Warrick County
Rotary Club on June 21 at the Rolling Hills County Club
in Warrick County, Indiana. I look forward to
it!
New Non-profit Supported
March 30, 2007 - 16:57
The Henderson County
Historical Society has always been one of my favorite
places to be during the research and selling of
Thunder From a Clear
Sky. I have
set the Historical Society up with some of my books and
they get to keep the profit on any books sold. I wanted
to say thanks and this was the best way I knew
how.
New 2008 Appearance Date Set
March 30, 2007 - 07:52
I am grateful to be
invited to speak at the Cincinati Civil War Roundtable
on April 17, 2008.
Midwest Writers Guild Book Fair
March 18, 2007 - 08:53
I had a great time at the
Midwest Writers Guild Book Fair. I sat next to Linda
Bruckhiemer and Margaret McCullough - which was great
fun. If you want to know more about what happened at
the Fair, click here.
Evansville Morning Rotary Club
March 18, 2007 - 08:03
My thanks to Joe Whelan
for giving me the opportunity to speak before the
Evansville Morning Rotarty Club on March 15, 2007. It
was one of the most unique appearances I have had
during the two years of supporting Thunder From a Clear
Sky. For more
on what happened at the meeting, click
here.
Evansville Courier Mention
March 16, 2007 - 16:32
I was mentioned in
the Evansville
Courier & Press of March 15 as being one of the
featured authors to appear at the upcoming Midwest
Writers Guild Spring Book Festival on Saturday, March
17, at the Washington Square Mall in Evansville,
Indiana.
Indianapolis Civil War Roundtable
March 16, 2007 - 16:28
I am extremely grateful
that the Indianapolis Civil War Roundtable invited me
to speak at their monthly meeting on March 12, 2007.
Giving a speech at the Indiana Historical Society on a
stage in front of 75 people can be a bit unnerving, but
once I got rolling Adam Johnson brought me home, as he
always does. To learn more about what happened at the
meeting, click here.
New 2008 Appearance Date Set
March 02, 2007 - 15:52
I met Don Meyer at
the Kentucky Book Festival
in November 2006 and we
discussed the unique story of General Adam Rankin
Johnson. At that time we talked about the
possibility of me coming to the Louisville Civil War
Roundtable to do a talk on Thunder From a Clear
Sky. It is
my privilege to say that I will be appearing at the
Louisville Civil War Roundtable December 2008. I
look forward to it and thank you Don Meyer!
New book review of Thunder From a Clear Sky
February 25, 2007 - 13:40
Please check out the brand
new full-length book review of Thunder From a Clear
Sky written by
noted Civil War blogger, Andrew Waggenhoffer.
Click here for the full review by Mr.
Wagenhoffer. Andrew specializes in finding that
rare, little known Civil War story and does a
terrific job of it on his Civil War book review
blog. I highly recommend it. I have also posted an
excerpt of his review on my Praise for
Thunder
page here.
New Non-profit Supported
February 24, 2007 - 10:15
As of Christmas 2006 I
have started donating to the Friends of the Henderson
County Library, Henderson, KY. I supply them with books
and they get to sell them and keep all the profits. If
you are in Western Kentucky and you are looking to pick
up a copy of Thunder From a Clear
Sky, drop by
the Henderson County Library in Henderson, Kentucky.
They have some great folks there.
Southwest Indiana Historical Society
February 24, 2007 - 09:58
I've just posted the
write-up of my appearance at the Southwest Indiana
Historical Society. I had a great time and felt
welcomed. I finally made it to the famous Weinbach's
Cafeteria after 21 years in Evansville. It was great.
Look here for more.
Hardcover Book Sale
February 24, 2007 - 09:37
I have ten brand new
hardcover copies of Thunder From a Clear
Sky that I am
selling for the lowest price available anywhere. I am
selling these books for $22 each, delivered. Yes, I pay
the sales tax and the delivery cost and the book is
still $1 below retail price. This sale will continue
until all ten books are gone. When they are gone,
that's it. Check here for more on the Thunder hardcover sale.
New 2007 Appearance Date Set
February 21, 2007 - 15:05
In honor of National Library week, I will be appearing
at the Tell City - Perry County, Indiana, Library on
Saturday, April 21, 2007, from 10 AM to about 4 PM. I
will be signing books and talking to folks all day. I
will be appearing with Perry County historian Michael
Rutherford, author of Perry County Then and
Now. Come and
see us!
Corpus Christi Senior Club
February 17, 2007 - 16:21
I had a great time speaking at the Corpus Christi
Senior Club. It was my first talk after a three month
lay-off and I was a little nervous. Everything worked
out fine. Go here for more.
Thunder Press Release
February 16, 2007 - 12:45
I've added a new button for my publisher's press
release on Thunder
From a Clear Sky, issued August 2006. Click
here to see the release.
1Q Book Review Update
January 25, 2007 - 18:12
It has been my intention to post a first quarter book
review of Gary Robert Matthews's Basil Wilson Duke, CSA: The Right
Man in the Right Place. I have the book
review complete, but I will not be posting it. Why? The
book review will be held for future publication. I will
provide more details as soon as I am able. Sounds
mysterious! Anyway, I look forward to working on
Richard Nation's At
Home in the Hoosier Hills which will be
posted during the second quarter, 2007.
New 2007 Appearance Date Set
January 23, 2007 - 18:45
I am happy to announce that I have accepted an
invitation to appear at the Corpus Christi Senior Club,
Evansville, Indiana, on February 15, 2007. I'm looking
forward to it!
New Book Mentions Newburg Raid
January 23, 2007 - 18:20
I just purchased a copy of the Indiana Legion: A Civil War
Militia by John P. Etter. As far as I know,
it is the first book on the Indiana Legion. It is an
overview book and has about 7 pages on the Newburgh
Raid. As far as I can tell, no new information on the
raid, but every little bit is welcome. I have decided
to pick up the book as a future book review selection.
I will announce later when my review of this new work
will be posted. If you want to check the book out look
here. I have also posted a link to
John Etter's website on my links page and here.
New Review Comment
January 12, 2007 - 16:16
I am very pleased to announce a brand new book review
notice from the January issue of Midwest Book
Review. The five-star review comment for
Thunder From a Clear
Sky was very positive and I am grateful
that Midwest Book Review chose to take a look at
Thunder
and then provided a wonderful notice for the book. To
read the review please go here.
New 2007 Appearance Date Set
December 28, 2006 - 14:20
For National Library Week I will be appearing at the
Tell City- Perry County LIbrary on Saturday, April 21,
2007, from about 10 AM to 4 PM or so. I will be signing
books and talking to folks all day long. I will also be
appearing with Perry County historian Michael
Rutherford, author of Perry County Then and
Now. Come out
and see us!
New Charity
December 20, 2006 - 16:24
A donation has been made to the Green River Kiwanis
Club to support youth literacy causes in Evansville,
Indiana. Go here to see all the charities
supported by profits from Thunder From a Clear
Sky.
December 16 Barnes & Noble Appearance
December 19, 2006 - 16:14
I have just made my last entry of 2006, describing my
appearance at the Evansville Barnes & Noble on the
afternoon of December 16. It was a surprisingly busy
event. It was probably the most surprising event of
2006. I had made two previous appearances at Barnes
& Noble in 2005, so I had low expectations about
how many books I could sell this time around. Read
here to find out how things went. I
don't have another appearance for 8 weeks and I
can use the rest. However, I will be
posting new information on the site during that
time- so come back in January 2007!
New Thunder Book Review
December 18, 2006 - 19:24
It is my privilege to post a new book review of
Thunder From a Clear
Sky written by Greg Biggs of the
Clarksville, Tennessee Civil War Roundtable. Greg Biggs
is one of America's foremost military historians. His
knowledge of all military matters is encyclopedic and
his analysis is incisive. Everyone in the Civil War
Roundtable community knows and respects Greg and his
enormous contributions to teaching and research in this
field. He needs no introduction to Civil War
enthusiasts. See his review here.
New Review Comment
December 09, 2006 - 13:29
An exciting new review comment came to me recently. It
was a wonderful comment from Dr. James A. Ramage,
author of Rebel
Raider: The Life of General John Hunt
Morgan and Gray Ghost: The Life of Colonel
John Singleton Mosby. Go here to check out Dr. Ramage's
thoughts.
New 2007 Appearance Date Set
December 05, 2006 - 18:11
I had so much fun with Greg and Karel Biggs and my
appearance at the 20th Annual Civil War Show and Sale
in Nashville that I'm going to attend again next year
on December 1 and maybe December 2, 2007. Check my 2007
schedule here.
New 2007 Appearance Date Set
November 30, 2006 - 23:16
My previously announced appearance as a speaker in the
Reitz Home series in downtown Evansville, Indiana, is
now set for November 29, 2007. I look forward to
it!nCheck my 2007 schedule here.
Green River Kiwanis Club Appearance
November 30, 2006 - 23:13
I just added the write-up of my November 29 appearance
at the Green River Kiwanis Club. It was a great time,
but way too short. It seemed like I blinked and it was
over. I guess time flies when you're having a good
time. Check the write-up here. My thanks to Bryan Trible for
his invitation.
2007 Book Review Lineup
November 13, 2006 - 18:16
The book review lineup is set for 2007. For the first
quarter, Gary Matthews's
Basil Wilson Duke,
CSA: The Right Man in the Right
Place
;
for the second quarter, Richard Nation's
At Home In The Hoosier
Hills: Agriculture, Politics, And Religion In Southern
Indiana, 1810-1870
;
third quarter, Jon Musgrave's
Slaves, Salt, Sex
& Mr. Crenshaw: The Real Story of the Old Slave
House and America's Reverse Underground
R.R.
;
fourth quarter, Kenneth Hafendorfer's Battle of Richmond,
Kentucky. I'm also going to do Dr.
Cimprich's
Fort Pillow, A Civil
War Massacre, And Public Memory
somewhere
during 2007. That should keep me busy.
Kentucky Book Fair
November 12, 2006 - 15:03
This is one of the longest entries of the year. The
Kentucky Book Fair was one of the most enjoyable
experiences of 2006. Connie Crow knows how to run a
book fair. You've got to check out the pictures (yes, I
remembered to bring my camera) and the write-up
here.
New 2007 Appearance Date Set
November 10, 2006 - 06:43
I have just accepted an invitation to the Crystal Lake
Symposium in Crystal Lake, Illinois (just west of
Chicago). This is a big event and I am very grateful
for the invitation. I will be speaking and selling
books at the event on May 12, 2007. Check out my 2007
schedule here.
New Retail Location
November 07, 2006 - 17:39
Through the holiday season Thunder From a Clear
Sky will be available at the Henderson
County Public Library in the town of Henderson,
Kentucky. The library gets to keep all the profits from
books sold as this will be a fundraiser for the Friends
of the Henderson County Library. The Henderson County
Library has been a big supporter of my work and I want
to continue to show my appreciation.
The Longest Raid of the Civil War Book Review Posted
November 03, 2006 - 21:52
I've just posted my final book review of 2006, Lester
Horwitz's The Longest
Raid of the Civil War. Check out the review
here. It is the fascinating story
of Morgan's Great Raid through Kentucky, Indiana,
and Ohio. The review includes a lengthy interview
with the author, Mr. Horwitz. If you want to know
how a book can change someone's life, I suggest
you read the review of The Longest Raid.
My thanks to Mr. Horwitz and I look forward to his
new works coming out soon.
New Charity
November 02, 2006 - 16:18
A new donation has just
been made to the Friends of Fort Defiance, Tennessee.
This is on behalf of the folks who purchased books from
me at the Clarksville Civil War Roundtable meeting on
October 18. Thank you Greg Biggs and the Clarksville
CWRT.
3rd Annual Western Kentucky Book Expo
October 29, 2006 - 06:35
I've just posted the
update of my appearance at the Western Kentucky Book
Expo in Sturgis, Kentucky. It was a fun event. I got to
sit next to Rick Reed, author of Blood
Trail. I like
Rick and we had a great time. Check out the write
up here.
New 2007 Book Review selection
October 26, 2006 - 16:53
As an unexpected choice I
will be reviewing Richard Nation's At Home in the Hoosier Hills:
Agriculture, Politics, and Religion in Southern
Indiana, 1810-1870 as my second quarter book review
selection. Mr.
Nation's book sheds light on the cultural development
of the men and women of southern Indiana in the
pre-Civil War era. Mr. Nation has agreed to be
interviewed for the second quarter book review. My
thanks to Mr. Nation.
New 2007 Appearance Date Set
October 23, 2006 - 17:24
It is my pleasure to announce a new personal appearance
at the Tippecanoe Civil War Roundtable in Lafayette,
Indiana, on September 11, 2007. I wonder if the folks
at Lafayette know that their town plays a role in the
aftermath of the Newburg raid? If not, they will.
New Retailer
October 21, 2006 - 17:46
Borders Books & Music in Clarksville, Tennessee, is
now carrying Thunder
From a Clear Sky. Thank you, Borders.
Switched Book Reviews
October 21, 2006 - 07:35
I switched around my first and second quarter 2007 book
review choices. Gary Robert Matthews's Basil Wilson Duke CSA
will now be reviewed during the first quarter of 2007.
Clarksville Civil War Roundtable
October 19, 2006 - 18:55
I just added the update of my Clarksville, Tennessee,
Civil War Roundtable appearance. I met one of the most
incredible military historians in America in
Clarksville- Greg Biggs. Read all about it here.
Oct 12 Bus Tour/Training Session for Evansville Teachers
October 13, 2006 - 15:25
I've just updated the 2006 Schedule & Diary button
with a new entry for my October 12 bus tour and
training session with a group of Evansville
teachers. It was a fun and exhausting event. Check
out the write-up.
New 2007 Appearances
October 10, 2006 - 16:20
I have two new 2007 appearances to announce.
First, a new appearance on February 20 for the
Southern Indiana Historical Society at the
Weinbach Cafeteria in Evansville, Indiana, and,
second, a new 2007 appearance for the Reitz Home
speaker series in either October or November of
2007. I am extremely happy to bring Thunder From a Clear
Sky to audiences in Evansville and I
look forward to both appearances. Check out my
2007 schedule here.
Madisonville Messenger article on the Battle of Browning Springs
September 30, 2006 - 16:54
A feature newspaper
article in the Madisonville
Messenger titled "When Cannons Roared"
discusses the Battle of
Browning Springs in Madisonville, Adam Johnson's
Partisan Rangers, Thunder From a
Clear Sky, and yours truly. I was one of the
sources for the article as Messenger
Lead Reporter Don
Perryman interviewed me by phone for 30 minutes a week
earlier. The Battle of Browning Springs is recounted in
detail in my book. Don used the same imagery to invoke
the Browning Springs battle that appears in
Thunder.
New review comment from Civil War author Robert P. Broadwater
September 24, 2006 - 10:40
Author Robert P. Broadwater has read my book and said
several nice things about it. I'm very grateful.
Broadwater has written at least nine Civil War books
including The Battle of Olustee 1864: The Final
Union Attempt to Seize Florida
(2006), Chickamauga, Andersoville, Fort Sumter
and Guard Duty at Home (2005), and Battle of Despair: Bentonville and the
North Carolina Campaign (2004).
Check out the "Praise for Thunder" button.
New 2006 Appearance Date Set
September 18, 2006 - 17:34
I am looking forward to my new November 29 appearance for the
Evansville Kiwanis at the Cullen Avenue Church.
Vincennes Civil War Days
September 10, 2006 - 10:04
Check out the new 2006 Schedule & Diary entry for
my appearance at the Vincennes Civil War Days
event. It was a wonderful day and a hugely
successful event for me. Jon Andrews was an
incredible help and made me feel comfortable
throughout the entire event. Check out the Sept 06
button under the 2006 schedule.
Publisher Re-Launches Thunder from a Clear Sky
September 01, 2006 - 18:32
The publisher of Thunder from a Clear Sky,
after a six month makeover, has re-launched the
title into bookstores. This is the most significant
news surrounding Thunder since its
original launch in June 2005. The book has
completely new cover text and graphics, a larger
font and corresponding increased page count,
re-scanned and clearer graphics, an entirely
re-edited manuscript, and new praise pages all at a
significantly reduced
price (20% less for the softcover,
12% less for hardcover).
Also in this update is a new, full-length book review of Thunder from a Clear Sky by Kirkus Discoveries. Kirkus is a book review outfit. Anyone who knows anything about Kirkus knows that they don't always say nice things about the books they review. Gratefully, they liked my book and the way I write. Check it out under the Thunder Book reviews button.
Bonus! I have also added a new entry under the Newburgh Home Guard. The NHG was constantly changing over the course of the first two years of the war and my second entry shows some interesting insights into the September 1861 membership.
I also added a new photo under my August 21 Vincennes write-up.
By now I'm sure you've also noticed the completely new look for the website banner to integrate with the new Thunder cover. Thanks again to my graphics consultant, Don Johnson.
Also in this update is a new, full-length book review of Thunder from a Clear Sky by Kirkus Discoveries. Kirkus is a book review outfit. Anyone who knows anything about Kirkus knows that they don't always say nice things about the books they review. Gratefully, they liked my book and the way I write. Check it out under the Thunder Book reviews button.
Bonus! I have also added a new entry under the Newburgh Home Guard. The NHG was constantly changing over the course of the first two years of the war and my second entry shows some interesting insights into the September 1861 membership.
I also added a new photo under my August 21 Vincennes write-up.
By now I'm sure you've also noticed the completely new look for the website banner to integrate with the new Thunder cover. Thanks again to my graphics consultant, Don Johnson.
Aug 21 Vincennes Appearance
August 23, 2006 - 18:48
This entry is in on my August 21 Vincennes appearance. In
short, I felt fantastic and it was a well attended
event. I sold a nice pile of books and I will be
returning to Vincennes for my next appearance on
September 9. Profits from both these appearances
will be donated to the Civil War monument
restoration currently underway in Vincennes. Thank
you Brian Spangle and to the community of
Vincennes. I'll be adding a picture as soon as I
get my hands on some of the pictures that were
taken by others at the event.
New 2007 Appearance
August 13, 2006 - 08:05
I am proud to announce that I will be appearing as a
guest speaker at the Indianapolis Civil War Roundtable on
March 12, 2007. This is very exciting news.
The ICWRT has a membership of approximately 175
people and about half that number turn up at the
meetings. I really look forward to it and will
have more on this in the weeks to come.
Nov 11 Appearance Confirmed
August 12, 2006 - 19:20
The Kentucky Book Fair requires an official submission
process to gain entry to the Fair. It is the premier
book fair in Kentucky drawing over 3,000 people for the
one day event. I submitted Thunder From a Clear
Sky back in May and received my acceptance
today. I am grateful to be accepted and will be
attending the 2006 Kentucky Book Fair in Frankfort,
Kentucky, on November 11.
New 2007 Appearance
August 12, 2006 - 13:21
I am looking forward to my new appearance at the
Dale, Indiana, Public Library on June
26, 2007. Check out my 2007 schedule here.
Updates/ Changes
August 10, 2006 - 16:05
Just a quick update to note that I have removed my
Photo slideshows for now. They will be replaced with
some still photos later and I will be introducing a new
section called "A Walking Tour of Newburgh" in the near
future. I also missed the August 5 date at Frankfort
for the Kentucky Genealogial Society meeting- family
related issues prevented me from attending. I hated to
miss it but it is on the top of my list for next year.
WNIN Radio
July 30, 2006 - 15:32
Awhile back Daniel Moore of WNIN 88.3 FM, National
Public Radio, did two short one-minute pieces on me and
Thunder From a Clear
Sky. Go to the Audio/Radio clips to hear me
narrating two one-minute pieces about the Newburgh
Raid and my research. Enjoy!
Book Presentation
July 21, 2006 - 18:32
I presented a copy of Thunder From a Clear
Sky to Reginald and Shirley Porter,
representatives of Newburgh, Indiana's sister city-
Newburgh, England. There was a bit more to the story,
so if you want the full scoop go to the 2006 Schedule button. Enjoy!
Adam Johnson Song
July 17, 2006 - 17:53
Well, its not exactly about Adam Johnson, but he is
mentioned in the song. Mr. Terry Warren and the Border
Ruffian Band have recorded a song called Rebel Partisan that
documents the exploits of Jake Bennett's raid on
Owensboro late in the war. Bennett was one of Johnson's
earliest recruits and a likely member of the Newburgh
raiders. I learned about this song from Nancy Hitt who
I met at the Sacramento appearance this year. Click the
Audio/Radio button. Enjoy!
Perryville 1862 .pdf Posted
July 14, 2006 - 23:19
I posted a .pdf file of my Perryville 1862 book
review. If you want to download it for your own
personal use just click the .pdf link at the top of
the Perryville
1862 Book Review page.
Sunday Book Club at Newburgh
July 11, 2006 - 17:47
I just posted an account of my appearance at the Sunday
Book Club in Newburgh, Indiana. I'm grateful to Diane
Sprick for unwittingly putting me on the path toward
writing Thunder from a
Clear Sky. I'm also grateful that she
thought enough of me to invite me to discuss the book
at the Sunday Book Club at the new Newburgh Central
Library. Check the 2006 Schedule button.
Battle of Perryville Book Review Posted
June 30, 2006 - 17:41
I've just posted my review of Robert P. Broadwater's
The Battle of
Perryville, 1862: Culmination of the Failed Kentucky
Campaign. This is early in the 3rd Quarter,
but it was a fairly short book. Mr. Broadwater was very
kind to answer a few questions for me to add to the
review. Perryville, 1862 is a very nice job,
the product of decades in the making. Having attended
the 2002 Perryville battle re-enactment, I wanted to
know more about the battle and the surrounding events.
Broadwater's book has definitely enhanced my
understanding of the Civil War experience in Kentucky.
See my review for the whole story under the "My CW Book Reviews" button. I now
start on The
Longest Raid of the Civil War by
Lester V. Horwitz for my 4th Quarter review. I'll
need the time as the book is 456 pages. Mr.
Horwitz has agreed to be interviewed as part of my
book review.
Postponed Appearance
June 30, 2006 - 16:25
I have removed my Sept 16 tour of Henderson and
Newburgh from my 2006 schedule. A rare opportunity came
up and I just didn't feel ready for the tour. I'm going
to give it another shot next year. I apologize for the
disappointment and inconvenience.
KBEY Radio Interview Added
June 27, 2006 - 18:06
I was interviewed outdoors on October 8, 2005, at Fort
Croghan, Texas, in conjunction with one of my
appearances on my Texas tour. Art Dlugach from KBEY
92.5 FM in Texas did the interview. As always, my
audio/visual re-mastering consultant is Don Johnson who
cleaned up the tape and got it ready to post. My thanks
to Art Dlugach. Go here for the interview.
St. Benedict's Silver Club
June 15, 2006 - 19:38
I've just posted my entry for my appearance at the St.
Benedict's Silver Club. It was a nice little affair and
I had a good time. Check it out under my 2006 Schedule button, June 06.
8th Annual Military History Education Conference
June 11, 2006 - 10:47
This event was the most exciting one I have attended
this year. It was an extremely special time for me.
Press the 2006 Schedule & Diary
for the write-up on this Illinois event. My thanks
to Bruce Gregory, conference organizer, for giving
me such a great experience.
Decatur, Illinois, Herald Review
June 06, 2006 - 15:35
A short article appeared today in the Decatur,
Illinois, Herald Review about my upcoming
appearance at the Military History Education Forum on
June 10. Thunder From
a Clear Sky is discussed in the article.
Henderson Map Added
June 03, 2006 - 08:13
Click on the Map button and you'll see the 1880
map of Henderson, Kentucky. I've noted the
important places for Johnson's attack of June 29,
1862, as discussed in Thunder From a Clear
Sky.
Den of Misery- Author Interview
June 02, 2006 - 17:03
After I posted my mini book review of James R. Hall's
Den of
Misery, Mr. Hall contacted me to let me
know he'd seen the review. I asked him if he'd like to
contribute to a short interview on the piece and Mr.
Hall agreed. I've just posted another update to my
original Den of
Misery book review under the CW Book Review button, then Camp
Morton. My thanks to Mr. James R. Hall for his
time and the answers to some interesting
questions.
West Central Indiana Civil War Roundtable
June 02, 2006 - 16:58
I've been busy lately, so I'm just now getting to post
my update of my Greencastle, Indiana appearance. It was
a wonderful group of people and I really loved the
historic town of Greencastle. Check the 2006 Schedule button.
Battle of Sacramento, Kentucky
May 21, 2006 - 11:44
I have just added some notes on my appearance at the
Battle of Sacramento, Kentucky. It was a great day.
I'll be adding a slide show of the event later, but for
now check my 2006 Schedule button.
Evansville Living Magazine
May 21, 2006 - 08:26
A new mini-review of Thunder From a Clear
Sky is in the "Shelf Life" section of the
June 2006 Evansville Living Magazine. Press
the PRAISE button.
Den of Misery- Mini Book Review
May 17, 2006 - 20:12
Under the Camp
Morton book review button I have added a
quick update at the end of the original review with a
few words about Den of
Misery. Den of Misery is the
new book about the Camp Morton dispute between Dr. John
A. Wyeth and the Indiana GAR. It makes a good companion
piece to Camp
Morton. Check it out at the end of the
Camp Morton book review.
Newburgh Home Guards
May 12, 2006 - 19:04
I am adding an entire section which shares my research
into the Newburgh Home Guards. The home guard unit at
Newburgh is of great importance to the story of the
Newburgh raid. Had even one guardsman been posted on
the riverfront on July 18, 1862, the outcome of the
raid would likely have been quite different. Anyway,
for the first time, the initial membership of the
Newburgh Home Guard is posted. Look for the "Newburgh
Home Guards" button.
Historic Newburgh Awards Dinner
May 08, 2006 - 18:12
You've got to read the full account on this one! I was
surprised to receive a special Historic Preservation
Award from the Newburgh Town Council for my efforts on
behalf of historic preservation and for my contribution
in writing Thunder
From a Clear Sky. WIKY radio recorded my
entire speech which will be posted on these pages in
the future. Go to the May 06 button for the full account.
Bluegrass Roots Book Review of Thunder From a Clear Sky
May 07, 2006 - 08:20
Bluegrass Roots is the magazine of the
Kentucky Genealogical Society. I have just posted a
great review of Thunder From a Clear
Sky written in the upcoming issue of
Bluegrass Roots- June 2006. Press the "Praise for Thunder" button on this
website and enjoy.
Camp Morton .pdf Posted
May 06, 2006 - 08:47
I posted a .pdf file of my Camp Morton book
review. If you want to download it for your own
personal use just click the .pdf link at the top of the page.
New Appearance Date- December 16, Barnes & Noble, Evansville
May 05, 2006 - 20:11
The only book signing
appearance at a book store this year will be at Barnes
& Noble in Evansville. Barnes & Noble has been
great to me and I'm thrilled to be closing out 2006 at
B & N.
Barnes & Noble Author Fest 2006
May 02, 2006 - 17:08
Added an update of my
appearance at the Barnes & Noble Author
Fest. I
finally got to meet Mike Whicker, author of
Invitation to
Valhalla,
the Evansville One Book, One Community selection for
2004. We've phoned and emailed, but never met. He
helped me during the publishing process and said
some great things about Thunder. The Book Fest was a great time.
Check it out!
Battle of Perryville Book Review
April 25, 2006 - 15:53
Great news! Author Robert P. Broadwater has agreed to a
short interview to be included with my upcoming book
review of The Battle
of Perryville, 1862: Culmination of the Failed Kentucky
Campaign. The
review will be posted during the 3rd Quarter of
2006.
New Appearance Date- August 21 Vincennes Genealogical Society
April 22, 2006 - 22:13
I've added a new appearance date for the Vincennes
Genealogical Society meeting in August. I'm looking
forward to it.
Indiana Historical Society
April 20, 2006 - 20:14
I've added an update of my April 19 appearance at the
Indiana Historical Society. It is under the 2006 Diary of Events button (click
April). Traveling seven hours round-trip is a bit
of a sacrifice, but it gave me the opportunity to
do some research as well as speak to a group from
Indianapolis. In all, well worth it.
New Book on Camp Morton
April 17, 2006 - 16:28
No sooner had I published my book review on
Camp Morton 1861-1865:
Indianapolis Prison Camp than the first
new, full-length work on Camp Morton in fifty years was
announced. The irony of it all! Anyway, I'll pick up a
copy of the new Den of
Misery: Indiana's Civil War Prison, by
James R. Hall. In the future, I may issue a little
blurb as an attachment to my Camp Morton review.
Camp Morton Book Review Posted
April 14, 2006 - 19:51
I posted my second quarter book review of Camp Morton 1861-1865: Indianapolis
Prison Camp. Camp Morton was another
of those subjects about which I knew very little.
The book painted an informative picture in a
fast-paced, story-telling style. I recommend it.
Tri-State Genealogical Society Dinner Meeting
April 12, 2006 - 19:29
I added some comments about the great time I had with
the Tri-State Genealogical Society at their annual
dinner meeting. It was a wonderful night with an
interesting group of people. Stay tuned next week as
I'll be posting my second quarter book review on
Camp Morton
1861-1865.
New email address
April 04, 2006 - 18:25
I'm phasing in a new email address:
ray@thunderfromaclearsky.com
Southwest Indiana Book Expo
April 02, 2006 - 07:56
I added some new entries into the 2006 Diary of Events including my
appearance as a book vendor at the Southwest
Indiana Book Expo. It was a great event and the
book did very well. The Warrick County Museum can
be proud of the efforts of everyone involved in
the event.
I also added my new selected book review for the first quarter of 2007- Slaves, Salt, Sex & Mr. Crenshaw; The Real Story of the Old Slave House and America's Reverse Underground Railroad, by Jon Musgrave. Although most all of my reviews will be about books dealing with the Civil War experience of Indiana and Kentucky, I'm making an exception for this fine book on slavery in Illinois.
I also added my new selected book review for the first quarter of 2007- Slaves, Salt, Sex & Mr. Crenshaw; The Real Story of the Old Slave House and America's Reverse Underground Railroad, by Jon Musgrave. Although most all of my reviews will be about books dealing with the Civil War experience of Indiana and Kentucky, I'm making an exception for this fine book on slavery in Illinois.
Evansville Courier & Press Article
March 31, 2006 - 08:42
There was a nice article on Thunder From a Clear
Sky in the March 30 Evansville
Courier & Press in association with
the Southwest Indiana Book Expo coming up tomorrow. It
was on page B3 of the Local and Regional News section.
Stay tuned for my blog entry after the book expo.
Calhoun United Daughters of the Confederacy
March 31, 2006 - 08:39
I added a summary of my appearance at the Calhoun UDC on
March 23, 2006. It was my first appearance of 2006
and I absolutely enjoyed myself.
Camp Nelson .pdf Posted
March 09, 2006 - 21:12
I posted a .pdf file of my Camp Nelson book
review and interview with author Richard Sears. If you
want to download it for your own personal use just
click the .pdf link at the top of the page.
New Website Banner
March 07, 2006 - 18:02
I like to change the header on my website. I've got
dozens of designs so whenever I get tired of a design I
drop a new one in. Enjoy!
New Appearance Date- Newburgh Sunday Book Club
March 01, 2006 - 17:02
I added a July 9 date to my appearance schedule for the
Newburgh Library Sunday Book Club. This will be my
first book club appearance in Newburgh. I've been to
book clubs in Evansville and will be working with the
Henderson Library on my big September project- but, up
until now, not in Newburgh. I look forward to it.
Evansville Courier & Press Book Review of "Thunder From a Clear Sky"
February 26, 2006 - 17:19
I just included today's Evansville Courier &
Press Book Review of Thunder From a Clear
Sky on my Praise page. Pam Locker from the
Evansville-Vanderburgh Public Library system did a
special feature on books dealing with the history of
Southern Indiana and included Thunder in her
round-up. I'm grateful that Pam liked the book. As Pam
notes, the story of the Newburgh raid was deadly
serious business, but also had its share of undeniably
ironic moments. Check out the website Praise button to
learn more.
Camp Nelson Book Review Posted
February 25, 2006 - 01:06
I posted my review of Dr. Richard Sears' Camp Nelson, Kentucky: A Civil War
History today. This is several days early,
but next week will be a busy week for me and I had the
time now. Dr. Sears was very kind to answer a few
questions for me to add to the review. Camp Nelson is an
excellent book, the product of a decade in the making.
Being unfamiliar with Camp Nelson's history, almost
every word was new information to me. It has greatly
broadened my understanding of the Civil War experience
in Kentucky. See my review for the whole story under
the "My CW Book Reviews" button.
Re-Launch
February 19, 2006 - 10:19
Thunderfromaclearsky.com was re-launched yesterday
after 10 weeks of thought, learning, and redesign. Just
yesterday, I received 136 hits to the site which tells
me that most everyone I sent a note to looked at the
page. That's great news. I'm taking a rest this coming
week. Starting in March I'll be preparing for my 2006
appearance schedule. Once things start, I'll be busy
right through Christmas. March 1st, I post my first
Civil War book review.
Revisions
February 17, 2006 - 18:23
My method is to tinker with things. I've made dozens of
subtle changes since the basic page went up a week ago.
Many of the changes are behind the scenes-metatags,
page titles, etc. Don also found some photos from the
Sturgis bookfair in October, 2005, and I've added a
shot from that outing. Tonight I'll write the
introductory letter for the website re-launch and send
it out tomorrow. I'm sure many people will be on the
internet this holiday weekend.
Done!
February 12, 2006 - 14:32
The website is done. I've had a website since last
April using Yahoo's Sitebuilder. Sitebuilder is good,
but without me knowing HTML I don't think it served be
well. I've struggled with Rapidweaver for a good two
weeks. Using a template, I suppose you could throw up a
simple website in one day with the program. But if you
want to do different things (change the headline
banner, include links under the button bar, format
things as you want), it will take some investment. Now
that I've spend tons of time on the RW forum, and have
learned a great deal, I think I will enjoy how quickly
I can update it as I want. If you have a mac, I can
recommend it. On February 22, I will be issuing an
email to everyone I know announcing the re-launch of
the Thunder From a
Clear Sky website. I'll be issuing major
updates to the site during the next three months-
adding several audio files of my radio interviews, my
upcoming book review, and other news as it happens.
Star Book
February 11, 2006 - 10:01
I received the exciting news yesterday that
Thunder From a Clear
Sky has been accepted into the iUniverse
Star Book program. This means that the book will be
fully returnable for retailers. I'm not excited that
the book is returnable, I'm excited that retailers who
have a policy of only dealing with returnable books
will now willingly stock the book. For example,
Books-a-Million only stocks books that are returnable.
It also means that the book will receive a thorough
once over from the publisher, cleaning up any loose
ends and possibly getting a new look. It will also be
offered to Barnes & Noble stores nationwide for
on-shelf placement. In other words, not just a regional
book- now its national. I've put hundreds of hours into
this book, and getting this honor is a validation of
all the effort I've put in.
The website is now 90% finished. I have a few more details to see to. I'll also be generating additional pages for podcasts, interviews, etc. Looks like I'm on schedule for a February 22 re-release announcement.
The website is now 90% finished. I have a few more details to see to. I'll also be generating additional pages for podcasts, interviews, etc. Looks like I'm on schedule for a February 22 re-release announcement.
Trial Run
February 09, 2006 - 16:10
I'm loading a trial run of the site. There is still
much to do, but loading the site ahead of the official
re-launch allows me to check compatibility with other
operating systems and browsers. I work on a mac, but
80% of internet users are Internet Explorer Windows
users- so it needs to be checked. I also have a bunch
more design work to do over the next two weeks. I'm
still hoping for a big announcement on the 22nd
regarding the website.
New Website
January 28, 2006 - 22:05
I'm working on the new website for Thunder From a Clear
Sky. I liked using Yahoo's
Sitebuilder, but I have a mac for myself, and my family
has a PC. I switched to Rapidweaver. It's not as
flashy, but it updates easy and I want to put more
content on faster. I can also bring my laptop on the
road and add things to my website while they are fresh
in my mind. It's taken me all day, but I think I'm
close to finishing my first draft through the site.
However, I'm an inveterate tinkerer.