Healing Conversation

I spent the weekend with my cousin Terri and her husband Jim, aka Sophia and Greg Haynes in Painting The Invisible Man. It is the first time we have shared a holiday season together. I had the joy, too, of extended time with many of my cousins whom I haven't seen in years.

Of course, the conversation did eventually roll around to the book. I was thankful for the opportunity to talk face-to-face with my family about the writing and the research. About the tremendous emotional journey I had been on during the years it took me to write Painting The Invisible Man.

I learned that the story filled a huge void for my relatives. For the first time, we talked openly and honestly about the events surrounding my father's murder in 1976. And I learned, too, that many of them found healing and understanding as they read through the pages.

Healing Conversation

I spent the weekend with my cousin Terri and her husband Jim, aka Sophia and Greg Haynes in Painting The Invisible Man. It is the first time we have shared a holiday season together. I had the joy, too, of extended time with many of my cousins whom I haven't seen in years.

Of course, the conversation did eventually roll around to the book. I was thankful for the opportunity to talk face-to-face with my family about the writing and the research. About the tremendous emotional journey I had been on during the years it took me to write Painting The Invisible Man.

I learned that the story filled a huge void for my relatives. For the first time, we talked openly and honestly about the events surrounding my father's murder in 1976. And I learned, too, that many of them found healing and understanding as they read through the pages.

A Lot Of Help From My Friends...

Being a writer is solitary work. Selling books, however, takes a whole lot more than a village.

I'm sure by now my friends dread seeing an e-mail coming from me, especially with subject lines that read: "Would you help me..." or "Spread the word...." or "Upcoming event..."

As I weave my way along the road of self-promotion, I have relied heavily on my friends. And so far, no one has asked me to delete their name from my address book. That doesn't mean, though, that some aren't saving me from the shame and embarassment of that request by simply deleting my message upon sight.

Whatever...I am thankful for their continuing help and support. I am deeply grateful for their tireless efforts to spread the word...and truly touched by their willingness to buy books for friends rather them lend it out.

Thanks, my friends...please let me know what I can do for you...