I don't usually blatantly promote my books. But, with Halloween less than a week away, I thought I would mention the first book I wrote, HOLLERS FROM THE HOLLOWS. It's a family-friendly collection of ghost stories set primarily in DeKalb County, Alabama. There are 17 stories of haunts that are (mostly) true accounts - haunted houses, ancient cemeteries, historic buildings, phantom and UFO sightings.

Whether or not you believe in ghosts is up to you. I didn't until my mother, who is the most level-headed person I know, told me about her encounter with a woman who manifested in her bedroom late one night. Since then, I've been open to the possibility that people see "something" that may or may not be out of the ordinary. I captured a ghost on film. Antebellum Annie was seen in an upper window at the old courthouse in the Lebanon community. When I started asking around, people began to share their stories with me. The result was my first book. The stories have been compared to those penned by the late great Kathryn Tucker Windham. 

The stories are popular. Last week I sold out of all I had on hand at Colorfest. If I had had 50 copies with me, I probably could have sold every one of them. I've lost count of the number of times I've had to order additional copies. As long as they're selling, I'm happy. Folks have asked me if I plan to write another volume. I don't know; maybe. Perhaps I should. I don't put much stock in all the paranormal stuff, but it is fun to tell, or hear, a good ghost story - especially this time of year. Happy Halloween!        

It's true, many writers are introverts. Solitary people. The art of creating a story out of thin air takes concentration, and though many aspire to do it, only a fraction of those really take the leap of faith and pursue it. I mean all the way to the end. Starting a manuscript and then laying it aside does not count.

A lot of us who were shy as kids were very creative, and it's continued into our adult lives. So, we write. And as writers, we need readers. The goal of the professional writer is to reach as many people as we can. Here comes the shocker to many beginning writers: marketing is more complicated than writing, and takes A LOT of work. We have to get word out about our stories, or else who will know about them.Guess what? As handy as social media is, it is not the only means of reaching people. We have to get out there and actually speak to them in person. Media interviews, book signings, personal appearances are very social.

Writers also need other writers. There is much to learn, and one thing I know for absolute certain is the fact that I don't know everything. Writers' groups or clubs are excellent ways to network. We have to open up to strangers, pour our feelings out and be critiqued. This can be scary, but must be done. Who better to help with manuscripts than other writers?

I'm fortunate enough to have contacts who have lots of other contacts. Today, I spent the morning in a new writers club, and came away inspired. Strangers became friends, and I was able to edit for hours in the afternoon, strengthening a novel and short story. Yes, I worked alone this afternoon, but I need and want to work more with others. There is much to learn, but also much to give. I'm looking forward to the next writers club meeting. This will be so exciting, sharing the journey from concept to completion with writer friends.      

I spent the weekend relaxing. No work. Except for reading. Interacting with people. And of course, absorbing nature as I relaxed in the backyard. I'm in edit mode, what with my forthcoming novel taking up most of my time. I've even gone to taking a pad and pen with me to jot down thoughts as they occur. Inspiration is everywhere. That certain line, or way to describe something, could come from anyone or anything at any time. The thing I've learned is that I come far short of knowing everything. There will always be someone or something that is smarter than I am.

Observation is a great way to grow as a writer. I don't have to be surrounded by people all of the time. Something as simple as enjoying a sunset teaches me how to paint a scene that the reader can see in his or her mind's eye. The greatest literary works seem simple, but are incredibly complicated to produce. It takes time to write them.

Much like a tree takes time to grow, with roots and branches spreading out, the writer grows over time. Life is ever changing - hopefully for the better. But even in setbacks, like when a storm breaks off limbs, there are lessons. There are always ways to tweak and get better. The trouble with today is that most people don't want to take time to mature. Those who are willing to work, knowing their weaknesses and striving to strengthen them, are to me, the most successful.       

I recently received a letter from the Civil War Trust that was disturbing. According to a report from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, only 18 % of 8th graders in the United States scored at or above "proficient" in American history. 

That means that 82% have no appreciation for our country's history and its heroes. They do not care about preservation. This is a terrifying problem that needs to be resolved, and the answer is education.

History is more than boring names, dates and stats. It's about life. It's about real people. Real adventures. Real problems that were solved. Kids need to be exposed to history so that our country does not lose its identity - its history. Field trips need to be encouraged instead of put on the chopping block during state budget crises. Battlefields are where thousands of soldiers fought and died, and these sacred places hold a special power. Trips to these hallowed grounds inspire our future leaders. But, people will not preserve them if they do not care about them. 

Learning needs to be fun. Trips outside to sacred places should be encouraged. We need to keep history current. What better way than taking a child to a battlefield or historic place?

There is no cure for stupid. But ignorance can - and should - be corrected.