{"id":185,"date":"2018-12-31T11:06:36","date_gmt":"2018-12-31T11:06:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wordpress.etypegoogle10.com\/?p=185"},"modified":"2018-12-31T11:06:36","modified_gmt":"2018-12-31T11:06:36","slug":"lone-star-reviewsmichelle-newby-nbcc-4","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wordpress.etypegoogle10.com\/?p=185","title":{"rendered":"Lone Star ReviewsMichelle Newby, NBCC,"},"content":{"rendered":"
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<\/span><\/span>Lone Star Reviews<\/span>Michelle Newby, NBCC,<\/span><\/h1>\n<\/div>\n

Contributing Editor<\/span><\/h1>\n
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<\/span><\/span><\/span>Texas Reads<\/span>Glenn Dromgoole<\/span><\/h1>\n

>> archive<\/span><\/a><\/span>Willie Nelson says<\/span><\/h1>\n

“It\u2019s a long story”<\/h1>\n

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Willie Nelson<\/span> begins his 375-page autobiography with \u201cThe End\u201d and ends it with \u201cThe Beginning,\u201d and in between there is certainly plenty of straight talk about the various ups and downs and highlights and sidelights of his fascinating life.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a Long Story: My Life<\/span><\/a><\/span> (Little Brown, $30 hardcover) is at least the third book about Willie (and the second by Willie) to hit the shelves in the last five years.<\/p>\n

Joe Nick Patoski<\/span> penned the award-winning biography Willie Nelson: An Epic Life<\/span><\/a><\/span> in 2008, and Willie came out with the raucous Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die: Musings from the Road<\/span><\/a><\/span> in 2012.<\/p>\n

This new book is Willie\u2019s own story, from end to beginning, told in Willie\u2019s own language, with help from co-author David Ritz.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy head is filled with memories,\u201d Willie writes, \u201cand my heart, while filled with love, also retains the memories of loss and hurt. \u201cMemories remind us that every moment of our lives, even the most tragic, have contributed to our strength. We\u2019ve gotten through. We\u2019re still here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Indeed, Willie is still here and still going strong at 82. If you like Willie, you\u2019ll love his story.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

Former Houston Astros pitching ace J. R. Richard<\/span> writes his compelling life story in Still Throwing Heat: Strikeouts, the Streets, and a Second Chance<\/span><\/a><\/span> (Triumph Books, $25.95 hardcover).<\/p>\n

With co-author Lew Freedman,<\/span> Richard tells how he was at the top of his game at age thirty in 1980. At 6\u20198\u201d and 220 pounds, he was an intimidating presence on the pitching mound, racking up back-to-back 300-strikeout seasons and starting the 1980 All-Star game for the National League.<\/a><\/p>\n

But on July 30, 1980, he suffered a stroke, and his life would never be the same. After several comeback attempts, he found himself out of baseball, unsuccessful at jobs, marriage, and investments, broke, depressed, and eventually homeless, living under a bridge in Houston. Friends rallied around him and helped get him back on his feet. He worked with the homeless, became the associate pastor of a church, married his third wife, Lula, and got back in touch with baseball through the Senior League and personal appearances with the Astros.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

All About Cars: Richard Rawlings,<\/span> star of the popular Fast N\u2019 Loud<\/span> automotive restoration series on the Discovery Channel, has written a book about his life with cars \u2014 Fast N\u2019 Loud: Blood Sweat and Beers<\/span><\/a><\/span> (William Morrow, $25.99 hardcover).<\/p>\n

Co-authored with Mark Dagostino,<\/span> the book is divided into three parts: Rawlings\u2019s \u201cauto\u201d biography; a behind-the-scenes look at his TV show; and a how-to section on restoring and reselling \u2014 or flipping \u2014 cars. Rawlings, a native of Fort Worth, is owner of the hot rod shop Gas Monkey Garage and the spin-off Gas Monkey Bar N\u2019 Grill, both in Dallas.<\/p>\n

* * * * *<\/p>\n

Glenn Dromgoole<\/span> is co-author of 101 Essential Texas Books.<\/span><\/a><\/span> Contact him at g.dromgoole@suddenlink.net.<\/p>\n

>> <\/span>Check out his previous
Texas Reads columns in Lone Star Lit<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h1>\n

Border Ghosts weaves interwined tales of immigration and imprisonment<\/h1>\n

Review by Manning Wolfe<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span>Fiction (Crime)<\/p>\n

Elizabeth A. Garcia<\/p>\n

Border Ghosts<\/p>\n

Houston:\u00a0 Iron Mountain Press<\/p>\n

Paperback, 978-0-9905259-9-8<\/p>\n

306 pgs., $16.95<\/p>\n

Elizabeth A. Garcia\u2019s<\/span> Border Ghosts<\/span> begins with her heroine, Deputy Sheriff Margarita Ricos, recovering from a broken heart and career woes in Terlingua, Texas. Margarita\u2019s birth father, Zeke Pacheco, a Texas Ranger from Dallas, entices her to spend a week with him solving the mystery of a young man who may be falsely imprisoned for the murder of his wife and two children. \u201cMy father had thrown me a lifeline,\u201d Margarita muses, \u201cand even with a broken heart and a head full of dark thoughts, I knew enough to grab it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Margarita leaves her beautiful desert land for Dallas, where she is confronted with lies and cover-ups by those who have been quick to accuse the imprisoned young man. Or, are they right about him? Found covered in blood, jealous of an affair his wife was having (and having struck her before, according to police reports), the man\u2019s a likely suspect. Margarita is challenged to unravel the chain of events and put to rest his guilt or innocence once and for all.\u00a0 >>READ MORE<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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2015 YOUNG ADULT READING <\/span><\/a><\/span>>>more<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h1>\n

Texas Young Adult literature topical, edgy<\/h1>\n

sponsored by Half Price Books<\/h1>\n

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The fastest-growing category in trade books in 2014 nationwide was Children\u2019s\/Young Adult,<\/span> in which sales rose 20.9% and units increased 13.5%. Much of the popularity with youth literature\u2014especially YA, or \u201cyalit,\u201d as it\u2019s come to be called\u2014is that the teenager, parent, and even the grandparent can all read and enjoy the same books. According to Bowker the majority of YA books are bought by adults.<\/p>\n

YA novels continue to tackle very adult topics and somewhat edgy ones, and Texas authors in the genre don\u2019t shy away from bold plot lines. Here are our picks for summer reads of Texas Young Adult authors and their recent and notable books. >>READ MORE<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

PLUS check out our June 7 special section on children’s summer reading <\/span>\u00a0 >>READ MORE<\/a><\/span><\/h1>\n

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<\/span><\/span><\/span>LONE STAR LISTENS <\/span>interviews\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>>> archive<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h1>\n

John R. Erickson on the discipline of writing, the world of publishing, and (of course) dogs<\/h1>\n

John R. Erickson has provided life lessons and laughter<\/span> for a generation of Texas children\u2014and adults\u2014 through the antics and insights of his character Hank the Cowdog. Erickson\u2019s long-running series of children’s books (illustrated by <\/span>Gerald L. Holmes<\/span>) follows canine Hank, self-appointed “Head of Ranch Security.” In each book Hank and other characters must deal with events, issues, and mysteries that occur at their Texas Panhandle home, the M-Cross Ranch. Hank, and his pals have been a part of the life of Texas schoolchildren for more than four decades.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Months ago, when we were planning our editorial calendar for the year, we knew there was one author that we hoped to interview for our children\u2019s literature special section in the summer. But we tried to think how to convey the wit that Erickson has always displayed in Hank\u2019s musings, book after book. We finally came up with the idea to \u201cinterview Hank.\u201d Erickson was a good sport, and Hank \u201ctold all\u201d here in last week\u2019s issue via an email interview.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

This week, John Erickson graciously agreed to be interviewed by email as well.<\/p>\n

LONE STAR LITERARY LIFE: <\/span>John, when did you know you wanted to be a writer?<\/p>\n

JOHN R. ERICKSON: <\/span>I didn\u2019t do any writing until I was a senior in high school, when I discovered that I could write poetry. In college, I did well in courses that required essays and during my second year at Harvard Divinity School, I took a fiction writing course in the Yard. I was married then and started writing every day. Kris brought discipline and meaning into my life. So I guess the answer is that in 1967, I started thinking seriously about being a writer, even though I knew it wasn\u2019t an easy thing to do. >> READ MORE<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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Writespace Houston celebrates first year, launches Indiegogo campaign<\/h1>\n

Writespace Houston is throwing itself a birthday party<\/span>\u2014 a celebration of its first year. They\u2019ll have drinks, snacks, and other festivities Friday, June 26, at 7 p.m. at Silver Street Studios, 2000A Edwards #212, in Houston.<\/p>\n

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According to their social media invitation, \u201cWe\u2019ve seen writers come together and collaborate in new ways. We\u2019ve seen people who thought that they were just “dabbling” at writing become committed to putting writing first in their lives. Through the amazing support of the Houston literary community, we’ve been able to keep our doors open.\u201d Founded in April 2014, Writespace is seeking ways to grow, including an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign. >>READ MORE<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Fictionistas 2015: Taking down bad guys (and bad boys) June 14, Flagship Half Price Books<\/h1>\n

Plano-based Henery Press and Half Price Books are hosting Fictionistas 2015 on Sun., June 14, 1 to 3 pm at the Flagship Half Price Bookstore, 5803 E. Northwest Highway, Dallas. Join seven authors as they discuss (and laugh about) their adventures in writing fiction for women. From madcap mysteries to chick lit, this Henery Press roster of authors offers something for a wide range of readers.<\/p>\n

Appearing will be Gretchen Archer,<\/span> USA Today bestselling author of madcap crime capers; Susan M. Boyer,<\/span> USA Today bestselling author of Southern mysteries; Kendel Lynn, <\/span>Agatha Award Finalist, humorous mysteries; Julie Mulhern,<\/span> Golden Heart fiand nalist, historical mysteries; Diane Vallere,<\/span> Lefty Award finalist; mid-century modern mysteries; Nancy G. West,<\/span> Lefty Award finalist, Texas sleuthing.<\/p>\n

2015 WLT Writers and Editors Conference, Austin, coming up June 26-28<\/h1>\n

Special to Lone Star Literary Life by Noelle O\u2019Donnell<\/p>\n

Marketing\/Member Services Manager, Writers League of Texas<\/p>\n

The Writers\u2019 League of Texas offices are buzzing with excitement <\/span>about the fast approaching 2015 Agents & Editors Conference (Austin, June 26-28, 2015). We\u2019ve got some amazing programming in store (and lots of goodies arrive at our office every day, including these fab notebooks!).<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span>We feel<\/span><\/span> lucky to have such incredible keynote speakers this year. Edgar Award winner Meg Gardiner<\/span> (left), author of the thriller Phantom Instinct,<\/span> will deliver some inspiring words during the keynote luncheon. Corpus Christi native Bret Anthony Johnston<\/span> (right), author of the best-selling novel Remember Me Like This,<\/span> will share his insights both as a writer and as the head of an esteemed creative writing program, during the cocktail hour on Saturday.<\/p>\n

Arguably one of the biggest draws to our conference is the opportunity for participants to meet one-on-one with an agent or editor. An impressive list of faculty is lined up from top-tier literary agencies including Janklow & Nesbit, Brandt & Hochman, Folio Literary, and Inkwell, and also editors and speakers from major publishing houses, including Penguin Random House, Henry Holt, HarperCollins, and Scholastic.\u00a0 >> READ MORE<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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THE PRISON TRILOGY<\/p>\n

Observer: The Ronnie Lee and Jackie Bancroft Spencer Morgan Story, a tale of people, greed,<\/p>\n

envy, manipulation… even crime!<\/p>\n

Observer: The Colonel George Trofimoff Story, the tale of America’s highest ranking military officer<\/p>\n

convicted of spying.<\/p>\n

Observer: The Prison People; The Prison Experience<\/p>\n

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<\/span><\/span>Celebrate Abilene, the Storybook Capital of Texas, with Shannon exhibition through Sept. 25<\/span><\/h1>\n

For four years running, downtown Abilene has transformed into a childhood adventure, as the annual Children\u2019s Art & Literacy Festival (CALF) celebrates the work of children’s illustrated books. Through Sept. 25 the work of 2015 featured artist <\/span>David Shannon<\/span> (right), will be on display at the National Center for Children\u2019s Illustrated Literature in an exhibition titled “David Goes to the Museum.” Shannon is the author\/illustrator of <\/span>Duck on a Bike, No, David!<\/span> series, <\/span>Good Boy, Fergus!, A Bad Case of Stripes,<\/span> and more. The festival draws about 3,000 people each year from all over Texas and beyond. Learn more at <\/span>www.abilenecalf.com<\/span><\/a><\/span>>> LISTEN NOW (mp3)<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/span>WHERE IN TEXAS?<\/span><\/h1>\n

Don’t miss a reading or a good read! Sign up for our FREE weekly
e-newsletter<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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COMING IN JUNE: Bookish Texas Classifieds<\/h1>\n

Looking for a job, a designer, an editor, a publisher?<\/p>\n

Starting in June 2015, we’ll help you find them in our online classifieds section. If you’re interested in advertising for pennies a day, contact ads@LoneStarLiterary.com to run your listing here.<\/p>\n

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Texas Books Blogroll<\/h1>\n

Can\u2019t get enough Texas book news and views?<\/p>\n

Click through to read and follow these blogs:<\/p>\n

Have a book blog to add? Send us your link at info@LoneStarLiterary.com<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Lone Star Literary Life Facts and FAQs<\/span><\/h1>\n

\u2022 Editorial policies<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Review policies<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Advertising policies<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Event and resource list policies<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Lone Star Literary Archives<\/span><\/h1>\n

\u2022 Weekly issues<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Lone Star Listens Interviews<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Lone Star Book Reviews<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Texas Reads<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Events<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Announcement: LSLL Launches<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Lone Star ReviewsMichelle Newby, NBCC, Contributing Editor Texas ReadsGlenn Dromgoole >> archiveWillie Nelson says “It\u2019s a long story” Willie Nelson begins his 375-page autobiography with \u201cThe End\u201d and ends it with \u201cThe Beginning,\u201d and in between there is certainly plenty of straight talk about the various ups and downs and highlights and sidelights of his […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-185","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.etypegoogle10.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/185","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.etypegoogle10.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.etypegoogle10.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.etypegoogle10.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.etypegoogle10.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=185"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.etypegoogle10.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/185\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.etypegoogle10.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=185"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.etypegoogle10.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=185"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.etypegoogle10.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=185"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}