Gone With the Wind Published 72 Years Ago Today

72 years ago today one of the most loved novels of all time was published, "Gone With the Wind". The book was my favorite kind of book, many pages with a story that I never wanted to end. I have watched the movie more times than I can count, living vicariously the trials faced by Scarlett O'Hara during the Civil War era on her Plantation in the beautiful south.

I remember thinking her statement, repeated often throughout the movie and book when flustered by a problem she could not solve. "oh, I'll think about this tomorrow" such a wise thing...perhaps this is why I am a master procrastinator - LOL! Of course there were her self-serving relationships with men, and her famous romantic relationship with Rhett Butler, played by the dashing Clark Gable in the movie. Even as I type this, I'm wanting to pull out my old video cassettes (no, haven't purchased it on DVD yet) or better yet, my old copy of the book, and read it again.

Margaret Mitchell started the book while she was recovering from an injury and had little else to occupy her time, except to be inspired by the stories she had heard while growing up, so she began typing, and the rest is history. I'm sure that is one injury that she was thankful for in the end!

The book and DVD are available below. The DVD set is the more economical 2 DVD set, there is also a deluxe edition with 4 DVD's, just do a search for Gone With the Wind in the DVD category, and you'll find it if you want the more expensive edition.

Book Fairs and Trade Shows

Book Fairs and Trade Shows may be a great way for writers and authors to promote their books. This depends upon what format is being used, but what better place to be than where readers are gathered?

While browsing the internet I found that the Library of Congress has a page dedicated to Book Fairs, with many that are available throughout the US. While the term "Book Fair" is more commonly used, you will also find a lot of resources by searching for "Book Trade Show".

Maybe you are someone interested in being part of a fair or trade show to promote your book store, or need a ways to display your book at a show if you are an author. In this case you may be more interested in finding a trade show display company to get ideas. There are many ways to promote yourself and what you have to offer by using displays that can range from simple, to very elaborate, depending upon your taste.

I am going to take a look at what fairs are in my area of NJ, and take a look at the trade show display company to see what ideas they inspire.

The weather is warmer in many parts of the country, making for more outdoor fairs, so find out what is in your area, and enjoy!

Tracking Service for Authors and Writers

Have you ever wanted to track your book rankings and reviews on either Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble?

I was made aware of a site called "Books and Writers" which provides hourly, daily or weekly updates with charts and more.  If a review is posted about your book, you receive an email letting you know.

There is a reasonable price, well worth it for a writer or anyone who wants to keep track of one or many books.  Visit the site for more information, I received no compensation for sharing this with you, just found the site to be interesting.

Out Soon, "Just Chris" (Book Review)

I just read some good news from a from a friend who's wonderful son is quite the accomplished author, and has a book coming out very soon. It has already been reviewed, and I'm sharing that review below. As soon as it's available, I'll have the information here. You may also be able to keep up with progress by visiting his Mom's site.

Just Chris
By: Christopher Shiveley Welch
Publisher: Saga Books
It isn't often that I am privileged to review a book written by a youth and I was very honored to be asked to review, his latest book. "Just Chris," is a work that will capture your heart, and certainly give you more than the title implies. In this book you will meet Christopher Shiveley Welch, who is one remarkable young boy. Christopher came into this world with physical problems, born to a mom who just was not able to care for this new soul. However, there was a couple who had been believing for the child of their heart, and as Christopher writes in his book, God gave him to them.

Christopher takes us on his journey from settling into his new home to his present time. He opens his heart to the reader. He tells of the love that covered him, the struggles he encountered in his schooling, the pain of his many surgeries to make him acceptable in the eyes of our society, and life in general. Chris speaks of friendships, mentors in his life, emotional struggles and miraculous victories. His story is simple, but complex. It is heart tugging and at times amusing, yet always laced with innocence and truth. I liked that.

I believe after reading his story there were several things impressed upon me. One, Chris is a young boy who faced many insurmountable obstacles in life, but through each one he found new hope, and determination to continue on. If I was watching this unfold in a movie, there certainly would have been times that I would have given him a standing ovation.

I also feel that he knows how special he is. He understands that every person comes from the heart of God and has their own purpose on this earth. No one is a throw away person, and because of his wonderful upbringing, and what he has already overcome, he sees the world and those in it as very special. That in itself is a rare gift.

"Just Chris," is more than a boy telling of his life. It is a story that surely will bring encouragement to many who face challenges, feel worthless due to some physical handicap, or face rejection in anyway. It is a story of hope, courage and steadfast love. I believe Christopher has an exciting life ahead of him, and he will fly to heights that even he cannot imagine at this time. A great read, from a great young man.

Shirley Johnson
Senior Reviewer
MidWest Book Review