Friday, September 5, 2008

First Chapter Posted


Over on the Six LDS Writers and a Frog Blog, David Woolley expressed how difficult he finds plugging his own book to be. He went on to very cleverly paint an intriguing picture of Day of Remembrance. I share his sentiments about self-advertising, only I don't know any cute and clever way to overcome my reluctance to urge people to go out and buy The Ruby. Those of you who have been following this series are aware that the first book, The Bracelet, told the story of a young Regency era woman who sought to overcome betrayal and fear by stealing gems that she used to make up a priceless bracelet, only to discover her greatest treasure and source of protection didn't lie in glittering jewels. The second book, The Emerald, told the story of an emigrant fleeing injustice with her two small children, the discovery of a fortune in jewels, and the sacrifices she must make to reach the Rocky Mountain stronghold of the Saints. The Topaz picks up the story of one gem and a woman who didn't go West. The Ruby will finish the story as viewed by the daughter of one of the mobsters who attacked and murdered the Nauvoo Saints. Charlie Mae begins the story as an eleven-year-old child, a little girl who lives a hard life, and becomes a woman on a mule-drawn freight train headed for the California gold fields. This is a story of personal strength and a will to find a better life. It's a story of courage, back-breaking work, compassion, and more than one kind of love.
If you'd like to read the first chapter of The Ruby, it is now posted on my web page at http://www.jennielhansen.com/ The book is scheduled to be released early in October and will be available at most LDS bookstores, some mainstream bookstores, and is available for advance orders through Deseret Book.

9 comments:

MaryJo said...

Yeah!!! Can't wait to read it.

Sharon said...

Yippee!

David G. Woolley said...

Reluctant? For sure. Clever picture, not so sure about that one, Jennie.

I do have a suggestion, however. I was just over at your website. I enjoyed your first chapter. Well done as usual. And I think you need to draw more people to your site and I have a good idea.

One of your other talents, in addition to being a talented novelist, is writing reviews. Why don't you either begin an archive of all your reviews on your webstie or here at this blog or start another blog with links to your website and blog. I think a lot of people would enjoy coming to read your reviews and also end up reading your writing.

You would provide a huge service to so many. All the authors in the LDS market would be linking to your site and encouraging people to click over. And you would end up getting lots of readers because of it.

Just a thought....

Thanks for everything.

David G. Woolley

David G. Woolley said...

Never mind. I found the link. I'm such a goof.

David G. Woolley

David G. Woolley said...

So. Have you had any time to read Day of Remembrance? Or are you swamped with books and just trying to dig your self out?

David G. Woolley

Tara said...

I love your blog! When I looked on it yesterday there was a cute little book shelf with your books on it and it's not there today. I wanted to add one to my blog. I wondered if you might tell me where you got it. Thanks, Tara Freeman

Jennie said...

David, my daughter has tried to keep my reviews posted on my website for the past couple of years. You can link between the web site and the blog.

Tara, There's a funny little glitch that lets you see the bookshelf when you log directly onto my blog, but leaves it off when you access the blog from the web site. My daughter has tried to fix it, but so far no luck. If you join Shelfari you can link to your own bookcase. I'll send you an invitation after I get back home. Right now I'm in Washington D.C. helping my daughter and son-in-law make the move from the Army (Andrews AFB) to civilian life, back in SLC. He was wounded in Iraq two years ago and has been under care at Walter Reed since, but is now getting a medical discharge.

Tara said...

I can't wait to see the Christmas book!!! I really enjoyed the first chapter of The Ruby! I can't wait until the 1st!

Unknown said...

I am SO excited! I read the first chapter and LOVED it, I've decided to reread the other 3 books while I wait! GREAT!