A Twist of Tobacco

Order it here It's here.....the conclusion of the popular family saga of the Ownby family and their struggle for survival during the Civil War. "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." 2 Peter 3:13 A family is like A Twist of Tobacco, layered, folded and twisted until each leaf becomes inseparable. Years of planning and treacherous journeys by wagon and exhausting railroad car, finally aid Watt and Lizzie in fulfilling their fathers' dream of settling the family in North Texas . But, does Texas hold the promise of security and prosperity for the ever increasing Ownby clan? Based on family stories and traditions and backed by years of research. Heaven's Promise (The Final Twist)

I was honored to be invited to participate in IndieVengence Day 2016, celebrating the Independent Author Movement. This event presents the Indie Author to readers so they can personally meet the author and the author can sign their books and announce works in progress. Half-Price Books in Frisco, Texas was this years host and our gracious hostess, Mgr. Rekha Burns was most helpful and ...well...gracious. Coordinator Amber Jerome-Norrgard (a published and accomplished poet as well as CEO of 629 Publishing) tackled the enormous task of herding seven (7) creative (and crazy) souls into one space for two days. I'm told it's a lot like herding chickens, and I must say she did excellent job. The other spotlighted authors (everyone of them independently published) were: Yours truly, Rita Ownby Holcomb James William Peercy Jacqueline Smith Ben Ditmars John M. Moody Susie Clevenger Melissa Zaroski Paula Walker Baker   (Paula was ill and couldn't make it b...

Photo taken on my first ever Genealogy Research Excursion in July of 2000. Darrell and I went to Knoxville for a Brabson family reunion (my mother's side of th e family), but stopped in Nashville to meet these two wonderful gentlemen. Knox Ownby on the left is William Peyton Winstead is on the right. The irony and fun fact is these two attended the same church and had known each other for years. Although not kin to each other they were both kin to me. Darrell and I walked into the JoJo's where we had arranged to meet and the place was empty. We spotted two men sitting in a sunny corner booth and Darrell and I just looked at each other and headed that direction. The resembled two of my uncles and as the afternoon progressed the familiarity increased. Their personalities were the same also. It was Love at first sight. Bill left us in 2011 and Knox's health is failing but I am forever thankful that I knew both of these fine gentlemen.

I met with a distant cousin yesterday who had some interesting information for me.  (Incidentally I had a couple of surprises for me.)  First but not least in the info was a transcription of The Tennessee Civil War Veterans Questionnaire, Confederate Soldiers compiled by Gustaus W. Dyer and John Trotwood.  They sent the questionnaire to both Confederate and Union soldier and compiled the study around 1920. I found the questions condescending and the answers very enlightening. (misspellings are as originally written) These excerpt were from the form filled out by Samuel Mortimer Ownby, Woodbury, TN. State your full name.   Samuel Mortimore Ownby. State your age.   76 In what state and county were you born.?   Tenn. Marshall Co Were you confederate or federal soldier? Confederate Name of your company: Company I Reg 14 nixon's Cavlary What was the occupation of your father? Farming Give full name of your father.   Ely Cr...

I received the sweetest letter yesterday from the kids at the Parkside Baptist Churches summer camp program. I had presented a program on antebellum dress during their lunch period.  They were engaged and curious and we had so much fun as I stood there in 14 layers of clothing while they were all wearing shorts and t-shirts  LOL Even the boys enjoyed the program.  One youngster texted his mother and said, "We're watching a lady take her clothes off."   As Art Linkletter said "Kids say the darnedest things!"

When you are one of many at a convention, Sales show or multi book signing you want something to grab the casual lookers attention. But ... it also needs to relate to your product. In my case, these days that product is my book series "A Twist of Tobacco"  . Last week I spent four days at the Sons of Confederate Veterans National Reunion and knew that I would be competing for the attention of the attendees. There were antique arms dealers, reenactment clothing dealers, and more books about the civil war than you could shake a stick at. I really needed something to draw attention to my fact based historical novel. Here's what I came up with.... Of course the eye catcher is the red white and blue quilt which was made by my great-grandmother who is also featured in my book series. Then people notice the display board. It contains photos of my ancestors; newspaper clipping of thre brothers who fought for the confederacy in the Civil War; The United Daughters of the C...

During the 2016 SCV National Reunion held in Richardson, Tx last week, I offered a drawing for a free copy of "Heaven's Promise-A Final Twist" which is scheduled to be released in November. The drawing was held at 1:00 Saturday afternoon. DRUM ROLL PLEASE............... And  The  Winner is Roy D. King  of  Rogersville, Tennessee