Book signing for Sheila Quinn novel
Sheila Quinn (Delony), who grew up in West Texas and formerly taught at Abilene Christian University, has written her first novel, So Long As It’s Wonderful. We will be hosting her for a book signing on Tuesday, July 16, from noon to 2 p.m.
The novel, set in Eastern New Mexico in the 1920s, focuses on a 16-year-old farm girl, Willie, who wants nothing more than to have her own spread as soon as she finishes high school. She’s the hardest worker on the farm, always striving for her father’s approval and respect.
Then comes a stranger, a hired hand on the farm, who fought in World War I, plays baseball, and reads Zane Grey novels in his spare time. He shares the novels with Willie — and changes her life. Their secret friendship flourishes, and when her father finds out…. well, let’s just say that’s not what he envisioned for his daughter.
The novel is based on a treasured family story involving the author’s great-grandmother.
Quinn, who lives now in Franklin, Tenn., was at Texas Star two years ago to sign copies of her first book, This Year, Lord: Teachers’ Prayers of Blessing, Liturgy, and Lament, a collection of more than 200 prayers for teachers to pray as they deal with daily expectations, challenges, opportunities, heartaches, frustrations, and triumphs.
Later this month, we’ll be having Abilenian Garner Roberts for a signing of his significant Texas biography, Bubba Ephriam: Black Texas Basketball Trailblazer. Ephriam, now in his eighties and living in Abilene, was the first African-American athlete to play in the previously all-white Texas high school basketball state tournament in Austin – in 1957. Roberts, accompanied by Mr. Ephriam, will be at Texas Star on Tuesday, July 30, from 1-3 p.m. More about that next week.
As we celebrate our 20th anniversary at Texas Star, one of the things that we’ve especially enjoyed through the years is having book signings for local and Texas authors. We’ve been privileged to welcome some of the state’s most popular literary figures — novelists Elmer Kelton, Jodie Thomas, Lisa Wingate, Charlie Russell; storytellers Carlton Stowers, Jay Moore, Bill Wright; politicians Kay Bailey Hutchison, Kinky Friedman, Beto O’Rourke; numerous children’s authors, including John Erickson (Hank the Cowdog) and Abilene’s own Penny Klostermann; sports authors; inspirational authors, and local authors celebrating their first book.
Speaking of Penny Klostermann, she has a new book coming out this fall, and we’ll be hosting her book launch on Tuesday, September 3. Watch for details.
Meanwhile, come by and visit with Sheila Quinn and pick up a copy of her fine, inspiring novel.
