Merida Johns

Thrilled with the new review of Blackhorse Road from Our Town Book Reviews: 

 

"A really nice read. What a picture of life in the 60's. This book deals with so many items, emotions really. From the moment I began to read about the true hardships, the real picture drawn by the people trying to immigrate I wanted to keep reading to see what happened. I wanted to see where this was going to lead. At first I thought the letters would create a back and forth kind of reading confusion. That didn't happen here. Everything centered around Luci in one way or another and the author seemed to be able to weave this story without any confusion, Even no hiccups to my reading which I thought surely would happen. This is an interesting book, suitable for all ages. "

 

https://www.ourtownbookreviews.com/2020/08/black-horse-road.html

10 Quotes To Live By are highlighted today on the book tour for my novel Blackhorse Road! Thank you to Joanne for giving me the opportunity to share these from the characters in the book to use as fuel to power up your week https://joanneguidoccio.com/2020/08/17/10-quotes-to-live-by/#comment-95839

Blackhorse Road just got its first Amazon review--5 stars!  Check it out on Amazon.

Was I ever excited about the pre-launch virtual parties for Blackhorse Road.  They sure lifted the web of mystery about the development of the novel!

 

I know that most readers of fiction aren't privy to the publication process—but they have a hunger for getting answers to questions about the story behind the story. And that's why I designed the pre-launch—to give readers at a peek at who the people are who made Blackhorse Road possible and to satisfy readers' curiosity by of things that are not usually disclosed about production.

 

Featured guests at the parties—Megan Shultz Grennan developmental editor, Kim Bookless, copyeditor, Pat Hertel, proofreader and copyeditor, and beta readers Marian, Sue, Carol, and Laurel—didn't hold back punches as they assisted me in unveiling the mystery of how a manuscript goes from the first draft to finished product.

 

The beta readers shared their insights into the story characters and their visceral responses that they had to portions of the novel.  Each of them fielded questions and told the audience how they came away with different lessons, thoughts, and yes, there were questions about some unresolved issues among the characters.  Perhaps there's a sequel in work?  

 

The audiences were not shy about asking questions either!

 

·        Why did you write the book?

·        What was the hardest part to cut out of the story?

·        How much research went into the story?

·        How much of the story comes from your own family, including ancestors?

·        Does the story touch on sensitive issues?

 

I have to say that the audience response has been overwhelming, and here is a sampling of comments:

·        "I haven't had any interactions with developmental editors before . . . so it was great to hear about Megan's role and see your manuscript examples. That was excellent," said one attendee.

·        "It was great to hear from your team and about the whole book process. Kudos to you for picking up the ball and scoring several touchdowns," said another.

 

My heart overflows with having such a great group of cheerleader.s 

 

The official virtual launch party for Blackhorse Road is scheduled for July 21, 2020, at 7:00 PM CT.  So, join the fun and registration visit www.MeridaJohnsAuthor.com.