It Never Fails….

15 November 2007 by The General Published in: Civil War books and authors 9 comments

Well, it never fails.

Some of you might recall that I had breathlessly announced that the retreat book was not only finished, but that it had been submitted to the publisher, Ted Savas.

Last night, my friend Scott Mingus spoke to the Central Ohio Civil War Roundtable, and brought me a copy of his new book, Human Interest Stories of the Gettysburg Campaign, Vol. 2. Sure enough, while thumbing through the book last night, I found six really nifty items that ought to be included in the retreat book, as they really add to the story. So, today, I had to call Ted Savas and get permission to add stuff (Ted has already complained that the thing is too long), which he readily gave. So, now I have to add material to the book.

Just when I thought it was done, I get pulled back in……

Scridb filter

Comments

Paul Taylor

Thu 15th Nov 2007 at 9:04 pm
It never-ever fails! As I’ve joked before, the most sure-fire way to uncover previously unknown sources is to publicly declare your manuscript finished and submit it to the publisher! It’s gotta be a karma or the-stars-are-in-alignment thing…

Paul
Scott Mingus

Thu 15th Nov 2007 at 11:06 pm
Eric,

Glad to know that my little book was of value to you! While written with the tourist in mind, the Human Interest Stories series were drawn from a lot of obscure sources that I have uncovered over the years.

My best wishes for success with the retreat book!!

The Mad Wargamer
The General

Thu 15th Nov 2007 at 11:30 pm
Paul,

Indeed. It never seems to end. 🙂

Eric
The General

Thu 15th Nov 2007 at 11:31 pm
Scott,

There were six good items that I just finished adding in to the manuscript. They really added a lot to the story and I’m really glad that I was able to do so.

I look forward to volume 3.

Eric
Scott Mingus

Thu 15th Nov 2007 at 11:44 pm
Ironically, as I retired to my hotel room last night after the CWRT meeting, I found yet another story for Volume 3 in a CD of stuff given to me by the Adams County Historical Society (not retreat related, but still a neat story). The goal will be to have this third volume out in late 2008. If any of Eric’s readers have amusing, poignant, or emotionally stirring stories they want to share, they can contact me through my blog.
Jim Schmidt

Fri 16th Nov 2007 at 12:23 pm
Eric,

Gerard Patterson had a thoughtful essay in *Civil War News* a year or so ago called “The Historian’s Lament” that described just this sort of thing. I think it’s a universal challenge for writers who rely on original, unpublished, and archival material, as you do.

Keep up the great work,

Jim
Mark Snell

Fri 16th Nov 2007 at 3:19 pm
I have been waiting FOR YEARS to see the finished product, Eric. Now you go and disappoint me again. Didn’t I even write a dust-jacket endorsement for it so many long years ago? Will it be out by next spring?

Glad to see you went with Savas–the finished product will be top-notch.

Mark
Lanny Thomas Tanton

Sat 17th Nov 2007 at 11:22 am
Dear Eric,

I love your passion for this project. It will keep you fresh, young and turning out books that will be read 100 years from now. Congratulations. my friend! Now, you and J. D. go find some more items.

Best wishes always,
Lanny
J David Petruzzi

Sun 18th Nov 2007 at 10:41 pm
LOL Lanny, well – just a half hour ago I emailed Eric a couple more items that I found to add 🙂 I picked up a regimental this weekend while down in Gettysburg, and it had some great tidbits we didn’t have before. They’re being added in tonite…

We got pulled back in again!

(Our apologies to Ted Savas 🙂 )