Description

(Illustration from The Orphan and His Golden Bars. That is Stonewall on the left who is directing Roger to stop the troops at Chancellorsville.)

I've been working on the cover for the sequel to The Orphan and the Beaten Drum. Below is the description I have so far. Drop me a line and let me know what you think.

The drummer boy returns in this poignant tale of the Confederacy’s last days. The army has just broken winter camp and is ready to fight. Back in the saddle, Roger Mills is now an officer on Stonewall’s staff, and his sister Jane is recruited into a Richmond hospital governed by an unusual Captain named Sally. On top of it all, Moss Neck hosts a charming wedding for two of Roger’s dearest friends, complete with music, dance, and baseball.

The South seems to stop her enemies at every contest. Yet, several crippling losses cause the army to slacken pace. After watching a slaughter at Gettysburg, Roger learns that his sister is deathly ill from her work at the hospital, and he is confronted with a heart-wrenching test of faith. Then, after a grueling winter when leaders are dead, supplies are down, and food is scarce, everyone knows their final chance is a last-ditch thrust into the enemy’s position. The lot falls to Roger and his corps. This is a story of faith and freedom; love and loyalty. It is the story of an orphan and his golden bars!

“I want to personally thank Bryce for undertaking such a noble project so that future generations will hear the stories of Pendleton and Jackson and their men. Also so that they will understand the true history of the men who wore the gray and fought for the South so long ago!” - W. Danny Honnoll, President of Arkansas Heritage Trails and Former Sons of Confederate Veterans Division Commander (from the Foreword).

Maynard, AR

It was "Book Character Day" on Tuesday, March 2. I arrived at Maynard Elementary about 1 o'clock and unpacked my gear. The kids were watching a Dr. Seuss video in the cafeteria in honor of the author's birthday. After setting up a table, I sat on the stage sipping a koolaid and watching a video about the Grinch. Not a bad start for the day. I began wondering if I could attend school there until they told me it wasn't always this fun.

I spoke to the K-6th graders. It was enjoyable to speak to this energetic and polite group of young people. When I asked them who liked to write, almost all of them raised their hands. Among the group, I was able to meet a few aspiring writers, including one girl who liked to write books and had been recognized by Williams Baptist College. I also had the opportunity to reunite with some friends who live in the area. My appreciation goes to the school, especially Melinda Harris the GT teacher, for inviting me out.

After I spoke, I left to check on a rental home we have in Pocahontas. I decided to burn a sizable pile of trash and branches that some renters left and that was becoming a real eye-sore. When a nearby tree started to catch fire, however, I decided it wasn't a good idea after all. It was tense moment, but I eventually tamed the fire. Yes, sir, it was a blessed day.