"Walk Through Town" with Jim Smith

We knew when we published yesterday that we would inadvertently omit a few long-time TimesDaily Forum posters who have recently been banned by the Shelton family, new owners of the Shoals' only daily newspaper. One of these was local author Jim Smith.

As Too Old to Care, Smith was a recent victim of TD Forum bannings and has not been able to find anyone at the TD to respond to his questions. If you're not familiar with Tuscumbia native Smith, he is the author of Walk Through Town.

Walk Through Town tells the story of a ten year-old paperboy in 1946 Tuscumbia. We've perused excerpts from Smith's account of life in post-war Tuscumbia, and it's truly a joy to read. You can purchase Walk Through Town at Coldwater Books in Tuscumbia or order a copy form Amazon Books for only $10.00--a small price to pay for such valuable memories.

*****

Apologies also to long-time TimesDaily Forum member DixieChick who was also a victim in the last round of bannings--banishments apparently meted out to any who would question why the current owners have eliminated the Private Message and Quote functions from their forum, all standard in other eve based software.

Shoalanda

Exclusive Interview with Author Debra Glass

Besides being a sometime contributor to this column, Debra Glass is an accomplished author and novelist. We had the opportunity to interview her on the release of two print books from noted e-publisher Ellora's Cave.

SS: You frequently use this area as a backdrop in your novels; are you a Shoals native?

DG: I was born in Florence and have lived here all my life. I attended both Wilson and Bradshaw and graduated from UNA with an MAed with emphasis in history.

SS: I know you started your career with a series of books on local ghosts; how many do you currently have in print?

DG: Currently, I have four regional ghost story collections.

SS: Any plans for another one?

DG: Not at this time. I am writing for two publishers and courting a third, but my romance novels deal with ghostly heroes.

SS: I know your romances have become your bread and butter. Where can we find your books, particularly Ellora's Cave?

DG: www..jasminejade.com and K's Cove in Elgin. You can also check with Books-A-Million and Cold Water Books; if they don't have them in stock, they can order them.

SS: How many do you have with Ellora's Cave, both electronic and print, and how many are scheduled for release?

DG: I have eight books with Ellora's Cave. Currently, two are print and all are available as E-books. I also have a print book with EC's sister publisher, The Lotus Circle, in their metaphysical line. You can take a look at www.thelotuscircle.com

SS: Now that you've joined the ranks of the famous, do people recognize you when they meet you in public?

DG: I get recognized a lot, mostly by people who have either been on my autumn ghost tours or have read my books.

SS: I understand your husband is a restauranteur. Tell us about your husband's eatery.

DG: Timm owns Pizza Marina on River Road. They have the best pizza, salads, and desserts in the Shoals area!

SS: Besides being a writer, you're also something of a scholar, right?

DG: I have a master's degree in education with an emphasis in history. My degree qualifies me to teach German and history in high school.

SS: I'm sure a lot of our readers would love to meet you--when and where is your next autograph party?

DG: I will be at the Romantic Times conference in Orlando April 22 - 26 and will be a panelist speaking about writing paranormal characters. I will also be signing my print books and downloads of my e books. I will be hosting an author's table at the Reader Appreciation Luncheon on May 2, in Huntsville. Also attending are Linda Howard, Beverly Barton, Rhonda Nelson, Vicki Lewis Thompson, and others. Check my website for details at www.debraglass.wordpress.com

SS: That's certainly a full schedule. I know you're constantly striving to grow as an author and as a person; where do you see yourself ten or twenty years down the road?

DG: While I love writing for EC and plan to stay with them, I would also like to write in the young adult genre for a New York publishing house.

I want to personally thank Debra for being so gracious. If you've never experienced her writing, I would suggest you start your collection of her works today. The Shoals is truly fortunate to have someone of her calibre calling it home.

Shoals Ghost Walk with Debra Glass

In case the pumpkins on every doorstep haven't given it away, Halloween is just around the corner. This autumnal holiday wouldn't be complete without Debra Glass's annual ghost walk.

This year Ms. Glass will be leading tours on October 24-25 and October 27-31. Tours begin at 7:30 p.m. and originate at Wilson Park. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, Debra is a consummate story-teller and provides a memorable experience for anyone from nine to ninety-nine.

I chose Debra Glass's Ghost Tour as my topic today in order to honor a special request; however, I've been aware of her collections of ghost stories and Romantic fiction for some time. Always best sellers in the Shoals, you can buy her work at Coldwater Books in Tuscumbia and K's Cove in Elgin.

When you see Debra, tell her Shoalanda said, "Boo!"


What's up with this: It seems a local candidate for state office is being opposed by numerous Shoals area defense attorneys. Look at it this way, guys--if she wins, you won't ever have to put up with her again.

October 20, 2008 - Meet Shoalanda Speaks

Beginning today, conservative political pundit Shoalanda Speaks will be discussing issues facing the Shoals area. While Ms. Speaks is a true Southern conservative, she will attempt to present all facets of the issues discussed herein. Please feel free to contact Shoalanda at Shoalanda.Speaks@gmail.com if you have any questions about the Shoals area, its politics, or noted citizens...or if you have an idea for future columns.

What better way to begin than with a toothy issue--that's right--the proposed Tuscumbia dog ordinance. That city has certainly been lax in its enforcement of current animal control laws. Perhaps Tuscumbia needs only to make a concerted effort to enforce the existing laws before enacting an ambiguous code that could be easily overturned. "Barking for no reason?" Sorry, guys--dogs don't bark for no reason. If the city feels it needs a stronger ordinance, I would suggest that it look to current laws in neighboring cities. Florence has long been adept at animal control without such draconian edicts. Spot and Rover don't need a maximum security prison--just a little guidance now and then.


Today's What's Up with This: Speaking of Tuscumbia, what local artist with the initials P.W. was recently escorted from Coldwater Books by local police?