Here's to You, Mr. Robinson

After a great deal of researching, I have finally had a breakthrough in the case of Joseph B. Robinson (my great-great grandfather).  This had been a stumbling block for me, as this family line ended so abruptly, while many others I've researched go much further back.  I knew the answer to Mr. Robinson's identity was right there in plain sight; I just needed a little more information and time to figure it out.

I won't go into detail regarding the many hours of digging I did or the many documents I combed through.  That's liable to put you to sleep.  However, I will share what I was able to discover through that diligent search.

Joseph B. Robinson was born on March 3, 1874, in Bridgeton, New Jersey.  His father was William V. Robinson (born circa 1840) -Updated-, and his mother was Josephine Busby (sometimes spelled Buzby).  William was "Overseer of the Road" for the 3^rd Ward of Bridgeton back in 1880, and he died sometime before 1920.

William & Josephine Robinson had 5 daughters and 1 other son besides Joseph:

Vermenta (b. December 28, 1869)

Mary J. (b. March 9, 1872) -Updated-

Maggie (b. 1877 /Died November 2, 1880)

Catherine (b. May 29, 1879)

Alma (b. December 1, 1885)

William V. Jr., (b. May 3, 1888)

All of Joseph's siblings were also born in Bridgeton, NJ.  I haven't discovered who any of the sisters married, but I did find that William Jr. married Emma C. Yost (b.1896 in NJ).  They had at least 2 sons and 2 daughters (all born in NJ):

Elizabeth (b. 1917)

Margaret (b. 1919)

William B. (b. 1923)

Charles R. (b. 1925)

Where they went from here remains a mystery, but I hope to learn more about the Robinson line as time goes by.  I'm now on a quest to find out who William V. Robinson's parents were, and I'm still doing more work on Josephine Busby's line (though I have already identified her father and many of her siblings; we'll discuss them in a future post).  Perhaps there are some other descendants out there who know more about the Robinsons in our family.  If so, I'd like to hear from them.

New Posting Schedule

Over the last month or so, my posting schedule has been a bit off.  While I've kept up with the Minstrel Monday posts, my Friday Musings have been off on occasion (mostly when West of the Warlock weekly updates were being posted).  Most of all, I haven't had time to write up a bunch of reviews, not while I'm working on completing The Curse of Selwood, and other various projects.  There will be more random reviews in the future, but it isn't fair to have the feature listed on the blog, so I've adjusted things.

You can see the new schedule to the right.  Minstrel Mondays are staying, as are Family Sunday columns.  Taking the place of Random Reviews are "Wednesday Sneak Peeks," which will highlight little bits of my various writings.  This will be something I am capable of supplying on a regular basis, even when I am booked up with other work.  Whenever I have a pertinent review to give, it can be placed on any old day, or take the place of my Friday post.

Be sure to return to the blog every Wednesday for a new look at my writing.

Tuesday Sneak Peek: The Curse of Selwood

I know a lot of you out there are eager to read more of my stories.  Whether you're fans of West of the Warlock, The Guns of Mars, or some of my earlier works, no doubt you wouldn't mind having a peek at more recent material.  While I can't throw out entire novels here, I will be posting little snippets from time to time, which should whet your appetites, and keep you more in the loop.

For our very first Sneak Peek, I'm pleased to share a couple of paragraphs from my forthcoming Fantasy Western, "The Curse of Selwood."  This novel is already under contract with Hall Brothers Entertainment, and will be appearing on their website next year (tentative schedule is for a May/June start date).  Keep in mind, this is raw text, unedited in the least.

Here goes, get ready for the first taste!

            The streets of Selwood were usually bustling on a Friday afternoon, but people are bound to run for cover when they hear gunshots.  Six loud rapports at uneven intervals cleared Main Street, as an inebriated elf came staggering through town.  He was fit to be tried over something even he wasn't sure about, though his motivations were not the law's concern.  The fact that he was threatening public safety warranted his arrest, though it was a job easier said than done.

            Joella Grimes-Talus ducked behind a hay cart as a bullet came her way.  The deputy badge pinned to her chest assigned her the responsibility to deal with this sort of unruly citizen, but it didn't mean she was prepared to die.  The cemetery was full of bold fools who took their jobs too seriously.  The survivors knew when to hide.

            Another bullet sank into the cart's side with a disconcerting thump.  "I see you hiding there," the drunk said with slurred speech.  "Come on out and face me like a man, human scum!"

            "I'm neither human nor a man," Joella replied from behind the cart.

That's about all I'm going to share of "The Curse of Selwood" before its official release date, but in the coming weeks I plan to post snippets from some of my other works.  Some are published, others have yet to see the light of day.  Either way, they're worth reading!

Blood in the Batter (Minstrel Mondays)

This past weekend has brought some serious progress on my latest novel, the sequel to "West of the Warlock."  Over two days, I managed to crank out 8,000 words for "The Curse of Selwood."  Of course, the next five days I probably won't get half that many words written, but I should still have this book finished by the end of the month.  Then it will be on to something completely different for National Novel Writing Month!

Here's a quirky thing I wrote many years ago.  Beware the red cookies!

Distinctive mistakes,

they are hidden

by the best

of all mankind.

Eighty years old,

grandmother of three,

prepares her heirs

a breakfast treat.

A simple thing,

whipping up batter,

for pancakes she's made

a million times before.

Seeking a spoon

deep in a drawer,

her hand strikes a knife,

the blade, a vein.

Pulling the hand

free from the drawer,

she rests it a second

over the meal.

a spray of red

soaks the batter,

spoiling the mixture

in the porcelain bowl.

Wrapping her hand,

too old and tired

to remake the mix,

she must act quick.

Stirring the blood

into the batter,

the white turns red,

a festive color.

The family marvels

at the beautified breakfast

as they sup upon

an unknown accident.

A year to the day,

grandma passes away,

taking with her to the grave

the secret of her recipe.

Family History Update: Ballinger & Henderson

In my ongoing ancestral research, I have uncovered some new cousins through both the Henderson and Ballinger lines.

Hendersons:

Where we left off:  In my Horde of Hendersons column, I listed the children of Robert B. Henderson and Joanna Brooks.  I'm pleased to announce that I've discovered more about Elizabeth Brooks "Lizzie" Henderson (b. September 15, 1876 /Died March 4, 1958).

Elizabeth married Thomas Mason Davis (b. May 27, 1872 in Salem, NJ /Died November 15, 1941) on November 26, 1896, and they had 10 children (generation 6):

Robert Wesley (b. June 27, 1898 /Died May 29, 1979)

Jonathan Bonham (b. April 20, 1900 /Died May 14, 1979)

Sanford Thomas (b. July 31, 1901 /Died August 16, 1901)

Bernice Whitaker (b. January 12, 1903 /Died August 24, 1948)

Mary Henderson (b. December 28, 1904 /Died September 18, 1999)

Lucy Fogg (b. November 3, 1906 /Died May 8, 1996)

Bessie Joanna (b. January 21, 1909 /Died November 13, 1983)

Julia Tomlinson (b. July 22, 1910 /Died November 25, 1982)

Ida Shimp (b. February 17, 1912 /Died February 10, 1981)

Mabel E. (b. 1918)

Robert Wesley Davis married Janet MacDonald Stopani (b. July 1, 1901 in Aberdeen, Scotland /Died July 22, 1969), and they had at least 1 daughter.

Jonathan Bonham Davis married Lucille Ellen Rainear (b. August 7, 1905 /Died May 13, 1982), and they had 5 daughters & 2 sons.

Bernice Whitaker Davis married Elwood S. Ayars (b. May 12, 1900 /Died February 8, 1979) on July 2, 1921, and they had the following children:

Ralph Edward (b. May 7, 1922 /Died 1978)

Ethel (b. 1923)

Arthur (b. 1926)

Kenneth R. (b. March 10, 1929 /Died July 3, 2002)

Mary Henderson Davis married Frank Marion Green (b. July 6, 1905 /Died August 11, 1963).  I don't know if they had any children.

Lucy Fogg Davis married Edward Richard Rainear (b. 1904), and they had 2 daughters & 1 son.

Bessie Joanna Davis married Charles Leonard Van Meter, and they had 2 sons.

Julia Tomlinson Davis married Charles James Heritage, and they had a son.

Ida Shimp Davis married Oliver Wallace Green (b March 1, 1911 /Died February 2, 1972) on March 1, 1932.  They had two sons and a daughter.

That's what I have been able to uncover thus far about this line of cousins.  Much of my knowledge about more recent generations is limited, as the closer you get to modern times, the less public information is readily available.  If you are able to add anything to this, I would welcome it.  Please, don't be afraid to contact me.

Ballinger:

The Ballinger update involves Harriet Ballinger, daughter of William Ballinger & Caroline Facemire.  Harriet is my first cousin five times removed.  I have recently uncovered that Harriet was married twice.

Harriett first married Edward S. Penton (b. August 12, 1855 in Elsinborough, NJ /Died August 5, 1893) on March 31, 1877.  They had at least 2 children:

A son (name not listed on birth certificate) born December 7, 1882.

Blanche Penton (b. June 4, 1886 /Died February 12, 1955), married Warren Saul Langley (b. May 19, 1884 /Died May 13, 1938).

After Edward's death, Harriett married John R. Reeves (b. November 1861 /Died after 1930) on November 11, 1894 in Millville, NJ.  John & Harriett had 2 children:

Frederick G. Reeves (b. November 15, 1899 /Died June 13, 1973 in Lakeland, Florida)

Edna P. Reeves (b. November 15, 1899)

I hope someone finds this data as interesting as I do.  I'm certain there are some living cousins out there who could use this information in their own ancestral searches.

On a concluding note, one thing I'm lacking from the Ballinger & Henderson lines is photographs.  It would be nice to find some eventually.

Forgotten Stash Uncovered!

I've been doing some sorting in my office recently, and last night I came across a bag containing several signed and numbered copies of Prisoner of Time!  I knew I'd left them somewhere, but my office is like a treasure trove of antiquities.  I have a good accounting of what's here, but sometimes things get put aside for months or years at a time.

Now that I've gotten them out of storage, it's time these final numbered copies found a good home.  Therefore, I'm selling them on a first come, first serve basis.  If you haven't purchased a copy of Prisoner of Time yet, or would like to be immortalized on my Lucky Thirteen page, then tell me here, so I can reserve one for you.  They're only $10.00 delivered to anywhere in the USA.  Most people spend more than that on takeout food on a regular basis, and this won't end up in your toilet (at least, I certainly hope not).

All of my books (except West of the Warlock) are available from my AuthorStore, but be sure to reserve your copy of a "Numbered" edition of Prisoner of Time here in this blog post.  There are only a handful of these still available, and once they're gone, I'll be back to selling plain copies.  Yes, an ordinary copy is well worth the investment, but a numbered copy, that's just special!

Get one of these numbered copies today.  You won't regret it.

Exploding Chocolate for Rosh Hashanah

Tonight it's Jewish New Year 5772, and it just so happens that I recently ran into something very fitting for the occasion.  Let me tell you about it.

I was shopping at Mardens the other day, and this unusual little chocolate bar leapt out at me.  It was "Milk Chocolate with Popping Candy."  I was intrigued, and looking at the package I discovered it was made in Israel.  Kosher chocolate with pop rocks?  Who could resist?!?  I snatched up several of these tasty beauties and I was not to be disappointed.

You'd be amazed at how delicious chocolate can be when it has little bits of popping candy mixed into it.  Really, you can't compare it to anything.  I encourage you to buy some of this stuff.  It's worth it!  The candy literally explodes in your mouth with fun and flavor.

You know this stuff has to be good.  It's manufactured under the supervision of the Nazareth-Illit Rabbinate.  That name just screams quality, doesn't it?  Buy a 12-pack today!

This chocolate gets 5 out of 5 stars!

Here Shall I Die Afloat (Minstrel Mondays)

I don't like to play the moody artist, but there are times I cannot deny my own bitter feelings.  While I can't say I am terribly unhappy, or that my life as it stands is awful, there are many times when I feel unfulfilled.  I don't know if I'll ever be satisfied with myself, short of becoming a millionaire writer, and that isn't because I have a huge lust for money.  It's because I feel that my purpose in life is to weave the stories that I do, and the point is lost if people aren't reading them.

Some may think that's romantic and others will consider it pathetic, but to be sure it is the way all great thinkers feel.  Those of us born with creative ambition have a need to excel, and influence the world with what we do.  If things had been a little different, and I'd chosen a different path, it might not be such a hard road to fulfillment, but this writer's life is all I've got.

The noose slips tightly

Around my waiting hand

Dangled in the sky from

A stray cirrus cloud

The release will kill me

If I ever seek to be free

Yet to remain in flight

The life slowly drains from

My body, as rope burns

Form around my wrist

As the blood flow weakens

The throbbing pain of ages

Reminds me I'm alive

But no satisfaction can be found

The strain of the line

Pulled taut by my aging bones

I know not what it means

To be light on my feet

They dangle down beneath

Where I'm afraid to tread

This world below, I see it all

Yet none of it sees me

And I know that forgotten dreams

Will never be out of reach

Even as the wrist noose

Keeps me from striving for the mark

Holds me in place to watch

The future drifting by

Leaving me to ponder when

The rope will break

And death awaits

When it comes to an end

Can we ever let go

Of our mortal shakes?

A Fallen Hero

This coming Tuesday marks the 68th anniversary of the death of a first cousin twice removed, so it seems only fitting that I post this column ahead of that date, to honor his memory.

Edward Franklin Nelson, Jr. was born in West Orange, New Jersey, circa 1917.  My knowledge of him is fairly limited, but what I do know about him makes me wish I knew more.  He was a 2nd Lieutenant in the 8th Army Air Force, and he was killed in action on September 27, 1943, fighting the Axis powers during World War II.

Here is a photograph of “Ned” Nelson Jr., all decked out in his officer’s uniform.

The back reads:  “Ned Jr. Nelson, son of Ned Nelson, who was killed in battle second world war—he was a bomber.”

Little information is available online about his service, though he is on the West Orange website’s “lest we forget” memorial page, which lists all of the servicemen from that township who died during the war.

Based on the date of his death, I suspect Ned Jr. may have participated in the bombing of Emden, Germany.  The historic, first US radar-led bombing raid took place on September 27, 1943, during which seven B-17’s and one P-47 were lost.  It is possible my cousin was aboard one of those planes.  Perhaps time will tell if that was the case.

West of the Warlock Q&A

On the night of September 15th, the West of the Warlock book release chat party was held.  It was a fun experience, and I got to converse with some of my fans.  The week leading up to the chat, the Hall Brothers asked for questions that they’d spring on me during the chat, and we had some good ones.  For those of you who didn’t have the chance to attend, I’m going to repost a few of the more memorable questions, and my answers to each.  Note that both questions and answers are a bit paraphrased & edited, as I don’t have a transcript of the evening’s chat.

Q: What was harder to write, the Fantasy elements or the Western elements?

A:  While both were fun to write, the Western elements seemed to take a little more effort.  Mood was also a factor, as some days I felt more like writing fantasy, but others where I was in more of a western state of mind.

Q: Do you think cross-genre stories are a passing fad or a lasting trend?

A: I am of the opinion that we’re due to see a lot more cross-genre blending in the future.  Keep in mind, Sci-Fi was once a “fad,” as were all the other genres that have arisen.  It’s hard to keep literature boxed up nice and neat, and more people are looking to broaden their horizons with new, different material.  I know there are people who can’t stand straight Westerns who enjoyed West of the Warlock, as there are people who abhor Fantasy but still enjoy the Fantasy Western.

Q: Who would you get to play Sheriff Doliber in the movie version?

A: I haven’t given it all that much thought, so spur of the moment I went with Nathan Fillion.  Really, he’s a great actor, and would do the role justice, though by the time West of the Warlock hits Hollywood, I think he may be too old.  If by chance it happens sooner rather than later, he’s booked up with Castle, at any rate.

Q: Who’s your favorite Wyatt Earp?

A: Kevin Costner is my personal pick.  Though the movie wasn’t completely accurate with the history, it was a good attempt at showing the whole life of the famous lawman.

There were a lot more questions asked, but these were some of the more interesting ones.  It was a really great experience, and I hope to do this again in the future with my next book release.

So, have any questions of your own to ask?

Writers Still Needed

There are still some empty slots in the "Fall into Autumn Shootout" writing contest.  I was hoping for a larger turnout, as previous competitions drew considerable interest.  This is the first one I'll personally be moderating, so I'd like it to go well, but I can't do that without enough willing participants.

I know some of you have other obligations, but surely you know other writers who might be interested.  So, do me a favor and share this link, and ask them if they'd like the chance to flex their creative muscles and have the chance to win cash and/or other prizes (to be announced).

These are really fun to do, and in the end each writer has a fistful of fresh stories to tout around the marketplace.  Spread the word, and let's get more people playing!

Fall into Autumn Shootout: sign-up here.

You Do A Review

(Parental Advisory: Begging)

Now that West of the Warlock has officially been published in print and kindle formats, it is time to spread the word.  Part of doing that involves getting reviews posted on Amazon.com.  A quick note from a reader, telling other potential readers about the book, helps to drive sales and get more people interested.  If nobody reviews a book, people automatically assume the book is no good and that it isn't worth reading.  However, when reviews start getting posted, people notice and are more inclined to give it a chance.

Please, if you've read the free episodes for West of the Warlock, go to Amazon.com here and post a review of it.  Yes, there is additional content in the book, but if you've read the freebies, you know enough about it to have an opinion on the overall product.  While you're at it, click a few of the tags for the book at Amazon, as well.  That'll help people with searches.

Yes, I'll go so far as to beg for your participation.  Please, if you never do anything else for me, do this little thing and let other people know about this book!  One review could make all the difference.  I wrote the book for you; you do the review for me.  Pleeeeezzzzzeeee!!!

There Will Be A-Shootin' (Minstrel Mondays)

Work on the sequel to West of the Warlock continues apace, and I’m pleased to give it a new name.  Henceforth, the sequel formerly known as Mystic Selwood shall be called “The Curse of Selwood.”  The source of this name-change will be apparent in the second chapter of the work, where the curse will be explained.

To celebrate the new title, here’s a little poem with hidden messages to tantalize and confound my fans!

The hangman stood

Ready at the switch

An angry mob

Cheering him on

Eager to see a thing stretch

No proof, no trial

It wasn’t deemed human

The accusation was murder

So death was the remedy

Protests ignored

The righteous woman cries

But none care to listen

Then the riders come

The valiant heroes

Back off the trail

Lawmen and outlaws

A myriad assorted crew

The sheriff stands tall

Tells them to desist

No matter what the Marshall

Or some drunken judge says

They’ll not let the innocent hang

Cutting the noose, the sheriff shouts

A bullet in his back

Treachery beyond belief

Claims him in broad daylight

The deputy shouts and unleashes lead

At the feet of the fleeing crowd.

Blood stains the gallows

As the greatest lawman

Leaks his vital fluids

He urges calm, says he’ll survive

Or so he wants to believe

Take him to the Doctor

To find a final verdict

And as the sheriff bleeds

The villain laughs

At the folly of fools

Who sought to slay him

They assured they never would