Book Signing

Everyone is invited to attend a book signing of Martha’s Freedom Train by C. LaRene Hall at the Mayhew Cabin & with John Brown's Cave, at 2012 4th Corso, Nebraska City, Nebraska on Wednesday, July 21, 2010. She will also be at the local library during that day. Times will be announced later.

The Winner Is

This past weekend I attended the LUW Writers Conference at the Homestaed. I can tell you about some of the things I learned, but nothing takes the place of actually being there. Conferences like this and mingling with others in the same field give writers the incentive to keep trying.

On Friday evening, following the banquet, Richard Paul Evans, spoke to evryone there. He spoke about how powerful books are. They give us the power to look beyond. Every "major" change started with a book. Books change history. He encouraged us each to be true to our self, and write what matters to us. He also told us to take chances, and remember that failure is part of the process. All of us must pay the price.



On Saturday, I had a table set aside so I could sell my book, Martha's Freedom Train. If you bought one, I entered your name in a drawing for a gift bag. This afternoon I used a rnadom select devise to choose the winner. The winner is RONDA HENRICHSEN. I appreciate those people who supported me in this. Thanks and congratulations to Ronda.

The Party

My book launching party was a huge success. Both myself and the illustrator signed each book sold. Some friends came early, and then people just kept coming, even after the time alloted for the event. I appreciate the efforts that everyone made to come and for their support.

The children had fun with the games and someone said that some of them didn’t want to go home. I’m sure there were plenty of prizes and it would have been a perfect day if it had been a bit cooler outside. I regretted not having time to visit with each guest that came.

A wonderful woman brought an Underground Railroad quilt to display. The refreshements were unique, but enjoyed by those brave enough to partake.

I’m happy to report that I sold fifty-six books that day and a few since then. Several people have reported they read the book in one night and want to know when the sequel is coming. I honestly hadn’t thought about writing more of the story, but with this many requests I have started one.

If anyone is wanting a signed copy I still have copies to sell. Leave a comment here or contact me at connie.s.hall@comcast.net and we'll make arrangements to get one to you.

Launching Party

Finally, I'm ready to announce my book signing party. The big event will be held on Saturday, July 18 from 10:30 am until 1 pm at my home. It will be a party held for children with games and prizes for all those who attend. There will be drawings every 1/2 hour and delicious refreshments featuring the Journey cakes and prickly pear jelly, as well as buffalo jerky that I talk about in the book.

I hope to see many of you there. For directions you'll have to respond to this blog.

Martha's Freedom Train

This blog is to announce that I have a middle grade book coming out soon. In a few weeks, I'll reveal the date and time for a fun party (probably in July) to celebrate this event. Following is a brief description of the book.

With help from the Underground Railroad, Martha (age 12) and her parents escape slavery. When they find an entrance to a station hidden in a hill, they finally feel safe. Mamma has caught pneumonia because of the rainy weather and the cold rivers and streams they crossed. Papa learns about a wagon train of Mormons traveling west, and he takes Martha to meet them. Her heart almost breaks when he insists she go with these strangers. Martha encounters many exciting adventures. She helps put out a fire, and after Martha falls asleep beside the trail, they accidentally leave her behind. Upon reaching her destination, Martha wonders if she’ll ever see her mamma and papa again.

About Me - Part 1

I’m the mother of two boys, and two girls, and a grandmother to 18. I currently live in Kearns, Utah with my husband, a dog and a large collection of fairies, including a fountain. Besides writing I enjoy sleeping under the bellies of dinosaurs, building parade floats, traveling and spending time with my family.

When I strike it rich I want to buy a yacht and sail around the world. I want to see first hand all the many different historical sites that I’ve read about in books so I can write more stories about magical adventures.

Martha’s Freedom Train is a historical fiction story written for those above the age of 10, and it will be my first published novel. It isn’t easy, but Martha and her parents escape slavery with the help of many kind conductors for the Underground Railroad—an escape route set up by people of all colors. After many weeks, they find an entrance to a station hidden securely in a hill. A station is where caring people help the slaves hide from those who would keep them captive. They finally have a safe place to stay. Mamma can go no farther. She has caught pneumonia because of the rainy weather and the many cold rivers and streams they crossed.

Papa learns about a wagon train of Mormons traveling west, and he takes Martha to meet them. Martha’s heart almost breaks when Papa promised to come find her when her mamma is well, but insists she must go west with these strangers.

Those in charge decide that Martha will travel with an older woman who is kind and caring and will take good care of her. It isn’t long before Martha calls her Grandma. Since Martha has walked for weeks escaping slavery, it isn’t hard for her to adapt to the situation of traveling with these people. Martha meets a girl, Laura, who is near her age and they become good friends.

Martha encounters many exciting adventures along the way. They cross rivers, see Indians and buffalo. She helps put out a fire, and after falling asleep beside the trail, they accidentally leave her behind.

Once they reach the Salt Lake valley, she still has choices to make. She wants to stay in Salt Lake with her new grandma, but Laura’s family wants her to travel south to help them build a new home. She longs to go with her new friend, but if she leaves, she wonders how her papa will find her.

I hope you will watch for my book in the spring. Also watch for the second part of About Me.