Publication day for I am Mrs. Jesse James is less than two weeks away. For a long time, I’ve wanted to tell the story of Zee Mimms James. Now after years of research, planning, plotting, writing, re-writing, editing, and polishing, she will finally see the light of day. The thought gives me a feeling of excitement mixed with (I must admit) more than a little terror over how readers will receive my beloved book baby. I’d be ever-so-grateful for any good thoughts and support you can send my way. 🙂
To celebrate her upcoming release, here’s a snippet from the scene that opens Zee’s story. I hope you enjoy it!
Kearney, Missouri – April 6, 1882
A flash of sunlight glints off the polished coffin as four men, their skin dripping with sweat, bear his remains toward the grave. Zerelda walks next to me, a formidable figure dressed in black crepe. Yet even though she sniffles and mutters, her back is straight as an arrow. Two young children follow us, their eyes red and cheeks damp.
Life around me appears ordinary. Chickens peck the ground for bugs. Bushes unfurl new green leaves. Grass grows soft and lush. Yellow tulips fringe the porch, and white blooms dot my favorite dogwood tree. The rich scent of rain-dampened earth permeates the air while robins chirp and chase each other in their annual mating rituals. The beauty of such an uncommonly warm spring afternoon seemed oddly discordant with the occasion.
On such a day, how can I be burying my husband?
I feel the watchful eyes of the hundreds of people gathered within sight of the old farmhouse. Some sit on wagons, others stand in respectful silence. Most were drawn here, I suspect, by the lure of sensational headlines. Perspiration glues my black silk dress against me, and dampness gathers on my forehead. I hold a handkerchief balled in one hand, but shrink against lifting my widow’s veil to dab my face. The idea of exposing raw lines of grief to those who may have come to witness such a sight makes my stomach roil.
Our sad cortege moves slowly, until, finally, we stand at the burial site. Men have already dug a deep hole under the shade of a towering coffee bean tree. Zerelda peers into the darkness and nods.
She had ordered the men to dig the grave no less than seven feet deep, and in a voice trembling with anguish and rage, later told me why. “We must keep him safe from vandals and ghoulish robbers who would try to steal his body away from us.”
The macabre thought had not occurred to me before. Yet remembering how others had scavenged through our home, I knew Zerelda was right to worry.
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I am Mrs. Jesse James is available now on pre-order with a release date of August 28.
20 Responses
Love the vivid descriptions you’ve used to set the scene for the burial. Nice job!
Thanks, Sheree! This (as I’m sure you understand well) is nail-biting time.
This is wonderful! I’ll definitely pre-order. And my offer of an interview or guest blog post stands . . . shoot me an email if you’re interested!
Thanks so much, Lisa! And yes, I’d love to do an interview. You are so kind to offer. Email on the way. 🙂
I am so excited for you, Pat! It is good to see the book come to fruition!
Best of luck!
Thank you, Donna, for believing in this book and helping to get it in the hands of readers. I appreciate your efforts more than I can say!
Pat–I’ve pre-ordered two copies. One of those copies is for a give-away when your interview is posted on The Muffin on August 23.
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I’m soooo looking forward to reading it. Good luck (calming your nerves).
Thank you so much, Sioux! You are so generous, and I really appreciate the opportunity. Hope to see you soon!
Your writing style is engaging and your excerpt has piqued my interest. Hope to attend your book signing.
Thanks, Linda. It would be such fun if you could come to the signing. Would be great to see you!
When is your St. Louis/St. Charles book signing? 🙂
Margo, the launch will be October 6 from 1-3 pm at one of my favorite places, Main Street Books in St. Charles. I’d love to see you!
I’ve got this date on the calendar. 🙂
Yay! Can’t wait to see you!
Looking forward to reading the book! Thanks for the preview. 🙂
Thanks Dianna! Hope we can get together soon.
My books arrived and I’ve begun reading and you have nothing to worry about! The story is a page turner, I really love it! BRAVO!!!!!!
You just made my day, Lynn! Thank you so very much for your kind words.
Congratulations on the release of your new book. It sounds like a wonderful book. I’m so sorry that it’s taken me so long to catch up on your blog. Two people were gone from work for a month and a third one quit and I spent weeks working double shifts, including working 10 day stretches in a row. I feel like such a bad blogger and blog reader because I haven’t kept up well with responding to comments on my blog or visited others. I’m coming up for air now, so I hope to stay more on top of things!
Angela, no worries. It sounds like you’ve had your hands full, and I’m glad the light at the end of the tunnel is glimmering. Looking forward to hearing more about what’s going on!