Here are the contents of this month’s Family Newsletter:

• Family Update
• Publication Update

1. Finished with Hazel Creek
2. Still writing Sugar Fork
3. Waiting for Guy’s Body Book

• Events of the last month
• Upcoming Events

Well, after four years of suffering from intermittent right upper quadrant pain, and despite numerous tests (blood tests, gall bladder ultrasounds, HIDA scans, CCK Stimulation Tests, an EGD) being completely normal, Barb’s family physician and gastroenterologist finally recommended she see a surgeon. His recommendation? You guessed it: surgery.
So last month Barb had laproscopic cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal). The pathology showed chronic gall bladder disease and “15-20 small gall stones.” She’s not had a twinge of pain since, for which we are both very grateful.

‘Publishing Update
1) Finished with Hazel Creek
Finally all of the edits are done and the book, my first solo novel, is heading toward being printed and released next March. The publisher has sent out Advanced Reader Copies to several novelists and I’ve been ecstatic with those that have come in. I wanted to some with you:

• “Walt Larimore isn’t just a great storyteller. He paints word pictures that linger like country wood smoke—so strong you can’t get it out of your mind. Once you experience Hazel Creek, you’ll never want to leave.” (Chris Fabry, author of ECPA Best Fiction winner Almost Heaven)
• “This captivating story took me to a simpler time when humans were closer to creation and to the creator. I found in it echoes of Christian classics—Catherine Marshall’s Christy, for one—and that puts Larimore’s book in the best of company. Being in the Great Smoky Mountains wilderness when it was still wild nourished my soul!” (Julie L. Cannon, author of I’ll Be Home for Christmas
• “A powerful, heartwarming story of courage, love, and faith, Hazel Creek is sure to leave the reader ready for a sentimental journey into an era and region that has charmed the hearts of millions.” (Eric Wiggin, author of Skinny Dipping at Megunticook Lake and Emily’s Garden)
• “A compelling story of courage and faith.” (Augusta Trobaugh, author of Sophie and the Rising Sun and River Jordan

2) Still Writing Sugar Fork
Thank goodness, the manuscript deadline has been moved back to October 17, 2011, which, I think, will give me the time to finish this, my second solo novel, and the sequel to Hazel Creek. The release date is set for October 2012, which will be about 6 months after the release of Hazel Creek.
As I continue to work on the manuscript, I’ve solicited advice and feedback from a number of readers. Here’s some early feedback that I find very encouraging:

The book Sugar Fork takes a unique look back to a lost and almost forgotten era in the history of the industrial age of the southern Appalachian Mountains. The fictional characters are inter-twined so well with the historical facts that one could believe that they were actual persons living during this transitional period in the history of Western North Carolina.  As they interact with figures whose names grace the pages of both local and national history books these characters come alive in a way that will stir the hearts of readers and motivate them to become better people.  The research given to this writing is impeccable and the sensitivity to the inward character and integrity of our beloved mountain ancestors is nothing short of inspired insight.  I am simply delighted with “Sugar Fork”!  (Judy Andrews Carpenter, Director, The Proctor Revival Organization)

3) Waiting for Guy’s Body Book
My book for boys heading toward and through puberty has been renamed by the publisher, ZonderKidz. The new title is … The Guys’ Body Book: Not-so-stupid questions about your body. I’m still waiting to review the galleys. As far as I know, the book is still scheduled for publication in March 2012.

Events of the last month

• Sept 11-14, I flew to Orlando to attend the American Academy of Family Physicians’ Annual Congress of Delegates and Annual Scientific Assembly. I spoke three times while there and sensed that each was well received. It was great to run into and be able to share short visits with a number of dear friend.
• Sept 15-16, I attended a Board Meeting for HCJB Global in Colorado Springs.
• Sept 21-25, Barb and I were in Chicago. I attended the AMA’s RUC meeting while Barb enjoyed the city. We always look forward to our evenings together in the windy city.

Upcoming Events

• Oct 5-12, Barb and I will fly to Baton Rouge to visit with family and friends.
• Oct 17 is the due date for the manuscript of my second solo novel, Sugar Fork.
• Oct 17, that evening I’ll be teaching the Medical Staff meeting at Mission Medical Clinic in Colorado Springs. My topic will be “Update on the Controversies about Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation.”
• Oct 30-Nov 2, I’ll be teaching at the In His Image Family Medicine Residency in Tulsa, OK.

Past Issues

• September 2011
• August 2011
• July 2011

You can get more information on many of our upcoming travels and events here.