The last two weeks of April, I had my first two book events to introduce Searching for Barton Carter to the public. The first event was a thirty-minute presentation and book signing at Gibson’s Bookstore in Concord, NH, my hometown. Many of my friends and family were in attendance along with a sprinkling of other community members. I had an audience of well over sixty and my book sales were notable! Since a few had read the book, while the majority had not, my presentation focused upon my preparation for writing the book and the importance story telling has had on my life.

Last week, I gave a ninety-minute author presentation at the theater in the Nashua Library in Nashua, NH. I prepared a power point presentation portraying a blueprint of the life of my uncle, Barton Carter, which included photographs, maps, newspaper article, and quotes. This event differed from my presentation/book signing at Gibson’s bookstore in Concord. None of the Nashua audience had read and most were unfamiliar with my book, so my description was much more extensive. So as to spark more interest, I emphasized the portions that took place in the Nashua area. Although the library audience was smaller, they were interactive. However, both Gibson’s bookstore (specifically Elisabeth Jewell) and the Nashua Library (specifically Carol Eyman) were helpful, welcoming, and professional. I am so grateful to both venues!! More importantly, I want to thank the audiences at both events for supporting me.

I learned a great deal from both audiences. There appears to be a thirst for true stories involving real heroes, their selfless actions and the effect they have on others. During the question and answer period following my power point, a young woman in the audience explained, “I came to this presentation because I wanted to hear about something good in our world.” She then asked if she could hear some of the stories concerning my uncle and his interactions with the Spanish children (which I’ll admit I love to share!)

In an age of such political vitriol, bigotry, divisiveness, and hate that predominate in our social media, a story of heroism and altruism is truly needed! It would be wonderful if some positive stories of love, hope, and service could be shared in our printed and social media. Then perhaps others can follow these heroes, whose daily actions display integrity and honor rather venerating the example of many of our current national leaders, who espouse bullying, loathing, and fear.

Being an author is an entirely new journey for me. After more than thirty years as a psychologist, I always felt accomplished, confident, and well prepared for whatever came before me. As an author, I am learning so many new skills…bogging, tweeting, author presentations that must be devised and tweaked for different audiences! I didn’t spend eight years of my life writing this book to make money or to be an acclaimed author. I just was compelled to present my uncle’s story to the world and I will continue to work tirelessly in an attempt to spread his goodness as far as I can!

COMING UP: Sunday May 15, 2016 1:00 PM

Nancy Clough will be in the Nashua, NH Barnes and Noble to sign copies of her book Searching for Barton Carter. In 1936, Barton Carter, a talented young man from a wealthy New England family, turned away from the future laid out for him to fight against fascism in the Spanish Civil War and disappeared in the midst of that fight when he was only 23 years old.

Address:
235 Daniel Webster Hwy
Nashua, NH 03060
603-888-0533

https://stores.barnesandnoble.com/event/9780061776073-0