Monthly Family Update – August 2022
Sunday Note – Why do optimists live longer? Trusting God when it’s hard to trust God!
July 31, 2022
Tuesday Patient Stories – The joy of caring for the Little Ones (Part 5)
August 2, 2022
Here are the contents of this month’s newsletter:
- WWII book named a Military Writers Society of America Medal Winner
- A Nice Interview with Kristina Stanley, the CEO of Fictionary
- A wonderful review of my new WWII book
- At First Light well-received by “regular” readers
- If my WWII book was a movie
1) At First Light named MWSA Medal Winner
The Military Writers Society of America (MWSA) named my WWII book, At First Light, a Medal Winner in the “Memoir/Biography” category. Their wonderful review is posted here. Of all their categories, this is the most competitive, with 14 candidates vying for the Gold, Silver, or Bronze Medal. The winners will be named at the MWSA Awards Banquet in New Orleans on August 27, 2022.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BOOK HERE
2) A Nice Interview with Kristina Stanley, the CEO of Fictionary
While spending almost 16 years writing and re-writing At First Light, I used the Fictionary writer’s software. They advertise themselves to writers to, “Edit Better. Edit Faster. Turn Your Words into Great Stories.” They add, “The best book editing software for writers and professional editors. Take the guesswork out of editing fiction and ensure the story works.” I found this to be true for my writing. I really enjoyed my interview with Kristina and hope you will also. She wrote:
Walt Larimore spent 16 years of writing and researching At First Light, a narrative non-fiction about his father, Phil Larimore.
His agent shopped the first version to over 40 publishers, and sadly, all rejected the novel.
“I thought he could write, but obviously he can’t,” was one harsh response from a publisher.
Walt did an entire rewrite, and still, no one was interested. The story needed a clear protagonist.
Then Walt found Fictionary which showed him the story arc – it was a roller coaster instead of an arc. The story began to emerge as Walt worked through each of the 38 Fictionary Story Elements.
After 60 rejections, Walt was brave enough to resubmit the version he edited in Fictionary, and this is what happened next.
Walt’s agent shopped the novel yet again. Three days later, he received 3 offers from 3 major publishers. At First Light is published by Knox Press (Simon and Schuster).
It’s been nominated for 5 international awards, including the Military Writers’ Award for America. The first edition sold out and the second edition has been ordered.
The message: Persistence pays off.
3) A wonderful review of my WWII book
Dee Long’s review of my WWII book was an encouragement. She titled the review, “Books Make the Best Travelling Companions.” Here’s an excerpt:
Larimore and Yorkey have done a yeomen’s job of reporting Phil Larimore’s story in vivid detail. … It memorializes the efforts and sacrifices made by Larimore and his comrades during some of the darkest days of World War II. At First Light is also a great book choice for those who are relaxing in their backyard or den this summer and want to time travel to an era when decency, right, and respect were all shared values.
4) At First Light well-received by “regular” readers
I’m delighted that the book has received 100% 5-star ratings on:
- Amazon (62 ratings),
- Barnes & Noble (31),
- GoodReads(33),
- Walmart (22), and
- Target (22).3)
5) If my WWII book was a movie
The reviews for the book have been over-the-top positive. I’m SO grateful. In fact, the movie poster for At First Light might look something like this:
- “Never before has a book moved me to tears, out of pride.”
- “Like a movie plot … stranger-than-fiction.”
- “Incredibly special and heartwarming.”
- “Like a melody building to a crescendo …. gains power as it proceeds to a moving conclusion.’
- “Vivid detail … spellbinding and riveting … an inspirational story … an engrossing book.”
- “As much a historical document as it is a coming-of-age story.”
- “The story of the largely forgotten southern European front of WWII.”
- “Don’t miss this heroic story.”
- “Incredible story of courage and sacrifice.”
- “Unbelievable stories.”
- “An emotional tale.”
6) Answers to Last Month’s Prayers
- I spent much of July working on the scrapbooks that will contain dad’s war pictures, press clippings, and other memorabilia. It’s a slow, labor of love, but I hope to be done by the end of the summer.
- July 21-28, Barb was baking in Dallas with her sister, Sue, and our niece, Laura. Despite the terribly hot weather, the girls all had a wonderful time together.
7) Prayer Requests for Upcoming Events
- Gosh, I think we’re home alone all month. Looking forward to a month of R&R.
- August 25-29, Barb and I will be in New Orleans for the Military Writers Society of America Awards Banquet. We’ll also be visiting with family and friends while there.
8) Past Editions
- Video Trailer for At First Light
- At First Light well-received by readers
- Article featuring At First Light in WWII Quarterly Magazine
- Military Writers Society of America (MWSA) Review and Award Nomination
- Another wonderful review of At First Light
- Podcasts and Radio Shows about At First Light
- Award Nominations for At First Light
- Washington Examiner Op-Ed: What Should Our D-Day Anniversary Mean?
- July’s “Ask Dr. Walt” in Today’s Christian Living
- My and Barb’s Annual “Walk for Life”
- At First Light, the WWII book about my dad was featured on “Chris Fabry Live” on the Moody Radio Network
- At First Light was also featured in Today’s Christian Living (TCL)
- At First Light interview on “CMDA Matters” Podcast
- At First Light “sneak peek” chapters are available
- At First Light has received excellent reviews, articles, and TV coverage
- How to Fast in “Ask Dr. Walt” in Today’s Christian Living
- At First Light World released on April 19
- Meeting the Governor of Louisiana
- On “Chris Fabry Live” on Moody Radio
- On Dr. Dobson’s “Family Talk” Radio Program
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