Well, there’s thirteen hundred and fifty-two guitar pickers in Nashville (according to John Sebastian of the Lovin’ Spoonful) and about as many authors in Austin, Texas. Therefore, I was quite honored to be featured in this year’s gala literary event, known throughout the free world (and parts of Arkansas) as the “EVENING WITH THE AUTHORS.” The annual event, sponsored by some very generous Texans living in Lockhart, was held to raise some needed funds for the town’s beautiful (and historic) library. The library’s name is the Eugene Clark Library, named in honor of (one guess!) ….. Dr. Eugene Clark, who left the town to study in London and Vienna, returning in 1897 to open a practice in San Antonio. When he developed an incurable medical problem, he dictated in his will that $10,000 be used to build a library and lyceum in Lockhart.

And by coincidence….. this year’s event raised precisely $10,000 for the library! (Kind of spooky, in a good way, eh?)

Most of the “Adam Gold Mysteries” were available for purchase, as well as all of my brilliant non-fiction history books. I don’t mean to brag, but my books were flying off the shelves. (I still don’t understand why they were thrown out!) Just teasing. Sales were, how shall I put this, robust. And before I forget, I would personally like to thank Nita McBride and Dianne Stevenson and all the other marvelous ladies of Lockhart for putting this valuable event together. Well done, ladies!

And since we’re on the subject of libraries….. Please mark your calendars that I shall be a featured author at this year’s gala literary event in the city of Bee Cave, Texas. The good folks of Lakeway and the surrounding areas are holding an event called “SPEED DATING WITH LOCAL AUTHORS.” The up close and personal event will be held on Wednesday, November 2, 2022 at the City Hall Building. (starting at twelve noon.) Admission is free, and you will be able to purchase an autographed copy of my prize-winning masterpiece, titled, GONE BEFORE GLORY. Believe it or not, you will also be able to vote! (Kindly spell my last name correctly… if you choose to cast a “write-in” ballot.) Remember, Yanoff is spelled with two “Fs” (Which, coincidentally, are the grades I got in English and Spelling!)

By the way, I am not the only world-renowned author that will be featured in the weeks and months ahead. The fabulous authoress Terri Schexnayder will be holding book signings (for her much praised book, “Selling Radio & Raising Katie in 1970s Austin,” on the following dates: 10/20 10/22 10/23 11/12 and 11/19. You can get the times and places simply by going to her website or contacting Terri at: texnayder@gmail.com

For those of you that inquired about my recent trip to Port Aransas, allow me to say that it was a complete success. (Meaning I didn’t get lost or miss the ferry to Rockport!) As you might know, I went down to South Texas to attend a family reunion. Not mine. My wife’s family. (Unfortunately, most of my family will not be eligible for parole for another five years.) Just kidding. Ten years. In any case, it was great fun and the water and weather were perfect.

Finally, if you read the New York Times (which I don’t suggest) you might have noticed a H-U-G-E article about yours truly winning a major literary award in the city. Well, I’m happy to report that the rumors are true, but I’m still debating whether I want to risk my life by attending the awards ceremony. (I suggested they keep the prize money and hand out bullet-proof vests! I haven’t heard back from the judges.) If I decide to go to NYC, and you would like to be named in my will, please send me a postcard!)

In closing, I would like to urge you to support your local library. (But do NOT spend too much time looking at those National Geographic Issues about you-know-where!) Trust me, you might go blind. (my Mom told me that) AND…. more importantly…. always remember the words of the immortal author and historian, Studs Terkel, who wrote: “All you need in life is truth and beauty, and you can find both at the library.”

Have a safe and happy week, and if you scroll down, you might just find a few photos of my recent trip to the British Cotswold area. (The church photo, if it actually appears, is the church they used in the television production and movies for “Downton Abbey.”) Take care and cheerio,

Doc Yanoff