Back on November first, I wondered out loud about the travails of public response to such a work as this and feared the "red pen effect" with Texas historians. But I could not be more pleased with the feedback from readers. I've heard of the book devoured in a day, and gotten praise for using primary research to further the topic. I signed a book for Don Henley (shhhh) and hope that he was pleased as well. The response has been supportive, both from everyday readers and from those with credentials.
A big part of the adventure has been being on the road doing presentations and book signings. My expectations have been exceeded by the support of folks who have organized and publicized the events, and the turnouts in small towns across east Texas. I've stood in restored courtrooms, in a room full of art, and near a mule-drawn sugar cane press. In Hughes Springs the event was on the big digital sign board, and in Jefferson I was taped by local cable. Meeting people is the best part of this and though Mickey and I are worn out, the fact that the reception continues so positively is really neat.
Four months into this project we have sold out the entire first printing and another 500 books are now in the warehouse. It's been rewarding to see how word of mouth and social networks have extended the reach of the story of Trammel's Trace. As I hoped, I'm very excited that new interest in the road is stirring among landowners and county historians. There is talk of two new markers focused on Trammel's Trace.
The real adventure is that this pebble in the pond keep expanding. Thanks to all of you who have been a part . . . so far.
