Christmas Eve Dinner

Posted on December 24, 2015 by Robert Lee Murphy

Michael's Appetizers

Barbara and I enjoyed our Christmas Eve Dinner a day early at Michael’s Gourmet Room at South Point Casino & Spa. Michael’s has been named one of the Top 5 Restaurants in Las Vegas by the Zagat Survey. Here we are ready to commence our dining experience.  I enjoyed baked escargot, while Barbara chose a spinach salad with hot vinegar dressing.

Michael's Cherries JubileeFollowing double rib lamb chops for me and petite filet mignon for Barbara, plus assorted other courses, we finished the evening with Michael’s marvelous Cherries Jubilee.

We plan to spend a relaxing Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at home together. We hope you all have a Merry Christmas and enjoy reading The Iron Horse Chronicles.

Posted in The Iron Horse Chronicles | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Bear Claws at Barnes & Noble

Posted on December 22, 2015 by Robert Lee Murphy

B&N New BooksAutographed Bear Claws

Yesterday, I autographed copies of Bear Claws, The Iron Horse Chronicles–Book Two, and the Barnes & Noble store in Henderson, Nevada, placed them in the new books section in time for Christmas shoppers to pick up one. I also autographed copies of Eagle Talons, The Iron Horse Chronicles–Book One. Since Eagle Talons was published last year, it was placed in the traditional Western location in the store. If you live or are visiting in the Henderson area, please stop by Barnes & Noble on Stephanie Street and pick up a few books to give as a Christmas gifts.

Merry Christmas!

 

Barnes & Noble, Henderson, Nevada

Barnes & Noble, Henderson, Nevada

Posted in Bear Claws - Book Two, Eagle Talons - Book One, The Iron Horse Chronicles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Merry Christmas!

Posted on December 21, 2015 by Robert Lee Murphy

Murphy FamilyMerry Christmas from the Robert Lee Murphy family. This photograph captures us shortly before we left home to go to the South Point Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, on December 12, 2015, for the book signing during the last day of the National Finals Rodeo. Daughter Beth is in costume as Jenny McNabb, one of the principal characters in The Iron Horse Chronicles. Daughter Stacy and my wife, Barbara, are sporting their western outfits. We all fit right in with the cowboys and cowgirls we encountered during the book signing event.

There is still time to order Bear Claws, The Iron Horse Chronicles–Book Two from Amazon to give as the perfect Christmas gift. http://www.amazon.com/Bear-Claws-Iron-Horse-Chronicles/dp/1432830481/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Posted in Bear Claws - Book Two, Book Signing, Iron Horse Chronicles' Characters, The Iron Horse Chronicles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

South Point Book Signing

Posted on December 14, 2015 by Robert Lee Murphy

South Point Book Signing 2015On Saturday, December 12, 2015, the Robert Lee Murphy family held a book signing at South Point Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. My wife, Barbara, assisted in manning the table where I autographed copies of Eagle Talons, The Iron Horse Chronicles–Book One, and Bear Claws, The Iron Horse Chronicles–Book Two. We offered hardcover copies of both books plus a paperback, large print copy of Eagle Talons.

Beth and Stacy at South PointDaughter Beth came from California to reprise her role from last year as Jenny McNabb, a leading character in The Iron Horse Chronicles. Daughter Stacy joined us from Kentucky to make her appearance outfitted as a cowgirl. They encouraged passing guests attending the National Finals Rodeo activities at South Point to stop at the book signing table to meet the author and buy an autographed copy of a book or two. Originally scheduled to run from noon until 4 pm, we continued to visit with book lovers until 5 pm. Then, we all went home exhausted after a successful event. We extend our appreciation to the staff at the South Point Casino for their help in making the afternoon a successful one.

 

 

Posted in Bear Claws - Book Two, Book Signing, Eagle Talons - Book One, Iron Horse Chronicles' Characters, The Iron Horse Chronicles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Book Signing at South Point

Posted on December 11, 2015 by Robert Lee Murphy

South Point Book SigningSouth Point Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, will host a book signing for Robert Lee Murphy on Saturday, December 12, 2015, from noon until 4 pm. Please stop by the Silverado Lounge and say hello. I will be there to autograph both Eagle Talons and Bear Claws, the first and second books in The Iron Horse Chronicles. My daughters, Beth and Stacy, and my wife, Barbara, will be there to assist.

“Jenny McNabb” will make a special appearance, just like last year. Don’t miss this event!

Posted in Bear Claws - Book Two, Book Awards, Book Signing, Eagle Talons - Book One, The Iron Horse Chronicles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Sun City Anthem Book Signing

Posted on December 7, 2015 by Robert Lee Murphy

SCA Book SigningOn Saturday, December 5, the 2015 Annual Clubs Fair at the Recreation Center in Sun City Anthem, Henderson, Nevada, took place. The only picture I have of that event shows me counting on my finger the number of books I had autographed up to that point. In fairness, the photo was taken before the event began. Actually, it turned out to be a successful day for a dozen members of Anthem Authors who sold and autographed copies of their books. This was the first time that I had both Eagle Talons and Bear Claws from The Iron Horse Chronicles available for sale. You will notice that I am also proudly displaying the 2015 Bronze Will Rogers Medallion Award.

Next Saturday, December 12, 2015, I will be holding a book signing at South Point Casino in Las Vegas during the last day of the National Finals Rodeo. This promises to be a big event. Daughter Elizabeth is coming from California and daughter Anastasia is coming from Kentucky to help. My wife, Barbara, will also be assisting. If you are in the neighborhood, please stop by sometime between noon and 4 pm.

Posted in Bear Claws - Book Two, Book Awards, Book Signing, Eagle Talons - Book One, The Iron Horse Chronicles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Presentation to Henderson Seniors

Posted on November 30, 2015 by Robert Lee Murphy

PosterTwo days before Thanksgiving this year, I had the privilege of making a presentation to guests at the Heritage Park Senior Facility in Henderson, Nevada. My talk, supported with Power Point slides, was on why and how I wrote The Iron Horse Chronicles. The Adult Services department of the Henderson Libraries sponsored the program. The management of the Senior Facility provided donuts and coffee for those who attended.

Henderson PresentationI informed the participants that my original inspiration was to provide children the age of my grandchildren (they were middle-grade students at the time I commenced the project nine years ago) with a stimulating way to learn about the importance of the building of the first transcontinental railroad and the impact westward expansion had on the development of the country. I pointed out that by the time the final book in my trilogy is published, both grandchildren will be college students. I walked them through the lengthy process of getting from an original idea to a published book, and encouraged them to not think it is too late for them to commence such a project themselves. Most of the audience and I were of an age.

I explained to the attendees the extensive research I conducted to ensure I wrote an accurate historical novel. I walked the members of the audience through how I used a “writer’s bible” to aid me in the writing process. I told them how and why I chose the point of view I used in the books, and how I selected the mixture of fictional and historical characters that populate the trilogy. I informed them I received great support from my participation in various professional organizations and critique groups. At the end of my presentation, many asked questions and demonstrated they had an interest in what I had said. That was the most gratifying part of the one-hour program.

Senior Book SigningFollowing the talk, I autographed copies of Eagle Talons, the first book in the trilogy. The participants were very interested in seeing the Will Rogers Medallion Award that had been won by Eagle Talons this year. I had hoped to have copies of the second book available since it had been released by Five Star Publishing just a few days prior to my presentation. Regrettably, the shipment of Bear Claws did not arrive in time.

Posted in Bear Claws - Book Two, Book Awards, Book Signing, Eagle Talons - Book One, Iron Horse Chronicles' Characters, The Iron Horse Chronicles, Transcontinental Railroad, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

2015 Holidays Book Signing Season

Posted on November 16, 2015 by Robert Lee Murphy

The 2015 holidays book signing season is shaping up to be a busy one. Even though my complete schedule is revealed on the Events page of this blog, I think this summary posting will help readers make plans for where and when they can get autographed copies of the first two books in The Iron Horse Chronicles trilogy to use as gifts.

EagleTalonsFrontSmallBearClawsFrontAt each of the book signing events, hardcover copies of both Eagle Talons, The Iron Horse Chronicles–Book One, and Bear Claws, The Iron Horse Chronicles–Book Two, will be available. Also, softcover, large print, editions of Eagle Talons, The Iron Horse Chronicles–Book One, will be available.

On November 24, 2015, from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM, I will make a presentation on my experience as a writer at the Heritage Park Senior Facility Library at 300 S. Racetrack Road in Henderson, Nevada. Following the presentation I will autograph books.

On December 5, 2015, from 9:00 AM until noon, I will autograph books at the Anthem Authors Annual Book Fest at the Recreation Center at 2450 Hampton Road, Sun City Anthem, Henderson, Nevada.

On December 12, 2015, from noon until 4:00 PM, I will autograph books during the National Finals Rodeo at South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa, 9777 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, Nevada. This will be a particularly special event because both daughters, Beth and Stacy, and my wife, Barbara, will be present to help me.

We are only two days away from publication date on November 18, 2015, of Bear Claws, The Iron Horse Chronicles–Book Two.

 

Posted in Bear Claws - Book Two, Book Signing, Eagle Talons - Book One, The Iron Horse Chronicles, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Eagle Talons Reviewed in Railroad History Magazine

Posted on November 9, 2015 by Robert Lee Murphy

Railroad History MagazineThe following excerpt is from a book review of Eagle Talons, The Iron Horse Chronicles—Book One, that appeared in the Fall-Winter 2015 issue of Railroad History, the official magazine of The Railway and Locomotive Historical Society, of which I am a member. The review was written by Robert Butler of Shaker Heights, Ohio. I am copying an excerpt from it here because many of the readers of my blog will not have access to Railroad History.

“Eagle Talons is the first book of a planned trilogy for young adult readers, which recounts the adventures and mishaps of 14-year-old William Braddock.”

“His journey takes him many different places and involves him in many adventures. His first stop is Omaha, Neb. There, he foils an attempt to steal General Grenville Dodge’s horse Bucephalus. The general returns the favor by allowing William to ride on the Union Pacific to end-of-track at Julesburg, Colo. Along the way, William helps a pioneer family on the Oregon Trail, has another run-in with the horse thief from Omaha, and meets a young Cheyenne named Lone Eagle. He is ultimately reunited with his uncle, and hires on with UP as a game hunter for the survey crews working west of Laramie, Wyo., where additional adventures await him.

As is often the case with historical fiction, the author’s protagonist encounters people and experiences events that lived/occurred at the time in which the novel is set. With the exception of an occasional utterance of a 21st-century turn of phrase by one of the characters, author Murphy’s attention to detail with respect to encountered historical figures as well as accurate descriptions of people, places, dress codes, behavior and events is commendable.

Like many first novels in a series, Eagle Talons is written to set the stage for what will follow. To do this, Murphy has minimized overall character development and has filled the protagonist’s life with a cornucopia of people and adventures. It will be interesting to see how the characters develop and grow in the volumes to follow. This book may appeal to young adults with an interest in western fiction.”

As Robert Butler anticipates, the next novel in The Iron Horse Chronicles trilogy, Bear Claws, is set for publication in a few days on November 18, 2015. Pre-orders are being accepted by Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

RH208-CoverIf you are a railroad enthusiast, I encourage you to join The Railway & Locomotive Historical Society. http://rlhs.org/

 

 

 

 

Posted in Bear Claws - Book Two, Book Review, Eagle Talons - Book One, Iron Horse Chronicles' Characters, The Iron Horse Chronicles, Transcontinental Railroad, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Dr. Livingstone, I Presume?”

Posted on November 2, 2015 by Robert Lee Murphy

Every few weeks I post on the Mad About MG History blog. On October 29, 2015, I wrote a post there entitled “Dr. Livingstone, I Presume?” Follow this link to read the post: http://madaboutmghistory.blogspot.com/

The subject matter of the post referred to above is an offshoot of one I wrote for this blog on October 10, entitled “Julesburg–A Tale of Four Towns.” Eagle Talons, The Iron Horse Chronicles–Book One, contains extensive descriptions of Julesburg, which in 1867 was considered to be the most wicked town in the west.  I relied upon the autobiographical book that Henry Morton Stanley wrote about his newspaper reporting career in the American West before he embarked upon his search for Dr. Livingstone.

Henry Morton StanleyThis photograph of Stanley shows how he would have looked to Will Braddock, the protagonist in Eagle Talons, when they probably met in Julesburg in the summer of 1867. This photo, which is contained in his book My Early Travels and Adventures in America and Asia, was taken in Constantinople shortly before he proceeded on to Egypt and the beginning of the journey into central Africa that made him famous.

Posted in Eagle Talons - Book One, Geography, Iron Horse Chronicles' Characters, The Iron Horse Chronicles, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment