Contributed by Cindy Brookshire
Group caption: Author Linda S. Johnston (seated, center) is surrounded by her networking friends from Write by the Rails, the Prince William Chapter of the Virginia Writers Club. From left, Bristow author Chip Deyerle (Last Train from Cleveland), Gainesville author June Pair Kilpatrick (Wasps in the Bedroom, Butter in the Well), Bristow author Carol Covin (Who Gets to Name Grandma?) with her grandson Christopher Covin, blogger Jan Rayl, Lake Ridge author Nancy Kyme (Memory Lake) and blogger Dan Verner. Photo by Chip Deyerle
After more than two decades of research, Gainesville writer Linda S. Johnston held a launch party for her new book, Hope Amid Hardship: Pioneer Voices from the Kansas Territory (TwoDot Books/Globe Pequot Press) on Aug. 17 in the Merchant Gallery at the Candy Factory, 9419 Battle Street, Manassas.
Hope Amid Hardship brings together the reflections of 60 Kansas pioneers of different ages, backgrounds, and outlooks who helped shape the identity of the Sunflower State. Despite the challenges of loneliness, drought, and political turmoil, many found and wrote about joy and beauty in their adopted communities. Their words describe the times that gave them reason to sing, dance, and celebrate-moments when their burdens were lighter. The book includes Johnston’s watercolor illustrations. Johnston will be working with youth on a journaling activity and selling her book at The Manassas Museum during the Civil War Weekend, August 24 and 25 in Manassas.
