Researching and writing an authorized biography of Florida Governor Walkin' Lawton Chiles (1930-1998).
December 1, 2012
First Leg of the Tour Complete
What a great start to the Florida book tour. We had a terrific slate of talks and signings this week. I'll be back in the Sunshine State for more book events in the spring.
What's next? A bit of rest and then a Walkin' Lawton book release party in Washington, DC at Florida House. Here are the details:
Wednesday, December 12 from 5PM to 8PM
Florida House on Capitol Hill--behind the U.S. Supreme Court building
See you on the trail!
November 28, 2012
Amazon Kindle Success
Walkin' Lawton is now listed number one on Amazon Kindle's list of hot new releases in Southern U.S. history.
Lakeland
Tomorrow, I will be presenting a book lecture at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. The Ledger, Lakeland's newspaper, features on article in advance of the event.
What a pleasure to drive through Polk County tonight. I meandered through the main road bisecting Auburndale, on the way to my lodgings. The homes along Lake Alfred were decorated for Christmas. The light from the houses just barely illuminated the waves on the lake.
It's not hard to be inspired by the surroundings that were familiar to Lawton Chiles in his childhood.
November 27, 2012
New Article in Panhandle Newspaper
The Walton Sun, a newspaper in Florida's Panhandle, has published a new article on Walkin' Lawton.
The Panhandle, as it looked in Chiles' day, shared much in common with the Polk County of the politician's boyhood. For an avid hunter and fisherman, Polk County was a rural paradise.
Tally Event Recap
Thanks for a great event at the Florida Museum of History. I'll be back in Tallahassee soon for another event!
November 26, 2012
Tallahassee Book Event
Here is the info for my book event tomorrow in Tallahassee:
"History at High Noon: Author John Dos Passos Coggin will speak about his new book, "Walkin’ Lawton," an authorized biography of Florida politician Lawton Chiles. A book signing will follow the program. Admission and parking are free. Noon, Museum of Florida History, R. A. Gray Bldg., 500 S. Bronough St., 245-6400."
First Book Review
Bill Cotterell, veteran Florida journalist, has penned the first review of Walkin' Lawton. You can read it HERE.
I'm grateful to Mr. Cotterell for his willingness to scrutinize my work in full and offer a considered opinion on it. During my research, I interviewed him; he offered some fine insights into Chiles that made it into the book.
November 25, 2012
Second Edition
Thanks for all the support!
Walkin' Lawton has now sold out of its original printing. A second edition will be printed by my publisher.
Tomorrow, I'll leave for Florida and and enjoy a week of book signings!