Now on Kindle!

Good morning everyone,

I am pleased to announce that "Heaven Below" is now on Kindle. For those of you who aren't familiar with this gadget, it is an electronic device that can store 1500 to 3500 books. Books can be purchased and downloaded from the Amazon.com site. Prices are usually half or less than that of the hard copy and you can have it in you Kindle and ready to read in 60 seconds! What a great way to carry around your favorite books and have them available to read 24/7.

For those of you who purchase "Heaven Below" Kindle version, please let me know about your experience with Amazon and the quality of the electronic verson when you read it. I am very excited about this edition and hope that it will boost sales and get the word out to lots more readers.

I will be doing another book signing at BWMC on Friday, December 11 from 11-2 in the gift shop. If you still need a copy, please drop by. I will be doing personal holiday greetings in the signings and provide free gift wrapping. Wouldn't a personalized signed American novel be a great Christmas gift?

Bundle up and drop me a line about your Kindle experience. See you on Friday!

Best wishes,

Joan Lehmann

Thanks,

Joan

Meeting with the Delegates

Wednesday I met with two Maryland House delegates: Del. Nic Kipke and Del. Steve Schuh. They met me at the Mountain Rd library in Pasadena and presented me with a certificate recognizing my work in the ER and my accomplishment in writing and publishing my first book. I donated some books to the county libraries. It was great to meet with them and discuss a few current health issues facing our citizens. And I got a great looking certificate to hang in my office!

A Day in Pottsville

Doug and I had a great time in Pottsville at the Yuengling brewery yesterday. We met lots of interested locals and sold lots of books. The staff at Yuengling was gracious. The big boss, Dick Yuengling, came by to meet us and extend his well wishes. He was nice enough to have his picture taken with us and gave us a poster with his gratitude for including his family business in the book. Doug got to sample some Lord Chesterfield and we stopped at Maroon's, the local sports bar, for some ethnic specialties: bleenies, kielbasa, pierogies, cabbage rolls, latkas and lots of steamed cabbage. The waitress there, Alysia, was particularly friendly and filled us in on the history of Pottsville and the fierce pride among its residents. I left her a signed copy along with her tip. I got a big smile and warm hug in return. I hope she likes the book. Doug and I drove home with smiles on our faces. Doug got to meet his hero, Dick Yuengling. Yuengling was his favorite brew in college. I think Mr. Yuengling is my hero too, for keeping a family tradition going, for keeping his company and hundreds of jobs in America, for staying in his hometown with the people he loves and for hard work, self-reliance and perseverance (not to mention making some pretty tasty brew.) He has been a faithful captain at the wheel for several decades. Hats off to you, Mr. Yuengling. Thank you for a great day Mr. Yuengling and thank you to the people of Pottsville.

Yuengling Fans Meet A Pottsville Hero

Hello Yuengling Fans,

In just two days, there will be a book signing of Heaven Below at the Yuengling Brewery gift shop in Pottsville. Sean O'Connell is a Pottsville coal miner whose only desire in life is to see the water. This notion is planted in his head by his Irish grandfather who dreamed of returning to the sea but never got the chance. Because of the Great Depression, family tragedy and a twisting turn of events that includes, murder, money, love and the fight of his life, Sean's journey to the Atlantic takes him seven years. The book is full of characters everyone can identify with: Molly, Sean's true love, wife and mother of his child, owner of a pair of alluring brown eyes. Hannah, his little girl with Molly's fair face but her father's green eyes. And Abby, the silver haired, spectacled matriarch who is the glue that holds the family together. Her most charming scene is when she dresses a "fat little birdie" for the oven and sings and hums to "I've Got Rhythm" on her radio in a warm kitchen on Sunday afternoon. Her most famous line is, "Now those are tits you can be proud of!"

If you are from Pottsville, this is a book you'll want to read and share and read again. You will laugh and cry with Sean on his journey to the sea. I hope I will meet you at the book signing. I want to meet the people of Pottsville as I feel I already know you. If you can't make it on Saturday, you can get a copy of Heaven Below on Amazon.com. Look for my article in Thursday's (today's) edition of the Republican-Herald. I hope to see you all there!

My best,

Joan Lehmann, MD

It's Christmas in the Dena

This weekend was All Things Country's Christmas Open House. Anne and her elves had the halls decked and many came out to join in the festivities. There was lots of early Christmas shopping and many reveled in the gorgeous window displays and decorations offered by the girls dressed in red. The puppies had the day off (Anne's golden retrievers) because the back of the store was loaded with scrumptious holiday goodies: crackers and cheese, homebaked cookies, a veggie tray, Eleaner's famous meatballs and a large bowl of red punch. After three days of open house with lots of sales at the register, by three o'clock, the ladies were a little punch drunk. Oh, and I almost forgot, I sold lots of books! Forty books went into the hands of excited readers. Some were Christmas presents but most were for their own enjoyment. The recent newspaper articles helped to get the word out and pique interest. Some buyers strolled directly to my table for my story. I happily signed each copy and even gift wrapped a few. I met a nice lady, Patty, who is a retired music teacher who plans to write a book about the bear she used in her class, "Bearthoven." She taught school at West Annapolis for 39 years. How many kids is that? I wish her well in her endeavor.

A joyous time was had by all, except Pam Bowman, who had to buy her goodies and hurry on to work at the hospital. Sorry Pam.

God bless us everyone!

Delightful Day in Deale

Who cares about the rain? The good people of Deale (Dealites, as some like to call themselves) made their way through the ducky weather to do some early Christmas shopping and to meet the author and to purchase freshly signed copies of Heaven Below. Most shoppers bought two copies, one for a gift and one to snuggle up with for a good read of their own. The shop was packed with Christmas, nautical and vintage goodies. There is a surprise at every turn, a sparkle, a little of the bay, a bit of whimsy. Linda had a large crock of hot mulled cider and dozens of fresh baked cookies. The smell (and taste) were divine. What a lovely way to warm up a wet and chilly afternoon?

Despite the weather, one woman drove from Annapolis to meet the author and brought her newspaper clipping with her. Some of my family came to show their support, my aunts, my cousin and her friend. Some were faithful supporters from the local church (God bless them.) And I had one very interesting attendee as well. She attended school at Pottsville High and in class, sat in front of a local celebrity of the town--you guessed it--Master Richard Yuengling. She recounted fondly about what a good looking young man he was, with dark hair and strong build. He played for the football team and was very popular--and not just because his father owned the brewery. But the best thing about him, she remembered, was that he was down to earth. "You never knew he came from money. He was a regular guy--one of us." She still has the tiny school photo the seniors exchanged at graduation, signed by Dick Yuengling. As she spoke of her school days and of Yuengling, she glowed.

I hope to return to Cottage Chicks for another signing before year's end, closer to Christmas. Perhaps I'll even gift wrap my books to help out the busy and stressed holiday shoppers. Linda and Carmen were gracious hosts and the Dealites truly were "delights" sharing memories and stories and pausing for a moment to live a little and enjoy the Sunday afternoon.

Thank you Cottage Chicks, Linda and Carmen

Ghostly Book Signing

Tomorrow's the big day for book signing at the Lord Baltimore Hotel on 20W. Baltimore St. from 4-8 pm. I hope to get some sales from guests staying at the hotel and people who have read about the signing in the newspapers. Mostly, I hope the staff that works at the LB will get the word and come down and buy a novel about their hotel. If you've never seen the Lord Baltimore, it is a beauty. Like a museum that still operates at full throttle decades after it was built. No expense was spared when it was constructed in the 1920's. The ceilings, marble, iron work and ballrooms are incredible. The art deco abounds. It is worth coming down just to tour the hotel. Maybe I'll see some of you there. At any rate, thanks to all of you who have spread the word. Sales are slow but steady. Thankfully, everyone who has read it, loves the story and wants to know when the next book is coming out. It doesn't get any better than that.

Best,

Joan

Where to Find Heaven Below

Now that the word is getting out, more and more folks are asking where they can find copies of Heaven Below. The easiest way to get a copy is to order one on Amazon.com. Just look under the book department and type in the title or my name. Books can also be found in the following stores:

Glen Burnie: BWMC gift shop

Towson: Ukazoo Books

Annapolis: The Hard Bean on the city dock

Deale: Cottage Chicks

Shady Side: Salem Avery Museum

Pasadena: All Things Country

Of course, if you see me, I've always got a few extra copies to sign. Thanks for reading and thanks for your support.

Best,

Joan

Spooky Signing at the Lord Baltimore

Just after the 1929 stock market crash, at least four people jumped to their deaths from the roof of the Lord Baltimore Hotel. The hotel was built in 1928 and was the tallest building in the city at that time. Some time after, employees at the hotel began reporting strange sights: people dressed in vintage clothing that disappeared at the end of the hall, two men and a woman at the back of a dark ballroom who disappeared when the lights were turned on and the Lord Baltimore's little darling, a small girl who appears in a long cream-colored dress and black patent leather shoes. The leapers from the roof and their ghosts are described in the Baltimore section of "Heaven Below." Join me on Friday, October 30th from 4-8pm in the lobby of the Radisson Lord Baltimore Hotel for a little more about these ghosts and pick up a copy of Heaven Below. Perhaps you can take the elevator to the 19th floor and take a look for yourself. Hope to see you there!

Shady Side Hospitality

Despite a drizzly, chilly day, there was a generous turnout at the West River Heritage Oyster Festival. Offered was every conceivable oyster concoction: steamed, frittered, stewed and the ever popular "on the halfshell." (I slid down 6 plump salty delectables myself.) The people of the town of Shady Side were gracious in hearing about the historical novel where the main character, Sean O'Connell, lands in their waterside town and decides it is the "Heaven Below" he's been looking for. Besides oysters, there was barbecued fare and a wide variety of alcoholic beverages including Yuengling beer--what a coincidence? A fitting accompaniment for those slippery little devils. Two dozen books were purchased yesterday afternoon and six more were consigned to the Salem Avery museum for sale. The two page article in the Baltimore Sun helped pave my way for the signing. Most attendees had read it with their morning coffee and were happy to see me at the event. Some Shady Siders have vowed to buy more books at the book signing in Deale, at Cottage Chicks, on Sunday, November 1 from 12-4. This event will be indoors, regardless, I'm hoping for weather that's a little less "ducky."

Heaven Update

The book signing at the Hardbean on Sunday was great. The weather couldn't have been better and there was a nice crowd. I sold a few books and made some networking connections. Yesterday I was interviewed by Jonathan Pitts from the Baltimore Sun. Tomorrow the photographer comes out for a shot for the Arundel Report. The article should come out on Sunday. Also this Sunday, I will be doing a signing at the West River Heritage Oyster Festival in Shady Side at the Salem Avery house from 12:30-5:00. My article in The Bay Weekly should come out tomorrow. Hope there is a good attendance at the festival. I met a new internet buddy, Mindie Burgoyne. She is a writer on the Eastern Shore. She particulary likes Irish, maritime and religious themes. I sent her a copy of Heaven Below and think it will be right up her alley. My next goal is to get an article into Guideposts. That would be an awesome venue for publicity. Time to pull out the heavy blankets. I think our Indian Summer is gone for the year. Bring plenty of wood onto the porch and bundle up. It is going to be a chilly one.

Yuengling Here I Come!!

Hi everyone,

What a week it has been. Yesterday, I did an interview with Simone Gorrindo of The Bay Weekly. Sunday, I'm doing a book signing at the Hard Bean at the sailboat show in Annapolis. Monday I'm doing an interview with Jonathan Pitts of the Baltimore Sun. Later that week the Sun photographer will come out for a couple of shots. Wednesday I interview with Teri Winslow of the Capital/Gazette. I just scheduled a book signing with All Things Country for November 8. I just scheduled a book signing with the Lord Baltimore Hotel on October 30. Tina Tym from the Republican-Herald in Pennsylvania is covering the story from Pottsville and...

Mr. Dick Yuengling has graciously offered his brewery for a book signing on November 14.

Unbelievable. If you have never toured the Yuengling brewery, it is a fascinating slice of history and the success story of an immigrant who landed in Pottsville and made his family's recipe a household word. Come out for a tour and the book signing in the crisp fall air (perfect beer drinking weather.)

I hope to see you there!

(I'll be the one selling all the books with the smile on my face.)

Best,

Joan

Hunter's Moon

Last night there was a full moon. It was gorgeous. Tonight should be nice too. I already see Venus shining in the southeastern sky. The American Indians had a name for each moon, their natural calendar, according to their tribes:

January-Wolf Moon
February-Snow Moon (Hunger Moon)
March-Maple Sugar Moon (Crow Moon)
April-Grass Moon
May-Flower Moon
June-Strawberry Moon (Rose Moon)
July-Cherry Moon (Blood Moon)
August-Green Corn Moon (Thunder Moon)
September-Harvest Moon
October-Hunter's Moon
November-Beaver Moon (Falling Leaves Moon)
December-Cold Moon

I like to step back from my busy day, away from the confines of my home or the hospital and survey the skies and observe the seasons. Living in a world where there's a clock in almost every room, not to mention one around my wrist, it's hard to imagine trying to gauge time by gazing at the moon. I invite you to step outdoors for just a moment to feel and breathe the fall air, look up into the heavens and reflect on a simpler time.

I'm in the Dena, Hon!

Finally, I got Heaven Below into a store in the Dena. All Things Country has signed copies for sale. They are located in Pastore's Plaza. I hope to have a signing there on Sunday, November 8 during their annual Christmas open house. Thanks to Stacey (one of their designers) for believing in me and my story and helping to get it on the shelf. Onward! Next stop...a radio spot on WCBM.

I spent the morning teaching the kids how to split wood...sorta like pulling teeth. Now it's time for a weenie roast and s'mores 'round the campfire. I wonder if Riesling goes with processed meat?

Doc

Fantastic Day!!!

With two book signing events at BWMC today, I sold 50 books. What a great turn out it was. I met some new people including a representative of the BWMC Foundation. Perhaps there is a way BWMC can benefit from the book as well. I know the auxillary is happy today with their earnings. It was a red letter day for the blue ladies and they were wonderful sponsors. I have an interview lined up with The Capital and I'm hoping a photo from today will appear in The Gazette. My girl Denise was on hand to make sure everybody who wanted a book got one. It was a fantastic day. Thanks to all!

Joan

Book Signing Today!

Hello Everyone,

Today's the big day, my first book signing at BWMC. I have already had overwhelming support and encouragement by all those who have read my book. Thank you for your praise. I will have a table for signing just outside the gift shop and I'll be there during lunch and dinner breaks. If you can't make it to the signing, books will be available in the gift shop after today and catch me when you can in the ER for your personal salutation. I have already contacted the local media about the book and upcoming signings so watch for me in newspaper, radio and TV segments. If you know anyone in media ie. broadcaster, publisher, publicist etc, please send them my way. Writing the book was only half the battle--marketing it is the uphill battle.

I have 80 books to bring to the signing. Wouldn't it be great if I sold out today?

Thanks,
Joan

Off to the Races!!!

Hello all my faithful readers and fans!

I just booked two more book signings. One is on October 2 at BWMC and the other is at the Hard Bean Coffee and Booksellers at the Annapolis city dock on October 11. It is during the sailboat show so it should be a good turn out. I would love to see you if you are in Annapolis that day. I have a new contact for the Lord Baltimore hotel and should be signing books there shortly. Heaven Below is being reviewed by Teri Winslow of The Capital and a story will run in the Pasadena Voice shortly.

Thanks to all my BWMC friends and coworkers who have read the story and are spreading the word. If you loved the book, help me out by sending a blanket e-mail to people on your contacts list. Word of mouth is a powerful way to spread the news and a personal recommendation by a friend or loved one is the best referral.

If you would like me to speak at your book club, church group or other organization, I would be happy to participate. This is a great way to meet and learn about my readers.

Stay tuned!
Joan

Plugging along

A few more nurses bought copies today. It is wonderful to have their support. Their smiling faces and hugs are nice too. I can't wait for a signing at the hospital to see lots more of them (hopefully, a few doctors too.) The only complaint I have heard so far about the story is that my readers want more! I guess that's the best complaint to have.

Thanks everyone,
Doc

Digging In

I spent the day spreading the word. My marine neighbor, Frenchie, bought three more books. He is buying them for Christmas presents and sending them all over the county. One of his readers (a preacher in California) said he couldn't put it down. It took him 5 hours to "eat it up." I sent word to my alma maters (UC and Marshall University) and MAFP. My cousin Julia loved it and put the word out to Marty Bass of Channel 13 and Laurie DeYoung of WPOC says she will give it a read. I also contacted a literary agent in WV to see if she might be interested in representing "Don't Move Lily," my next project. I am digging in a little more each day and selling a few more copies. It is a lot of work to get the word out but it is so much easier with a little help from my friends. If you like the story, please drop me a line. I may be able to use your comment in a future publication or blog post (JoanLehmannMD@verizon.net). If you love it, please post a review directly through Amazon.com. The only restriction is that you have purchased something from then online after at least 24 hours. Thanks for your support.

Best,
Doc

New Places to Buy

Heaven Below can now be found at Cottage Chicks antique store in Deale and will soon be found at the Salem Avery house in Shady Side. Hopefully I will get a signing at both places and at the hospital soon. Denise Rostek just finished the book and gives it a big nod. Lots of nurses and techs at the hospital are giving it a read and I haven't had any complaints yet. My neighbor called last night to say she finished it in just 3 nights. She couldn't put it down. In her words, "There's a little bit of everything in there." She loved it.

I worked at the hospital today, but tomorrow I'll be hard at getting Heaven Below on more bookshelves.

Thanks to everyone who is spreading the word.

Doc

My book is on the shelf!

Hello everyone,

The past couple of days have been exciting in that Ukazoo books of Towson and Hard Bean Coffee and Booksellers at the Annapolis city dock have taken some of my books on consignment. Several autographed books are now available in these stores. I have been asked to participate in a new authors' book signing at Barnes and Noble of Annapolis and I am signed up for the Christmas Bazaar at Ft. Meade in December. I have already sold and given away around 80 books and those who have read them are giving me rave reviews. It is really wonderful to share your story with others and even better when they like it. I have also e-mailed around 70 of my contacts and have received around a dozen replies. One of the supervising nurses e-mailed all the nurses and techs in the ER and now there is even more of a buzz in the hospital about the book. (Thanks Donna!)

Next stop: BWMC auxillary for a book signing and getting Heaven Below in the hosptial gift shop.

Thanks for your support,
Doc

Coming home

After a glorious stay in the Florida panhandle, I'm ready to get back to work spreading the word about "Heaven Below." I took the liberty to enlighten a few shopkeepers down this way and will be following up with them next week. The colors down here are amazing and not so different from the cover of the book. I hope to get a book signing at the hospital and one in Pasadena within the next couple of weeks. I can't wait to get the word out on this inspiring, heartwarming story.

Best,
Doc

Heaven Way Below

Hello everyone,

I'm taking a business/pleasure trip in Pensacola, Florida. The colors are incredible here--so many blues and greens. The water is about 85 degrees and the breeze never stops. I hope to retire here some day. Sean found his heaven on the Chesapeake and I love it too. But I really love the Gulf--as long as you can dodge the hurricanes. I am getting the word out about my book through a couple of small bookstores down here and I've got friends spreading the word. Word of mouth is a powerful way to get the message out. If you know someone who might like the story, please let them know. Thanks for your support and I'll drink a Margarita for you!

Best,
Joan

Wow, isn't it amazing how summer just falls off into--fall every September?
I just had some great news. My buddy Frenchie, ex-Marine, oohraah, just read "Heaven Below" and couldn't put it down. Quite a compliment from a "manly, man" who doesn't normally read novels. He read it cover to cover in 48 hours. Now he's in hot water with the missus because he didn't get his chores done. That's the price you pay when you get caught up in a good story. He even came by to pick up another copy for his friend and plans to buy more for Christmas gifts. What a great way to share a great story?

Thanks French

In the beginning.....

Hello everyone,

I can't believe the book is finally finished. Every time I see one I can't believe my name is on the cover. After five long years of writing and revising, I'm ready to go on the road with my baby. I hear selling is nearly as hard as writing. But I already have the support of one of my loyal fans: Denise Poland. She is getting the word out like only she can. Seriously, if you want to read a great American story, curl up with "Heaven Below." It is definitely a feel good book and I think, has something for everyone. Thanks, Denise. And thanks to everyone who is giving me a read.

Best,
Joan