LTGPA Launches!

After nine months of work with our editing and design team, the project has officially come to fruition.

A while back Cat Shuler and I, the literary and publishing GENIUSES and SAVANTS behind Mind Harvest Press, made a numerological decision and chose 1/17/17 as the publication date for our first book release, Let the Glory Pass Away… and then suddenly the day was upon us.

WOOT!

Since there is plenty on the site already (and elsewhere) that describes the novel, its plot, characters, and inspirations, here’s a set of photos depicting the fine time we had launching it at one of the classiest joints in Columbia, SC, Delaney’s Speakeasy. Much gratitude to friend and photographer James Scott for these terrific captures.

Oh, but first, here’s a link to a TV interview I did at 6:40am that morning. While my appearance on the local ABC affiliate’s morning show went wonderfully, it made for a long but fulfilling day indeed!

A gathering of book and music lovers greets the release of LTGPA.

The author and his publication collaborator, Catherine A. Shuler.

The crowd mills awaiting the author’s pithy remarks about the book.

The author eyes his empty coffee cup and ponders a refill.

My wife Jenn and her bandmates May and Bentz Kirby in Jellyroll & Delicious Dish.

With editor Elizabeth Leverton. Couldn’t have done it without her!

The great Chris Compton, whose song ‘Sermon on the Mountain’ provided me with the title of the novel.

Congratulations from book designer Marc Cardwell—couldn’t-a done it without him, either!

With my father, David “Pop” McCallister.

With longtime supporter and friend Sara June Goldstein of the SC Arts Commission.

Acknowledging the rest of my family who came to honor me with their presence.

Jenn McCallister sings one from the heart, and the diaphragm.

A familiar scene all night—Cat trying to get the Square reader to swipe, and me asking, “Do you want me to also inscribe it?”

Cat Shuler talks about how much the project meant to her.

Listening in a state of humility as Cat speaks to the crowd about how amazing she found LTGPA. Truly, I was humbled by her words. To the left is D. Travis Bland, a local writer who read and critiqued an early draft of the book, all to its ultimate benefit.

Casting a spell over the crowd—buy the books. Buy the books. Buy the books…

At long last, the book release event!

Thanks much to the Speakeasy, the bands, and all who made the launch of Let the Glory Pass Away such a smashing success! As I receive more pics from the other photographer, I’ll add to this selection.

In the meantime, the campaign continues this weekend with a signing at Burry Bookstore in lovely and bucolic Hartsville, SC. Stay tuned for announcements about more signings! What a fine dream come true to have gotten on our feet with this book.