Q. Is your book a true story?
A. Yes. Every fact in the book is backed by extensive research (there is a reason this book took me ten years to write!).

Q. I want to write a paper/essay about Covert for a school project. Can you help me?
A. I am so sorry, but I am swamped with such requests and it is impossible for me to get to all of them. Having taught college I can tell you that the most impressive papers are those that rely on research, so I am including a bibliography of the books that I have found helpful.

Q. I have a great idea for a book, can you give me advice on getting published?
A. I am afraid that I don't know any secrets. What I do know is that there is no easy way to get published, it is hard hard work, and you have to be ready to deal with lots of rejection and criticism. First, you need to have an agent, as no reputable publisher will consider a book that is not "represented." However, I caution you to be careful in your search for an agent as there are sharks out there. Make sure that any agent you write to is a signatory to the Association of Author Representatives (AAR), or at least conforms to AAR standards. Check out the AAR website for lots of helpful advice. A good agent will read your work, give you feedback, and get you a publisher, all without seeing a cent of your money. A good agent is worth their weight in gold. That said, it is very hard to get an agent. As a first time author I survived seventy four rejections before finally getting two different agencies interested in representing me. Fellow authors I know have had to deal with even more rejections before finally getting their books published. I would recommend you start with getting a copy of Kathryn Brogan's Guide to Literary Agents. I am also a fan of Ralph Keye's The Writer's Book of Hope that will make you laugh even on the day you get five rejections in the mail (trust me, this happens).

Q. Could you read my book and give me feedback on it?
A. I wish I were immortal and could help all the thousands of aspiring writers who wish for this, but I am, alas, merely mortal, so must decline. I urge you to join a writing group, take a writing course or two, and get a recent copy of the Writer's Market.

Q. I think you got your facts wrong about:

• The Civil War
• Slavery
• The North
• The South
• Racism
• Or any other topic that my book covers.

There are a lot of diverse opinions about these very emotional issues that are a part of America's past. I had to read many of the books on these subjects in order to receive my Ph.D. in American history, and I am well aware that there are many conflicting views. When I wrote my book I chose sources that I researched to be certain they were as true and accurate as possible. While I would love to be able to engage in debates and discussions about America's past with the readers of my book, I am not able to. Be assured that I am well aware that there are many new discoveries being made in American history every day. I try to keep updated on recent scholarship and to keep an open mind, and hope you will do the same.

Q. How did you find Covert, and what made you interested in studying it?
A. The easy answer is that I had a senior paper to write in college, and I wanted to do local history because I already loved doing primary research (i.e. working with original documents, not just books). My college was about twenty miles from Covert, and a friend told me about the old and established African American community living there. As to why I found an integrated community interesting, that is a more complicated issue. I was raised by parents who were passionate believers in integration and equal rights for all Americans, and my mother was an active participant in the Civil Rights struggles in Chicago in the late 1960's. These were not dead values, rather, my family daily lived out its beliefs in integration and equality. When I discovered an entire community that had done the same, but more than a hundred years ago, I was immediately moved and intrigued.

Q. I grew up in/know about a community a lot like Covert, have you heard of it?
A. Maybe, maybe not. I love to hear from folks about other communities of equality, Please take the time to share your story by e-mailing me here.

Q. Will you be giving a reading in my community any time soon?
A. Please check out my Book Tour page for the most up to date information about my book tour schedule.

Q. My book club plans on reading your book. Do you visit or speak to book clubs?
A. Absolutely! If you see that I'll be in your area, contact me, and there is a chance that I can meet with your book club. Another option is to set up an appointment with me to talk with your group via phone. While I am very busy touring these days, I really enjoy talking to folks about my book, and will work hard to arrange something with your group. You can e-mail me by clicking here.

Q. How can I contact you?
A. You can e-mail me here.

Covert's Main Street, c. 1910.