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As we count down to the publication of The Foxes of Belair, I wanted to revive a series I started over at the Sir Barton Project in 2019. Each month, I profiled a book I had on my to-read list and the author behind the words. I am kicking off the 2023 version of this series with The Fast Ride: Spectacular Bid and the Undoing of a Sure Thing by Jack Gilden.

Jack Gilden has worked as a marketing strategist and messaging expert for nearly four decades, recently adding author to his resume. Both of his books, The Fast Ride: Spectacular Bid and the Undoing of a Sure Thing,(2022) and Collision of Wills: Johnny Unitas, Don Shula and the Rise of the Modern NFL (2018), were published by the University of Nebraska Press.

I had the great fortune to ask Gilden a few questions about his new book, his writing process, and more. Enjoy!

Continue reading “Author Answers: Jack Gilden” →

For this first installment of Books of Note for 2023, I went through my to-read pile of books and looked for ones that I knew were recent additions to the world of books about the sport of horse racing. 2022 had its share of new books, which I collected here for America’s Best Racing, and this new one on Spectacular Bid, The Fast Ride: Spectacular Bid and the Undoing of a Sure Thing by Jack Gilden, caught my eye. Familiar with the story of the Bid, I decided to start here.

What Gilden’s take on the story of the Bid adds to the pantheon of work already out on this Hall of Famer is an exploration of the behind-the-scenes drama rather than a rehashing of this great gray’s many celebrated performances, a look at the who and where behind a familiar name and a familiar time in racing.

Continue reading “Books of Note: The Fast Ride” →

In 2013, after years of teaching writing at the college level, I contemplated what I would do if I weren’t teaching. I had two young children and the idea of working for myself gave me the ability to be flexible with my time and complement my husband’s working schedule as well. That’s when I got the idea to write my first book, Sir Barton and the Making of the Triple Crown, and, in the process of making that book a reality, I learned a few things. I’m going to share one of them now.

If you ever thought about writing a nonfiction book, here is a bit of what I learned about the process. The first step toward making that idea a reality is something simple but helpful: writing a book proposal.

Continue reading “This Book Started Here: Book Proposals” →

It’s that time of the year again, everyone: it’s gift-giving season. Whether you are buying for others or are filling out your own list, finding the right something special for the people on your list can be a time-consuming challenge. But, if you are of the horsey sort or have a horse lover in your circle, shopping can feel like a scavenger hunt with lackluster clues. Look no further! I have the list for you!

From mystery to history, here are a few books perfect for your gift-giving needs in 2022.

(If you are looking for my list of new books for 2022, that list can be found at America’s Best Racing in the coming weeks.)

Continue reading “Gifts for the Bookish: 2022 Holiday Book Guide” →

Every year, I do my best to collect links to those retailers that have items that appeal to those of the horsey sort. Whether you’re looking for something for your favorite racing fan or yourself, this list surely has something you can pass along for this holiday season. From calendars to candles, shirts to subscriptions, the 2022 edition surely has something for your gifting needs this year.

All Stars

These all stars are ones that I have ordered from and worked with before myself. My recommendations list always include these folks and their wonderful products.

Amie’s Horse Racing Gifts

I will forever shill for Amie Martinez and her skills as a creator and her enthusiasm as a fan of racing. A full half of my personal Christmas tree includes Amie’s creations and my office is awash in items she has customized for me. Get your orders in now so that you can get your items in plenty of time for your gift-giving occasions!

Old Smoke Clothing Company

My closet boasts at least a dozen Old Smoke shirts, each a fun and unique design that recalls many a champion of past and present. Their JK collection was everywhere at Breeders’ Cup this year. My favorites include the Graveyard of Champions and Sir Barton shirts, of course, but anything from this site makes a great gift for the horsey person in your life.

Robert Clark, artist

Bob’s art is a gorgeous addition to any racing fan’s home. His shop includes both prints and calendars, giving you more than one way to see your favorite horse in your home every day. I can’t wait to add his portrait of American Pharoah to my home someday!

Grace Clark

Grace’s work as a photographer depicts iconic Bluegrass scenes, one that make lovely additions to any home or office. We have a couple of Grace’s photos on your mantle year-round, with her photo of a horseman preparing a stallion for showing as one of those images that we had to have.

Greg Montgomery

I have two of Greg’s Travers posters and have at least one more that I am planning to add to our collection of racing artwork. His 2017 poster of Arrogate was a must-have for my office and his 2021 poster of Tiz the Law is waiting in the wings for a spot in our home. The perfect gift for any racing fan who wants to blend their love of the sport with timeless art.

Triple Crown Winners by Samantha Decker

This is a last-minute addition to the Gift Guide! I just ordered this and I cannot wait to add this to my office. Enjoy Decker’s portraits of America’s thirteen Triple Crown winners. An adorable piece for any collector, especially those who love the thirteen elite names on that list!

Continue reading “2022 Horsey Holiday Gift Guide” →

Gallant Fox, Omaha, and I have reached another milestone on the journey to publication: pre-orders. This book chronicling both Gallant Fox’s and Omaha’s careers is already available for you to order now for its release in Spring 2023.

Where to Pre-Order

As with all books released by the University Press of Kentucky, you can find the book available via the Press’s website as well as your favorite bookseller, including both Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

• The University Press of Kentucky
• Amazon
• Barnes and Noble

As we get closer to the book’s release, I will share upcoming appearances if you’d like to meet me, talk all things Belair, and pick up a copy of the book. I would love to meet you and sign your copy of Foxes of Belair and/or my first book, Sir Barton and the Making of the Triple Crown.

Speaking of Sir Barton

Speaking of Sir Barton, the book is currently available in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook formats, and, in Spring 2023, we will add a softcover version! You can also preorder this edition of Sir Barton now.

• The University Press of Kentucky
• Amazon
• Barnes and Noble

I will have copies of the softcover edition of Sir Barton along with Foxes of Belair when I do events in 2023. If you’d like to grab a signed copy of the hardcover edition of Sir Barton now, please visit The Snail on the Wall to order.

Getting Excited

Even better, I’ve seen the cover for Foxes of Belair! We are working on finalizing the design, but I hope to bring the world premiere of this important milestone soon. I can’t wait!

In January 2020, I started writing Foxes of Belair full time. Now, over two years later, I am counting down to the book’s publication in 2023, but, first, I thought I would share a bit about both the book and myself.

Continue reading “An Introduction” →

‘Tis that time of the year again: time to celebrate another year gone by, another moment to pause and give thanks and share some good food and good fun with those who mean the most to us. Also on the agenda? The proverbial exchange of gifts to celebrate the bonds we have with those loved ones. If you’re a horsey person like me, you often hear that you *might* be hard to shop for. This holiday gift extravaganza is here to answer that very question.

Let the fun begin!

Continue reading “2021 Horsey Holiday Gift Extravaganza” →

It’s that time of the year again, folks: time to think about holiday gifts. Whether you light a menorah, put out a nativity scene, or simply enjoy celebrating with family, these final weeks of 2021 give us a chance to talk about fun items for any horse racing fan.

This particular list of gifty items is one that is close to my heart: books! The sport is awash in great books on the personalities, both human and equine, that make up its history and the holidays are a fantastic time to share those stories that are new to bookstores this year.

Continue reading “2021 Holiday Book Guide” →