Ed Protzel

creating complex characters caught up in challenging times


Jun
26
to Jul 26

Write the Novel That Refreshes You

My article, “Write the Novel That Refreshes You,” was just published in the Authors’ Lounge of the ReadersMagnet website. In it, I delve into my decision to take a break before writing SOMETHING IN MADNESS, book 3 of my DARKHORSE TRILOGY — and the horrors prevalent in 1865 Reconstruction that awaited — to instead write a #scifi #thriller, THE ANTIQUITIES DEALER.

Find the article here.

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Mar
3
to Mar 7

Virtual Book Fair, March 3-7

My publisher, TouchPoint Press, is participating in the small press SMOL Virtual Book Fair - March 3-7, 2021. There will be giveaways, swag, author readings, and prizes from participating authors and publishers at this free, open-to-the-public event.

Visit SMOL Fair to sign up and be notified by email about the event.

TouchPoint Press will be giving away one $50 gift certificate to be used on all of their titles in the TPP bookstore (including my four novels) and will provide a 20% discount code to SMOL Fair attendees to be used between March 3-31, 2021. Plus, I’ll be giving away an autographed paperback copy of “Something in Madness.”

Hope to “see" you there!

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Jan
25
to Jan 29

Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tour Scheduled for Jan. 25-29

Something in Madness Book Discussions!

The week of Jan. 25 will offer several opportunities to join blog discussions about my newest novel, Something in Madness, and the historical setting: 1865 Mississippi, early Reconstruction. I’ll announce the blog tour lineup in time to join the blogs and participate in the discussions.

Find information on the book tour at: Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours.

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Dec
1
to Dec 31

Suspense Zone Contest Now Open!

The Suspense Zone, a website that features suspense-filled novels, is running a contest this month giving away an autographed paperback copy of my Reconstruction-era historical novel, SOMETHING IN MADNESS. The winner will be announced at the end of the month.

The Suspense Zone has featured all of my novels, each of which contains plenty of suspense, secrets, scandals and mysteries, and enough plot twists to keep you turning pages late into the night.

To enter the contest, click here!

To preview the book on Amazon click here.

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Nov
15
to Dec 15

Goodreads Kindle Giveway Event!

My publisher is running a giveaway on Goodreads, offering a chance to win one of 10 Kindle copies of SOMETHING IN MADNESS, my new heart-pounding historical drama exposing injustice in the post-Civil War South!

- The Giveaway starts on: Nov. 15, 2020
- The Giveaway ends on: Dec. 15, 2020

Click here to enter or for more information!

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Oct
19
to Oct 23

Calling All American Historical Fiction Fans!

The week of Oct. 19, I’ll be discussing my new novel, SOMETHING IN MADNESS, with members of the American Historical Novels Facebook group and the sister American Historical Novels Goodreads group. I invite you to join the conversation, which will take place from 11 am to noon Central each day.

Called “...an engrossing story not just for historical fiction readers, but for anyone who would better understand the roots of modern racism...” by D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review, the discussion will focus on the novel’s time period — early Reconstruction — one of the darkest and least understood periods in American history, when unregenerate Confederates still ran the South as newly freed Blacks were trying to begin their lives anew.

If you’re not already a member, just visit the groups to join:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/.../AmericanHistoricalFictionBo.../

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/.../575477-american-historical...

SOMETHING IN MADNESS is being released on Friday, Oct. 23, in print and eBook editions on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other outlets. For more information, visit www.edprotzel.com.

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Feb
25
5:00 PM17:00

Local Authors Event @ U. City Library

To my St. Louis friends and fans…

You’re invited to the “Celebrate Local Authors!” event in the auditorium of the University City Public Library on Tues., Feb. 25, 5 to 9 p.m. You’ll get to meet local authors, purchase books, and listen to readings. This a free event open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

I’ll be reading selected excerpts from two of my novels — The Antiquities Dealer, my sci-fi suspense thriller, and Something in Madness, the final book in my historical DarkHorse Trilogy, due for release later this year.

Please come out for this stimulating event and show support for our diverse group of local authors!

I hope to see you there! Find library info here.
- Ed

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Nov
3
to Nov 17

Books at St. Louis Jewish Book Festival

You can find a limited number of copies of my novels in the bookstore at the JCC during this year’s St. Louis Jewish Book Festival: The Lies That Bind and Honor Among Outcasts, books 1 and 2 of my Southern historical DarkHorse Trilogy; and The Antiquities Dealer (A David Greenberg Mystery).

Stop by the bookstore during the festival, Nov. 3 - 17. Details here.

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Nov
1
to Dec 1

Historical Fiction Goodreads Giveaway: The Lies That Bind

It won’t be long before the release of SOMETHING IN MADNESS, the final book in my epic DarkHorse Trilogy. So to help readers prepare, I’m giving away 10 copies of Book 1, THE LIES THAT BIND, on Goodreads (historical fiction genre) starting Nov. 1. Click here to find the giveaway page.

Winners will receive an autographed paperback copy. Good luck and good reading!

Secrets, schemes and sacrifices fill the pages of this Southern historical saga. You’ll follow the lives of hustler Durksen Hurst and a group of escaped slaves as they attempt to navigate a hostile South—from antebellum Mississippi (THE LIES THAT BIND), to Civil War Missouri (HONOR AMONG OUTCASTS), and back to Mississippi during a perilous Reconstruction (SOMETHING IN MADNESS). A dramatic and inspiring read!

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Oct
1
to Oct 31

The Antiquities Dealer October Giveaway is Under Way!

I’ll be giving away an autographed paperback copy of The Antiquities Dealer (A David Greenberg Mystery), my futuristic Middle East tale of intrigue filled with religion, science, and murder.

To enter the contest, visit The Suspense Zonehttp://www.thesuspensezone.com/contests/any time in October, The winner will be drawn and announced after the end of the month.

Also, find my author interview where I talk about writing and The Antiquities Dealer posted at - http://www.thesuspensezone.com/ed-protzel-interview-3/

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To order…

The Kindle, paperback and audiobook editions visit: http://bit.ly/TheAntiquitiesDealer

The Nook edition is available at: http://bit.ly/TheAntiquitiesDealerNook


 

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Jun
14
to Jun 15

Book Fair, Gateway Con

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Come on over to the Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel June 14-16 for the 2019 Gateway to Publishing Book Fair. I’ll be joining other area authors reading, selling and signing copies of our books. The Book Fair is free and open to the public. I’ll have copies of my three novels: The Lies That Bind and Honor Among Outcasts (Books 1 and 2, DarkHorse Trilogy), and my new futuristic thriller, The Antiquities Dealer.

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For details visit: https://www.facebook.com/gatewayconstl/

I hope to see you there!

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May
6
6:30 PM18:30

Author Reading: The Antiquities Dealer, U. City Library

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Please join me at the University City Library on Mon. evening, May 6, when I’ll be reading from and signing copies of my new thriller, The Antiquities Dealer (A David Greenberg Mystery), 6:30 - 7:30 pm in the library auditorium.

The story, set in both St. Louis and Israel and featuring a quirky mix of mystery, religion, and science fiction, is sprinkled with local references, such as the U. City Loop, Blueberry Hill, Central West End, Left Bank Books—even the ill-reputed Coral Courts Motel.

The Plot. The Antiquities Dealer opens as David Greenberg, a St. Louis gallery owner, receives a call from his long-lost love, Miriam Solomon, who’d moved to Israel decades ago. Agreeing to meet at Blueberry Hill, Miriam enlists David’s help in locating a missing relic of singular importance to an ancient Israeli society. But to do so, he must first decipher an obscure clue to its whereabouts. The tension quickly escalates—becoming increasingly more deadly—as David travels from St. Louis to Israel and back, finding more questions than answers—and unsure of whom to trust.

I’ve chosen some intriguing excerpts, each giving a peek into the heart of the story, without exposing any spoilers, such as...

  • How David gets suckered into chasing down the last nail from the Crucifixion—thought to be in St. Louis.

  • Whether he believes the rumor circulating that Jesus is alive in Israel.

  • And who might be responsible for the many murders surrounding his quest—the televangelist? the Jewish extremist? the jihadi?

All in all, a real mishegas for David Greenberg!

This FREE event is open to all. Refreshments will be served. Book sales to be handled by Subterranean Books. The Antiquities Dealer is also available in Kindle and Nook formats, as well as the just-released audiobook.

Hope to see you there :)

U. City Library Events Page

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U. City Library

The Delmar Loop

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Mar
8
to Mar 29

The Antiquities Dealer March Trivia Challenge

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Take The Antiquities Dealer Trivia Challenge each Friday in March for a chance to win a paperback copy of this exciting new thriller, filled with references that will inform and amuse as you follow David Greenberg on his quest to locate a missing artifact. In case of a tie, the winner will be drawn by the publisher. Email answers to media@touchpointpress.com by the following Monday.

• March 1: Mythology

• March 8: Yiddish

• March 15: Chess

• March 22: Jewish mysticism

• March 29: Name the song

Good luck!

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Dec
12
4:30 PM16:30

Authors on the Air Live Broadcast

Tune in to my live interview on Wed., Dec. 12, at 4:30 CT when I’ll be talking with Authors on the Air’s Pam Stack about my historical DarkHorse Trilogy - The Lies That Bind, Honor Among Outcasts and Something in Madness.

Visit “Ed Protzel discusses his fiction trilogy on Authors on the Air” Facebook Event page and indicate your interest.

You’ll also be able to catch the podcast at: https://www.blogtalkradio.com/authorsontheair

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Dec
12
11:10 AM11:10

Historical for the Holidays Virtual Book Tour

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Log onto Facebook’s Passages to the Past “Historical for the Holidays Book Tour” on Dec. 12 and learn about some terrific novels from over 34 historical fiction authors. I’ll be joining the tour at 11:10 am CT (12:10 ET) to discuss my Civil War-era DarkHorse Trilogy - The Lies That Bind, Honor Among Outcasts and the soon-to-be-published Something in Madness. I’ll be taking comments and offering an ebook copy of The Lies That Bind and Honor Among Outcasts as giveaways!

So check out the Historical for the Holidays Events Facebook page and indicate “going” or “interested.” See you there - virtually of course :)

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Nov
3
10:00 AM10:00

Meet me at the St. Louis Indie Book Fair

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Stop by my table at the St. Louis Indie Book Fair on Sat., Nov 3. I'll have copies of my historical novels, The Lies that Bind & Honor Among Outcasts, books 1 and 2 of my Civil War-era DarkHorse Trilogy.

The fair will be held at Treffpunkt (the former St. Mathew Church) in South City, 3453 S Jefferson Ave., St. Louis, MO 63118. Find directions to Treffpunkt here.

Find details on the book fair's website.

 

 

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Sep
29
9:30 AM09:30

Author Breakfast: Carondelet Library

Register now for the Sept. 29 Author Breakfast at the beautiful Carondelet Library, 6800 Michigan in South St. Louis. I'll be there along with seven other St. Louis authors to meet, greet, sign copies of our books and enjoy a continental breakfast.

The event is open to readers of all ages. Registration is limited to 80, however, so register asap via the library's website.

Participating authors include Fedora Amis, Denise Bogard, Vicki, Erwin, Kara Louise, Susan McBride, Pat Simmons, Jeffrey Viles, and me. Doors open at 9 a.m. Book sales will be handled by Left Bank Books.

Carondelet Branch, St. Louis Public Library

Carondelet Branch, St. Louis Public Library

Built in 1908, this landmark, Neoclassical building was designed by architect Ernst Preisler and made of Maine granite. It was partially funded by Andrew Carnegie.

More information about the Author Breakfast, visit https://slpl.bibliocommons.com/events/search/index/event/5b0d812c1251f942005e848a

Hope to see you there!

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Sep
5
9:00 PM21:00

Interview on BlogTalkRadio

Tune in to hear me talk about my novels with L. Kenneth Taylor, publisher of Some’n Unique Magazine, on his BlogTalkRadio show. My segment will run from 9-10 pm (Central) on Wed., Sept. 5.

To listen, just visit http://www.blogtalkradio.com/someuniquemag/2018/09/06/bjcs--stl-education-more-with-natalie-vowell

If you have questions or want to comment, the call-in number is 657-383-0497. Natalie V. Vowell, Secretary of the St. Louis City Board of Education, will be the guest from 8-9 pm.

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Jun
23
1:00 PM13:00

Main Street Books Author Signing

I'll be at Main Street Books in downtown St. Charles, Missouri, on Sat., June 23, 1-3 pm, to sign copies of my historical novels, The Lies that Bind and Honor Among Outcasts, books 1 and 2 of my Civil War-era DarkHorse Trilogy.

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The Lies That Bind takes place in 1859-61 Mississippi, which sets up the trilogy and the relationship between the drifter/abolitionist Durksen Hurst and a group of fugitive slaves he befriends.

Honor Among Outcasts is set in 1863 during Missouri's brutal guerrilla war features scenes in St. Louis and St. Charles, which played pivotal roles in the war.

Book 3, Something in Madness, returns to Mississippi during post-war Reconstruction (to be released next year).

I look forward to signing your copies! Click for info on Main Street Books.

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May
26
11:00 AM11:00

"Writing Screenplays: Structure, Dramatic Tips & Dialogue That Sizzles"

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I'll be presenting "Writing Screenplays: Structure, Dramatic Tips & Dialogue That Sizzles" at the Saturday Writers group in St. Peters, Mo., on May 26, 11 am - 1 pm.

In the presentation, I'll cover the structure and process of developing an original screenplay. I'll also talk about how I converted one of my screenplays, a Southern Gothic mystery/thriller, into a novel — The Lies That Bind, which led to my Civil War-era DarkHorse Trilogy. The second book in the trilogy, Honor Among Outcasts, was just released in February.

Looking forward to revisiting the world of screenwriting with the Saturday Writers group!

Find information about the group at: http://www.saturdaywriters.org/index.html

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May
10
7:00 PM19:00

Author Visit: Subterranean Books

I'll be at Subterranean Books in St. Louis' Delmar Loop on Thursday, May 10, to read from my newest historical thriller, HONOR AMONG OUTCASTS.

HONOR AMONG OUTCASTS centers on the friendship between a Southern abolitionist and a group of escaped slaves who form a "colored" cavalry unit to fight for the Union in Missouri. It offers a glimpse into a time and place that pit neighbor against neighbor in America’s most bloody conflict—the Missouri-Kansas border war of 1863. I'll touch on some actual events and little-known oddities that occurred during the war and how they appear in the novel.

The event starts at 7 pm and is free and open to all Refreshments will be served. Find full details at Subterranean Books. Hope to see you there!

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May
5
10:00 AM10:00

How to Bring History to Life Through Fiction: St. Louis Writers Guild Workshops

YA writer P.A. De Voe and I will be sharing our perspectives on how to bring history to life through fiction at a St. Louis Writers Guild workshop on May 5, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at The Lodge Des Peres, 1050 Des Peres Rd, St. Louis, MO 63131.

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I'll be referencing my Civil War-era DarkHorse Trilogy, as well as ancient history used in my upcoming futuristic thriller, The Antiquities Dealer.

The workshop is free for Guild members; $5 for nonmembers. For more information, visit St. Louis Writers Guild.

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May
1
to May 31

Suspense Zone Giveaway: "Honor Among Outcasts" Autographed Copy

Honor Among Outcasts: DarkHorse Trilogy, Book 2, set in Civil War Missouri

You could win an autographed print copy of my newest historical thriller, Honor Among Outcasts, by entering The Suspense Zone's giveaway, which runs throughout May.

If you like your historical fiction sprinkled with a good dose of suspense, you'll love Honor Among Outcasts!

So enter The Suspense Zone's contest running throughout May for your chance at a free copy of Honor Among Outcasts. The winner will be drawn at the end of the month and notified.

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Good luck!

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Mar
13
7:00 PM19:00

"Antebellum South, Civil War Missouri & Reconstruction: An Author’s Journey"

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I'll be at the Missouri River Regional Library in Jefferson City on Tuesday, March 13, to discuss what I learned while researching and writing the novels of my historical DarkHorse Trilogy:

  • The Lies That Bind, set in antebellum Mississippi;
  • Honor Among Outcasts, set in Civil War Missouri; and
  • Something in Madness, set in Mississippi during Reconstruction.

I'll read related excerpts from the novels and spend time on Reconstruction and how its effects still reverberate today. The event will be held in the library's second-floor art gallery starting at 7 pm. It' free and open to the public.

Find info at the library or the events page.

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Feb
17
11:00 AM11:00

1st Annual St. Louis Author Invitational

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On Sat., Feb. 17, 11 am - 2 pm, I'll be joining other St. Louis-area authors at the 1st Annual St. Louis Author Invitational at the Ferguson Community Center, 1050 Smith Ave. in Ferguson. The event is being sponsored by Some'n Unique Magazine, with refreshments from Munch Wagon.

This family-orientated event is free and open to the public. So stop by, bring your friends and family members, and meet some local writers. I'll be there signing copies of Honor Among Outcasts, hot off the press!

Hope to see you there. Click here for details.

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Feb
2
10:00 AM10:00

Today is Release Day for Honor Among Outcasts

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Honor Among Outcasts (DarkHorse Trilogy, Book 2) now available in print and ebook editions!

A very good read for those, like me, who are fans of period fiction...”
- Paul F. Johnson for Readers' Favorite

Honor Among Outcasts centers on a Southerner who forms a colored cavalry unit with a group of friends, escaped slaves, to fight for the Union in Civil War Missouri, but is accused of spying for the Confederacy. Will his friends decide to save him or themselves?

Enjoy Honor Among Outcasts as a stand-alone or as book 2 of the DarkHorse Trilogy. For fans of historical novels, mystery/thrillers, Civil War or Missouri history, and inspirational tales that affirm the power of friendship and love. Available now on Amazon and through many other outlets. If you pre-ordered a Kindle edition, you should receive it automatically.

Enjoy!

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May
1
to May 31

May Book Giveaway!

My historical thriller, The Lies That Bind: DarkHorse Trilogy, Book 1, is being featured throughout May on The Suspense Zone website.

Click here to enter the contest. The winner will receive an autographed print copy of the book.

To read my author interview click here.

Win or lose, I guarantee a suspenseful read! :)

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Mar
2
8:00 AM08:00

Webster Groves High School All Write Festival

I'll be at historic Webster Groves High School on March 2, 2017, to speak with students during the school's All Write Festival. I'll be joining other St. Louis-area novelists, poets, screenwriters, memoirists, journalists, critics, and songwriters for readings, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions with students during the week-long festival.

I'm happy to be making a contribution to our future creative luminaries!


Post-script: During my presentation at the festival, one of the students. Duyen Anh (Cianna) Vo, who had read The Lies That Bind, presented me with a portrait she painted of the young Devereau French character! What a surprise. I am deeply honored!

Portrait of "young Devereau French," The Lies That Bind by Ed Protzel
Artist: Duyen Anh (Cianna) Vo, Webster Groves High School

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Dec
10
10:00 AM10:00

St. Louis Authors Extravaganza

I'll be selling and signing copies of my historical thriller, THE LIES THAT BIND, on Sat., Dec. 10, at Gateway to Dreams Business Lodge, Chesterfield Mall, Sears wing, first floor.

The event is sponsored by Gateway to Dreams, a nonprofit created to help people achieve their dreams and improve their lives — not unlike the dreams of the characters in my book!

Stop by my table if you're out shopping. If you already have a copy, bring it and I'll sign it gladly!

Event hosted by St. Louis Publishers Association, St. Louis Writers Guild and Gateway to Dreams.

Signing a copy of The Lies That Bind at today's "extravaganza."

Signing a copy of The Lies That Bind at today's "extravaganza."

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© Copyright 2020 Ed Protzel