Well, it's been just over two years since the last City of Dust blog post. In that time I've moved from New Mexico to northern Nevada, started a new job, and then started another new job. That's all taken a lot of time, but none of it is really why there hasn't been anything new here since January 8, 2018. What's really demanded my creative attention over the last two years is a book project, now officially titled, "Abandoned New Mexico: Ghost Towns, Endangered Architecture, and Hidden History." Coming in at over 40,000 words and with 150 photos (both color and b&w), this project has not let up since the idea first reared its head in late 2017. But I didn't want to mention the book until I was certain it would actually be published. Jinxing myself and all that.
So, finally, I can say that this thing is indeed coming out. The publication date is
Anyway, I'll be saying more about all this shortly, but for right now I should mention that the book is titled "Abandoned New Mexico" to align with Fonthill Media's current series on ghost towns and derelict buildings called "Abandoned Union." However, the subtitle is much more accurate as while I include true ghost towns, such as Acme/Frazier and Riley/Santa Rita, there are also populated places, including House and Monticello, and historic structures both owned (Melvin Mills Mansion) and operational (St. James Hotel). In the end, I threw in pretty much everything and the kitchen sink, too.
So with that, please stay tuned and I hope to start posting regularly again here soon. I've certainly got plenty of fresh material on hand. But life demands a lot of attention these days, so we'll still have to take it as it comes for now.
Thanks to everyone for their continued interest in City of Dust over the last...nearly 16 years! Even though I wasn't posting I never stopped getting fantastic comments and wonderful recollections from many, many people. Again, thank you!
Damn - I’ll definitely be ordering a copy! I wish it was coming out before my trip in April...
ReplyDeleteCan't wait! What is that a picture of on the cover?
ReplyDeleteThank you, Susan! I appreciate the support!
ReplyDeleteAs for the cover, that's Walter Carlson's former home along Route 66 in Tucumcari. He is fondly remembered and certainly deserves a mention.
Thanks again! JM
I’ve checked back every so often and glad to see this post. Preorder in the amazon basket....
ReplyDeleteHi Karen,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the pre-order! I really appreciate it. I'm not sure if you noticed when you ordered, but the book has been delayed until August 29 for the reason everything else is on hold. Sorry about that. However, I'm told the books have been printed and are just sitting in a container in South Carolina.
Thanks for your patience and I hope to have time to post here more often now.
Take Care! JM
It is December 2020 and I have just ordered the book from Amazon. The book page showed "Only 7-left", if you can believe that marketing tool. Anyhow, I am looking forward to the arrival of the book in Early January. Well Done and congratulations on getting it published! Just knowing the Blog I have started recommending the book to friends. Best, Ron M
ReplyDeleteHi Ronemtz,
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for your congrats and for getting a copy of the book! I really appreciate it! That Amazon marketing tool *may* have been truthful in that one rare instance as the book has been sold out through Amazon for several weeks now.
On that note, have you received your copy yet? If you're having any trouble, I still have signed copies available at the City of Dust web store. A new printing is about to arrive at the distributor, but, unfortunately, the book got a little hard to find recently. And feel free to direct any interested folks straight to that web store for the time being!
Thanks for spreading the word, and just get in touch if you've experienced any problems with your order and we'll figure it out. JM