I just got the first proof of the cover for the new book “Tales Of The Mansion” a collection of short stories compiled by the residents of the Mansion in July’s short story contest. Robert, the winner, is in the cover shot, he is wearing some of the Fourth of July glasses sent to all the residents by one of the readers of the blog, a member of the Army Of Good.

Robert wrote a funny story about life in the Mansion from the perspective of a new residents. There are 15 stories in “Tales Of The Mansion.” We are planning a reading at the Mansion when the book comes out – it will be open to the public. I’m ordering a first printing of 200 copies.

Every resident and members of their families will get a free copy, some will be given to the Mansion, and some will go to Battenkill Books in  Cambridge for purchase and shipping anywhere in the world.

Thanks to Connie Brooks for agreeing to sell them.

The stories are surprising,compelling and revealing.  There is loss, hope and tragedy and yearning. We did little editing, I wanted the stories to be in the true voices of the residents, not all slicked up. It was a wonderful experience for me.

They came out of a story-telling workshop I conducted with Julie Smith, the Mansion Activity Director. I told them their stories were important, and I think they heard me. In assisted care facilities, there is often the feeling of being abandoned and forgotten. That’s why it is so important that their stories be told and read.

We have not yet set a sale price for the book, which will also include about a dozen of my photographs, all taken when the stories were first presented.

The book was designed by the very gifted Abrah Griggs, and artist and book illustrator from Vermont. The stories were organized and compiled by Julie Smith, the Mansion Activities Director, and myself. I’m  having the books printed on CreateSpace, it’s the best price we could find.

Any profits or revenues from the book will go to support outings for the Mansion residents -plays, parks, picnics, historic sites, etc.

I hope to have the books in hand in several weeks, if not sooner. I’ll wait to begin pre-ordering until we have a price, it will be as low as possible. Your support made this happen, I thank you.