Introducing Life Out Here by Lynn Allen

We had a booksigning at our library in our small town of less than 3,000 last evening. It was exciting for me for a variety of reasons. First, as a fellow writer, I always admire those who have something actually in print, a goal I’ve been striving to achieve for a long time now. Second, I happen to be a member of our local library board, so special events held there are exciting. Third, and probably most important to me, I met the author at the Colorado Christian Writer’s Conference last year.

Lynn Allen is an excellent Christian writer who contributes a column called “Ridin’ Fence” on a weekly basis to a rural newspaper in the area where I live. Her book, entitled Life Out Here, is a compilation of those slice of rural life articles.

Lynn captures the essence of the heart and soul of those who make their homes in a part of the country where the scenery outside your back door consists of acres and acres of prairie dotted by various critters; from cattle to horses to goats to chickens and everything in between. She entertains her readers with stories of everyday life that encompass hard work, hardship, and hard riding. Lynn reaches deep into the roots of our heritage with vivid word pictures that give us glimpses into the lifestyle of the descendants of the American west pioneers. She helps us understand the nature of the people who pour their blood, sweat, and tears into the cultivation of this great land and the nurturing of its livestock.

This book champions small community living, emulates rural America, and salutes the courage of those who live here. If you have ever wondered what it is like to live in an area where a one stoplight town is considered “the closest city” and the 25 mile drive to the next community is a run “up the street”, this book is a must read!

By the way, if you’re in the market for a gift for a man – this is the book. As Lynn says, “the chapters are short – and it’s got pictures!”

Congratulations, Lynn. I know Life Out Here will be an enjoyable read for country folk and city slickers too!

February drawing: Carla, you are the winner of The Plight of Mattie Gordon by Jeanne Leach. Congratulations!

Thanks for reading my blog.