WILD WEST AUTHOR ROLLS INTO TEXAS FOLLOWING ENTHUSIASTIC OKLAHOMA RECEPTION
The Pontotoc Conspiracy's Oklahoma and Texas promotional tour kicked off to a great start with author Phillip M. Swatek introducing his new historical novel in the heart of the Chickasaw Nation. The author's tour continues in Texas.
Austin, TX (PR Web) October 27, 2003 — The Pontotoc Conspiracy and the book’s
author, Phillip M. Swatek, received an enthusiastic reception in Oklahoma as the
author kicked off his promotional tour of Oklahoma and Texas. The author will be
traveling to Austin, Texas the week of October 27.
A Wild West historical
novel recently published by the Florida Historical Society, The Pontotoc
Conspiracy is based on actual events in desperado-ridden Indian Territory at the
turn of the century, including an infamous quadruple hanging that forced the
small town of Ada, Oklahoma into the national spotlight in 1909. Several Texans
figure prominently in the book, including the assassin Jim Miller.
In
Oklahoma, Phillip Swatek first presented The Pontotoc Conspiracy at the Ada
Public Library, and signed books afterwards. Head librarian Jennifer Greenstreet
reports a growing waiting list for the book. Those stopping by Monday to
congratulate the author and to hear him speak included Glenda Galvin, Director
of Chickasaw Heritage for the Chickasaw Nation.
On Tuesday, Phillip
Swatek spoke to the Ada Lion’s Club at the Aldridge Hotel. Many members stayed
afterwards to purchase books signed by the author and to share their stories of
Ada’s Wild West heritage. Those in attendance included James Hamby, President of
the First National Bank & Trust Company. “We are really excited to have this
story written about Ada’s history. It’s a fascinating story and one that needs
to be told. We were so impressed by Phil’s presentation that we invited him over
to the bank afterwards and bought 20 copies of the book,” said Hamby.
The
Hastings store in Ada was Phillip Swatek’s next stop, where he signed books and
shared stories of the era with shoppers who turned out for the occasion Tuesday
night. Hastings manager Ryan Smith appreciated the additional traffic the
signing generated, and took the opportunity to purchase several cases of The
Pontotoc Conspiracy for the store. “I see it as being one of our top sellers for
Christmas,” Smith said. “The Pontotoc Conspiracy has generated great interest
and gotten people talking.”
Former Oklahoma State Senator Billie Floyd
was one of the members in attendance when Phillip Swatek spoke to the Pontotoc
County Historical & Genealogical Society on Wednesday. “The book is
fascinating reading. Phil has brought history to life, building the characters,
writing a real story with real people. I’m so impressed by the way he weaves
facts and history into the narrative,” Floyd began. “This book will help put Ada
on the map. It tells an important story that represents the end of the Old
West.”
Ada resident Ben Roan has been researching the history of the last
days of Indian Territory for years, and attended both the library and historical
society presentations of The Pontotoc Conspiracy: "I'm reading the book now and
enjoying the storyteller style of how it's written. He describes the events like
he was there, really brings out the history and makes it real."
“The
response has been beyond our wildest dreams,” reports Phillip Swatek. “My wife
Margaret and I would like thank our many supporters in Oklahoma and
Texas.”
Several photos from the trip are posted on the website, www.pontotoc-conspiracy.com.
About The Pontotoc
Conspiracy:
The historical novel The Pontotoc Conspiracy is published by the
Florida Historical Society Press. Included in the 237-page hardcover book are
twenty-three period maps and photographs. The book is available on Amazon.com
and may be ordered through the publisher by phone, email, or mail. In Oklahoma,
many Hasting stores currently have the book in stock. The Pontotoc Conspiracy
sells for $23.95 plus shipping.
About Phillip M. Swatek:
Phil began
his writing career as a newspaper reporter and editor in West Texas, and went on
to become Washington Correspondent and Chief of the Washington Bureau for The
Cincinnati Enquirer. His great fascination with the history of the Old West, and
of Oklahoma in particular, is reflected in The Pontotoc Conspiracy. This is his
first book.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Phillip M. Swatek
e-mail protected
from spam bots
Shelby Swatek
e-mail protected from spam bots
Dr. Lewis
Wynne
Florida Historical Society Press
e-mail protected from spam
bots
More detailed sales information is
available on the
website:
http://www.pontotoc-conspiracy.com
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2003/10/prweb86606.htm