About public speaking:

Barbara does not work with any speaker's bureau, as she doesn't accept payment for public speaking, or have any desire to make public life her job. She limits these events to the book tour surrounding the release of each new book. Very occasionally she may consider making a public appearance in support of a cause close to her heart. But nearly always - especially if it would involve traveling a long way for a single event - she'll favor the causes of saving jet fuel, attending to her home community, and writing the next book. She appreciates your support of these goals.

About fan mail:

Barbara loves reading letters from readers. Fan mail has given her a long list of reasons to keep writing books. (P.O. Box 160, Meadowview, VA 24361.) Because of the volume, however, she regrets that she can’t write individual responses. If you have a particular question you may find the answer elsewhere on this website (see FAQs). Because of the quantity of communications, in an office staffed by one full-time human, we don’t encourage emails or telephone calls.

About helping you write or publish your book:

This is not Barbara's line of work. She encourages you to follow your heart, keep writing, believe in the story you want to tell, and find a literary agent.  

About information on Higher Ground:

If you’d like to learn more about Barbara’s work with the addiction recovery community in Lee County, make a donation, or get involved, we invite you to check out the house that Demon Copperhead built. It's all on the website of the Higher Ground Women’s Recovery Residence: HGWRR.org. Thanks for your interest!

About signing books:

A serious hand disorder has forced Barbara to retire from public book signings involving long lines and hours of holding a pen. But signing her name a few times in a day is not damaging, so if you have an exceptional need for a signed book, she can oblige. Send the book to our office (no more than two or three, please), along with a self-addressed, stamped return mailer and clear instructions on how you'd like it signed. Address: PO Box 160, Meadowview VA 24361.

Barbara doesn't consider herself a celebrity, so she will not autograph photos, programs, book plates, or any item other than a book she has written.

(Sorry we have to add this, but if you want her to sign a book that means nothing to you beyond your plan to sell it for enhanced value, you are not one of Barbara's people. Don't try to pretend. We catch cheaters.)

About book jacket endorsements:

Every year, Barbara receives hundreds of requests to read and endorse manuscripts for the book-jacket blurb. Most of them are probably well-written and deserving, but she can't possibly read all these books, or choose among them in any way that feels fair. Therefore, she's had a no-jacket-blurb policy for more than twenty years. She doesn't ask for them, or write them for others. Not ever. Sorry.

She does have many opportunities to recommend her favorite reads, so if you're an author or editor with a published book you think she'll love, feel free to send it to our office. The TBR pile is gargantuan, but as long as there's no deadline, she'll do her best.