Copy
October 27, 2015
 
Dear Member of the Berkshires and Capital District Media:
 
As you plan to commemorate Veterans Day 2015, here’s a fresh angle for your coverage. Gay veterans in the Armed Forces. They’re free to serve openly now. But the struggle to attain equality took generations. Until then, these servicemen and servicewomen were forced to hide in the closet, or risk dishonorable discharge without pension.
 
Author Lance Ringel will offer a dramatized reading of his acclaimed World War I novel Flower of Iowa to a group of LGBT Seniors at the First Congregational Church of Williamstown, located in Williamstown, MA, on Tuesday, November 17. The event will feature Great War musical favorites by Chuck Muckle.
 
Flower of Iowa is unique in the genre of war novels, because it depicts a romance between a pair of American and British soldiers, Tommy and David. Kirkus Reviews​ called the saga “[a]ccomplished, touching historical fiction” and “a compelling love story.”
 
I welcome you to interview Lance Ringel about his 21-year quest to write Flower of Iowa, a journey that took him to French battlefields and British museums. Book downloads available. Please call publicist Jay Blotcher at (845) 612-9837.
 
We ask that reporters do not attend this event, to respect the confidentiality of Rainbow Seniors of Berkshire County attendees.

Sincerely,

Jay Blotcher
Public Impact Media Consultants
flower@publicimpactpr.com
(845) 612-9837
[MEDIA RELEASE] Click here to view this media release in your browser.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
October 27, 2015
CONTACT: Jay Blotcher
Public Impact Media Consultants
(845) 612-9837 
flower@publicimpactpr.com
 
For graphics and digital release: FlowerOfIowa.com/MediaTools
“GAY IN THE GREAT WAR”
LANCE RINGEL READS FROM HIS WWI NOVEL FLOWER OF IOWA
WITH LIVE PERIOD MUSIC
ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17 IN WILLIAMSTOWN, MASS.
CALENDAR LISTING: “Gay in the Great War,” a dramatized reading from the World War I novel Flower of Iowa by author Lance Ringel with period music sung by Chuck Muckle. Tuesday, Nov. 17, Noon to 2:00 PM. Free admission. Open to LGBT Seniors and allies. Sponsored by Rainbow Seniors of Berkshire County, First Congregational Church, 906 Main Street, Williamstown, MA. Potluck lunch. Bring dish to share.
WILLIAMSTOWN, MA — “Gay in the Great War,” a special performance combining a dramatic reading with authentic music from World War I will take place on Tuesday, November 17, at the First Congregational Church, 906 Main Street, Williamstown, MA. The lunchtime event, sponsored by Rainbow Seniors of Berkshire County, is from noon to 2:00 PM.
 
Lance Ringel, author of the acclaimed World War I saga Flower of Iowa, will perform dramatized excerpts from his book, joined by actor-singer Chuck Muckle. Mr. Muckle will also perform several songs made famous during The Great War, including “Over There” and “It’s A Long Way to Tipperary.”
 
A potluck luncheon begins at noon, followed by the 12:45 PM performance. Luncheon attendees are asked to bring a dish to share. Admission to this event is free. All LGBT seniors and their friends and allies are invited to attend. For more information about Rainbow Seniors, contact Ed at 413-441-6006 or ed@rainbowseniors.org.
The sprawling historical novel Flower of Iowa takes place against the turbulent backdrop of World War I. In France during the final months of the war in 1918, young American Tommy Flowers is learning to be a good soldier in the trenches. At the same time, he attracts the attentions of Nicole Lacroix, a young French barmaid who in turn has won the heart of Tommy’s brash Australian sergeant Jamie Colbeck. Even as he tries to cope with this potential romantic triangle, Tommy steadily develops an unanticipated closeness with his best buddy, British soldier David Pearson. The two young men must navigate this unexpected but irresistible attraction, seeking out ways to stay in touch even as the war reaches a crescendo, drawing them apart. A tale of love and bravery in the midst of tragedy, Flower of Iowa showcases unforgettable characters, meticulous historic research and exhilarating storytelling.
Ringel spent 21 years researching and writing this gripping novel, which was selected as a top summer read by The Advocate magazine. The prestigious Kirkus Reviews​ called this saga “[a]ccomplished, touching historical fiction” and “a compelling love story,” adding that “Ringel has created an overall appealing romance with memorable characters.” The book attained the #1 spot on the gay fiction best-seller list, and #2 on the historical fiction list, at Smashwords.com.
 
Rainbow Seniors of Berkshire County is a newly-founded organization that provides social and cultural opportunities for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender senior citizens and friends.
ATTENTION MEDIA: For advance interviews with author Lance Ringel, please contact publicist Jay Blotcher at (845) 612-9837 or flower@publicimpactpr.com. Free downloads of the eBook Flower Of Iowa for reporter review are available upon media request. 
About the author of Flower Of Iowa:

A journalist and writer for four decades, Lance Ringel has penned five novels and three plays. The Illinois native has had an impressive career in politics, serving as Assistant Commissioner of Human Rights under New York Governor Mario Cuomo. A longtime staff member at Vassar College, Ringel resides in both Poughkeepsie and New York City with his spouse of 39 years, actor-composer Chuck Muckle. Flower of Iowa is his first published novel.
To download the eBook Flower Of Iowa, visit www.flowerofiowa.com/purchase.
-30-
FLOWER OF IOWA is available from these online retailers:
Available at Smashwords.
Available at the Apple iBooks Store.
Available at Barnes & Noble.
Copyright © 2015 Public Impact Media Consultants, All rights reserved.


unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences 

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp