Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Local Author Gets Big Reception At Tulsa Book Signing

New author and Lawrenceburg native, Barbara Howell, just returned from a successful book signing and “Meet the Author” event in Oklahoma where she and her new book, Splinters: The Pain, The Passion, The Point, were welcomed with open arms in the Tulsa area.

The signing, held at Stonewood Coffee & Tea Co., kept Howell busy sharing words of encouragement to customers and autographing the quickly selling copies of her book.

In addition to her Tulsa success, Howell has also been contacted by Cabinet Maker magazine in Sandy Hook, Connecticut, for a book review and author interview to appear in their publication.

Howell’s story of financial and personal struggle in an era before “federal bailout” was a household term, illustrates how she struggled to pay off her debts the old-fashioned way: through hard work, sweat and tears. Becoming a carpenter at 55 years of age was not part of Barbara’s retirement plan, but when her husband became too sick to run the family business she found herself entering a world of wood and power saws.

Now, nearly 15 years later, Howell’s vocation takes yet one more unexpected turn, as an author.

Penning her tales, she shares her story from struggle to success within a man’s profession in her book, Splinters: The Pain, The Passion, The Point, published by Paige1Publishing.

Inheriting a business filled with equipment and procedures she did not understand, in her personal life Howell was trying to survive her own recession.  While the world was moving forward and economic times were booming, she was caught in a web of enormous debt. Her only option for survival was risking everything to save family members from ruin while simultaneously being honorable to commitments.

“I have survived what so many people are currently going through today,” Howell said. “There is always Monday after Friday and I want to share this encouragement with as many people as possible. Hopefully, this book will do that.”

Splinters is Howell's story of not only surviving, but becoming a success in a man’s profession -- carpentry.

Thrust into a business she did not want and did not believe herself capable of doing, Howell was well aware of the odds stacked against her. She did not set out to prove herself.  Her only goal was to pay her debts and survive.

Her stories are remarkable, such as the day she went undercover with the FBI to unwittingly assist in a sting operation; the day a naked homeless man sought shelter in her booth; or the day a friend, she refers to as the “panty man” struck her brand new trailer.

“Some of the stories in this book may seem hard to believe, but I lived each and every one,” Howell said. “Sometimes, it even inspires me to go back and remember those turbulent years just to get refueled. I am still standing.”

Howell saw first-hand God’s protection as she walked away from serious accidents and remained determined to play the hand life had dealt her. Through sheer grit and determination, she was unwilling to succumb to defeat.

Howell, along with her daughter and two granddaughters, transformed the business into Southern Ladies Showcases with many long hours and exhaustion. The business, now successful, takes its rightful place in what was once, strictly a man’s profession.

Southern Ladies Showcases, specializes in hand-crafted, custom-made display cases for every collection and hobby. Today, Howell’s customers include a variety of musical celebrities, race car drivers and everyday people around the world. She has products in homes, businesses and museums across the United States and abroad.

Howell’s commitment to succeed, her courage and undefeated attitude will be an inspiration no matter where you might be in your walk of life, as you read this story of struggle and ultimate victory. Truly a story of “doing it afraid,” uncommon courage and perseverance in the face of life's obstacles, Splinters is sure to encourage readers on their journey.

The book is available in select bookstores across the country as well as online at www.SplintersBook.com. Howell plans to hold a local book signing in the near future.