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Status: Drafting the fourth book in the PERILOUS series!

Monday, September 26, 2011

Project Joplin

Saturday I drove up to Missouri for a few book signings (more on that in a later post). On the way up there, I drove through Joplin. Joplin is about forty-five minutes from my house, so it doesn't feel very far at all.

As I drove, I remembered the tornado devastation in May. I remembered all the help and aid that people gave. But mostly, I remembered the pleas from newscasters and residents to remember Joplin in six weeks, in four months, in a year.

And I wondered how many of us still remember Joplin.

On Sunday, May 22, an EF tornado blew through Joplin, Missouri. More than 150 people were killed. Hundreds of homes were destroyed. The school district closed for the year because of the devastation and destruction.

Recovery from this doesn't happen in a few days, weeks, months. It takes years.

Then I got an idea. It's just an idea, and its ability to see the light of day depends on public interest. But I want to write a book featuring Joplin residents and share their story. This won't be a novel or a dramatization, but a factual narrative about what happened that day, and what's happening today in the lives of these people. If this project becomes a reality, I want to get it into print as soon as possible.

I have four reasons for wanting to do this:
1) So the nation can know and remember what happened in Joplin.
2) So people can see ways that they can still help.
3) Because proceeds from each book sold will go to help rebuild Joplin.
4) So that those still suffering can have their voices heard.

I am a writer. I hope that this is a way I can use my ability to help. If you live in Joplin or have friends in Joplin, please contact me. I hope to include the stories of dozens of people. But this will only happen if I feel like there's an interest.

10 comments:

Abby Fowers said...

I think this is a great idea to do. I don't know anyone to refer you to but I think it's a worthwhile book to write. I wish you the best of luck. I'm glad you are reminding us to remember Joplin.

Julie Daines said...

Very interesting idea! And a huge undertaking. I agree with you that people on the outside of such devastation quickly forget how long it takes, if ever, for life to return to normal.

Donna K. Weaver said...

Mind boggling how much damage can be caused so quickly, isn't it? I survived a dead hit from a Typhoon as a teen and still remember the damage. To say nothing of the lack of electricity for a week and the rotten food in the freezer. Ugh.

Jase said...

I am from Missouri, and used to live in Northeast Oklahoma. I think this is a wonderful idea! I don't know anyone in the area now, but this is something I would buy!

Aaron and Emily said...

I really like this idea. I think it's a great way to help people remember those in Joplin. I would like to know more and this is a great way.

Aaron and Emily said...

Oh, and let me know if you DO decide to do this, okay?

Tamara Hart Heiner said...

I'll let you guys know! So far I've only gotten two responses back. We'll see if it snowballs from there.

Unknown said...

I hope you can get it done! I'll be sure to buy a copy.

Stacy Henrie said...

What a cool idea, Tamara! I hope you'll do it.

KM Nalle said...

Sounds like a wonderful idea Tamara. I'll buy a copy.

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