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Les Coalson has written for the Edna (TX) Herald, Demopolis (AL) Times and Countryside (TX). His articles have appeared in Bassmaster, Southern Outdoors, Parks and Recreation Magazine, and Texas Recreation and Parks Society Magazine, among others. He has extensive experience managing recreation programs and related businesses. Mr. Coalson holds a bachelor’s degree in recreation and parks, a master of agriculture degree in natural resources development, and a master of business administration degree. His first novel, Sever the Darkness, was published by Eakin Press.
Mr. Coalson would like to thank the following: Katy Smith, Barnes and Noble Northwoods, San Antonio, Texas, for putting together a wonderful signing on August 23, 2003 and for her continued support. To all our friends and readers who made this such a successful first signing: you are the best! Thanks to all of you. Liralen, "can-do" book manager at Hastings Music, Books and Video in San Marcos went to great lengths to obtain books for our successful signing Saturday, September 6, 2003. Thanks to her and Store Manager, Debbie, for their hospitality. Thanks to the New Braunfels "Hastings Crew" of Karen, Amber and Don for setting up and making me feel welcomed at the September 13th signing. Mr. Len Freitas, Randolph AFB AAFES General Manager and Mr. George DeCoux, Chief of Services, for hosting a very successful book signing at the Randolph AFB library on September 17th. Dave Ince - your library is fabulous! Shelta Reese and marketing staff - you know your stuff: thanks for everything! Randy Harris - I appreciate your attention-to-detail and hosting talents. To our friends and readers who attended: it was wonderful seeing you there - thanks for your support. "Gracias" to Dinah and Lynne at the Twig Bookstore on Broadway (San Antonio) for helping host my signing on Oct 18th. Lynne, your knowledge of San Antonio writers and the publishing and book selling business is amazing. Thanks for sharing! Much appreciation to Evie Walker, Coordinator of the "Bookworms, and to Nancy Mason, President of the Randolph Air Force Base Officer's Wives Club, for hosting me at their October reader's discussion group. The BookWorms were gracious in their review of Sever the Darkness, and we all learned from each other. What a fine group of ladies! "Remember the Alibi Mystery Bookstore" on West Avenue had staunch supporters Kathy and Debbie on hand to help with the October 25th signings...thanks for the time together and all knowledge imparted. What a great store for mystery fans! Jennifer Brown and Kathleen...you were great in setting up and supporting the October 26th signings at Borders at the Forum in Universal City...we had good crowds and a wonderful time. Thanks for everything! I had the honor of spending three hours with Virginia and Tom Messer, publishers of Eakin Press, helping to man the display at the November 8th Texas Book Festival in Austin. We even managed to sell a few novels. It was awe-inspiring to be part of such a large gathering of authors and those in the book industry. The First Annual Fall Author's Luncheon and Signing sponsored by the San Antonio Junior Forum November 15th as a fund raiser for "New Kids on the Block" was absolutely superb. Sharon Hernandez, Ways and Means chair, had a brilliant idea, bringing together local authors Rick Riordan, Jay Brandon, Cindi Massey and myself. My hostess and incoming president, Jane Bankler, was gracious, witty and charming. Thanks also to out-going president Kristi Blash for keeping the luncheon and signings on schedule. Best wishes to this outstanding volunteer organization for many successful ventures. What a homecoming!!! On November 27th I was hosted by the Jackson County Herald - Tribune in Edna, my hometown, for an enjoyable signing experience. It was so good to see former classmates, friends and relatives. Thanks to my sister Barbara Boening for the cookies and donuts (which didn't last long) and for everyone who stopped by. Managing editor, Cyndi Roberson, did a top-notch review and column about the book and this ole local boy that is much appreciated. Lisa, Vicki, Darlene, Chris, and the rest of the staff -- you were great! Looking forward to the next Jackson County homecoming! December 6th found us at Hastings Books, Music and Video in Victoria, Texas. Many thanks to friends, relatives and customers who showed up at the signing. Chris, assistant store manager, stepped in and took care of the set-up along with Mike and Jabol...gracias. Visited the Hastings Store in Kerrville with all its Christmas decorations and "elfy" staff on Dec 13th. Thank you, Teri (Book Manager), for your support and welcome back to Texas! First signing in 2004 was at Borders, S. Lamar Blvd in Austin on Feb 28th. Many thanks to book manager, Teresa Ryan for handling the logistics, and to Gina and Ellen for their warm hospitality and assistance once we were in the store. Jennifer Brown, San Antonio and Austin coordinator -- you're the tops! Had a wonderful reception and signing with Dan Neale at Vanderbilt Square's Barnes and Noble in Houston (3003 Holcombe)on May 14th. Dan -- you are very much a gentleman..thanks for everything. Janis Hass runs a fantastic community relations program at the Corpus Christi Barnes & Noble in Corpus Christi. We had a very successful signing on June 19th. Thanks to Janis and the entire B&N crew! Caren Creech and the Barnes and Noble staff at the DeZavala location in San Antonio did a wonderful job hosting the Writer's Friends of the San Antonio Public Library. Over a dozen local authors including yours truly attended readings and book signings on May 10, 2005 with proceeds going to support public libraries. Thanks for all your support! |
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