Lansing Native Releases First Collection of Short Stories and Poetry

 A Prayer of Deliverance is a collection of short stories and poetry by Lansing native Barney Blan Shepherd.

Shepherd said that many readers of the book will recognize many of the places and even people as several of the stories he tells are from his life as a young man in the Ashe County town.

Others still come from his time as a columnist for The Philadelphian in Philadelphia, MS.

The stories cover the length of a life lived in peace and wartime and has witnessed great joys and great sorrows.

Shepherd deftly carries the reader along a trail of laughter and tears as he examines family relationships, friends, faith and the relationship between man, nature and God.

The book is most definitely worth looking for, reading and even gifting to someone special.

The book is being published by Tate Publishing based in Oklahoma City, Okla. and will be officially released on Nov. 23.

The book will be sold locally at Big Horse Creek Gallery and Gifts in Lansing and the Museum of Ashe County History after Oct. 2.

Shepherd has a few signings scheduled. The first will be at Big Horse Creek Gallery and Gifts on Friday, Sept. 24 and Saturday, Sept. 25, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. both days.

Other scheduled readings/signings include Ashe Services for Aging on Oct. 1 at 9:30 a.m. and Saturday Oct. 2 at the Museum of Ashe County History.

by Ron Fitzwater