It’s HERE! It’s here. It’s here. It’s here!
I just received the cover for Meadowlark from the publisher. And I LOVE it! I approached the cover with much trepeditation. I had some ideas. The publisher had some ideas. All I really knew was, “I’ll know it when I see it.” I worried that my expectations were too high, that whatever the image, it wouldn’t quite be it. I needn’t have spent energy on that. I am beyond thrilled. This image was taken on the ranch of the land Grace that walked and lived. I could go on and on about what I love about this cover—and all center on how this image conveys Grace’s story.
I am deeply grateful for what authors have written about Meadowlark:
“Dawn Wink writes in the tradition of O.E. Rolvaag, Willa Cather, Mari Sandoz, and Mary Clearman Blew, with a clear-eyed understanding of the connections between isolation and oppression, especially for women, on the Great Plains. Wink is not afraid to look at difficult and uncomfortable issues such as domestic violence, Indian boarding schools, or the law’s corruption. She also surprises us by writing about intimate and hidden issues like early 20th-century contraception. She has a fine sense for characters and a deep understanding of land. The scene where Grace Robertson, her protagonist, makes a punching bag out of a feed sack in order to work out her anger, and then returns to work and love, is worth the price of the novel by itself. This is a gritty novel but also a hopeful one, exploring the ugliness of power and the ways despair can drive good people to do awful things but also exploring compassion’s ability to bind, rejuvenate, and redeem.” — Kent Meyers, The Work of Wolves (South Dakota One Book 2005), Twisted Tree, The Witness of Combines
“The lives of those who homesteaded in Dakota Territory were difficult; the men and women tough enough to survive were not always kind and well-behaved. Dawn Wink’s Meadowlark thunders with harsh truths learned from her own ranching family history, including her knowledge of Lakota ways. And in these pages the prairie sings its truths.” — Linda Hasselstrom, South Dakota Author of the Year, No Place Like Home: Notes from a Western Life, Between Grass and Sky, Feels Like Far, Land Circle, Going Over East, Windbreak
“Meadowlark is in the tradition of the American Western Novel, but with a twist. The heroes of this heart-felt book are the women who populated the mythic west and the reader gets a credible glimpse of what life might have been like for them. Many of the scenes ring true due to the author’s obvious familiarity with the inner workings of a ranch, her interest in the plight of her characters, and her love of the land.” — Dan O’Brien, Two time winner of the Western Heritage Award, Buffalo for the Broken Heart (South Dakota One Book 2009), The Contract Surgeon, Stolen Horses, The Indian Agent
“Meadowlark is a love story of the best kind: achingly real. At its center is Grace, a turn-of-the-previous-century teenaged bride battered by her husband and left alone for days on the isolated South Dakota prairie with her young son and a ranch to care for. Grace learns to love the tough and surprisingly beautiful prairie, the horse on whose back she finds freedom, her son, the women friends who become her family, and finally, her own scarred self. This haunting story soars like the song of the meadowlark it is named for, determined to be heard.” — Susan J. Tweit, Colorado Book Award Winner. Walking Nature Home, Season’s in the Desert, Barren, Wild, and Worthless
“This heroine’s quest for meaning in the shadow of an abusive marriage is every bit as lonely and piercing as a meadowlark’s song heard over miles of empty prairie.” — Jamie Lisa Forbes, Unbroken, 2011 WILLA winner for Outstanding Literary Fiction.
With unprecedented lyric beauty, Dawn Wink brings the myriad chambers of Grace’s inquisitive mind and indelible spirit alive to the point where no reader will ever forget her story. — Laurie Wagner Buyer, author of the award-winning memoirs When I Came West and Spring’s Edge: A Ranch Wife’s Chronicles
Meadowlark will be released by Pronghorn Press the end of July, 2013.
March 28, 2018 at 3:24 pm
Hi Dawn! I met you at the Tony Hillerman conference back in 2015 and purchased Meadowlark then. I did not read it until last week, but believe there was a bit of divine intervention in my timing. Since I have met you I have become married and we had our first child this past September. Reading Meadowlark was much for emotional for me now that I have experienced child birth and have a son of my own. I loved coming to know Grace and her friends. I cried. I was fascinated that she actually existed and the thinning of the veil you experienced. As a Native American person I appreciated how you captured Daisy. As a medical provider that believes in holistic health and promotes women’s wellness issues I enjoyed the bit of herbal play that was incorporated and also with Mae being such a strong female doctor and breaking barriers (while being sexy at the same time). I liked what happened with the coffee and the justice that played. Such a wonderful book.
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June 28, 2013 at 5:02 pm
Congratulations! It is so exciting! I can’t wait to read it!
July 7, 2013 at 4:48 pm
Hi Anna! Thanks so much. So wonderful to see you here!
June 25, 2013 at 11:07 pm
Hi Dawn! It’s beautiful, it’s beautiful, it’s beautiful! No wonder you’re pleased. I’m looking forward to reading it.
July 7, 2013 at 4:41 pm
Dear Cynthia, Three “It’s beautifuls!” That’s how I feel, too. 🙂 I loved reading this. Thank you and thank you. Love and hugs, Dawn
June 25, 2013 at 3:42 pm
How thrilling for you to realize resonant legacy and tribute in one place. Congratulations! Carole
July 7, 2013 at 4:39 pm
Dear Carole, As a writer, you understand. Thank you for taking the time to write. Smiles and hugs, Dawn
June 25, 2013 at 3:08 pm
Dawn – My eyes are aching to read your book and the cover is like eye candy to soothe the waiting! CONGRATULATIONS – what an amazing and profound legacy you leave for your family. Will stay posted for date of book signing. Embrazos grandees, Sandy
July 7, 2013 at 4:38 pm
Dear Sandy, Oh, have you shared this journey. I can’t wait to share Meadowlark with you. Thank you for the years of friendship. Much, much love, Dawn
June 24, 2013 at 7:20 pm
Winkie! I am so impressed….good for you, and the cover is beautiful….a bit raw, like the life Grace must have lived. I can’t wait to read it!! Love you, Nancy “Yates”
Sent from my iPad
July 7, 2013 at 4:37 pm
Dear Nancy, Yes, you express this perfectly here — “..and the cover is beautiful….a bit raw, like the life Grace must have lived.” Absolutely. Love you! Dawn
June 24, 2013 at 5:26 pm
How thrilling! I can’t wait to read it and this novel is sure to be a tremendous success! Thank you for pursuing your dream and inspiring us all! Peace – Polly
July 7, 2013 at 4:36 pm
Dear Polly, Thank you and thank you and love and love to you, Dawn
June 23, 2013 at 5:07 pm
Absolutely heart rendering, dear friend! What a welcoming and spacious invitation. So thrilled for you and yours. Love, Patty
July 7, 2013 at 4:34 pm
Oh, dearest Patty, how beautifully you wrote this. As always. Such a blessing to share this journey with you. Love you, Dawn
June 23, 2013 at 11:27 am
Hi Dawn! It is so good to see your face!!!!!!!! I don’t have the time to write now, but here is a picture of myself and Simeon in Greece 🙂 We had a great time 🙂 Daniel could not come, he has been working a lot! Regards!!!!!! Love, Nevy
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July 7, 2013 at 4:27 pm
Dear Nevy, Oh, so wonderful to hear from you! Please do send me a photo of you and Simeon and Greece! I would so love to see. Greece is one of the places on The List to visit one day! Love, Dawn
June 23, 2013 at 5:15 am
Hi Dawn… it’s beautiful! And I’m so happy for you. I look forward to the book signing. Please keep me posted. Also, I’m not sure if I can do your class, but will do my best to make it happen. I miss your enthusiasm and energy.
Diane
July 7, 2013 at 4:27 pm
Dear Diane, Oh, and with your artist’s eye, I love that you love this. I do hope that you can join us in Raven’s Time. We would have too much fun. I hope to create a community where we explore ideas together and support one another, and each writer and artists then takes these ideas to expand and develop their own work. Love and hugs, Dawn
June 23, 2013 at 3:03 am
Dawn! This is just so exciting! I cannot wait to read it. When will it be on the market? Congratulations to you! Love, Shirlee
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July 7, 2013 at 4:25 pm
Dear Shirlee, Thank you! It will be on the market by August 1. I’ll send out an announcement. I can’t wait to share with you! Love, Dawn
June 23, 2013 at 2:16 am
I have some trouble with Facebook ( because I don’t know how to work it & Greg is no help) so if you sent the cover pix I can’t get them….but super congratulations on your book & I’m anxious to read it….I hope someone here gets it in as we have no book store per se here……much love Micki
July 7, 2013 at 4:25 pm
Dear Grandma Micki. Not to worry. 🙂 I’ll send out something in Dewdrops, where people can order directly from me, if they’d like. Much, much love, Dawn
June 22, 2013 at 11:54 pm
LOVELY comments from the other authors!!
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July 7, 2013 at 4:23 pm
Dear Susan, THANKS! When are you heading to Santa Fe? XOXO Dawn
June 22, 2013 at 10:13 pm
Beatiful cover! The cover makes all the difference when one is browsing in a book store. From the many praises your book has garnered, it must be a good one. I’ll have to remember it comes out in July. Congratulations!
July 7, 2013 at 4:21 pm
Dear Eunice, I find a cover makes all the difference, as well. I am so thrilled with this one! I look forward to sharing with you. Smiles, Dawn
June 22, 2013 at 8:24 pm
Fantastic job Dawn. I am looking forward to reading your novel.
Kurt
July 7, 2013 at 4:19 pm
Hi cousin Kurt, Thank you so much for sharing so much of your heart through your memories and and treasures of Grace. Love, Dawn
June 22, 2013 at 8:00 pm
Congrats dear Dawn – it is beautiful and i can’t wait to read the book!!!
July 7, 2013 at 4:17 pm
Dearest Mary, Love and love to you!!
June 22, 2013 at 6:49 pm
Dawn, How exciting! It is delicious and inspiring! I can’t wait to read it cover to beautiful cover. And, those were some rockin’ reviews from fellow authors! I have to tell you that Kent Meyers “the Work of Wolves” is one of my favorite all time books. How wonderful to have such a glowing review from him. Congratulations!
July 7, 2013 at 4:16 pm
Rebecca, Thanks so much! Can’t wait to share with you, who loves horses so much. I love that The Work of Wolves by Kent Meyers is one of your favorite all-time books. Mine, too. I was overjoyed when he wrote the blurb. XOXO to you, Dawn
June 22, 2013 at 5:34 pm
Gorgeous! Like you Dawn! CONGRATULATIONS! I have edited and translated 2 books so I know what working with publishers is like.
WELL DONE!!!!!!!!! best wishes,
Latifa
July 7, 2013 at 4:14 pm
Latifa, THANK YOU! Such a blessing to share with you! Love, Dawn
June 22, 2013 at 5:28 pm
That is a gorgeous cover, Dawn! Congratulations! Can’t wait to read it.
July 7, 2013 at 4:13 pm
Bobbi, And with your artistic eye and spirit this means so much to me. Thank you! Hugs to you, Dawn
June 22, 2013 at 5:12 pm
Beautiful!
July 7, 2013 at 4:11 pm
Connie – Thanks so much. I just love it, too. Love to you, Dawn
June 22, 2013 at 4:31 pm
The cover is lovely, and I can’t wait to read it. Will you have a launch party in Santa Fe? Or a reading at Collected Works?
July 7, 2013 at 4:30 pm
Dear Marsha, Yes, there will be a launch party in Santa Fe. I’m still finalizing where and when. Thanks so much for asking. I’d so love to see you and will post any book launch in Dewdrops. Love and hugs, Dawn
June 22, 2013 at 4:01 pm
I’m so proud of you I could burst! Can’t wait to grab my copy!
July 7, 2013 at 4:11 pm
Oh Micquito…..LOVE.
June 22, 2013 at 3:24 pm
WOW! Congratulations! My daughter Emily got married last Sat.beneath the West Fork fire in Pagosa Springs, Co. and I am in Evergreen casa/gato sitting for them for 2+ weeks! Liz
July 7, 2013 at 4:07 pm
Dear Liz, Congratulations on Emily’s wedding! How exciting! I’d love to see photos. Smiles and hugs, Dawn
June 22, 2013 at 3:11 pm
Stunning cover and reviews-you’re off! Let the wild ride begin!
June 26, 2013 at 2:24 pm
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for sharing this wild ride! Love, love, Dawn
June 22, 2013 at 3:05 pm
Wow! Amazing cover. If I didn’t know you and the story you wrote, I would buy the book based on the cover alone. Congrats, Dawn!
June 26, 2013 at 2:24 pm
Hi Kirsten, That means so much to me. Thank you and thank you! Hugs, Dawn
June 22, 2013 at 2:24 pm
Congratulations, Dawn! Can’t wait to read the book. When it comes out, would like to interview you for my Word Journeys and 366 Writing blogs, which have considerable readership and which are very well promoted. If you check them out, you can see how wide ranging and extensive the interviews are. Let me know if this can work for you.
June 26, 2013 at 2:13 pm
Hi Bob,
Thanks so much. You know that feeling of, at last, the book coming into the world. Oh, I’d love to share Meadowlark with your readership. Thank you and thank you. Hugs, Dawn
June 22, 2013 at 2:06 pm
Dawn,
Congratulations to you! You are such a talented and gifted writer. While a person can’t “judge a book by its cover”-this cover seems to draw the reader in and discover your wondrous story. Fantastic and I can hardly wait till it hits the shelves.
Love,
Sharon
June 26, 2013 at 2:12 pm
Dear Sharon,
Oh, thank you, thank you! I respond to the cover in this way, as well. I just keep staring at it, as it is beyond what I’d imaged. Love, love to you, Dawn
June 22, 2013 at 2:05 pm
The cover is beautiful Dawn. I am so looking forward to buying my own copy of your novel.
June 26, 2013 at 2:10 pm
Dear Pete, I love that you love the cover, too. Can’t wait to get a copy into your hands. Here’s to our deep roots. With love, Dawn
June 22, 2013 at 1:54 pm
Beautiful cover!! Will you do a book tour, Dawn?
June 26, 2013 at 2:09 pm
Hi dear Susan, I will come to as many places as I can. Would so love to come to Davis. Much love to you, Dawn
June 22, 2013 at 1:39 pm
Truly great cover, Dawn. I’d buy the book based solely on the cover alone!!! Congrats.
June 26, 2013 at 2:09 pm
Dear Karen, Oh, thank you so much. I am so thrilled, as well. Thanks so much for taking the time to write.
June 22, 2013 at 1:29 pm
I LOVE the cover, Dawn – congratulations! You must be over the moon!!!
June 26, 2013 at 2:08 pm
“Over the moon” is the perfect description!! Thank you so much for that!
June 22, 2013 at 12:46 pm
Love the cover too!
June 26, 2013 at 2:07 pm
Dear Diane, Love to you!
June 22, 2013 at 12:38 pm
Dawn, it’s completely beautiful! I am so excited for you. I can’t wait to read it again!
June 22, 2013 at 12:33 pm
Oh Yes!!!!
I can hardly wait to read!
July 7, 2013 at 4:06 pm
Anna Marie, Love and hugs to you!! xo
June 22, 2013 at 12:21 pm
Wow what a cover, all the elements of prairie living clearly defined. Congratulations Dawn! I am proud to know you.
June 26, 2013 at 1:49 pm
Dear Mary Kay,
This prairie that you know and love. Much love, Dawn
June 22, 2013 at 12:12 pm
Congratulations!!!!!! Love you!
Sent from my little device to yours
June 26, 2013 at 1:40 pm
Glenda-girl, Thank you, thank you! Love you!!