Morning of a Crescent Moon publishes tomorrow! It can be ordered from any bookstore or online bookseller. The book is historical fiction on the Battle of Virden (Illinois) in 1898.
bookshop.org/.../morning-....
The event strengthened the UMWA and served as a model for other labor activism.

An interview with Feathered Quill about my historical fiction novel Morning of a Crescent Moon.

featheredquill.com/author-inter...

literarytitan.com/2026/01/09/m...

“N. J. Schrock offers a thoughtful, engaging portrayal of a specific moment in history while keeping the focus firmly on the people who lived it, making Morning of a Crescent Moon a rewarding and memorable read.” 5/5

readersfavorite.com/book-review/...

Prelaunch copies are in!
Historical fiction.
Morning if a Crescent Moon, publishing January 27.

Hi, I could use recommendations for historical fiction books. I have one coming out in January and plan to write another. What are others thinking are their favorites? Any suggestions?

My historical fiction novel, Morning of a Crescent Moon publishes Jan. 27—available at any online bookseller. It tells the story of the historically significant Battle of Virden. Coal miners fought and died for higher wages and safer working conditions.
bookshop.org/p/books/morn...

My New Mexico Christmas tree is an artificial palm, but the backdrop is the Sandia Mountains.

My dog likes to sit this way on the couch, and I wonder, “What is he thinking?”

Yesterday, my story "Droids Like White Elephants" won second place (short science fiction) in the SouthWest Writers 2025 writing contest. It is now published, along with other winners, in Beyond Boundaries. My website: njschrock.com
www.amazon.com/Beyond-Bound...

An exhibit now at the Abraham Lincoln Museum called Lincoln: The Life and Legacy that Defined a Nation. One of the most interesting things was that they took a photo, made it very large, and have it animate every couple of minutes.

The Conference on Illinois History finished Day 1. Fun!

Source: Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
I’m heading to the Illinois History Conference this week. Looking forward to it.

This ad is from 1898, before the FDA. Anyone could claim anything about something they wanted to sell.