Don Alanen reports that his manuscript for We Ask, ”Why?” is on its way to the publisher. Based on the bios from two other books of his, they’ve sent an e-mail offering to publish his memoirs. “I’ve been working on my memoirs for many years…for family members. But, according to some recent articles, publishers are interested in memoirs.” He’s received a contract from the publisher giving him six months to complete his biography, Our Best Years. “Things are looking good for this ex-logger, retired engineer, and small time author,” he says. “The proof will come if they publish my two romance novels. Then I will feel like an author.”

Alanen’s book, The Logger’s Encyclopedia: A Road to the Past, was published by PublishAmerica in 2008.

Samantha Ducloux Waltz was recently interviewed by Amy Hunold-VanGundy, co-editor of The Ultimate Runner. Samantha’s story, “My Running Partners,” appears in the anthology, which will be available in bookstores in May. Waltz’s interview, which also features other running stories and advice for writers, is available here.

Two of Samantha’s stories, “The Granddaddy” and “T-Shirt Tales,” will appear in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Runners to be released July 13, 2010. In “The Granddaddy” she encounters the granddaddy of all bull moose on a running trail in Anchorage. In “T-Shirt Tales” she faces “The Wall” during the Cascade Runoff. Her book will be a fun gift for anyone who runs, hopes to run, or once upon a time tied on their running shoes and headed out the door.