Our First Sale

By Stephen Davis · Originally published September 2019 · p. 24

Left to right: Renee, Harrison, infant-in-arms, Wynston, Dwan and author Stephen Davis.

Every author wishes to remember his first book sale. Ours came in Savannah, Ga., on July 17. Jack, Peggy, and I met at Wiley’s Championship Barbecue, slightly south of the city, for a fine lunch. Wiley’s Owner Janet McCrary told us that Southern Living has nominated Wiley’s as best ‘cue restaurant in Georgia. I ordered the pulled pork plate; the Melton’s had the ribs. Anyway, Jack had just received from his printer copies of our new book 100 Significant Civil War Photographs: Atlanta Campaign. After my BBQ, I was signing copies of our paperback (see ad page 29), when a gentleman at the table behind us came up. “Are you Stephen Davis?” Yes. “Well, I want to buy your book.” He was Dwan Russell, and

Peggy entered his purchase on her PayPal. I signed our book as he asked: “To Dwan, Renee, Harrison & Wynston—I hope that you enjoy this as much as you have enjoyed your 2019 trip to Savannah.” Afterward, Jack even took our picture. Thanks, Mr. Russell! You were our first sale!

Our First Sale — photograph 2 from the original article