The Ellar Day Legacy Tour

I wrote a book, and I feel a bit like I am screaming into a void. 4.2 million books will be published this year out of the US alone, and that number doesn't really take into consideration the high capacity of AI-generating authors who are learning by the hour how to game the system. In case you're wondering, that is the population of the state of Oregon, and more than the population of Croatia All.New.Titles. And, we want multiple people to buy our books. Huff.

I should feel lucky, I suppose, I have a market that doesn't have -Zonbots as gate keepers. I have written a historical fiction that takes place in my touristy little town of Ouray, and the little tourist who come through are a lot of woman who still enjoy reading a real, physical book. In my first month, I have sold approximately 110 copies with zero advertising spent. (Disclaimer, I did try a couple of promo things that cost a touch and yielded near zero reward.)

However, the books, my book: THE NOTORIOUS MURDER OF ELLAR DAY, while they are selling themselves (a bit), don't jump off the shelf into your lap. They, the writers-in-the-know, say build an email list and the readers will build a path to your door (that is after you write 20 in a series). My father, dubbed the Price Expert (30-years ago was an Amazon best seller when it was just emerging as an internet bookstore: How To Sell at Prices Higher than Your Competitor) would roll in his grave, if I were to believe the if you build a better mouse trap crap. Marketing. Sigh.

And yet, here I am, writing my first blog in nearly 2 years. I, honestly, can't be bothered to run a high-demand book hustle. Fine, I'll blog. I'll post on Instagram, and I will cherish the 6 locations that carry my book. (That's right 6, although 2 of them I own.) Salivating yet?

In alphabetical order:

The Beaumont Hotel, 1886 Coffee shop. Ellar was shot there!

Cassidy's Cafe and Antiques. In my story (and I am relatively sure) the Colorado Board of Trade met in the basement of the original Wright Building to determine the fate of the railroad coming to town.

Cimarron Roasters (Coffee and Books). My only location in Ridgway (thus far).

KJ Wood Distillers. Yes, to all those who enjoy a good whiskey, my book if for sale.

Ouray Books. I mean, come on.

Ouray Open Air Market. Located where my yoga studio resides. Since I own the property, I get a free booth on Sundays this summer (2026). Book signings!

Ouray Visitor Center. Our lovely tourists will get a first glimpse. Maybe buy it there, maybe find it at anyone of these other locations while you explore Ouray. The touchpoint rule might apply here.

My tiny little town took a big hit right at high season, July 4th weekend. One week prior, the Gold Mountain Fire broke out and the town lost 50% of thier bookings. That loss could very well make or break a struggling Main St. business. While we have (mostly) ceased to shed our molting skin, and the fire is all out, it is more quiet than most of us like. (Well, we like not having the tourist, we also don't like not having the tourists.)

So, I thought, on this 139th anniversary of the tragic events, I would host an event, like the proverbial theys say I should. And, I am really excited (so much so, I posted a blog.) And it is being held near-to-the-day, and the aspen leaves will be a'changin. (And, no we didn't lose our aspens. We didn't lose any in and around the south end of town towards Red Mountain and Silverton, and the Million Dollar Highway). So, stay turned, and I might share a bit of my historical research right here. But, you won't get the same fun entertaining experience that you will on a walking tour. Come visit!

Ouray Mountain Events is hosting two special events on Saturday, September 12th, 2026, exploring a dark chapter in local history: the tragic double murder of 19-year-old server Ellar Day and Black pastry chef Joseph Dixon between September 12–15, 1887.

Dixon was accused of the murder and subsequently burned in the local jail without due process by a vigilance committee (which was later exonerated of wrongdoing on the same day as he was murdered). These historical events were originally documented in the local newspaper, The Solid Muldoon.

Local author Marcy S. Wood has brought this history to light in her newly launched fictional novel, The Notorious Murder of Ellar Day (published by Steinmetz Press, June 2026; ISBN: 9798995638605; available via the author, Amazon, and IngramSpark).

Event One: Author Q&A and Talk

• Time & Location: Saturday at 2:30 PM | Ouray Books

• Admission: FREE

• Details: Join Ouray Books for a special Q&A and author talk with Marcy S. Wood as she discusses her research, her book, and the true story behind it.

• [Reserve Free Ticket on Eventbrite]

Event Two: Historical Walking Tour & Reception

• Time & Location: Saturday from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Departing from Ouray Books

• Admission: $15.00 – $45.00 (Valued at $65 – $100)

• Details: Marcy S. Wood will lead a fact-based walking tour highlighting historic buildings featured in the novel, sharing the history of the tragedy and pointing out Ouray's notable historic figures. The tour concludes at Cassidy’s Café and Antiques (located in the original Wright Building) for a reception featuring appetizers and themed cocktails/mocktails by KJ Wood Distillers.

  • $45 Ticket Includes: 2 cocktails/mocktails, a paperback copy of the book, a chapbook of the original newspaper articles, and your choice of a limited-edition KJ Wood rye whiskey shooter or a themed handcrafted candle.

  • $15 Ticket Includes: Appetizers, 1 cocktail/mocktail, and a small gift bag. Perfect for those who already own the book or are accompanying someone with the premier ticket. (Invidiual premier items will be for sale, subject to availability.)

• [Purchase Tickets on Eventbrite]

Important Note: Space is limited for both events, and advance RSVPs/ticket purchases are strongly encouraged. One entry per ticket.