An online promotional and news source for all Oklahoma writers, authors, artists, publishers, or creatives who work with Oklahoma related materials. We are especially supportive of independent authors and small presses.

Search This Blog

11/29/15

Powerful Glimpse Into A Unique Period of Oklahoma History

ALL MEN FEAR ME, An Alafair Tucker Mystery by Donis Casey. (Poison Pen Press, 2015).

This latest installment in the series by Donis Casey, stands alone well as a rollicking good mystery featuring the northeast and eastern Oklahoma family and friends of Alafair Tucker.  It can also be picked up and read by someone not familiar with the unique cast of Oklahoma characters. Additionally, it is probably the best in the series to date providing the reader with a well written, taunt, and unique story line with a delightful sense of pacing and suspense. 

Profiles of people populating the small town featured in the series presented are powerful, firmly but stylishly drawn and often highly memorable as people it would be easy to say had really lived. 

Events in this title all stem from a time period often overlooked but one rich in detail in Oklahoma. The era of early WWI, the early moments before the nation launched fully into participation in the conflict are spotlighted. All around is the anxiety, the fear, and the tension of uncertain futures. There are numerous back stories drawn from history that give an added reality to the tale: the union organizing efforts, the growing Socialist movement that was gaining a firm toehold in the nation, and especially among Oklahoma's disenfranchised,  the question of loyalty to the nation, accepting the alien immigrant, and the ticking clock as the drama of propaganda and nationalist fervor to gain backing for entrance into the war escalates.

Haunting in places, frightening in others, and satisfying to heart and head, this is a book not soon forgotten.  A recommended read for anyone loving mystery, history, Oklahoma, and having something to think about while a fictional story unfolds.

Review by Author, Marilyn A. Hudson


Disclaimer: The publisher supplied this writer with a copy of the book for possible review.

9/25/15

NIMROD Awards Conference for Readers and Writers Oct. 17

PRESS RELEASE: NIMROD AWARDS CONFERENCE FOR READERS AND WRITERS

Nimrod International Journal’s 2015 Conference for Readers and Writers will take place on October 17th at the University of Tulsa. Featuring nationally known writers and newly discovered award-winners, this conference is also distinctive in bringing editors to meet one on one with writers who want individual critiques and guidance toward refining their work.  

Participants will be offered the opportunity to work with over forty distinguished authors, including the judges for the annual Nimrod Awards contest and other visiting artists. This year’s judges are two distinguished writers—Pulitzer Prize finalist Karen Russell, author of Swamplandia!, and Tina Chang, Poet Laureate of Brooklyn and author of Of Gods & Strangers.

Other guests include such celebrated authors as fiction writer Molly Antopol, a Stegner Fellow and author of The UnAmericans, a National Book Foundation 5 Under 35 honoree; young adult writer Jennifer Latham, author of Scarlett Undercover; YA fantasy writer Sarah Cross, author of Kill Me Softly; mystery writer Megan Abbott, author of The Fever, nonfiction writer Hector Tobar, author of Deep Down Dark: The Untold Stories of 33 Men Buried in a Chilean Mine and the Miracle that Set Them Free; and Oklahoma Poet Laureate Benjamin Myers, author of Lapse Americana; and over thirty other professional writers and editors eager to share their talent and experience.

The conference will feature masterclasses, readings, panel discussions, and one-on-one editing sessions. Each workshop and panel is designed to stimulate ideas and discussion and to inspire and improve participants’ writing. Not only will participants be able to attend classes with award-winning authors, but they will be able to interact with them during coffee breaks, lunch, and informal talk sessions.

After the choice of two opening panel discussions, one a general writing advice session and the other a Q&A session on editing and publishing, participants will choose from a wide variety of masterclasses. There will be classes on writing fiction, poetry, memoir, mystery, nonfiction, and young adult literature and fantasy; ways to attract the attention of literary agents; and more. Just a few of the class titles: “Diversified: Incorporating Real-World Diversity into Young Adult Fiction,” “Down a Dark Alley: Atmosphere in Crime Fiction,” “Write About a Box: Taking the Fear out of Writing Your Memoir,” “The Fantasy Writer’s Cupboard: Fairy Tales, Folklore, and Myth” and “Writing with Questions: Empathy, Intimacy, and Interviewing in Nonfiction.” All are designed to encourage dialogue, share experience and expertise, and leave space for discovery. Most sessions will also include writing exercises, and all will have time for questions.

Those who pre-register and send their brief writing samples by October 10th will have the opportunity to sit down one on one with an experienced editor to discuss their work. These sessions are unique to Nimrod’s conference and are a conference favorite every year.

Lunch for registered participants will be accompanied by readings by Tina Chang and Karen Russell. An invitational reading with other featured guests and a group book-signing will end the day.

Each registrant is entitled to participate in readings, panel discussions, masterclasses, and one-on-one editing sessions.  The cost of Saturday’s conference is $60.00, including lunch. Full and partial scholarships are also available, but each participant must register. Those who wish to participate in a one-on-one editing session must send in the registration form and 2-3 pages of poetry or 4-5 pages of fiction by October 10th.   Professional development credit is available for Tulsa Public School teachers.

Nimrod also offers a special Two-Day Pass to attend both the writing workshop and the Awards Dinner the night before, October 16th. The Awards Dinner honors the winners and judges of Nimrod’s annual writing contest. It will feature a keynote address by Pulitzer Prize-nominee Karen Russell and readings of poetry and fiction by award-winners Heather Altfeld, Leila Chatti, J. D. Wiley, and Emily Wortman-Wunder. A ticket to the dinner alone is $65. The Two-Day Pass to attend both the dinner on Friday and the workshop on Saturday is $100.

For registration forms and more information, including dinner and scholarship information, please contact Eilis O’Neal at 918-631-3080 or e-mail: nimrod@utulsa.edu or visit the Nimrod website: www.utulsa.edu/nimrod.


9/18/15

Writing Contest

Sequestrum, a literary journal of new prose and poetry, is holding a contest through October 15th for new writers (anyone yet to publish a book-length manuscript). 

Says Managing Editor, Ralph Cooper, "I appreciate the vital role local and regional organizations play for writers in all stages of their careers, and I’d appreciate if you could pass this note along to any writers who might be interested in participating in the contest." The contest is open to short fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, with winners for both prose and poetry. Full contest details here: www.sequestrum.org/contests.

Their library contains NEA & Guggenheim Fellows, Pulitzer Prize Nominees, and other award-winning poets and novelists. Cooper emphasizes, "We hope to put some of today’s emerging talents alongside them." 

Check out the attached file is a flyer with contest details and additional information about Sequestrum. A great opportunity for not yet published authors...

George Rhoades Was Celebrity Author At Belton, TX Event

Reader's Theater Features
Duncan Author's Poetry

George Rhoades of Duncan was the "celebrity author" at a Reader's Theater celebrating the Chisholm Trail on Saturday, Sept. 12, in Belton, Texas.   Performers gave interpretive readings from his books, "Along the Chisholm Trail" and "After the Chisholm." The event was sponsored by the Temple, Texas, Literacy Council, drew a large crowd, and also featured Western music, a chorus, chuckwagon food and other readings.

9/17/15

Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators to Host Fall Retreat

Two-day event to provide multiple workshops, speakers


Local writers and artists will have the opportunity to further develop their craft at an upcoming

Oklahoma's chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators will host their 2015 fall retreat Oct. 9-10 at Stroud, conveniently located right between Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

This year, attendees will experience in-depth study into their own area of interest, with individual tracks for illustrators, picture book authors, and novelists.

Friday workshops include the Illustrator Track, taught by Tim Jessell (www.timjessell.com), with a full day of technique instruction, hands-on practice, and group critique; the Picture Book Track, taught by Janee Trasler (www.trasler.com), who will share her secrets as a successful picture book author; and the Novel Track, taught by Anna Myers (www.annamyers.info) with Pati Hailey and Ginny Sain, and focusing on novel writing and editing including drama techniques for character development. The author workshops will follow their morning sessions with first page analysis and panel discussions.

Keynote speaker Linda Urban (www.lindaurbanbooks.com) will present the keynote address, “Fan the Spark of Creativity” on Friday evening. Urban, a successful author of both picture books and novels, will also be leading editing workshops on Saturday.
Linda Urban, successful author of both picture books and novels, will be the keynote speaker at the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators’ Oklahoma fall conference, Oct. 9-10 at Stroud, OK
Three publishing professionals have also agreed to accept work from attendees after the conference, even though they are normally closed to submissions. Christa Heschke, an agent with McIntosh and Otis; Emily Feinberg, an editor with Roaring Brook Press; and Anna K. Roberto, an agent with Feiwel & Friends, an Imprint of Macmillian Children’s, are all part of the off-campus faculty of this year’s SCBWI Fall Conference. Specific information and requirements for submitting work to these industry insiders will be given out at the two-day event.

Retreat registration will also include two bonus events. The first will be held the same weekend - an after-hours event Friday evening with Darleen Bailey Beard, a successful published author of picture books and middle grade books, along with other writing professionals. The second bonus will be free admission to SCBWI Oklahoma’s upcoming editing workshop.

“For the price of a good pair of shoes, attendees will receive instruction, feedback, inspiration, and encouragement,” said Helen Dunlap Newton, SCBWI-Oklahoma Regional Advisor. “The lasting effects on your writing and illustrating make this some of the best money you can spend on your writing dreams.”

The SCBWI Oklahoma Fall Conference is limited to 90 participants. All attendees will pay the same registration fee, but may take part in the entire two days or any portion. SCBWI member registration is $110. Non-SCBWI member registration is $160. Attendees may also take advantage of the discount SCBWI price by joining SCBWI for $95. Throughout the year, members enjoy full day critique sessions, monthly educational meetings, grant opportunities, intensives, sketchcrawls, illustrator showcases, friendship, and support.

More information about the fall retreat, lodging availability, and registration is available online at www.oklahoma.scbwi.org or by contacting Helen Newton, helennewton@cox.net.

8/23/15

Author Program at South OKC Library, Sept. 1

'Crafting a Pitch'  invites authors and dreamers to the South OKC Library, 2201 S 134, OKC on Tuesday Sept. 1 at 7 p.m.  A panel of authors will talk about pitching your project to agents and publishers.

8/20/15

Call For Submissions


Les Weil, fiction editor for Silver Blade Magazine, announces: 
The Flash Fiction Press (theflashfictionpress dot org) is now accepting submissions. 100 to 1200 words. We are open to all genres. We will publish a 3-400 plus story every day, and sometimes with an additional shorter 1-200 word story.

8/18/15

Hudson to Appear At Paracon 2015 in Guthrie

Author and researcher, Marilyn A. Hudson, called the "bizarre history genie" will be on hand discussing her research into cold as ice murder cases and adventures along the way at the 2015 "Paracon".   The event will be Saturday, October 17, 2015 beginning at 10:00 AM at the American Legion , 123 N 1st street , Guthrie , OK (map).
 
Hudson is author of the horror novel, The Mound, a collection of short stories, The Bones of Summer, and several true history works: When Death Rode the Rails, Murderous Marriages and her latest, Into Oblivion: Murders, Missing Persons, and Mysteries.
 
 

8/1/15

Ozark Fiction Writers Conference Sept. 19

Ozark Fiction Writers Conference on Saturday, September 19 in Springfield, MO, featuring author and editor Candace Haven's wildly popular workshops: Fast Draft -- A Novel in Two Weeks and Revision Hell -- How to Get Through It! This event has much to offer all fiction authors and will focus on the fundamentals of good writing that will apply to any genre of fiction, including: drafting, laying groundwork for your story, scene and structure, revision and more! You will also learn vital information about publishing from industry professionals. More details and registration can be found at: http://ozarks-romance-authors.com/conference-2014/oracon-2015/ This is a great 1 day conference that is priced at only $75.

7/28/15

Rose State Writer's Conference Set

Writer’s Conference at Rose State College Set for September 18-20, 2015
 
A three-day intensive writing workshop, where you will experience writing fiction, poetry and non-fiction. Organized by New York Times-bestselling author William Bernhardt, this conference will bring some of the nation’s most successful writers and industry experts to Oklahoma.
 
To Enroll online please go to: Rosestate.augusoft.net
 
In person: Go to Rose State College, 6191 Tinker Diagonal, The Tom Steed Bldg. Midwest City, OK. 73110
Telephone: 405-733-7392 to reserve your spot with a credit card
Course Fee: $129.00 on or before 8/31/15
$149.00 on or after 9/1/15
 
Lodging:
There are many hotels in the Midwest City and Oklahoma city area, including the Sheraton at the Reed Center and the Holiday Inn in Midwest City, Ok.
Visit our website for more information: rose.edu/writing-short-course  
 
# # #                       

7/7/15

Conquer Writing and its Obstacles

After many requests for such helpful tips, Oklahoma Writers is happy to share a new page on "Editing."  A list of possible sources for help in this crucial area will be posted there. 
 
To get you started in the right direction, however, here  is an editing resource for you to explore.  "  Did you know you only need to write 547 words a day for six months to get a 100,000-word novel? "  The Curiouser Crusade will show you how.

7/1/15

Authors Charley Swanda and Amber Daniels

An exciting new Science-Fiction Fantasy work is the product of a brother and sister writing team from Mountain View, Oklahoma. Authors Charley Swanda and Amber Daniels had written individually most of their lives and when they finally teamed up, THE ASGARDIAN PROPHECIES: THE BLACK QUASAR, is the exciting result.
 
The work, inspired by Norse Mythology,  crafts a saga of one young man coming to terms with his heritage and his own place in a much larger world than the small Oklahoma town of his childhood roots.
 
The authors bring an exciting new energy and direction to a mythic frame known to many only through the work of the Marvel multi-verse.  Targeted to Young adults and Adult audiences it will be sure to find a strong following. Readers are already clamoring for more since its February appearance.

 
$10.99 / Perfectbound
ISBN: 9781457535437
224 pages
The Asgardian Prophecies: The Black Prophecy is published by Dog Ear Press.

6/24/15

New Book Focuses on Murder, Missing Persons and Mysteries

Norman, Oklahoma, June 23, 2015 — Norman author Marilyn A. Hudson announces release of a new work exploring murders, missing persons and mysteries titled, Into Oblivion: Murder, Missing Persons, and Mysteries.  

In the book Hudson explores the world of the mid-century and how some people took a wrong turn on a road of lingering questions.   Hudson gives a sweeping overview of some of the dastardly things people were doing to each other in the 1930's- 1960's in average and normal America. The unsolved Cleveland Torso murders, the Black Dahlia, and others are presented as the backdrop to a mid-century killing spree. Those cases include the almost unknown torso murders in Oklahoma, along with very similar, and still unsolved, cases from Texas and New Mexico from the 1950’s and early 1960's. 

Then she provides some deeper looks deeper into the lives of several victims whose cases are still unsolved. She profiles a bride who left the Crown Motel in Moore, Oklahoma never to be seen alive again in the story of Carol Batterman.  Through interviews she expands the story of a woman murdered in Louisiana, Ruth Tilotta and raises questions about a similar case in the disappearances of Audrey Moate. Missing wives, murdered women, and unsolved mysteries are presented as links in a chain of possible connections to solving these decades old crimes.
Finally, she offers a tantalizing summary theory that connects  several of these previously forgotten crimes with other unsolved murders. She hopes authorities will decide to look a little deeper and cast their net a little wider. For, as she notes, "there is no statute of limitations on finding the truth." 
Hudson has published sixteen other titles in the areas of nonfiction (history), inspirational, juvenile, and fiction. Titles include, The Mound, When Death Rode the Rails, Stories Center Stage, Murderous Marriages, and Elephant Hips are Expensive.
Armchair true crime enthusiasts will want to add this one to their reading list. It is a perfect fit for collections on true crime and with its emphasis on several Oklahoma crimes, those interested in the Sooner state.

For more information, contact Marilyn A. Hudson (marilynahudson@yahoo.com). The book available (to individuals and book buyers) on Amazon.com

6/22/15

A GATEWAY TO HOPE SEES FLOOD OF APPROVAL

Author E.C. Jackson eagerly looked forward to the launch of her new book.  "On May 22, which happens to be my mother’s birthday, A Gateway to Hope became available on Amazon, and Smashwords."   (It is also available for purchase as an e-book at Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and iBooks).  Her debut novel met with positive reader responses and was reviewed at the Hog on Ice: Books and Independent Learning blog.  "And it is being featured during the month of June on the Folks Tales Things blog", the author noted.
Now the paperback is available to purchase on Amazon. Barnes and Nobles will follow in three to five days. Also, with the ISBN you can order a copy in bookstores everywhere.  The good work continues to mount as of this writing. On Amazon it received 17 Reviews (4.8 stars out of 5); Goodreads 4.92 12 ratings 11 reviews. ; Barnes& Noble (8 Reviews Average Rating 5).
 
Here are some samples:


Five Stars: An Excellent Debut Novel
A gateway to Hope is an excellent debut book from E.C. Jackson. Neka and James are very well developed and fully fleshed out characters with a believable relationship that is built organically and not forced. It is refreshing to find a romance novel where the story and the relationship is not all about sex. In this book the author has not gone down the easy route of including loads of sex scenes to show their attraction to each other. Overall this is an excellent book that had me hooked from the first page and I actually finished it in 1 sitting. Each character and the plot of the book is very well developed. Both main characters are very real and relatable. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to read an actual romance story where the characters actually connect with each other and develop their relationship without jumping into bed every other scene. (Amazon)

Five Stars: Refreshing and well written romance - Many people believe that arranged, or forced, marriages in powerful families are the stuff of Hollywood movies and dramatic fiction. I tend to believe that this stuff really still happens and is a tragedy for all involved. This is only one of the themes so masterfully examined in author E.C. Jackson's "A Gateway to Hope". The story of James, who is set to marry someone he doesn't love, yet fate puts him in front of the right person after all. Neka has been friends with James for a long time and the two come together as support but there is much more to the story, which is what made this a very intriguing read for sure. Very well-written, well paced and so hard to put down. (Goodreads)

Five Stars: I found this book impossible to put down until I finished reading. The style of writing puts the reader right in the middle of the action. I look forward to reading her next novel. (Barnes and Noble)
 
Take a look at the book trailer and chapter one video and visit the website and author page.
 

6/12/15

Author Book Signing in Tulsa June 20


Dennis McDonald will be having a book signing at
4421 S Mingo Rd, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74146 on Saturday, June 20.  McDonald is the author several highly popular horror books and frequently appears at various conferences and comic-cons around the country.
 
​​​"Welcome, fellow traveler, to my humble website. Though I prefer to speak through my writing, I do think an introduction is in order. I was raised during the 60's and fed a constant supply of black-and-white late night monster movies. Because of such influences, I inherited an overabundance of imagination that drives me to put tales to paper. In the past, I've written a role-playing game system plus scripted, directed, and performed for a local horror hosting show on television. Currently I'm the author of four books: 13 Nightmares, Ebon Moon, Undead Flesh, and the first installment of my fantasy trilogy titled Oathbearer: Bound by Blood. For 2015 I have three more in the works which are 13 More Nightmares, Oathbearer Book Two: Destiny's Road and the return of my Adventure Maximum Role Playing system! So feel free to navigate the various pages of this site and take a peek behind the curtains of my dark and twisted mind. If you like tense, fast-paced character driven stories, I 'm your author."

OKC CHRISTIAN WRITERS TO MEET JUNE 13 IN EDMOND.

 Carla Stewart, Oklahoma award-winning author, will speak at the June 13th meeting of Wordwrights OKC Christian Writers. Stewart’s newly released book, A Flying Affair, features the era of the 1920s when aviation was a new world for women. Stewart will give tips on researching and writing historical fiction. More information is available at www.carlastewart.com.  
     Guests are welcome, no charge to attend. Wordwrights meets from 1-3 p.m. at Mardel Christian Store, located in Edmond, Oklahoma, at 3300 S. Boulevard. For more information regarding the meeting contact Donna Le, Public Relations Chair, at DKLE45@gmail.com.

6/8/15

AIRSHIP 27 PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS LADY ACTION

 
AIRSHIP 27 PRODUCTIONS  Presents  LADY ACTION
 
Airship 27 Productions, one of the leading publishers of New Pulp, is thrilled to be releasing the first ever prose novel featuring Lady Action, based on the character from the popular toy action figure line. It is titled Lady Action: Sands of Forever.
 
THE SANDS OF FOREVER
 
When a top A.C.T.I.O.N. agent goes missing in the arid wastelands of the Libyan Desert, the super secret organization sends in their top field operative; Nicola Sinclair – Codename: Lady Action.  
 
An ancient power as old as the earth lies buried there and a wealthy Arab tycoon with ties to Islamic Terrorists groups will do anything to claim it.  With only a few brave allies and her considerable skills, the lovely and deadly Lady Action must defeat this powerful villain and uncover the secret of the Sands of Forever or the civilized world is doomed to destruction.
 
Combining the modern day flair of today’s spy thrillers with the pacing of new pulp adventures, Ron Fortier, writer of the Green Hornet, Terminator – Burning Earth, Captain Hazzard and Brother Bones : the Undead Avenger,  brings to life one of the most charismatic new action heroes ever to dive into danger and suspense.   The stunning cover is by Ted Hammond with design work by Pulp Factory Award winner, Rob Davis.
 
DAMBALLA BACK IN PRINT
 
Airship 27 Productions is delighted to announce that the history making pulp adventure, Damballa by Charles Saunders is now back in print and selling at a fair price on Amazon.  Published several years ago, the book was the first ever pulp adventure to feature a black 1930s hero finally putting to rest the ignorant racism of the old pulps.
 
The story takes place in Harlem, deals with a prize fight between a local hero and a Nazi German.  It has interiors by Clayton Hinkle and a cover by Charles Fetherolf.
 
Initially published by Airship 27 via Cornerstone Books, the print version quickly sold out and in the past few years has commanded prices in excess of $300 a copy, although the Kindle version has always been available.
 
“When we learned about those ridiculous prices, we knew we had to do a new edition that was affordable to all pulp fans,” explains Airship 27 Production’s Managing Editor Ron Fortier. “And so here is the third edition selling at a reasonable price once more.  Meanwhile, we will continue to bug Mr. Saunders for that long awaited sequel.”

Enid Writer's 'Summer Word Slam!' June 13

 Summer Word Slam on Sat, June 13 at Hastings in Enid

Peggy Chambers


Martha Draper


Sharon Frye


Lucie Smoker

Hastings Books will host a "slam" of short original prose and poetry readings plus a book signing by members of the Enid Writers Club on Saturday, June 13 from 3-5 p.m. Drop by to meet local writers, listen to short, engaging works or pick up an autographed Oklahoma book. Prospective writers can bring 150-word readings themselves.  

Award-winning local poets and writers will include Sharon Frye, Peggy Chambers, Marsha Kay Oldham, Martha Draper, and Lucie Smoker.  Marsha Kay Oldham is the President of Enid Writers Club and an award-winning, multi-published poet.  She will be signing her chapbook, My Loves

Lucie Smoker will be signing her Kindle Top Ten Murder Mystery, Distortion and reading her short poem "In a Shard of the Bedroom Mirror" to be published in the upcoming, Veils, Halos and Shackles: International Poetry out later this year from Charles Fishman (SUNY).  

Peggy Chambers is an award winning, three-time published author, always working on another. She attended Phillips University, UCO and is a graduate of OU.   She is a member of the Enid Writers’ Club, OWFI, Oklahoma Women Bloggers and OWL.  She will be signing Secrets of Sandhill Island, The Apocalypse Sucks and Glome's Valley. 

Sharon Frye is a poet living in Northern Oklahoma. In August, 2013, she was invited to read her work at the Fermoy International Poetry Festival in Ireland. She will be signing her chapbook, Last Chance for Rain.  Her poem, “Dollar Store Princess” was nominated for the Pushcart Prize in 2014. 

Martha Draper is a newly retired educator and long time member of Enid Writer's Club. Recently, she participated in the annual Oklahoma state writing conference in Oklahoma City through O.WF.I. (Oklahoma Writer's Federation Inc.). She is an avid reader and multi-genred writer.

For more information, contact Hastings Books at 610 S Cleveland (at Owen K Garriott) or by calling 580-242-6838

Free Writing Class at Guthrie Library June 9

Chisholm Book Focuses on Cowboys, Farm Life

George Rhoades of Duncan, Okla., award-winning writer, is the author of a newly released book of poetry, “After the Chisholm.”
 
The work contains poems, some humorous, some more thought-provoking, about the Chisholm Trail, cowboys and cowgirls, farm and ranch life and other recollections and observations.
 
“The Chisholm Trail gave rise to the American cowboy legend and western myth,” Rhoades said. “The settlers who came later tamed the prairies and made them productive. This is an epic story and needs to be honored.”
 
Rhoades’ earlier book, “Along the Chisholm Trail and Other Poems,” won a number of national prizes, including the Benjamin Franklin Award and the Will Rogers Medallion for Cowboy Poetry, and was also a finalist for the Western Music Association’s Book of the Year Award. In addition, the book won a second place Reader Views Literary Award and was a finalist for the National Indie Excellence Award.
 
Rhoades, born on a farm in Cotton County, Okla., is a former journalist who worked for UPI in Tulsa and Oklahoma newspapers, including the Watonga Republican, the Duncan Banner and the Lawton Constitution. He taught journalism at several universities, retired from UT-Arlington and moved to Duncan where he owned a hay farm.
 
The book is published by Outskirts Press.  Contact the author, George Rhoades at
 

5/11/15

TULSA BOOK SIGNING

Author Channing Whitaker announces that there will be a book signing event with the new release,“Until the Sun Rises: One Night in Drake Mansion.” Saturday, May 16th at a local coffee shop: Mecca Coffee (Brookside Location) 1330 E 41st St. Tulsa, OK 74105, from 10AM to 1PM. Copies of the novel will be available for purchase for $16.00.

Eighty years ago, a wealthy Midwest family attended a traveling magic show, after which neither they, nor the dark and mysterious magician, Malvern Kamrar, were ever heard from or seen again.  When two police investigators and three bystanders lost their lives inside the family’s mansion, the investigation was dropped and the property sealed off, until today. 

About the book: "Eighty years ago, a wealthy Midwest family attended a traveling magic show, after which neither they, nor the dark and mysterious magician, Malvern Kamrar, were ever heard from or seen again.  When two police investigators and three bystanders lost their lives inside the family’s mansion, the investigation was dropped and the property sealed off, until today.  After nearly a century of rumors, theories, and haunted stories, for a live television event, the Drake family mansion will be opened, allowing five contestants to test their bravery by spending one night in the mysterious house to win their share of a million dollar prize.

Soon after entering the mansion, the aged journal of the family patriarch, Vinton Drake, is discovered, shedding light onto the mystery and just how deeply it’s rooted - all the way back to Vinton’s service as a medic in WWI, when he first met the magician. 

The hand-picked contestants: a commune-with-the-dead psychic, a high-tech ghost hunter, a Hollywood scream queen, a local woman, and a professional skeptic and debunker named Harlan Holt, further fuel excitement as each tries to sort out the mystery for themselves.

A sharp departure from the familiar haunted house tale, through Harlan, this story explores the very nature of belief in the supernatural, with consequences more frightening than any ghost story.

Harlan’s investigation in the present is followed in tandem with Vinton’s own investigation of the magician Malvern in the past. Intensity soars when the contestants discover their lives, along with thousands more, are in genuine mortal peril. Is the mansion haunted? What fate befell Malvern and the Drake family? And will Harlan and the others uncover the truth in time to save themselves?"
 
Author Channing Whitaker was born in Centerville, Iowa. Channing studied cinema, screenwriting, literature, and mathematics at the University of Iowa. He went on to work in the production of television news, independent films, and commercial videos as well as to write for websites, corporate media, and advertising. His nearly 10-year career in writing has taken Channing from Iowa, to Texas, Alaska, and to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma where he resides today. In that time, Channing has also written and directed over 50 short films.
 
 

Title: Until the Sun Rises: One Night in Drake Mansion
Author: Channing Whitaker
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Available Formats: Paperback and ebook, 288 pages
Publisher: Oak Tree Press
Released: April, 2015
ISBN 978-1610091633

Current Book Availability: 
Amazon
Barnes & Noble (Online), 
- Select Brick & Mortar Retailers

Other Links:

 
 

4/28/15

Author on Tour

4/5/15

Norman Author To Publish New Novel

Norman based author Marilyn A. Hudson and Whorl Books announce the publication of her latest work for later in April.  

Scream all you want. No one is coming to your rescue.

Her luck has always been bad, her decisions worse, and the 'American Dream' is her nightmare. 
He is the envy of many, wants for nothing, and makes it all look so easy.
They are about to meet and one of them will pay the ultimate price.

There are among us dark souls planting seeds of evil in fields most of us don't even care to venture.
In the shadows, along the borders of our civilized world, they reap from the flesh of the lost a foul harvest.

But some things grow tougher in the shadows.  Sometimes they fight back.
See what the preview readers had to say:
"I felt it was very well written. With a lot of cliffhanges that kept you just so intrigued. You never really knew what was around the next corner. Loved the book - now waiting for the movie. "-- Lorene Young, Case Management Assistant

"This is a great read, the manner in which you build fear and delusion in the characters made me wonder if the main character was in danger or just loosing her mind. Good build up of suspense." --Dustin Allen Smith, Mental Health Clinician

Coming soon to Amazon and select outlets.

4/3/15

STORIES FROM THE BACK PORCH

"Surprising. Thought provoking. Moving."

Stories from the Back Porch: A Collection of Words by Brady Crandall is modern poetry with a conversational tone and an honest feel.  Rough, raw, and realistic vies with  a carefully playful, paced and authentic style. This first collection by Brady Crandall, poet and storyteller, is one adults will enjoy.
 
He paints diverse word images of real people roofing, being a fool, living life and surviving to the next day. He does it with humor, with pathos and with an understanding of humanity.  As an example the first poem of the collection is "Watching the Grass Grow" and hooks you at the start with "My grandpa was a one armed roofer..." He lures you in with a comic twist but by the time the work is completed he has engaged the reader's heart in profound and moving ways free of vapid nostalgia but filled with significance.
 
"Someone Might Need A Cup" is a simple and elegant portrayal of lessons learned about the uncertainties of life and being prepared. Lessons that go deeper than just having enough food on the shelf or gas in the car.
 
Images, ideas, feelings and dreams are aptly conveyed often with great originality and a unique voice. Each entry is unique and offers more than first seen. Read these poems and let them settle down and let the poet - this worker with words - lead you into unexpected encounters with life. 
 
Contact the author at BCrandallstoryteller@gmail.com
 
Published by the author; cover art by Parker Cunningham-Jones, 2014

3/13/15

Conflict Resolution with Dr. Weeks



The timing for Dr. Dudley Weeks’ latest and cumulative work, THE CONFLICT PARTNERSHIP CATALYST PROCESS, could not be better. A quick glance at the media on any given day demonstrates a world in conflict from top to bottom. Families struggle with preventing collapse of their infrastructures through family violence or divorce due to the stress of unanticipated life events or financial downsizing in response loss of employment. Corporate structures and employees clash as opposing priorities challenge the survival of both the workplace and workforce here in the USA. International groups, public and private, are overwhelmed with one social, political, or environmental catastrophe coming on the heels of the previous one.  


Renowned political scientist, crisis resolution specialist, and author/trainer/consultant Dr. Dudley Weeks PhD, has worked in similar situations his whole career, moving by request from event to event: family counseling to helping with peace building of nations.  


Based on his own experience, Dr. Weeks developed his own unique process aimed at not only resolving a current situation but building a working relationship that would last into the future. It became known as the Conflict Partnership Catalyst Process (TM). As Dr. Weeks continued to use his six clear and doable conflict partnership steps more and more people asked to be trained to use and teach the method. (To date Dr. Weeks has trained over 80,000 people world wide.)


The end result is a package of training materials and case studies related to this remarkable process that has proven to be a valuable useful asset across such a wide sphere of problem-solving. Now a cumulative new one volume book, An Alternative to Traditional Mediation: The Conflict Partnership Catalyst Process is available. It may be purchased on Amazon (print of Kindle formats), on demand from booksellers, or directly through the author at plscwkstly@gmail.com . 


Note: For a multiple copies discount use the email above.

 About the Author:

Dr. Dudley Weeks, PhD, is a conflict resolution specialist with forty years experience in using his own trademarked process to guide conflict parties in situations ranging from family or internal organizational issues to conflicts between nations to effective, sustainable resolutions. He has worked in over 90 countries as a catalyst or trainer as well as keynote speaker. He has been a professor or guest lecturer in both the USA and Europe. He is an author of two other books on conflict resolution, three books of poetry, and is now using his extensive experiences to write intrigue novels and short stories.
 

Silent Auction Books Sought

Great PR for children's, teens, and adult books, especially if you are in the area of Ponca City, Oklahoma.  If you have books suitable to help their cause consider helping them out.

 Ponca City Christian Academy (PCCA) is a non-denominational, parent-sponsored school (grades K through 8) whose primary goal is to assist parents in raising well-educated, responsible, compassionate children.  The school is non-profit, and is solely financed through tuition, donations, and fundraising events in our city. 

Our annual BBQ Bash will be on Saturday, April 11, 2015, and will include a silent auction.

Events like these are necessary to support the operating budget for our school to continue teaching children in our community.  In the past, over 1800 tickets have been sold in Ponca City and surrounding areas. 

We are appealing to businesses in the area to make donations of gift certificates or products to be put in themed baskets to be auctioned off in our silent auction.
We think your business would be a great contribution to our event. We do this in hopes that we can offer a wide variety of items to our event audience and in return we hope to help out businesses by offering a bit of advertising.
 
We would accept any business cards, fliers, brochures or signs showing your business’ information to be displayed with your donation.  This event will be advertised on our school’s website, local radio stations, local newspaper and on signs in the community.

Ponca City Christian Academy
901 Monument Road, Building 3
Ponca City, OK 74604
Phone: 580-765-6038
501c3 org - Tax exempt ID#: 73-1589438
Website: http://www.poncacitychristianacademy.org/ 
Thank you for your time and consideration!
Xenia M. Robertson
I can do all things through Christ which strengthens  me. - Philippians 4:13

Every Authors Dream

Buy their books. Invite them to your library, club, business. Read and post reviews. Namedrop and recommend them to others!