True Tales of Bigfoot

 After years of people sharing stories with author and researcher, Marilyn A. Hudson, she had selected the best ones to share. "I love that so many people were so willing to share their unique experiences and graciously granted me permission to share."

A short read but the focus is on conveying the emotions and impressions of people as they confronted the unexplained.  Suitable for all ages it will be a read to peak the intellectual curiosity and prompt exploration and discovery.

Available on Amazon.

Five-Dollar Indian: A Sam Chitto Mystery by Lu Clifton

 

Five-Dollar Indian, A Sam  Chitto Mystery (Released 5/15/2020)

Two Shadows Books

978-0-9985284-6-5 (Pprbk)

978-0-9985284-7-2 (Ebook)

Description: Upheaval comes to the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma over a proposed Native Theme park. The odd alliance of an Apache and a Sioux promoter attracts the attention of Choctaw officers when a powwow doesn’t seem to be the philanthropic fund-raiser it is touted to be. Then a fourteen-year-old Sioux boy is found dead in the Kiamichi Wilderness. The death looks like a drug overdose, but the country investigator finds other, more baffling evidence that draws in the unauthorized involvement of four tribal officers: one Sioux and three Choctaw, including Lieutenant Sam Chitto.

Lawmen are the “thin blue line” that holds back chaos, but each officer struggles with his own internal demons that put adherence to the code of ethics and the vows he took as an officer at risk. The dead boy’s grandfather, the Sioux officer, believes he has evidence the death was murder and wants to execute his own brand of justice. Meanwhile, Sam discovers one of the promoters is a five-dollar Indian – a white man posing as native to profit at Native Americans’ expense. The imposter is none other than Leon Messina, grandson of old drug lord Victor Messina - the man behind the gangland killing of Sam’s father.

Will mistrust, suspicion, and a deep desire for revenge prevent these four lawmen from working together to ensure justice is served?

About the Author:

Lu Clifton writes adult mysteries set in Oklahoma and Texas Panhandle, with a mingling of Native American cultural beliefs and traditions. She became interested in those cultural traditions while tracing her mother’s Choctaw roots. 

She was born in and spent her early childhood in southeastern Oklahoma, then moved to the Texas Panhandle with her family. She completed an associate degree at Amarillo Junior College in Texas and a B.A. and M.A. in English at Colorado State University. She now resides in Illinois. Her two happily married sons live in Oregon and Illinois and stay in close touch. Her housemate is a gray tabby named Mary Jane that she rescued from an animal shelter.

Writing for adults and children, she is a member of the Oklahoma Writers Federation, Mystery Writers of America, and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. The first three books in the Sam Chitto mystery series were finalists for the Oklahoma Book Award for Fiction in the year following publication. Released in 2019, Seeking Grace in Beulah Land, a Novel, was a finalist for the 2020 award.

She has three middle-grade novels in print. Her middle-grade novel, Freaky Fast Frankie Joe, received a Friends of American Writers Award for Juvenile Fiction in 2013, and Seeking Cassandra won the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award for Young Adult Fiction.

Books by Lu Clifton

Sam Chitto Mysteries

  Scalp Dance

  The Bone Picker

  The Horned Owl

  Five-Dollar Indian

Stand-alone Novel

  Seeking Grace in Beulah Land

Children’s/YA Novels

  Freaky Fast Frankie Joe

  Immortal Max

  Seeking Cassandra

--

Lu Clifton

https://www.amazon.com/author/luclifton

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

Amazon Listing

Webpage: http://www.thefatkidsbooks.com/book.php

The Asgardian Prophecies: The Black Prophecy is published by Dog Ear Press.

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), 

- Direct from Publisher

- Select Brick & Mortar Retailers

Other Links:

Author Home Page

Novel Synopsis

Author Bio

Title on Goodreads

Review of the Novel #1

Review of the Novel #2

 

 

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.

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

A Book Signing for Author Joe Harwell, Tulsa, 10/23

Author Joe Harwell, Tulsa announces a special event. "Thanks to the generous support of The Phoenix, located at 1302 E. 6th St. in Tulsa," he notes, "I have a meet and greet book signing there Thursday, Oct. 23rd from 6:30 to 9 PM."

 

If you can attend please do so and encourage others to be there. "As a true self-published writer, I need and appreciate the support of my work from friends."  He will have four of his novels on display at the event.

 

"My novels are set in Oklahoma and Arkansas. One is a futuristic thriller and the rest are historical fiction. So far I've written about Vampires, the media and coal mining. Coming soon will be more Vampires, serial killers, abuses in the health care system, erotica and whatever the voices in my head tell me to write."

 

Harwell has a soon to be released new novel, set in Tulsa,  Welcome to Utica, and it is a page turner with action and suspense to suit every taste.

https://twitter.com/HarwellJoe

http://joeharwell.wordpress.com
http://www.amazon.com/Joe-Harwell/e/B005HLOR7O

BOOK WITH KIDS AND ELEPHANT A FUN READ

September 26, 2014
Press Release
Immediate Release

Norman, OK-- Whorl Books announces the release of a new edition of the children's book by Marilyn A. Hudson, Elephant Hips Are Expensive.  The book features the whimsical black and white drawings of Mustang resident and well-known storyteller and author, Molly Lemmons.  

 

In 1949, children across Oklahoma raced to see who could donate the most money to bring a new elephant to the Lincoln Park Zoo. In this fictional work nine-year-old David, seven-year-old sister Molly and their friends are determined to help make it happen despite a troublesome bully.  It includes bonus section with activities and coloring sheets.

 

This delightful fiction book will be of note to children as they explore what a group of children did in 1949 or for adults who fondly remember the "good old days".  Bullies, obstacles, teamwork and just plain hard work emphasize how these kids of "The Greatest Generation" faced problems to realize a dream.

 

Marilyn A. Hudson  has been a library professional in public, school, and academic libraries.   She started writing by authoring essays, articles, and editorials in a number of periodicals, serving as a contributing editor for two and as a newspaper stringer in Enid, Oklahoma.  Hudson is also author of The Bones of Summer, The Mound, When Death Rode the Rails, Madame Delaine, Noel Brooks, The Windows of Wesley, Stories Stage Center: A History of Storytelling in Oklahoma, and others.  She received a B.A. in History and an M.L.I.S. from the University of Oklahoma.

Her first introduction to the story of “Judy” was in taking her children to the zoo and then meeting people who had been part of the fundraising activities bringing the young elephant to Oklahoma in 1949.

 

Molly Lemmons, illustrator, is a storyteller, author, and artist, and has been listening to stories all of her life. She continues that family tradition by sharing stories and adding her own unique perspective with humor and heart.

Many of the stories she tells are taken from her book, Kind of Heart released in 2000. The book is filled with nostalgic tales about growing up during the 1940's and 1950's.  Her other published works include The Passing of Paradise, As Bright and as Pure as the Driven Snow, Seize the Flashbacks!, We are Invisible, and Hold my Hand, my Precious Child.

 Molly was herself one of those spunky Oklahoma children who were known as “Judy’s Kids.” Their drive, passion and vision leave an important legacy about what working together to achieve a common goal can mean.

 

"I remember sitting in the audience at the Municipal Auditorium (Aka Civic Center Music Hall) while at a school wide concert, and the emcee announcing: "Boys and Girls, you have bought an elephant for the Oklahoma City Zoo." The entire audience of elementary school children jumped to their feet and screamed and hollered to the top of their lungs. I was one of these children."

 

The book is available currently on Amazon in both print and Kindle formats.

 

The authors are planning to tour libraries and schools in the state in early 2015. 

 

Whorl Books

 

Oklahoma Writer Wins National Poetry Awards

George Rhoades of Duncan, Oklahoma, author of "Along the Chisholm Trail and Other Poems". has won several national poetry book awards, including the Will Rogers Medallion Award and the Benjamin Franklin Award.

 

He was presented the Franklin Award recently at a ceremony in new York City. The prize was given by the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) for the best book of poetry published by independent, university presses or self-published.

 

The Will Rogers Award, presented at an awards dinner July 28 in Fort Worth, Texas recognizes excellence in Western literature and media. The winning books were judged on literary quality and reflection of Western Americana, cowboy and ranch life.

 

"This was quite an honor and totally unexpected," Rhoades said.

 

Rhoades also won second place in the annual Reader Views Literary contest.  Reader Views is a national book reviewer company. In addition, his book was named a finalist in the National Indie Excellence Book Award, which recognizes books published by independent presses.

 

Also, the book was nominated for a CIPA Award present by the Colorado Independent Publishers Association.

 

One poem from the book, "Old Men at the Coffee Shop," received an honorable mention award in the 2013 Writers-Editors Network International Writing Competition.

 

The book contains poems about the Chisholm Trail, cowboys, tall tales, farm life, reflections and observations.  It was published by Outskirts Press.

Rhoades is a former journalist who worked for UPI and newspapers in Oklahoma.  He taught journalism for many years at the University of Texas at Arlington. After retirement, he moved to the Duncan area where he owned a hay farm.

Local Authors Book Fair to Feature Over 40 Authors

Kudos to the Tulsa area for supporting local libraries and local authors!  Kudos too to the local authors and talent donating their time to this worthy cause.

 

 Karen Marie Graham, Claremore, shares, "I've organized a fundraiser benefiting the Tulsa City County Library's Downtown Renovation." The desire is to spread the news among students, faculty, and writing library supporters.  The event involves Jim Stovall and 40 local authors from all over Green Country (NE Oklahoma).

 

The fundraiser is scheduled for September 13. 
From 1:30-2 p.m.  The local musical talent of Sean Al-Jibouri of Tulsa Jazz will be entertaining our guests as they arrive!

Author, motivational speaker, and movie producer, Jim Stovall, will be speaking at Hardesty Regional Library on "Turning Ideas into Books, Speeches, Columns, and Movies," from 2-3 in Conner's Cove, then from 3-4:45 forty local Oklahoma authors, including Jim, will be selling and signing their books in Frossard Auditorium. These authors are generously donating 25% of their sales to the Tulsa City-County Library downtown renovation project.

There will be giveaways, too.  For each book purchased, the customer will be entered to win one of 4 $100 gift cards, book baskets, and more!

For more information go to:  https://www.facebook.com/events/840963465914689//  

Rural Oklahoma Museum of Poetry: One Woman's Unique Vision

She is an author, a teacher, a poet, a visionary. Shaun Perkins is the guiding force behind the most unusual and interesting museum in northeastern Oklahoma, and perhaps, the country.  ROMP! is the Rural Oklahoma Museum of Poetry residing in a bright red barn in Locust Grove, Oklahoma.  Increasing numbers of school groups, tourists and locals are discovering this unique experience mixing literature, creativity, workshops, and life in a place dedicated to the "poetry of the people."   The museum is a member of the Oklahoma Museums Association.  Add it to your lit of day trip options this summer. 

Check out the website. 

Shaun is the author of several books, and one of her poetry books is Aware of Birds Missing. Shaun Perkins is a diversely gifted individuals: she is a storyteller, poet, teacher, and workshop facilitator.  She often conducts workshops and presentations at the regional and national levels with such organizations as the National Storytelling Network, National Association for Poetry Therapy, National Council for Teachers of English, and many more. She has taught creative writing classes for high schools and colleges, in addition to online and with various writing communities. 

Contact Info:

rompoetry@gmail.com

Rural Oklahoma Museum of Poetry

6619 S. 4382 Rd.

Locust Grove OK 74352

Brian Young: The Sullen Queen (The Island of the Mighty) (Volume 1)

Enid based author, game designer, and scholar, Brian Young announces the release of an exciting new series, The Sullen Queen (2014).

Young Prince Rhun ap Maelgwn was restless and packed up his gear and left his home for adventure. What he sought was a faraway land in distress burdened by an ever-growing enchanted forest and its rumored shining queen from the Otherworld. What he got was quickly over his head in trouble and danger having no experience in either adventure, sword-play, or acting the hero. Now he must decide the fate of many kingdoms, people and somehow win the heart of one of the two princesses along the way while managing to survive in this 6th century tale set in a mythical yet slightly historical Celtic Britain. Strange enchantments, faery-folk, high action and adventure and memorable characters set the stage in this first of many tales in the Island of the Mighty Saga.

Brian Young's 'The Sullen Queen' is an enjoyable tale rich with mythic forms, setting and action.  The main character, young Prince Rhun ap Maelgwn, is well developed and suited to the role of the hero setting out on the journey that will test him to the core.  The pace is active and the plot often surprising making sure the reader is entertained and engaged.  At times, the writing takes on an almost epic and lyrical cadence.  As the last line is read and this volume concludes, there is a strong sense that one has returned from sitting at the feet of an ancient storyteller who shared some long forgotten saga.  Lovers of fantasy, of action, and all Celtophiles will enjoy this work and eagerly look forward to the next installment.  

Brian Young is an award winning (2013 Diehard GameFAN) game designer for Troll Lord Games, Secretary for the Celtic League, Educator (14 years), and an author with Damnation Books/Eternal Press with over half a dozen titles published already and more on the way. 

He was a local Horror Host on both TV and radio and creator and founder for a traditional Halloween event 'Scare on the Square' with a Bachelors in History from NWOSU (2002), and a Masters in Arthurian Studies from the University of Wales Lampeter (2007) , he is now beginning his PhD in Celtic Studies from Y Drindod Dewi Sant.

A sure to please addition to fantasy collections and for those who love an action packed and mythic rich story line.  Readers familiar with his unique tale of vampiric horror in early day Oklahoma, De Civitate Sanguino, and his other titles, will delight in this new work.

Availible on Amazon here.

Hell With Lid Blown Off: New Work by Oklahoma Native Donis Casey

Scottsdale, AZ – Poisoned Pen Press announces the release of Hell with the Lid Blown Off by Donis Casey. Hell with the Lid Blown Off will be available wherever fine books are sold in June.  It has been "hailed" in a Starred Publishers Weekly review and is available June 2014.

The latest mystery by award-winning novelist Donis Casey, Hell with the Lid Blown Off has generated high advance praise, including a Starred Publishers Weekly review which calls the novel “excellent” and adds “as the action builds to a surprising denouement, Casey provides an engaging portrait of the close-knit society that was commonly found in the rural Midwest at the time. Alafair Tucker, her large family, and their friends are a pleasure to spend time with.” 

About Hell with the Lid Blown Off:   In the summer of 1916, a big twister brings destruction to the land around Boynton, Oklahoma.  Alafair Tucker’s family and neighbors are not spared the ruin and grief spread by the storm.  But no one is going to mourn for Jubal Beldon, who made it his business to know the ugly secrets of everyone in town. It doesn’t matter if Jubal’s insinuations are true or not: in a small town like Boynton, rumor is as damaging as fact. But as Mr. Lee the undertaker does his grim duty for the storm victims, he discovers that even in death Jubal isn’t going to leave his neighbors in peace.  He was already dead when the tornado carried his body to the middle of a fallow field. Had he died in an accident or had he been murdered by someone whose secret he had threatened to expose? There are dozens of people who would have been happy to do the deed, including members of Jubal’s own family. As Sheriff Scott Tucker and his deputy Trenton Calder look into the circumstances surrounding Jubal’s demise, it begins to look like the prime suspect may be someone very dear to the widow Beckie MacKenzie, the beloved music teacher and mentor of Alafair’s daughter Ruth.  Ruth fears that the secrets exposed by the investigation are going to cause more damage to her friend’s life than the tornado. Alafair has her own suspicions about how Jubal Beldon came to die, and the reason may hit very close to home.

Donis Casey is the author of the Alafair Tucker Mysteries, including The Old Buzzard Had It Coming, Hornswoggled, The Drop Edge of Yonder, The Sky Took Him, Crying Blood, and The Wrong Hill to Die On.  Donis has twice won the Arizona Book Award and has been a finalist for the Willa Award and the Oklahoma Book Award. Her first novel, The Old Buzzard Had It Coming, was named an Oklahoma Centennial Book. She lives in Tempe, Arizona.

Founded in 1997, Poisoned Pen Press is an independent publisher specializing in the highest quality mystery books. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Poisoned Pen Press is one of the largest publishers of hardcover mysteries in the world. Titles from Poisoned Pen Press are distributed by Ingram Publisher Services, and are available through wholesalers such as Ingram, Baker & Taylor, and Brodart, and directly from the publisher. Visit the new Poisoned Pen Press author blog and Discover Mystery™ at: www.poisonedpenpress.com

Hell with the Lid Blown Off will be published in hardcover (ISBN: 978-1-4642-0298-8, $24.95) trade paper (ISBN:  978-1-4642-0300-8, $14.95) large print trade paper (ISBN: 978-1-4642-0299-5, $22.95) and eBook editions.

Members of the news media wishing to request additional information about author Donis Casey an advance review copy of Hell with the Lid Blown Off are kindly asked to contact Maryglenn McCombs by phone – (615) 297-9875, or by email – maryglenn@maryglenn.com

###

Meet Author Travis Galen Smart

This book  causes the reader to stop and ask what is your purpose in life?

Author Travis Galen Smart wrote, My People It's Time to Come Home, because that was his question and, he noted, "It was a long time before I ever knew I had a purpose. Everything seemed that it was self-serving in life: you were supposed to have a family, a nice house, and a nice car with money in the bank.

 

I was born in Oklahoma, coached in Texas, retired and began living on our small ranch located in southwest Oklahoma. It has been in the family since 1917. The book was born out of a situation in 2008 where I needed to come up with a good sum of money for the mortgage on the land."

As is often the case, challenges can become guideposts and set one on a course to their destiny.

Smart added, "My dad bought one of the first Fender electric guitars made back in the late 50's or early 60's.  I was around 10 or 11 years old.  My dad passed away in 1988.  It was a valuable and rare guitar.The hard decision was made to sell the guitar to pay the mortgage. 

 

We sold the guitar to Vince Gill.  Vince wanted a picture of my dad with the guitar.  When I could not find a picture, I called Vince and asked if I could write him 4 or 5 lines about my dad.  Those 4 or 5 lines turned into 4 or 5 pages. 

 

At that point, I realized there was a story there with my dad, and other family stories that needed to be told.  A story of faith, love, and hope going back to the Revolutionary War.  It was, I believe, a purpose in my life."

 

That revelation of a life purpose will touch a cord in many readers and they will not be alone.  "The responses we have heard back from those who have read the book have been such a blessing.  "Smart added, noting that , "The book has been encouraging for a lot of people.  We have done a few book signings in our area, and I've spoken to a few groups with one scheduled next month."

 

Available in print and e-book formats from Tate Publishing, Amazon.com and other outlets.  See a book trailer here.  Want to interview, inquire as to appearances or simply contact the author ? - Click here.

Author John T. Biggs

John Biggs is a relatively new writer--about 10 years--with about twenty published pieces of short fiction. His story, "Boy Witch" was the grand prize winner of the 80th annual Writers' Digest Competition.  "Soul Kisses" won third prize in the 2011 Lorian Hemingway short story competition. His story," :20% Off " won the Creme de la Creme award at the 2012 OWFI conference, and his short story collection, Quantum Entanglement was a finalist for the St. Lawrence Book Award.

"John Biggs' new work, Owl Dreams, was a joy to read (and I had to read it twice, I wanted to savor it that much). Biggs work is crafted with an artists touch that nimbly adds layers and bring to life, with poetic grace, characters who are tangible and solid.  It is full of action, conflict, and an interesting locale and cultural nuances. Every setting and action blended together and the result was gripping journey through the lives of the true to life and sympathetic cast. Owl Dreams is also a modern mystical tale - drawing from Native American traditions - full of portent, heart stopping drama and meaning that lingers like the aroma of sage on the air at dusk.  Like trees tossing leafy branches in a gentle breeze causing shadow and light to chase each other, the plot hides and reveals with a musical fluidity and a totally natural touch. Once finished, there is the sense that this author has created something unique and you have been transported to a place that calls you back to its embrace." --- Marilyn A. Hudson, author of The Bones of Summer and The Mound.

His webpage.
Publisher pre order page.

Book Signing Event with Author Asa Leveaux

Check out the book release of "Why I Won't Hire Black People" written by Asa Leveaux. This event will begin promptly Thursday, July 18, 2013 at 8:00 pm and will end at 10:00 pm. 

This anticipated event will take place at Urban Roots located in the Deep Deuce district of Oklahoma City. The full address for Urban Roots is 322 N.E. 2nd Street Oklahoma City, Ok 73104. 

This event is 100% free for all those who desire to attend. "Why I Won't Hire Black People" will be available for $15.99 USD. With every book purchase you will receive a free gift to assist you in your networking skills. Asa Leveaux will be there to sign your book and discuss the book from its origins to its purpose. For more information please email info@phoenixinkpublishing.com

Mr. Asa Leveaux,
Author
Why I Won't Hire Black People
www.whyiwonthireblackpeople.com

Meet Author Tim Hancock

Author  Tim Hancock writes a gripping blend of action and drama sure to please readers.  HeAmazon.

is a resident of Tulsa and has four books available in print or Kindle versions on

Some of his works include: A-21, When Sparrows Fall, Song of the Nightingale, and Caged Doves.

"I am a die hard Patriot. I am a staunch supporter of gun rights and the 2nd amendment. In fact I am a supporter of the Constitution in it's entirety. Do not label me as a left wing conservative because nothing could be further from the truth. I am registered Independent and have some very liberal views on a lot of issues Gay marriage to name one.

I am a disabled Navy Veteran that loves spending time with my Mother, my wife my 5 children and their spouses and most of all my 3 grandchildren, Writing and promoting my current work is my only job, I do not have another one. I try to do both parts of that job very well and I hope you enjoy."

To order direct or contact the author:  http://www.timhancockauthor.com/about.html

Dr. Adkinson and the Adventures of Princess Lizzy

Princess Lizzy provides a wonderful venue for children to learn, think and grow. Such basic life lessons as "How do you handle a situation when you know someone hasn’t told the truth? What do you do when you see a little girl without a coat in the cold of winter? Where do flowers go when they disappear? What do you do when your feet don’t reach the floor?"

Author Dr. Mary Adkinson lives in the heart of Oklahoma on one and a half acres with her husband, Bob. Lots of birds, squirrels, and occasionally coyotes or skunks keep them company.  Their kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids are scattered across Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.

The authors readers and parents to "Follow Princess Lizzy on Twitter or Facebook so your child won’t miss a single adventure. I relish your input as to what you like or dislike about the stories. If you have ideas for other life lessons, I would love to hear from you. Perhaps, your idea will become a new adventure for Princess Lizzy."

Ask for them by name at your local bookstore and library. Visit the website for special deals and resources : http://growingupwithprincesslizzy.com/

Author Mariana Llanos Explores Children’s Imagination in New Book

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma­­--April 2013. In her first published story “Tristan Wolf”, Mariana Llanos takes the reader to the world of a boy raised by wolves who starts a journey to find his real self in an adventure filled with new friends and memories of his loving wolf family.

“I believe that my story will stimulate middle grade children’s playfulness and imagination, something that some books are lacking nowadays”, said the author. Although “Tristan Wolf” is recommended for children age 9 to 12 years old, it is also a book for any avid reader who is in for a timeless story. “I like to explore our ludic side, the creativity and imagination that we lose as we get older” added Mrs. Llanos.

“Tristan Wolf” is now available for sale on www.amazon.com or on http://www.createspace.com/3986785 at the list price of $13.99. The official launch for “Tristan Wolf” will take place in the month of May, 2013.

Mariana Llanos grew up writing short stories and poetry. She has a background in drama and theater in her native Lima, Peru. Currently, Mrs. Llanos works at a local Oklahoma City preschool teaching art and music.

Contact Information:  Mariana Llanos   mariana_llanos@hotmail.com

CRISIS TURNS OUT SWIMMINGLY FOR TORTOISE

New children’s book shows the adventures to be had outside of your comfort zone. Tall Tails Publishing announces a new title sure to please. 

Okmulgee, OK—Horace the Tortoise: At the Water’s Edge is a delightful new picture book about leaving your comfort zone and trying new experiences. The picture book was written and illustrated by two Oklahoma natives and OSU-IT graphic design graduates, Krystal Russell and Tabitha Smith.

Author Krystal Russell peeks under the hard shell of a grumpy tortoise who has let his worries about the unknown keep him from learning anything new. He drags his feet until a chance encounter with a friendly toad speeds things along. The charming illustrations by Tabitha Smith add depth and wonder to Horace’s watery surroundings and bring out the true character of the grouchy tortoise and his irrepressible friend.

Horace the Tortoise: At the Water’s Edge [ISBN 978-0-9823519-1-8] is currently available for $8.99 from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and the Ingram catalog.

About Tall Tails Publishing House

Tall Tails Publishing House is an independent children’s book publisher dedicated to providing beautifully

illustrated and inspirational stories for children of all ages. It was founded in Okmulgee, Oklahoma in 2008