Author Available for Readings, Talks

MARILYN A. HUDSON is now available for book talks, readings, and discussions about writing and research.

With theatrical skill she can read selections of her short stories to delight and entertain.  With skill and expertise she can communicate the process of research and on the writing process itself. Marilyn A. Hudson holds degrees in History and Library and Information Studies from the University of Oklahoma.
She has been a newspaper stringer, a contributing editor, radio voice, a columnist, a blogger, and an author. She has been a public, school, and higher education library professional. She travels each year sharing stories as a professional storyteller.
Born in Kansas, seasoned in Oklahoma and polished by the world – Marilyn A. Hudson is an author whose scope is wide and whose words speak volumes.
Cost is reasonable for Oklahoma City area.  Book her soon for your library, class or club. Reach her at: marilynahudson@yahoo.com  (Please put Author visit in subject line)

Anti-Bullying Advocate to be Featured in InspireMeToday

LaNiyah Bailey - Author and Advocate

FYI: LiNiyah Bailey, a young author who advocates against bullying sent this message:  "Thanks so much for your continued support as I am traveling along this journey to banish bullying and to create acceptance for all.   I'm so excited to share some great news with you. On Saturday, January 26th, 2013 I will be the featured Inspirational Luminary on InspireMeToday.com, sharing my wisdom with the world. This FREE website is one to bookmark!"

Inspire Me Today features the 'Brilliance' of a new Luminary every day. To help you stay inspired, you can sign up to receive this 3 minute 'Today's Brilliance' pick-me-up each day by email, by RSS feed or as an iPhone app. You can even subscribe to it on the new Google Currents.  You can start your day with the wisdom of Sir Richard Branson, Guy Laliberte, Seth Godin, Neale Donald Walsch, Marci Shimoff, or one of hundreds more, now including Bailey who noted, "I'm so honored to be with such esteemed company!"

Please visit the site on January 26th, 2013 and help LaNiyah Bailey inspire the world.  "If my traffic and comments break records, InspireMeToday.com will share my content with millions of additional people too! I hope you'll check it out, leave a comment and share it with your friends."

From the folks at Inspire Me Today and from me, thank you in advance for your kind support.   "I know you're going to love InspireMeToday.com! Together we really can inspire the world."

LaNiyah Bailey

Award-Winning Youth Author & Anti-Bullying Advocate

www.NotFatBecauseIWannaBe.com

OWFI Contest

Oklahoma Writers Federation has a contest going. "Febuary 1st is fast approaching. Get those contest entries in sooner rather than later so there is plenty of time to make corrections if needed. Please be sure to check out the Electronic Entry Procedures on how to enter the contest online. Once you've paid your entry fee, there is a step where you bookmark a page. This will prevent you from having to go through the payment process a second time. It VERY easy. "

Also, if you have questions, feel free to contact the category chairs. . Here's a link to the step-by-step directions: http://www.owfi.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=273&Itemid=305 Best of luck to everyone entering. 

Good time to join, plan to attend their conference, and joining a local group or guild.

STEVEN E. WEDEL

Well known Oklahoma author Steven E. Wedel shares some exciting news.  "In October, Graveside Tales released a new edition of my novella Murdered by Human Wolves," said Wedel.  "It was inspired by true events that happened in 1917 Konawa, Okla. Plus, Graveside will be re-releasing all the books of my Werewolf Saga, including the new book. They'll be broken into novellas and released quarterly."

In addition, Bloomsbury just released (in mid-November) the trade paperback edition of  Wedel's After Obsession, a YA paranormal romance he has co-authored with best-selling author Carrie Jones.

For more on this author, and upcoming news from Publisher's Weekly, checkout  his website.

NORMAN AUTHOR LAUNCHES SERIES

Norman author Marilyn A. Hudson has announced the release of the first in a series of books featuring a sleuth named Madame Delaine, the steampunk sleuth.

Steam Punk is an imaginaive sub-genre of Science Fiction, usually set in a Victorian world filled with strange gadgets and advanced science based on the time's technology.  "Think Jules Verne or H.G. Wells", the author noted in explanation.

"In this series, the steam punk elements are just emerging and so the setting is largely Victorian era with some elements of science ficton.  Over the course of time, however, the series will gradually take on the more dystopian elements largely associated with the genre.  There will, however, remain a strong sense of the "fun" as well."
The first title released is Madame Delaine: The Case of the Daring Girl Detective.  It should appeal to upper elementary, teens and adults looking for a short but engaging read.

125 pg., paperbound and also available in Kindle format.
$12.00
Amazon or Here

Read more about the series here.

NORMAN AUTHOR OFFERS GUIDE TO SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS

 In today's business climate leaders need all the help they can get to not merely survive but to thrive!  Business management expert Jim Watters has written a book targeting just such an outcome.  The author notes he designed the book to "help business owners and managers improve the profitability of their companies."  A GUIDE FOR DOING BUSINESS THIS YEAR is scheduled for release in the coming weeks. [Watch here for link]

 

Watters is well qualified to address such issues. His educational background in cludes the Master of Arts (1974, Economics) from Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX and a Bachelors of Business Administration (1969 from The University of Oklahoma ,Norman, OK.  He has continued to gain important skills through continuing education and is a  Graduate of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street Certification Institute in Professional Downtown Management,  AMA Course on Financial Management, Zenger Miller’s Strategic Process Management, and other programs.

 

His broad experience includes work with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, Oklahoma Main Street Center / Oklahoma City, OK . As a Management Consultant he developed and implemented a confidential management consulting service for businesses located within Main Street communities.  He was also a Staff Consultant with George S. May International Company of Park Ridge, IL .  In that role he traveled around North America providing on-site business consultations.  Primary focus was to find cost saving opportunities for clients through operational planning and control procedures.  He gained valuable maketing management experience with JM Huber Company  of Borger, TX,  (Huber’s oil / gas production equipment business).  There, he was responsible for planning and directing company marketing program and managing paid sales staff and independent sales representatives.    In Cleburne, TX he worked with the Rangaire Corporation in their Corporate Office.   As a Market Analyst for Rangaire’s manufacturing divisions  his task was the studying of industry trends, planning product line extensions and recommending distribution channel selections. 

 

The book is a handy to use, easy to understand, and logically organized work every business person will want to have on hand and have their employees use.  It would also make an excellent textbook as well.

 

 

GIVE 'GIFTS OF GRACE' THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

A touching story of personal fears, personal courage, and personal hope that will not be forgotten.   Author Deb Marcott, with Brent Youngs, shares the emotional rollercoaster of raising children with special needs and realizing the 'gifts of grace' along the way.  The reasons she wrote the book was to share hope with those in similar situations and bring a 'renewed faithin God.'

 

West Bow Press or Amazon.

Murder, Thrilling Suspense, and Mysterious Rituals

Chris Rakunas steers the reader through a mine field of suspenseful surprises and mystery with The 8th Doll, Prophecy of the Mayan Calendar. 

 

Packed with nail biting energy, this is one book you will want to read!

 

Order print or Kindle versions here.

SPEAKER -AUTHOR RAYMOND SHINAULT

Raymond Shinault is CEO and Founder of 18 Wheels Of Purpose with Raymond Shinault Enterprises, a premier leadership development and personal development organization. Raymond has used his 20 plus years of experience as a professional truck driver to establish himself as an "Award Winning Speaker". He is the Author of the book LIVING YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE.    He is regarded by many to be one of the most dynamic speakers that they have ever heard relating to leadership, personal development and purposeful living. Raymond's true desire is to instill practical steps and concepts within our youth and college age young people that enables them to utilize the greatness that is already within them by developing that greatness through education, training, and personal development and leadership skills.    One of the keys to his success is customizing his presentations to speak to the unique needs of each organization or group. Raymond learned late in life that living his life on purpose was the only way to win in life. Raymond has discovered that making a decision to live your life on purpose takes planning. “As a truck driver you have to plan the trips you make in advance, following the road map to where your going and when you want to arrive at your destination. Setting goals and writing those goals down is much like planning a professional truck drivers trip says Raymond. "A truck driver makes certain that he knows where he's going and how he's going to get there. Our college student's, high school student's and organizations need road map directions for planning a life of successful extraordinary living. Preparing them for their future and the success that they will experience as a result.   Raymond is the speaker you want for your upcoming meeting or conference! See for yourself the impact Raymond Shinault and 18 Wheels Of Purpose will have on your group or organization. Raymond is the father of a son and daughter and has 2 Grand Children and has been married to his wonderful wife Pamela for 30 years. They reside in Tulsa, OK. Website: www.raymondshinault.com Blog: http://purposefullivingtips.wordpress.com

Noted Oklahoma Composer Branches Into Children's Literature

Dr. Ed Huckeby, noted composer, musician, and educator, has now written a book for children.    

Huckeby's skills as a musician include the mastery of many instruments, including the horn, the trumpet, the bass guitar, the organ, the piano, and vocals. He has served in a symphony orchestra, a jazz band, and a Christian quintet       (Wikipedia)

Judy Plays the Tuba, Johnny Plays the Flute

by Ed Huckeby

Judy and Johnny only wanted to play in the band. They never expected people to make fun of them because of the instruments they chose to play. Since when were only boys allowed to play the tuba, or only girls allowed to play the flute, anyway? But Judy and Johnny refuse to let the bullies make them mad, and they quickly learn that the most important thing about playing in the band is learning to love and appreciate the gift of music.

32 pages - $10.99 (paperback) Tate Publishing, Mustang, Oklahoma

This book is also available for purchase as an eBook download.
$7.99 (digital download)

DELIGHTFUL BOOK HELPS CALM CHILDREN'S FEARS

Author Donalisa Helsley announces her latest book, The Worry Glasses: Overcoming Anxiety.    Do you find yourself worrying about almost everything? Do your worries seem extra large? MJ knows the feeling. She's a big worry wart. Visit with MJ as she learns how to take off her "Worry Glasses" and take control of her anxiety.

Perfect for any little worrier and their parents!

Seasonal Fun Celebrates Oklahoma Halloweens

Whorl Books announces a fun title, Halloween: Oklahoma Tricks and Treats, 1900-1989 by Marilyn A. Hudson.  The short monograph examines how the holiday was celebrated during different decades, the major influences and themes emerging to shape the holiday.  A high interest, low level read perfect for older children and younger teens or anyone wishing to learn about October in Oklahoma.

Debut Author Carrie Crain Inks Deal With Two Crain Publishing

(OKLAHOMA) – October 9, 2012. Debut author and former Hollywood actress Carrie Crain has signed a deal for The Adventures of Austin Girl and the Legend of Diablo children’s book series to be published this fall by Two Crain Teen an imprint of Two Crain Publishing, LLC. The book is about Austin Girl, a dispirited teenager, who discovers a magic Samurai sword, leading her on a journey to Planet Disco to save her kidnapped Grandpa from the nefarious Diablo, and return to Earth before she becomes a permanent guest.

 

The Adventures of Austin Girl and the Legend of Diablo is a quirky fantasy that takes the reader on a fast-paced journey.

“I originally wrote this story as a screenplay while I studied creative writing in fiction and screenwriting at UCLA extension,” says Crain.

 “Carrie is a highly-imaginative and creative person. We are pleased to launch this book with Two Crain Publishing,” says G. Crain, President of Two Crain Publishing, LLC.

Carrie Crain received her bachelor of arts in Sociology from the University of Oklahoma and studied screenwriting and creative writing in fiction at UCLA. She has freelanced for Austin Monthly Magazine and was a contributing writer for the Crazytownblog. She lives in Oklahoma with her husband and three dogs. For speaking engagements or book inquiries, please e-mail her publisher at twocrainpublishing@gmail.com. She is a housewife and writer who is challenged by bipolar disorder and anticipatory stress. Crain’s next book of humorous essays, Sould: Memoir of Bipolar, will be published in 2013. The memoir is about a middle-aged housewife’s adventures with bipolar as she struggles to write the next “great American novel.”

 

Two Crain Publishing, LLC. is a small indie press focused on showcasing new and upcoming authors whose writing voice and storytelling sets them apart. Under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer, Carrie Crain, and President, G. Crain, is an indie adult and children’s trade book publisher. Two Crain Teen is an imprint of Two Crain Publishing, LLC and is dedicated to unique novels and novellas in the children’s and YA genres. This imprint is home to debut author Carrie Crain. For more information about Two Crain Publishing, visit our website at http://www.twocrainpublishing.com and the author’s website at http://www.carriecrain.com.

 

Contact:

twocrainpublishing@gmail.com

http://www.carriecrain.com

 

THE CONSEQUENCES OF PRESERVING OUTLAWS IN ARSENIC

The Consequences of Preserving Outlaws in Arsenic-- SC Maxfield

 Outlaw ‘Oklahoma Bill’ McCready just wants to get home to Oklahoma. The only thing stopping him is that’s he dead, mummified and hanging in a Californian dark ride.

 

Johnny Redfeather, 15, doesn’t know where home is. Raised in the circus all he holds dear is a box of faded clippings left to him by his late father. They’re all about Bill McCready. Will this mysterious outlaw be Johnny’s link to his roots?

 

Becky Redfeather is weathered, worn but unbowed. She manages the farm her father left her but nurses a heartbreak that time hasn’t mended. When Johnny arrives at her farm, the doors to the past and future are blown wide open. Together they set out to find Bill McCready’s corpse, but as usual the outlaw comes tied up with a whole heap of trouble.

 

Sweeping from the dying days of the Old West to the changing world of the 1960s, SC Maxfield mines rich seams of adventure, romance, hope and redemption, plunging her characters into hair raising escapades through the backwoods and byways of America, culminating in an explosive finale back in the heartland where it all began.

 

"'The Consequences of Preserving Outlaws in Arsenic’ elegantly manages to combine elements of magic realism, thriller and comedy in a wonderful on ‘On the Road’ western tale of family reunion” -- LEFTLION

 Available to buy now as an e-novel for Kindle, PC, iPad, iPhone, Android, and more at Amazon.com   http://goo.gl/lXgQk

 SC Maxfield lives in Nottingham, England with her husband. When not writing she teaches English Literature and Creative Writing to adults, paints, creates tapestries and cooks hit and miss recipes of her own devising.

Ada Author Martha E. Rhynes

ADA -- Many Rivers Harbor announces the publication of "Secret of the Pack Rat's Nest," a novel for teens written by Ada resident Martha E. Rhynes.

The book tells the story of Colby Elliot, who discovers a secret on the grounds of a spooky estate guarded by a fierce black dog. Will his discovery be the answer to his family’s problems, or will it result in deception and violence that could ruin his life? His father is gravely ill, and his mother is burdened with worry and debt. He has to quit the football team, his girl loves someone else, and he is in trouble at school. He thinks things can’t get worse, but they do. Will Colby allow his sense of right and wrong to guide him when he is tempted to choose a dangerous solution to his problems?

The author explains why teenage Colby is the main character of her story. “Before my retirement, I taught junior high and high school English,” Rhynes said. “Girls in my classes preferred romance, but they also liked mysteries and adventure stories. However, boys said they hated to read, so I was always looking for good action stories with young male protagonists. The boys’ attitudes toward writing essays, poetry, and short stories was on a par with cleaning out the septic tank; so I assigned writing prompts over topics I’d heard them discuss when they thought I wasn’t listening. ‘Secret of the Pack Rat’s Nest’ has young male characters (good guys and bad guys), football, fishing and camp outs, romance, and illegal drugs and violence.”

Rhynes began her writing career by researching the lives of American authors and writing biographies and analyses of their work for inclusion in literary encyclopedias. Her book-length biographies include “I, Too, Sing America: The Story of Langston Hughes”; “Gwendolyn Brooks: Poet from Chicago”; “Ralph Ellison: Author of Invisible Man”; “Jack London: Writer of Adventure”; and “Ray Bradbury: A Teller of Tales.” Her works of fiction include numerous short stories and two other novels: “The War Bride,” and “Man on First.” Other publications include the Ada Writers anthology “Creations 2012.” Rhynes is the mother of six adult children and many grandchildren. Her family operates a cattle ranch in Oklahoma.

For more information or to purchase the novel, visit Rhynes’s website at MarthaERhynes.blogspot.com. The book is now available at Karen’s Art & Framing, LLC., 108 East Main, Ada, and online at Amazon.com.

Many Rivers Harbors, a micropublishing company based in Oklahoma, helps authors publish and promote their books. For more information, visit its website at ManyRiversHarbor.blogspot.com.

Need a Caterer for a Book or Other Event?

One of the challenges in planning events can be simply finding caterers and someplace to hold the activity.  Next time check out the small to mid size venue associated with Catering Creations in Norman, Oklahoma (3750 W. Main, 3-C ; 405-364-1400).

Note: Networking is the key. Do you know of a vendor or venue other authors might be interested in knowing about for book launches, book signings, and celebrations?  Send it to marilynahudson@yahoo.com

HAL MCBRIDE

A native of Stigler, Oklahoma, Hall McBride  holds a Ph.D. (University of Tulsa),

M.A. (University of Tulsa). His professional life focuses on being a School Psychologist (Cascia Preparatory School, Tulsa, Oklahoma) and he has a private practice limited to child custody issues.  All of which says he has the professional skill and experience to add unique depth and perspective to his written works.  

 

His books range from historic fiction to everyday life, often with youthful protagonists -  To Bear Witness (2009) ;  Who Be Dragons (Kindle ed.) / print (2010) ; Billie and the Boys (Kindle ed.) (2011) ; Experiencing Stigler (2012) written with Gerald Ray Kirk.

Contact him at :

 

Hal Shearon McBride, Jr.

2204 East 20^th Street

Tulsa, Oklahoma 74104

918-743-1993

billie@tulsaconnect.com

 

 

 

Karen Marie Graham: The Promises You Keep

The Promises You Keep, introduces an exciting new fiction voice to the Oklahoma landscape. The work was published May 30, 2012. Graham is a resident of Claremore.

 

Abandoned, alone, and running from her past, language arts teacher Sydney Mackenzie has found a place of solitude as she tries to find healing in forgetting. She is abruptly forced to turn and face her painful past, however, when Emily enrolls in her class and turns her peaceful world upside down. Can Sydney find a way to trust herself, and trust others again, before it's too late to save her student from a similar fate? Find out, in The Promises You Keep.

 

When not writing she leads a whirlwind life filled with husband, children, education classes, photography and listening to her favorite music. 

It's currently for sale on Amazon (eBook) and CreateSpace (Paperback):
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0087SCBQI
https://www.createspace.com/3897489

She can be followed via website, facebook page, and twitter accounts:
www.books-a-daisy.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Books-A-Daisy-LLC/132176866906370?ref=hl
@booksadaisy
@karenmarieg1

Brenda Napier Launches Positive Children's Book

Watering God's Garden   by  Tulsan Brenda Napier, author and illustrator. Launched July 2012 this is a delightful book with a positive message children will love.

In this remarkable children's story you will become familiar with a little girl named Rebekah, who enjoys making the best of her yard. Rebekah cherishes her yard. You will see how she creates all the beauty within. She’s kind, loving and considerate to all of God’s creatures who also enjoy her special place. She show’s creativity, hard work and relaxation. She loves her special gardens just as much as God loves his.

Available on Amazon.

The author has several other books lined up for future publication covering a variety of subjects familiar to childhood.

 

 

Doug Dawgz Blog: Marilyn Hudson, Bizarre History Genie

Doug Dawgz Blog: Marilyn Hudson, Bizarre History Genie

LOCAL AUTHOR APPEARANCE ON TELEVISION

Local author Rachel Hunter, Oklahoma City was on TV for an interview with Oklahoma Live! regarding her various publications - including her fantasy novel, Empyreal Fate. "I thought I would share the feature with you..." The link can be found here:

http://www.ksbitv.com/oklahoma-live/lyns-commentary/Author-Rachel-Hunter-165193966.html

SNU LIBRARY HOSTS BOOK SIGNING

Southern Nazarene University’s R.T. Williams Library , Bethany, Oklahoma, invites you to attend the Book Signing Party for - 

An Oklahoma Diary
 By
Jeanne Prince

On Saturday, July 21, 2012
2-4 p.m.

Lauren Zuniga

Indie author Lauren Zuniga has published The Smell of Good Mud.  This is her second book of poetry.

She has a loyal fan base as well.  "She served as the OU Activist in Residence as a writer and activist for women's rights," advocated one such fan.  "She is an Oklahoma native, and her dedication to bettering our state through writing is unparalleled. One of her poems, "To the Oklahoma Lawmakers," was featured recently on Moveon.org and has received over 100,000 views on YouTube."

The book deals with Queer parenting in conservative Oklahoma and the reader finds humor and beauty in this collection of new poems. She explores the topics with grit and splendor (including collective living, and other radical choices). "It is a field guide to blisters and curtsies."

The publisher is WriteBloody Publishing of Long Beach, California specializing in giving an audience to alternate voices and independent titles and authors.

Add Some Chills to August

The 2012 paranormal conference, "Ghostlahoma", will be August 18, 2012 in Enid, Oklahoma.  Various speakers will be on hand - including authors Troy Taylor, Tonya Hacker,Teri White, and Tammy Wilson - as well as other authors specializing in the paranormal, history, horror, etc.  Tickets will be $25 and vendor booths are $50 (which includes 1 pass).

Learn more HERE.

BESTSELLING AUTHOR SPEAKS AT BENEFIT FOR OSU LIBARIES

James Patterson Headlines Fundraiser

Bestselling author speaks at benefit for OSU Libraries

(July 6, 2012 Stillwater, Okla.) –James Patterson, author of more than 60 bestselling titles, is the keynote speaker for the 2012 H. Louise & H.E. “Ed” Cobb Speaker Series on September 14. 

Patterson is best-known for his thriller series such as Alex Cross and the Women’s Murder Club, however his works also include a number of award-winning children’s books. A prolific writer, Patterson has six hardbacks slated for upcoming release.

“The Friends of the OSU Library have hosted an amazing slate of authors for this series. This year we wanted someone who not only had an impressive body of work, but who would also deliver the brilliant keynote our guests have come to expect,” said Sheila Johnson, dean of libraries.

The September 14 Cobb Speaker Series will include a welcome reception and dinner. After dinner, Patterson will speak and take questions from the audience. A signing reception will follow, and selections of Patterson’s work will be available for purchase.

Seating is limited, and reservations must be made by August 29. Individual tickets are $100, and half the cost is a tax-deductible gift to the Friends of the OSU Library. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

Call 405-744-7273 or visit www.library.okstate.edu/friends to make reservations.

Oklahoma State University is a modern land-grant system of interdisciplinary programs that prepares students for success. OSU is America’s Brightest Orange. Through leadership and service, OSU is preparing students for a bright future and building a brighter world for all. As Oklahoma’s only university with a statewide presence, OSU improves the lives of people in Oklahoma, the nation and the world through integrated, high-quality teaching, research and outreach. OSU has more than 36,000 students across its five-campus system and more than 24,000 on its combined Stillwater and Tulsa campuses, with students from all 50 states and around 120 nations. Established in 1890, OSU has graduated more than 245,000 students to serve Oklahoma, the nation and the world.

Book Signing

Meeker Library is hosting a book signing for the book, Anna's Song, Saturday June 23 at 10:30.  This is an inspirational fiction inspired by true events by authors Areline Bolerjack and Barbara Wright Jones.

Book Signings with Author Sandra Lawson

Author Sandra Lawson, The Best Baker in the World!,  will be at Ralph Ellison Library,  2000 NE 23, OKC, Thursday, June 14 from 5-7:30 and at Full Circle Bookstore, 1900 NW Expressway, OKC, Saturday, June 16 from 3-5pm. 

Everyone loves to eat the homemade treats made by The Best Baker in the World, but when her baking turns into a business, things quickly get out of hand. With cakes piles high and her love of baking gone, will her friends and family ever get to enjoy their favorite sweets again? 

Author Sandra Lawson is a native of Kentucky but relocated to Oklahoma 10 years ago. Sandra enjoys baking, sewing, scrapbooking, and quilting, but she is also a registered dental hygienist. She lives in Blanchard, OK with her husband, Tony, daughter, Emily and their 2 dogs and 2 cats.

Email:  sandig.lawson@gmail.com  
Facebook:  Facebook.com/authorsandralawson
Blog:  sandralawson.blogspot.com

Book Explores Childhood of President Obama

Island Child: the Childhood of Barack Obama. This book by storyteller, Loralee Cooley and illustrated by Jillian H. Gilliland, is about the childhood of Barack Obama, the 44the President of the United States. It explores his life before age ten in Hawaii and Indonesia.  

The book is a easy introduction to the life of a historic leader and a a reminder that everyone was once a child. Children will understand  through descriptions of  the child Barrack Obama experiences : moving to new places, being different, being in a single parent family, being part of a mixed race family, and trying to fit in this thing called life. 

It's is written at a level which invites understanding for independent readers in grades 2 to 6.  It could be used as a high-interest/low-level text and will definitely enhance studies of Hawaii, Presidents, Africa, Asia, families, or similar topics.

It is charmingly illustrated by chapters headers featuring symbols from Hawaii with silhouettes and images related to each chapter's content.   It contains a sample recipe from Indonesia ,Chicken in Coconut Milk, as a way to extend the book and experience another culture. Other helps include a pronunciation guide for names and places, a bibliography, and a key to some of the symbols in the illustrations.

To purchase book click here.
A free download (donations accepted) is available here.

Author Michael Taylor

Amazon.com
Taylor's Devil's Hideaway (Tate, 2011) is a rollicking ride of adventure involving treasure, threats, and thrills!

Author Thelma J. Summers

"Heartthoughts" is only one of the titles by Thelma J. Summers  available on Amazon.com. "Be surprised and inspired by the twists and turns that end these entertaining and heart-warming true stories that reflect God's love and care to one friend or family member after another. Let these true-to-life accounts written in her inimitable descriptive style--as one reader has said--"bring you to the feet of Jesus."

Author Ann M. Jayne

Kory's Jungle (Tate, 2010) is a delightful children's book which is sure to please readers and listeners alike.

Author Kristi Burchfiel

Author and speaker Kristi Burchfiel is known for her applicable Bible studies and devotionals.  She strives to help people find encouragement hope, and truth through understanding the Bible better.  Her works include: The Decay Within: A Study of Amos, Without Regrets: A Study of Ecclesiastes, The Daily Devotional Series: Gospel of John, The Daily Devotional Series: Genesis.   Visit her webpage at www.kristiburchfiel.com, on Twiter at -@kristiburchfiel, and the FB page on "Without Regrets".   For today's devotional: http://blog.kristiburchfiel.com

Author Kelsey Wagner

The Rumble with Grumble is a fun book for children that is encouraging, thoughtful and enjoyable.

Author Heather H. Baer

Apollo's Lights (Tate,2011 ) what happens when a teenager discovers she has a special gift? 'The faces were all in shadow, the voices getting more strident with each word. My heart pounded in my chest. 'This has gone far enough,' a calm voice spoke. 'It stops here.' Shifting dark figures oozed away from the wall. 'I don't think so, my friend,' another man's cold voice retorted. I shivered. The shadows crept toward him. 'You'll never get away with this!' The man's slow, agonized moans pierced the night. Someone screamed... The scream was mine.'   Adventure, action and strange powers combine in Apollo's Lights - not to be missed.

Northern Oklahoma Literary Arts Festival

Some of the people attending the event, seen here is the lovely sunroom of the Marland Grand Home, filled with author/book displays.

Author Sherrilyn Polf

A Matter of Trust, A Faithful Soul.

Authors Gene Edward Veith Jr. and Mary J. Moerbe

Family Vocation: God's Calling in Marriage, Parenting, and Childhood by Gene Edward Veith Jr. and Mary J. Moerbe  ( Crossway Books, 2012 ) .   What does it mean to be called as a husband, a wife, a parent, a child?  How does the grace of the gospel impact how we carry out these particular callings?  How does God’s presence address the struggles that our own family faces?  Gene Veith joins forces with his daughter Mary Moerbe to explore these kinds of questions in light of Christian vocation and its applications for family life. They show how the Christian faith is lived out precisely in our ordinary relationships, and how a biblical understanding can equip us to move away from common confusions and dysfunctions to persevere in love.

Written with sensitivity and wisdom, Family Vocation addresses the perennial problems and joys of family life and provides a compelling paradigm for creating loving families in the face of cultural pressure.

Author David Gerard

His award book, God's Acres is available on Amazon. It was a 2011 winner of the Oklahoma Book Award.

Author Jess Davon Joslin

The book, A Trail of Broken Promises (Tate, 2010), is a novel of historic fiction but it is filled with people real enough to become part of the story, living, struggling, and dreaming with its people. 

 A nation torn apart. A woman ripped from her husband. A terrifying forced march. When the Cherokee nation is forced to relocate, Elsie Feather is snatched from her husband and children. Will she find her family? A Trail of Broken Promises is a gripping story of love and loss, peace and despair, and the beautiful story of love's redeeming power. Travel the Trail of Tears and experience the heartache and pain through the eyes of Elsie Feather, a young Cherokee wife who nearly loses it all and rises up to fight back at those seeking to destroy her and her people. A Trail of Broken Promises takes the reader down a dark road in the history of a nation built on religious freedom and the concept of all men being created equal.