Short Term Offer: Space at Arts Festival for OKC Area Authors

The Ruth Haddon Fine Arts Festival at Wesley UMC in OKC on Nov. 2-3 has some space they are offering to local authors to sell their books.  Space may be limited but any authors interested in renting a booth should call ASAP Gay Abarr at 745-7799 or 229-6625.  Photographers and artists might wish to contact her as well.

Some Great Oklahoma Based Seasonal Treats

Arts Festival Set for November 2-3

            Wesley United Methodist Church - OKC is the site of the 5^th Annual Ruth Haddon Memorial Arts Festival, Saturday and Sunday, November 2-3, 2013.   The festival hosted by the Wesley Explorers, features Oklahoma artists, and will be held in the church fellowship hall 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, November 2, and 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Sunday, November 3.     Wesley UMC is located at 1401 NW 25^th (Classen and NW 25^th) Oklahoma City.

Art for sale includes paintings, prints, photography, Native American art, glass pottery, jewelry, and more.  

 There is no admission charge and everyone is invited to come view the art and shop this annual event.   There will also be special guided tours of the historic and artfully rich 1928 Gothic Sanctuary on both days.

            This event benefits programs and missions of Wesley UMC, including the school, New Hope Academy, in Liberia.

For additional information contact Wesley UMC-OKC 405-525-3521 or Festival Coordinator Gay Abarr 405-745-7799.

 

Contact:   Susan Howard

                  2020 NW 21^st

                  Oklahoma City, OK 73106

                  405-524-1556

                  rshoward@aol.com

                   Date of Release:  September 20, 2013 

 

 

 

 

 

STILLWATER 'READ LOCAL' AUTHORS FAIR

The Stillwater Public Library  is hosting a "Read Local" authors fair on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 1-4 p.m.  As the name implies the library will be focusing on locally connected authors.     

"We are inviting any author who has an association with Stillwater, Payne County, any of the town’s in Payne county or anywhere within the 50 miles surrounding Stillwater." stated Stacy Delano of the library.  "Which means if the person lives in the area, went to school in the area, went to OSU/OAMC or worked in the area, then they would qualify."

The Stillwater Public Library, in partnership with Stillwater Writers Group and New Forums Press, is hosting the “Read Local” authors fair on Saturday, October 26, from 1-4 p.m. The fair is intended to introduce the community to local authors and to give local authors a forum for selling books. The fair features writers from Stillwater, Payne County and those who have a connection anywhere within the fifty miles surrounding Stillwater.

This event will be held in the Stillwater Public Library auditorium at 1107 S. Duck. Authors will be provided a table for booth space which may be set up at the authors’ discretion. Sales will be made through the authors. Chairs will also be provided, so that community members can visit with authors.

FEES: 

►FREE with a donation of two books by the author or $25.00

             ►One copy will be a giveaway and one will be added to the library’s Special Collections.

ACTIVITIES: 

►Stillwater children’s book illustrator Tim Jessell at 2 p.m.

►Five minute author readings throughout the event

►Free coffee bar

►Children’s illustrating activities

►Giveaways-eligibility is based on visiting authors’ tables

►We are coordinating the event with the Stillwater Film Festival for maximum attendance at the library.

REGISTER: The fair is limited to 35 authors. To register, fill out the application at http://tinyurl.com/readlocal2013.

DEADLINE: Registrations must be completed by Friday, Sept. 20.

TO BRING: 

►Books to sell, money box, receipts

►Decorations for tables

►Pamphlets, business cards or other information

►Table giveaways, if desired

Although we are asking for the donation of two books (one to be archived in our special collections), we do not want this to be a “deal breaker” for anyone and we’ll be glad to discuss options for anyone who cannot provide the books.

CONTACT:

405-372-3633x124

sdelano@stillwater.org

library.stillwater.org

Stacy DeLano

Stillwater Public Library

Time is Running Out

FINAL REGISTRATION NOTICE!!!

 

Sonia Gensler (The Revenant), Tim Tharp (The Spectacular Now, film/book) Regina Brooks (Serendipity Agency)


Rose State Short Course on Writing, Oklahoma City (Sept 27-29)

I'm sending this last chance e-bulletin to remind everyone to register for the Rose State Short Course on Writing.  You still have time to enter all the contests at no additional cost, but only if you hurry.  This is the time to dust off your manuscripts and see what happens.  Remember, the contests are open to everyone registered for the conference.  You can enter every category and it still won't cost you anything extra.

According to Poets & Writers, the Rose State Short Course is the best writing conference for the best value in the Southwest.  Do your writing career a favor by taking this chance to learn from the over thirty writers, agents, and editors presenting on three tracks covering fiction, nonfiction, and the business side of writing. One-on-one consultations with writers, editors, and literary agents will be offered at no additional cost.  Because of the College's support, this fantastic value is being offered at the unprecedented low price of $129 ($49 for students, free for Rose State faculty and staff). Register by calling 405 733 7392.

On Saturday, at the First Page Panel, all participants are invited to submit the first page from their work-in-progress to be critiqued (anonymously) by David Morrell and agents Marcy Posner and Regina Brooks.  These critiques are sure to be honest and enlightening.  Drop your first page off at the registration desk when you arrive.

For submission guidelines, or for more information about the conference, visit: http://www.rose.edu/writing-short-course.

Please spread the word about the Short Course to your writing friends.  Rose State is committed to providing meaningful assistance to writers and I want everyone to know about it.

The Schedule

The Short Course begins Friday night at 6 with an informal booksigning and chance to chat with the authors, followed by the evening program at 7, which will feature the announcement of the contest winners and the keynote by David Morrell (Rambo: First Blood).  Sessions will go all day Saturday and Sunday beginning at 9 a.m. Here's a brief breakdown of the schedule for Saturday and Sunday:

Just In Time for that Outdoor Lover You Know

Dr. Tom Yarbrough retired from a long teaching and counseling career in Oklahoma into full time writing. He has recently finished Treestand Scribbles.  He enjoys spending time with family and friends in the woods at a deer camp cabin which he helped build. The result is this collection of brief sayings written over a lifetime of deer hunting. Nature and wildlife abound in this collection for any hunter to enjoy

This is his third book with two others on the way.  

Endorsement: Neal Keyes, retired writer/photographer for “Outdoor Oklahoma” magazine says: “….this book is not only a great read for the deer hunter, but for anyone that appreciates the outdoor world…..intertwined with a great sense of humor.”

Books are available at Amazon or

Discount for 5 or more at:

River Hawk Books

P.O. Box 381

Ada, Ok. 74820

Free shipping available.

Need a Second Eye?

Melissa Scott is a freelance proofreader specializing in manuscript editing for self-published authors. " I am affiliated with The Editorial Freelancers Association.  I have a BA in Speech and Theatre. My main focus is to work with new writers in the following genres: erotica, inspirational, and contemporary fiction.  As an actress, I truly empathize with people who have a creative spirit. My purpose is to enhance the writer’s vision. I provide a polished, professional finish to your manuscript:
● Addressing consistency with regards to layout and style
● Attention to awkward non-standard phrasing
● Eradicating grammar, punctuation and spelling errors
I offer outstanding attention to detail, a friendly and approachable manner and, when you need it, a quick turnaround."

Melissa Scott
102 Allen Drive
Great Neck, New York 11020
Email: scottylei409@aol.com
Phone: 516-456-9419



[Oklahoma Authors makes no recommendations and assumes no responsibility; authors or potential customers of any business should do their own investigations.]

TURNING PAGES CHILDREN'S BOOK FESTIVAL SET

The Turning Pages Children's Book Festival will be  October 11 and 12 in Ada, Ok. It's geared toward K-8th grade students, teachers, and parents and will have lots of contests, activities, and events for the kids. 

It's focus is to promote literacy in Oklahoma's youth and to inspire the next generation of authors and illustrators. We're still looking for vendors and have just a couple of presenter spaces left.  There's a lot more information on the website at turningpagesfestival.com. 

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

RATTLING GOOD READ: The Bone War of MCCurtain County.

The author Russell Ferrell has crafted a compelling, complex, and epic tale of intrigue, struggle,and determination against all odds. It is a tale of the triumph of the dedicated in the face of great obstacles and the toll the struggle often demands. It involves hard-headed and short sighted academics, controlling corporate entities, quagmire like governmental structures and procedures, and the stubborn strength of individuals pitted against an avalanche of forces determined to sweep them out of the picture. Mythic. Epic. Fictional? No, this is a tale of gripping reality proving the old adage that truth is often more real, and definitely stranger, than any fictional mind could create. A small episode in contemporary American history that proves to have resonance and strong lessons for the wider society. An intriguing, thought provoking, real-life adventure that will have you rooting for the 'two ordinary men'fighting for their rights against the bullies. The Bone War of McCurtain County will appeal to readers of dinosaur discoveries, corporate greed, and the common man struggling against insurmountable odds.

Marilyn A. Hudson,author of The Mound, The Bones of Summer, Tales of Hell's Half Acre, and Noel Brooks: A Life Shining and Burning. 

Another Review can be found at:  Great2ReadBooks 

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/

AN OKLAHOMA STATE SPONSORED BOOK FESTIVAL?

It could happen! If enough authors, publishers, book sellers, educators, school systems, library systems, colleges, readers, literacy professionals and supporters unite to send a message to state officials that such an event could have high monetary, promotional, and life changing impact on Oklahoma.

Oklahoma could join several other states who are focusing on the established and emerging talent of their own writers, authors, illustrators to create an event to bring people to the state, encourage support of the authors, publishers and send a clear message that Oklahoma values reading!

It is important that the event include a purpose to promote reading, promote authors, encourage emerging authors, and  encourage youthful authors.  A cycle of reading, writing, and living!  

Send the Governor an Email.

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

Graphic Artist and Designs

Need graphic design services for a varity of projects to be done, fliers,book covers, illustrations, photo editing, retouching and more ?  Here is a resource to  check out

@ Junior's Digital Designs located at facebook or artwanted gallery.

 

-Photo Retouching Gallery Book Cover Design Logos Graphic Work-
http://www.artwanted.com/SlayerX   

       

Junior's Digital Designs Facebook-BUSINESS PAGE/SAMPLES:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Juniors-Digital-Designs/209703859042091

*Junior Mclean*
Junior's Digital Designs
Cell # 646.259.2069
Email: DarkGaia2@yahoo.com

 

-My Freelance Showcase- 
http://www.freewebs.com/slayer_x/

-My Online Store 4 Customized Products-            

http://www.zazzle.com/SlayerX                    

-All Artwork for sale-
http://www.redbubble.com/people/FractalKing  or http://fractalking.redbubble.com             

-Photo Retouching Gallery Book Cover Design Logos Graphic Work-
http://www.artwanted.com/SlayerX   

Deviant Art Gallery:

http://lordfreeza.deviantart.com/gallery/         

Junior's Digital Designs Facebook-BUSINESS PAGE/SAMPLES:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Juniors-Digital-Designs/209703859042091

(No referral inferred; information only. Before hiring anyone for any service always be sure and check them out.  Support small business)

SOONER STORIES LOOKING FOR SHORT STORY SUBMISSIONS

PAGES OKC announces "we are looking for short stories written by Oklahoma authors for a series called Sooner Stories". Sooner Stories is a series that will be held once a month from October to May. Five stories from local authors will be read by local actors. There are no themes or restrictions on subject matter. We only ask that the authors be Oklahomans, or the subject matter be about Oklahoma.

Authors will be notified beginning in mid–September.  If you'd like to submit, or learn more please visit the PAGES OKC website at pagesokc.org.

OKLAHOMA WRITERS OF COLOR ANTHOLOGY SEEKS SUBMISSIONS

Call for Submissions for a New Anthology Featuring Oklahoma Writers of Color 

Norman, OK March 2013- Mongrel Empire Press, an Eclectic Publishing House specializing in regional and uncommon literary works, is seeking submissions for an upcoming anthology featuring Oklahoma writers of color. 

Quraysh Ali Lansana and Dr. Jeanetta Calhoun Mish, in collaboration with Mongrel Empire Press, seek to publish the writing of People of Color born and/or raised in Oklahoma or who have lived in Oklahoma for five or more years. Though the editors prefer writing that speaks to some aspect of life in the Sooner State (politics, history, culture, the land, etc), all topics and genres are welcome. This anthology will be the first to document exclusively the lives of minorities in Oklahoma. We are looking for essays, interviews, short fiction, poetry and personal reflections for publication that explore life in Oklahoma as well as the state’s rich history. 

If you know of previously published or historical work that should be included, please contact the editors at okiewritersofcoloranthology@gmail.com. 

Born and raised in Enid, OK, anthology editor Quraysh Ali Lansana is author of five poetry books, three textbooks, a children’s book, editor of eight anthologies, and coauthor of a book of pedagogy. Quraysh earned an MFA at the Creative Writing Program at New York University where he was a Departmental Fellow and he served as Director of the Gwendolyn Brooks Center for Black Literature and Creative Writing from 2002-2011. Quraysh is a member of the faculty of The Red Earth Creative Writing MFA Program at Oklahoma City University. 

Co-editor Jeanetta Calhoun Mish was born in Hobart, OK and raised in Wewoka, OK; she completed her Ph.D. in American Literature at the University of Oklahoma in 2009. Her second poetry collection, Work Is Love Made Visible, was awarded the Oklahoma Book Award, the WILLA Award from Women Writing the West, and the Western Heritage Award. Jeanetta is a contributing editor to Oklahoma Today and to Sugar Mule: A Literary Magazine. Mish is also editor of Mongrel Empire Press and the director of The Red Earth MFA Program at Oklahoma City University. 

Submission Guidelines: 

1. All manuscripts must be typed. For multiple page manuscripts the title of the work and page number must appear on each page. 

2. Manuscripts may be e-mailed as an attachment in Microsoft Word or in RTF. 

3. All manuscripts must be submitted electronically. 

4. A cover letter must be included with your attachment(s) listing the titles of submitted works and contact information. Also, please include acknowledgments if submitting previously published work. 

5. All submitted material must include an e-mail address. Submissions without contact information will not be considered. 

The deadline for consideration is August 1, 2013. 

Please send submissions to: 

Oklahoma Writers of Color Anthology 

okiewritersofcoloranthology@gmail.com 

e-mail general questions only to okiewritersofcoloranthology@gmail.com 

The projected date of publication for the Oklahoma people of color anthology is January 2014. the anthology will be available through most online bookstores and at local independent bookstores in Oklahoma. The editors are planning for a series of readings throughout the state where writers whose submissions appear in the book can present their work to the public. 

About Mongrel Empire Press 

Mongrel Empire Press was established in 2007 with a mission to publish well-written, thoughtfully-considered works across generic and disciplinary boundaries. The Press actively identifies and promotes Oklahoma and regional writers while at the same time making room for outside the region works that, because of their mixed generic, disciplinary, and philosophical approaches, cannot find a home at other presses that have a more narrowly defined mission. 

Contact the Press:
Jeanetta Calhoun Mish, Editor
Mongrel Empire Press
mongrel@mongrelempire.org
http://www.mongrelempirepress.org

Ventana Sierra Advanced Writing Workshop,

Attention all writers! Help us help youth-in-need, while deepening your craft, honing your skills and working toward personal writing/publishing goals at the Ventana Sierra Advanced Writing Workshop, June 14-16, 2013 in Carson City, NV. Our stellar faculty includes three top US writing coaches; five literary agents; two publishers; two editors; two college-level creative writing teachers; two poets; and five award-winning, bestselling authors.

The Ventana Sierra Advanced Writing Workshop was created specifically to help writers of all genres reach a higher plateau. The craft breakouts are specifically designed to go deeper than those you might find at other conferences. Faculty-led group critique and optional one-on-one manuscript critiques are apex-level. State of the industry talks and agent/editor panels provide the latest information to help you decide the best way to reach your publishing goals. Plus: networking, food, readings, a “meet the authors” evening, book signing, and an open mic for the brave. We’re talking some serious fun!

In addition, there is a Saturday-only track for teen writers, who will work with an agent and four award-winning, bestselling young adult authors, learning what it takes to become a published author. Best of all, the teen track is cost-free, and Foreword Literary will help the young writers e-pub their best at Smashwords and Amazon.

This event is the brainchild of nine-time NY Times bestselling author Ellen Hopkins, whose travels as a young adult author have brought her into contact with young people with big dreams but limited resources. Ellen founded Ventana Sierra, a 501(c)(3), to help youth-in-need off the street, into safe housing and working toward career goals through higher education, vocational training, apprenticeships and the arts. Learn more about our goals here: www.ventanasierra.org. All net proceeds from the Ventana Sierra Advanced Writing Workshop directly benefit Ventana Sierra’s nonprofit programs.

There is a $100 discount for registrations received by May 15, 2013. Find out more about our workshop at http://ventanasierraworkshops.com/

AUTHOR BOOK SIGNING with MARJORIE SIMMONS

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Agora Coffee Shop 4959 South 79th East Avenue Tulsa, OK 74145

call Cheryl for directions (918) 270-9996

Read more about Marjorie at her Amazon author page.

'This Lesser Earth' Is A Superior Read

"Mary Margaret Woodward married a man who could pay one of those debts for her family. It didn’t take Mary long to decide her part in the transaction was paid-in-full, and she escaped into another world far more dangerous than any she knew existed. Surrendering her son, her pride, and any hope she had for any kind of normal happiness, Mary Margaret, the Southern Belle, became Maggie, the parlor girl, selling the only thing she had left to survive.

Jacob Granger was a war-weary survivor with little reason to rise each morning and face another day. After burying his wife, Lydia, with their child still wedged within her body, he couldn’t understand – or accept – God’s will for any of them… including the little woman He delivered to take Lydia’s place.

When two men from Maggie’s past seem to conspire to take her, too, Jacob has to fight another war, return to a god he no longer trusts, and leave Lydia behind – or lose his love again."

This Lesser Earth is available from Amazon in both print and Kindle formats.  exccellent addition to historical fiction and romance collections.   

With a style strongly reminiscent of Daphne duMaurier, author Jennifer Dahl delivers a dark story filled with passion, intrigue, love, hate, obsession, and manipulation from beyond the grave. At no time is there any guarantee that there will be a happy ending. Most of her waking hours are spent listening to the voices of the characters inside her head tell her what she's gotten wrong and how she can make it right. She is currently at work on her fourth novel, Fort Ruby, which introduces us to the challenges facing a woman doctor in her efforts to make her place in a small military town in Nevada's Old West.

INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR RUSSELL FERRELL

Russell Ferrell is a non-fiction historical writer and educator. He has worked as a journalist and educator and in several varied occupations. He owned and operated a cattle ranch in Atoka County, Oklahoma, before moving to Red Oak, Texas, where he currently resides with his wife, Waynetta, and their four dogs and five cats. He was working on several projects in the historical field when he put them all aside to write the true story of Cephis Hall and Sid Love, the two amateur naturalists who discovered and excavated the Acrocanthosaurus in McCurtain County, Oklahoma - one of the greatest dinosaur discoveries and excavations in history. 

When you are not writing or being you, what is your work or activity?

I am a retired educator. I have taught science and history. I do a lot of reading and try to stay informed about the world by watching a lot of Link TV, Current TV, and the news programs on CNBC and MSNBC, such as the ED SHOW and the Rachel Maddow Show. I read such publications as The Nation, Mother Jones, The Progressive, and The Oklahoma Observer to stay abreast on current events. My hobbies are gardening, travel, carpentry, nature, outdoors, movies, museums, documentaries, and learning for the mere sake of learning. I love dogs and cats, and enjoy working with cattle.

When did you become an author? How did it develop, and what was your inspiration?

I had always wanted to research and write. Ideas and knowledge have always been important for me. Since grade school, I had always been told that I was a good writer – good at expressing myself with pen and paper. I considered it as one of my natural talents or gifts that I was born with.  In my view, either you were born with an ability to write, or you weren’t.  If you don’t have an innate capacity to write, you can never learn or excel in the trade. Your brain has to be properly wired to be a writer. Perhaps there is an inherited base to it. I learned from my genealogy that I share common great-grandparents with many famous writers.  I must admit, however, that I am an obscure, unknown writer that may fall flat on his face.

Writing and publishing a book was one of my goals in life, but I did not get serious about a particular project until reaching the age of 52. With more discretionary time, I started work on several projects within the historical field. I was doing research and had written a few chapters on a book about barbarians and their contributions and legacy to the modern world when the story of Cephis Hall and Sid Love was sort of dropped in my lap. After learning about their story from my son, Thomas, who had visited Cephis Hall, I soon took up the challenge of telling their story to the world.

What are some interesting events from your career as (the writer, Russell Ferrell)?  Any bloopers?

Meeting and interviewing Cephis Hall and gradually learning his story was a breakthrough. Although I am still waiting, as of yet there have been no other major events or breakthroughs. Becoming a writer and publishing a book is certainly the greatest challenge I have ever undertaken. It is an extremely tough business in which to get a break and get your feet planted squarely on the ground. The publishing industry, in my view, is sort of rigged and monopolized. The industry is controlled by a few big publishers, distributors, and media conglomerates.

Although it has become easier for the new and independent author to self-publish, the market still favors the brand name, celebrity authors.  At the same time, there appears to be a declining literacy and book reading audience, at least in the United States. Marketing the finished book and getting access to book stores and distribution chains is certainly as challenging as actually writing it. Also, a depressed economy is hurting the book industry. Books rank low on the priority list of consumers, at least in the US. Americans will go out to eat or go to a movie or sports event before buying and reading a book. The digital generation reads even less than their ancestors.

What do you think your impact has been among members of your audience?  Your community? 

I am the type of reader who reads primarily to learn. Entertainment is secondary for me. As a writer, my purpose is to inform and educate, as well as entertain. My job as an educator is to convey information and ideas – to impart knowledge to the audience. This bias is reflected in my writings. 

As a reader, if I can’t learn anything new or get some kind of new insight from a piece of writing, I have little or no use for it. With each book or piece that I read, I want to be able to see the world in a different light and with a little more clarity. That is the same hope I have for my readers. When you read a book rich in new ideas and insights, that book becomes part of you as if its content has been encoded on your DNA.

I hope that my impact as a writer will be to inform, educate, and entertain my audience. If I can accomplish that, I have at least partially succeeded, even if I make little or no money from my finished products. That, however, presumes that the audience will expand to a meaningful size.

What would you have liked to do with your work if there was more time, money, wider support, funding, staff, etc.

Like an impractical idealist, I hope that my work will have a larger, redeemable benefit to the overall society, to humanity, and the environment.  If a single piece of writing can change ideas or open people’s eyes and minds to a larger picture or purpose, than I have contributed to making this a better world.

Where do you see yourself in the coming years?  Will [insert author name here] remain or transform within the book world or move on to something else?

The odds of a new writer making a successful, long-term career out of writing are tenuous. It is extremely hard to make money in this business. Although money should never be the prime motivating factor, it takes money to remain viable and stay in the game. I have many ideas and projects on the burner and have already broken ground on other book projects. However, if the writing effort is not financially sustainable, I, like so many others, will probably fall by the wayside.

I plan to take on and finish one or two more projects to get a better gauge on the market and my potential. One of these must find an audience that will provide enough monetary sustenance to keep me hanging on as a writer. 

As a writer, what and who are your influences?   Where do you get your ideas?

A writer must also be a reader. My reading of the works of other authors has kept me active in the world of literacy and ideas. Once people stop reading and learning, they are on a dead end road to mental atrophy. American society does not value books and learning like it should. This trend is threatening the viability of our democratic institutions. Without an informed public, democracy or a representative republic cannot stand.

To remain a social activist or functioning member of a democratic republic, one must read plenty of non-fiction exposes that give good insight into the workings of society and government. People must cultivate new ideas and be able to question the status quo; otherwise, the society becomes stagnant and degenerate. Fiction can also be good if it opens peoples’ minds and senses while according new insight into the ways of the world.

I get my ideas from books, magazine articles, documentaries, and television news programs. Or at least these sources allow me to establish a framework within which I can synthesize my own ideas.

Readers often like to find authors similar in tone, subject, or style to another.  Who would most enjoy your work: readers of Stoker, Lovecraft, Shelley, King, Koonze, etc? 

Since I am not a novelist or writer of fiction I am not really able to answer this question.

Readers of non-fiction who like history, science, adventure, mystery or just simply a good story, should find my book The Bone War of McCurtain County compelling.

When you write, do you require a special place, quiet, mood music, a favorite chair or sweater, etc.?

I like to be comfortable. I may prop up on my bed and write with pen and paper, or sit at a computer and compose. Generally I prefer quiet, but music or noise does not necessarily distract me.

Who is [insert author name here]?  How similar are the two personas of author and [insert author name here]?  In the real world, do you like sports or other pursuits?  On any given day where would someone find you and what would you be doing?

I am, as is claimed to be the case for most authors, rather introverted. I am usually content to muse and ponder ideas and issues in a solitary mode. I prefer to use my own intuition and don’t like to follow the noise of the crowd. Being a recluse or hermit has some value for me as long as I can indulge in the world of ideas.

What is the next big thing on your personal and professional agenda?

I am driven by a desire to share the story of Cephis Hall and Sid Love with the world. I am indeed fixated on making The Bone War of McCurtain Countya success, although, I admit, it is an uphill battle. Beyond that, it is my desire, and the desire of Cephis Hall, as well, to see the story made into a major motion picture that becomes a smash hit. Virtually everybody who knows the story or has read the book agrees that it would make a great movie. We have, indeed, already been approached by a small film company in Texas, but prefer to wait on a big Hollywood production company. You only get one shot at something like that, so I want to take my best shot with the best producer I can match.  I want the world to finally learn the amazing story of Cephis Hall and Sid Love.

To order visit Amazon.

ISBN: 9780983355106

Rabelius Publishing, Waxahachie, Texas.