Learn from the author all about the behind-the-scenes work on the book and why this topic is important.

Name: Nancy B. Finn

Hometown: Newton, Massachusetts

What made you want to write your book?

I worked for several years in corporate settings in positions related to communication and digital communication technology.  When I retired, I wanted to write a book on how digital communication has changed the way people live and work.  I did hundreds of interviews and a review of the data I had collected indicated to me that digital communication in healthcare was exciting and virtually changed the way that every patient (and we are all patients at one time or another) affected the way we interacted with the healthcare system.  I felt that this book focused on how simple digital tools that we all use every day could impact how we manage and monitor our health for better outcomes, taking into consideration all the factors that impact that.  Thus, this book evolved.

How long did it take you to write your book?

This book is an updated, republished version of the original e-Patients Live Longer publication that was completed in 2011. It took me three years to write the original version with all the interviews and information gathering required. The new updated version of the book published in May 2023, took me one year to update so that it would very timely because it includes a long new section on lessons learned from COVID that are critically important to the way patients interact with the healthcare system.

How does this book relate to your career path?

I wrote this book to leverage the expertise I had gained in all my years in the corporate world and a way to leave behind a legacy that would be of value to people. I am no longer building a career per se.

What was the research process like for this book?

As I mentioned the research involved hundreds of interviews with healthcare professionals and with patients who had interesting experiences to relate and appear in the book as anecdotal stories (specific original names were not used) that illustrate just what it is like to, for example, to  engage in an in-person visit with a physician or a telemedicine visit for physical therapy, speech therapy, rehabilitation therapy or just an ordinary visit with a doctor.

In short, how did the COVID-19 pandemic change telemedicine?

Part of the value of this book is that it addresses how COVID changed the way people view health.  The average citizen, particularly those between the ages of 30 and 70, does not think about health or health issues until they are forced to, due to an illness.  COVID changed all that because it affected all of us, by changing the rules of living, working, enjoying entertainment, etc.  Suddenly people had to worry about their health and the health of their family and friends.  Every person was touched by the pandemic in one way or another.

So, I made sure that e-Patients Live Longer addressed ways that individuals could take charge of their health, by providing tips and suggestions about how to communicate with a healthcare provider, how to use telehealth to your advantage, how to be more diligent about the ways to choose a health plan that would pay for healthcare, how to find the best health resources on the web etc. This version of the book was written for a post-pandemic health system and provides advice on how every patient must be empowered to interact with this system more efficiently and effectively to improve their outcomes.

Were any of your presumptions about telemedicine challenged by your research?

Telemedicine played a vital role during the COVID years and Medicare changed the rules and expanded who could use telemedicine, where and how, for both physicians and patients, regarding reimbursement.  I discuss that in the book in detail.  My assumption that telehealth would be used extensively by physician practices, during COVID, proved to be correct and there were many more e-visits experienced by patients throughout the country.  That practice can and should remain in place, although there is a question as to how it will work in the future and all hinges on payments for the providers.

In short, how can patients best use digital health resources to their advantage?

All smartphones today have health options that patients can deploy to help them understand their sleep patterns, their blood pressure and heart rate readings both during exercise and quiet times.  Also, there are many apps to help with diet and nutrition and soon to be apps that will track blood sugar, and other vitals.  I try to give the reader an understanding of the scope of what is available today and what is coming.  This includes smartphone use, as well as iPad and other medical devices for monitoring and managing health, telehealth, web resources, healthcare 2050.

What further reading would you recommend on this topic?

At this point I recommend that patients learn more about genetics, artificial intelligence, robotics, and things like chatbots and the impact of these technologies in healthcare.  There are many books on the market and others coming – too numerous to list.  To learn about changes in the healthcare landscape and payment models I recommend An American Sickness by Elisabeth Rosenthal and Redefining Healthcare by Michael Porter; to learn about Genetics I recommend Genetics 101 by Beth Skwarecki, to learn about robotics and AI  I recommend Rule of the Robots, How Artificial Intelligence will Transform Everything, by Martin Ford, to learn about Public Health I recommend How COVID Crashed the System by David Nash and Charles Wohlforth, AI: The New Revolution: A complete guide to understand and use Artificial Intelligence by Julien Martel.

Thank you, Nancy!

You can purchase e-Patients Live Longer at the Dorrance Bookstore.

The post Author Spotlight: Nancy B. Finn, M.Ed, “e-Patients Live Longer: Managing Healthcare Using Technology” appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

She also became the first woman hired by a Fortune 500 company in a sales position. Breaking through the “glass ceiling” opening doors for other women in a male-dominated world. Terry Wells-Jones fought many battles to reach her level of success in business while also cultivating a happy family life. In Reflections!, Terry shares the philosophies that helped her on her journey, as well as the disappointments and opposition she faced along the way.

Read on for some behind the scenes on the creation of her book and learn what the publishing experience was like!

(Pictured: Terry Wells-Jones at a recent Barnes & Noble book signing.)

Name: Terry Wells Jones

Book Title: Reflections! Looking in the Mirror

Hometown: Milwaukee/Palm Desert

Why did you want to tell your story through this book?

As a legacy for my children and future generations.

How long did it take to write the book?

A year and a half.

What was the most difficult part of the writing journey?

Organizing it and making sense of all of the information I had accumulated as well as my computer skills.

How did you decide what to include – and what not to include – in the book?

I had to do many edits and include what was important to me and the reader.

What do you hope readers take away from the book?

I hope readers will conclude that challenges are no match against faith, belief, hard work and determination.

Do you have any advice for anyone looking to write a memoir?

Stay the course no matter how difficult it gets.

Besides writing this book, what are your other interests?

Travel

What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance Publishing?

Prompt responses, and helpfulness and knowledge of the publishing business.

Thank you, Terry!

Purchase Reflections! at the Dorrance Bookstore.

Ready to share your story? Contact us!

The post Author Spotlight: Terry Wells-Jones, “Reflections!: Looking in the Mirror” appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

Author Jim Hammell spoke to us about his book How Murrey Saved Christmas. This adorable children’s book follows a moose named Murrey who is separated from his parents. When he sets out to find them, he finds himself on an exciting journey – and is soon presented with the task of helping Santa, in order to save Christmas.

We spoke to Jim about the inspiration for the tale, working with his illustrator all the way in Europe, and more!

Name: Jim Hammell

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA

Book: How Murrey Saved Christmas 

Describe your book in 10 words or less:

It was a fun story made up for my grandchildren.

What made you want to write the book?

I had this vision of Billy Bass (fish on wall plaque that sang,) and thought about a Christmas decoration, Murrey Kismoose, and the name stuck with me. So I created a character and then wrote a story.

How long did it take you to write your book?

Once I started to write it took me about a month to come up with a complete story. Then re-read it and added some to it.

(Photo courtesy Jim Hammell)

What did you do when you had writer’s block?

I carried a small note pad with me as I was also working as a nurse, and sometimes when an Idea came to me I’d write a note. Later, I would line the notes up and arrange them in a suitable order then write some. Bit by bit the story came to life.

What was your favorite part to write and why?

I was able to work a call out to 3 of my granddaughters in the book. And a special call out to an angel.

What was it like working with your illustrator?

Since she was from Europe we communicated via internet. With time differences it was sometimes difficult. An example was the elf in the story, what she had was a PIXIE elf. I had to have her Google Elvis and Alvin and blend them together. 

If you were stuck on an island and had to have one person with you, who would it be and why?

If I were stuck on an Island: it would be with my wife (best friend) and Murrey because he’s a likable, nice moose. 

Outside of writing this book, what are some of your hobbies?

I play pickleball a few times a week, I also like to Workout in the gym, and do some woodworking.

(Photo courtesy Josh Hild via Unsplash)

What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance Publishing?

The skilled staff and experience was a plus, since I never even thought about a project like this, it was all new to me.

Do you have any advice for anyone looking to write a children’s book?

To follow your heart and let things happen, don’t try to force it.

What do you hope young readers will take from How Murrey Saved Christmas?

Young readers should take from this book A SMILE – and knowing that just because someone is different you, can still be friends. 

Thank you, Jim!

You can purchase How Murrey Saved Christmas at the Dorrance Bookstore. 

Have a children’s holiday tale you’d like to publish? Contact us!

The post Author Spotlight: Jim Hammell, “How Murrey Saved Christmas” appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

Susan talked to us about what it was like writing and illustrating the book, as well as some of her other favorite books!

Name:

Susan J. Logan

Hometown:

Vancouver, Washington 

Book Title:

The Christmas Ghost Boy

Describe your book in 10 words or less.

An exciting children’s story with a sweet Christmas message. 

What made you want to write your children’s book?

I had originally made it up orally for my grandchildren and they liked it. I love to write and draw so I proceeded to make it into a book. 

How long did it take you to write your book?

Well, it’s a process. A day to write it out, rewriting over several years on occasion, while working on other stories as well. Then at the urging of my daughter I drew the illustrations and completed it. I had no idea what to do next, so I had it copyrighted. Then I heard from Dorrance!

What do you do when you have writer’s block?

Stop and wait for the muse to return.

What was your favorite part to write and why?

The building of the suspense, and creating the children’s confidence in what they were discovering. Also, getting the wording at the ending just right. Why? Well, I guess when you feel you’ve nailed it it’s exhilarating!

What was it like completing your illustrations?

I was my own illustrator. I love to draw and I had the pictures in my mind. I worked hard on getting the children’s expressions to coordinate and enhance the storyline. I also found it challenging to make the ghost boy and his merging with his ‘toys’ into the sunshine. Also, since the story happens over several days I had to be accurate (e.g. matching the kids clothes to the right day.)

If you were stuck on a desert island and had to take just one person from each category who would they be and why?

–A friend or family member

My husband, Kim, because he would be the best companion. (AND if anyone could figure out how to get us rescued it would be him!)

–One fictional character

Natasha from War and Peace because she is a joyful caring soul and yet fascinating by being from such a different place and time.

–One famous person, alive or deceased

Wallace Stegnor. It would be the perfect opportunity for a writing workshop with the mentor I would be most thrilled to have. 

Besides writing, what are some of your hobbies?

Reading, drawing,  cooking, gardening,  swimming, socializing.

What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance?

They were great! Especially the personal assistants assigned to me along the process, starting with the encouraging, warm and wise Brenda. Thank you!

What are your favorite books of all time?

War and Peace

Angle of Repose

Gone with the Wind

Long Day’s Journey Into Night

The Bible 

As far as children’s books, there are so so many but these definitely are in my top picks:

The Maggie B – by Irene Haas

Pierre – by Maurice Sendak

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble – by William Stieg

Madeline- by Ludwig Bemelmans

When We Were very Young  – by A.A. Milne

If you were to give advice to someone who wanted to write a children’s book, what would it be?

The best advice I’ve ever received came from a concert pianist and composer. She told me “It’s more about the process than the result. Just keep working at it.”

To add to that I would say: Formulas are for chemists. Be true to your own voice and ideas. Believe in yourself and have faith in your abilities. 

What do you hope your readers will take from this book?

An exciting story, and an enhanced understanding of the joy of giving.

Thank you, Susan!

You can purchase The Christmas Ghost Boy at the Dorrance Bookstore – use code JINGLE for 25% off!

Have a Christmas children’s tale you’d like to publish? Contact us!

The post Author Spotlight: Susan J. Logan, “The Christmas Ghost Boy” appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

Name: Mary Franklin

Hometown: Muskogee

Describe your book in ten words or less: The evil was taking souls deep into darkness for eternity.

What made you want to write the book?

My friend Steven who also is a writer encouraged me to write and not stop or give up.        

How long did it take you to write the book?

5 years of going through data. The case packet is 18 inches thick.

How did you become interested in paranormal investigating?

My parents always spoke about ghosts. I decided at a young age to prove them wrong. I  now know they were not far from wrong. I had questions about the afterlife nobody could answer. So I have been searching for years for some sort of answer to my questions. 

How did you decide what paranormal occurrences or anecdotes to include in the book?

It wasn’t easy. I chose parts that showed demonic infestation are dangerous and can effect our daily lives. Tearing at the very heart of our soul.

What was your favorite chapter or part to write and why?

It had to be bishop Kelly. He gave me words of wisdom. He encouraged me to be safe and stand on my faith. He gave his life trying to cleanse the evil from the house.

Besides paranormal investigating, what are your other interests?

 I am a member of ASPCA. I rescue and place animals in safe forever homes. I teach our young native children about their heritage and preserving our traditions.

How did you celebrate publishing your book?

Besides jumping up and down and smiling feeling proud. My husband and I went out and had a very lovely meal.

Any advice for those looking to get into the paranormal investigation?

Always be respectful of those you can’t see or hear. And not everything is paranormal. Look for the rational before the irrational. But most of all have fun and document everything. 

What do you hope readers will take away from The Murder Suicide House?

To be careful in what you do in the paranormal, evil is all around us just waiting to be released. Be careful in what you do in the paranormal and be respectful. If all seems to be terrifying just leave. Don’t play where evil lives.

What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance Publishing?

Everyone was so helpful and helped me every step of my journey. I have learned so much from everyone. I highly recommend Dorrance Publishing to any new writer.

You can purchase The Murder Suicide House at the Dorrance Bookstore.

Do you want to publish your paranormal or true crime book? Contact us!

The post Author Spotlight: Mary Franklin, “The Murder Suicide House” appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

Name:  Forrest R. Lindsey

Book Title: In Country: My Memories of Vietnam and After

Hometown: Sepulveda CA

What made you want to write and publish this book?

I have always remembered everything about my time as a young Marine serving in combat but what sparked me to go ahead and write everything down was when my daughter brought her 6th Grade history book home and I read the description of the Vietnam War in it: “It was an unpopular war and young people all across the country rose up in protest against it.” There was a lot more than that to our war, so for me and all those other young men who served with me and their families, I wrote my story.

How long did it take to write the book?

About two years.

What was the most difficult part of putting this book together?

Keeping the details as accurate as possible – and making it readable to people unfamiliar with military matters.

What was your favorite part to write and why?

I am happy that I was able to portray the humor that was part of our existence in an otherwise dangerous and frightening experience. It’s part of 18-19-20 year olds, all pushed together on some hill, in the same tents, with the same food, bugs, and misery together. We were good kids.

Besides writing this book, what are your other interests?

I am a Mechanical Engineer and I have worked in designing and producing various articles over the years. I am also a late-life Dad and enjoying every moment with my kids.

How did you celebrate the publishing of your book?

Took the family to a restaurant for a fine meal.

If your book was made into a movie, who would play the main characters?

Young guys, like us.

What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance Publishing?

Very straightforward, simple process.

Five favorite books of all time?

1. With the Old Breed at Peleliu and Okinawa, Eugene Sledge – One of the finest first-person memoirs written in WWII
2. Sole Survivor, Ens. George Gay USN – the story of Torpedo Squadron Eight and his survival during the Battle of Midway
3. Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors, James D. Hornfischer – a brilliant story of the epic heroism of our sailors taking on the giant Japanese fleet in the Battle of Samar
4. The Gulag Archipelago, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
5. Hell in a Very Small Place, the Siege of Dien Bien Phu, Bernard Fall

Do you have any advice for anyone looking to write a memoir? Get those memories down, now, while they are still fresh! Everyone’s lives are eventful, even if you don’t think so – but generations following you will want to see the world as you saw it and learn from your observations and experiences.

In Country is available to purchase at the Dorrance Bookstore.

Are you a veteran with a memoir you would like to publish? Contact us!

The post Author Spotlight: Forrest R. Lindsey, “In Country: My Memories of Vietnam and After” appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

We spoke to Marisa about her writing process, inspirations, and further reading recommendations!

Name: Marisa Recker

Hometown: Roots in Washington State, Montana, NYC & currently DC (never stayed in one place for too long)

Book Title: Until I See Stars

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Describe your book in 10 words or less:

All-the-feels, emotional, and healing. Get the tissues ready.

What made you want to write your book?

I went through a personal loss in my life, and I wanted to create a story that people could see themselves in, especially broken people like myself. I wanted to write something that touched people, and gave them a little bit of the healing that I felt in writing it.

How long did it take you to write your book?

It took me one month to write my book.

How do you choose the names of your characters?

Do you ever look at someone and think they look like a certain name? That’s how my names are chosen. Typically in the midst of my writing, I’ll have an urgent need to come up with a name, and what is chosen is typically the first thing that pops in my head.

What do you do when you have writer’s block?

I move on to a different scene in the book. I had an entirely separate document filled with scenes that didn’t fit the story at that moment, but could be used later. Sometimes jumping around your book helps free up your mind.

What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

Any of the extremely emotional scenes. No spoilers, but there is one argument scene between two of the main characters that I loved writing because it was so emotionally intense.

If you were stuck on an island and had to have one person from each category with you, who would they be and why:

-One character from your book:

Cassian. He is a smaller character in the book, but I fell in love with him during the writing journey. I think he would be comforting to have on an island, plus he can play guitar, so he’s a perfect built-in radio.

-One fictional character:

Annabeth from Percy Jackson. I am not a huge fantasy reader, but she really shined in these novels. Plus, we need some fighters on this island to keep us alive!

-One famous person (living or dead):

Mary, Queen of Scots, mostly because she is my favorite historical figure and I could talk to her for hours.

Besides writing, what are your other interests?

I love reading, practically every genre. I also love spending time with my husband and 2 guinea pigs, my friends, traveling, and visiting museums!

How did you celebrate the publishing of your book?

I went out to dinner to celebrate and shared it with all of my friends and family on social media.

If your book was made into a movie, who would play the main characters?

What a great question!

Karina: Amy Adams

Dan: Jeremy Renner

Bethany: Alexa PenaVega

Kayla: Lili Reinhart (but with auburn hair)

What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance Publishing?

I loved my cover designer. They nailed the perfect cover right away, and I get compliments on it all of the time.

Do you have any book recommendations for your readers?

Atonement by Ian McEwan, or anything by Kristin Hannah.

One sentence of advice for other writers?

Don’t compare yourself to other writers. Your journey isn’t supposed to look like theirs, it is supposed to look like yours.

Thank you, Marisa!

Until I See Stars is available now at the Dorrance Bookstore.

Have a story you’re ready to tell? Contact us!

The post Author Spotlight: Marisa Recker, “Until I See Stars” appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

Below, McClelland shares her inspirations for writing the paranormal tale, as well as a dream casting for her characters!

Name: Delphine McClelland

Hometown: Statesville, NC, although I currently live in Charlotte, NC.

Book Title: Dark Obsessions

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

Describe your book in ten words or less.

A Dark Tortured Love Story looking at love and hate.

How did you get the idea for Dark Obsessions?

The idea to write Dark Obsessions came to me from my co-worker John who is known for his role as the other brother Darryl on Newhart. He enjoyed the way in which I would retell him the stories of the various books that I was reading. Just by hearing my “stories” he saw a writer in me and pushed me everyday to write a book. I fought him and the idea to write this book for as long as I could until one day an idea for a different vampire story came to me through a dream that I had.

How long did it take to write the book?

It took me about three and a half to four years to write Dark Obsessions. Once the idea came to me it was all that I could do every second of the day until I was happy with the overall story and finally felt like it ended in the right place.

How did you name your characters?

All the names for the characters came to me randomly. I wanted something different and that I did not see in other books that I have read. All the characters names had to fit into the idea of who they were or to fit into there family story. For example the main female characters name is Skylar Montgomery. Her first name has a meaning that will play apart in her story and her last name fits into her family being an important and wealthy family in Charlotte.

What do you do when you have writers’ block?

When I have writers block I shut off my computer and watch tv, read one of the many books I have on my kindle or just hang out with my family to allow my mind to rest and recover. For me it helps my creative process when I allow my mind to focus on something else and then before I know it I have so many new ideas for that particular chapter or for the overall story. Chapters that I may have finished may even get changed to better enhance the new direction in which I am taking the story.

What was your favorite chapter to write?

My favorite chapter to write was Chapter 11 Drawn to Each Other. This is the chapter where the main characters Kairo and Skylar finally lay eyes on one another. Throughout the book they feel each others energy even though they do not know what it is or what is happening to them. Chapter 11 is the turning point in the book. It marks the point in which both their lives are changed forever.

If you had to be stuck on an island with one of the following people, who would you choose?

-A character from your book:

If I was stuck on an island the character from my book that would be with me would be Kairo. He was created with the type of guy that I like in mind so if I were to be stuck on an island I would want him because no matter what was thrown at us I know that I would always be safe and taken care of and I am sure the fact that he is a vampire would be a plus.

-Another fictional character:

A fictional character other than Kairo from my own book I would have to chose Daenerys Targaryen from A Song of Ice and Fire. With her and her dragons we would not be stuck for long and I think that she would be an all around interesting person to talk to and get to know.

-A celebrity, living or dead?

My famous person pick would have to be Bruno Mars. I am huge fan and have been since I stumbled onto the song Billionaire by Travie McCoy. I loved the song and Bruno’s verse and was hooked. With Bruno I would never be bored while stuck on the island as it is important to have great company and entertainment.

Besides writing, what are your hobbies?

Besides writing I am an avid reader. I love to read and can and will read an entire book in one day. I also love to hang out with my friends and family. They are very important to me. I love watching sports, I am huge Dallas Cowboys fan as well as a Tennessee Volunteer fan. I also love watching my nephew play baseball on his travel team the Carolina Bulls.

How did you celebrate the publishing of your book?

Still to this day I have not done any big celebrating of publishing my book. I still find it hard to believe that I did it and that people are actually liking my book. When I got my first author copy I did have dinner and drinks and celebrated a little with my best friend Becka who inspired the character of Angelina in the story.

If your book was made into a movie, who would play your characters?

If my book was made into a movie I would want Crystal Renee Hayslett to play Skylar. I love her as Fatima on Sisters and think that she embodies the fight and strength that Skylar has. The character of Kairo was created with Jason Momoa in mind so it I would love for him to take on the role of Kairo.

What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance?

What I enjoyed most about working with Dorrance Publishing was having someone to lean on when things went wrong. My publishing journey was not always an easy journey as I ran into issues and problems from the start. What I loved about Dorrance was that every issue was taken seriously and handled. If all of these problems had of happened and I was the one to have to deal with them and fix them I am not sure if Dark Obsessions would have even happened. Despite the rocky road they produced an amazing product that I am extremely happy with and I would be more than happy to work with them again.

Do you have any book recommendations for your readers?

Deadly Declaration by Landis Wade for the mystery lover, For the paranormal crowd Unchained Desire by R C Alvarez, the Wicked series by Jennifer Armentrout, Everything my Elisa S Amore and the Raven Series by J L Weil.

What advice do you have for someone looking to publish their own book?

Follow your dreams and passion no matter what others stay, think or do, including that small voice of doubt that you may have.

Thank you, Delphine!

You can purchase Dark Obsessions at the Dorrance Bookstore.

Delphine has also been nominated for a Queen City Award for Author of the Year! You can vote for her here until September 24th!

Inspired to publish your paranormal romance novel? Contact us!

The post Author Spotlight: Delphine McClelland, “Dark Obsessions” appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

Name: Catherine A. Roser Rybak

Hometown: Oil City, Pennsylvania

Book Title: Pooch in a Pound (A Dog’s Point of View)

Genre: Children’s Fiction

Describe your book in 10 words or less.

 Life and times of shelter dogs finding their forever homes.

What made you want to write your book?

 Animals have always been a passion my whole life, especially animals that need our love and support. I have written short stories all my life since childhood. They were mostly about animals.

 How long did it take you to write your book?

 I worked on it off and on for probably around three months.

What do you do when you have writer’s block?   

 You need many times to work on a whim. Many times ideas come to me in the middle of the night, while driving, sometimes even while listening to inspirational music. For me, I can’t plan to write, it appears when you least expect it.

 What was your favorite part to write and why? 

My favorite part of my book is when both dogs have a happy ending. We know this family surely will love them and support them the entire rest of their lives. That is what every pet dreams for their life.

What was it like working with your illustrator? 

 My illustrator went far beyond my expectations. I knew the work would be wonderful, but I was breathless the first time I glimpsed my cover. I appreciate how they went above and beyond for me.

If you were stuck on an island and had to have one person from each category with you, who would they be and why:

a. One friend or family member:

 Well, I know I would surely make it if my husband Greg was with me. He is truly a survivor! I can’t answer this because I would still want each one of my children and grandchildren there, but I would not want any of them stuck on an island!

b. One fictional character:

 I think Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz would know how to survive! Look at all the obstacles she overcame!

c. One famous person (living or dead):

 I think Agatha Christie would be very interesting and enchanting. I love a good mystery.

What are some of your hobbies?

 I love crossword puzzles, I love reading mysteries, I love spending time with family, taking care of pets, and staying up watching late night tv.

How did you celebrate the publishing of your book?

 My family had a Book Launch party for me at a beautiful hometown park. My children gave me flowers on two different occasions for my book.

If your book was made into a movie, who would play the main characters?

 It would need to be my furry grandchildren dogs Benny and Scrappy. They are Pooch and Puppy Dog in the book. All the animals in this book are pets from my life and from my family’s lives. Some are from the past and some are in the present time.

What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance Publishing?

Dorrance Publishing helped me every step of the way. They were very supportive! Sometimes I can be very particular.

Five favorite books of all time?

Gone With The Wind, Wuthering Heights, Rascal, Old Yeller, and The Diary of Anne Frank

Any advice for anyone looking to write a children’s book?

I suggest you follow your heart, write about what you are passionate about, sometimes a past experience makes a great story.

Thank you, Catherine!

Catherine has the following BOOK EVENTS:

September 3, 2022

Book Warehouse

Grove City Premium Outlets

1911 Leesburg

Grove City Road

Suite 1020

Grove City, PA

2 to 5 p.m.

September 10, 2022

Precious Paws Pet Fest

Bandstand Park, Franklin, PA

10 to 4 p.m.

September TBD

Carlson Library

840 Wood Street

Clarion, PA

September/October TBD

Erie Barnes and Noble

Meet and Greet, sales and signing

5909 Peach Street

Erie, PA

October 1, 2022

Story Time/Meet and Greet

Riverstone Bookstore

8850 Covenant Ave.

Pittsburgh, PA  15237

9:30 a.m.

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Name: Martin Patin

Hometown: Walnut Creek, California

Book Title: Roebell Sandwich

Genre: Middle-grade historical fiction (ages 9 to 12+)

Describe your book in 10 words or less:
“Ups and downs in a 12-year-old boy’s life.”

What made you want to write your book?
I was motivated by my own childhood interests and memories, although the story and characters are fictional. The story developed in my mind over a span of several recent years. Then one evening in June 2019, I realized I needed to start putting it into written words.

How long did it take you to write your book?
It took about 2 years and 4 months (including some illustrations), since I was writing it only in my spare time, as a hobby. But I worked on it steadily over that entire span of time, spending at least five to eight hours every week on it, and never losing interest! It certainly helped keep my spirits up during the pandemic.

What do you do when you have writer’s block?
While writing this book — enough of the story was already formulated in my head, that if I came to a standstill on one part, I just went to work on another part of the story. Eventually, ideas would come to me for the part(s) that I had gotten stuck on.

What was your favorite part to write, and why?
My favorite part was near the middle of the book, when the main character’s parents reveal a surprise to him at dinnertime. I edited that part of the story many times, in order to make the family’s dialogue as realistic as possible, and to fully capture the feelings of the main character and his parents and sister. One of my friends who read my manuscript told me that particular scene brought tears to his eyes!

If your book includes illustrations, what was it like working with your illustrator?
I created a concept drawing for the front cover, and Dorrance illustrator Ben Marchal did a magnificent job of enhancing it and re-arranging the pictorial elements as needed to make space for the book title. My illustrations for the interior of the book are being presented exactly as I drew them.

If you were stuck on an island and had to have one person from each category with you, who would they be, and why?

(a) One friend or family member:
My long-time friend Jerry B., because he and I have gone on many week-long road trips together, and we always got along very well in terms of making decisions about each day’s activities.

(b) One fictional character:
Ralph from “Lord of the Flies,” or at least a grown-up version of Ralph, since he tried his best to maintain a civilized community while other boys on the island were becoming like savages.

(c) One famous person (living or dead):
Jeff Probst, the host of the reality TV show “Survivor,” since he has spent a lot of time on remote islands with clueless people.

What are some of your hobbies?
Drawing, writing, eating out, hiking, and road trips.

How did you celebrate the publishing of your book?
I had a long-time friend from my college years on the phone with me as I opened the package. I also brought my initial author’s copy to a lunch gathering after church the following Sunday.

If your book was made into a movie, who would play the main characters?
First of all — Even though we’re imagining it as a movie, it’s easier for me to think of actors from TV shows.
My main character, 12-year-old Paul, could have been played by the Disney Channel’s Dakota Lotus when he was 12 or 13 — but I think Lotus must be in his late teens by now.
Paul’s father could be played by Parker Young, who plays Riley on TV’s “United States of Al”.
Paul’s mother could be played by Sara Gilbert, who plays Darlene on TV’s “The Conners”.
Paul’s (black) friend Terry could be played by Amari O’Neil, who plays Cory on TV’s “The Wonder Years”.
Paul’s (white) friend Greg could be played by Hank Greenspan, who plays Grover on TV’s “The Neighborhood”.

What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance Publishing?
I enjoyed the helpfulness, kindness, and professionalism of the project coordinators that were assigned to my book during the various stages of the publishing process.

Five favorite books of all time?
“A Tale of Two Cities,” by Charles Dickens, because of the many intricate plot twists and coincidences
“The Boys in the Boat,” by Daniel James Brown — a true story about the 1936 U.S. Olympic crew team
“The Great Santini,” by Pat Conroy — a military father runs his family like boot camp
“Lord of the Flies,” by William Golding — a group of boys is stranded on an island with no adults
“If I Never Get Back,” by Darryl Brock — a baseball fan travels back in time to 1869, and plays on the first-ever all-pro team

Do you have any advice for anyone looking to write a children’s book?
Always keep in mind what it really was like to be a child of the age you’re writing for and/or about.

Thank you, Martin!

You can purchase Roebell Sandwich and other Dorrance middle grade fiction at the Dorrance Bookstore.

Have a children’s novel you’d like to publish? Contact our team!

The post Author Spotlight: Martin Patin, “Roebell Sandwich” appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.