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.

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!

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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.

The post Author Spotlight: Catherine A. Roser Rybak, “Pooch in a Pound (A Dog’s Point of View)” appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

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.

Name: Darcy Phillips

Hometown: lovely Litchfield, Connecticut

Book title: The Doofus and the Divine

Genre: Humorous with a touch of a ecclesiastic wonder and mirth

Describe your book and 10 words or less: The Second Coming and a whacked-out summer in Placard.

What made you want to write your book? I had done two movie projects with the idea and I was never satisfied. It’s the reason why a lot of movies come from books. Not books from movies. So I decided to really spread out the canvas and develop truly interesting characters in a forgotten speck of a town in the middle of the High Plains desert of eastern Montana, when all of a sudden God decides to put his next son right in the middle of Main Street and 12th, the heart of Placard.

How long did it take you to write your book?  This is the first book in a series of four. The first book talk about three months and the same for about the remaining three.

What do you do when you have writers block? To be honest with you, it all sort of flowed. When they were times where I did not know exactly where to go next, I just got two more oatmeal cookies and another coffee and there it was. Oatmeal cookies are good for the brain.

What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?  I used to do screenplays for PBS out of Hartford. The most important thing about screenplays is to come up with actual natural dialogue. Speak like humans speak under all kinds of conditions. Have the mixed up train of thought, stumbles and start agains, short phrases and the abrupt left turns in the conversation. It was through conversation that you make your characters come alive and the reader begins to turn the page with more conviction. The two main characters, Emmanuel and Oliver, have to be interesting, mysterious, unpredictable and fun. Mostly fun for this kind of book.

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

1. One friend or family member. It would have to be a friend who you love. To begin to love somebody is to get to know them first. And knowing them first makes you get to ‘like’ them, which is more important, actually, than ‘loving’ them. Loving someone you don’t like isn’t really love. You’re just taking advantage of the situation. So, on this island it would have to be somebody I truly loved as we hacked up our coconuts and dead fish that washed ashore.
2. One fictional character:  The Blue Genie from Aladdin with the voice of Robin Williams of course. I’d have three wishes.
3. One famous person (living or dead): Barack Obama he brought trust, common sense, hope and humor to that job. Plus everybody would be looking for him.

Besides writing, what are your other interests?  I have been in the theater most all my life. I love mural painting. Directing both movies and plays and musicals, I love making 3-D animation, I love to create not consume, I love building stuff, I love good conversations, I love answering the question, “How are you?” Very few take this question seriously when someone asks it in a store, walking outside, any place. I love humor. I love seeing both sides of the story. I love saving plants and creating a country garden. I love to cry at movies. This sounds like I love talking about myself. Hmmmmm.

Do you keep a journal? No. I should. But I have an Alexa.

How did you celebrate the publishing of your book? You have to know that I waited one year, one month and 20 days for that moment to happen. Not that I was keeping count. There were glitches along the way. But Dorrance project coordinator Lyra and now Raquel can tell you I kept a positive and often humorous attitude all along the way. So, after one year, one month, and 20 days I went into the post office, found that yellow slip telling me there was a package and I went to the counter. The package handed to me was heavy and substantial. I went out into my car, shut the door and opened the envelope and pulled out the Doofus and the Divine. I loved the weight of it, I love the colors. The presentation. It felt good in my hands and therefore, all of a sudden, all was forgiven. Sometimes you have to wait one year, one month and 20 days for perfection.

If your book was made into a movie, who would play the main characters? Since the two main characters are about 19 years old and one of them, Emmanuel, is a very doubtful next son of God, and the other, Oliver, is so low on the totem pole of important that he’s in the part they put in the ground, you would have to find two actors who are true character actors. First and foremost, character actors understand human foibles, fears, simple joys, passion, heart and the simple goodness of Twizzlers and Cap’n Crunch.

What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance Publishing?  The project coordinators and promotion coordinator. They were my lifeline and the backstop for my many questions and doubts.

Five favorite books of all time?  Of all time? Well I’d start with Dick and Jane from first grade. They were the first characters I ever read about. “Look look! See Spot! See Spot run!” Spot was the name of the dog. As far as the other four books, I am a movie buff extraordinaire. So it was whatever book went into my favorite movies. There are so many. Books that are about character first. If you love the character or even like the character, you’ll follow that character forever.

One sentence of advice for other writers: Stop consuming and start creating because we seem to be a society consumed with consuming because everything can be delivered to us right in our homes and you never have to leave the couch. So start being that deliverer. I know that was two sentences.

Have a book you’re ready to publish? Contact us!

The post Author Spotlight: Darcy Phillips, “The Doofus and the Divine” appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

One such book is Appalachia Campfire Cooking: Good Campfire Meals Make a Happy Camper by Johnnie Lacy. This book features advice for cooking when you’re camping, and other tips for campers. We spoke to the author Johnnie Lacy about the book.

Describe your book in a sentence.

This book will be a great source of guidance for all camp lovers  out there, from helping you pick out the perfect camping spot to  providing a plethora of delicious and easy recipes.

What made you want to write the book?

Taking a break from the humdrum of everyday life is something that all of us deserve. 

How did you decide which recipes to include?

Recipes I use the most when camping.

What was your favorite part of the book to write and why?

My camping Experience, because it gives the reader a look at how I did it.

How long has camping been a part of your life?

Over 50 years.

Outside of camping (and writing this book), what are your other interests?

Auto racing and horse back riding.

What are some of your favorite books?

DW by Darrell Waltrip

More Mountain Spirits by Joseph Earl Dabney

How to Shit in the Woods by Kathleen Meyer

How did you celebrate the publishing of your book?

Book signing at the Acworth, GA Bookstore.

What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance Publishing?

Dorrance is a Professional Book Publisher.

What advice do you have for anyone wanting to write their own book?

Just go ahead and do it now.

Thank you, Jonnie!

Appalachia Campfire Cooking: Good Campfire Meals Make a Happy Camper and other books about the GREAT OUTDOORS are available at the Dorrance Bookstore for 25% off with the code HAPPYTRAILS at checkout!

Have a recipe or GREAT OUTDOORS book you would like to publish? Contact us!

The post Learn how to cook on camping trips with Johnnie Lacy! appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.