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.

Prohibition agents destroying barrels of alcohol.

Did you know that 100 years ago, alcohol was illegal in the United States?

The Prohibition Era refers to the period of time when the production and distribution of alcoholic beverages was illegal in the entire country. The Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution was passed in 1920 after a movement by Protestants and others who saw alcohol as a root cause of many societal problems. The result of Prohibition was government agencies to root out alcohol production and sales, vast underground networks of alcohol production and consumption, and citizens searching for alternatives for their favorite drinks.

One such alternative is the mocktail, or a cocktail beverage with no alcohol. Dorrance Publishing was 10 years old when we published a book of mocktail recipes in 1930 – Prohibition Punches by Roxana B. Doran was a book of recipes for non-alcoholic drinks for various occasions. 

The author of the book, Roxana Doran, was a member of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, an organization that was pro-alcohol prohibition. She was the wife of James M. Doran, who was Administer of Industrial Alcohol for the government at the time of the book’s publication. The publication of Prohibition Punches was part of this DC power couple’s plan to make prohibition cool. 

The recipes themselves receieved mixed response. Some enjoyed the mainly fruit juice cocktails, some were not buying the hype. A recent article about mocktails for Atlas Obscura titled “The Prohibition-Era Effort to Make Mocktails Fun“ discusses the response:

“With every positive review—“It is written so colorfully and intelligently it would tempt even cocktail crusaders to mend their ways,” raved the Pittsburgh Press—mild criticisms arose. “Mrs. Doran has padded out this slender volume on a rather restricted subject,” sniped “The Literary Lantern,” a syndicated Southern newspaper column. “When you boil out the duplicates and come down to basic recipes there are not so many different tricks in the mixing of these non-alcoholic drinks.” Other magazines had humorous takes, notably Vanity Fair writer Corey Ford’s December 1930 tribute, “Have One on Me, Mrs. Doran,” which noted that the author’s elaborate recipes could all do with one simple extra ingredient: liquor.”

The book is not just a collection of recipes, however. It is chaptered, and each chapter includes descriptive introductions that paint an alcohol-free life as an elegant and peaceful one. The recipes of Prohibition Punches are fruit juice cocktails for every occasion, even some for children. Various friends of the Dorans and the temperance movement submitted recipes for the book, and leave comments for readers.

Prohibition Punches is a time capsule of a time when alcohol was illegal in the United States – a concept virtually unthinkable now. Physical copies of the book, now almost 100 years old, can be found on Amazon and eBay. The entire book has been digitized and archived. Skim through the 104 pages yourself, and see what was on the minds of those Americans who were in support of the Eighteenth Amendment. 

(Sources: Atlas Obscura, Prohibition Punches digital edition, Wikipedia)

The post The Prohibition Era Dorrance Book of Mocktail Recipes 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.

We matched up some of our favorite Dorrance books about nature with a similar classic. If you like these classic nature books, you might like our nature books!

If you like The Call of the Wild by Jack London, you may like…

Survival in the Canadian Wilderness by Vern D. Seefeldt, Ph.D.

Survival in the Canadian Wilderness takes place in the 1920s, in the harsh northwestern wilderness of Canada. Determined to find riches in the Canadian fur trade, Barney accepted an unknown partner, Louie Harris, to assist him as a homesteader in the wilderness of 1925 British Columbia. This novel is a fictionalization of what may have happened to Louie Harris. If you enjoy the trappings of the classic Jack London novel The Call of the Wild – a harrowing tale of dog sledders doing what they can to survive in Alaska in the early 1900s, largely based on London’s real experiences – then you may like this Dorrance novel. 

If you like Silent Spring by Rachel Carson, you may like…

A Minimalist’s Garden by B. Mitchell

The powerful nonfiction book Silent Spring was published in 1962, and caused a firestorm of change due to Carson’s careful research and passion about the problems of pollution caused by the chemical industry. It helped foster a movement toward more environmental regulations in the U.S. A Minimalist’s Garden argues for more eco-consciousness for the 21st century, detailing how we can combat climate change by restoring ecological balance and moving beyond fossil fuels. 

If you like Walden by Henry David Thoreau, you may like…

Talking Trees: The Real Story by Michelle Hinkson Gaskin 

In 1845, Henry David Thoreau went to the Walden woods because he wished to “live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life.” The result was a book about man’s relationship with nature that is still widely read today. One might say that Thoreau listened to what the forest had to offer.

The Dorrance book Talking Trees: The Real Story by Michelle Hinkson Gaskin offers a similar premise: listen to nature, specifically, the forest, and you might be surprised by what you hear. 

If you like Wild by Cheryl Strayed, you may like…

The Power and Magic of the Appalachian Trail by Donald E. Williams Jr. “Jug”

The modern day classic Wild is the true story of one woman turning to nature in a time of crisis. Having lost her way, Cheryl Strayed finds herself again through an adventure. If you enjoyed her story, you may enjoy The Power and Magic of the Appalachian Trail by Donald E. Williams Jr. 

The Power and Magic of the Appalachian Trail centers on a series of hiking trips from Georgia to Maine that the author, known as “Jug,” and a supporting cast of counselors went on with several groups of multi-ethnic youth. The Appalachian Trail hikes were mentally challenging, physically demanding, and requiring deep soul searching daily. Yet in the end, the explorations were immensely positive and also were an enriching experience for the youth. 

If you like The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame, you may like…

Little White Spots by J.M. Emswiller

The classic children’s novel The Wind in the Willows has captivated audiences and been passed down from generation to generation since its publication. The main characters, who are forest animals, navigate life in the forest in a parable that still rings true today.

In Dorrance’s Little White Spots, The White Spots family of chipmunks has just finished collecting and storing all the food they’ll need for the winter when tragedy strikes. Farmer Jones tears down the tree that all their food is stored in to use as firewood! With little time remaining before the cold sets in, what are the White Spots to do? This children’s book can fit in nicely with the classics on your shelf that use nature to tell worthwhile stories to children. 

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

The post If You Like These Classic Nature Books, You Might Like These Dorrance Nature Books appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

The following are some of our favorites that you can scoop up now:

1. Everyone Picks Jake by Jeffrey C. Fidge

About the Book

All kids want to be picked first and be on a winning team. Everyone Picks Jake focuses on a young man who is great at all sports and is chosen first for all the teams. In this illustrated story, readers discover it is more than skill working for Jake. It’s also teamwork and sportsmanship that build friendships and contribute to success. The artwork comes alive when kids read the story. Get involved in sports activities for the fun of it!

About the author

Jeffrey C. Fidge has a background degree in landscape horticulture from MSU. He is retired and assists in a local school with special education kids. He’s always wanted to produce/illustrate children’s books, because he loves to draw. Fidge is an avid runner who donates to both local and world causes.

(2022, hardcover, 44 pages)

2. The Long, Cold Winter: A Basketball Story by John Browning

About the Book

When Hugh Kennedy accepted the position as head coach of the Collinsville High School boys varsity basketball team, he never imagined the challenges he would face. While basketball remained popular among the townspeople in Collinsville, the school team was unpopular, undermanned, and unskilled. Armed with a little determination and a lot of hard work, Hugh set out to teach his players a new style of shooting, the jump shot, which promised to overcome the inexperience of his young team. But will the young men develop the heart and team spirit needed to overcome the low expectations of their family, friends, and opponents? And can Hugh rise to the occasion to be the coach Collinsville needs? John Brownings The Long, Cold Winter: A Basketball Story encourages both young players and coaches to meet their challenges with an open mind and never give up on their dreams.

About the Author

John Browning is a retired insurance claims supervisor who worked for United States Fidelity and Guaranty Company until 1995. He holds a bachelors degree in English from the University of Virginia, which he earned in 1961. A native of Flint Hill, Virginia, Browning now lives in Charlottesville, where he has been a member of American Mensa, Ltd. since 1985 and the American Legion since 2001. In his spare time, Browning enjoys traveling and watching spectator sports. The Long, Cold Winter: A Basketball Story, inspired by his own experiences playing organized basketball in his youth, is Brownings third published book. His other titles include Flint Hill and R.I.P, USF&G: How Downsizing Ruined a Perfectly Good Insurance Company.

(2007, paperback, 64 pages)

3. Professional Basketball in 1939-40: On the Cusp of Depression and War by John Hogrogian

About the Book

Professional basketball began its modern history in 1946, when the postwar economy put money in the hands of working people. Basketball promoters were invested in the professional game as a new winter spectator sport. Only after 1960 did the sport begin to achieve the big-time status that it now enjoys.

The postwar sport was built on an ill-funded, unglamorous industry that survived through the hard times of the Great Depression. There is little historical treatment of that earlier game. Pro Basketball in 1939-40 takes a detailed view of one season, as the Depression ground on. World War II, however, had started in Europe and would soon change everything about pro basketball in the United States.

About the Author

John Hogrogian is an attorney living in Brooklyn, NY. He is retired from a career as a lawyer for the New York City government. For most of his life, he has played baseball, football, and basketball for fun, if not very well. For most of his adult life, John has done historical research into those three sports in their pre-World War II days. He finds it a great thrill, a kind of time travel. 

(2020, Paperback, 180 Pages)

4. Football School? A Fan’s Look at Auburn Basketball by Theodore “Ted” Watson

About the Book

Following a fan’s personal encounter of Auburn’s rise in college basketball, Watson shares how Auburn basketball went from average to among the best college basketball team under the coaching of Bruce Pearl. With a brief history and a peak into the different eras of Auburn basketball, it is concluded with Auburn’s rise under Bruce Pearl’s coaching. 

About the Author

Theodore “Ted” Watson retired from the Air Force after twenty-one-and-a-half years of service. He attended colleges in various locations throughout his Air Force career. Watson retired from the Alabama State Department of Education in 1997. From 2000 to 2008, he was a consultant on asset management for the SDE.

(2020, Hardcover, 126 Pages)

5. The Missing Link of the Sport of Basketball by Martin Suazo, Sr.

About the Book

After witnessing a sports phenomenon at the age of 12-years-old, Martin Suazo has wanted to share this secret with millions of basketball players throughout the world. Suazo hopes to change the technique of the off-set shot and inspire his readers to learn, master, and share these new techniques in the large community of basketball. 

About the Author

Martin Suazo, Sr. was born in a small community named El Valle de los Indios, about 50 miles west of Albuquerque, New Mexico. He then moved to Las Vegas, New Mexico with his family as a child and graduated in 1957. Suazo then attended Highlands University for two years. He was also an activist in civil rights issues between 1970 and 1990. Martin served as a precinct chairman but never ran for office. He was chairman for the American G.I. Forum from 1975 to 1978. Suazo was granted a special dispensation by the Forum to serve as a non-military representative. He made his living as an insurance agent but was well-known for his passion in basketball.

(2020, Hardcover, 38 Pages)

These titles and more are available now at the Dorrance Bookstore. Use code HOOPS for 25% off!

Have a sports story you would like to publish? Contact us!

The post Monday Motivation: Basketball Books Spotlight appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

The Shifter by Kelechi Sandra V. Alagwu (2020, paperback, 110 pages)

About the Book

Kelechi Sandra V. Alagwu’s The Shifter is filled with suspense, fun, adventure, and love. Two people fall in love with each other, but one does not know that she has the ability to shape shift! The story allows readers to let their imagination take them on this fantastic journey into an African folklore.

About the Author

Kelechi Sandra V. Alagwu was born in Nigeria. She is the eighth child in a family of nine children. She started writing at the age of eight and has published two children’s books back in Nigeria. Alagwu currently lives in California and loves to write books. She would also love to one day start a charity organization to help the less privileged.

Tangled Hearts by Ruth Altamura-Roll (2021, paperback, 350 pages) 

About the Book

Not wanting to be the spinster aunt, Ana decided to take her destiny into her own hands. Being the governess to the two grandsons of Lady Catherine Luttrell, as well as her companion, Ana was willing to take the risk at Dunster Castle even with the knowledge that Lord Alexander Luttrell, Duke of Exmoor, had a reputation as a scoundrel and libertine. Anything was better than marrying Charles. Charles ‘ love for Ana had no bounds and now that he was the baron, he could not stop pursuing her. He was determined to capture her heart and bring her home from Dunster to where she belonged, by his side. Alexander Luttrell had had enough of women. He returned wounded from the wars in India only to discover that his wife had abandoned him and his two young sons. His reputation was ruined and his son’s lives were crushed. He was furious at Lady Catherine’s constant meddling into his household affairs by bringing in a governess. He was determined that his sons would never have to experience such heartbreak again at the hand of a woman. And a governess was too close for comfort. Struggling with his own demons from the war and his reputation already in tatters, his relationship with Riya, his young charge from India, only added to his mystery.

About the Author

Ruth Altamura-Roll is a new author and Tangled Hearts is her first novel. Always having dreamed of writing historical romance, she is excited to be able to bring her first work to the public with more books to follow. For over 35years, Ms. Altarmura-Roll has been a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey and has been in private practice for over 20 years. She brings her psychological experience and background to her work. In addition, she has a degree in History/Religion from Moravian College. She and her husband Steven, also a counselor, have been Civil War re-enactors for over 15 years. If you don’t find her in her office, at her laptop, or at her piano, you will most likely find her in her garden dreaming up her next novel or self-help book.

Wishful Thinking: What Dreams Are Made Of by Annie Suttlar Payton (2021, paperback, 334 pages) 

About the Book

As Astrid embarks on a self-discovery journey, she plans to go after her most desired dreams, imaginations, and hopes. With her daring personality, she encounters the love of two men. Both are madly in love with Astrid, both are a whirlwind affair. Astrid’s goals go from simple dreams to the most difficult choice she has ever had to make: who will win Astrid’s love forever?

About the Author

Annie Suttlar Payton has always dreamed of becoming an author. She realized her passion for writing when she was a teen and had the talent to create and compose poetry. Payton is family oriented, compassionate, and believes in giving back.

Glass Houses of the ATL by Symoan Nicole (2021, paperback, 90 pages) 

About the Book

Glass Houses of the ATL is an urban tale that has a lot of twists and turns, suspense, and steamy sex—a page-turner from beginning to the end. The characters in this book are everyday people that the reader can relate to and identify with, everyone who wants to find that one true love but it seems to always end up with the wrong person. Will Stefan finally find a true love of his own or continue to chase after a thug named Deep, who is a drug lord in the ATL, on the downlow and married? Readers will learn that we all are human and make many mistakes on our journey of life, and at the end of the day everyone wants to be respected, loved, and understood without judgments or a closed mind.

About the Author

Symoan Nicole is a nursing student, a writer, and a survivor of life. She has learned that “No matter what hardship life hurdles your way, keep pushing until you see the light.” She has had a lot of setbacks upon trying to write her book but she did not give up; she kept trying even on days she wanted to quit. There were days she even doubted herself but with constant motivation from her family, friends, and the love of her life Mr. C. K Franklin who is the one who planted the idea that she can do anything she puts her mind to and to just stay focused, with these words of encouragement she was able to block out the negative energy of the haters. Symoan Nicole started from the bottom now she’s here and the view is amazing.

Hawaiian Dreams by Sheri Lynne (2021, paperback, 382 pages)

About the Book

With bottles of expensive alcohol seemingly disappearing from their shelves overnight—and not being sold on the floor—Mike and Mark TreVaine, twin owners of The Hawaiian Lanai, a high-end restaurant in Oahu, Hawaii, find themselves wondering whether it’s an inventory issue, or an inside job. Could one of the staff be stealing from them?

Anxious to resolve the situation, the duo takes on an intern from the local university who’s a whiz at inventory and accounting: Jenna Hathaway. 

When sparks begin to fly between Jenna and Mike, she soon discovers life working at the Lanai comes with more than she bargained for. Romance, action, mystery, and suspense—Jenna’s life is about to become a lot more exciting!

About the Author

Sheri Lynne is currently an owner of a small business in Michigan. A widow caring for her special needs adult son, Lynne has been passionate about healing her son through nutrition and various treatments in that it will free him of pain and help him live a more independent life. As such, through the years, she’s learned a lot about organic foods and the benefits they provide for natural healing. 

Lynne has always dreamed of writing a book, and the idea came to her during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. (She wasn’t able to get out to her business accounts and was sitting in her living room when inspiration struck!) Hawaiian Dreams pays homage to Lynne’s late husband’s dream of owning a Hawaiian restaurant. Her professional experience includes working in a restaurant as a waitress and manager in her early years, and through owning her own business, she learned the accounting end as well as working out in the community with her business contracts. Lynne learned a lot about crime and how the criminals are apprehended through her contract with the Michigan State Police. All these experiences combined helped her to put this exciting new novel together. 

Looking to publish your own romance novel? Contact us!

The post Bookstore Sale: Romance Novel Spotlight appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

Name: Jennifer J. Prescott 

Hometown: Born in Mount Holly, NJ, Raised in Browns Mills, NJ. Moved to Nahunta, Ga at the age of 16 where I currently reside.

Book Title: The Silver Tongue’s Diary: A Memoir of Poems 

Describe your book in 10 words or less. 

My poems are deep and dark, to light and uplifting.

What made you want to write your poetry book?

I dreamt of being a published author for 20 years. The selected poems in my book I wanted to share so others can see no matter how dark your world is at the time, you’re never alone and to never give up. 

How long did it take you to write your book? 

A handful of my poems were written when I was 16. Few are from 2014. However most of them are from 2017-2018. 

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

I do my own form of meditation. However, I don’t force my writing. I wait and let it come to me. 

What was your favorite poem to write and why?

An Oath to My Angel is written for my Mom. Timeless Love is written for my children. Both are beloved poems and I can’t choose between one of the others for they’re both very dear to me.

Besides writing, what are your other interests?

Well, I’ve always wanted to be a nurse since I was 6 years old. As a teenager, I had it in my mind to join the military and become an army nurse. Those dreams with time have dissolved. I was a CNA for six years and have currently departed from the profession. 

However, I do enjoy antique shopping and have a small delightful collectible of antique teacups. I also enjoy learning about our dark and morbid history, ghost stories and of course writing about them.

Do you keep a journal?

No, I don’t.

How did you celebrate the publishing of your book?

Unfortunately, with unforeseen circumstances the celebration has been placed on hold.

What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance Publishing?

The learning experience and how well they stayed in communication. I’m very grateful that I was given the opportunity to work with amazing people. Very polite, courteous and extremely professional.

What are some of your favorite books?

As a child… I loved all the R. L. Stine’s Goosebumps. However, my ALL time favorite book back then was Ghost Horse (phantom rider #1) by Janni Lee Simner. I loved that book! It has stuck with me all these years! 

Others: 

Amanda Miranda by Richard Peck – such a fabulous classic!

The Cahill Witch Chronicles by Jessica Spotswood, I could not put these books down, they drew me in and I just couldn’t get enough!

Venom by Fiona Paul a wonderful read!

Once A Widow, To a Stranger by Maranda Ballard, A very heartfelt story. Like a lifetime movie on paper! 

What advice would you give other poets?

Write open and honest.

Write from your soul.

Allow your heart to lead your pen.

Thank you, Jennifer!

Looking to publish your own book of poetry? Contact us!

The post Author Spotlight: Jennifer J Prescott appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

Name: Stephen Rubino

Hometown: Washington, DC

Book Title: Act of Faith

Genre: Historical Fiction

Dorrance Publishing (DP): Describe your book in 10 words or less.

Stephen Rubino (SR): A behind the curtain look at the global abuse scandal.

DP: What made you want to write your book?

SR: The arc of all of the personalities that were involved in the scandal has never been put in one place for a dramatic presentation that are rooted in actual events. They needed to be. Unfortunately the toxicity of the sexual abuse cycle is permanent. Recovery from this is more akin to managing the randomness of the reoccurring memories as opposed to recovery as is generally understood. 

DP: How long did it take you to write your book?

SR: 4.5 years.

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

SR: I keep writing and visualize the dialog(the actual people  of the next scene. It usually works and gets things going again. I am also a big proponent of relaxing the conscious part of the brain and just before bedtime lay down with a belief that the writing problem will get worked through in the subconscious enough so to get a solution the next day. This has worked for me for over 40 years. May not work for anyone else but that is what I do.

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

SR: Chapter 8 Running Into the Darkness. Elizabeth is impulsive and for the first time she agrees to try and unpack her abuse memories with her first love who she has not seen in thirty years. Her first love happens to be a Catholic priest. Humor, awkwardness, despair, anger, resilience, determination and fear all come together in one chapter.

DP: 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 friend or family member:

SR: My Uncle Joe who was a master stone carver. Would want to know more of the story of his immigration from Italy and his training as a stone carver. I should have asked more questions when I had him in my life. 

-One fictional character:

SR: Jack Ryan from Tom Clancy novels.

-One famous person (living or dead):

SR: Coretta Scott King. From 2010-2013 I was CEO of the King Estate and managed the world wide rights of MLK’s intellectual property. After the assassination she raised four children that had experienced significant trauma. That is an amazing feat in my opinion. Would love to talk to her about that.

DP: Besides writing, what are your other interests?

SR: We make maple syrup in Vermont and I enjoy woodlot stewardship (400 acres) immensely.

DP: Do you keep a journal?

SR: Yes.

DP: How did you celebrate the publishing of your book?

SR: Did not celebrate, too early in the process.

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

SR: Jennifer Lawrence as Elizabeth, Colin Firth as Tom Atkinson, Ray Abruzzo as Anthony Courso.

DP: What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance Publishing?

SR: The marketing. Both the cover and manuscript had been previously developed and professionally edited for content, substance and style prior to submission.

DP: Five favorite books of all time?

SR: No Ordinary Time by Doris Kearns Goodwin

T-Rex and the Crater of Doom Walter Alvarez

The Last Lion by William Manchester

Hunt for Red October Tom Clancy

Titan by Ron Chernow

DP: One sentence of advice for other writers:

SR: If you think you can’t, you won’t; if you think you can you will. I do not own that sentiment. It has appeared in dozens of places and differing formats, but is what I lived by and taught my children.

Thank you, Stephen!

Ready to start your journey to becoming a published author? Contact us!

The post Author Spotlight: Stephen Rubino appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

When it comes to poetry, if you can dream it, we can publish it! We are proud to highlight such a diverse group of voices this week on the blog. The following are recent examples of poetry books published by Dorrance.

Coffee with God: A 40 Day Poetry Devotional by Jean Mikulski

Coffee with God is a collection of 40 devotional poems that address topics including life’s daily struggles, interactions on social media, requesting help from God, and seeing God’s hand in the sights, sounds, and beauty of nature. What makes this book unique is that rather than a written summary explaining the scripture beforehand, it speaks to the reader through scripture that ties in with the accompanying poem. Author Jean Mikulski is a retired administrative assistant and former Sunday school teacher. 

The Mind of a Manic Depressive by Tameka LaShay

The Mind of a Manic Depressive by Tameka LaShay is a poetry book about mental illness and the author’s coping with it. After some storms in life, Tameka LaShay was diagnosed with the illness and needed ways to cope. She had to release the hurt and therefore turned to poetry. The author hopes this book can bring understanding and awareness to people who do not understand mental illness and also help those who suffer from any form of mental illness to get help and not allow it to control them.

Moments in America’s War by Kendric Packer 

This poetry book focuses on history. Author Kendric Packer captures the Civil War in poetry. He was inspired after studying writings from the Civil War era. Moments in America’s War is an attempt to pass forward the feelings these Civil War-era texts stirred up through a collection of poems – as poetry is the language of feelings, after all. It is the author’s hope that a reader’s feeling may, at the end, be almost that of having lived through a war. The reader will hopefully feel connected to this historical era and what it means for life today. This book shows just how versatile poetry can be for telling stories!

It’s Hard to Be a Black Man in America and Other African American Poems by Elroy Alister Esdaille

In this book, City University of New York professor Elroy Alister Esdaille examines the African-American experience from multiple perspectives that cannot be put into just one box. The poems explore the African-American experience in the United States from the past to the present, but they can be applied to other countries that once operated under colonial systems and slave labor as well. Modern day America, for many Black people, can be said to be a sum total of its messy history of slavery and segregation, and the recalcitrant roots that still persist today. It’s Hard to Be a Black Man in America gives an in-depth view of this messy history and asks questions through the style and unique power of poetry. 

bare by Julia Vradenburg

bare is a poetry collection inspired by the events in one woman’s life, a life shared by many women. Vradenburg’s poetry lends a voice to words and thoughts that are often muted and go unsaid. Julia Vradenburg lives in the Pacific Northwest with her wife and two dogs. She is a photographer and avid hiker.

Demons Love Heartbreak by Roderick J. Davis  

Demons Love Heartbreak by Roderick J. Davis is a poetry collection that explores how the opinions of others can influence the mind of a young man, directly impacting his emotional status and perception of self, all painted in a beautiful and dark, artistic portrait. Through his use of language and metaphor, Roderick J. Davis’s poems give voice to those who feel voiceless, and his heartfelt honesty inspires.

Adventures of a Dyslexic Poet by Sean M. Riedl  

This collection of poems and short stories titled Adventures of a Dyslexic Poet “flash by like short films.” Author Sean M. Riedl could not read until after fourth grade yet still obtained A grades. Riedl’s work aims to confound and enlighten, to soothe and excite. Inspired by the author’s relationships with others and his interest in places and objects with storied pasts, Adventures of a Dyslexic Poet has something to offer any thoughtful reader. With poetic descriptiveness, this book takes the reader through different worlds—some real and some imagined. Riedl currently works for the U.S. Navy at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. 

Looking to share your story and publish your own poetry book? Contact us to start your journey today!

The post Monday Motivation: Poetry appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.