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 talked to Ms. Parks about her inspiration for writing the book and more!

Name: Malissa Parks

Hometown: Grew up in Carson, CA and now reside in Long Beach, CA.

Book Title: “I Like Being Brown, This Family & Hero 44”

Describe your book in 10 words or less.

A keepsake for families that teaches young learners to read.

What made you want to write your book?

I wrote this book because of the relevance of the most historical moment in African American History.

How long did it take you to write your book?

It took a year to write this book.

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

Due to the history that is apparent behind writing this book, I never experienced writer’s block because I definitely was inspired by God. He gave me the wisdom so I knew exactly what I wanted to write about and it came to me naturally!  I knew what I wanted to say and how I wanted to present it. As an educator, I am very passionate about writing, especially writing about a topic that teaches.   

What was your favorite part to write and why?

My favorite part in Small Trilogy is in the story “I Like Being Brown” when Richard, the character, realizes he could be whatever he wanted to be, just being himself!

If your book includes illustrations, what was it like working with your illustrator? 

It was great working with all three of my illustrators. With my son and my nephew as two of them, it was really a surreal moment!! I really pride all three young men on making each picture come alive in the minds of children.

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:

My son because he’s always been my little protector.

-One fictional character:

Character in the book, Richard because of his big imagination!

–One famous person (living or dead):

Maya Angelou because I love her thought process when creating some of her most famous and cultural poems and quotes.

What are some of your hobbies?

I enjoy skating, swimming, singing and socializing.

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

The main characters would be Viola Davis, Phylicia Rashad, Denzel Washington, Tyler James Williams, Zendaya, Yara Shahidi, Marsai Martin, Jennifer Lewis with a splash of Sherri Shepard.

What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance Publishing?

Receiving my Author’s copy of my finished project!

Five favorite books of all time?

“Becoming,” “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” Of Thee I Sing: A Letter To My Daughters,” “Beloved,” and “How Stella Got Her Groove Back”

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

To write a good children’s book, you must be a creative writer with a big imagination that kids can relate to!

You can purchase I Like Being Brown now at the Dorrance Bookstore.

Have an educational children’s book you’d like to publish? Contact us!

The post Author Spotlight: Malissa Parks, “I Like Being Brown, This Family & Hero 44” appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

Name: David Rey

Book Title: Larceny on 34th Street: An In-Depth Look at Professional Shoplifting in One of the World’s Largest Stores

Hometown: Parsippany, NJ

What made you want to write and publish this book?

When people think of organized crime, they think of the mafia or drug cartel but most of the general public is unaware of the network of professional shoplifters that make up Organized Retail Crime and the daily threat they pose to retailers. I wanted to be the first to bring this issue to the public’s attention as it is a fascinating story.

How long did it take to write the book?

I had been brainstorming ideas and putting together rough drafts for about a year before the pandemic. Once the shutdown took place, It was important to me that I used that time to do something meaningful. While some may have used the time off for relaxation and recreation, I saw it as a golden opportunity to devote my time to the book’s completion, which I eventually achieved by the end of 2020.

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

The most difficult part was putting myself in a position to do something I had never done before. If ever there was a time I had willingly exited my comfort zone, this was it. Creative writing was certainly not in my repertoire so I knew I was taking a big risk. I took inspiration from several nonfiction works I had in my personal library such as “Way of the Wolf” by Jordan Belfort, to help me map a blueprint and structure for my memoir. While proof-reading the chapters, I put myself in the reader’s shoes and looked at the content from a critical lens. Would I have been entertained by this if I was the reader? Would I have felt as if I learned something new and fascinating if I was the reader? The journey was difficult but it was necessary.

What was your favorite part to write and why?

Chapter 5 titled “Professional Shoplifting Strategies and Techniques” was where I felt this book hit its stride. I wanted to emphasize how turbulent yet unique working at Macy’s Herald Square could be. I kept looking for ways to introduce the clever tactics of shoplifters to the reader while also not losing sight of how wild an atmosphere the store was. I felt I was able to effectively incorporate both concepts into that chapter, which then set the tone for the remainder of the book.

Besides writing this book, what are your other interests?

Government and world affairs has always been another passion of mine. Ever since I was in grade school, I was fascinated with local politics and how the news had covered it. Following up on this passion, I recently enrolled at Harvard in their Division of Continuing Education, to pursue my graduate degree in Government. With the scholastic skills I am developing in this program, it is my hope that I will be better prepared for a future career in public service, if or when I choose to go down that path.

How did you celebrate the publishing of your book?

When achieving a personal goal, my first thought is to always make sure I celebrate with the people I’m hoping will benefit most from the accomplishment, my family. Therefore when I succeed at something, I make sure to spend the time celebrating with my wife and kids. I hope to serve as an inspiration to my kids and encourage them to have ambition. The more I celebrate with them, the more I hope to foster an environment that encourages motivation.  

What do you hope readers take from the book?

I mentioned in the beginning of my book that television, podcasts and other forms of entertainment have been saturated by courtroom and police drama shows. It is my hope that I am able to provide a unique and fresh story for my readers that they wouldn’t have been able to get anywhere else. I don’t want to just tell a story but also teach my readers something new and fascinating.

By the end of the book, hopefully I’ve done a good job introducing the reader to the rarely seen world of Organized Retail Crime while also helping them gain a better understanding of the social science of why people commit crime.

What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance Publishing?

Certainly the artistic freedom was something that made this process enjoyable. When researching other author’s journeys through the production process of their respective books, I heard stories about the micromanaging and constant oversight coming from their publishers. Some had to remove entire chapters or make wholesale changes to their manuscripts.

Dorrance Publishing respects and supports their author’s intellectual ideas and creativity. I had a story to tell and a certain way I wanted to tell it. I thank Dorrance Publishing for supporting my vision.

Do you have any advice for anyone looking to get into law enforcement or criminology?

To those who are interested in the industry, I have several pieces of advice. Firstly, keep an open mind to learning more about why crime exists and why people choose to commit it. Many people see criminal behavior as black and white with no gray areas. It is important to be educated in crime causation theories before getting into this line of work.

Secondly, one should have the ability to be desensitized by the violence associated with some criminal behavior. You will be exposed to it at some point and how you let it affect you could impact your desire to stay in this industry long term.

Finally, successfully investigating a crime or some unethical incident is definitely rewarding. If you love being able to uncover dishonesty or criminal behavior and then seeing the investigation all the way through to its successful completion, this could be a fun job for you.

Thank you, David!

Larceny on 34th Street is available for purchase at the Dorrance Bookstore. 

Do you have a unique job you’d like to write about? Contact us!

The post Author Spotlight: David Rey, “Larceny on 34th Street: An In-Depth Look at Professional Shoplifting in One of the World’s Largest Stores” 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.

Author George Huemmer is from Casselberry, Florida. He wrote the book in order to have all his information on glassware and glass companies in one place. Given the size of the book – it tops out at 274 pages – one can safely assume this is a topic with more information than the average person might suspect. 

For example, Huemmer said in a written interview, different glass companies have different signature colors and composition. Glass manufactured by Fenton Art Glass Company will be markedly different from glass manufactured by Imperial Glass Company. Both of these companies began in the early 1900s and have signature glassmaking styles to each of them. 

Glass by the now-defunct Imperial Glass Company. Source: Imperial Glass Museum

According to Huemmer’s book, glassware was only for the rich and powerful before the Industrial Revolution. The rapid industrialization of America made glass available for the average consumer.

During this time – crucially, before the rise of plastic – glassware dominated. By the mid-20th century, plastic increased in popularity, and glassware, while still affordable for the average person, became more of a statement piece in one’s home. Funky patterns and colors for various glassware products such as vases and pitchers were in style in the 1970s and ‘80s. 

Mid-century modern glass. Source: Atomic Ranch

Huemmer’s encyclopedia of glass also includes information on the labels and logos of companies, so readers can identify them easier. To write the book, he sourced his own years of experience collecting, as well as his favorite books about glass and old catalogs. 

When he is not writing about or collecting glass, Huemmer enjoys going to flea markets and garage sales. 

Knowledge of Pressed Ware: Trademarks, Labels and Logos on U.S.A. Glass Companies will be of interest to anyone with even a passing interest in glassware, American manufacturing and consumer history. It is available for purchase on the Dorrance Bookstore.

The post The Unique Encyclopedia You Need to Check Out appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

The post Author Spotlight: Omaira 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.

What is your name and where are you from?

Bill Humbert – I grew up in Hyattsville, MD. For the past 12.5 years, we have lived in Park City, UT.

Describe your book in 10 words or less:

Step by Step Guide to Find A New Career

What made you want to write Expect Success! The Science of the Over 50 Career Search?

From March 15, 2020 to December 31, 2020, during the height of Covid-19, I coached 32 Professionals in their searches for a new position. Only 4 of those Professionals were less than 50 years old. At the beginning of our coaching, they all were concerned that no company would hire them because of their age. I coached them all to new positions – eleven of them received increases in compensation and 4 of those received 30% or more increases. One gentleman was 66 years old. I coached him into another CFO position.

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

Salary negotiation is painful for most people. I am RecruiterGuy.com with over 40 years of recruiting experience. I know what candidates should say – and what they Should Not say! My book is written in Steps to find a new Career – The Step called “Strong Salary Negotiation” was my favorite step because it is so painful for most people – and I make it easier.

What is one thing you have learned in your career that might surprise people?

Over 40 years of Professional Recruiting experience, I have read over 400,000 resumes. Most people are shocked when they learn that in my first pass I only average 6 seconds reading their resume – and I was timed in 1993 by Andrea, my assistant. Hopefully, my time has improved since then!

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

I enjoy spending time with Linda, my wife of 48 years and our daughters and their families. I love hiking in the mountains and sharing my favorite spots with families, friends, and Deer Valley Resort guests. When I get moments alone, I enjoy reading books.

What are some of your favorite books?

Professional – “Topgrading: How Leading Companies Win By Hiring, Coaching, and Keeping The Best People by Bradford D. Smart, Ph.D.

“The Four Commitments Of A Winning Team” by Mark Eaton

“What To Do When It’s Your Turn (and it’s always your turn)” by Seth Godin

Personal – I devoured the Robert B. Parker Series in the 1990s. I enjoy the mystery series by David Baldacci, the Tom Clancy series, and books that describe historical events.

How did you celebrate the publishing of your book?

When I received notice that I would receive my Author copy last Monday, I contacted Park City TV to set my 127th television interview as the Reveal for my book last Wednesday – My 127th #TVInterview is the Reveal for “Expect Success! The Science Of The Over 50 Career Search” – YouTube

What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance Publishing?

Working with professionals, like you, in Promotions!

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

This is my 3rd published book. Follow these three steps –

1. Find a Topic that you are passionate about
2. Outline your message and then begin to write
3. Listen to your brain when it gives you a great addition to your book – for me, that is generally 2 or 3 AM. The code between my wife and me is, “The Words just have to get out!”

Then either find a publisher like Dorrance Publishing, or find a great Editor, Cover Designer, and Page Designer.

Finally, promote your book, Promote Your Book, PROMOTE YOUR BOOK!

Thank you, Bill!

You can purchase Expect Success! The Science of the Over 50 Career Search at the Dorrance Publishing bookstore.

Are you a seasoned professional and want to write a book about your experiences? Contact us!

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Name: Patrice Fentiman

Hometown: Spartanburg, SC

Book Title: Jamie’s Secret

Genre: Children’s/Spiritual

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

Patrice Fentiman (PF): Jamie’s Secret is about a young girl’s discovery of magic.

DP: What made you want to write the book?:

PF: I wanted to offer support and recognition of children who experience the magic of seeing, hearing and knowing what others may not.  I was one such child.

DP: How long did it take you to write the book:

PF: Though the book was always a part of me, it took two years to complete my text and confirm my vision of the look of the book.

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

PF: There are three things that relieve my writer’s block: 1) walking in nature; 2) meditating; 3) dancing.  Any one or all of these things wipe my cluttered or cloudy brain right away.

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

PF: My favorite part of the story is when Jamie admits to having so many questions for the fairies and can barely contain her curiosity.

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:

PF: I would have my fiancé, Ron, with me.  He is an avid reader, has a huge imagination, is the original renaissance man and is honest in his criticism.

-One fictional character:

The Very Hungry Caterpillar because it was all about transformation and change for the good of all.

-One famous person (living or dead):

Maya Angelou because her life spanned decades of civil, social, political and environmental change and she could speak about ways that we can work together to create a more cooperative world.

DP: Besides writing, what are your other interests?

PF: Besides writing, I love to read, mentor children & young adults, play piano, sing and cook.

DP: Do you keep a journal?

PF: I do keep a journal but don’t write in it daily.

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

PF: We had a family barbecue.

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

PF: As my book is the first of a series of books, this first book only includes three characters that spoke

Jamie –  Skye Dakota Turner

Jamie’s Mother –  Wunmi Mosaku

Jamie’s Grandmother – Aunjanue Ellis

Shaylee (Fairy) –   Hailey Kilgore

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

PF: The most important aspect of the Dorrance Publishing relationship for me was in keeping editorial control of all aspects of my book.

DP: Five favorite books of all time?

PF: 1)   The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer

2)   The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

3)   The Very Hungry Caterpillar  by Eric Carle

4)   I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

5)   The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche

DP: One sentence of advice for other writers:

PF: Though it may take a little while, allow yourself to fully see, hear, feel and know the story you are writing and why you are writing it.

Thank you, Patrice!

Ready to write your own children’s book? Contact us!

The post Author Spotlight: Patrice Fentiman 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!

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