Submissions for Anthology Now Accepted

HERE’S THE DEALIO:

Eyrie Press is now taking submissions for a new anthology.

Here’s how it will work:

You submit your funny farm stories. (That’s tales from your life in the country, not stories from your stint in the asylum.)

If we like them we’ll edit them as needed and include them in our upcoming anthology.

You get a free copy and you can buy additional copies at wholesale to sell for whatever you wish (wholesale is anticipated to be around $10 and the suggested retail price will be $14.95).

We want true (or mostly true) tales of life in the country. You may submit as many as you please, but we won’t print more than three from any given author.

Stories may be any length between 300 and 1,500 words, but we’re more likely to print stories between 500 and 750 words. All submissions need to be clean (poop is the strongest word we’ll print) and highly amusing (but they can be touching and meaningful, too). All authors will be credited and appreciated.

CONTEST:

We don’t yet have the title story. So, we’re holding a contest. The best story about getting “chicken poop on your sole” (you can make this one up out of thin air if you need to) will win the privilege of being the first story in the book and you’ll receive $50 plus a certificate of merit and two free copies of the book.

Submissions will be received through September 2015 and we intend to publish in time for Christmas.

Submissions should be emailed [as Word files] to: gregory.zschomler@gmail.com

Special Success Stories: "Louie, the Lonely Lighthouse"

Cover Art for Louie, the Lonely Lighthouse

Just over two weeks ago I ordered in sixty copies of the new book Louie, the Lonely Lighthouse. Now, two weeks later, I have barely a dozen in stock which I expect will fly out the door by the day's end. 

To you this may not seem like a significant number as book sales go, and it's not. This is no New York Times Bestseller (yet), but it is MY bestseller to date. None of my other books has gotten off to such a start (though most have sold more copies over time).

The number I have personally sold doesn't even take into account online sales which have also proven brisker "out of the gate" than my other titles. I am in no way sharing this news to brag on myself; I had little to do with it really. Basically, I wrote a few words and got them published. I did some marketing as well, but I've done that for my other books, too.

This initial success comes primarily, I believe, from publishing the right book at the right time and getting it before the right eyes. It is a good word (that touches people emotionally) and I believe the work was inspired. I was simply faithful to what I felt. I was inspired by my coastal surroundings, moved by a metaphor that I felt inside, and penned the story as faithfully as I could. The fact that the book is commercially viable (and a fundraiser for lighthouses) also contributes to its popularity.

Enter the Artist

Roxanne and I at the Book Launch for Louie, the Lonely Lighthouse

Of course, I would be remiss not to acknowledge the wonderful illustrative work that accompanies the text. The art, by Oregon coast artist Roxanne Bowman, is, I believe, also inspired.  The timing for her contribution was perfect as well.

Though we met two years ago at a book fair, we'd only talked about working on the project together after I wrote the story this year. We formally partnered on it just six weeks before the publication date. And no sooner had the book been published than did her home on the coast sell and put into motion her move to Costa Rica where I would never have reached her.

I believe the Lord has had His hand in this project all along. It all happened quickly and it happened through insurmountable odds. Roxanne was constantly bombarded throughout her production, but our God opened windows of opportunity every time Satan attacked. (The ordeal is a story in itself, so I won't go into it here.)

So why is this book so important? 

I think it's the message. So many people feel worthless just like Louie. They feel forgotten and unloved. And this book brings a message of hope. It is a reminder that "God don't make junk" and has a plan for your life--that we all have a place where we are to shine.

You can purchase a copy from Amazon if you'd like, or (better yet) pick a copy up from one of the bookstores that carry it, or ask for it at a bookstore that doesn't to have it ordered in. Or, if you wish to have a signed copy, order a copy from me. I am restocking because I have some bulk orders to fill at lighthouses and maritime museums around the country, BUT...

Special Limited Edition Signed Copies

Louie's illustrator Roxanne Bowman

If you want a copy signed by Roxanne, I have only four of those. And, since she is moving out of the country, getting those hereafter won't be cheap or easy. She's signed them "Everyone has value..." with her signature and I've signed them "Shine on..." with mine.

This is significant because as a child Roxanne was told she would amount to nothing, and even though she's struggled with MS for much of her life, through sheer determination to prove everyone wrong, she was the first in her family to earn a college degree and has become a successful artist.

These special limited copies will be rare keepsakes and you (being one of the first four to respond) can have one for $20 post-paid.

Drop me a note at: gregory.zschomler@gmail.com

Cloud & Leaf Stocks Bestsellling Louie in Manzanita

My newest book, Louie, the Lonely Lighthouse, was just picked up today at the Cloud & Leaf in Manzanita, Ore. Proprietor Jody Swanson has five copies in stock at the bookstore, 148 Laneda Ave. But they won't last long. This book has so far been my best-seller ever! (Of course, if they sell out they'll order in more, and that's a very good thing.)

If you're in the area, stop in and buy one or one of the other books in her wide selection. She has a local author section, a small used book shelf and lots of popular new titles to boot. Plus some great gift items, many related to literature.

Tucked back off Landena Ave. in Manzanita.

You can check them out at the website link above or here on their Facebook page, but you should stop in to the classy little store when you're in the area.

And may I also recommend our favorite eatery in town while you're there: The Big Wave at Laneda and Hwy 101. Try the Tsunami Burger (big enough for two).

Please support you local independent bookstores--especially those who sell books by independent authors.

I want to be a part of it, New York, New York

National Lighthouse Museum site on Staten Is.

You may know that I recently mentioned the possibility of going to NYC, having been invited to do a book signing at the National Lighthouse Museum for Louie, the Lonely Lighthouse.

Well, I’m stepping into the water on this. I still need to raise the funds, and I’m working on that, but the point is that I laid a fleece out for a sign this past weekend and the fleece came up wet.* So, I committed (and I’m scared).

At any rate, I have now been scheduled to do a book discussion and signing at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 8 at the new (soon to open) National Lighthouse Museum on Staten Island. I am also to be a guest at the ribbon cutting ceremony 11 a.m. Friday, August 7.

I probably won’t make any serious money on the deal, but it is an honor and an opportunity (or excuse) to go somewhere I've dreamed about for a long time. The book, Louie, the Lonely Lighthouse IS missional, too, so it’s an influential way to spread its valuable message. And it will be sold through their gift shop henceforth.

Therefore, I would appreciate your prayers that everything works out.

The trip is going to cost me about $600 for airfare plus food and ground transportation while I’m there. Fortunately, I have a place to stay, thanks to the graciousness of my niece, Leah. If I come up with some “fun money” as well—to see a couple Broadway shows (also a dream)—that would be great bonus. If not, so be it.

Artist concept of finished renovation for the National Lighthouse Museum

There IS another way you can help me out, too. And that is to buy a book or two, if you would. (And help spread the word by sharing in your social networks.)

I thank you in advance.

Listen to (and see) the lyrics to the iconic song sung by Frank Sinatra here.


*I use this Biblical image as a metaphor, to understand the meaning you may wish to read the account in Judges 6:37.

It's Tomorrow and They'll be Books and the Beach

The forecast calls for some nice weather here at the Cannon Beach tomorrow  (Sat., May 9, 2015) and we're having a big book fair to boot. All independent PNW authors, eighteen of them to be exact. Dozens of titles in several genres. All selling and signing their work at Jupiter's Books from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

And two of us (myself and April Bullard) are debuting brand new books. Come on out! What better excuse could you have? Just bring along some book money and a beach chair.

Oh My Words! Today's Book Launch was a Success

The author at Beach Books in Seaside, Ore.

I'm pretty wiped out right now. I don't know where the day went. But it was awesome.

After I walked into town (and back) to get the mail the family drove to Seaside, Ore. I arrived at Beach Books this morning at 11ish and, after getting set up, did the signing thing until 2 p.m.

Sold a couple dozen books and I've got orders for dozens more at lighthouses/museums/bookstores around the country, now. (More coming in next week I'm sure. And my appearance calendar is getting full, too. Not many Saturdays left open through September now.)

Anyway, that stack at the top right of the photograph was twice as tall before today. The rest of the stack will likely sell at next week's Local Indie Author & Book Fair at Jupiter's Books in Cannon Beach, Ore. (10 a.m to 4 p,m,).

This is just a hot commodity, I guess I'll have to restock soon.

Haven't got yours? Please ask for yours at a local indie bookstore or come out and see me at the book fair or you may order from Amazon.

Illustrator Roxanne Bowman

Joining today me was the book's illustrator Roxanne Bowman from Florence, Ore. It was the first she saw of the book in print and I think she was pretty proud.

After I moved out the family drove up to the Ilwaco (Wash.) Saturday Market and dinner at Ole Bob's. I also stopped in at Time Enough Books to make contact.

We got home close to 7 p.m. I wrote this post. The end.