Friday, July 29, 2016

The New HARBOR HOUSE Swag is Coming!

Right now we're lining up some exclusive HARBOR HOUSE swag and rewards for our IndieGoGo backers that you won't want to pass up. These MUST HAVE GOODIES are just the ticket for you or a writer you know.


Here are just a few of the spiffy items we'll be offering to our generous benefactors:

Our Exclusive Harbor House Bookmark. 1.5" X 7" on 14 lb. glossy UV coated stock w/ rounded corners. Front^.
Bookmark backside^. URL not yet active.

To read what's on the back click to enlarge image.
<Or this: Our exclusive HARBOR HOUSE mug. (Be sure to read the backside.)

Plus, there will be monthly and yearly memberships.

But Wait! There's more!!!


Sure there's some groovy stuff, but what about the BIG STUFF?

Well, check out these great rewards:


  • a two hour Personal Coaching Session (on any writing/publishing topics you desire) 
  • a Custom Book Trailer 
  • a Custom Cover Design
  • a Manuscript Analysis
  • AND an overnight stay at the Aberdeen Guest House Inn & Suites for two on Sept. 24 + a Cajun dinner for two with Ruth and Greg at the Harbor House prior to the Grand Opening Gala + a breakfast consultation at Denny’s the following morning + a signed copy of Chicken Poop on my Sole + two Harbor House mugs and two Harbor House bookmarks + a pre-publishing package for your completed manuscript which includes editorial services, typesetting and interior layout, a book cover design, and a custom book trailer!

Want to know more?


We urge you to watch this blog for further launch details and how you can acquire these and other rewards.

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Your First Look at the Interior of Harbor House

I thought it about time to share our progress on the HARBOR HOUSE


As we move toward our anticipated [now] (save this date) September 24 Grand Opening we still have quite a bit to accomplish. And yet, we have also done quite a bit. Up until now a lot of the work has been, primarily, behind the scenes (planning, projecting, research, and promo-tional preparation), but we are working on the physical site as well.

The Library


Here (following) are a few shots of the nearly finished library. There are still a couple final touches to complete (like the wall art and more resources), but you'll get a very good idea for the "feel" of the setting from these photographs. (The next best thing to trying it out for yourself.)


We eventually plan to build a floor to ceiling bookcase on the wall to the left of the French door (first photo) as our collection merits.

Note the comfy-looking wing back chairs, the ceiling fan and natural light. The overhead fixture can also provide lots of bright (LED) light for reading.

We'll also be adding some end tables and a coffee table to complete the furnishings.

The Conference Room


Now, (following) I am going to show you a shot of the primary meeting space which is far from done.

Please bear in mind that there is plenty of work (from paint touch-ups and cleaning to wall art and furnishings) to be done in this space. We'd like to replace the carpet, but that project is lower on our priority list and may not be done right away. Note the period wainscotting and chair rail.

Now note the smaller bay window on the left; we'll be building a relaxing window seat (for curling up with books) into that space. The wall on the left will house several study spaces, and the other bay window at the far end will be a cozy nook (much like the library). Along the right hand wall (out of frame) there will be a beverage and snack bar. Additionally, the room will be able to seat 30-36 persons in a classroom setting.

One other space (besides the restroom), the foyer, also needs work and I'm saving the before picture to show with the after photograph (when it is taken) for a later post.

How YOU Can Help


We'll be beginning an IndieGoGo crowdsourcing campaign in about a week or so to fund further renovation, revitalization and other capitol needs. At that time we'll be asking for your help. As a thank you for your support we'll be offering deep discounts on our services and products as well as some very cool swag.

In the meantime, if you'd like to know more about our services and plans please read this post from an earlier date. And be sure to stay informed and in touch by following this blog.

Sunday, July 17, 2016

Near Aberdeen? Come Out and See Me.

I'll be vending books on the street across from the D&R Theater in downtown Aberdeen for this Art Walk event. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.


I have the new Bayou Boys omnibus and Chicken Poop on my Sole as well as my older books for sale.

Love to sign a book for you.

Friday, July 15, 2016

Local Writer Seeks "Pen Pals"

Well, as many of you know I have relocated from Cannon Beach, Ore. to Aberdeen, Wash. 


Back on Oregon's north coast I had a local network of writers to share with, grow with and commiserate with.

When I lived in Clark County, Wash. that network was even larger. Sure, we all stay in touch electronically, but it's not the same.

Here in the Grays Harbor area I have yet to develop a supportive network. The closest writer's group (that I know of so far) meets a half hour away on the second Saturday of the month. I have not yet been able to attend.

I'd like to meet and network with local writers in the greater Aberdeen/Hoquiam area. If you're a writer or author (or know of any) anywhere near here, please let me know.

Saturday, July 9, 2016

Here Are Current Detailed Plans for the Writing Center






“Charting a Course Toward Better Writing.”



Program Directors:

Ruth Ann Zschomler, MFA has worked in journalism and as a magazine writer. Her work has been published on OregonLive.com, in The Oregonian, The Columbian, The Pitkin Review, Canyon Voices, RAIN Magazine, Charisma magazine and several other publications. She has an MFA in Creative Writing from Goddard University.

Gregory E. Zschomler is the author and/or publisher of more than a dozen books and has written for newspapers and magazines including The Columbian and The Cannon Beach Gazette. He’s an award-winning playwright with a Professional Writing Certificate and a BA in Digital Technologies and Culture from Washington State University. He’s on Facebook and Twitter and blogs at: gregoryezschomler.blogspot.com

Location:

510 West First Street, Aberdeen, WA 98520
HarborHouseWriters@yahoo.com

HARBOR HOUSE will exist to support authors and writing students at every level of devel-opment by offering workshops, guidance, writer’s services, encouragement, a writing resource library, and space for writers to work and network free from the distractions of home, the office or the coffee shop.

Our “homey” and relaxed site, seated less than half an hour from some of Washington’s most picturesque beaches (including several locations from the Twilight movie series) and the grand Olympic National Forest, will inspire and delight.

“A homey kind of place for writers, dreamers and other oddities.”

Harbor House Offerings:

  • Weekend Writing Work-shops up to twice monthly* 
  • Casual Drop-in Writing and Editing Assistance (Mon./ Fri. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.) 
  • Drop-in Writing Time** (Mon./Fri. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.) 
  • Teen Tuesdays: Free help with writing assignments and essays (2 – 4 p.m.). 
  • Book Club (Monday eve) 
  • Local Writers Group (Thursday evening) 
  • Arts & Craft Classes (occasional Tuesday evenings) 
  • Quarterly Readings 
Other Services such as professional editing, book design, book trailer creation, coaching and publishing services are also available for a fee. 

*How-to, Author Meet & Greets, Indie Publishing Panels, Craft Courses, etc. May require additional registration fees. 

**Includes use of High-speed WiFi, Printing (priced per page), Free Coffee and Tea, Workstations, Basic Consultation, use of the Writer’s Resource Library and more. 

Drop-in Use and Membership Rates:


  • By-the-Day Fee: $5 
  • 10X Punch Card: $40 
  • Monthly Anytime Pass: $50 
  • (includes our exclusive member e-newsletter) 
  • Yearly Anytime Membership Pass: $499 
  • (includes one free workshop each year and our exclusive member e-newsletter) 

Day Use Amenities:
  • High-speed WiFi Internet 
  • Ink Jet Printing/ Copies (priced/page) and FAX 
  • The FREE Coffee Drinks and Tea are always on! 
  • Comfy Work Spaces
  • Both Quiet and Social Areas 
  • Basic Consultation 
  • Use of the Writer’s Resource Library 
  • Handy Snacks and Beverages (for sale) 
  • Local Author Bookstore 
  • Charging Stations and more
  •  

Local Information:

Accommodations: Travel Lodge, and the Aberdeen Guest House Inn and Suites are just blocks away.

Restaurants: Scoops Drive-in Ice Cream & Espresso, Denny’s, Duffy's and Pizza Hut Sports Bar are nearby. Plus Teriyaki, Italian, Chinese, Mexican and more.

To Do: The D&R Theater (concerts), Shopping, Fishing Charters, Hiking, Parks, Beaches, Aberdeen Museum of History, Swimming and Boating on Lake Aberdeen, and Battle Cruises on the Tall Ships—Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain—in Grays Harbor.

Projected Grand Opening: September 24, 2016 (fingers crossed)