"BEYOND INSANITY" Release Update

3D depiction of the cover

It is my pleasure to report the upcoming release of my new anthology BEYOND INSANITY: From the Launch Pad to New Dimensions, the follow-up to ROCKETMAN: From the Trailer Park to Insomnia and Beyond.

I finished writing the collection of poems, pictures and personal essays back in November. Since that time the book has gone through the editing and prepress (layout and design) processes and is now ready for print and publication.

I'm looking for a new place to do the official LAUNCH PARTY as HeART in the Square was canceled.  Hopefully Sat. Feb. 11 somewhere on Grays Harbor. Stay tuned. 

 I'd love to meet you; come out and see me!And I'll have volume one in this series, ROCKETMAN: From the Trailer Park to Insomnia and Beyond, along with my other books available, too.

About the Book:

ROCKETMAN: From the Trailer Park to Insomnia and Beyond took you to the outer limits of family humor. Now you can travel beyond funny, because there’s more where that came from in this all NEW collection of short stories, poems and pictures from the life and times of a kid at heart. Read and relate as you enjoy a wild ride through BEYOND INSANITY.

Like Patrick McManus, Bill Cosby, Dave Barry and Bill Bryson, the author takes you on familiar journeys that not only tug at your heart, but have you laughing in no time at all.

Included are such stories as: 

Youthful Mischief; Feelin’ Squirrelly; Amtrak Attack; You’ve Got a Friend?; STOO-PID; My First Car; Camping with the Comrades; Be Prepared to do a Good Turn Daily; Things that Bother Me; The Heart of a Man; Best Friend; High Waters, Musicals and Hoops; Mother and Me; Don’t Cry Over Filched Milk Money; Change; Quicksand; The Confidential Kid; On Writing (What Little I Know); Old Coots at Mickey D’s; Low Rider; It Happened on Halloween; Christmas Cheer; and the snot rippin’ The Day Renny Skäraosten Saved the North Coast.

Plus several poems, photographs and more!

If you can't wait until the official launch party, the book will be available on Amazon by February 1 to order in print or download for Kindle.

BOOK LAUNCH at Beach Books in Seaside, Oregon

Yes, the new book arrives early and just in time for "Written in the Sand" at Beach Books in Seaside, Oregon! 

Come on out and get your signed copy hot of the press!

Details on the event here.

Here's what first reviewers are saying:

"Greg has written some great material. These scripts are delightful, creative and fun! It can be tricky and delicate to write material for a church audience and still maintain a high degree of artistic integrity. Greg has done it! These scripts don't "preach" but they do make you think and are highly entertaining. A welcome addition to add to my resources!" ~Chuck Neighbors, Masters Image Productions

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.

BOOK LAUNCH: New Children’s Picture Book Relates Bible Hero Story about Samson

Cannon Beach, Ore. author Gregory Zschomler (formerly of Ridgefield, Wash.) and Vancouver, Wash. illustrator April Bullard are excited to debut their new children’s picture book “I’m Samson,” said Sydney.

The book, for children six and under, is the telling of a young boy who imagines, by role playing, that he’s the Bible hero Samson. It is the creators’ hope that the volume will be the first in a series about Sydney’s playful imaginations of Bible characters.

The official launch will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., November 15 at the Early Bird Holiday Bazaar in the Astoria Armory, on 17th St. in Astoria, Ore. Both the author and illustrator will be on hand to do personalized signings.

In addition authors G.S. Coltman and Andy R. Bunch will be on hand with their new books. Coltman, from Seaside, will be selling/signing Max's Great Sea Adventure and Bunch, from Vancouver, his newest book Diner Tales.

Samson will also be available in independent bookstores in the Vancouver/Portland metro area and north Oregon coast communities the following week.

Their book is designed to introduce children to the Bible story in a way they can relate to, through whimsical verse and bright, clever pictures. The edition will make a lasting and loving Christmas gift.

Bullard is the author and illustrator of the book The Sock Thief and Zschomler is the author of the Bayou Boys Adventure series for middle readers. All their books will be available at the event.

Here's what folks are saying:

"My kids delighted in this retelling of Samson's story. The simple retelling was creative and easy to understand. A fun modern parable for kids." ~ Brock D. Eastman, author of The Quest for Truth series; he works with the Adventures in Odyssey brand at Focus on the Family and is the father of three.

“This book will be a favorite book for early readers. The illustrations are detailed and it’s fun to point out the tiny details of everyone's childhood memories. The biblical message is simply put as seen through the eyes of the mighty Sydney. The follow-up for the Biblical verses gives an opportunity to follow up alone or with your child to learn more.” ~ Suzi (a grandmother of three)

“A good way to get kids interested in Bible stories…and get them asking questions... I think the premise of the book is a realistic scenario. Kids often make believe stories they've heard and sometimes blur the lines between their present reality and past reality/biblical stories.” ~ Bethany (mother of two boys)

The Zombies (and Amish) Are Coming!

The files were approved and the first batch of books have been ordered and will be here on Monday, June 16! 

You may, of course, reserve a copy, but they will not be available until the June 21 launch. 

Here's the word from my advance reader: 

"I had a great time reading Gregory E. Zschomler's newest book, 'The Amish vs. The Zombies'...An engaging mid-teen book for those Zombie fans and a great Christian message. I highly recommend it."

I also expect to have the trailer online next week which you will not want to miss because I think it is really good. The reason it is so good is because of the talent behind it. Yes, I think I did a pretty good job writing, directing, and editing, but I'm talking about my cameraman, Isaiah, the actors Anna and Hezekiah, and my producer Ruth.

Okay, okay, I admit it.

The truth is that you can get the book NOW, like in  just a couple of minutes. The Kindle ebook is available (or will be as of 9 p.m. June 2) on Amazon for instant download. You may also order the paperback from Amazon now and have it in a week. But why not wait and get a signed copy and save on postage. Buy local and support local business.

BOOK LAUNCH PARTY for The AMISH vs. The ZOMBIES

AND STAY TUNED FOR THE TRAILER, COMING SOON

Now Booking Summer Signings, Readings, Etc.

I'm beginning to put together my summer appearance schedule. I don't intend to do a lot of signings, but I'm open to readings and speaking engagements (or radio shows) which I will book on a first come first served basis. I'm always open to guest blog or podcast. With that said...

The season kicks off with the BOOK LAUNCH PARTY for THE AMISH vs. THE ZOMBIES at Interstellar Overdrive bookstore on June 21. The bookstore is located in Hazel Dell, Wash.

The time and details will be announced soon. I do know that I'll be reading from and signing the new book, as well as my other titles, that day.

I will also be signing at Jacobsen's Books & More in Hillsboro, Ore. on July 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

At this time this is all I have booked and a small "tour" is not something I've ruled out if the stops should come together to make that possible in August.

Upcoming Book Release; Save the Date

Ideation design mock-up suggesting the
flavor of the proposed cover art.

The official release date for my newest upcoming book, The AMISH vs. The ZOMBIES, will be Saturday, June 21, 2014 at Interstellar Overdrive (a bookstore in Hazel Dell, Wash.). Details (time and program) will be published and advertised in mid-May.

The book is a cross-genre YA coming of age story for older teens (or adults who like speculative fiction about zombies or the Amish). Recommended for ages16 and up (due to graphic content).

Meanwhile I have to finish a redraft and take care of the cover design--which is a LOT of work. Pray for me please! And please stay tuned.

NEW RELEASE: LIGHTS, CAMERA, WORSHIP! Now Available

The Book Booth at Worship NW.

The official book launch for LIGHTS, CAMERA, WORSHIP! took place this past weekend at WORSHIP NW. The book is now readily available on Amazon or can be ordered at your favorite bookstore or direct from the author (on this website).

If you are in church ministry as a worship leader, pastor or church tech this book is for you. It also makes a great gift for any of these people you know. If you want to see your church grow this text will help you reach your culture.

There are dozens of tips, tricks and techniques, ideas and information, references and resources--anyone of which will make your ministry more effective--all for less than $15. Something for every ministry! I am confident that you will find this a valuable change tool that will impact your reach.

To find out more click here.

Now For Sale: LIGHTS, CAMERA, WORSHIP!

The NEW Second Edition of LIGHTS, CAMERA, WORSHIP! will be officially available as a paperback on February 28, 2014. That's when I'll have copies on hand to sign and sell. The books sell for $14.99.

HOWEVER, you can pre-order your copy now from Amazon and have it in five days. It is also available as an eBook for just $9.99 and you can have it TODAY!

15 Fantastic Chapters that will help you transform your ministry.

Book Release Party

I have committed to debuting the book at WORSHIP NW. Dates are Feb. 28 and Mar. 1. The event is in Keizer, Ore. I'll be sharing the space with author Andy R. Bunch who will be showcasing his book "On Becoming a Man."

Come on out and see us and get a signed copy of the book or order on Amazon. (Note, we'll also both be at the Portland Home and Garden Show this weekend (Feb. 20-23). [Note: LCW will not be available at the H&G Show event.]

Three Photos from Today's Book Fair and Halloween Launch of PLAYHOUSE PHANTOM

My booth at the NIWA Book Fair and Latte Da Halloween Party.

Ready to sell books and do zombie makeups.

My first victim. Applying latex appliances at the Halloween Party.

A finished makeup. And, yes, I am available for hire.

Today's Book Fair and Makeup Thing at Latte Da

Made up kids today at Latte Da's Halloween Party after the NIWA

Book Fair and launch party for Playhouse Phantom.