NEWS: Upcoming Harbor House Radio Interview

I'll be sharing about Harbor House on http://www.kxro.com/ radio, 7:40 a.m., Friday (08/12). 15-20 minute segment.

I'll be joining Kyle Pauley, along with News Director Daniel Hargrove and Pat Anderson for an interview on the Morning News Show.

For those out of the area you can tune in live on the Internet at this link above (play button is at the top, near the the menu bar).

What Do You Think of the Finished Book Cover?

The New Book is Here! The New Book is Here!

Yes, indeed. LOUIE, the LONELY LIGHT-HOUSE has arrived!

It's now available on Amazon and it will be available in some local bookstores and light-house or museum gift shops May 1, 2015.

Other locations will follow shortly, but you can ask for it wherever books are sold ($11.99).

You may also order a signed copy from me and be the first to have one. 

Either pick up your reserved copy at the Launch Party* or an upcoming book fair; or ask to have it mailed (for an additional $2).

*Launch Party 12 noon to 2 p.m., May 2 at Beach Books in Seaside, Ore., or at the Local Indie Author & Book Fair, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., May 9 at Jupiter's Books in Cannon Beach, Ore.

Final Cover Design for "LOUIE, The Lonely Lighthouse"

Cover Art (C) by Roxanne Bowman; Cover Design by Greg Zschomler.

Today is the one month away mark for the debut of my newest book Louie, the Lonely Lighthouse! I thought it was time that you saw the final cover design (since Friday "everyone else in the world" will see it on the Press Releases).

Louie—forgotten and at risk of becoming a relic— despairs until, one dark and stormy night, his mighty light saves the day.

The story tells the tale of Louie’s passage from hopelessness to hero. It also teaches the intrinsic value of every individual and encourages people young and old to keep believing in themselves.

The picture book is suitable for children, but enjoyable for adults alike and is charmingly illustrated by Florence, Oregon artist, Roxanne Bowman.

Each keepsake paperback sold in a lighthouse gift shop or museum will create revenue for lighthouse preservation and upkeep. 

The painting for the cover (and the inner illustrations) were created by Roxanne Bowman who is a digital artist, painter and graphic designer living at the center of the Oregon coast. She holds an art degree from Stevens-Henager College. She has three daughters, a husband of 33+ years, and three grandchildren. As a child she was told that she would amount to nothing. To that she replies, “Watch me suckers!” She says that MS took away some of the things she loves, but that God has given back more than she would have ever thought.

THE BOOK’S LAUNCH PARTY will take place on May Day ("may day, may day" get it?) 2015. Time and place TBA. Watch for details very soon.

Other TOUR DATES as follows:

• May 2 Book Launch at Beach Books, Seaside, Ore. (time TBA)
• May 9 Local Indie Authors & Book Fair, Cannon Beach, Ore. Jupiter’s Books, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• May 16 Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, Cape Disappointment State Park, Wash. [pending]
• May 23 Lighthouse (TBA)
• July 25 NW Book Festival, Pioneer Square, Portland, Ore. (books only)
• Aug. 15 Northwest Authors Fair, Bob’s Beach Books [pending]
• Aug. 21-23 Rockaway Beach Fair, Rockaway Beach, Ore.
• Sept. 19 & 20 Rose City ComicCon, PDX Expo Center (books only)
• Sept. 26 Florence Festival of Books, Florence, Ore.

I am open to additional dates at local bookstores, lighthouses, etc.

CONTACT: gregory.zschomler@gmail.com

Proposed Cover Art for "Louie, the Lonely Lighthouse"

Here's what I'm thinking will be the cover for the new book coming out May Day, may day. 

What do YOU think?

Illustration by Roxanne Bowman, typography and layout by me.

ROCKETMAN Launches at the Portland H&G Show

3D view of the final front cover.

The new book, ROCKETMAN: From the Trailer Park to Insomnia and Beyond, has gone to press! I'll have thirty copies in my possession by the first week of February.

I'm planning to take them to (and sell them at) the Spring Portland Home & Garden Show, February 19-23. They'll be available at the NIWA Book Booth the entire time (until they sell out), but I'll be on hand to sell and sign 3-5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20 and 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 21.

If you can't make it to the show please order on Amazon (it will be available the first week of February) and catch me sometime if you want it signed. Or you may reserve a copy and I'll sign it for you and mail it ($2 extra). The book is $9.99.

After that you can get copies at your local bookstore. Jacobson's Books & More, in Hillsburo, Oregon) will carry it and other stores can order it in for you (if it's not yet in stock).

3D view of the back cover

Of course I'll have all my other books for sale (all but The Amish vs.the Zombies) at discount prices.
Plus the works of at least twenty-five other indie authors will be on hand and many of them will be signing, too.

Admission to the show is $10 for adults and Free for children. BUT you can get a $2 off coupon by clicking here. And remember, parking (usually $7 per vehicle) is FREE on Thursday and after 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Here's the word from the back cover:

In the tradition of humorists Patrick McMannus, Dave Barry, Tim Allen, Bill Cosby, and (the author’s favorite) Bill Bryson, Zschomler takes a look at some of life’s quirks and quandaries through a comedic lens. It’s a look back at a childhood in the 60s, followed by marriage and family in the 80s up until now.

“Inside, you’ll encounter a humorous and bitter-sweet slice of Americana. Always entertaining and encouraging, often auto-biographical, ROCKETMAN, will take the reader on a joy ride of wit and wisdom. This work transcends the humble anthology and becomes a conduit of lessons-learned by a very smart man who’s lived abundantly. It’s a multi-vitamin for the soul that you must dive into right now (unless you plan to set aside time for a warm drink and a fire).”

                                            ~from the Foreword by author Andy R. Bunch, Diner Tales

Includes stories like: Rocketman; Bullies and Boxing; Haunted House; Turkey Lurkey; I Believe in Santa; The Christmas Tree Tyrant; Oh, the Joys of Bus Travel; Strawberry Fields, Feels Like Forever; All American Dad; Little Sister; The Mysteries of Flight and Females; Insomnia: And Then There Were Kids; Band on a Run; Playing Ball, and a whole lot more.

"ROCKETMAN: From the Trailer Park to Insomnia and Beyond" COMING VERY SOON

I have a new book coming out in a month! (February 19) 

Yeah, sort of a surprise to me, too. 

It's an anthology; one I've been working on since last year, but didn't expect to release until this fall.. Ruth and I have been collecting stories and other pieces that I've written over the last decade or so. And it's come together faster than I expected.

I'd been working on other projects (namely writing the fourth Bayou Boys Adventure: Alien Ambush,;and a new childrens' picture book: Louie, the Lonely Lighthouse (which I am attempting to illustrate myself).

But, with the announcement of the NIWA Book Booth at the rapidly upcoming Portland Spring Home and Garden Show (Feb. 19-23), I felt prompted to finish the anthology in time for the show.

I immediately pushed the other projects aside (Louie will still come out in May, but the April release for Alien Ambush has been moved to "summer"), and pushed to complete the anthology (which was about 3/4 done anyway). It went rather smoothly.

The manuscript is now complete and has gone through the editorial process. It is completely laid out and nearly ready for the press (there's the print proof pass to complete). The cover is well into process, but not quite done. If all goes well that should be ready tomorrow.

BUT YOU DON'T CARE ABOUT ALL THAT STUFF! You want to know what the book is about. So here it is:

There are a variety of pieces; it's very eclectic. There are a half dozen poems, two of them are new--one written specifically for the book.

There are lots of photographs, many are from my childhood, but there are also quite a few landscape and art photos that I have taken over the past twenty years (though the bulk of them are recent)

And there are the stories.

There's Rocketman: I Think It's Been a Long Time about growing up in the trailer park. It's an amusing story about life during the cold war and space race.

Then there's Insomnia: And Then There Were Kids about having babies. (What it was like having eight of them.)

In between there are stories about having a dog, playing baseball, dealing with bullies, celebrating Christmas, raising a turkey, bus travel, picking strawberries, being in a band, understanding women, stuff about my old man and my little sister, hunting and a few surprises.

Most of the book is humorous and most of the stories are true. There is one piece of flash fiction, one commentary, one essay, one mash-up, but, aside from the poems, the rest are amusing (and sometimes touching) stories. Several of the pieces have been published elsewhere (like in The Columbian), but several (a half dozen) are brand new.

So, you've got many of the classics that people are always requesting that I find and re-post, and the never before seen (destined to be classic).

YOU'RE GOING TO LOVE THIS BOOK! And Pre-Orders are now being taken.

Here's a little something from an advance reader:

“Inside, you’ll encounter a humorous and bitter-sweet slice of Americana. Always entertaining and encouraging, often auto-biographical, ROCKETMAN will take the reader on a joy ride of wit and wisdom. This work transcends the humble anthology and becomes a conduit of lessons-learned by a very smart man who’s lived abundantly. It’s a multi-vitamin for the soul that you must dive into right now (unless you plan to set aside time for a warm drink and a fire).”

~from the Foreword by author Andy R. Bunch, Diner Tales

BIG SALE on the Bayou Boys Adventure Series AND Pre-Orders on ALIEN AMBUSH, BBA Book #4

Did You Know...?

The fourth book in The Bayou Boys Adventures, ALIEN AMBUSH, comes out this spring? April 21, 2015 to be exact. Though the story (like all the BBAs) stands alone it picks up where PLAYHOUSE PHANTOM left off.

That means that...

The current trilogy would make an exceptional Christmas gift for readers 10 to 16 years of age. The first book can be read in January, the second in February, and the third in March leading up to the April release of the fourth.

And now through December 15, 2014 all three books, VOODOO VIRUS, MARSHMONSTER and PLAYHOUSE PHANTOM (a $24.97 value) are on sale for only $21. That's right all three books for just twenty-one bucks.

But that's not all...

The price includes FREE gift wrapping and a personalized signing!

This offer is limited to supplies on hand and exclusively through this website. Shipping costs ($4 per set) apply. Or get FREE POSTAGE when you pre-pay for ALIEN AMBUSH (discount priced at $9 post paid) and be among the first to have it.

That's $25 (postage incl.) for the first three books or $30 for the set of four (three now, and the fourth in April 2015). That is such a deal and will NOT be offered again.

ORDER NOW BEFORE THIS DEAL DISAPPEARS!

ALIEN AMBUSH releases April 21, 2015. UFO sightings and a missing crew of roughnecks (oil platform workers) have Peter and Bart curious and on the case. This time they bring along their paranormal pal Reed and skeptic friend Dallas.

The rough concept art to the right shows the proposed cover layout for ALIEN AMBUSH.>

Talking Turkey on the Upper Left Edge

Photo by Ruth A. Zschomler

You might wish to check out my Thanksgiving tale, called Turkey Lurkey, I've had published on The Upper Left Edge. 

Here's the link.

Early Bird Bazaar a Bit of a Bust, but Books Bought

Gregory E. Zschomler, April M. Bullard and G.S. Coltman at the Astoria Armory for the Early Bird Holiday Bazaar.

Today's bazaar was not one of the better ones for me. Surprisingly we sold zero copies of the new book, "'I'm Samson,' said Sydney." April Bullard sold quite a few copies of "The Sock Thief."

I did sell a few copies of "The Amish vs. The Zombies" and a cookbook. Andy R. Bunch wasn't there, due to illness and G.S. Coltman sold no books at all. I felt bad for him. He knocked off early to go crabbing.

The turnout was low and there was no heat in the building. Advertising was good and I got three great write-ups (Coast Weekend, HipFish and CNNW) which people told us they saw. The new book, along with the older ones, will be in stores next week and is available on Amazon.

SAMSON is in the House and He's Bringing it Down

After months and months of work (in fact more than a year now)the children's picture book "I'M SAMSON," SAID SYDNEY (by Gregory E. Zschomler and illustrated by April M. Bullard) is finally "in the can" and, in a matter of two weeks, will be available for purchase.

The official launch date is November 15, 2014 (click link for time and place). The retail price is $14.99.

A goodly supply will be on hand (through me or April) for holiday gift giving from November 15 through December 12. Any order made before December 12 will be filled in time for Christmas. [Note: This book would also make a great gift for Hanukkah.]

You can pre-order signed(by both the author and illustrator) copies today and you can be of the first to read the book (as those orders will be shipped Dec. 16). Or you can order unsigned copies from Amazon. The book will also be available through your favorite bookstore (but will likely need ordered in). Some local bookstores on the Pacific North Coast and in the Portland/Vancouver area may have them in stock.

Here's what people 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; Adventures in Odyssey team at Focus on the Family, and father of three.

“This book will be a favorite 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.” ~ 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.” ~mother of two boys

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)

Shelfie! Placement at Beach Books in Seaside, Oregon

My Bayou Boys Adventure book PLAYHOUSE PHANTOM, concerning a haunted theater on Halloween, was just stocked at Beach Books in Seaside, Oregon. It's on the shelf and in the window with the Halloween boo-ks.

Another Illustration from "'I'M SAMSON,' SAID SYDNEY"

Illustration (c) by April Bullard for "'I'm Samson,' said Sydney"

Here's another illustration for you.

April Bullard has finished all the illustrations for "'I'm Samson,' said Sydney." I thought I'd share another one with you today. They are just so cool I HAVE to. I hope you're enjoying them as much as I am.

Next week I start formatting the book. I'm looking into doing it as a hard cover and, if I decide to pursue that option, I will run a Kickstarter campaign to finance it ($500). Basically that amounts to doing a pre-sale.

The award tiers will be something like this:

• One book (signed by April and I) for $20 (post paid).
• A 12" x 12" full color print (pictured) signed by April for $30.
• A book and a print for $40.
• Two copies of the book (second book mailed to the person of your choice) and a print for $50.
• Plus a $100 bonus level TBA.

Will you be interested? You'll be the first to own a copy.

Local Indie Authors at PDX Home & Garden Show

My books will be available at the Fall Portland Home & Garden Show along with many other books by other local indie authors. While I won't be there, my books will be. I encourage you to come on out and check out the many titles you can bring into your home.

The admission is $10, but you can get a $2 off coupon here: http://www.otshows.com/pfhs/the-show/discount-coupon/

If you want your books by me signed you should come out and buy them this Saturday (Sept. 20) at the Local Indie Author Meet & Greet at the 63rd St. Brewed Awakenings from 10 a.m. until noon (sse the post about the event below). Five other great authors will be there, too. The event is free.

If you can't make either of those I'll be in town signing my new childrens' picture book with the illustrator April Bullard on November 22. Time and place TBA. We'll have our other books available as well. This will be my last appearance in Vancouver this year.

Great AVZ Book Cover and Trailer Shoot Today

It was a great day for shooting the book cover and the book trailer video for The AMISH vs. The ZOMBIES. All went smoothly and quickly. And we went through a quart of stage blood.

Author/director Greg Zschomler on location directing models/actors
Anna (Hannah Stroval) and Hezekiah (the zombie) for the book's trailer.

We began with the zombie makeup session at 6 a.m. and were done by 7:30. The shoot began at 8 a.m. on location at a barn in Clark County where we shot both cover stills and trailer video footage.

We then moved to Ft. Vancouver and shot some beautiful footage on the porch of the Chief Factor's house. From there we went to the Ridgefiled Library for a quick, short shot (one take).

The last official shot of the day was a barn interior (three takes) then a pick up shot back at the original barn's exterior to assure coverage. We were done by noon and I am very please with the stills and the video.

Thank you Anna, Hezekiah and Isaiah; Ruth, Elijah and Benjamin, too!

I'll be creating the cover art over the next three days. Then I have a week's vacation. When I get back I'll be working on the final print proof and editing the trailer (which should be done two weeks before the book launch on June 21).

First Illustration Sample for Samson

"I'm Samson, " said Sydney, "and I'm really tough..."

Here's the first pencil sketch illustration for "I'm Samson," said Sydney by April Bullard. After finalization color will be added. Awesome, huh?

Our book will have about a dozen illustrations and is scheduled release is for Thanksgiving 2014. I won't be sharing all the illustrations, but I will post a few ticklers so you can see how the work is progressing.

Advance Praise for the Second Edition of LIGHTS, CAMERA, WORSHIP!

Mock-up of potential cover art. Sample only; subject to change.

"Greg's book, "Lights Camera Worship" has been a valuable resource for the classes I have taught. We have used this book for Worship Technology, as well as a course entitled "Praise Band". The book gives specific instructions on worship technology while staying broad enough on these subjects to leave room the flexibilities that are unique to each situation. My students have often commented on how much they liked this text.

"In working with Greg on staff, I found him to be practical, realistic and reliable. His ability to make amazing things happen on a limited budget never ceased to amaze me. I believe you will find this book very useful to your ministry. Greg brings a background of hands-on experience in this field. In addition, he is one of the most creative people I know. Greg has lectured in classes and as a seminar leader he is well-prepared and engaging. He strives to stay abreast of the current trends and technologies. That is why he has created this new version of a great resource.

"This book should be a valuable source of help in a field that is constantly changing. I would highly recommend this book as a resource for those who work with technology at churches as well as worship leaders, pastors and board members."

~Lynn Higgins is currently a Worship Pastor and the former chair of the music department at Mid-America Christian University.

Here's an Interview with Me by Author Andy Bunch

Check out my recent conversation with fellow author Andy Bunch. You might just learn something about me and my writing.

http://funamazingetc.blogspot.com/2013/08/greggory-e-zschomler-interview.html

Too Many Books, Too Little Time

Books arrived in today's mail! James L. Rubart's MEMORY'S DOOR and my own PLAYHOUSE PHANTOM proofs. Such a dilemma! Of course, one desires to pour over ones own work, but I've also promised a timely review to Jim.

Don't worry Jim, I will read yours first. I should be done by the end of next week. Then? I'll tackle mine while on the road to and from vacation.

And, meanwhile, be on the lookout for my link/post to an interview I did for Andy Bunch's blog.