MARCH MADNESS BOOK SALE: Low, Low Prices

That's right! I have some VERY Special Specials on select books beginning Monday, March 2 and running through Sunday, March 15, 2015 (limited to stock on hand). Now is the time to buy! Just look at these deep discounts:

Buy ALL three Bayou Boys Adventure books (for middle-readers) at the ridiculous price of $20 post-paid. That's right, twenty dollars even for Voodoo Virus, Marsh Monster and Playhouse Phantom, signed, sealed and delivered wherever you please (in the USA). I have never before offered this set at this low, low price. While on-hand supplies last; I only have seven full sets on hand. When they're gone that's it for this deal! (AND you'll be the first in line to purchase the forth and final book in the series, Alien Ambush, when it comes out near the end of the year.)

I have four additional copies of  Voodoo Virus (originally $6.99) on hand and these are now just $5 each (and ship for $2 more). I also have four additional copies of Marsh Monster (originally $8.99) for just $7 each (and ship for $3 more). The price on this one has never been so low.

Again limited to supplies on hand. Sorry, no additional copies of Playhouse Phantom are available (but you can buy it for full price online or through your favorite bookstore).

BONUS: If you order any of the above books or sets now I'll also throw in a slightly blemished* copy of The Amish vs. the Zombies for the cost of shipping ($2). Limited to seven on hand. *There's an almost unnoticeable printing error on the front cover. Due to some graphic  content (violence) the book is recommended for readers 16 and up.

I also have ten unblemished copies of The Amish vs. the Zombies available. They usually sell for $9.99 plus shipping, but you can have one signed, sealed and delivered for just $10 even. That's virtually FREE postage!

Plus, I have just two copies of Big Papa Zee's Cajun and Caribbean Cookbook on hand. And I'm letting them go for dirt cheap. This were printed prior to the inclusion of my recipes for my Ragin' Cajun and Caribbean Jerk seasonings. They sold for $5.99 online and I have never offered them for less than $5, but you can have one for just $3 post-paid. And I'll even throw in the seasoning recipes (printing on an insert). Wow!

The New Books, Too!

I now have eighteen more copies of my newest book Rocketman: From the Trailer Park to Insomnia and Beyond on hand. The book of humorous tales, poems and other writings (along with a mess of photos) "from my sleepless life and addled imagination" sells for $9.99, but you can have one of these (again signed, sealed and delivered) for $10 even. Again virtually FREE postage! This offer is limited to the supplies on hand.

I also have nine copies of my children's picture book "I'm Samson," said Sydney (illustrated by April Bullard) on hand. They usually sell for $14.99, but you can buy one now (signed, sealed, delivered) for just $12. That's right, the price includes shipping. This delightful book of lovely illustrations and playful verse will be loved by any child under six. Limited to the supply on hand.

Finally, I have an overstock (50 copies) of Lights, Camera, Worship! (my text for pastors and church techs) on hand. They normally sell for $14.99, but I'm letting them go for $10 plus $2 postage. I also have nine more copies of this title which have a misprinted spine (nothing was printed on it) that I will let go for $5 post-paid. That's the best deal I've got! This makes a great gift for your church.

Remember: ALL these super deals are limited to ONLY the stock I have on hand right now. Fiirst come, first served, and when they're gone they're gone.

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.

Books: Magical Christmas Gifts that Keep on Giving

"A book is a gift you can open again and again." ~ Garrison Keillor

Time to start thinking about the Christmas Season. Black Friday (yuk) is just weeks away, but you can avoid the crush, rush, and fuss by shopping now either online or at a local bazaar. Four authors* have joined together for a book booth at the Early Bird Holiday Bazaar in Astoria, Ore. to make gift-giving as easy-peasy as can be. Books make a great magical gift for the readers on your list.


Four (and more) great books for your holiday gift giving:

• "I'm Samson, " said Sydney by Gregory E. Zschomler (illustrated by April M. Bullard)
• The Sock Thief written and illustrated by April M. Bullard
• Max's Great Sea Adventure by G.S. Coltman
• Diner Tales by Andy R. Bunch*

All four authors will be selling and signing their books at the bazaar.

Or find them at your local bookstore or at Amazon online.

Also available: Suffering Rancor and On Becoming a Man by Andy R. Bunch*; The Amish vs. The Zombies, Voodoo Virus, Marsh Monster and Playhouse Phantom by Gregory E. Zschomler and even more.

OFFICIAL BOOK LAUNCH for "I'm Samson," said Sydney at the Early Bird Holiday Bazaar, Nov. 15.

*UPDATE: At the last minute Andy Bunch had to cancel due to illness. His books are available at book stores in the Vancouver-Portland area and online.

http://www.coastweekend.com/cw/books/20141112/local-author-debuts-book-at-astoria-bazaar

An Interview with Author-Illustrator April Bullard

I met author/illustrator April Bullard about eight months ago. By serendipitous circumstances I popped into the right place at the right time and saw her work just as she was concluding a launch party for her new book The Sock Thief. The illustrations fascinated me and I asked if she would be interested in illustrating a book for me. She said yes and now, to make a long story short, we have it: "I'm Samson," said Sydney. 

I thought you might like to get to know April a bit, so here's an little Q&A:

Q: Where do we start, April? You write poetry, dark short stories, and you’ve written The Sock Thief—which you also illustrated—a book about where socks go in the dryer. You draw and paint and take photographs. Plus you’re a musician. You seem to be quite the well-rounded artist. How’d that happen?

A: My father is an artist, photographer, filmmaker, actor, director, writer and puppeteer. My mother encouraged practical, musical and performance skills. I grew up drawing, singing, acting and playing the ukelele, violin and bass. I was also exposed to and still enjoy old radio shows, early movies, history, science fiction and classic literature. Mix in a little imagination and love of creating something that engages an audience, and you get my work. I even play bass with the other musicians in the marina [she'll explain] for fun.

Q: I stumbled upon you one day just after I was lamenting with a friend that I didn’t have an
illustrator for “I’m Samson,” said Sydney. You were just concluding your launch for The Sock Thiefand I saw your illustrations on an easel. I loved them and I asked if you’d be interested in illustrating for me. You said maybe and we talked. Next thing we know we’re working together. Eight months later we have a book. How did you find the process?

A: Working with another artist is both exciting and exhilarating. Understanding another artists vision and working to bring those ideas to fruition while pushing my abilities to the limit is challenging and absolutely fun. Looking forward to doing this again and again!

Q: I understand how you feel, I, too, enjoy the collaborative process. What inspires you? What keeps you working?

A: I love to take normal, little moments during the day and imagine, what if? What if that simple act was the event that fulfilled a legendary, fairy tale prophecy? What would happen next? What if that cup of spilled milk shattered the entire balance of the universe? What if the ordinary suddenly became the bizarre? What would a hero do now? My mind is full of pictures and stories that want to be shared and enjoyed. I just have to write, paint and share!

Q: Cool. You're a thinker. So, how long have you been writing—at least on a semi-professional level? What kinds of things do you like to write most?

A: I started writing seriously around 1999, when my husband and I bought a small, rundown floating home and began spending weekends on the Columbia River. We moved to the river full time in 2007. I began reading my work at the Ghost Town Poetry Open Mic in 2009 and started submitting to independent small presses. 

My first published poem was "The Guardian of Forgotten Souls" in ParABnormal Digest #2, September 2011 and my first cover art appeared on Cover of Darkness #7 May 2011 both from Sam's Dot Publishing. I actually got paid $3 for the poem, $20 for the art and decided this was what I wanted to do. I like exploring horror and the dark side in much of my writing and art. Consequences and personal, inner terror fascinate me.

Q: Reminds me of Stephen King. (LOL) What other projects have you worked on or have lined up?

A: I have published cover art on small press anthologies and a friend's poetry collection. [I'm] always looking for a new collaboration and I have three books in the works. 

Sometimes I have a scene or idea, not connected with a particular story, that I just have to paint on canvas. Right now, there's a Clearance 1/2 Price Sale on all my paintings at Cover to Cover Books & Espresso in Vancouver, Wash. including a couple originals that have been published as cover art.

Q: That's neat! I've seen them. I encourage anyone in the area to check them out. Okay, April, you see things in photographs and nature that others don’t see. Where does this unique “eye” come from?

A: When it comes to my imagination, I've never grown up. I still look for dragons, monsters and angels in clouds, trees, bushes and water reflections. I can find "eyes" anywhere and everywhere! Whenever I take a walk, it's like I'm seven years old, exploring a fantasy kingdom with new and ancient creatures, great and small. I imagine stumbling into adventures with these new villains and heroes.

Q: I like that. You have been so easy to work with—you’re professional and fast, you listen well and aim to please, and your work is so detailed and beautiful. Does that come easy for you?

A: Thank you! Illustrating someone else's story is a great trust. Keeping it true to another's vision and using all my skills to make it grab and hold the reader's attention, is personally satisfying and fun. I'm so glad you're happy with the results.

Q: I am. What is your process like? When and where do you like to write? What about painting?

A: My houseboat is the perfect place to write. From my chair on the front deck I watch the changing skies reflected in river currents in the channel and the woods off the banks of Caterpillar Island. My glider rocker inside the houseboat has nearly the same view, just safe and dry behind glass. Being away from the hustle and bustle of city and suburbs helps quite a bit. 

I have notebooks with snatches of poems, scenes from different stories, ramblings inspired by movies or TV shows, and pieces of daydreams. I also have sketchbooks with the same array of flotsam and clothing, craft or set designs. I play with prompts, or storyboard scenes. Sometimes a story just insists on being written, immediately. The same goes for some paintings. Many times a deadline makes me push through and take the inspiration to completion.

Q: That sounds enchanting. that's one of the things I am blessed with, too: a serene and inspiring writing environment. It really makes a difference. Your bio says that you’re a Navy vet and that you live on a houseboat. You must like the water? How’d that happen? And how do you paint on a houseboat?

A: When my children hit high school, my husband and I began looking for what kind of life we wanted sans kids. The first floating home was so much fun, we knew we wanted to live on the river. We decided on our houseboat for the ability to cruise around the river and the cabin-like comfort of the house. In my genealogy research I discovered my great-great-grandfather had a small riverboat in Iowa, on the Cedar River to the Mississippi River near Rock Island, Illinois. He and his wife had six children while living on the boat. Guess it's in the blood for me. As for painting on the gently rocking water, what could be more fun?

Q: Fascinating! What else do you want to tell us about? Your forest foraging? The Daughters of the American Revolution?

A: I am a member of Beaver Chapter Daughters of American Revolution and my application is pending for Colonial Dames of the 17th Century. Both lineage societies are based on tracing your bloodline back to a certain time period and place. Finding records of these ancestors and fleshing out their lives, struggles, failures and successes becomes a marvelous source of plot twists and story fodder. 

Walking the river islands, imagining I'm stranded there forever, helps me learn about all the wildlife, plants and weeds, adding more textures and layers into my work. Having the time to exchange stories with others adds more possibilities and details for future work.

Q: What are you working on next? And where can we find your books?

A: [I have] three books in the works: first, a collection of short stories geared more to an adult/YA audience; second, Goody Hepzibah's Harvest Tales, a selection of fun to read aloud original poems, stories and reworked nursery rhymes and tales that put the consequences of behavior back in focus, aimed at middle readers ages 7-11; and Goody Hepzibah's Journals, a companion book of craft projects, skills, household chores and etiquette from earlier times. For access to all my work you can check my website: www.aprilbullard.com

The Sock Thief is available at Cover To Cover Books & Espresso and Paper Tiger Coffee Roasters in Vancouver, Wash., also Jacobsen's Books in Hillsboro, St. Johns Booksellers, and Another Read Through in Portland, Ore., and amazon.com.

When do we start working on the next in the Sydney Said book?

Q: You mean "I'm Solomon," Said Sydney? We'll see how this one does (LOL). Thank you, April.

April and I launch our new book this coming weekend (Nov. 15) at the Early Bird Holiday Bazaar in Astoria, Ore. Come on out and have your book signed by both of us. It will make a great Christmas gift for a 3 to 6 year-old you know.

Thereafter it will be available in bookstores along the north coast of Oregon (and SW Washington), and in the Vancouver-Portland metro area. You can ask for it to be ordered in for you at any bookstore or purchase it here at amazon.com.

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)

Official Release Announcement and Pre-Orders Op for "I'M SAMSON," SAID SYDNEY

To Pre-Order and Support Our Effort to Publish in Hardcover Click Here.

Advance Readers/Endorsements Sought for SAMSON

Another, as yet, revealed illustration by April M. Bullard
from "I'm Samson," said Sydney. (c) 2014

I just wrote the proposal materials for a Kickstarter campaign to produce my next children's book ("I'm Samson," said Sydney) with illustrations by April M Bullard. 

I'm need of a few blurbs to go in the pitch and on the back cover. In helping me out you'll see the material before anyone else and I'll make sure you get a FREE copy of the finished product. 

I'm looking for one from a mother of small boys, one from a Sunday school teacher, one from a children's pastor and I'll consider authors of children's books or pastors. Let me know ASAP. Please share.

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.

NEW NEWS! Preview Illustrations for "I'm Samson..."

April Bullard has (as of today) finished the last of the illustrations for "'I'm Samson,' said Sydney" and we'll be showcasing some of her work for the book at the:

Local Indie Author Meet & Greet 

at Brewed Awakenings (63rd & Andresen) tomorrow (Sat. Sept. 20) from 10 a.m. until noon.

Come on out for a preview, give us some feedback, talk to us about our process, buy one of our other books, have it signed, pre-order "Samson," enjoy a great cup of joe (iced or blended; the day will be hot and we'll be in AC)...whatever.

Plus there are other authors to hang with, too.

Proposed Cover for: "I'm Samson," said Sydney

Here's the front cover mock-up for "I'm Samson," said Sydney, due out this fall. 

The illustration is by April M. Bullard, type design by me. The overall layout (by April and I) is designed to carry over throughout the (potential) series.

So the next one (?) might say "I'm Solomon," at the top and the picture in the circle would be different.

You like?

Also, seven of the twelve inside illustrations are now complete, so we're right on schedule..

Update: Revealing Another Illustration for SAMSON

Illustration by April Bullard. Click the pic to make it larger and see the detail.

Hard to believe that the release of "I'm Samson," said Sydney is just three months away! 

I wrote the original text years ago and now, with the fantastic illustrations by local artist April Bullard, the book is, at last, coming to life!

The book, I hope, will be the first in a series of Bible characters books as seen through the eyes of six year-old Sydney. The debut book is about Samson whose story can be found in the Bible book of Judges. Subsequent books will be about Solomon, Noah, Joseph, Moses, David, etc.

I thought it was time that I shared yet another of her illustrations with you. Because even though my rhyming text is cute, the art will make this book beloved.

IN OTHER NEWS: The Amish vs. The Zombies has sold more copies in it's first month than any of my other books have. I'm getting great feedback, too. Many people expect some sort of splatter-film type story and are pleased to find a tale with heartfelt faith, romance and life-lessons as well as thrill. Why not order your copy today?

Progress Report on "'I'm Samson,' said Sydney"

One of the books proposed illustrations by April Bullard.

Today, April Bullard sent me the panel illustrations (in black and white) for our upcoming book "'I'm Samson,' said Sydney" and I must say they make me excited.

We'll meet this week and talk colors after which she'll begin painting. The release date iis Thanksgiving 2014.

I am so excited!

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.

EXCITING BREAKING NEWS: New Contract Signed

It was Saturday, April 19.

I'd just spent the day with my friend and fellow writer, Will Glessner, knocking around ideas, hopes, dreams, and random talk about movies, music and general mayhem. Over a couple of games of Pass the Pigs we discussed our writing projects. I lamented that I was having trouble finding an illustrator for "'I'm Samson,' said Sydney" a children's picture book I'd written several years back and had recently renewed interest in publishing.

We wrapped up our day and on the way home I stopped into one of my favorite local indie bookstores, Cover to Cover Books & Espresso, to check on a book I wanted. A local author/illustrator was just finishing up a Launch Party for her new book "The Sock Thief." I loved the art on the easel and struck up a brief conversation. I bought her book and we exchanged contact info.

After studying the beautiful and detailed work in her book I sent her an email pitching my own book and asked if we might work together. We met last week and discussed the project for which she was excited. After throwing ideas around and talking terms we came to a "gentleman's agreement"--we would work together and I drew up the formal contract.

Today, we signed that contract! And she had done twelve preliminary sketches for our meeting. Let me just say that I was more than pleased and they are amazing! I will be sharing one of them with you very soon. You can look forward to seeing other illustrations as we move along with the project. The book will be published before Thanksgiving this year and be available for the Christmas gift-giving season. This is going to be a great book for the toddlers in your life.

Also, and this is even weirder. My books are available in Jacobsen's Books & Gifts in Hillsboro, Ore. and I'm scheduled to appear there on July 26 (which I have been for nearly a month). All during the summer, every Saturday, they have a table outside of their store featuring local authors. There are a couple dozen appearing over the summer in pairs each week. Now here's the weird thing: I have been paired with April Bullard and no one knew we were collaborating!

I think that's a God thing.