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

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.

Good News for Louie on Independent Bookstore Day

Official logo for IBD 2015.

This just in: 

I'll be signing the new book* (Louie, the Lonely Lighthouse) on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at Beach Books, 616 Broadway, Seaside, Oregon.

May 2 is National Independent Bookstore Day and several other authors will also be at the store that day. 

The event will run from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and I'm not sure of my hours yet, but I'll post more details and schedules when they come available.

I'll also be at Jupiter's Books in Cannon Beach, for the May 9 Local Indie Author & Book Fair, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

I'm still working on booking (no pun intended) some other venues for Saturdays in May. A local lighthouse? Maritime museum? Bookstores?  Keep an eye peeled for details.


And (BONUS) here's another illustration from Louie by Roxanne Bowman! >

*I'll also have my other books. Hope to see you there.

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

"Louie" Illustration by Roxanne Bowman

Louie, the Lonely Lighthouse. Illustration (C) 2015 by Roxanne Bowman.

Sharing another beautiful piece of art by Roxanne Bowman for the upcoming book.

Louie, the Lonely Lighthouse comes out on May Day, may day (May 1st, 2015).

Forgotten. A relic. Louie despairs until, one dark and stormy night, his mighty light saves the day.

The story teaches the intrinsic value of each individual and encourages people young and old to keep believing in themselves.

WHY I wrote this book: I love lighthouses. Not only because of the romanticism, but because they have long been a metaphor for salvation. BUT I didn’t write the book simply because I like lighthouses—I want to help save them! This book was written to be a fund-raiser. 

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

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.

Another Delightful Bowman Illustration for "Louie..."

I just HAD to share another illustration for Louie, the Lonely Lighthouse, by Roxanne Bowman, with you. I'm sure you'll agree with me that it is wonderful. I'll soon be able to share the cover art with you.

First Look at an Illustration for "Louie, the Lonely Lighthouse" Coming May 2015!

I am pleased to announce some very important news concerning my upcom-ing book Louie, the Lonely Lighthouse, due out in May. Hold on to your hats!

"Gone were the days when ships navigated by the sun by day
and by the stars at night." from the text by Greg Zschomler.

For several months I have been doing two things: 1) attempting to illustrate the book myself and 2) working with another artist to illustrate the book. Frankly, I was pursuing the two paths because I wasn't sure which one would work best.

Though I made several attempts with a variety of media, I was not happy with my own abilities to produce what I saw in my head, nor could I find the right technique.

The illustrator I was working with I met more than a year ago at a book fair. I liked her work then and I contacted her last year before Thanksgiving about illustrating Louie. She very much wanted to do so. I asked her to pitch me some sample drawings/paintings.

Note: My experimentation did result in my illustrating the cover of my last book, Rocketman.

Anyway, over the past several months she worked hard to produce pieces that would suit me. I saw several styles--some too cartoony, some too realistic--and, although her work was amazing, I wasn't sure she could do quite do what I wanted. The talent was there and I could tell she was very versatile, but I was doubting. Neither of us was giving up just yet (but I was pursuing the other option, just in case). And I was beginning to sweat it.

I'm glad we continued to work together--refining the style. She has been so very good about taking criticism and suggestion from me (and I can be a real pain) and, over time, we have settled into something wonderful. I think you're going to agree.

Needless to say, though she has been working entirely on spec up until this point, today Roxanne Bowman and I signed our contract making the collaboration official. In a few days I will release the cover art, but I have included one of the inside illustrations with this post for your preview (see above).

Roxanne is a painter, illustrator and wonderful digital artist (which I find amazing at her age) living in Florence, Oregon. Here is her bio:

"At the Age of 7 I had a childhood experience that would alter the future for me. I had been raised in a Parochial school. I was a poor student [and] getting Ds was the best I could do. I had a priest and two nuns speaking with my mom in front of me, saying, 'I'd better get a good man to marry me because I'd never amount to anything with my grades.'  I determined at that moment... the montra 'watch me suckers' running through my brain there after. After a harried life, three daughters a broken marriage, and now a successful second marriage I found a chance to fulfill my dream of [being] the first in my family to attain a college degree. I am a senior aged woman who has fulfilled that dream with the educational excellence of my college at Suma Cum Laude'. And although some say I am 'over the hill' at 62, I find my life and my degree a start to an exciting life for my future."