"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.

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 Street Closures

J

Just a note for those planning on coming to my Book Launch Party at Interstellar Overdrive this Saturday, 2-4 p.m. There may be some street/ramp closures around 78th. 

If coming from the north you should take the 99th Street exit and go to Hazel Dell Ave and turn south to 78th. 

If from the south, take the Hwy 99 exit and proceed to Minnehaha/63rd and turn left to get to Hazel Dell Ave. where you'll go north to 78th. 

Hope to see you there!

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.

This from page 11 of the October Issue of Christian News Northwest:

WASHINGTON AUTHOR PRESENTS HIS LATEST WORK OF CHRISTIAN FICTION

Gregory Zschomler

"Vancouver, Wash.- Southwest Washington author Gregory Zschomler will celebrate the launch of his new work of Christian fiction for middle readers Saturday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Latte Da Coffee House, 205 E. 39th St.

"The third book in the Bayou Boys Adventure series is titled Playhouse Phantom and is a ghost story of sorts involving a supposedly haunted theater in the Garden District of New Orleans. The work of fiction is superimposed and based upon a real tale involving a theater in southwest Washington.

"Zschomler writes his faith-based works as alternatives to much of today's teen reading fodder. Though his titles seem rather nefarious, his writing is Christ-centered and teaches Christian values. Study guides are available for educators and Sunday schools.

"The other  books in the series, Voodoo Virus and Marsh Monster, along with the new title will be available for purchase and signing by the author. Find out more at http://gregoryezschomler.blogspot.com/"

Come Out and Celebrate the Launch of My NEW Book

Remember, if your desperate, it will be available in advance at the Florence Book Fair a month in advance (Florence, Oregon, September 28). There will be 68th author and publisher booths!

I'll be Celebrating the Launch of the NEW Book PLAYHOUSE PHANTOM at This Event

This will be the first time the book will be available for local purchase and signing!

Book Launch Party Photos

The pirate chest. Everyone got a coin.

Seems like we forgot to take a camera, but a couple pics were snapped on Ruth's smartphone, although there are none of me actually signing books.

The lighting was bad (due to back light), but these are what we have. We had so many last time and only three photos this time. Next time I will be sure to assign a photographer.



In the photo on the right I am performing two songs for those in attendance. I wrote both Zombies, Zombies and Down on da Bayou for VOODOO VIRUS. I haven't written any songs for MARSH MONSTER.>

Any ideas? lol

Book Launch Party and PLAYHOUSE PHANTOM Report

BOOK LAUNCH PARTY

The book launch was fun and many of you missed it. The crowd was small but I am thankful to those of you who came out. It means so much to have your support.

I sold a few of the new books (MARSH MONSTER) and one of the old (VOODOO VIRUS). I sang a couple zombie songs, which everyone seemed to enjoy. And there was lots of excellent conversation.

I think that pictures were taken and I hope to have those posted soon.

PLAYHOUSE PHANTOM

I wrote, today, after all and managed a thousand words. I (Peter, et. al) have exposed the phantom. I'll be wrapping things up in the final three chapters next week. So, I should have July for revisions and copy editing. I won't be revealing any more details of the plot, but there will be plenty to share.

Stay tuned.

TODAY is the Day: Come on Out and Beat the Heat

The PLAYHOUSE PHANTOM Makes a Visual Appearance

Oh. My. Word! 

I just wrote the creepiest, most suspense-filled scene of the book! You are going to LOVE this! It is soooo cool! I would love to read this myself.

Yes, I have been hard at work on PLAYHOUSE PHANTOM, crafting nearly 3,000 words today! That leaves around 7,000 words to go on this draft. I am, however, taking the weekend off for my Book Launch Party for MARSH MONSTER at Latte Da  Coffee House (2-4 p.m. Sat.) and family time on Sunday.

Next week, I could very well finish!!! Meanwhile, come out and see me at the launch.

MARSH MONSTER BOOK LAUNCH PAR-TAY!

It's tomorrow! Saturday, June 29th is the official release date for MARSH MONSTER and we're partying down at Latte Da Coffee House and Wine Bar from 2 to 4 p.m. So come on by!

Drop in anytime to beat the heat or stay for the whole enchilada in the comfort of the homey AC environment while enjoying a glass of iced coffee or fruit smoothie. Latte Da serves Cafe de Arte coffee (which is my favorite roast).

Hungry? Grab a fresh-made sandwich or try their homemade quiche.

I'll be selling and signing books (both MARSH MONSTER and VOODOO VIRUS), singing songs and doing some readings. (Plus, you can get both books for just $15.)

And everyone gets a FREE commemorative pirate coin!

Check Out This Link

http://www.lattedacoffeehouse.com/coming-events/book-launch-party/

BOOK LAUNCH PARTY ANNOUNCED: Come On Out

Proof Copy of MARSH MONSTER on it's Way

Here's the final cover with the barcode.

The proof copy of MARSH MONSTER will be on it's way shortly and arrive by May 31st. A few days after that (after any needed changes are made and it is approved for distribution) it will be made available online (in paperback and as an e-book).

I will have copies available by June 24. The official Launch Party is June 29th (watch for details coming soon).

MARSH MONSTER Interior Has Been Typeset and Formatted

The book's cover, showing the finished front, the spine's
location (in white) and the back (without text).

Exciting news folks! 

The manuscript for MARSH MONSTER has been copy edited, formatted and typeset. The book will be 168 pages--nearly 25% longer than VOODOO VIRUS!

I will finish the cover design/layout this week. When I finish the read-through with my boys this week it will be sent to the printer.

I'm still looking for advance readers who will supply blurbs for the back. Any takers?

The BOOK LAUNCH PARTY is in the works for Saturday, June 29 (just looking for a location TBA) so mark you calendars.

Clarification: MARSH MONSTER Will Be Available Friday June 28th BUT...

Though MARSH MONSTER will be available at Amazon and in my hands for sale, it may not be readily available in stores by then, You may need to ask for it. (If you buy it online, be sure to go back and give it a reviewing and rating.)

I will be selling the book at the Official BOOK LAUNCH PARTY on Saturday, June 29th. Time and place TBA, so keep your eyes peeled here.

Also worthy of note is that the book will be available as a e-book for $3.99 (a savings of $5 over the hard copy) and the e-book VOODOO VIRUS will be deeply discounted  to just .99 on that date for a limited time.