An Interview with Joe Benjamin, Author of the Book "Silly Billy & Ducky Dee"

Author Joe Benjamin

You have a new book (your first) out; what’s it about? 

It's Silly Billy & Ducky Dee, a book about friendship...with a twist. It's 2016 and it's about time someone came up with a children's book that had a rapping duck in it, and since no one else had thought about it I decided to write it myself!

Why write about that? 

It's something new and hip. Hip Hop is everywhere from radio, newspapers, tabloids, word of mouth and TV. Might as well put a friendly spin on it!

Why did you chose a rap format?

To be different. I don't want to be the average Joe [lol]. I want to be Joe Benjamin, the author who revolutionized children's books!

What inspired you to write a book?

My dad [that would be this blog's author] always told me do what you love to do. I never really thought about it until last year. I like to write raps/poems and I never did anything with my talents. 

My mom and dad both have degrees in writing and they both do it for a living, I figured it must be in my blood, so I just let fate take over and determine whether or not I'm going to be a success. We shall see.

How did you find the process? Was it more or less than what you expected?

I tend to think things over. So, I thought it would be way harder than it was. But my dad "held my hand" the whole way and made it simple.

Do you think you might write another? Any ideas floating around in your head? If so, what are they? 

Yes, I plan to at least write two more. The next one may be titled Silly Billy and Ducky Dee Visit the Big City. Keep your eyes peeled and your wallets open!

What are some of your favorite books?

My favorite types of books are adventure stores (but non fiction, too). I like to feel as though this could happen to me. As far as children's books Dr. Seuss, Berenstain Bears, and joke books were my favorite growing up!

Tell us about yourself. 

I come from a family of ten; two sisters, five brothers, my mom and dad. I was raised on a twenty acre farm in Clark County, Washington with just about every farm animal you can think of, for most of my life. I was home-schooled and learned how to farm, garden and work hard.

I also lived in Florida and Colorado and now reside in central California. I like camping, mud races, flipping houses and not having to do farm chores. 

What advice would you give to other would-be authors? 

Don't second-guess yourself.. Like Nike said, "Just do it!"

Silly Billy & Ducky Dee has numerous five star reviews on Amazon. You can buy it there or ask for it wherever books are sold. You can find and follow Joe Benjamin on Facebook.

New Author Joe Benjamin Releases First Book

Illustrated by Matthew Boffemmyer

It is my honor to announce the release of the first book by new author Joe Benjamin of Fresno, California. It is my honor because he is my son.

The new children's book, Silly Billy & Ducky Dee, is the story of Silly Billy, a lonely boy, who discovers a new friend in Ducky Dee, a rapping MC. Pretty simple stuff about friendship, but told using urban rhyme.

CLICK AN IMAGE TO ENLARGE

The book is nicely illustrated by his pal, Matthew Boffemmyer, using pen and colored pencil. Some of the artwork has been left uncolored in this "color me more" edition, so that readers can add their own touches.

The official book launch will take place 12:30 to 3 p.m., April 10, at the Cannon Beach Indie Author & Book Fair. Both the author and illustrator will be signing at the event that will showcase about two dozen indie authors from around the northwest.

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.

May Day! May Day! The New Book is Coming!

Here's the cover (front and back) for the upcoming book.

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

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

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.