Edmond Authors Book Fair
Held Saturday, January 23, 2010
over 250 visitors attended the event!!
Mark your calendar for next year:
Saturday January 22, 2011 from 1-4
The following is a listing of local authors who participated in this years authors book fair. Their information is listed as they wrote it and is not the opinion or work of the Edmond Historical Society & Museum. Our goal is to support the work of local authors and be a vessel to help spread their work. Enjoy...
George Barton George spent his early years in Muskogee, OK and Pittsburg, CA before he enlisted in the U. S. Navy and served in the Pacific from 1954 to 1958. He moved back to Muskogee and married Ruby Glenn. They have 2 grown daughters. He is now retired from LeeWay Motor Freight and also Taco Bell. He now spends his time part-time car driving, reading and studying the canonized texts.
Do you know who you are and why you are here on the earth, as a mortal, for this given period of time? Did you know that you are the energy force called spirit life that joined up with a form of chemical life.
Read about chemical life compared to spirit life and discover fulfillment that can be enjoyed during this mortal life with no regrets. For with you in charge, no longer do you have to be a victim of circumstances.
The decision you make today about this book will affect your life today and years to come. You may or may not be able to correct the past for the better, but you will be exposed to a simple method for improving your life the rest of this day and days to come.
Sue Boatright Boatright is a graduate of Tipton High School, Tipton, OK, and holds a business degree from Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, OK. She has been a resident of Mustang, OK, for twenty-three years, and is a member of First Baptist Church in Mustang. In 2001, she retired from Lucent Technologies as supervisor in the Production Control Department. Sue enjoys her church, sewing, china painting, crafts, traveling and writing. Yours Truly, her first published book, was inspired by a trip to Wyoming several years earlier.
What would you do if the only man you ever loved that you believed you would marry someday, fell in love with someone else? In Yours Truly, an inspiring novel by author Sue Boatright, Patricia Covington must deal with this very situation. Unable to face family and friends, she heads for her deceased grandparents’ cottage beside a secluded lake in Wyoming. There she finds an anonymous note signed Yours Truly. Completely caught off guard, Patricia, although wanting to turn her back on God and her Christian upbringing, finds it impossible to run from Him. Homesick and with no friends her age, Patricia is forced to turn to God. At first, the mysterious notes and the letters that follow from Yours Truly seem threatening, but they eventually bring comfort and guidance to her life. She learns that even though one dream is lost, God has much more in store - a surprise that will forever change her life and cause her to want to stay in Wyoming.
Ron Brock Brock as living Professional background: Retired from aluminum metal casting and tooling. His as attended Bakersfield J.C. in Bakersfield, California in1958. Then to Allan Hancock J.C. in Santa Maria, California in 1959. Then I went to the University of Nevada in Reno Nevada in 1962. Brock entered the Army for 3 years and upon release I went to Pierce J.C. In Woodland Hills, California in 1966. Then several years later I was saved in Lufkin Texas in May 1980. Then in the years of 1993, 1994 I went to Rhema Bible Training Center in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Then a few years later in approximately 1996 off and on to 1999 I went to Tulsa Technology Center in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Brock now resides in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma where he has lived for the past 24 years. He enjoys volunteering for Loaves and Fishes charity organization.
Kim Brumley Brumley is a lifelong Oklahoma resident, grew up hearing the unforgettable stories of the iconic figures and exciting events of the state history. Today, as an avid historian, she shares these tales of the past with others in such a way that even those not ususally interested in bygone days will become captivated with this twisting and true account. Marland Tragedy: The Turbulent Story of a Forgotten Oklahoma Icon recounts the controversial true-life story of E.W. Marland and his family. Author Kim Brumley explores the unanswered questions surrounding his personal life, including his first wife's death, his second marriage to adopted daughter Lydie, the contruction of their estate, the "Palace on the Prairie," Lydie's plunge into isolation after E.W.'s death, the destruction of Lydie's life-size statue sculpted by world renowned artist Jo Davidson, and her mysterious 22 year disappearance.
In addition, Marland Tragedy examines E.W. Marland's business and political career, most notably the hostile takeover of Marland Oil Company (now known as ConocoPhillips) by J.P. Morgan, and E.W.'s struggles as 10th governor of Oklahoma at the height of the Great Depression and Dust Bowl.This fast paced biography takes an in-depth look at the life Marland lived, the family he loved, and the pioneer spirit he embodied, revealing the greatest triumphs and most devastating tragedies that were experienced as one man worked to tame the Wild West.
Ralph Burcham Our story has been published about our mission experiences during the war years in Vietnam, off and on, from 1966-1975. I've been working on our story for the past 14 years. I taught at Oklahoma Christian in Oklahoma City for 32 years. It was the students at OC that invited me to help them with a World Mission Workshop to be hosted on the campus in 1963. My wife and I with our two children went to Vietnam in 1966. The war was beginning to escalate…the book cover has a cross representing what we went to Vietnam to do. For like Paul, I determined to preach Christ and Him crucified. Then there is a picture of the statue of the servicemen in front of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC. When visiting there, I took this picture before making tracings of servicemen I knew who made the ultimate sacrifice. It was servicemen who started the work in Vietnam and who greatly encouraged our efforts. Copies of the book can now be obtained through the websites of Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Borders, and Target, or at the OC campus bookstore. It is entitled "Vietnam--Triumphs and Tragedies." It is a great mission story and I hope you will read it and get gift copies for your friends and loved ones. You can reach me at: Burcham-Ralph-Gladys@cox.net
Jeanette Carter Jeanette Carter was born in Oklahoma City, graduated from Mustang High School and Oklahoma City Community College, and attended the University of Oklahoma. Carter spent 30 years in corporate America, the last 13 years of which were spent in the Information Systems Division at Wal-Mart Corp. headquarters. A certified Grief Recovery specialist, professional health coach and certified wellness educator, Carter credits her childhood with establishing a love of nature, fresh food and an active lifestyle. Mother of three, grandmother of 12, and now a great-grandmother, Carter lives in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with her husband, Jerry. She is a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF) and Business Network International (BNI). She may be contacted through her websites www.LemonadeNetwork.com and www.ToWorldHealth.com.
Emotional Stimulus Package: Your Guide to Re-Creating the American Dream is a self-help book for the millions of Americans whose lives have been shattered by the economic crisis, including foreclosure, loss of a job or a significant portion of their investments. The book addresses the emotional, rather than the financial impact, and guides the reader through seven stages of grief as they relate to the emotional effects brought on by significant life changes. Through these real stories, timeless quotes, thought-provoking questions, and introspective exercises, readers will be able to identify their current stage of grief, understand how to move through the grieving process, pick up their lives again, rediscover their core values with renewed optimism, and re-create their personal American dream“Emotional Stimulus Package” is available for purchase at www.LemonadeNetwork.com, www.Amazon.com, and www.BarnesandNoble.com or from Jeanette Carter, the local contributing author. Local bookstores are invited to stock the book for sale.
Jackson Compton Compton was born in Dallas, TX. He worked for several years for a company traveling the US and Canada. Those frequent trips, coupled with a laptop and the numerous times stranded during airport layovers, allowed him to scribe novels, short stories and screenplays. “Night’s End” and “The Crucible of Happenstance” are two of those novels. Jackson is the Sponsor Chair for Literati Press and Literati Indie Book Fair. His future projects include novels, graphic novels, comic books, and films. The official authors websites:www.jacksoncompton.net, www.facebook.com, www.myspace.com/jacksoncompton
An unforgettable saga of horror, revenge, loyalty, and love, Night’s End, by Jackson Compton, is the legend of two sworn enemies: Baron Keltch and his nemesis, Flange, a mysterious and inscrutable undead being.
Undead beings have terrorized the villagers for longer than anyone can remember. When the sun goes down, those who value their lives and their loved ones lock their doors and stay inside.
Debbie Cook Debbie lives in Oklahoma with her husband and three children and two very spoiled doggies, Pete and Rosie.
A portion of the royalties from this book will be donated to various animal shelters and rescue organizations.
This is a story about a poodle named Pete.
He has a little nose, little ears, and little feet.....
Join in the fun and meet Pete the Poodle in Debbie Cook's first book and discover the importance and joy in caring for a dog. This short, rhyming tale will teach children about friendship, loyalty, and most of all, the love between pets and their owners.
Paula Carmack Denson Paula Carmack Denson, a native of Ponca City, Oklahoma, received her associate degree from the Caruth School of Dental Hygiene, Baylor College of Dentistry, Dallas, Texas in 1965. After a professional career of thirty years in the field of dentistry, she established a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of the history of north central Oklahoma. Under her guidance, a two-volume, national award winning history, Rooted in The Past – Growing For the Future, was published by North Central Oklahoma Historical Association
in 1995. In 2006 and after eight years of intensive research, Denson’s book, The Royal Air Force in Oklahoma, was published as part of the Oklahoma Horizons Series by the Oklahoma Heritage Association. ]Mrs. Denson is currently the president of Friends of Marland’s Grand Home in Ponca City, and has been responsible for the restoration and decorating of the historic home. Future plans include more historic research and the possible publication of several other books dealing with the history of Oklahoma.
The Neighborhood: Memories of an Oklahoma Boyhood by Robert E. Clark, Jr. and published by Ponca Prairie Press (Paula K. Denson) in 2008, describes what life was like when the town was growing by leaps and bounds and then, with the fall of E.W. Marland in 1928 and the Great Depression hot on his heels, its screeching halt in growth as its citizenry reeled in shock. In the following decade, a great global war claimed more than its share of these young men. Still, the author of this visit to the past journeyed deep into those dusty, cobwebby bins, rummaged for a time midst the seasons of his youth, and with considerable relief, came out smiling.
Dr. Hall Duncan “Dr. D” Hall's latest work, Nadine’s Ring Is Missing! Features Inspector Upps (a giraffe) and Detective Down (a frog) who investigates a strange robbery in Africa. Factual side-bars about animals add to the excitement. Duncan lived in Africa for ten years as a teacher and then illustrator and cartoonist for two publishers. Dr. Duncan conducted a writers/illustrators workshop in Kenya last November. He is scheduled to present “The Transition of Cartoon Characters Cross-Culturally” at a world humor studies conference in Hong Kong in June, 2010. Among his most recent books are The Wild Adventure of Oklahoma Joe’s 10-Gallon Hat (2008) (Writer's Digest Award); Emma Doesn’t Want to Race Today! (2009)
Dr. Duncan’s recent awards include Governor’s Arts Award (2008) and Writer Digest Award (2008) and Oklahoma City Ad Club (2008, 2009). He earned his doctorate for research on “Cross-Cultural Pictorial Perception of Children” As a young artist he traveled around the world on scholarships and student loans, and worked his way home from Antwerp to Houston. Hall taught advertising design and illustration for 17 years at CSU now UCO. His students have excelled in their work locally, nationally and around the world. For workshops, exhibitions, programs, book-signings, call 405-348-1296. Hall and his wife, Lois, live in their studio/home in Edmond.
David Farris David Farris is a native of Oklahoma graduating from Bishop McGuinness High School and the University of Central Oklahoma. He is currently the President of Oklahoma City Writers, Inc. Since the early 1990’s he’s collected tale of Oklahoma outlaws and the state’s spooky past. He is the author of three books, Mysterious Oklahoma, More Mysterious Oklahoma and Oklahoma Outlaw Tales.
In addition to being a popular lecturer, Farris has been featured in many TV and Radio interview, and more that 30 articles. His has written for True West Magazine, Norman Living and Edmond Life and Leisure. His books are regularly listed among Borders Books “Top 10 Local Best Seller” and his work as been referenced in at least five books. To order his books contact David Farris at P.O. Box 5991, Edmond, OK 73083.
Loralyn Hamilton Author Loralyn Hamilton is a full-time Mother, Writer, and Owner of a successful writing company in Oklahoma. She graduated from Southern Nazarene University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Leadership. Upon the pregnancy of her first daughter Caelyn, she left the corporate world of Banking and Human Resources to focus on her chosen career as a writer, providing professional services for employment, business communication, and organizational development, never losing site of her dream, to write a book and see it published. Loralyn and her husband Daniel currently reside in Edmond, Oklahoma where they enjoy time with their daughter Caelyn, her parents Mike and Diane, her brother Russell, and other family and friends.
Pixie Dust: Magical Insights
for Childbirth and Life with Little One
"It's 3 a.m. Your mind reels with questions. 'What don't I know...?
'Have I taken care of everything?' 'What items are really necessary?' 'What
should I do if...?' You may find yourself wishing for a magical helper, perhaps
a sprinkle of Pixie Dust to assist you through childbirth and the early days of
parenthood. That helper has just arrived!. In this adorable and informative
gift book for pregnant and new moms, Author Loralyn Hamilton has gathered Pixie
Dust: Magical Insights for Childbirth and Life with Little One. These
unique and helpful insights from personal experience and other mothers are sure
to provide reassuring comfort and peace during the confusing times of
childbirth and the days to follow. From tidying up before you go to the
hospital, to being out and about once you bring Baby home, sprinkle this
delightful selection of anecdotes and advice to magically create a more
peaceful and joyful life with little one!
Darlene R. Jackson Darlene was born in Ft. Worth, Texas. At a young age she learned to be adaptable by constantly moving from one town to another in Texas. Evidently moving agreed with her because she married a military man. When their three children were born, she chose to be a stay-at-home mom. Darlene started doing volunteer work at the Rancocas Renape Nation Reservation. Being a member of the Cree/Cherokee Nation, Darlene has always kept her focus on serving the Native American community. After more moving Darlene needed to stay connected to the Native community by doing volunteer work at the non-profit organization, Red Earth in Oklahoma City. This soon became a place of employment where she acted as Museum Tech and Cultural Educator at the Red Earth Museum. Darlene went on to be a teacher’s assistant/cultural educator through the Indian Ed Program in the Edmond Public Schools. Darlene decided to go back to school to get her Associates in Nursing where she became an LPN in 2003. Since then, Darlene has worked in surgery and has written this book you now see before you, The First Sundance, the Great Giveaway.
The First Sundance, the Great Giveaway was written for pre-teen to young teen children in mind but adults have also remarked that it was “touching” and “well written.” The First Sundance, the Great Giveaway illustrates the faith in the Son of God, Jesus Christ through Native eyes. The elders of the Cheyenne/Arapaho Church have given their approval and are happy to see that this book illustrates their beliefs as Native Christians. This book reflects to readers that Jesus Christ indeed died for all Nations and that not one People Group is superior over the other.
Tom Keith Author Tom Keith is a retired engineer who has been telling bedtime stories to his children, grandchildren for more than fifty years. He and his wife, Jo, live in Edmond, OK. Their faith in God and dedication to Christian values has sustained their marriage for fifty-eight years. Tom has been a frequent Bible class teacher for both children and adults. When Tom and Jo brought their grand-grandsons, Austin and Jeremy, into their home, Austin was afraid of the dark and afraid to be alone when he went to bed at night. Tom stared telling him stories to soothe him, and to teach good moral lessons. Austin would often say, “Tell me a story about animals that can talk.” That is how Fable Forest Tales came to be. Children love animal stories, and Fable Forest Tales is a collection to twelve delightful stories that the children in your life will want to hear over and over. The Fable Forest is a wonderful ground of animal friends. Just down the hill form Fable Forest is a dark and dangerous Soggy Swamp, inhabited by evil predators.
The stories help children develop an understanding of the struggle between good and evil. Each story in Fable Forest Table teaches a moral lesson that is reinforced with a quotation for the Bible. This will help children understand that the Holy Scripture is a guide for our every-day lives.
Ann Larson Ann Larson is a native Oklahoman who wrote Statehood the Oklahoma Way to share her love of her state with her three young grandchildren. Born in Tulsa and raised in Oklahoma City, Larson earned degrees from both Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma. She began her career as a newspaper reporter for the Daily Oklahoman and Oklahoma City Times, followed by work in the public and nonprofit sectors, winning numerous writing awards along the way. Before retiring, Larson was co-founder and executive director of the CARE Center, a child abuse response agency that serves Oklahoma County children.
She and her husband Bill live in Edmond. Simple rhyming verse and charming illustrations will help young children begin to discover the fascinating history of the state of Oklahoma. Statehood the Oklahoma Way takes the reader on a quick-paced journey of history highlights that begin before statehood, span the Trail of Tears and the Land Run of ’89, and conclude with some of the state’s famous residents such as Sequoyah and Mickey Mantle to the everyday heroes who have helped the state through tornadoes and other tragedies. Young and old alike will be reminded of the lore and legends, the wild-west past and the colorful people who have helped forge the 46th state.
Kenneth Lay WHEN SPARROWS FALL gives new insight into the scripture “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father…. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29, 31 KJV)
This book takes you into the heart and soul of the author as he deals with the issues of life, suffering, death, faith, and hope. Each chapter reveals his struggle as he moves through life’s experiences. You will find yourself throughout the book, and it will encourage you to consider each life-altering episode in light of your own faith and direct you to the source of all comfort, the God of the Bible who created man and knows his every need.
After a lifetime of ministry in Oklahoma Baptist Churches the author, Kenneth Lay, is retired and living with his wife, Anna, in Edmond, Oklahoma. He grew up on the family ranch near Hominy, Oklahoma. He graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, Oklahoma, and attained a Master of Divinity Degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. On the Baptist Student Union Board of Central State University (UCO), contributed to several publications and authored the book, The Revelation Simplified.
He has three daughters, Susan, Lou, and Kendra who along with their families reside in Edmond, Oklahoma. He has six grandchildren which includes one granddaughter who now lives in Heaven.
He greets each new day by reading his life-sustaining Scripture which hangs on his study wall: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” (Isaiah 41:10)
Charles W. Leewright Author Charles W. Leewright grew up in rural Hughes County Oklahoma. After retirement, he began seriously pursuing his dream of writing. He enjoys American history, especially the Civil War era. He researched Rayben in southwestern Missouri and Madison County, Arkansas, including the Pea Ridge Civil War Battlefield. He and his wife, Mary Elizabeth, live in Holdenville, Oklahoma, where they enjoy spending time with their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
They had stood in the chilling darkness of the cornfield and watched their home crumble to ashes. All their possessions lay in bed-sheet bundles at their feet. They stood like silent statues, yet from time to time, one of them lifted a hand to quickly and discretely brush away a tear. Clarence Rayben lost his son to the war, and now bushwhackers are coming for his home. Clarence; his wife, Anna; and teen-age daughter, Willie, walk through a snowstorm in the rugged mountains of Northwestern Arkansas, carrying a few salvaged belongings on their backs. It is up to Rayben to find a safe haven for his daughter and ill wife in the war-torn South before it’s too late.
Rayben is an epic tale of one family’s struggle to remain apart from the war, piecing together a life in between death, loss, violence, and tragedy.Rayben’s greatest wish is to grant his family happiness and peace
through exacting vengeance on the man responsible for turning his home to ashes. But as his prospects start improving, can he release his mental anguish and embrace a new life? Or will his rage be responsible for turning what’s left of his family to ashes?
Carolyn Long Marel The author began when she was born as the third daughter of the first generation of children in Oklahoma born after statehood. Both of her parents were born in the Indian Territory. Both of her grandfathers made the Cherokee Land Run in 1893. She was born on land claimed and acquired by her paternal grandfather, Benjamin Franklin Long. She grew up on that farm and became one with all she saw and felt and lived, coloring her own life as a student, a pioneer in her own rights in her many travels and diverse interests as: Wife and Mother, Homemaker, Professional Housekeeper, Nanny to several children and late to many newborn babies as a Night Nanny Nurse. Marel lives in a retirement home in Edmond, Oklahoma, where she is a regular communicant in a Nearby Anglican Church. She is an active participant where she lives and continues to write almost daily.
The book written began when I was ten years of age. One poem from that era remains and is on page 34. The title of the book is, COME ON IN!! TO THE VALLEY OF THE TRUE BLUE. It is an anthology of poems, stories, history of our family, written through the years, as it was inspired by impressions of places lived, visited, seen, felt; people encountered, LIFE as IT was LIVED. Expressed in vignettes, poems, essays, stories.
Charles Martin Charles
Martin's debut novel, "the dominant hand" was a critical success
garnering praise for his portrayal of the Norman music scene and a charismatic
singer turned apocalyptic cult leader. By utilizing his years of experience as
an arts and entertainment writer for the Oklahoma Gazette, Martin
examined the many prongs of Oklahoma
indie rock culture and the extremities of hero worship. Predicted to be a
"cult classic" by The Tulsa World and Artbeat,
"the dominant hand" reached its second pressing in 2009 and an
animated movie adaptation is being developed by commercial animator Brad Gregg.
"Edward and the Island" is due out
in April. The dark comedy set in heaven follows sixty-three souls who find
themselves plucked from heaven and thrust into an experimental new universe.
Haunted by the dark memories of their past lives on Earth and forced to live in
an isolated community, a small group bands together to strike out into the new
world and uncover the secrets of the Island. Literati
Press: Born in the fall of 2009 among like-minded authors, Literati Press
is an effort to break down the barriers set up between emerging authors and the
reading populace hungry for new and innovative voices. With only a handful of
projects published a year, Literati is more interested in developing authors
rather than further glutting the book industry by publishing more projects than
we truly care about.
Ann Peeples Moore Ann Peeples Moore has two grown daughters and five lively grandchildren. A graduate of Abilene Christian University, she worked as a secretary in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma, and as Secretary to the Assistant Superintendent for Educational Programs for Mustang Public Schools. She also served on the Mustang Public Library Board for sixteen years.Mrs. Moore has been active in her local church, including teaching ladies’ Bible class for ten years. Since retiring, she has been china painting and often serves as a “traveling nanny” to keep her grandchildren.
One morning on the way to preschool, four-year-old Giovanni remarked, “Isn’t the World Beautiful? His heartfelt appreciation of nature and his joy in living inspired his Grandmother, Ann Peeples Moore, to write this story. Her hope is that it will help others remember to look for what is joyous, and good, and beautiful in each day.
Jeanne Peterson Jeanne Peterson has been encouraging everyone to write their life story to leave a lasting memory of how things were in “My day”. Jeanne has been leading classes in the art form for 20 years. This is not a genealogical story, but it is a person’s only story of their life experiences, and what they have learned along the way.
There will be two classes this winter and spring held at the Fine Arts Institute of Edmond, 5 week classes, Tuesdays, Feb. 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and March 2ndand April 6th, 13th, 17th, 20th and May 4th – 2:00-3:30 P.M. This includes a workbook and lost of ideas how to make it more than just facts. To register for the class call 340-4481 or email info@edmondfinearts.com.
Barbara Shepherd Barbara Shepherd has won 200 writing awards in local, regional, national and international literary contests. She received the “2005 Readers’ Choice Award” from miller’s pond, was named “Writer of the Year” in 2006 by American Christian Writers and a “Woody Guthrie Poet” in 2007, and was nominated in 2008 for Oklahoma’s State Poet Laureate.
Shepherd has published a book of poetry, compiled and published an anthology of poetry and prose by a dozen Edmond women and compiled, edited and published a centennial anthology by 21 members of Wordwrights – OKC Christian Writers. She also designed the covers for all three books and has won numerous awards in painting and sculpture.
Shepherd’s writing has appeared in books: State Cops Cooking in the Heartland - More Than We Can Say Grace Over, Women’s War Memoirs, miller’s pond, Voices In Time, Patchwork Skin, Candle Flames (PSO’s 70th Anniversary Anthology), Oklahoma Centennial Heritage Collection, Harp Strings Poetry Journal and A Centennial Celebration of Oklahoma Stories and in numerous magazines, newspapers, newsletters and online.
Cheryl Steele Children and those who love them will be entertained, challenged, and affirmed by Cheryl Steele’s What if…Questions to Delight and Inspire Children; All About Me: Who I Am and Can Be, and Steele’s newest book A Mouse in God’s House. These three books teach children important lessons and skills, encourage creative thought, and bring giggles as children enjoy the lively text and engaging illustrations. Endorsed by local professionals who work with children and families---and most of all by children themselves---these books are ones that little ones return to again and again. The What if? book also provides free activity ideas and additional resources. All of Steele’s books come with a free audio download.
Author Cheryl Steele graduated from Edmond High School and received her B.A. and Masters Degrees in Education from the University of Central Oklahoma before completing her Ph.D. at the University of Oklahoma. For more than 36 years, Dr. Steele has educated students of all ages as a classroom teacher, superintendent of schools, and most recently as the Vice President for University Leadership at UCO. She has been recognized by a variety of educational, civic, and leadership groups for her work on behalf of children.
Bringing her educational background to the wonderful world of grandparenting, “Cherrie” likes nothing more than writing for her grandchildren. The good news is that all children now get to enjoy these books. Dr. Steele can be reached at csauthor1@cox.net . Her books are also available at metro area bookstores.
Lynda Stephenson Lynda Stephenson grew up in a small town in Texas and now lives with her husband and her cat, Elvis, in Edmond. She is retired from a career of teaching English and the Humanities at East Central University, Ada. "Dancing with Elvis" began as a short story, but Lynda decided to "stick with the main character, Frankilee Baxter, and see her through her troubles." The result is this award-winning, highly acclaimed YA novel. Read more at www.eerdmans.com/youngreaders.
Penny Stephenson Penny Stephenson, humorous/inspirational author-speaker, created the character of Merry Weatherbee in 1985, during the oil bust years of the Mid-West, while raising her children as a stay-at-home mom and working as a commercial freelance writer/producer. She is the wife of Craig Stephenson (geologist) and proud mother of her two grown children, Travis and Lauren. Penny earned her B.A. Degree in Radio and Television.
What do you get when motherhood, marriage, and a colorful career collide? A lot of fun-practical poetry! Local author, actress and speaker, Penny Stephenson, recently released a book of her collection of poems nationwide, titled, “Life is a Yo-Yo.” Discover merry moments buried under loads of laundry, between couch cushions, inside a sack of potatoes, and in the family minivan. “Life is a Yo-yo” is full of witty, honest and delightful poems that are sure to provide chuckles and encouragement to any mom’s day.
Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, the book is available at any bookstore nationwide or can be ordered through the publisher at www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore or by visiting barnesandnoble.com, amazon.com or target.com. “Life is a Yo-yo” is also an eLIVE title, meaning each printed copy contains a code redeemable for a free audio version from TatePublishing.com. eLIVE – Listen, Imagine, View, and Experience!
Stephenson has enjoyed more than 30 years in her profession as a commercial writer, performer and broadcast producer, mixed with community relations. She and her husband reside in Edmond, Oklahoma, and have two grown children. Stephenson began developing the character and observations of the book’s narrator, “Merry Weatherbee” in the mid 1980’s. Each poem is written from personal experience with the hope of encouraging a joyful up-look to Jesus while discovering the merry moments hidden within each ordinary day.For more information, please contact Traci Jones, Marketing Representative, at (888) 361-9473 or send an email to traci@tatepublishing.com.
Alvin Turner Turner holds the Ph. D in history from Oklahoma State University and is emeritus dean of social sciences and humanities and professor of history at East Central University. This is his sixth book. He’s also written eight chapters in different books and more than forty articles and encyclopedia entries dealing with aspects of regional and state history served as contributing editor for four different versions of The Rainbow Study Bible, and published fiction, poetry and book reviews in varied journals. His books include: First Family: A Centennial History of the First Baptist Church of Oklahoma, City, which he co-authored with Bob Blackburn, and Letters From the Dust Bowl, a finalist for the non -fiction award from the Oklahoma Center for the Book and for the Oklahoma Reads Oklahoma initiative. He is married to the former Carmelita Edge, an Edmond native.
Larry Van Meter Van Meter is a Literature and Film professor and an Oklahoma Christian College Alumnus. He took an MA at the University of Arkansas and a Ph.D. at Texas A&M University. A Navy veteran, he counts among his duty stations Moterey, CA; Scotland; Ft. Mead, MD; and three submarines. He has written several books and essays, on topics ranging from legal history to woman suffrage to mainstream cinema to popular music. He lives with his wife, Kara, and their three children, Elizabeth, Asher and Rachel in Edmond, OK.
William R. Van Osdol, Ph.D. William R. Van Osdol, Ph.D. is a psychologist and Professor Emeritus at the University of Central Oklahoma. Dr. Van is the author of 7 university textbooks, and over 50 professional papers presented throughout the USA, Canada, England, and France. He also was a visiting professor at St. Johns, Newfoundland, and recently as a navy PACE instructor at sea in the Pacific on-board nuclear aircraft carriers, USS Abraham Lincoln and the USS Ronald Reagan from which he had the pleasure of landing on the flight deck from Guam and catapulting off the deck to Okinawa.
Dr. Van's present interest is as an author of (2) World War II non-fiction books, and (2) novels with WWII settings. Current books available are as follows: "Famous Faces of WWII" which profiles 190 photos and narratives. The novels - "From Whence They Fell" - A Paradox of Love and War - is a love/espionage story set in Nazi occupied Holland in WW II. "The Ultimate Human Evil - ODESSA" -(Organization of former Nazi SS Members) is a sequel to "From Whence They Fell." The protagonist follows Evita's money trail from South America to Spain, Die Spinne, and the Vatican Ratline in a chase to capture escaping Nazi War Criminals. You may contact Dr. Van at VANOKC@AOL.COM or at his web-site (in progress) vanosdolww2author.com, or at home 341-0153 or his airport office at 282-3254
Janet L Walker Walker is a Licensed Clinical Social
Worker and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, who received her MSW from the University of Pennsylvania. JL practiced in both Bucks
County,PA. and Trenton, New
Jersey, as well as, currently in Oklahoma. Before moving to Oklahoma in 2004, she had her own office in Ewing, New Jersey.
In 2005, when JL was again working with school
age children, she was inspired to write "The Brave Little Boy"
series. These Christian books provide Christian options for coping with
society's difficult issues facing today's children. Book 1, "Andy's
Family Secret" is the first book in the series and was
released May 2009. It introduces the reader to fourth-grader Andy, who
just wants his family to be a regular family with no problems. Andy is the
youngest of five children and his family has issues. Andy's born-again Granny
steps in to help Andy find out how to be brave and do the right thing.Janet L
Walker pens under JL Walker Rowe. JL has two married sons; one is an urologist
and the other a college professor. JL is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in
Christian Counselin The "Real World" the boring compared to Jersey
Shoreg.
Elaine Warner Who knew that Richard Halliburton’s Book of Marvels would inspire a life-long love of travel? That, plus the hours in the family car on many, many family vacations, developed into a later-in-life career as a travel writer. With a degree in education, Elaine was teaching music in a private school and was required to take periodic classes to keep her teaching certificate current. Taking a break from her studies, she and a friend took a road trip, passing through Jefferson, Texas. Jefferson, once the farthest inland port to the Gulf of Mexico, is a charming little town – a sort of blend of Tom Sawyer meets Gone with the Wind. There were photo ops everywhere and Elaine casually commented, “I ought to write a story to go with my pictures.” The rest, as the cliché goes, is history.
A freelance writer/photographer, Elaine is a columnist for the Edmond Sun and contributes regularly to Southwestern Publishing’s Edmond Monthly, Norman Living, Nichols Hills News and Northwest Style. Her work also appears in Persimmon Hill, AAA Home and Away, AAA Southern Traveler and Oklahoma Living.
She, along with several other authors, wrote Exploring Oklahoma Together (1997). She is the author of Insiders’ Guide to Tulsa, (2009), published by Globe Pequot Press. With two blogs, she chronicles her travels. www.okietravel.blogspot.com covers general travel, down-time, grandkids and, occasionally, recipes. Www.teddietravel.blogspot.com is a result of
SATW’s geography education effort. This year’s bear, named Vanilla, sends postcards, treats and blog posts to Margaret Kysar’s third grade class at Northern Hills Elementary in Edmond and to Ami Medley’s third graders at Woodrow Wilson Elementary in Seminole, Oklahoma.
Donna Watson Donna’s ever-optimistic attitude and hard work have enabled her to overcome many of life’s challenges and to assist others in changing their lives for the better. She has crisscrossed the country and traveled internationally, speaking to thousands. Her audiences gained a wealth of practical life-enriching techniques, common sense, and inspiration. Donna has been a sixth-grade teacher, legal secretary, manager of a farm equipment company, executive director of a large private nonprofit corporation, direct sales manager, radio show host, and owner of her own consulting firm. Her undergraduate degree is in education; her MBA and PhD degrees are in management.
She and her husband Robert live in Edmond Oklahoma. Her two daughters and their families live nearby. Donna enjoys spending time with her family and friends, especially her grandsons. She is an avid reader, and spends much of her time writing. However, she also loves to quilt, paint, sew and do church and community work.
Donna is the author of 101 Simple Ways To Be Good To Yourself, 101 Ways To Enjoy Life’s Simple Pleasures and has recorded two six tape albums: Let Go and Live and Winning Against Stress. When working on her doctoral program her husband threatened to turn the kitchen into a library since “it seemed such a shame to have such a large room that never got used.” So, Donna wrote four cookbooks for busy people: 15 Minute Recipes, 15 Minute Diet Recipes, Quick and Easy Recipes and My Favorite Recipes. You can follow Donna and works in progress on her blog at HelpMeLord8@blogspot.com and through her web site at www.donnawatsonauthor.com.
Mary Ann Ellis West THE THINGS WE DO FOR LOVE was published in 2007 and is a collection of short stories and poems. Many of these stories and poems have appeared in a variety of local and regional magazines. Below the title page is a quote: "Writing is a lot like sex. At first you do it because you like it. Then you do it for a few good friends. And if you're any good at it, you do it for money." Mae West.
My fiction and non-fiction stories and articles have been published in numerous magazines and newspapers. My true-crime novel, "And Justice For None" was released in 2006. I Live in Edmond with my husband, four horses and several bird dogs.
Carlita Cartmill-Wheeler Author Carly Cartmill has written a fun caper about a childhood adventure with a new babysitter. It is titled, The Split Pea Soup Caper, and this easy to read, adventurous book includes events we can all relate to about that first dreadful day with a babysitter. Read, The Split Pea Soup Caper and you will find out how this creative little girl figured it out. Well, sort of. The book keeps the reader looking forward to see what adventures are on the next page. It is really a delightful book.
Cartmill chose to use Tate Publishing out of Mustang. “I sent my manuscript in on the Wednesday before Labor Day and was called by Tate Publishing that following Tuesday, asking if Tate could publish The Split Pea Soup Caper," the author said. “My first manuscript accepted within one week. What a feeling!” Several copies of the book have even been purchased in Europe this year. “I am working on book number two; a beginning of a series with the same characters,” adds Cartmill. “My goal is to have my book on The New York Times Best Seller's List within the year.”
You can purchase her books for $8.99 (paperback) and are available at Full Circle Book Store, 50 Penn Place, Best of Books, Edmond, Kathy's Treasures in Mustang or contact the author at (405) 249-9323 or email her at carly0122@hotmail.com. The book is also out on CD and those are also available.
Steve Wheeler Author Steve Wheeler has been in the preaching ministry for twenty years. He is a graduate of Mid America Christian University. He currently resides in Mustang, Oklahoma, with his wife, Dorie, and two sons, Brent and Luke. He can be contacted for speaking engagements at 405-818-6515 or geep2099@aol.com.
"Whenever certain names are mentioned or past experiences are thought of, do you get that sick, queasy, gut-wrenching feeling in the pit of your stomach? Do you feel hindered, held back, or held captive by those past events? Are your feelings compounded with guilt when you hear the preacher say, 'You must forget those things which are behind and press toward those things which are ahead,' and you can't forget those 'past things?’ You're not alone.
In the book, Forget What? The Philippian Misconception, author Steve Wheeler tackles the misconception taken from Philippians 3:13-14 that we are to simply forget past events and move on to the future. This misconception has been created because preachers and well-meaning believers alike have taken a passage of Scripture out of context and forced it to say something it was never meant to say. The result of this teaching is that the
world, especially the church world, is full of people trying to succeed in life, but hindered by things that have happened long ago...things that have never been dealt with. Once dealt with, those things that held us can now be used to help others.
Dr. James Wilhite Everything was right with the world for Dr. James Wilhite then his world got turned upside down. Called to active duty for the Army, Dr. Wilhite became Colonel Wilhite and embarked on a mission that seemed impossible to accomplish. He was asked to build a university with no money and with no full time staff. Build it using the model of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. And complete the mission in ten months. With drive and determination and many answered prayers, Colonel Wilhite’s mission was successful.
Today, five years later, the first class of eighty-five second lieutenants have graduated with degrees in engineering, political science, and/or foreign language. Initially three hundred and fifty-two potential candidates applied for approximately one hundred positions with the newly formed academy. The potential candidates for the latest application process exceeded three thousand.
Now with over twelve hundred students enrolled the forecast of the academy is projected to be approximately four thousand within the next two years. Women begin the course work in March 2010 which is more than one hundred and forty years before West Point allowed women to attend. While the National Military Academy of Afghanistan is referred to as the Crown Jewel the mission itself has also been referred to as the Crown Jewel of Operation Enduring Freedom
We Answered the Call: Building the Crown Jewel of Afghanistan, describes the grit and determination that Colonel Wilhite and a group of individuals demonstrated that eventually became one of the most documented and successful missions of Operation Enduring Freedom.
John A. Williams Williams is a writer, pastor, teacher and broadcaster who lives in Edmond with his wife Jane and his two daughters Rachel and Rebekah. He is a columnist and reporter for the Oklahoman. John has 17 years experience in radio and received his journalism degree from the University of Central Oklahoma. His book "The Cost of Deception - The Seduction of Modern Myths and Urban Legends was first published in 2001. The book was written in response to all of the hysteria leading up to Y2K and the endless e-mail myths that crowd computer in-boxes. Some of the myths debunked in the book include the president of Proctor and Gamble has ties to the Church of Satan , infamous atheist Madalyn Murray O’Hair is on a crusade to stamp out Christian broadcasting and scientists in Russia actually discovered hell deep inside the earth’s core. While these stories are not only outrageous and frightening, they are most of all completely untrue! Even so, these urban legends are proliferated everyday by otherwise well-meaning and sincere Christians who find these stories credible enough to consider true. Author John Williams contends that such hoaxes erode the credibility of Christians in a world where Christian influence is being met by increasing skepticism and gives Christians everywhere the tools to protect themselves from the cost of deception.
Vivian Zabel Vivian Zabel always has had a vivid imagination and, since a child, used it to create poetry and stories. After twenty-seven years of teaching, she retired to devote all her time to writing and to helping others get their books published through 4RV Publishing. At present she has six books published: two with co-authors (Hidden Lies and Other Stories and Walking the Earth: Life’s Perspectives in Poetry); three teen books written under the name V. Gilbert Zabel (The Base Stealers Club, Case of the Missing Coach, and Prairie Dog Cowboy); one mystery/suspense (Midnight Hours) written under the name Vivian Gilbert Zabel. Her interests include her husband of 47 years, her three children, 10 grandchildren, and four, nearly five, great-grandchildren. Midnight Hours by Vivian Gilbert Zabel, ISBN: 978-0-9797513-3-2, Mystery/suspense/thriller.
While struggling to recover from a debilitating gunshot wound, homicide lieutenant Martin Rogers discovers an online "interest" may be a serial killer, responsible for the death of several disabled men. Lt. Rogers and friends set up a sting to capture Midnight, but she disappears like wisps of fog. Martin must find this killer before she can add him to her list of victims. Prairie Dog Cowboy by V. Gilbert Zabel, ISBN: 978-0-9797513-7-0, Juvenile/historical/fiction
Buddy wanted to be a Cowboy, one that rode a horse, not herd cows by foot. When the neighboring rancher, Caleb Hyman, told the boy he would be hired once he could lasso prairie dogs, Buddy worked and practiced for years to be able to catch one. Facing the hard life of homesteading in the late 1890s and early 1900s, Buddy didn't have an easy life, however, with the help of the Hymans, he developed into a strong, decent person who struggled to find his place in his world.