Current projects. Coming soon!
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Target
by Kate Evans “Kate Evans’ new collection of poetry is a journey of home and away, the domestic and the exotic. The power of her language, her honesty, and her exacting images get at the heart of the ache and wonder of the human heart. Target celebrates life, love, and the challenges of living at the edge of self-discovery.” --Persis Karim, author of Tremors |
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testimony
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Check out our recent projects. Buy a book and support the authors!
The Adventures of Rangi Volume Three
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Complimentary Colors
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Fire in my Belly: poetry with a passion
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Faces of Harley
by Richard B. Ressman, M.D. Richard Ressman was one of the invited photographers to the Harley-Davidson One Hundredth Anniversary Celebration in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, home of the motorcycle company. Photos of participants, riders and partners from all over the world who attended the five day event are interspersed with quotes relating to riding and owning Harleys. https://photosurgeon.net |
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Tales from the Orchard 3
The young authors of Old Orchard School are back and proudly present their third annual anthology of stories, poetry, and art: Tales of the Orchard, Vol. 3. Everything inside these pages was written, sketched and photographed during the 2016-2017 school year. The hardest task for the editors was not how to fill these pages, but how to keep it to a single volume. We think we did OK. Inside these pages, you will find writing from every Old Orchard student from Jr. Kindergarten through Eighth Grade. There is light verse, murder, mayhem, frivolity, fanfiction, reimagined fairy tales, history, and even a little romance. If you are a fan of young people and good writing — and c’mon, who isn’t? — this is the book for you. And if you’re just discovering this series we have good news: Volumes 1 and 2 are still in print. |
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Chalice of My Imagination
by Shirindokht Nourmanesh "Shirindokht Nourmanesh's poems exploit the power of the poetic line and the energy of linguistic sound. To think that such effects can be translated from Persian into English—and the multitude of other languages represented in this collection—is astonishing. These poems are about language as much as they are about betrayals and possibilities. They are as serious as they are playful. Her voice is one to listen to, no matter the language." —Kate Evans, Call It Wonder Author comments on the publishing experience: I’ve got the book (15 copies), and I absolutely love it. It’s been done so professionally, and the book looks fabulous. This is my fourth book, but seriously it feels like my first. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I truly appreciate all you’ve done to finish this project, and have been so nice and kind and generous with your time and energy. Available now! |
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curse this blue raincoat
by Paul Robert Mullen Paul Robert Mullen was born in Southport, near Liverpool, England, in 1982. He is a writer, musician, and University Lecturer, currently living curse this blue raincoat begins with a young man’s epiphany at a poetry reading: that there is a person behind the words—“a poet—what a thing to be!” His curiosity is sparked. His heart is moved. His life is changed. And when we turn the page, then the next and the next, we evidence how the lifeblood of poetry has flowed from this significant moment.and working in Nanning, Guangxi, China. His poetry has been widely published in a variety of literary journals, magazines and e-zines. He is also an avid blogger. Available now! |
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Rhena & the Frenchman: a romance novel
by Mary J. Melvin Rhena & the Frenchman is a tale of passion, love and deception. Rhena Trevor, daughter of the Baron of Enfield, is caught in the intrigue of a historical event called the Field of the Cloth of Gold. Traveling on a moonlit road, Rhena finds herself taken hostage by a French furrier, Justin Renan. In a growing web of deception, Rhena falls in love with the mysterious Frenchman. But Justin Renan has secrets. On a mission to avenge the assassination of his brother, the Marquis de Moiroix, Justin must save the woman he loves from the powerful forces trying to stop him. Mary J. Melvin lives with her husband and fox terrier in Santa Cruz, California. She is a college professor with an enthusiasm for history, and a conviction that true love can overcome all obstacles. Her historically accurate romance novels are filled with complex characters and passionate sex scenes. She loves an epic tale with two lovers caught in the drama of monumental events. Her heroines are determined and strong, the heroes torn between duty and passion. |
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A Positive Spin on Poetry
by Janet Piper A Positive Spin on Poetry is a fabulous pick-me-up to put a smile on anyone’s face. It’s a positive way to look at the brightest side of any situation. Piper’s inspiration for writing came when she suffered the loss of her daughter in 2011. This absence left an enormous hole in her heart, and an indescribable emptiness. However, it was shortly after Kristina’s passing that she discovered her passion for writing. “Anytime Kristina’s birthday or anniversary rolled around, I found myself writing tributes in her honor. And, I have been writing ever since. My daughter’s inspiration is an amazing gift that will live with me forever. For she was, and always will be, my hero.” —Janet Piper Janet Piper is from Northern California and lives close by to family and friends. She is a single mother/grandmother and is a person full of optimism and faith, even during the worst of adversity. Piper is whimsical, witty, and down to earth. When she isn’t spending time with her grandchildren or singing and dancing, she is writing her poetry. “There is always an idea right around the corner,” she says. And no truer words were ever spoken. When inspiration strikes, Piper puts fire to the pen and starts creating yet another fascinating, untold story. Her poetry ranges from sadness to silliness and all promote a sense of thankfulness and peace. Author comments on the publishing experience: I have recently had the pleasure of working with Jan McCutcheon, an amazing publisher with Coyote Creek Books. If it weren't for Jan, I would still be unpublished. She was very easy to work with, and very patient; especially with all of the little changes I made during the process. I never thought in a million years that I would be a published author. Coyote Creek Books made that happen for me. I highly recommend them to anyone who is looking to get their book published in a professional and successful manner. Thank you so much, Jan!! You can see Janet on television here discussing her book and the publishing process. |
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MAYHEM: a life
by Cliff Helm Mayhem: A Life is a remarkable memoir of resilience. It is a portrait of a man consumed with an unnameable fire that leads to incredible achievements and devastating catastrophes. At the opening of the book, young Cliff experiences a drilling rig accident that results in a near-death experience. He leaves this earthly plane, only to return to its pain and beauty. And then, in one of his many transformations, Cliff leaves the roughneck life to become—of all things—a womanizing hairdresser. But soon he resumes his rough-and-tumble ways, resulting in another near-fatal accident, losing the use of his hands. After a series of incredible events, he is sent to prison for drug trafficking, where he again remakes his life, becoming a body-builder with virtually no use of his hands and a high-achieving college student. When released from prison, he grabs the opportunity for a new life, tenaciously studying nuclear medicine for years and after graduating Loma Linda university becomes very successful at his trade. But mayhem strikes again in yet another near-fatal accident that leaves Cliff wondering if his perseverance has reached its limits. With remarkable candor, Cliff Helm offers a portrayal of a life lived to the hilt. He has a tough and tender story to tell, and he tells it no-holds barred. Michael Clifford Helm was born in 1964 in Reno and currently lives in Washoe Valley, Nevada. A former cowboy, athlete, hairdresser, prison inmate, and nuclear medicine tech, he has lived many lives. Now a professional artist, he lives in Washoe Valley, Nevada. Visit his website at: www.Mayhem-Mediums.artistwebsites.com. |
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The Furry Disco: a novella
by Jo Kearley There was a skirmish at the door. Sharon and Scheherazade, the absentee guinea pigs, came rushing (or rather scooting) across the floor. Sharon, a black satin piggie resembling an eggplant, had greenery dripping from the corners of her mouth. Scheherazade, the more glamorous of the two, long-haired and streaked blonde, might have escaped detection of guilt except for her overwhelming chlorophyll breath when she mumbled, “Hi.”" Welcome to the world of The Furry Disco. Cat DJ with twitching whiskers and swaying hips! Parrot walking cross-country ski style through applesauce! Freudian-esque therapy sessions with Schnauzer Dr. Von Sigmund! A dash of Mafia and a moral or two... Set in the 1970s, this novella reflects a microcosm of society—a modern day fable of the foibles of human nature. From philosophers to insouciant, from the astute to the naïve, it delves into the timeless theme of greed and its resultant metamorphoses. It is meant to amuse as well as act as a parable. The tale is replete with puns, double entendres, and juice, high-powered vocabulary (including a glossary at the end). The inter-species alliances and discord provide a romp through the workings of the critters' minds and accentuate the author's love for her characters. |
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Men and Music
by Isaiah Vianese Isaiah Vianese’s poems and book reviews have appeared in Assaracus, Blue Collar Review,The Fourth River, Lambda Literary, Moon City Review, and Rattle. He is also author of the chapbook, Stopping on the Old Highway (Recycled Karma Press, 2009) and a book for children. He lives in New York City, where he teaches writing. In Men and Music, Isaiah Vianese explores love, loss, rediscovered hope, and the music that plays in the background. These narrative and lyric poems about romance, sex, and the search for happiness tell us that in the face of despair there can be joy, and after heartbreak comes rebirth. Men and Music helps us see "this is how we live our lives—separate pieces tossed together, not always planned, but beautiful." Author comments on the publishing experience: I received my proof copy today, and it was a very emotional and exciting experience for me. The book is gorgeous and perfect; I went over it carefully and I couldn't be more pleased. I have long dreamed of getting this collection finished and into the world. You helped me create the book I dreamed, and I am very grateful that we were able to work together. Your design expertise has been a great blessing for this book. Again, thank you for everything. This has been a dream come true, and it's only the beginning! There are so many exciting adventures to have promoting this book. |
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Rediscovering America
by Hans P. Guth Based on the premise that large numbers of new Americans and a generation of idealistic Americans are ready after a period of soul searching for a memoir with a positive reading of America’s past and of the promise of America. Large numbers of new Americans with a second-language or second-culture background emerge being mainstreamed after surviving the obstacle course of a testing culture that has little to say to them about the meaning of America past or future. Millions of techies (median salary here in Silicon Valley $115,00) are expected to participate in the world of public discourse without much guidance that is up-to-date or not discredited. The book starts with Guth’s American odyssey in the basement of an Italian mountain farm where he is one of the walking wounded of a German unit dispersed in a losing war waiting to surrender to the Americans who are already in the courtyard above. The book leads on to a career as a student, teacher, and teacher of teachers in the United States, working with teachers and students in venues ranging from the great prestige universities to the classrooms close to the Mexican border where you never see the pundits who send missives about “failing schools” from the Hoover Institute or the Heritage Foundation. |
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Tales from the Orchard 2
At Old Orchard School, students write stories in every grade. I have been a student at Old Orchard School for 9 years, which means I’ve written a lot of stories. The story I remember best is a spooky one that I wrote in Third Grade. This was my favorite by far because it had to do with a creepy basement and a weird ghost. The whole time that I was writing that story, I was imagining how everything happened in my head. All these thoughts were flying around my head like birds flying out of a cage. A ghost popping out of a chest and scaring the person snooping around. The person screaming and then running away as far as he could. Finally, the person would capture the ghost and get rid of him forever. When my story was finished, I knew I wanted to write many more stories in the future— and I have. Stories about the world at war, a nuke hitting Europe, and even a story about the life of a pug. If you can imagine something in your head in full detail, you are going to be an amazing writer when you grow up. It is hard, though. You need to have an imagination that never locks itself in. Also, you need to edit everything at least five times, and it gets frustrating after a while. Never give up when you write a story. Keep writing on and on. Writing a story begins in your head. Turning ideas into stories is a way of sharing your imagination and showing others how creative you can be. At Old Orchard, every grade has its own unique style of imagination. Even adults have imagination – where do you think all the books you read come from? Imagination is where writers find the details to describe a scene, what a character looks like, figure out how their plot is going to play out. Everyone should believe in their ability to write an amazing story. Writing a story can also help you get your anger or sadness out of your head and make you feel calm and controlled. Everybody needs that in their life. In this book, the students of Old Orchard School are proud to share their creative and unique stories, all written during the 2015-2016 school year. Every student from every grade, from K1 through 8th Grade, has contributed to this book. These stories will inspire you and show you that everyone can write a great story if they lead with their imagination. Kai Hegeman Old Orchard Class of 2016 Archbishop Mitty High School Class of 2020 Cover design © Chris Chope |
The Wall of Fame by Richard B. Ressman, M.D.
For more than forty years Ressman has been taking photos of celebrities, movie stars, musicians, athletes, and politicians. After capturing the images, he would then process the photos, mount them on matte board and place them on the “Wall of Fame,” a big wall in his home containing nearly four hundred eight by ten inch photos of recognizable people from Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Jimmy Carter; athletes from Jack Nicklaus, Michael Jordan, LeBron James and Mohammad Ali; musicians from Paul McCartney, Bo Diddley, Mick Jagger and Dave Brubeck; and actors from Michael Douglas, Jane Fonda and Paul Newman. There are obviously too many to name here. Most are featured on his website www.photosurgeon.net.
Dr. David Miller is an anesthesiologist and pain specialist Ressman worked with in Northern Indiana and who became a close friend; he also became a patient on several occasions. In addition to the first print going on the Wall, Ressman frequently printed and mailed a second copy to David Miller; however, he would always sign his print with the name of the subject and a “personal” message. David just happened to save all these images and when Ressman told him of the plan to write this book about the photos, Miller provided all the original images that had been sent him. Because some of the messages have faded a bit over time, the messages are re-printed on the pages opposite the photos. Photos taken before 2002 were taken with film; photos afterwards were taken with professional digital cameras. Again, Ressman signed all the subjects’ names. It is easy to see that David Miller has a lot of friends.
Front cover photograph © Tony Berardi, Chicago Tribune Magazine
For more than forty years Ressman has been taking photos of celebrities, movie stars, musicians, athletes, and politicians. After capturing the images, he would then process the photos, mount them on matte board and place them on the “Wall of Fame,” a big wall in his home containing nearly four hundred eight by ten inch photos of recognizable people from Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Jimmy Carter; athletes from Jack Nicklaus, Michael Jordan, LeBron James and Mohammad Ali; musicians from Paul McCartney, Bo Diddley, Mick Jagger and Dave Brubeck; and actors from Michael Douglas, Jane Fonda and Paul Newman. There are obviously too many to name here. Most are featured on his website www.photosurgeon.net.
Dr. David Miller is an anesthesiologist and pain specialist Ressman worked with in Northern Indiana and who became a close friend; he also became a patient on several occasions. In addition to the first print going on the Wall, Ressman frequently printed and mailed a second copy to David Miller; however, he would always sign his print with the name of the subject and a “personal” message. David just happened to save all these images and when Ressman told him of the plan to write this book about the photos, Miller provided all the original images that had been sent him. Because some of the messages have faded a bit over time, the messages are re-printed on the pages opposite the photos. Photos taken before 2002 were taken with film; photos afterwards were taken with professional digital cameras. Again, Ressman signed all the subjects’ names. It is easy to see that David Miller has a lot of friends.
Front cover photograph © Tony Berardi, Chicago Tribune Magazine
Black Picket: a novel by Ms. Ana Rêve
A woman’s narrative of the pursuit of the white picket fence dream in the sixties. Burdened with a weak ego resulting from her restrictive childhood, she built hopes for the future that romanticized escape into a comfortable suburban life. The novel recounts what, in reality, she found.
“I was getting used to numbing my body and using sex for allowance, perks, and even permission to answer the doorbell. Yes, the doorbell. If my parents were at the door coming for a visit, he would drag me into the bathroom for a quickie. I didn’t want to cry because my dad would pick up on the tears and ask me what was wrong. So I endured stoically, without emotion. Then I was permitted to open the front door.”
A woman’s narrative of the pursuit of the white picket fence dream in the sixties. Burdened with a weak ego resulting from her restrictive childhood, she built hopes for the future that romanticized escape into a comfortable suburban life. The novel recounts what, in reality, she found.
“I was getting used to numbing my body and using sex for allowance, perks, and even permission to answer the doorbell. Yes, the doorbell. If my parents were at the door coming for a visit, he would drag me into the bathroom for a quickie. I didn’t want to cry because my dad would pick up on the tears and ask me what was wrong. So I endured stoically, without emotion. Then I was permitted to open the front door.”
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The Adventures of Rangi Volume Two by Jeri McCutcheon The Adventures of Rangi Volume Two is another coloring book by artist Jeri McCutcheon that is a delight for all ages. McCutcheon asks friends to send photos of their furry, feathered, or scaled friends which she incorporates into her drawings. In each drawing, her dog Rangi is featured along with his new found friends. Get a copy and enjoy some coloring therapy to keep the blues away. Follow Jeri and Rangi on Facebook to see samples of her work and hear about upcoming projects. You can submit photos of your pet and they might be chosen for future episodes! Available now! |
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Dog Wash
written & illustrated by
Margaret Prendergast Washington
A rescue dog named Duchess finds a new family and a new way to take a bath in San Jose, California. Her new found friends, Arthur and Chewie, help her to overcome her fear. Written and illustrated by award winning artist Margaret Prendergast Washington in beautiful transparent watercolor.
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Call It Wonder by Kate Evans
Who hasn’t dreamed of chucking it all to live a traveling life? Yet two months after Kate and her husband Dave leave home to live on the road, she awakes in the grips of a seizure. The diagnosis of a brain tumor comes at a terrible time: It is their first-year wedding anniversary, and they have no home. Soon, though, this medical adventure becomes integral to their journey. Paralleling this story are Kate’s painful and often humorous exploits of body, mind, and spirit—including frank explorations of her life as a sexual iconoclast, caregiver to dying parents, and inspired but overwhelmed teacher who longs to write. Photos © Dave Rhine |
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Tales from the Orchard This anthology features writing and artwork by the students currently attending Old Orchard School in Campbell, California. When beloved founder Dannie Weston started Old Orchard School, her vision, inspiration, and dedication to fostering a love of learning through literature and writing is reflected in the many fine examples on these pages. Miss Dannie's legacy lives on. Cover design © Chris Chope Old Orchard School I love my school learning at it forever making great buddies -Ariana C., Grade 4 |
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The Adventures of Rangi by Jeri McCutcheon
This coloring book is a delight for all ages. Artist Jeri McCutcheon connected with other pet owners through social media. She asked friends to send her photos of their furry or feather friends and then incorporated the pets into her drawings. In each drawing, her dog Rangi is featured along with his new found friends. The Adventures of Rangi is available for purchase from Amazon.com. Get a copy and enjoy some coloring therapy to keep the blues away. Follow Jeri and Rangi on Facebook. You can see samples of her work and hear about upcoming projects. You can submit photos of your pet and they might be chosen for future episodes! Cover design © Jeri McCutcheon |
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For the May Queen by Kate Evans
It’s 1981 and 17-year-old Norma Rogers’ parents drop her off at the college dorms. Soon, Norma finds herself drunk and nearly naked with three strangers. The strip poker event is the first of many experiences that prompt Norma to question who she is and who she wants to be. Norma’s relationships with an array of characters induce her to grapple with society’s messages about women, sex, and freedom. Many tumultuous events take Norma through an array of troubles, pleasures, and thrills: from drug use and ominous encounters with strangers, to rowdy parties and road trips, to queer coming-out surprises. In the midst of these incidents, Norma reflects on her desire for freedom, (sexual and otherwise). Ultimately Norma comes to see that there are many ways to live and love. Photo © Dave Rhine |