Graham Parke, the author of No Hope for Gomez!, has created a number of technical publications in his career, recently patenting a self-folding map. No Hope for Gomez! is Graham’s fiction debut, and has been widely received, winning numerous awards throughout 2011.

Kirkus review recently announced their Best Indie of 2011 list, and Graham’s fictional debut has made the prestigious list. The novel has received rave reviews from California Chronicles and Readers Favorite:

Extremely witty and clever writing that contains keen insights into human nature. –California Chronicle

The antics in this book will leave the reader laughing. Graham Parke is a genius. –Readers Favorite  

The story revolves around the experiences of one Gomez Porter. This is what Kirkus Review had to say about the book:

A drug trial participant blogs about his experiences on an experimental medication and questions whether the strangeness in his life is a side-effect or just weirdness as usual.

As a test subject in an experimental drug trial, Gomez Porter is asked to a keep a blog to chronicle any strange experiences, an exercise that quickly alerts him to just how many odd things seem to be happening around him. He soon finds himself wrapped up in a possible murder mystery, stalking a stalker for a woman he thinks he loves (though it might just be the drugs), while his life and the characters in it get ever more absurd—and increasingly dangerous.

Parke’s debut novel melds screwball comedy, hipster-style irony and an old-fashioned unreliable narrator into a quirky whodunit that challenges our perceptions about how we think and interact with the world around us. The blog-style entries are unique, providing a firsthand view of events from Gomez’s perspective, a perspective that even the character himself actively joins the reader in doubting. When Gomez goes so far as to admit he edits his posts, we’re left to wonder what got cut, what he isn’t telling us and why, if he is cutting things, he still records his more embarrassing, frightening or unflattering moments. These layers of ambiguity, combined with the novel’s wit and some of its more subtle humor (often overshadowed by its bigger laughs), give the book the distinction of being a work most will want to revisit.

The most notable shortcoming is the ending; it isn’t hugely satisfying, and the tone doesn’t fit with the rest of the book. But this is largely forgivable as the real charm of the novel is in the humor of its journey rather than its surprisingly solemn destination.

At times laugh-out-loud funny, occasionally just weird for the sake of weird, but consistently entertaining.

This work of fiction has been reviewed on Amazon as interesting, delightful and filled with intriguing suspense!

At Outskirts Press, our authors are what make us special, and Graham Parke is a perfect example of that.  Graham, we’re amazed with everything you do. Keep it up!

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As a pastor at Portmore Lane Covenant Community Church (Jamaica), Donald is actively involved in the deliverance ministry since 1986. He has also served as Coordinator of the Special Ministries (Deliverance) Tents at both the Reinhard Bonnke and Benny Hinn (Jamaica) National Crusades during the 1990’s. Donald established the W.A.R. Team over 15 years ago to develop younger Christians in the area of Spiritual Warfare and Deliverance, and to engage in practical ministry sessions, teaching seminars and training workshops.

He has conducted Spiritual Warfare seminars across Jamaica, as well as in Cayman, Aruba, Tanzania (Africa), New York and Miami.

Donald’s books are provocative in nature, and the abundance of his personal and professional efforts in order to evangelize, deliver and educate God’s people can be easily seen in his work.

At Outskirts Press, our authors are what make us special, and Donald K. Stewart is a perfect example of that.  Donald, we’re amazed with everything you do. Keep it up!

This is what Donald had to say about Outskirts Press “As far as I am concerned Bridget and Outskirts Press will always be a winning combination. I enjoy publishing with Outskirts Press, 11 books so far, and many more to come.”

Are you ready to kick-off your professional career with a growing collection of high-quality books?

Neal’s self-published book – The Adventures of Chip Doolin has captured the hearts of many readers that have left positive feedback for Neal’s work. You can check out Neal’s book at Amazon’s Kindle store.

You are probably wondering as to how Neal did it, and perhaps if you could use the same technique to launch your self-published book.

Before I tell you that, here is another quick fact about the book’s ranking, as of when I’m writing this post: The Adventures of Chip Doolin is ranked #8 in Amazon’s paid Kindle store in the Baseball category. Pretty cool, right?

So here is how Neal did it:

He gave it away for free.

Seriously.

One fine Sunday morning, Neal gave away his book for free – just for one day. By giving away something for free, that otherwise costs nearly $7, Neal managed to draw in huge crowd of readers, thus catapulting his book into Amazon’s best seller list.

So did he actually lose out on any sales? I don’t have any numbers to prove or disprove this, but offering something for free and then selling it further actually entices more people to purchase. The simple reason that everyone is reading the book (hence the book is on Amazon’s best seller list) as well as purchasing it justifies many readers opening up their wallets to make a purchase.

Several authors have attained great success from selling Kindle-ready books.

Are you interested in becoming a bestseller? We can help make that happen.

Amazon Kindle Edition The Amazon Kindle is a revolutionary wireless reading device that allows its owners to instantly download books and newspapers. This is the new way that people are buying books. However, only books that have been submitted to the Amazon Kindle via the required process and in the required format are available for Kindle readers to purchase and enjoy.

What are you waiting for? Order your Kindle Edition Today and become a bestseller!

All these books, and other Outskirts Press titles, are available from all major online retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Powells, Books A Million, and others, plus conveniently from the Outskirts Press bookstore at http://outskirtspress.com/bookstore (or in quantities of 10 or more for full wholesale trade discounts at Outskirts Press Direct (where the retailer saves money and the author still get their full royalty): http://outskirtspress.com/buybooks

Are you ready to publish your Christmas or Christian book?

She inspires and educates audiences with professional talks designed to complement each of her many books, and is as generous as she is inspirational.  During this holiday season, Charlotte is leveraging her recent “Nebraska Mother of the Year” recognition to set up a “Little Free Library” in her town, which has a population of 291 but does not boast a library.

“An author living in a town without a library is just not right!” she strongly believes.

To join Charlotte and Outskirts Press in donating books or setting up your own Little Free Library, visit http://www.littlefreelibrary.org/ for more information. It’s a great cause during this holiday season (or any season, for that matter).

At Outskirts Press, our authors are what make us special, and Charlotte Endorf is a perfect example of that.  Charlotte, we’re amazed with everything you do. Keep it up!

Books by Charlotte Endorf

Plus she was one of 5 successfully published authors highlighted in:

Are you ready to kick-off your professional career with a growing collection of high-quality books?

Many of our authors publish many books with us, and we like to schedule these spotlights so that you can get to know the writers that call Outskirts Press their publishing home.

Self-publishing Outskirts Press author, Lisa M. Andrade, is currently employed full-time as an Administrative Assistant in an upscale office in Westchester County, NY and part-time as a Kennel Assistant at the Putnam Humane Society in Putnam County, NY. She resides in the scenic hamlet of Carmel, NY where she continues to pursue her love and passion of writing and hopes to someday make a career out of it.

In her spare time, she enjoys her all-time favorite hobbies of fishing and hiking and always lives life to the fullest with no regrets and no looking back. She wishes to express her compassion for animals and was awarded a $5,000 grant in 2004 bearing her name for the Putnam Humane Society.

In addition, she was graciously honored the title of “Hometown Hero” by a local radio station on September 13, 2009 for her devotion, commitment and dedication to the animals at PHS. Another priority of Lisa’s is to revive the interest in poetry of all varieties and styles to be appreciated by younger and older generations alike. The beauty of art lies within the poetic expressions of the artist to convey a message of wisdom, hope and inspiration…make the most out of life and life will make the most out of you.

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Below are the four books she has published with Outskirts Press:

A BIG, PHAT Diet by a BIG, PHAT Loser

An Extreme, All-Over Makeover For Every Facet of Your Life

This book contains the following:

All-Natural Additives:

* Healthy Lifestyle Agreement

* Diet Journal

* Exercises

* Weight Chart

* Tip Calculation Chart

* Budget Worksheet

* PHAT Girl Mantra

Recommended Daily Allowance: One Chapter per day.

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A Symphony of Love

~ Reveries & Passions

As a loving tribute, Lisa wrote and dedicated A Symphony of Love ~Reveries & Passions to her daughter Maria and future son-in-law Kyle. She presented the book to them on their wedding day, December 19th, 2009. The book highlights all the wedding details and includes photos of Maria and Kyle and poetry about love and marriage.

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Bridezillas: Season 7 – Episodes 708 & 709

Behind the Scenes with a Mother-of-the-Bridezilla

Based on the top rated woman’s entertainment show Bridezillas, author and mother-of-the-bridezilla, Lisa M. Andrade, recounts the filming of Season 7, Episodes 708 & 709 in a behind-the-scenes manner. She writes about what was actually filmed the entire week before her daughter Maria’s wedding and then exposes the truth of how the contents were cut, manipulated and taken out of context to portray the television show’s perception of a true BRIDEZILLA.

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Impromptu Blessings

- a collection of prose & short stories

Impromptu Blessings is a poignant and compelling book written with courage, love and honesty. Humble and revealing, yet peppered with humor and wisdom, the author offers us a deeper understanding of how much we influence the people we come in contact with. This book encourages you to push through the challenges of life and reflect upon not only the good, but also the difficult times in order to learn and grow through our successes and failures.

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So why does Lisa keep publishing with Outskirts Press?

“I have to say that every step of the way was an AMAZING experience. The entire process was easy, and my Author Representatives were helpful and courteous in updating me on the progress of my books and wonderful in getting back to me in a timely and professional manner. What a great accomplishment to envision my dreams (from scribbles and chicken scratch) and then actually seeing them come to fruition (glossy paperbacks). I am extremely delighted in the finished products and with Outskirts Press as a whole.” (Lisa M. Andrade)

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Outskirts Press author, Gene Pisasale, was born and raised in Wynnewood, PA on the Main Line outside Philadelphia. By the age of 30, he had visited most of the 50 states and several foreign countries, trips which fueled his desire to write and share the wonderful places through words and photographs. Gene has worked in the investment industry since 1986.

His lifelong fascination with history – mankind’s story about its many triumphs, tragedies, sorrows and accomplishments- propelled him to start his writing career.

Gene enjoys hiking, visiting historic sites, museums, cooking and fine wines. He lives in Kennett Square, PA.

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Below are the three books he has published with Outskirts Press:

Abandoned Address

The Secret of Frick’s Lock

Natalie finds a dusty old box in the abandoned 18th century town of Frick’s Lock in historic Chester County, Pennsylvania. The search to understand its contents takes her and Jim to a museum dedicated to the world’s greatest inventors, the notorious Pennhurst Asylum and the find of the century…

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Lafayette’s Gold

The Lost Brandywine Treasure

Jim and Natalie uncovered a secret that had been hidden for over two centuries, something that treasure hunters had sought for decades. They knew they’d have to bring it to light, but realized they could both die trying. The fragile infancy of the young nation – and a man responsible for its survival – lay in the clues. After being driven off the road, shot at and nearly killed, they were determined to follow through to the end…

This book was also named as an Outskirts Press Bestseller for May 2011.

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Vineyard Days

Jim and Natalie wanted a relaxing vacation on Martha’s Vineyard with good food, sunshine and walks on the beach… What they weren’t expecting was being involved in a murder investigation linked to the Mafia, the stock market crash and massive securities fraud…and meeting Eddy, who could just as easily kill you as shake your hand…

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We were lucky enough for Gene to stop by and answer a few questions about his book and the Outskirts Press publishing experience.

OP: What made you decide that self-publishing would be the best way to publish your book?

“Their options were all attractively priced and their features helped me get my book published in a cost-effective way.”

OP: Why did you decide to publish with Outskirts Press?

“Their options were all attractively priced and their features helped me get my book published in a cost-effective way.”

OP: Can you share a bit about your book promotion strategy?

“I do a lecture tour with all my books, discussing the general topic (local american history), as well as contacting local media outlets such as newspapers, magazines, radio and T.V. stations, historical socieities, Rotary Clubs and other organizations to offer a lecture and have a book signing there.”

OP: Describe your book in 140 characters or less.

“[A] historical mystery of the Industrial Revolution in America involving Edison, the Wright Brothers and Henry Ford through finding a long lost invention of huge significance.”

OP: How long did it take you to write your book?

“Six months”

OP: Are you planning to publish any other books?

“Yes”

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Book Signing on January 9

On January 9, 2011, self-publishing Outskirts Press author, Joanne Bodin, held a book signing at the Albuquerque Art Museum. At the event, she was able to sell and promote her book, Walking Fish. Over 100 people attended this event.

Joanne Bodin, Ph.D., is a retired teacher of the gifted in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She received her Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum Instruction and Multicultural Teacher Education. She co-authored a book, Step By Step Storytelling; A Narrative Language Curriculum, which has been used in the Albuquerque Public Schools by speech/language pathologists for language delayed learners. She plays jazz piano, is working on a book of her collected works of poetry, and loves watercolor painting.

Recently, Joanne’s writing career was jump-started. She was announced as a winner in two categories of the International Book Awards — Fiction: Lesbian/Gay and Best New Fiction.

Here’s what Joanne has to say about winning the award and her Outskirts Press publishing experience:

“When I got an email last week that I had WON in two categories for the International Book Awards, I almost went into shock. I meticulously scanned the list of winners to make sure it was really my name, my book, my ISBN. Then, the next thing I did, was notify Outskirts Press to thank them. Only eight months ago,the first box of ten free copies of my completed novel, WALKING FISH, arrived at my doorstep. I couldn’t wait to open the box, touch each book, lay them out on the dining room table. I savored that moment -of seeing a seven year project turn into a reality. And now, only eight months later, who would have imagined that I’d be an International Book Award winner in not one, but two categories.

I first heard about Outskirts Press a couple of years ago, through SouthWest Writers in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I have been involved with SWW for a number of years on their board of directors. Some of our members had already published through Outskirts and I noticed that the quality of Outskirts’ books outshined some of the traditional publishers. When I was ready to publish my novel, I decided on Outskirts and it was the best thing I could have done. Because they are a “full-service” publishing company, they were able to offer two components that I found invaluable: a professional editor, and a book cover designer. Outskirts has managed to maintain high standards in the world of self-publishing, and their product certainly reflects their dedication to the literary community.”

ABOUT JOANNE’S BOOK

Title: Walking Fish

ISBN: 9781432761981

Price: $15.95

Summary: Talia, an eccentric artist, lives in the quaint town of Corrales, New Mexico with her partner, Renie. For the past twenty years on December 15, Talia has lit a candle to mark the day she had to leave California to start a new life, leaving behind her five year old daughter, Sophie. But, through a quirk of fate, Talia is catapulted into an unfolding saga that compels her to revisit her unconventional past, revealing truths that change the lives of everyone involved. This provocative, emotionally charged novel delves into the inner worlds of people grappling with painful paradoxes of life, and like the walking fish, they must find ways to adapt in order to survive.

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Doris: What a joy ride!  It’s still hard to believe my little book has been so well received. It was an exhilarating contest.

Outskirts Press: What led you to write The Beads of Lapis Lazuli? 

Doris: Curiosity and the search for truth led me to write The Beads of Lapis Lazuli.  I was working on a different story about the ancient Minoans that wasn’t going well, so I set it aside and started writing about a housewife named Kathryn who was writing a book about the ancient Minoans and was stuck for answers to an old love story.

I have always been intrigued by mysteries and puzzles and when I first read about the lost Minoan civilization on the Greek Island of Crete, I was hooked.  There is no Rosetta Stone to decipher their pictograms.  Who were they?  How did they live?  Why did young women, not men, wrestle the bulls?  I am still fascinated by the ancient Minoans and the prequel to The Beads of Lapis Lazuli will bring the Minoans back to life.  Some archeologists say ancient Crete was Atlantis and it is possible but no one has found a way to prove it.  My next book, The Age of Silver, brings the Minoans to life using the world’s oldest story of true love as a guide: the myth of Ariadne and Theseus.

Outskirts Press: What was your writing process like? How long did it take?

Doris: Since I don’t write full-time, it took several years to finish The Beads of Lapis Lazuli and like many writers, I could probably rewrite it again.  I was sad when I declared it finished.   As they say, ‘It takes two people to write a book; one to write the story and one to break your arm to keep you from getting back into it.’  I held onto it until a friend persuaded me to turn it lose.

Many readers have suggested that The Beads of Lapis Lazuli is autobiographical, but it’s not.  The central characters are composites of all the friends and relatives I’ve ever known.  It’s a tribute to the strong women in my life: my grandmothers and my mother. The sailing adventures are mine and they are drawn from personal experience.  The joy of sailing, the storms, the threat of being boarded by armed men are all real life adventures.  Although I am chicken of the sea, I would not have missed any of the challenges or the trauma. We have chartered boats without professional crew in the Mediterranean, the Aegean, the Caribbean, and the Coral Sea near the Great Barrier Reef.

      

The Beads of Lapis Lazuli was written in the wee hours when the house was quiet.  For me, one of the best things about writing fiction is the research.  I learned to repel off my best friend’s back porch, interviewed a fella who writes for Field and Stream in order to choose the right weapons for the story, and visited Crete to walk the sites where the Minoans once lived with such elegance and grace.  I decided to include a touch of ESP because of personal experiences that have no logical explanation.  Many people tell me they have had similar incidents happen to them: finding an unexpected bit of information that you really need to solve a problem, or a feeling that something is wrong and unfortunately you learn that your premonition is true.   Writing fiction is a mysterious process that is difficult to understand.  The characters make demands on your imagination that lead you to places you never intended to go.  Sometimes it makes me wonder who’s really writing the story.  Am I the writer, or is it someone who’s looking over my shoulder?

Outskirts Press:  Tell us about publishing with Outskirts Press.

Doris: Outskirts Press was the perfect choice for publishing my book. Fortunately, my want to hold my book in my hand overcame my fear of doing something I knew so little about.  Once I found the courage to schedule a phone conference to begin the process, I knew I was in good hands. Wendy talked me through the initial procedures, answered a long list of questions, and stayed with me until she handed me off to Jennifer, my Production Manager.  Kudos to every member of the Outskirts staff.  All my emails were answered promptly and never ignored!  Everything was done using email, even the copyediting which was another new experience.  However, with the editor’s clear instructions it worked out well.  I would never have believed that the entire publishing process could be performed online, but it was.

I chose a custom cover which allowed me to create exactly the image I had in mind. To get the look I wanted, I took dozens of pictures of my own little Snake Goddess with a strand of lapis beads on her arms, sent the photo to OP along with a few suggestions, and the design department did the rest.  I think they are the ones with ESP because the cover is even better than what I envisioned.  I also chose the enhanced interior option.  I’m embarrassed to say that I was not aware that interior design was so involved – the choices are endless.  With a few suggestions, I allowed OP to design the interior and after a few tweaks we achieved a look I felt was appropriate for the topic.

Outskirts Press has such a wide range of services I will choose them again to publish my next book.  I feel that the entire staff is sincerely interested in producing a good product.  They helped me achieve my goal which was to make my book the best it could be.

Outskirts Press:  What marketing efforts did you make to earn over 1,000 votes for your book in the Best Book of the Year polls?

Doris: The first call for votes went to everyone in my address book with two requests: please vote, and please ask relatives, friends, and friends of friends to vote.  A large number of enthusiasts really got into the voting and launched individual campaigns.  I posted a notice about the competition on Facebook with the request to involve friends and friends of friends, and a few special people worked very hard: one at a university, two in retirement homes, and two medical professionals.  Without networking, the voting would have been very different.  Persistence, begging, pleading, and follow-up were what pushed the vote over the top to a nail-biting end.

Entries are being accepted for the second annual Best Book of the Year awards. Click here  to get published and be in the running for the award and its $1,500 Grand Prize.

Outskirts Press author, Jeffrey D. Barbieri, has grown up experiencing life between New Jersey and Puerto Rico. He won the 2009 NJ Male Author of the Year Award for his Ben & Ink Series.

He participates in the Liberty State Fiction Writers Association and he is also an active member of the American Legion and of two charities, Save-a-Gato in Puerto Rico and Paper Houses Across the Border.

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Below are the three books he has published with Outskirts Press:

Lets Find You

The Ben and Ink Series

Let’s Find You chronicles his remarkable upbringing in a singularly unique family, one where a new crisis is always just around the corner. Told in a mix of prose and poetry, the compelling coming-of-age narrative follows Benjamin from a young boy into early adulthood.

This book is the ultimate guide into the heart and soul of a teenage boy as he journeys through car crashes, near-death experiences and melted chocolate…

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FROG

The Ben and Ink Series

FROG is book II in the Ben and Ink Series. Ben’s adventures continue as he journeys on his path of self discovery. Join him and his brothers as they fight battles within and the world around them. Will Ben find himself and find love? Will he take a stand and find his voice among his brothers? Ben’s passion is revealed through his words.

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Viola

Fields of Flowers

Based on real events, Viola: Fields of Flowers is the touching story of two girls who come together and form the unlikeliest of friendships. Although forever separated by the color of their skin, Viola and Ruth share a story of truth, love and the power of family despite the tragedies of this era of segregation.

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