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Authors Signings & Articles Read More Christy Cashman: From Loss to Light: The Resilient Journey of “The Truth About Horses” Read More From Public Health to Picture Books: The Heart Behind “Birdie’s Picnic Party” Read More A Dream-Born Epic: Author's Journey to "First Novel" and Historical Fantasy Read More GAB TALKS with J. Chester Johnson Read More A Decade in Color: Lee Woodman’s Latest Triumph Read More From Plot Twists to Queen Code: Laura Muirhead's Journey of Sovereign Leadership Read More Jeremy Clift's "Born in Space: Unlocking Destiny" Wins Independent Press Award, Charting a Bold Sci-Fi Future Read More Neal Rabin's "FLAT" Wins Independent Press Award for Humor: A Journey of Accidental Discovery Read More When Mars Attacked, and the World Fought Back: Inside Eric Goebelbecker's "The Great War of the Worlds" Read More "The Dancing Darlings" Honored at Independent Press Awards: A Psychologist's Journey to Children's Literature Read More GAB TALKS interview with Dr. Susan Agbenoto Read More "Lynched" Earns Double Honors at Independent Press Awards, Unearthing Dark Chapter of Northern Plains History Read More Bridging the Gap: "Hiring Veterans" and the Untapped Potential of Military Talent Read More London Book Fair 2025: A Global Hub for the Future of Storytelling Read More From Canvas to Climate: How a Worried Artist Accidentally Became an Award-Winning Author Read More Finding Love in the Margins: One Author's Journey to Redefine Romance Read More Gary E Smith Read More Aurita Maldonado author signing at ALA, Table 1652, on Saturday, June 28th, at 2:30pm Read More Carl Baker & Bernadette Wells authors signing at ALA, Table 1652, on Saturday, June 28th, at 1:30pm Read More Susan Wands author signing at ALA, Table 1652, on Saturday, June 28th, at 12:30pm Read More Danielle Billetz-Reppert author signing at ALA, Table 1652, on Saturday, June 28th, at 11:30am Read More Susan Agbenoto author signing at ALA, Table 1652, on Saturday, June 28th, at 10:30am Read More Shane Svorec author signing at ALA, Table 1652, on Saturday, June 28th, at 9:30am Read More Seeing Through Her Eyes: A Conversation on The Female Gaze In Art & Photography with Australian author, Anita Selzer Read More From Advocacy to Authorship: Amplifying Unheard Voices Through Storytelling Read More Weaving New Magic: Michaela Riley’s Evolution into an Award-Winning Dark Fantasy Author Read More From Roller Hockey Rinks to Storytelling: A Writer's Unexpected Journey Read More Penny Lane's "Redeemed" Wins Independent Press Award, Offering Hope Through Raw Honesty Read More "Death of a Blue Jay" Recognized by Independent Press Award: A Journey Forged in Faith and Discovery Read More Increasing Global Awareness through Language Education: Janet Skrzypek Read More The Art of the Sabbatical: How John Abrams Rewrote the Rules of Business and Authorship Read More The Inner Alchemist: How Natasha Sumner’s Award-Winning Book is Redefining Spirituality Read More A Journey of Faith and Suspense: The Rise of H.L. Howard Read More "Unrivaled: Sewanee 1899" Wins Independent Press Award, Celebrating a Legendary Sports Feat Read More The Grappler’s Grace: Dr. Tom Latham’s Journey from the Mat to the Manuscript Read More "Here With You": A Tender Guide Through Children's Grief, Awarded NYC Big Book Honor Read More Building a Community and Brand Around Your Writing Read More Xue Mo Illuminating the Darkness: A Conversation with Ted Olczak Read More From PTO Meeting to Page-Turner: How a Mom's Job Sparked a Movement Read More Travis Easter Read More Tim Turner and Moisey Gorbaty, authors of “The Reluctant Conductor” Read More Kathryn Troutman author signing at ALA, Table 1652, on Saturday, June 28th, at 2pm Read More Loretta Goldberg author signing at ALA, Table 1652, on Saturday, June 28th, at 1pm Read More Jessica Bantom author signing at ALA, Table 1652, on Saturday, June 28th, at noon Read More Grace Hodges author signing at ALA, Table 1652, on Saturday, June 28th, at 11am Read More Kimberly Adams author signing at ALA, Table 1652, on Saturday, June 28th, at 10am Read More Michele Kwasniewski author signing at ALA, Table 1652, on Friday, June 27th, at 6pm Read More UP CLOSE and PERSONAL with Dr. D.W. Knight

Learn more about John Abrams < Back John Abrams The Art of the Sabbatical: How John Abrams Rewrote the Rules of Business and Authorship What happens when a founder steps away from their life’s work? For John Abrams, the answer was simple, if not entirely smooth: you write a book to change how the world does business. Abrams, the founder of South Mountain Company and author of From Founder to Future: A Business Roadmap to Impact, Longevity, and Employee Ownership , has spent decades proofing a thesis that many traditional capitalists still view with skepticism—that a business can prioritize people, planet, and profit all at once. But as Abrams discovered, putting those principles into practice, and later onto the page, requires a masterclass in patience, collaborative leadership, and a healthy dose of humility. For John, it was the sabbatical that tanked (and the one that succeeded). The itch to write had always been there for Abrams. In 2003, three decades after founding South Mountain Company, he decided to test both his writing chops and his company’s independence by taking a six-month sabbatical. The goals were ambitious: see if the company could survive without him, and pen a book about an alternative way to do business. The initial result? A reality check. Without his daily leadership, company morale tanked, and the book remained unfinished. Undeterred, Abrams spent the next six months reassessing, restructuring, and leaning heavily into collaborative management. When he took a second sabbatical, the groundwork paid off. The company thrived, the collaborative management model took root, and his first book was finally completed. Fifteen years later, as he prepared to hand over the reins of South Mountain Company to a second generation of leaders, Abrams knew his next chapter would involve another book. He also knew exactly who he wanted to partner with: Berrett-Koehler (BK) Publishers, a house whose values mirrored his own. The partnership culminated in From Founder to Future , which recently saw a definitive second edition release. "I am thrilled to have this opportunity," Abrams says of the updated edition. "It feels like the first edition was the practice run, and I’m ready for the real deal." To understand Abrams’ business philosophy, you have to look back at the forces that shaped him. Coming of age during the turbulent 1960s, Abrams found his true college education not in a lecture hall, but within the pages of Stewart Brand’s Whole Earth Catalog . The iconic publication served as his window into new worlds, supporting his back-to-the-land adventures and ultimately laying the philosophical bricks for his career in sustainable building and employee ownership. But if Brand provided the roadmap for his career, a late friend named Lee Halprin provided the compass for his writing. Halprin, who passed away at the age of 97, left Abrams with a piece of advice that continues to color every page he writes: "All true writing names only a little of what’s true. Some writing somehow knows that, and somehow shows that... I think it is good to consider this relation between what one knows and what one doesn’t, between what is known and what isn’t, and between what’s knowable and what isn’t. It’s good to think hard enough about this for it to somehow color one’s writing, somehow to seep into it." This profound humility, the practice of acknowledging the vast ocean of what remains unknown, is what keeps Abrams' writing grounded, authentic, and strikingly honest. When asked to distill the essence of his work into a single sentence, Abrams doesn't hide behind dense corporate jargon or lofty academic theories. His mission is straightforward: "I try to craft a compelling message—in an accessible, story-based way—about a fundamentally different way to do business." In a corporate landscape often obsessed with short-term gains and top-heavy hierarchies, From Founder to Future stands as a narrative-driven blueprint for longevity. By sharing his own missteps, successes, and the quiet wisdom of those who influenced him, Abrams isn't just telling leaders how to build a better business—he’s showing them how to write a better future. Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Learn more about Janet Skrzypek < Back Janet Skrzypek Increasing Global Awareness through Language Education: Janet Skrzypek At the front of a classroom, Janet Skrzypek gathers the rapt attention of all her students with the sound of a book opening, a page turning, and her gentle voice reading both Spanish and English in her children’s books. Language learning can be an intimidating process for young students, but Skrzypek makes it grounded, engaging, and simple. Award-winning independent author-editor and educator Skrzypek brings together storytelling, language learning, and cultural understanding in her bilingual children’s books. Her acclaimed title, The Llama That Wanted to Spit on Me / La Llama que Quería Escupirme , was recognized as the 2026 Independent Press Award Winner in the Children’s-Bilingual category, https://www.independentpressaward.com/2026-winners/9798992041514 , earning praise for its captivating storytelling promoting respect for animals and their habitats. Her writing aims to entertain young readers while expanding their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension in both English and Spanish. ***Book Signing at ALA Chicago, Booth 4722*** Skrzypek is uniquely equipped to tell these stories with her variety of educational backgrounds. She received her Master’s in Child Studies from Linköping University in Sweden, her Bachelor’s in Human Development and Family Studies from American Public University in the United States, and an ELE ( Español como Lengua Extranjera / Spanish as a Foreign Language) certification from Ricardo Palma University in Peru. Additionally, she is fluent in English, French, and Spanish, and she teaches French and Spanish at Saint Peter School (K-8th) . “As a French and Spanish teacher, I discovered my path to authorship in the classroom, where I also found my voice,” Skrzypek says. “My students’ enthusiasm for my stories, inspired by my multicultural experiences, travels, and small moments that reveal big truths, motivated me to write bilingual English-Spanish stories.” Since childhood, she has experienced the transformative power of books firsthand—the power language has to open doors for people. As a result, she became an active member and contributor to the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and Secretary of the ACTFL Teaching and Learning of Culture Special Interest Group. She has donated her books to public schools and cultural centers in remote areas of Peru and contributed to second language learning efforts around the world. Skrzypek is a global-minded educator with a singular goal: to uplift every student she encounters. The Llama That Wanted to Spit on Me / La Llama que Quería Escupirme is not her only title which has inspired readers. Her other titles include The Dragonfly Visit / La Visita de la Libélula , The Man Who Traded Chicken Eggs for Bottles / El Señor que Intercambiaba Huevos de Pollo por Botellas , and Henrietta the Little Hen and the Duck’s Eggs / La Gallinita Enriqueta y los Huevos de la Pata . Skrzypek works as both an author and an educator to foster empathy and curiosity for the world while encouraging student passion for reading and language. Her books invite children to imagine a sustainable world built on kindness and shared responsibility one story at a time. Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Learn more about Eric Goebelbecker < Back Eric Goebelbecker When Mars Attacked, and the World Fought Back: Inside Eric Goebelbecker's "The Great War of the Worlds" H.G. Wells’ The War of the Worlds etched an indelible image into the global consciousness: towering Martian tripods laying waste to Victorian England, only to be vanquished by the humblest of Earth's inhabitants – bacteria. But what if the story didn't end there? What if humanity, scarred but unbowed, salvaged the alien technology and incorporated it into its own brutal conflicts? This is the chilling premise that Eric Goebelbecker explores in his "The Great War of the Worlds" series, a compelling alternate history that transforms the horrors of World War I into an even more terrifying, technologically twisted global conflict. Goebelbecker’s series is a "what if" scenario that reimagines the early 20th century through the lens of a successful, though ultimately repelled, Martian invasion. The year is 1914, and the storm clouds of war are gathering over Europe, just as they did in our history. However, this isn't the Great War we know. The trenches are deeper, the stakes higher, and the weapons… unfathomably more destructive. Humanity, having harvested and clumsily reverse-engineered Martian technology, now wields its own versions of heat rays, black dust, and even formidable land-ironclads that evoke the dread silhouette of the original tripods. The trauma of the invasion hasn't united mankind in a peaceful utopia; instead, it has intensified national rivalries and accelerated a terrifying arms race, pushing the world to the brink of an unprecedented, apocalyptic conflict. While the narrative scope is vast, Goebelbecker grounds his storytelling in visceral, often brutal detail, focusing on the human experience amidst the chaos. Goebelbecker builds upon Wells with reverence. The Martians remain genuinely alien and terrifying, their original invasion serving as a catalytic event rather than a mere plot device. The lingering fear of their return is a constant, palpable threat. Moreover, this isn't whimsical steampunk. This is "Tripod-punk" or "Dieselpunk" at its finest – a world drenched in the grime, blood, and industrial horror of World War I, intensified by the alien weapons. The technology feels clunky, dangerous, and imperfect, reflecting humanity's desperate struggle to comprehend and control what it has found. Despite facing an external alien threat, Goebelbecker's most poignant observation might be that humanity’s capacity for self-destruction remains undimmed. The series powerfully explores how even the most profound shared trauma can fail to overcome deeply ingrained political and nationalistic divisions. "The Great War of the Worlds" is a thought experiment in the darkest corners of human ingenuity and conflict. It asks us to consider the terrifying implications of advanced technology in morally compromised hands and the endless capacity for war, even when faced with a common enemy from the stars. For fans of alternate history, military science fiction, and those who ever wondered what would truly happen if Mars attacked, Eric Goebelbecker's series offers a brutal, captivating, and utterly unforgettable journey into a world forever changed by the ultimate invasion. Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Learn more about Tom Latham < Back Tom Latham The Grappler’s Grace: Dr. Tom Latham’s Journey from the Mat to the Manuscript In the humid wrestling rooms of Brazilian public schools and across the vast reaches of the Amazon, one man has spent half a century proving that faith is the ultimate endurance sport. To his friends, he is Tom; to his congregation, he is Pastor Thomas; but to a growing audience of readers, he is Dr. Tom Latham: a missionary, a coach, and now, a prolific author whose life story reads like the very adventure novels he pens. After 80 years of life and 50 years on the mission field, Dr. Latham is celebrating a “divine miracle:” the transition from a desk piled with seventy unpublished manuscripts to a published library. His latest release, “Brazilian Adventures,” serves as the crown jewel of this collection, offering a captivating blend of action, cultural exploration, and profound spiritual reflection. In his new book, “Brazilian Adventures,” Latham takes readers on a breathtaking trek through the Amazon, the arid semi-desert, and the rugged Gaucho territories. It is a must-read for fans of Christian fiction, seamlessly weaving “historical fiction” based on true local stories with the vibrant landscapes of Brazil. From the wrestling mat to the printed page, Dr. Tom Latham continues to grapple with the big questions of faith, proving it is never too late to share your story with the world. The journey to authorship was not a sprint, but a marathon. Inspired decades ago while reading to his daughter, Kosy, Latham realized he had stories within him that needed to be told. He drafted the first of the “Shane Woods Series” by pencil and pad long before the age of computers. However, the path was met with rejection. One editor’s stinging critique questioning his qualifications to write silenced his pen for twenty-five years. “I accepted that writing would remain a hobby,” Latham reflects. But God had other plans. While traveling the U.S. to visit mission supporters, the spark returned. He began revising his work, adding the depth of character and emotional resonance that only decades of ministry could provide. The “miracle” arrived unexpectedly when a publisher, an alumnus of Latham’s own alma mater, offered to publish his work, funded by an anonymous donor. For a man who has seen God provide “out of the blue” in the heart of the jungle, it was a familiar grace. Discover more about Dr. Latham’s ministry and books at www.brazilwrestler.com . Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Learn more about J. Chester Johnson < Back J. Chester Johnson GAB TALKS with J. Chester Johnson Whispers of History and Healing: A Conversation with J. Chester Johnson The GAB TALKS recently had the privilege of sitting down with acclaimed poet and author J. Chester Johnson, whose latest work, Reading Whispers: Book of Triple Haiku , offers a strikingly original take on poetic form. The collection explores themes of love, politics, race, aging, and mortality through an innovative structure that expands the traditional haiku into something more layered and resonant. Johnson is no stranger to weighty subject matter. His widely celebrated nonfiction book, Damaged Heritage: The Elaine Race Massacre and A Story of Reconciliation , earned the 2025 Independent Press Award for Nonfiction. Blending memoir, history, and social commentary, the book uncovers the largely overlooked 1919 Elaine Race Massacre in rural Arkansas—one of the deadliest racial attacks in American history—while weaving in a deeply personal narrative of friendship and reconciliation. With a literary career spanning decades, Johnson’s work has been published internationally and translated into multiple languages. His poetry collections include Now and Then: Selected Longer Poems and St. Paul’s Chapel & Selected Shorter Poems . The latter holds particular historical significance: its signature poem remains a memento card for visitors to St. Paul’s Chapel, which famously survived the 9/11 attacks at Ground Zero. His writing, which has appeared in more than 50 journals and publications, and innumerable presentations related to his writing include venues like The New York Times, Literary Matters, Best American Poetry Blog, Poets House, Harvard College, Trinity Church Wall Street, Troubadour (London), and the BBC. Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Johnson spent his formative years in the Mississippi River Delta in Southeast Arkansas and later built his life in New York City, where he resides with his wife, Freda Stern Johnson. Beyond literature, his career includes leadership in finance and public service. Johnson owned and operated a financial advisory firm that concentrated on debt management. He served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Treasury during the Carter Administration and was educated at Harvard College and the University of Arkansas. In this candid interview, Johnson reflects on his life, his work, and the enduring power of poetry. Roots and Reckoning GABBY: Tell us about your background and how it shaped your voice as a writer. CHESTER: I've had an amazingly abundant life. I've had the experience of participating in some important work during my life. I'm currently involved in a number of projects that continue to reflect the life that I've lived. I grew up in a small town on the cusp of the Mississippi River Delta. It was a very racist area. very racist community, and within a racist family. The texture of racism has been an important component of my life. I've worked in the area of racial healing for much of my life. Beginning soon after I graduated from college, I taught in an all black public school in the Mississippi River Delta, all the way up to writing the Litany of Offense and Apology when the Episcopal Church formally apologized for its role in transatlantic slavery and related evils, to my non-fiction book “Damaged Heritage, the Elaine Race Massacre and A Story of Reconciliation,” and up to my series of articles on racial healing that are distributed to thousands of people. Unearthing the Past GABBY: Your book “Damaged Heritage” reveals something deeply personal about your family. CHESTER: As I was doing the research for the litany when the Episcopal Church apologized for its role in slavery, I came across a document written by the iconic, Black historian Ida B. Wells, and she talked about an event called the Arkansas Race Riot of 1919. I had heard in family lore that my maternal grandfather had participated in a major race riot in southeast Arkansas. I was ultimately able to coalesce what I had heard when I was growing up about my maternal grandfather participating in this race riot and this event called the Elaine Race Massacre, which arguably is the largest attack by whites against blacks in our country's history. There's been a very positive response to the book. Recently, the Library of Congress shop, which chooses very few books to have in their shop for sale, chose Damaged Heritage . Reconciliation and Human Connection GABBY: Your book also led to a powerful personal relationship. CHESTER: The second part of the subtitle, A Story of Reconciliation was extraordinarily important for me because I became close with a descendant of victims in the massacre, Sheila L. Walker. Our two families became very close as we went through the process of racial healing. After a long illness with cancer, Sheila passed away in 2021. I was asked to give the eulogy at her memorial service. I've given over a hundred presentations since that book came out in 2020 on racism and racial healing. So much of it dealt with the relationship that I had with Sheila Walker, who incidentally wrote the introduction to “Damaged Heritage.” The Shift to Poetry GABBY: Your latest book, “Reading Whispers: Book of Triple Haiku,” returns to poetry. Why make that shift? CHESTER: I have written poetry since I was in high school. One of my important elements in my poetry resume is that I became the poet for the retranslation of the Psalms that are part of the Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church back in the 1970s. Reinventing Haiku GABBY: What exactly is a “triple haiku”? CHESTER: The traditional haiku is a three line poem. Five syllables in the first line, seven syllables in the second line, and five syllables in the third line. We have incorporated this approach over time from the traditional form, a very ancient form of Japanese poetry. We've taken it and restructured it. The Japanese version doesn't use syllables. It measures sound rather than the use of syllables. Ours with syllables ends up being a little bit longer than the traditional haiku. I wrote a poem a long time ago about how poetry is a function of not just the brain and heart; it's also a function of energy. The Spark Behind Reading Whispers GABBY: What inspired this particular collection? CHESTER: I was in England in 2019 talking to a large number of institutions about my book, “Auden, the Psalms and Me,” which is the book about the retranslation of the Psalms for the Episcopal Church. An artist, James DeWoody, needed a nine-line poem to place in an artwork. I didn't have time to write a nine-line poem. I had brought my portfolio of poems I was working on. I had three haiku that I thought were very similar and I sort of merged them. The response to it was very good. I continued to write in this triple haiku ever since. The Power of Compression GABBY: Did the brevity of haiku ever feel limiting? CHESTER: I felt that a single haiku was very limited for our American way of thinking. When I was able to put three of them together, they were almost individually purposeful. There was a conclusion that one could reach about the poem in its entirety. It didn't come by my sitting down and writing three stanzas at once. I wanted to have a mystery of tying pieces of it together. It was a way of taking either a different view or a different aspect of what the first stanza had done and then lead into something later. What Is a “Whisper”? GABBY: What does “whisper” signify in your work? CHESTER: Poetically to me, it means if you separate haiku individually, not even mentioning the three stanzas, it is a bit of a whisper. I wasn't trying to force the idea of a triple haiku in the title. I was trying to give the sense of drawing someone to the haiku. So “Reading Whispers” is you're reading something sensory. You hear a whisper that's sort of an image, emblematic of what a haiku is. It's very short; you barely hear it. Advice for Aspiring Poets GABBY: What would you say to emerging poets? CHESTER: Unless you feel completely compelled to do it, don't. It's a struggle. Poetry changes you. The poems that you write change you, and the poems that you read have an amazing way of altering your perspective and altering the way in which you see the world. Poetry is dangerous. Both the writing of it and the reading of it. Poems become reflective of historical events. People want poetry to say something that reflects the way they see something and the way they feel about something. It's really a significant responsibility. Don't expect it not to bore into your soul and affect virtually every part of your life. A Line That Endures GABBY: Is there a line of poetry that stays with you? CHESTER: I know one that does come to me because I wrote it: “All history is a struggle between what we must end and what we must begin.” Through both poetry and prose, Johnson invites readers not just to observe, to reflect, reckon, and ultimately, to heal. To listen to and watch the full interview……To learn more about J. Chester Johnson and his work visit https://jchesterjohnson.com/ . Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Learn more about Lee Woodman Colorscapes < Back Lee Woodman Colorscapes A Decade in Color: Lee Woodman’s Latest Triumph Lee Woodman’s Colorscapes , the most recent installment in her celebrated "Scapes" series, has emerged as a stellar entry of the 2026 Independent Press Award season, garnering a Distinguished Favorite in the poetry category. This collection, published by Shanti Arts Publishing, serves as a masterclass in ekphrastic poetry, blending Woodman’s deep-seated connection to visual art with her lyrical prowess. The Independent Press Award recognition for Colorscapes comes at an auspicious time, and is particularly poignant in 2026, as it marks the culmination of a decade-long project for Woodman. The book explores the sensory and emotional weight of the color spectrum, from the vibrant "Sari Reds" of her childhood in India to the intellectual "Gallery Greys" of her career at the Smithsonian. Beyond the award itself, Woodman’s impact on the 2026 Independent Press Award cycle extends to this year’s BookCAMP 2026 in Newark, New Jersey. Lee is a featured expert, leading sessions on "Crafting and Marketing a Series." Her success story provides a structure for independent authors to think about and how to build a cohesive literary brand without sacrificing artistic integrity. Colorscapes is moving beyond niche poetry circles into a broader cultural conversation. Her work has been praised for its "painterly precision" and its ability to make the reader "see" language. As Lee bridges the gap between the visual and the verbal, her Independent Press Award victory solidifies her legacy as one of the most significant voices in contemporary independent literature. Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Learn more about Christy Cashman < Back Christy Cashman Christy Cashman: From Loss to Light: The Resilient Journey of “The Truth About Horses” "An irresistible readable novel…A triumphant portrait of tumultuous adolescence." — Joyce Carol Oates In the competitive world of contemporary literature, few debut novels manage to capture both the grit of rural life and the ethereal nature of healing quite like Christy Cashman’s The Truth About Horses. Since its release, the novel has galloped through the 2024 awards circuit, most notably securing a top spot at the NYC Big Book Awards. At the 2024 NYC Big Book Awards, Cashman’s debut was crowned the Winner in the Death and Dying category and named a Distinguished Favorite in General Fiction. While the “Death and Dying” category might seem heavy for a story about a fourteen-year-old girl, it perfectly encapsulates the book's heart. It isn’t just a “horse story”; it is an exploration of what remains when everything you love is stripped away: a prize stallion, a family legacy, and a mother. The award recognizes Cashman’s ability to handle the “post-traumatic truth” with a lens that is both unflinching and deeply empathetic. The novel introduces us to Reese Tucker, a young girl living in the shadow of a shattered dream in Birdwood, South Dakota. After a devastating racing accident involving her family’s horse, Trusted Treasure, Reese’s life enters a downward spiral marked by financial ruin and the sudden death of her mother. What sets this book apart from standard Young Adult or General Fiction is its unique blend of Equestrian Realism and Magical Realism. Cashman, a lifelong equestrian herself, eschews the “glossy” version of horse riding. She writes about the dirt, the debt, and the physical toll of the life. The writing takes on the magical when Reese begins to see a mystical herd of wild horses and a legendary black stallion. These visions serve as a psychological bridge, helping her navigate her grief and reconnect with her father and a mysterious trainer named Wes. The NYC Big Book Award is just one trophy on a very crowded mantle. In 2024 alone, "The Truth About Horses" took home the Gold for General Fiction in the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards; 2025 Independent Press Award Winner for General Fiction; and the Writer’s Digest award for the Young Adult category. Christy Cashman’s background as an actress ( American Hustle , The Descendants ) and producer brings a cinematic quality to her prose. However, her most impactful work may be her philanthropic arm, YouthINK. Inspired by the themes of her book, this initiative encourages young people to use creative storytelling to process their own life challenges. *** OVER 30,000 copies sold *** See https://christycashman.com/ for more information. Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Learn more about H.L. Howard < Back H.L. Howard A Journey of Faith and Suspense: The Rise of H.L. Howard In the competitive world of independent publishing, it is rare for a debut-era novel to capture the attention of two vastly different literary circles. Yet, that is exactly what H.L. Howard achieved in 2024. With the release of A Journey Must Be Taken: Playlist, Howard has managed to bridge the gap between the adrenaline-fueled world of romantic suspense and the introspective realm of religious fiction. The book’s dual honors in 2024—the NYC Big Book Award Distinguished Favorite for Romantic Suspense/Thriller and the Independent Press Award Winner for Religion: Fiction—signal the arrival of a writer who refuses to be boxed into a single genre. At its core, A Journey Must Be Taken: Playlist is a story of "divine appointments." It follows the life of Tauri, a successful professional who finds himself spiritually adrift despite his outward achievements. His life takes a sharp turn when he encounters Libi, a younger woman whose presence acts as a catalyst for a profound internal and external transformation. What sets Howard’s work apart is the "Playlist" element—a narrative device where music serves as the emotional connective tissue between the characters. The story doesn't just describe feelings; it provides a soundtrack for them, making the reading experience uniquely cinematic. The reason Howard is winning awards in both "Suspense" and "Religion" categories lies in the book's balanced architecture of both the suspense as well as the spiritual angle. Howard describes the novel as a "co-creation with Spirit," specifically aimed at an audience that believes in psychic energy, reincarnation, and astrology, alongside traditional religious values. This "New Age" approach to fiction has struck a chord with modern readers who are looking for stories that reflect a diverse, contemporary spiritual landscape. Critics, including those from Kirkus Reviews , https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/hl-howard-1/a-journey-must-be-taken-playlist/ , have noted the "breathless intensity" of the protagonist’s journey. While the book explores the complexities of a middle-aged man navigating a virtual-age romance, its heart remains focused on a universal question: Are our destinies interwoven, or is fate simply having a good time? H.L. Howard is carving out a niche for readers who want more than just a mystery or a romance. By infusing the thriller genre with deep philosophical inquiry, Howard reminds us that the greatest "suspense" in life often involves the journey toward our own souls. As a NYC Big Book Award Distinguished Favorite , A Journey Must Be Taken: Playlist stands as a testament to the power of indie fiction to tackle complex, multi-layered themes that mainstream publishing often overlooks. Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Learn more about Natasha Sumner < Back Natasha Sumner The Inner Alchemist: How Natasha Sumner’s Award-Winning Book is Redefining Spirituality In an era of endless external "hacks" for happiness, the 2026 Independent Press Award (IPA) for Spirituality has been awarded to a book that points firmly in the opposite direction. Accept Who You Are: And Witness Your Reality Transform by Natasha Sumner is a metaphysical promise. Since its win in early 2026, https://www.independentpressaward.com/2026-winners/9798999265609 , the book has become a beacon for those navigating the transition from performance-based living to authentic existence. What makes the book’s perspective so grounded is the woman behind it. Natasha Sumner leads a dual life that bridges the logical and the mystical. First, the professional: An engineer and program manager (BSEE, MBA) who understands the mechanics of how things work. Second, the intuitive: A spiritual coach, medium, and psychic who understands the mechanics of how the soul works. Sumner grew up in South America, influenced by her mother’s love for literature. This blend of technical precision and creative storytelling allowed her to write a spiritual guide that feels both structured and ethereal. She didn't just write this book; she “channeled” it during a pivotal transition from corporate burnout to spiritual alignment. The central argument of Accept Who You Are is that self-acceptance is the ultimate engine of reality. Sumner challenges the reader to view their life not as a series of random events, but as a reflection of their internal “frequency.” Sumner famously writes, “ The greatest love story begins within.” She posits that the “spark” we often chase in romantic partners is actually our own divine essence reflected back at us. By becoming the “object of your own adoration,” you dissolve the desperate need for external validation. The book provides a roadmap for identifying “subconscious programs,” the invisible scripts of shame and people-pleasing we inherit from society. Sumner uses her background in healing modalities like past life regression and remote viewing to explain how these layers can be peeled back to reveal the “inner artist.” The Independent Press Award is known for highlighting books that exhibit “courage and alignment.” Accept Who You Are stood out in the 2026 Spirituality category for its practical mysticism as it offers both a “shield and a compass,” providing spiritual protection from external pressures while guiding the reader toward their innate power. And then there’s the “Walsch” Endorsement, featuring a foreword by Neale Donald Walsch ( Conversations with God ), the book carries the mantle of modern spiritual classics, appealing to those ready for “New Earth” consciousness. Accept Who You Are is a homecoming. A remembrance that “you are love itself.” As Natasha Sumner continues to mentor seekers through her Dallas practice and her platform, Ascend 5D , her award-winning book serves as a definitive manual for anyone ready to stop searching and start becoming. Find out more about Natasha at https://www.acceptwhoyouarethebook.com/ . Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Authors Signings / Articles Want to display or exhibit with us ?, Contact Ted@PrintedWordReviews.com for upcoming shows. Read More Christy Cashman: From Loss to Light: The Resilient Journey of “The Truth About Horses” Read More Weaving New Magic: Michaela Riley’s Evolution into an Award-Winning Dark Fantasy Author Read More GAB TALKS with J. Chester Johnson Read More "Death of a Blue Jay" Recognized by Independent Press Award: A Journey Forged in Faith and Discovery Read More Jeremy Clift's "Born in Space: Unlocking Destiny" Wins Independent Press Award, Charting a Bold Sci-Fi Future Read More The Inner Alchemist: How Natasha Sumner’s Award-Winning Book is Redefining Spirituality Read More "The Dancing Darlings" Honored at Independent Press Awards: A Psychologist's Journey to Children's Literature Read More The Grappler’s Grace: Dr. Tom Latham’s Journey from the Mat to the Manuscript Read More Bridging the Gap: "Hiring Veterans" and the Untapped Potential of Military Talent Read More Xue Mo Illuminating the Darkness: A Conversation with Ted Olczak Read More Finding Love in the Margins: One Author's Journey to Redefine Romance Read More Tim Turner and Moisey Gorbaty, authors of “The Reluctant Conductor” Read More Carl Baker & Bernadette Wells authors signing at ALA, Table 1652, on Saturday, June 28th, at 1:30pm Read More Jessica Bantom author signing at ALA, Table 1652, on Saturday, June 28th, at noon Read More Susan Agbenoto author signing at ALA, Table 1652, on Saturday, June 28th, at 10:30am Read More Michele Kwasniewski author signing at ALA, Table 1652, on Friday, June 27th, at 6pm Read More From Advocacy to Authorship: Amplifying Unheard Voices Through Storytelling Read More A Dream-Born Epic: Author's Journey to "First Novel" and Historical Fantasy Read More Penny Lane's "Redeemed" Wins Independent Press Award, Offering Hope Through Raw Honesty Read More From Plot Twists to Queen Code: Laura Muirhead's Journey of Sovereign Leadership Read More The Art of the Sabbatical: How John Abrams Rewrote the Rules of Business and Authorship Read More When Mars Attacked, and the World Fought Back: Inside Eric Goebelbecker's "The Great War of the Worlds" Read More "Unrivaled: Sewanee 1899" Wins Independent Press Award, Celebrating a Legendary Sports Feat Read More "Lynched" Earns Double Honors at Independent Press Awards, Unearthing Dark Chapter of Northern Plains History Read More Building a Community and Brand Around Your Writing Read More From Canvas to Climate: How a Worried Artist Accidentally Became an Award-Winning Author Read More Travis Easter Read More Aurita Maldonado author signing at ALA, Table 1652, on Saturday, June 28th, at 2:30pm Read More Loretta Goldberg author signing at ALA, Table 1652, on Saturday, June 28th, at 1pm Read More Danielle Billetz-Reppert author signing at ALA, Table 1652, on Saturday, June 28th, at 11:30am Read More Kimberly Adams author signing at ALA, Table 1652, on Saturday, June 28th, at 10am Read More Seeing Through Her Eyes: A Conversation on The Female Gaze In Art & Photography with Australian author, Anita Selzer Read More From Public Health to Picture Books: The Heart Behind “Birdie’s Picnic Party” Read More From Roller Hockey Rinks to Storytelling: A Writer's Unexpected Journey Read More A Decade in Color: Lee Woodman’s Latest Triumph Read More Increasing Global Awareness through Language Education: Janet Skrzypek Read More Neal Rabin's "FLAT" Wins Independent Press Award for Humor: A Journey of Accidental Discovery Read More A Journey of Faith and Suspense: The Rise of H.L. Howard Read More GAB TALKS interview with Dr. Susan Agbenoto Read More "Here With You": A Tender Guide Through Children's Grief, Awarded NYC Big Book Honor Read More London Book Fair 2025: A Global Hub for the Future of Storytelling Read More From PTO Meeting to Page-Turner: How a Mom's Job Sparked a Movement Read More Gary E Smith Read More Kathryn Troutman author signing at ALA, Table 1652, on Saturday, June 28th, at 2pm Read More Susan Wands author signing at ALA, Table 1652, on Saturday, June 28th, at 12:30pm Read More Grace Hodges author signing at ALA, Table 1652, on Saturday, June 28th, at 11am Read More Shane Svorec author signing at ALA, Table 1652, on Saturday, June 28th, at 9:30am Read More UP CLOSE and PERSONAL with Dr. D.W. Knight

Learn more about Jessica Nicole McAnelly < Back Jessica Nicole McAnelly From Public Health to Picture Books: The Heart Behind “Birdie’s Picnic Party” For Jessica Nicole McAnelly, the path to becoming an author wasn't a lifelong ambition, it was a natural evolution of a life spent protecting others. After three decades on the front lines of public health, McAnelly has traded her investigator’s clipboard for a storyteller’s pen, launching her debut children's book, “Birdie’s Picnic Party: A Tasty Take on Food Safety,” a 2026 Independent Press Award Distinguished Favorite, https://www.independentpressaward.com/2026-favorites/9798294884901 The transition from investigating foodborne illness outbreaks to writing rhyming children’s prose might seem like a leap, but for McAnelly, it is the ultimate culmination of her career and her family values. ***Book Signing at ALA Chicago, Booth 4722*** The seeds for “Birdie’s Picnic Party: A Tasty Take on Food Safety” were planted as McAnelly approached a major milestone: her 50th birthday. Facing an empty nest as her children headed to college, she crafted a "50 before 50" bucket list. Writing and publishing a book was a top priority, but it couldn't be just any story. It had to be a legacy piece that synthesized her 30 years of expertise in environmental health and community wellness. "I spent years helping prevent the ‘invisible dangers’ that can make people sick," McAnelly explains. "I wanted a book that represented my years of food safety and nutrition training." The result is a warm, engaging narrative that simplifies complex health concepts into "tasty" lessons for the next generation. While her professional background provided the facts, her family provided the soul of the story. McAnelly cites her grandparents as her primary inspiration, remembering their kitchen as the "heartbeat of the family." The values of patience, generosity, and togetherness; the connection: Learning that love is shown through the simple act of making sure someone has a full plate; and the atmosphere: a home that always smelled of comfort and rang with the sounds of listening and laughter. The titular character, "Birdie," is a tribute to McAnelly’s own daughter. Inspired by her daughter's childhood nickname and joyful spirit, Birdie represents the joy of learning. In a beautiful full-circle moment, the real-life "Birdie" is currently applying to medical school, continuing the family legacy of health and service. “Birdie’s Picnic Party” uses rhythmic, rhyming text to guide families through the essentials of food safety. By turning "invisible dangers" into relatable adventures, McAnelly empowers children to feel capable and proud of making healthy choices. McAnelly uses Birdie’s journeys to keep young readers deeply engaged with themes of fun and friendship. This narrative approach seamlessly integrates vital lessons on nutrition and healthy habits, while simultaneously emphasizing kindness, ensuring that the wisdom shared in the book extends far beyond the picnic blanket and into how children interact with the world around them. The journey from a "bucket list" item to a published work found in independent bookstores was paved with community support. McAnelly credits her husband, children, and local librarians for bringing Birdie to life. She is particularly grateful to the local bookstores that opened their doors for story hours, allowing her to connect directly with her young readers. Today, McAnelly stands as a testament to her own favorite mantra: "You are never too old to chase a dream and make it a reality!" Through “Birdie’s Picnic Party,” she isn't just teaching kids how to wash their hands or store their snacks; she’s teaching them that safety, health, and love are all part of the same delicious recipe. Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link