Speaking of More Books ...

Featuring Kathy Oldfather, Debby Myers, and Joe DeRozier

I can't speak for other professions, but writers and other artists tend to seek each other out. We don't necessarily read or like all of each other's work--Joe DeRozier doesn't read my romance books; can you believe that? :-)--but we do tend to support each other. Sarah Luginbill keeps our books in Gallery 15 and hosts signings for us where we talk a lot, eat a lot and, incidentally, sell some books. Gallery 15 also hosts music at Second Saturday's Open Mic sessions and at concerts by local performers. Lew Little and Mike Almon keep the word out about who's doing what and when and where they're doing it.

Right now, artists of all kinds are being threatened by AI and those who support its use as a replacement for people. The arts are at the bottom of the list in schools and as non-profits. Just as many people don't want to pay school taxes if they don't have kids, they don't want to contribute to the arts because they don't care about them. Or because they can pirate them for free. Or because AI is right out there for everyone, having already done their pirating for them. I still write, although for fewer readers than I used to. I still sell books, but for less money than I used to.

And I blog. I am proud to be part of the arts community in general and the writing community specifically. I'm pleased to know the local or semi-local writers I know. Since I blog, This week, I'm talking about Debby, Kathy, and Joe. I know Zandra Lynn is a writer, and that there are others as well. I'll be happy to talk about them, too.

Retired veterinarian and writer Kathy Oldfather lives in my neck of the Miami County woods. She says, "My writing right now is focused on preparing videos for my YouTube channel. But what I prepare may do double duty for another book in the future. I started a second book before the publishing process was completed with my first book, but I’m approaching things from a different angle right now."

I'm anxious to see where she's headed! But for now, Kathy's book, Follow the Song: Beginning Your Journey of Living and Walking by the Spirit , is available at Amazon.

“Kathy Oldfather invites you on an exploration of living a life guided by and filled with the Holy Spirit. Whether you’re just starting out in your walk with God or seeking a deeper connection to Him, this book will resonate with your spirit.” - Patricia King Author, Minister, Media Host and Creator

In this book you will:

• Learn how to follow the Song of Holy Spirit

• Ignite a passion for the One who created you

• Discover what it means to walk by the Spirit

• Embrace your true identity and purpose

  
  

Every day we are presented with many opportunities to choose whose voice and song we listen to and trust. May we choose wisely.

****

You know, word gets around ... I mentioned that I was going to do a post on some writers for adults after doing one on children's writers. Pretty soon, I got a message from my friend Debby Myers. I have no idea how she had time to message me, since she's busy as ever with Ole Olsen Memorial Theater and keeping her husband Alan out of trouble, but she did, and rather than try to keep up with it, I'm just going to share what she said. - Liz

"Hello - since hearing you're going to talk about me next week, I thought I might update you on what I've been doing since publishing The Vee Trilogy. 

These are the magazine articles online and in print that I've been published in:

'The Tower' published online in Story House.

'Before the Rainbow' published online in Breath and Shadow - a magazine that features disabled writers twice a month.

'Rosebud' published online and in print in Magnets and Ladders - also a magazine for exclusively disabled writers.

'I Grew Up in the Circus' published online and in print in Arts Midwest.

'Snowflake' published online in 101 Words.

'What's Above the Clouds 2.0' published online in Word Gathering.

'The Nicest Places to Live in America' published online and in print in Reader's Digest with Peru finishing in the top five in the country. It was a contest I entered where winners were chosen based on the submissions and pictures sent in. 

I'm now writing a book of short stories too - Cake Crumbs - which I plan to self publish this summer." 

Thanks, Deb! I'm anxious to see the new book!

****

When I was messaging with Joe DeRozier about doing this post, he said, Ohh...I thought it was something like, "I know these very intelligent people... and Joe." He said this because he doesn't consider himself a writer. I suppose he doesn't consider his nine volumes of Tales from Behind the Bakery Door to be real books, either, but take it from me, they are.

Yes, he is smart. Yes, he is kind. Yes, he is a giver. Yes, Kathy is prettier than he is. Yes, he makes great donuts and--from what I've seen--great pizza, too. Yes, he is a friend to so very many people, including the ones who visit the back room of the bakery. (I visit it once in a while, BTW. I feel like one of the cool kids, and anyone who went to school with me can tell you that never happened.)

Joe sometimes has a table at craft shows, where he sells books, both paperback and hardbound. They're great gifts, but if you're going to give them, go ahead and buy two copies--you'll want to keep one for yourself. If you want him to sign them, you'll have to remind him. Sometimes he takes donuts, too. The cider ones are so good.

What does he write? Essays, memories, father stories. He talks about his mother-in-law so that we all know her and care about her. We feel like we were there when his three kids were little. He's a new grandfather, so there will be more stories, when many of us will be laughing aloud and choking on our donuts, saying, "Yes, that's exactly how it is."

His books are available in the back room at the bakery, at Gallery 15, and at Doud's, for sure, as well as Amazon and other online bookstores. He'll probably offer you a donut, too, and tell you a story while you get your face and fingers sticky enjoying it.

****

One more author! Surprise, surprise, it's me. Just reminding you that PIECES OF BLUE, Book One in Colors, the Harper Loch Series, is just 99 cents for the ebook download right now.

Amazon: https://a.co/d/07r6EQdK Everywhere else: https://books2read.com/u/491qMp

Have a great week. Buy a book. Be nice to somebody.