Author: Marissa DeCuir

“[Petty’s real-life account] of attempted murder is so dizzyingly intricate that it feels straight out of a Hollywood movie.” –Kirkus

Here is a story of survival unlike any you’ve ever heard: Kendra Petty began life by enduring years of childhood abuse, culminating in a stunning breakout from a cult led by her own parents that nearly consumed her. She married a physically and emotionally abusive woman with a hidden drug habit. She successfully climbed the corporate ladder–only to discover she worked for an organized crime family. And after being diagnosed with breast cancer, she finally realized that the changes she needed to make could only be achieved by exploding the life she had deliberately created. But when her attempts put her in the crosshairs of organized crime, it would take every survival tactic she’d learned (and more) to avoid ending up dead. And that’s just the beginning. 

Far from your typical “misery memoir,” here is a harrowing page-turner that is both an inspirational story of resilience, grit, and perseverance, as well as a jaw-dropping thriller that proves that some lives really are stranger than fiction. 

“A thoroughly riveting and often enlightening true story of proliferating hardships.” 

– Kirkus Reviews

“I Can’t Believe I’m Not Dead:
Escaping Abuse, a Cult, Attempted Murder and Other Insanities”

Kendra Petty | March 7, 2022 | O’Leary Publishing | Memoir
Paperback, 978-1952491504, $19.99 | Hardcover, 978-1952491559, $24.99

Kendra Petty is a woman who has succeeded in an all-male industry, becoming an executive vice president at two firms. Kendra is a dynamic public speaker, powerful negotiator and dealmaker. She loves bouldering and scrambling in the mountains of California, Nevada and Arizona. A boater for many years, Kendra also loves fast cars and traveling. “I Can’t Believe I’m Not Dead” is her debut memoir. For more about Kendra, visit kendrapettyofficial.com.

In an interview, Kendra Petty can discuss:

• What steps she’s taken to heal from childhood abuse, dealing with a mentally ill parent, and religious trauma–and why it’s an ongoing journey
• How she came to suspect that she worked for an organized crime family, who appear to have wanted her dead for knowing too much, and how she survived 
• Unique encouragement towards resilience and perseverance for those facing life-changing illness, difficult/toxic relationships, and death
• Her professional success as she climbed the corporate ladder, despite her personal struggles
• How to deal with a toxic business environment that’s eroding your mental and emotional well-being–and how to evaluate and act on big choices regarding what to do about it
• Why her story, though quite unique, will inspire people who face interpersonal challenges of all kinds

Download press kit and photos

Marissa DeCuir

A former award-winning journalist with national exposure, Marissa now oversees the day-to-day operation of the Books Forward author branding and book marketing firm, along with our indie publishing support sister company Books Fluent.

Born and bred in Louisiana, currently living in New Orleans, she has lived and developed a strong base for our company and authors in Chicago and Nashville. Her journalism work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic and other major publications. She is now interviewed by media on best practices for book marketing.

booksforward.com/about-us/marissa-decuir/

NEW YORK – Officially designated a “rebel” by The New York Times and “the wildest thing this side of the mason Dixon line” by Zagat, Rossi is releasing “The Punk Rock Queen of the Jews” (She Writes Press, April 23, 2024), her outrageous, queer coming-of-age story. 

Rossi was taught only to aspire to marry a nice Jewish boy and to be a good kosher Jewish girl. At 16 she flowers into a rebellious punk-rock rule-breaker who runs away to seek adventure. Her freedom is cut short when her parents kidnap her and dump her with a Chasidic rabbi — a “cult buster” known for “reforming” wayward Jewish girls — in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.

Rossi spends the next couple of years in a repressive, misogynistic culture straight out of the nineteenth century, forced to trade in her pink hair and Sex Pistols T-shirt for maxi skirts and long-sleeved blouses and endure not only bone-crushing boredom but also outright abuse and violence.

“The Punk Rock Queen of the Jews” is filled with wonderfully rich characters, hilarious dialogue, and keen portraits of the secretive hothouse Orthodox world and the struggling New York City of the 1980s: dirty, on the edge, but fully vital and embracing.

“The Punk Rock Queen of the Jews: A Memoir”

Rossi | April 23, 2024 | She Writes Press | Memoir 

Paperback | ISBN 978-1647426972 | $17.95 

About the Author

Rossi has been published in outlets including The Daily News, The New York Post, Time Out New York, and Mcsweeney’s, to name a few. She has been the food writer of the “Eat Me” column for Bust magazine since 1998, hosts her own hit radio show on WOMR and WFMR in Cape Cod called Bite This, now in its nineteenth season, has been featured on The Food Network and NPR and has been a popular blogger for The Huffington Post. Her first memoir, “The Raging Skillet: The True Life Story of Chef Rossi” was published by The Feminist Press to rave reviews. In addition to memoir, Rossi has written two full-length plays, a number of one-act comedies, a one-woman stage adaptation of Queen of the Jews, and launched the Raging and Eating podcast. Find out more about her at www.theragingskillet.com.

Follow Rossi on social media: 

Facebook: @chefrossinyc | Twitter: @chefrossi | Instagram: @chefrossinyc

In an interview, Rossi can discuss:

• Her identity as a rebellious punk rock rule-breaker, an adventure-seeker and a gay Hungarian Jewish feminist with a Yiddish-Jersey-Southern accent
• Finding yourself amid restrictive cultural expectations 
• Her experience being forced to live under the care of a “cult busting” Chasidic rabbi who aimed to “reform” wayward Jewish girls
• Breaking out of a repressive, misogynistic culture in which she endured abuse
• Facing the constant threat of assault, prejudice, homophobia, homelessness and violence
• Her decision to confront her past and make peace with it
• Trying to survive her own personal crisis amid larger cultural crises (AIDS in NYC, racial unrest, 9/11) 
• Advice to young people facing similar challenges and pressures to conform
• Balancing her Jewish faith with her gay soul

Early Praise for Rossi 

and “The Punk Rock Queen of the Jews”

“I thought I’d heard everything until I read Rossi’s memoir. It’s a story of resilience, acceptance, food, love, chosen family and the chosen people. What more could you want?”

—Judy Gold, comedian, actress, author, and two-time Emmy winner

“Raised during and after the Holocaust, Rossi’s parents tried desperately to breed fear into their children—of outsiders, of losing touch with the Jewish community, of a demanding God—but Rossi was fearless and hungry for experience. Which explains, and doesn’t, why one day her parents dropped their rebellious lesbian daughter off among the Lubavitch Hasidim to ‘keep her safe’ in a dangerous drug-ridden area of New York City. Rossi was sixteen. The rest can be read as the funny, terrifying coming-of-age/coming-out of one intrepid soul, or as a vibrant portrait of 1980s New York, or as an underbelly view of Crown Heights, because Rossi does it all in this exhilarating, satisfying read.”

—Leah Lax, author of “Uncovered”

“When Rossi was sixteen her small-minded parents, terrified of her queerness, sent her to live with  Lubavitchers in pre-gentrified Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Because she escaped with her humor and integrity intact, we have this fascinating memoir unveiling the interior life of this cult-like religious Jewish community. While the expected bullying and misogynistic elements are revealed in detail, we also see the misfit subculture of Chasidim. Rossi encountered the Lubavitcher queers, the dopers, the dealers, the thrill-seeking and free-thinking men and women living on the edges of this ultra-conformist society. Her ride is a fascinating one, not only to a lesbian life but also perhaps the more difficult path of challenging the anti-Black racism of both her parents and the religious Jews. A page-turner.”

—Sarah Schulman, author of “Let the Record Show” and “Conflict Is Not Abuse”

“Somehow, despite finding herself in tremendously challenging, oppressive, and at times dangerous situations, Rossi holds onto her strength, her rage, her humor, her joy, her neshama (soul) and her heart. . . . This wild ride of a memoir pays tribute to the human spirit. It is an amazing book; I couldn’t put it down.”

—Lesléa Newman, author of “A Letter to Harvey Milk” and “Heather Has Two Mommies”

“The Punk-Rock Queen of the Jews: You have to read it to believe it. A rollercoaster ride of a not-so-good Jewish girl and her road to redemption. Get ready for jail time, cult busters, flying beef stew, and finally, a great original chef named Rossi.”

—Tovah Feldshuh

“Chef Rossi’s intensely personal recollection of Yom Kippur services, September 26, 2001, offers me—the rabbi who led them—a new perspective on an already unforgettable event.  Rossi is a very special storyteller. . . . Take my word about the book as someone in the book: READ the book.”

—Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum, Senior Rabbi, Congregation Beit Simchat Torah, world’s largest LGBT synagogue

An Interview with Rossi

Before we dive into everything else, can you give us a glimpse into your childhood? What was your family like?

I had a spectacularly unusual childhood that was half trailer park trash and half Orthodox Jewish, with an eccentric, mentally questionable Yiddish mama. My parents wanted me to raise me as a nice Jewish girl with 1950’s values. I started rebelling almost from birth.Why did you rebel? Why did you run away from your safe home for a dangerous one? 

I could not tolerate the double standards of what boys can do and girls can not do. I knew it was wrong. I knew girls could do anything boys could do, if they weren’t held back. My parents wanted a sweet little girl without much independence. I was not so much a rule breaker as a rule changer. I wanted to change the world 

You eventually ran away as a teenager, but your first taste of freedom was cut short when you were arrested at 16 years old. Your parents forced you to move to Crown Heights, Brooklyn, to live under the watchful eye of the “cult busting” Chasidic rabbi, known for reforming wayward Jewish girls. How did this experience shape who you are today?

At the core of who I am today is that terrified rebellious teenage girl, who had to push aside her fear to rise up and climb out of a dark time filled with the constant threat of assault, prejudice, homophobia, homelessness, and finally, shocking violence from the least likely source she could imagine. So yeah, I’m a survivor. “New York Tough,” I like to say, but I understand the power of a simple gesture of kindness from a stranger. A kind word, a gift, a helping hand, these things saved my life. I pass it on, every chance I get.

How did that time in your life affect your relationship with your family?

When I was trying to survive Crown Heights, my feelings for my parents were pure rage. All my strength and bravery seemed to be fueled by fury. It wasn’t until I stopped running and fighting that I slowed down enough to start feeling softer towards my parents, but it took years for us to reconcile. 

How did you escape? How did you survive?

I finally escaped with grit and personality, a good phone voice and a little help from whoever is up there. All of these experiences made a ladder that fed into who I am today. My time surviving Crown Heights gave me the grit and courage to become a female chef in a male world, to start my own business, to go to Ground Zero after September 11th. My time there fed everything I am today. 

You identify as a rebellious punk rock rule-breaker, an adventure seeker and a gay Hungarian Jewish feminist. How did these norm-bending characteristics reveal themselves over time? 

I think I was born a feminist. I started complaining about the double standards my parents had almost immediately. Why can’t girls do that? That’s not fair! I was always angry. I didn’t want to be the kind of girl I saw on TV. I wanted to be the Fonz! 

How did you find strength to embrace the ways in which you differed from your community, especially with your family pushing so hard for you to assimilate?

My strength came from needing to be me. It seemed that no one I met was living their own life. They were living a life told to them or taught to them. I called bullshit. I wanted and demanded to live MY LIFE. I never stopped. I am flawed for sure. But I am ME.

Your religion and upbringing made it hard to come out — what advice would you give to others coming to terms with their identity and trying to live authentically despite what is “expected” of them?

It can be terrifying to come out in a repressive religious community. But the price for not coming out is a life in a prison. Coming out frees your mind, body and soul. Once I came out, I never looked back. Close your eyes and jump in. That gorgeous lavender ocean is waiting for you, and the water is fabulous. 

It’s interesting; you strived to survive intolerance, abuse and oppression, all while the city you lived in – New York – was also surviving cultural tragedies, including the AIDS crisis, racial unrest and 9/11. How do you think the cultural issues around you informed your own approach to your life? How much of your identity is defined by you being a New Yorker? How would you be different if you didn’t grow up in NYC? 

I think about this all the time. What would my life be like if I never ran away from home? Who would I be if I never moved to NYC? My friends all say I would have wound up in NYC anyway, that I was born to live in New York City. I think they’re right. A lot of people in my life think I’m a quintessential New Yorker. I don’t know. I know I hate wearing colorful clothing. I love black and dark blue. I have no patience for slow walkers. I walk everywhere, often 10 miles without thinking about it. I am bluntly honest. I have no patience for time-wasters. So yeah, NYC baby! I see a huge difference in people who moved to New York after it became a “safe” city, after it got pricey and started to feel more like Boston than New York. I’m old school. I see NYC as my baby. I don’t miss the crime, but I do miss the edge. I miss the mom and pop stores. I miss the bodegas all selling pot. I miss the punk rockers. I even miss the hookers in Time Square. The AIDS epidemic changed me forever. That was when I realized you can not sit quietly while people you love are dying. You have to march, fight, scream and demand attention. I was at a rally in Union Square Park and heard Larry Kramer rallying up the crowd for ACT UP. I was never the same. Am I a New Yorker? Yes, but I’m a pre-911 New Yorker. Proud of it. 

What’s next for you?

I’ve written the screenplay for “The Punk Rock Queen of the Jews.” I so see it as a movie. It really needs to be a movie. I see Natasha Lyonne playing me. Weird, edgy, rebellious and Jewish. She’s perfect.

Download press kit and photos

Marissa DeCuir

A former award-winning journalist with national exposure, Marissa now oversees the day-to-day operation of the Books Forward author branding and book marketing firm, along with our indie publishing support sister company Books Fluent.

Born and bred in Louisiana, currently living in New Orleans, she has lived and developed a strong base for our company and authors in Chicago and Nashville. Her journalism work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic and other major publications. She is now interviewed by media on best practices for book marketing.

booksforward.com/about-us/marissa-decuir/

A harrowing adventure for fans of the show, “1883”

BLOOMINGTON, IL – Debut author Tim Piper takes readers on a rip-roaring adventure inspired by a true story through the American West, where a single step into the unknown changes everything for young Jubilee Walker. “The Powell Expeditions” (Sunshine Parade Publishing, January 15, 2024) follows Jubilee on a westward trek during the late 1860s, where he encounters native tribes, survives harsh winters, learns valuable life skills, makes new friends, and discovers his journey is not just physical, but a quest to find a sense of belonging and purpose.

After his mother’s death, seventeen-year-old Jubilee Walker asks to join a scientific expedition led by Major John Wesley Powell, a family friend. Powell initially refuses, but Jubil’s persistence and resourcefulness eventually win him a place on Powell’s crew. However, Jubil’s plans for a life of adventure are complicated by his deepening feelings for his best friend, Nelly Boswell, who is reluctant to spend her life with a man who insists on such a dangerous lifestyle. How will Jubil navigate the hardships and lawlessness of the American West? And will he be forced to choose between a life of adventure and the girl he loves?

Jubil’s story draws on the real-life adventures of naturalist, college professor, and one-armed Civil War veteran Major John Wesley Powell during his Colorado River Exploring Expeditions. Powell became the first explorer to summit Longs Peak in the Colorado Rockies and navigate the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, fixing his place in history as one of America’s great explorers. 

“The Powell Expeditions”

Tim Piper | January 2024 | Sunshine Parade Publishing

Historical Fiction | Coming of Age

Hardcover | 979-8-9884186-0-3 | $19.99 

Paperback | 979-8-9884186-1-0 | $13.99

Ebook | 979-8-9884186-2-7 | $4.99

MORE ABOUT TIM PIPER: Tim Piper is retired from a long career in Information Technology and has been a lifelong hobbyist musician. In his earlier days he was an avid hiker and backcountry camper, but his adventures these days are less strenuous and more comfortable. He lives in Bloomington, Illinois, with his cat, Maggie, who is no help with his writing, but is a stellar companion. He began his education at Illinois State University as an English major, but life circumstances put him on a more pragmatic path, and he graduated with a BS in Business Admin, a degree he finds appropriately named. You can stay in touch with him at www.timpiper-author.com

Follow Tim Piper on social media:

Facebook: @Tim-Piper-Author

In an interview, Tim Piper can discuss:

• How his hike in the Rocky Mountains inspired this adventurous series about Major John Wesley Powell, the first American explorer to navigate the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon
• The extensive research that went into writing a historical book about the westward expansion
• Why he thinks Major Powell is under-appreciated and why he feels more people should learn about him
• The importance of exploring the unknown and appreciating the everyday joys of life, and his personal inspiration in this area

An Interview with

Tim Piper

1. How did you incorporate the true-life adventures of Major Powell into your fictional story?

The story adheres closely to the historical record of Powell’s 1867, 1868, and

1869 exploring expeditions and the people who participated in them. The events

of those expeditions serve as the context for the formative years of my

protagonist, Jubilee Walker, as he makes his way into adulthood in post–Civil

War America.

2. Describe the trip to the Rockies that inspired your novel.

During one of my early trips to Rocky Mountain National Park, I hiked the Longs

Peak Trail. After the hike, I purchased a book on the history of the mountain and

learned the first person to summit it was Major John Wesley Powell. Researching

Powell, I was surprised to learn he had close connections to my hometown,

Bloomington, Illinois. Much of Powell’s life struck me as something out of an

adventure novel, but I did not find any fiction that had dramatized it. I carried the

idea with me for years until finally deciding to make an effort to write the novel I

wanted to read.

3. Why do you feel that Major Powell deserves more recognition?

Over Powell’s lifetime, his adventures, scientific expeditions, and geographic

surveys of America’s developing western frontier led him to conclusions about

land and water use that were far ahead of his time. Though he was very

influential in scientific and academic circles, his recommendations were never

fully adopted by politicians. The impact of failing to address his concerns was

made evident by the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, and can still be felt today in terms

of water use policy in the western states. He was one of the first to espouse

conservation policy that still struggles to protect our natural resources against

America’s drive to exploit them.

4. Where do you find your writing purpose and inspiration from?

Though I have always had an artistic nature and enjoyed music and writing as

hobbies, I chose the more expedient path of making a living in the business world

rather than the risky world of the arts. After I retired, my wife was taken ill and passed away, and I was lost for what to do with myself. I tried following my hobby

of music but could no longer find joy in it. But writing provided me with a means

to block out my internal dialogue and pass the days doing something

constructive. These days, I follow my curiosity to research topics that appeal to

me, and then weave those into fictional stories that I would like to read myself.

5. What kinds of research did you do for the story?

Major John Wesley Powell taught at Illinois Wesleyan University in my hometown

of Bloomington, Illinois. I contacted the archive librarian at IWU’s Ames Library,

and was allowed access to their John Wesley Powell Special Collection. These

materials, along with other resources suggested by the librarian led me to a

wealth of information about Powell. Other books and online newspaper articles

provided insights into life during post–Civil War America.

6. What are some key takeaways you hope people will have from your book?

The protagonist, Jubilee Walker, is a young man who knows more about what he

doesn’t want to do with his life more than what he does want. He makes most of his

decisions by following his passions and doing what his heart tells him is right. His

good-natured personality, enthusiasm, reliability, and calm demeanor in the face

of difficult circumstances win him the support and friendship of most people he

meets. Jubil’s philosophy of following his passion and heart is a worthwhile

message for anyone.

7. What is next in the Jubilee Walker series?

The next book in the series is The Yellowstone Campaign. In this story, Jubil is

drawn into the 1870 exploring expedition that paved the way for the first formal

geographic surveys of the Yellowstone Basin in 1871. These in turn led to the

passage in 1872 of a bill designating the area as America’s first national park.

Download press kit and photos

Marissa DeCuir

A former award-winning journalist with national exposure, Marissa now oversees the day-to-day operation of the Books Forward author branding and book marketing firm, along with our indie publishing support sister company Books Fluent.

Born and bred in Louisiana, currently living in New Orleans, she has lived and developed a strong base for our company and authors in Chicago and Nashville. Her journalism work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic and other major publications. She is now interviewed by media on best practices for book marketing.

booksforward.com/about-us/marissa-decuir/

“1984” meets “Ready Player One” in epic battle for humanity in YA sci-fi thriller

Englewood, CO – Prepare to fight for humanity against a powerful AI network in the poignant fictional YA thriller debut from award-winning author, John Be Lane. The Future Lies (Feb 6, 2024, Global Arts Press) follows one brave gamer’s journey to thwart the domination of AI within this post-dystopian universe, where the Network controls every aspect of human life.

Winner of the IPPY Award for Best First Book, John Be Lane returns with a propulsive science fiction thriller where humans struggle under the oppression of a “Big Brother”-style AI called “the Network.” Reflecting on current issues like authoritarianism, the casual surrender to technology, and AI’s growing popularity, John Be Lane creates a cautionary tale that asks the question, “what could happen if we continue down humanity’s current path?”

About the novel: In a time when people exist within an AI-created reality, Calvin, a young gamer, journeys beyond the walls of the game, “Kill It! Till It Die!” to find a place outside the simulated world. There he meets Juniper, a young woman who is horrified by the conditions Calvin and his friend Roscoe exist in. Literacy is a punishable offense, and the Network feeds nonsense to the huddled mass of “goners” on tablet-like devices called “slabs.” Juniper, Calvin, and Roscoe work together to free themselves and others from the Network. They’re met with a battle against the darker forces behind the world, and discover the deeper secrets about humanity hidden away in the Network’s CPU. The perfect haunting read on the future of humanity for fans of The Matrix, Black Mirror, and Ready Player One.

“The Future Lies”

John Be Lane | Feb 6, 2024 | Global Arts Press | Young Adult 

Paperback | 978-0-9984356-7-1 | $18.99 

John Be Lane’s first book, The Beatin’ Path – a lyrical guide to lucid evolution received a Living Now Evergreen Award as “one of the world-changing books published since the year 2000.” He lives in Colorado. Find out more about John Be Lane at his website.

Follow John on social media: 

Instagram: @johnbelane

In an interview, John Be Lane can discuss:

• The process of writing Artificial Intelligence as a character 
• Creating a cautionary tale that is grounded in the current dynamic between people and the digital technologies we’ve become dependent on
• The role of research and personal influences in shaping a fictional world
• Why literacy and critical thinking are such existential threats to authoritarians
• What surprised him as he wrote the book, and what he learned about it after it was finished
• His previous work as a writer and how it informed his transition to writing for a YA audience
• The tension of duality (life/death, oppression/resistance, and humanity/technology) and its impact throughout the book

An Interview with

John Be Lane

1. What inspired you to write a novel for a young adult audience, especially about artificial intelligence control? 

I didn’t consciously set out to write a novel for a young adult audience. My intention was to shine a light on certain dangers of the world we live in, and how they might play out. But the people who have the most at stake in all of that are young adults, so the story needed to be told from their perspective. For a long time, I’ve worried that Artificial Intelligence might be the apex, “Game Over” predator of humans. But I didn’t dream the topic would become so imminent quite so suddenly.

2. To what extent do the events and context of the novel reflect current realities?

I don’t think it’s hard to see that human capitulation to digital technology is pretty far along. A lot of people have embraced AI as quickly as they took to cryptocurrency and that whole world. But convenience often has a cost that people just don’t stop to think about. It seems like a slice of self determination is lost with each new line of code. We’re approaching an inflection point in which our range of possibilities will be limited to only that which is permitted by an application on our cell phones. 

3. How did your experiences as a screenwriter and poet influence the way you wrote the book?

The Future Lies is my first extended narrative, and so I had to figure out how I could tell the story. Screenplays are scene-based, and with that in mind, I broke the story into distinct and shorter moments, which I think contemporary readers might appreciate. Screenwriting also taught me the classic “show, don’t tell,” along with story arc, characterization, and dialog. From poetry, I’d like to think I learned how to channel emotion into storytelling. And the prose came out with cadences very much like how I’d write a poem.

4. What was your process when writing the story, developing the characters, and creating the premise of the book?

It started out not as a book, but as a radical rethinking about how education could be improved. But launching a charter school sounded like more of a challenge than I could handle, and I thought that maybe I could make the bigger points through storytelling. I walk a lot, and as I walked, the scenes and characters began emerging in my mind – kind of like the first stars of the evening. Gradually, the points of light formed constellations, which became the outline of a story. As the pieces of the story fall in place, the characters acquire their own agency, and they tell you what happens next.

5. What do you hope for young readers to take away from your novel?

To question everything. To not be passive spectators of what happens in the world, but to engage, and never to assume that those in power are entitled to their power, or that they’re acting in good faith on your behalf. That there are other ways of imagining the world than the ways that they’ve inherited. That literacy, critical thinking skills, and a passion for learning are the keys that unlock the one potential superpower that humans actually have – that is, a working mind. The more young people who learn to use their minds, the better chance we’ll have.

Download press kit and photos

Marissa DeCuir

A former award-winning journalist with national exposure, Marissa now oversees the day-to-day operation of the Books Forward author branding and book marketing firm, along with our indie publishing support sister company Books Fluent.

Born and bred in Louisiana, currently living in New Orleans, she has lived and developed a strong base for our company and authors in Chicago and Nashville. Her journalism work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic and other major publications. She is now interviewed by media on best practices for book marketing.

booksforward.com/about-us/marissa-decuir/

Twisted crime thriller explores the dark side of twin relationships

 PHOENIX, AZ – Step into this propulsive study of identity, twin telepathy, and murder in this gripping crime novel by acclaimed author, Gary L. Stuart. Hide & Be and its sequel releasing on the same day, My Brother, Myself (Gleason and Wall Publishers, Feb 6, 2024) delivers a psychological thriller about the bond between two identical twin brothers who looked to themselves for comfort, and how their innocent games of identity swapping turned deadly. Read them side by side to reveal the twisted dimensions of this murderous conundrum!

With over 19 books and 32 years in trial law, Gary Stuart’s duology explores twin relationships and dissociative identity disorder that delves into the heart of trauma, mental illness, and the seemingly mystical connection between twins. Perfect for fans of Woman in the Window!

About the novel: Twin brothers Arthur and Martin suffered horrible abuse as children, forcing them to survive by seamlessly assuming each other’s identities. Living each other’s lives provides protection from the trauma of their past. But when tragedy strikes, one of the brothers plummets into a dissociative crisis that leads him down a murderous path.

As the body count rises, two cases end up in the courtroom, where judges, lawyers, and psychiatrists try to piece together which twin is the suspect and which is the victim. Everyone in the courtroom strives to bring the victims to justice–but how can justice be served when no one is sure who the defendant truly is?

“Hide and Be”

Gary Stuart | Feb 6. 2024

Gleason and Wall Publishers | Crime Thriller 

Paperback | 978-1736894668 | $17.99

   “My Brother, Myself”

Gary Stuart | Feb 6. 2024

Gleason and Wall Publishers | Crime Thriller 

Paperback | 978-1-7368946-8-2 | $17.99

Ebook | 978-17368946-9-9 | $9.99

Gary Stuart is a Phoenix lawyer, an Adjunct Professor of Law at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, where he also serves as the Senior Policy Advisor to the Office of the Dean. He is a former member of the Arizona Board of Regents and is a member of the Maricopa Bar Association’s Hall of Fame. He has published scores of law review articles, op-ed pieces, essays, magazine articles, short stories, CLE booklets, and eighteen books. He blogs about the ethics of writing at https://ethicsofwriting.com/. His book and writing site is https://garylstuart.com/.

Find Gary Stuart online:

www.garylstuart.com 

www.ethicsofwriting.com 

www.gunsoncampus.com 

Follow Gary Stuart on social media:

Facebook: Gary Stuart’s Books | Twitter: @garylesterstuar 

Read more about this twin duology, Hide & Be and My Brother, Myself

You look exactly like your twin brother. Exactly. You think like him, for him, with him, cannot live without him. Cannot. Don’t want to. Don’t want to. Other kids play Hide & Seek. But you and he play Hide & Be. Your parents died when you were two. The foster parents were sometimes nice and sometimes awful. They could never tell you apart because one of you would hide; the other would just be. Be bad. Be blamed. Be good. Get the Jesus Strap. Get the ice cream cone. There were always eyes on you, then him. Wondering which one you were. There were always voices in your head, his. They can’t judge you because you could always be him, or you. You did not need friends because you are his and he is yours. You learn you don’t need anyone else; they can’t see you, just him. Or are they looking at him, not you? If one of you dies, the other will be. You.

We are who we say we are. You think you see me—you don’t. You see us without knowing which of us you see. Your photographs, polygraphs, fingerprints, DNA hints, and

courtroom theatrics don’t say who we are. We are who we say we are! You are his brother, your twin. You see me but not him now, don’t you? You are like us, identical twins, but you don’t love your brother like I do mine. He is myself, and I am him. Today is your birthday, his too. Why aren’t you with him? Don’t lie to us. We know why. You can live with him but not without him. Too late to choose. We are your redemption. You have a price to pay today. On your birthday. His too. Boo who. We are who we are!

In an interview, Gary Stuart can discuss:

• What sparked his interest in writing about twin relationships and “twin telepathy”
• How his experiences as a trial lawyer have inspired his books and the usage of his knowledge in the courtroom scenes
• His recent transition from being a lawyer to being a full time author
• The necessity of avoiding stereotypes when writing about killers and mental illness 

An Interview with

Gary Stuart

1. What caused you to transition from being a lawyer to writing full time? What was that journey like? 

Once a lawyer, always a lawyer. I discovered that practicing law was not as much fun as writing about it. Courtrooms are theaters and success in trial calls for dramatizing the case in ways that judges and juries like and respect. My courtroom skills work when I’m creating crime fiction. I know what it takes to win and how awful it feels to lose in court, or at a bookstore. 

2. Why do you write both fiction and nonfiction, and how are you able to write in both genres simultaneously? 

The law is real. Fiction is not. Balancing imagination and ingenuity in fiction with citing case law and statutory law is a balance that keeps me sane and on course.  I found over the years that the law is pliable but crime fiction is more fun.

3. How do your experiences as a trial lawyer inspire or inform your books?

When you try a case, especially a jury trial, you have to be mentally aware of a dozen things at once; the judge, jury, opposing counsel, clients, witnesses, court clerks and bailiffs, timing, how sound works, movement away from the podium, and maintaining a connection with the jury. All of that is an art form, as well as an acquired talent. It’s very similar to creating all of that inside a novel. 

4. What sparked your interest in writing about twin relationships and “twin telepathy”?

The most important element of fiction writing is creating original characters that are believable and fully developed. Creating two characters who look and act alike is a great way to advance your hold on the reader. If the twins are interesting and fascinating at the same time, their personalities, flaws, hopes, dreams and mendacity ooze out, one droplet at a time. The reader stays with you as long as you don’t bore them. 

5. How have you worked to write about a mentally ill serial killer without stigmatizing those with mental illness? 

Stigmatizing mental illness is a stupid way to write a novel. But explaining when, how, and how often people suffer mental illness is interesting to readers everywhere. Malignant twins are exceedingly rare. My twins in the book are not malignant. They are what life gave them–deeply wounded and incapable of handling separation. That’s what makes them fascinating characters.  

Download press kit and photos

Marissa DeCuir

A former award-winning journalist with national exposure, Marissa now oversees the day-to-day operation of the Books Forward author branding and book marketing firm, along with our indie publishing support sister company Books Fluent.

Born and bred in Louisiana, currently living in New Orleans, she has lived and developed a strong base for our company and authors in Chicago and Nashville. Her journalism work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic and other major publications. She is now interviewed by media on best practices for book marketing.

booksforward.com/about-us/marissa-decuir/

Semi-autobiographical novel explores nuances of mental health, addiction, and suicide

MONTPELIER, VT – Teaching Excellence Award recipient, Gail Marlene Schwartz, gracefully navigates difficult topics in her sapphic, Jewish adult novel “Falling Through the Night” (Demeter Press, Feb. 25th, 2024). Inspired by Schwartz’s personal experiences (immigration, anxiety, and a close friend’s suicide), “Falling Through the Night” is a romantic, funny coming-of-age story that explores the complicated journey of healing trauma and learning how to love. 

Audrey Meyerwitz, an introverted 30-something adoptee with anxiety, wants nothing more than to fall in love and create a healthy family, but the path to romance isn’t simple. Audrey’s life has been packed with sleepless nights, psychiatrists, and a string of nightmare ex-girlfriends. Determined to ensure that her future is a step in a healthier direction, Audrey lets her best friend Jessica, a recovering alcoholic, sign her up for a queer online dating app. What ensues is Audrey’s scary first step toward her lifelong dream: a strong, loving family. 

When Audrey falls for Denise, a French Canadian from Montreal, she finds herself immigrating to Canada and building a new life in Quebec, where she finds community in a collection of queer friends and, eventually, embarks on her dream of starting a family. But when she unearths a secret about her adoptive mother, she must re-evaluate everything she understood about her place in the world. 

Funny, honest, and profound, “Falling Through the Night” is a stirring story about cultivating healthy love from profound alienation: accepting both gains and losses, taking off the blinders of fantasy, and embracing the messiness that defines human nature and imperfect families.

Advanced praise for “Falling Through the Night”

“Schwartz writes in muscular prose when documenting the highs and lows of dating and pregnancy… A sometimes-heartbreaking novel about what it means to be a daughter and a mother.”

–Kirkus Reviews

“Author Gail Marlene Schwartz paints a picture of complex human relationships, of family found, formed, and chosen, and of the ways that people find strength and meaning in their lives, despite [their] unexpected turns. The first-person perspective at times gives the book the feel of a memoir, while the dialogue keeps the story moving and makes readers feel like they are in the room with the characters. Despite (or perhaps because of) the sometimes-heavy topics, this is an ultimately hopeful tale, as we see flawed, human characters finding their way, just as we might be doing.” 

–The Mombian Database of LGBTQ Family Books

“Falling Through the Night” is a breathtaking debut novel. Audrey is thoroughly relatable as a person dealing with mental health issues who is also full of talent, courage, creativity, and love. A page turner, the book engaged me as both a human with my own struggles but also as a therapist who understands the complexities of early childhood trauma and all the pain involved in healing. Audrey’s immigration to Quebec was a wonderful opportunity to experience that culture and the particularities of a young queer artist fumbling and learning as she adapts. A wonderful portrayal of a woman doing the personal work we all need to do to grow. Inspiring, engaging, and ultimately incredibly hopeful.”

–Glo Harris, therapist and corporate coach

“The winning combination of Schwartz’s beautifully crafted prose and attention to detail allows the reader to journey with Audrey across two countries in her quest for a new family and a better life. “Falling Through the Night” shines a light on the ups and downs of anxiety disorder, and spins a story where the LGBTQ protagonist learns to recognize and accept herself, but so does everyone else.”

–Lori Shwydky, Publisher, Rebel Mountain Press

“Falling Through the Night” is a moving look at the ways in which anxiety and family issues intersect. The book is one part magical romance and two parts unflinching account of a queer woman’s messy journey. Audrey’s path is to create a healthy family despite and because of a past shaped by lies and haunted by a mother she never knew. The book could be described as a page-turning beach read, as we are privy to the whirlwind, sweet, and romantic lesbian love story at the heart of this book. But [“Falling Through the Night”] is so much more than that—it is also a deep dive into family, friendship, addiction, and mental health, at times leaving the reader breathless with all the complexity and beauty that is life.”

–Dr. Jennifer Marlow, author and Professor of English, College of St. Rose

“Falling Through The Night”

Gail Marlene Schwartz | February 25, 2024 | Demeter Press | Women’s Fiction & LGBTQ+

Paperback | 978-1-77258-486-8 | $22.95

EBook | ISBN | $11.95

Gail Marlene Schwartz is a dual citizen, a relationship artist, and an above-average pianist. She is co-author of the books My Sister’s Girlfriend and The Loudest Bark (Rebel Mountain Press) and co-editor of the forthcoming essay collection, Boyhood Reimagined: Stories of Queer Moms Raising Sons (Motina Books). She is a founding editor of Hotch Potch Literature and Art, a collaborative online magazine, and also a freelance editor, writing coach, and writing instructor at the Community College of Vermont. Gail lives in Montpelier, Vermont with her partner, Erin; she spends every other weekend in Montreal with her best friend, Lucie, and their teenage son, Alexi. You can read more about her at gailmarleneschwartz.com.

Follow Gail Marlene Schwartz on social media:

Twitter: @GSchwartzauthor | Instagram: @gailmarleneschwartzauthor

In an interview, Gail Marlene Schwartz can discuss:

• Her personal journey with mental health, anxiety, and losing a friend to suicide 
• How Audrey’s story takes inspiration from Gail’s own relationship with her ex and her experience with immigration
• Gail’s reflections on how to cope with tumultuous familial relationships 
• The ways in which classification and labeling of mental illnesses can be helpful and harmful, respectively
• The importance of chosen family and how the LGBTQ+ community as a whole has redefined what it means to create your family 
• The positive impacts of having more LGBTQ+ representation in popular media 
• The complex decision to put a child up for adoption or to adopt a child, and the trauma and joy that can come with those decisions

An Interview with

Gail Marlene Schwartz

1. You’ve previously mentioned that this book is semi-autobiographical. What parts of your experiences have you woven into your main character, Audrey? Where do you and Audrey differ? 

Like Audrey, I’m an anxiety sufferer; I also fell in love with a woman from Montreal and immigrated. I had a twin pregnancy and one twin had Down Syndrome, and he went home with an adoptive family. But unlike me, Audrey is adopted with a terrific relationship with her mom, and she grew up with a psychiatric disability and identity. She’s an introvert and a visual artist, and had a lot more support in her childhood than I did.

2. This book heavily discusses mental health, specifically anxiety. What do you see as the most important thing in understanding anxiety?

My anxiety connects me with unmet needs; it’s a signal to stop and tune in and attend to myself. Only when I stopped seeing it as a disease and something to be gotten rid of did I actually begin to work with it and to heal. I also believe that cultural, political, social, environmental, and economic alienation can play a huge role in anxiety. I don’t see it as a personal problem, even if it’s an intensely personal experience. 

3. Why is the chosen family such an important theme in this novel, specifically from a queer lens? 

Family is the oldest and strongest mainstream social structure that we have in the U.S., and when we aren’t partnered or close to our families of origin, life can be very lonely. Chosen family was my salvation. Not only did I find people who loved me for myself, but those same people helped teach me new and healthier ways of being in relationship. Chosen family is how and why I grew up. Most straight people I know don’t consider crafting social alternatives when partnership or biological family fails; it’s a beautiful phenomenon LGBTQ people have to share. 

4. Why did you choose to write a novel discussing more difficult topics such as mental health, addiction, and suicide? 

My artistic practice is about going into the deepest truths of human experience, especially the difficult ones that are hard to talk about. I’m interested in how artists can shift calcified and outdated ways of understanding social problems through storytelling. These are also my experiences, and it’s a joy to create something out of struggle because it helps me feel like the hardship had meaning; what I lived serves my readers and their journeys. 

5. What do you hope readers will take away from your work? 

I want readers to know that even “successful” people who publish books can be a mess. I want them to walk away with hope that these struggles don’t have to mean failure, that hard stuff can be woven into the meaning and work of their lives. I want readers to laugh at the funny parts and feel uplifted. I want the book to be a mirror for their courage and the courage of those close to them. If my work is a tiny part of changing the conversation about mental health, I will die a happy woman.

Download press kit and photos

Marissa DeCuir

A former award-winning journalist with national exposure, Marissa now oversees the day-to-day operation of the Books Forward author branding and book marketing firm, along with our indie publishing support sister company Books Fluent.

Born and bred in Louisiana, currently living in New Orleans, she has lived and developed a strong base for our company and authors in Chicago and Nashville. Her journalism work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic and other major publications. She is now interviewed by media on best practices for book marketing.

booksforward.com/about-us/marissa-decuir/

Through their partnership with CAMFED, Our Story is increasing access to education for girls in rural communities

London, England – With bright, colorful illustrations and an engaging, educational focus, the new “Our Story” book series introduces young readers to influential historical figures, many of whom are overlooked in Western curriculums. Written for children ages 8-12, Our Story books transport readers all over the world, inspiring the next generation to fulfill their potential. Complete with pronunciation guides, engaging activities, and supplementary educational resources, each Our Story book is designed to meet the needs of teachers and maximize classroom learning. 

In a recent BBC London interview with host Shay Kaur, Our Story co-founder Fahad Siddiqui discussed the need for more global education resources. As we find ourselves in an increasingly connected world, it’s crucial that kids have access to information about historical role models from all over the globe.

Part of Our Story’s dedication to making the world a better place includes a partnership with the educational nonprofit CAMFED. For each physical copy purchased, Our Story will work with CAMFED to fund a full day’s education for an underprivileged girl.

“Mansa Musa”

Our Story | June 21, 2023 | Children’s Nonfiction, Biography, History

Paperback | ISBN: 979-8399082608 | $11.99

“Fatima Al-Fihri”

Our Story | March 15, 2023 | Children’s Nonfiction, Biography, History

Paperback | ISBN: 979-8387041402 | $11.99

Also by Our Story Media Group…

Aliens help kids with social and emotional learning!

The Secret Alien Diaries: Join Zig Zag, Click Clack, Flip Flop, and Bob on their journey of discovery on planet Earth!

This new series for kids ages 5-8 empowers readers to form healthy habits. By teaching secret alien friends how to behave on earth, kids learn self-discipline in an engaging and fun way! Each book focuses on aspects of cognitive, creative, communicative and physical growth.

In the first installment, “Mission: Bedtime,” alien Click Clack stays up too late playing video games and struggles with feeling tired the next day. Kids learn how behaviors (such as getting more or less sleep) impact our moods, promoting social and emotional intelligence. At the same time, puzzles, math equations, and other activities help kids develop their cognitive and creative skills.

Praise for Our Story books…

“My year 6 class and I read the book and we were hooked from the beginning by the excellent writing and beautiful illustrations”

–Rhys Ravey, The Royal Grammar School of Guildford, Doha, Qatar

“Wonderful book. A story I am ashamed to say that I was unaware of! I thought the illustrations were particularly striking”

–Mark Sim, Head Teacher at Oakgrove Primary School, UK

“I loved the illustrations…my children were hooked from the start!”

–Sadia Farooq, Parent, Milton Keynes, UK

Follow Our Story Media Group:

Facebook: @OurStory | YouTube: @OurStoryMedia 

Instagram: @ourstory.media | TikTok: @ourstory.media 

Web: www.ourstory.media 

In an interview, co-founder Fahad Siddiqui can discuss:

• Where current education systems and curriculums fall short
• The value of multicultural education in our current hyper-connected global reality, and how the Our Story series fills a gap within many history classes
• How providing the next generation with a new set of historical role models builds self-confidence and empathy in students while also enhancing their critical thinking skills
• The importance of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) for kids, and how The Secret Alien Diaries series addresses SEL
• Our Story’s partnership with CAMFED and their dedication to making the world a better place through accessible education
• Future plans for Our Story Media Group

An Interview with

Fahad Siddiqui

1. What makes a truly global, multicultural education so important for future generations? How does the Our Story series fit into this mission?

In today’s world, the significance of multicultural education has amplified, especially with the global connectivity facilitated by the internet. With the digital age, our interconnectedness has reached unparalleled heights, from online gaming to international trade. These digital interactions between individuals from diverse backgrounds have skyrocketed.

Multicultural education is paramount, as stated by the National Council for Social Studies (NCSS). It not only enhances critical thinking but also encourages children to question their own assumptions and biases. By exposing young minds to various perspectives and cultures, multicultural education helps them grasp the intricate tapestry of the world around them.

This philosophy seamlessly aligns with our mission: “to empower the next generation through engaging and comprehensive educational tools that fill gaps in traditional curricula, fostering well-rounded individuals.” Without an understanding of the incredible achievements and contributions from diverse individuals, our collective potential remains undiscovered, hindering the development of a truly collaborative society.

2. Why did you choose Mansa Musa and Fatima Al-Fihri as your first two historical role models?

Mansa Musa’s incredible wealth and obscurity piqued our curiosity when my co-founder, Sami, introduced his story. As we delved deeper into the hidden gems of history, we compiled a list of over a hundred remarkable individuals whose stories had been largely overlooked by mainstream education.

Among these stories, that of Fatima Al-Fihri resonated profoundly. A refugee woman, she founded the world’s first university in Morocco in 859 AD, a remarkable feat given the circumstances. Recognizing the importance of highlighting these incredible individuals, we embarked on a mission to share their stories, promoting a more profound understanding of human history and its diverse accomplishments.

3. What is the importance of social and emotional learning (SEL)? How is this addressed in The Secret Alien Diaries Series?

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is of paramount importance in education. It equips students with essential life skills, including self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and relationship-building. These skills not only contribute to academic success but also help students become emotionally intelligent, resilient, and socially competent individuals. It reduces behavioral issues, and enhances students’ overall well-being. Along with SEL we integrate practical teachings to develop positive habits and behaviors for a holistic learning experience. This combination we believe best prepares students to have a health and well-rounded future. 

Through captivating storylines and child-friendly aesthetics that resemble a personal diary, in The Secret Alien Diaries we create an immersive experience that resonates with young readers. The inclusion of entertaining alien languages to decode, as well as interactive elements like jumping, singing, and shouting, enhances engagement and fosters a genuine connection with the story. The ‘Missions’ in the book also encourage young readers to develop critical thinking, decision-making, and the development of executive function skills, these skills are equally important to SEL. 

4. What resources are available for teachers, librarians and parents to help kids get the most out of these books?

We’ve designed the Our Story series books to be interactive and thought-provoking for kids, with special sections like ‘Let’s Think,’ ‘Let’s Discuss,’ and ‘Let’s Make’ right within the books to stimulate engagement and critical thinking. But, we didn’t stop there. To ensure that this information is fully absorbed and to support teachers, librarians, and parents in guiding children, we’ve created comprehensive ‘Teacher Packs’ for each story. These packs include a condensed one-page version of the story, age-appropriate comprehension questions tailored for Key Stage 1 (Elementary – Grade 1) and Key Stage 2 (Grades 2 – 5), individual and group tasks, fun word searches, and interactive features such as online quizzes. It’s all part of our commitment to making these stories not just entertaining but also highly educational and easy to use in different learning environments.

At the conclusion of each of The Secret Alien Diaries books we have an array of immersive resources designed to enrich children’s learning adventures. Young readers will discover a series of missions intricately connected to the book’s theme. These missions encompass a diverse range of skills, including critical thinking, soft skills, resilience skills, and collaboration skills, all with the intention of fostering healthy habits ensuring a comprehensive educational experience.

Furthermore, our books incorporate interactive activities seamlessly woven into the narrative, enticing kids to actively engage in physical activities like jumping, blowing, and even singing. These hands-on elements infuse the reading journey with enjoyment and interactivity, further bolstering the grasp and retention of essential skills.

5. Can you tell us a bit more about your partnership with CAMFED?

Our partnership with CAMFED, the Campaign for Female Education, is a pivotal part of our mission. For every book we sell, we donate to their One Million School Days Appeal, providing quality education, particularly for underprivileged girls, in Africa. CAMFED is a remarkable organization that breaks down education barriers and empowers young learners.

Educating girls through CAMFED has far-reaching effects:

– It significantly improves their economic prospects, with CAMFED alumnae being 58% more likely to be employed and earning an average of 35% more.

– Education leads to healthier life choices, including delayed marriage and childbirth, resulting in improved maternal and child health.

– It nurtures leadership skills, with CAMFED alumnae being 54% more likely to hold leadership positions in their communities.

6. What’s next for Our Story?

We intend to continue to forge a new educational category and provide content that parents and educators alike are craving. Currently we have two series, The Secret Alien Diaries series and the Our Story series. The Our Story series encourages a more equitable society by exposing readers to the amazing achievements of our predecessors from all over the world. The Secret Alien Diaries mission is to continue to provide content that fills the gap of education in schools for developing a well-rounded, independent individual. We have a few exciting ways to build more tools and features to make these skills accessible and fun for all which we are excited to share with you.

Download press kit and photos

Marissa DeCuir

A former award-winning journalist with national exposure, Marissa now oversees the day-to-day operation of the Books Forward author branding and book marketing firm, along with our indie publishing support sister company Books Fluent.

Born and bred in Louisiana, currently living in New Orleans, she has lived and developed a strong base for our company and authors in Chicago and Nashville. Her journalism work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic and other major publications. She is now interviewed by media on best practices for book marketing.

booksforward.com/about-us/marissa-decuir/

Delray Beach, FL – Set off into the unknown with an intrepid groundhog and his friends in search for a way to save his community in The Great Weather Diviner: The Untold Origin of Punxsutawney Phil (Morgan James Fiction, Nov 7, 2023). Reimagining the story of Punxsutawney Phil, debut authors Andrew Dolberg and Rob Long create a thought-provoking and delightfully charming environmental story. Perfect for readers 9 and up, and ideal for Groundhog’s Day!

A native of Punxsutawney, Rob Long grew up listening to the legendary folk tales of Punxy Phil. He is Deputy Vice-Mayor of Delray Beach, FL. Rob has dedicated his life to educating children on environmental stewardship and the importance of protecting the Everglades and mitigating the climate crisis for the next generation. With help from his writing partner, Andrew Dolberg, they turned the most legendary weather predictor into a hero that learns his role in the world can help more than just his small community of animal friends.

Philip Rodington IX aka “Junior” is a young groundhog with the power to predict and control the weather, but he’s still learning and sometimes his abilities get the better of him. When his hometown is devastated by a flood, he sets out to find the Guardians, legendary superpowered animals who help his home when they need it. Pursued by the evil raven overlord, Callidus, Junior must save his town, uncover the mysteries of his powers, and discover the truth about his family’s history and their role in the balance of nature. With the help of his new friend Jill, a brilliant hedgehog, Junior must decide whether he is willing to risk everything to save his home and restore harmony to the natural world.

The Great Weather Diviner: The Untold Origin of Punxsutawney Phil

Andrew Dolberg and Rob Long 

November 7, 2023 | Morgan James Fiction | Middle Grade Fiction 

Paperback | 978-1636981628 | $17.95

Andrew Dolberg is a Florida native with a passion for using storytelling to effect change. With extensive experience advising elected officials and candidates at all levels of government, Andrew has a deep understanding of how to engage and empower local communities. He is also the founder of Champion Briefs, an education resources company that teaches students the power of public speaking, media literacy, research, and critical thinking through storytelling and debate. Andrew lives in the Fort Lauderdale area of Florida.

Rob Long is a sixth-generation Punxsutawneyian who grew up amidst the lore and magic of the world’s greatest weather predictor. After moving to Delray Beach, Florida, Rob became Chair of Palm Beach County’s Soil & Water Conservation District, and currently serves as Deputy Vice-Mayor of Delray Beach. He regularly publishes editorials in the local papers and releases a monthly newsletter advocating for environmental protection and water quality. In 2022 he received the Public Service Award from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies. 

Find out more about them at https://greatweatherdiviner.com/ 

Follow along on social media:

Instagram: @groundhogbook

In an interview, Andrew Dolberg and Rob Long can discuss:

• Punxsutawney Phil folklore and history, and their creative interpretation
• Rob’s platform to educate the next generation on climate change and his work in public office
• The writing challenges faced when reinterpreting a legendary folk tale
• Rob and Andrew’s process of working together to create a cohesive coming-of-age story for kids

An Interview with

Andrew Dolberg and Rob Long

1. What inspired you to reinterpret the tales of Punxsutawney Phil?

Rob: Because I grew up with it. Punxsy Phil and Groundhog Day were a big part of my childhood and the culture of our town. I was drawn to this recent trend of fractured fairy tales – this sort of reimagining of classic characters. It occurred to me that the existing mythology about Punxsy Phil was very tied to the actual town and the Groundhog Day tradition, as well as the humans that he interacted with. I wanted to explore a more universal, topical, message that really leaned into weather and how it’s tied to climate change. I’m passionate about educating the next generation on the perils of climate change, but I also love stories. This reimagined look at Punxsutawney Phil is meant to present a new world with a lot of depth, characters, and adventures that kids and adults will not only find relatable, but symbolic of real environmental and social issues.

Andrew: When Rob approached me with the original short story that eventually became The Great Weather Diviner, I loved the idea of reimagining a folk talk to tell a modern story. I’ve always believed in the power of storytelling to help people see the world differently, and we saw Groundhog Day–with its mythos about the weather–as the perfect way to explain the threats of climate change. I’m a major fan of fantasy stories, and this was also an exciting opportunity to craft a brand new world for our adventure.

2. One of the major themes of this book is climate change and how it affects the weather/environment. How did you incorporate those lessons into your story?

Rob: The characters in the novel interpret climate change in different ways – their society calls it “Discordia.” It presents an ever-present threat that sets the plot in motion and gives our protagonists their charge. It also presents some harsh truths and realizations for some of our characters when they come to learn its true cause. We use the climate change narrative to portray generational differences and responsibilities. There are several major natural disasters in the book caused by Discordia, but I don’t want to give too much away. You’ll have to read to find out!

Andrew: We usually talk about climate change in terms of the impacts you can see as they happen, but unfortunately, that approach doesn’t give you an accurate read on just how dire the environmental crisis is. We wanted to talk about climate impacts in a way that is more tangible, where readers could instantly notice the ways that a character’s actions might make Discordia (the world’s name for climate change) worse. We didn’t want to go deep into environmentalism in a way that would be boring for readers, instead, we shaped an action-packed plot around the climate message we wanted to convey. There’s some big moments in the story that are the direct result of natural disasters (no spoilers!) and we think these will be easy for any reader to decipher. Our hope is that this book inspires a new generation of young readers to think more about climate change and the environment.

3. As co-authors, was it challenging to write a cohesive story? What did you face when it came to bringing the story together?

Rob: Andrew and I’s writing routine kind of fell into place naturally. We’ve been friends for years, so I brought him the original book concept which was in the form of a short story that I’d written during Covid. Andrew loved the idea and injected a whole new energy and structure into it. We worked on it nonstop after that. We both have a lot of respect for each other, we have a similar grasp on storytelling, and our strong suits are largely complementary, so our process developed pretty seamlessly. 

Andrew: Our collaborative writing process was only possible because Rob and I are such close friends. Before we ever put pen to paper, we talked about the world we wanted to build for hundreds of hours. Some of our best ideas were texted in the middle of the night. Once we decided it was time to start writing, the story flowed easily because the whole thing already existed in our brains. We basically switched off on chapters and the person who didn’t write a chapter would go through and make edits. It was a truly collaborative process because we really shared a brain about all of the details. I don’t think anyone could pick out the sections that he or I specifically wrote because it came together so cohesively.

4. Rob, how did you incorporate your work as a public official into your story? What have you learned from your time in office that has helped shape the story?

Rob: My passion for conservation and the environment, much of which was cultivated during my former role as Palm Beach Soil & Water Conservation District Chair, was a major motivating factor for writing this. In my former role, I helped create a field trip program that teaches hundreds of Palm Beach County students a year about the Everglades and sustainability. The kids would get tested after they visited a wetlands area for the day, and we’d get to see what they learned. It was extremely rewarding to me, and this story in a way felt like an extension of that mission. Kids today, more than any of us, have inherited a climate crisis that will shape their entire lives. Their generation are the ones who will have to save the planet. Educating them now is crucial.

Our story also touches on the complicated nature of leadership. A lot of that is directly inspired by my current role as Delray Beach City Commissioner.

5. From saving his town to learning about his weather-predicting powers and the history of his family, Junior faces a lot throughout the story. Was he inspired by anyone you may know?

Rob: Junior wants to do the right thing but starts out very naive and misled. He struggles to make sense of the outside world and his role in it. Even though he’s a groundhog and his journey is fantastical, this is a coming-of-age story at heart. Junior’s story should feel relatable. I can’t think of anyone who directly inspired this story, but it’s dedicated to anyone who takes personal risks to serve the greater good.  

Andrew: We didn’t have a sole person in mind as we wrote Junior’s story, but he was certainly inspired by many people that Rob and I personally know and some people that we admire. For me, I thought a lot about students that I’ve had in the debate world because their view of the world was so un-cynical to the point where they can do anything because they believe anything is possible.

6. What’s up next for Junior? Will we see more stories in the world you’ve created?

Rob: Yes! The Great Weather Diviner is book 1 of a four part series, which Andrew and I are hard at work on. Additionally, we’re working on a spin-off series starring Hugo the Flamingo. These will be picture books meant for 5 – 10 year olds, and detail Hugo’s adventures in the Florida Everglades.

Andrew: From the very beginning, we wanted this to be a series so that we could fully tell Junior’s story and further explain the environmentalist message. The Great Weather Diviner is part one of a four-part series, which we’re already moving forward with even before the first book hits stores. We are also excited to branch out into picture books for younger readers that will feature Hugo the flamingo’s adventures as he leaves the world of the Great Weather Diviner and heads to the Florida Everglades.

Download press kit and photos

Marissa DeCuir

A former award-winning journalist with national exposure, Marissa now oversees the day-to-day operation of the Books Forward author branding and book marketing firm, along with our indie publishing support sister company Books Fluent.

Born and bred in Louisiana, currently living in New Orleans, she has lived and developed a strong base for our company and authors in Chicago and Nashville. Her journalism work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic and other major publications. She is now interviewed by media on best practices for book marketing.

booksforward.com/about-us/marissa-decuir/

SAN FRANCISCO– In the summer of 1914, 16-year-old Evan Sinclair leaves home to join the Great War for Civilization. Little does he know that, despite the war raging in Europe, the true source of conflict will emerge in Ottoman Palestine, since it’s from Jerusalem where the German Kaiser dreams to rule as Holy Roman Emperor. Filled with such historical figures as Gertrude Bell, T.E. Lawrence, Winston Churchill, Faisal bin Hussein and Chaim Weizmann, “Wages of Empire” follows Evan through the killing fields of the Western Front where he will help turn the tide of a war that is just beginning, and become part of a story that never ends.

“Masterful storytelling will keep you furiously turning the pages of this compelling historical WWI novel. A winner!” –Andrew Kaplan, New York Times Best-Selling Author of Blue Madagascar and the Homeland Novels

“Michael Cooper masterfully captures the time and geopolitical intrigue around the onset of WWI. The characters, historical and fictional, come to life on the page as the storyline drives relentlessly forward. Bravo!” – Matt Coyle, bestselling author of the Rick Cahill novels and Anthony, Lefty, and Shamus awards-winner

“Wages of Empire”

Michael J. Cooper | Nov. 30, 2023 | Koehler Books | Historical Fiction | Ebook, 9798888241875, $7.99
Paperback, 9798888241868, $22.95 | Hardcover, 9798888241882, $30.95

About the Author

Michael J. Cooper emigrated to Israel in 1966 and lived in Jerusalem during the last year the city was divided between Israel and Jordan. He graduated from Tel Aviv University Medical School, and after a 40-year career as a pediatric cardiologist in Northern California, he continues to do volunteer missions

serving Palestinian children who lack access to care. His historical fiction novels include “Foxes in the Vineyard,” set in 1948 Jerusalem, which won the 2011 Indie Publishing Contest grand prize and “The Rabbi’s Knight,” set in the Holy Land in 1290. “Wages of Empire” won the 2022 CIBA Rossetti Award for YA fiction along with first- place honors for the 2022 CIBA Hemingway award for wartime historical fiction. He lives in Northern California with his wife and a spoiled-rotten cat. Three adult children occasionally drop by. Learn more at michaeljcooper.net. 

In an interview, Michael J. Cooper can discuss:

• His unique perspective as someone who lived in Jerusalem during the city’s division between Israel and Jordan
• How the city’s history continues to shape current events in the region.
• The long-standing Israel-Palestine conflict, drawing on his firsthand experience in the region and historical knowledge, as well as complex factors that have contributed to the conflict’s persistence.
• Personal anecdotes and experiences of living in Jerusalem during the city’s division
• The consequences and impact of Jerusalem’s unification in 1967, as well as the subsequent events that have unfolded in the city and the wider region
• The involvement of international actors, such as the United Nations, the United States and regional powers, in the Israel-Palestine conflict and their influence on its dynamics
• How to encourage dialogue, empathy, and understanding among people from different backgrounds regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict, emphasizing the importance of seeking common ground.
• Potential solutions or strategies for achieving peace in the region, drawing from historical context and current events
• The book’s classic hero story of a young man coming of age at a pivotal moment in history and risking everything to play a role in the unfolding of history
• The non-Eurocentric view of WWI with dynamic fictional and historical non-European characters generating strong cross-cultural and universal appeal to a wide range of people with strong crossover appeal to the YA market.

Download press kit and photos

Marissa DeCuir

A former award-winning journalist with national exposure, Marissa now oversees the day-to-day operation of the Books Forward author branding and book marketing firm, along with our indie publishing support sister company Books Fluent.

Born and bred in Louisiana, currently living in New Orleans, she has lived and developed a strong base for our company and authors in Chicago and Nashville. Her journalism work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic and other major publications. She is now interviewed by media on best practices for book marketing.

booksforward.com/about-us/marissa-decuir/