Writing groups and book festivals

     As a member and president of the OWFI (Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc) affiliate Pen and Keyboard Writers, I set up programs, send out agendas, and am expected to attend meetings. The writing group meets the second Saturday of the month from 10:00 AM until noon. Tomorrow, we'll meet for the first time at the local Mardel's in their conference room. Also vehoae, the author of the nonfiction book Conscience: Breaching Social Amnesia, will speak about the necessity of researching for writing fiction and nonfiction. She's an interesting speaker and author.

     Then at 12:15, I'll be at the Edmond Historical Society and Museum setting up for the annual Edmond Authors Book Fair. Four of us participating are with 4RV Publishing: Horton Deakins, author of Time Pullers which took 5th place out of 90 entries in the Science Fiction division of the Peditors & Editors Readers Poll; vehoe, aka Shirl Yancey; Jacque Graham, included in Walking the Earth: Life's Perspectives in Poetry and one of 4RV's editors; and me.

     What surprises me is the fact the local paper hasn't anything about our meeting, even though I sent a news release, or the book festival. Yep, some "local" paper.

      However, I still hope for a good sized group to show up for Shirl's presentation and to attend the book fair.

Van is packed and ready for the NTBF

 No, we don't have any winners at the North Texas Book Festival, but 4RV Publishing will have seven (7) authors attending with books and fingers ready to sign lots of books. We have an author coming from Lousiana, two from Texas, and the rest from Oklahoma. The following authors will be attending:

Horton Deakins with his book Time Pullers, the pre-debut; Harry Gilleland with his book Aldric & Anneliese, the debut; Jacque Graham with Walking the Earth: Life's Perspectives in Poetry, which includes her poetry; Wayne Harris-Wyrick with his children's picture book Why Am I Me?, the debut; Caeleigh (Kelly) McKinna with two of her children's picture books Lion in the Living Room and Little Charley Thornpaws; Galand Nuchols with her book Second Chance; and Vivian Zabel with several of her books, including her newest Stolen.

After hours of sorting through books, packing them after checking off titles on the list of 50 titles, and lugging the boxes and packing them in the van, Jacque and I are exhausted. Hopefully, we'll be rested enough by Thursday to make the trip to Denton Friday morning.

If anyone lives close enough to make the drive to Denton, Texas on April 16, please come meet with us at The Center for Visual Arts,  400 E. Hickory St. at Bell Ave.

All the preceding books can be purchased through most books stores and online suppliers, but they are also available at the 4RV Publishing Catalog.

MPLA conference and exhibition

We set up our booth for the MPLA (Mountain Plains Library Association), which includes twelve states, at the Cox Convention Center in downtown Oklahoma City Monday. With as many books 4RV now has, the job was a big one for three rather mature women, none of whom is in the best of health. However we succeeded.

All books from our company were on display, but I'll have to admit Confessions of a Former Rock Queen was the focal point.


We did have a few purchases, but most libraries must send us a PO in order to order. Many seemed quite interested and took notes of which books they wanted, and the fact we offer a 30% discount for libraries, schools, and museums interested them more.

Galand Nuchols traveled from her home in Texas to join us, and she may not have worked an event like this before but showed many "experienced" authors how to do the job. She approached visitors as soon as they entered the door (our booth was just inside one set of doors), gave them her card, and told them not only about her book Second Chance, but also about the other 4RV titles.


Several librarians showed an interest in Elysabeth's series about the states, as well as other titles that can be used in their programs.

Many want to know as soon as Shirl Yancey's book comes out because it sounds interesting and like a great resource. Shirl prepared a framed copy of the cover for Conscience: Breaching Social Amnesia and had business cards beside the framed copy. On the photo of the table for 4RV Publishing at the right end, the framed photo can be seen.

Suzy and Shirl

Suzy Koch joined us for part of the days we were exhibiting. She greeted some of the librarians, too, as did Lisa Willis on Wednesday.






I hobbled home exhausted and barely able to walk. Jacque Graham, Galand, and Shirl nearly tied me to my chair, trying to keep me off my feet, but those who know me understand that's difficult for me.


Yes, it's a joke, but they did manage to some extent.

Jacque greets libarian, Lisa in background

Speaking of Jacque, she was on hand working much too hard, too -- as usual.

I didn't get a picture of Eric Mathe, who came to help us take everything down and reload in my van.



I'll end with a couple of shots of the very large area used for the exhibition. We did enjoy meeting people from Oklahoma and many other states. Several of us have appearance dates set as a result. 4RV has been invited to Denver, Colorado for something (we're supposed to receive an email with information).

Both pictures are taken from our table and give such a small view of the space used.



I have many other pictures taken during the MPLA exhibition. Maybe I can use them another time.


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Stolen will be released sometime this year

The front cover for Stolen is ready, the copy editing in process. If all goes well, ARCs will go out in two months, maybe three.

This book has been in the making for six years. It has been edited and re-edited multiple times. It has been wanted by two publishers and an agent IF I would completely change the ending. However, changing the ending would change the theme and meaning of the whole book: People have to go on with their lives when bad things happen or destroy themselves.

I've waited, sometimes patiently, sometimes impatiently, for the book to come into its own.

The emotions and many of the incidents found in Stolen are true, but I placed those into a fictional format. I, and other family members, lived the pain. I began writing the book as a way to deal with the suffering of missing grandchildren. My daughter shared some of her experiences, too, which found their way into the plot. As I wrote I fell in love with Lyle, Leanne, Torri, and Jason, and the other family members. They lived in my mind, real, breathing people, not just characters.

When Stolen is released later this year, I hope readers will agree that the ending couldn't be changed without the whole story being changed -- and ruined.

Thanks to Aidana WillowRaven for the cover, to Mandy Hedrick for formatting and now doing the nitty-gritty work of copy editing, to Janelle and Jacque for their hours and hours of editing time after time, to the other editors who gave their time and input to make this book better.

Now, finally, I can see the end of the process to the time I can place copies into the hands of my daughter, my grandchildren, and others.

Please watch for Stolen and read it when it appears. I think you'll be glad you did.


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Encyclo-Media Oklahoma

A year ago, Jacque Graham and I "discovered" Encyclo-Media and started planning on having a booth for 4RV Publishing this year.

Encyclo-Media is sponsored by the Oklahoma State Department of Education under State Superintendent Sandy Garrett. The event has over 1,000 exhibitors and many sessions for teachers, librarians, and school councilors.

We saved and continued publishing books. After less than two years in business, we took twenty-three titles to the event, displaying them in a 10 x 10 booth.

On Wednesday, Jacque, Suzy Koch (whose book Being Jacob: First Day of School made its debut), and I, with help from Mike Koch, set up our booth.

Thursday, the event began. Jacque and I were on site, after driving through rain, by 7:30 AM. We left for home a little before 5 PM. Suzy joined us that morning after battling her way through masses of idiot drivers and left in time to pick up her sons at school.

Hundreds and hundreds of the 5,000 or more teachers, librarians, and/or counselors attending stopped and examined our books. More than half who stopped and looked took notes about the titles that interested them. All had to return to their schools and send out purchase orders for any books they wanted.

Quite a few teachers asked if we would/could prepare AR tests to go with the books. Jacque has worked with Advanced Reader for more than one grade level and said we could and would. A few of our books already have study guides, some of which have tests already: Bubba & Giganto: Odds Against Us by Lea Schizas, State of Wilderness and State of Quarries by Elysabeth Eldering (illustrated by Aidana WillowRaven), and Prairie Dog Cowboy by V. Gilbert Zabel, illustrated by Jordan M. Vinyard.

I put together a written process for educators to follow when they order from the company so they get a discount. Most of those who visited with us thought the discount was an incentive for schools to order from us.


Friday, we were on duty from 7:30 until shortly before 3. They locked the doors of the hall at 3. Jacob, Suzy's son and the Jacob of her book, joined us Friday.

All of us were excited, tired, and anxious.

Now we wait.

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Latest news about 4RV Publishing

4RV Publishing was present at the Eastern Oklahoma AuthorFest August 8. I shared a portion of the news article that came out two days later. I'll add a few photos lower on the page





Just Breeze, a tween/young adult book by Beverly Stowe McClure, will be released in September and has an attention-grabbing cover designed by Aidana WillowRaven. Beverly's story will interest not only middle grade and teen aged girls, but anyone who remembers being Breeze's age and suffering the pangs of youth. Pre-orders will be able to be made from the 4RV web site store in a couple of days.





Eric Mathe's Tommy Turtle: Exercise is Fun! is selling like we wish all books would. His contacts resulted in extraordinary publicity, and he's making the most of it.

Best of Books, a bookstore in Edmond, can't keep copies on the shelves. To the left is Tommy in a back-to-school display. On the right, he's behind the register where everyone can't help but see him.


I promised some photos from the Eastern Oklahoma AuthorFest, so here they are. As people entered the door, the first thing they saw was the 4RV Publishing poster. Then to the left side of the front poster was the table with our books on display. Jacque Graham is behind the table in one photo.

We had many compliments about the professional look of our table. I really do like the display racks we have, makes setting up neater and easier.

Next event for 4RV is the Okahoma Department of Education's Encyclo-Media, September 17 and 18. We'll set up in the Cox Convention Center downtown Oklahoma City on Wednesday the 16th.

Also, 4RV will be represented and have several authors attending the Heartland New Day BookFest in April. Even though the book fest is a few months away, authors, illustrators, and small presses are encouraged to register because slots are going quickly.





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OKC Zoo Animal Author Expo in pictures

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OKC Zoo Animal Author Expo - children's books

Saturday, July 25, the Oklahoma City Zoo will host the 2nd Animal Author Expo from 9 AM until noon. Children's books will be found all around the entrance to the zoo, especially those about animals. At least 20 or more authors will participate.

4RV Publishing will be there with twelve different titles, and another book that can be ordered. Two 4RV authors, besides me - Vivian Zabel, will also participate: Eric Mathe with Tommy Turtle: Exercise is Fun! illustrated by Rey Marz; and Suzy Koch with brochures for Being Jacob: First Day of School (the order didn't arrive) and her Prayer Pig (published elsewhere).

I'll have my Prairie Dog Cowboy, along with a cute toy prairie dog given me by Jacque Graham as an early birthday present. Jacque will be there making sure all goes smoothly.

Books from 4RV attending without authors or illustrators will include Angeline Jellybean by Crystalee Calderwood and illustrated by Stephen Macquignon; Colors by Dana Warren and illustrated, too, by Stephen; Lion in the Living Room by Caelaach McKinnen and illustrated by A.R. Stone; A New Job for Dilly by Rena Jones and illustrated by Lisa Oakman; Would a Kangaraffe Make You Laffe? by Rich Aaron and illustrated by Stephen Macquignon; Bait for Lunch by Karen Okagaki and illustrated by Ryan Shaw; The Art of Science by Ransom Noble and illustrated by Stephen; Bubba and Giganto by Lea Schizas; State of Wilderness and State of Quarries by Elysabeth Eldering and illustrated by Aidana WillowRaven; and Trockle by Holly Jahangiri and illustrated by Jordan Vinyard.

Anyone in the Oklahoma City area is invited to come by and visit. See animals in books and out.




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Battling the Odds, Kirk Bjornsgaard

Kirk Bjornsgaard, an acquisitions editor for University of Oklahoma Press, approached 4RV Publishing with a manuscript nearly a year ago. I don't remember the working title, but the work had great potential. Janelle, our vice-president, and I liked the novel. We offered a contract, and Kirk signed with 4RV. Editors, including Jacque Graham and Harry Gilleland, began working with his manuscript and him immediately.

We had just begun the process when Kirk shared the news he had cancer. Everyone who knows him prayed that the disease wouldn't win the battle Kirk fought. After a while, he seemed to be winning, the cancer appeared to be in remission.

The time arrived for the final revisions to be completed, but no word from Kirk. Then he called -- from the hospital: The cancer had returned and had spread. He asked if there were any way the book could go as is. Revisions were needed, but we took care of them. He only had to read, make suggestions, and approve. We moved Confessions of a Former Rock Queen up on the printing schedule, and the novel was released in March.

Kirk Bjornsgaard is still fighting the cancer, and his courage is an encouragement to many people, including me.

Now, may I present Kirk Bjornsgaard, who graciously took some of his limited energy to answer questions.

Vivian: How did/does your history and home background affect your writing? How did your vocational life as an acquisitions editor affect your writing?

Kirk: In terms of my “history,” I’d long wanted to write a novel that had rock’n’roll as its back story, its narrative vehicle. Too often, rock music has been utilized in novels and in most every case the author knows too little about the mechanics of the music, the instruments, and the performers. As a drummer in innumerable bands over the years I wanted to get the details “right.”

In terms of home background, I’d have to go back to my parents, both of whom were well-educated “book people.” When I excelled at essay contests and spent my free time reading and writing instead of pursuing sports, there was never any quarrel from them! I always had their support in terms of pursuing writing and editing and journalism as my careers. I receive the same love and support from my wife and kids––my number one fans!

Working as an acquisitions editor keeps me abreast with what’s new “out there” in both fiction and non-fiction, as well as publishing trends.

Vivian: Tell us something about your educational background that has made you a better, or more caring, writer.

Kirk: After being graduated from an over-crowded suburban high school, I sought out a small, private college with low teacher-to-student ratios and a disciplined writing program. I found it in Bard College in upstate New York, where at the junior level there were several tutorials in which the professor and I discussed my work. This sharpened by abilities and certainly made me a better writer! Seek out mentors. Seek out writers’ workshops and neighborhood writers groups. Seek those situations in which you can both learn and contribute.

Vivian: Many of us know about your cancer and that it has returned, and we are encouraged by your courage. Will you give us a bit of an idea what that has done to your writing? To your life?

Kirk: Frankly, the cancer and its treatments and side effects have brought writing to a screeching halt. The extreme fatigue brought on by the disease and the side effects of chemo have made further work impossible. It’s even tough to promote the publication of Confessions as I only leave the house for doctor visits. To call this a major setback in my life––after 57 years of near-perfect health––is an understatement; but my family and I are dealing with it to the best of our abilities, thanks to many good friends and colleagues.

Vivian: Confessions of a Former Rock Queen is your recent book. What inspired you to write it? What led you to 4RV Publishing to produce it?

Kirk: The inspiration came in a fully-formed story. This wasn’t one of those “start writing and see where it goes” books. It’s never happened before or since but the narrative arc and the characters came to me, fully-formed, and I just set out to write it as I envisioned it. The first draft from a decade ago looks a lot like the final, published version in its basic form and characters. What led me to 4RV was simply the chance to work with a local, reputable publisher what was starting out. I love small businesses>

Vivian: We at 4RV appreciate your trust in us.

I know you influenced writers in your capacity with University of Oklahoma Press, and that your attendance at the OWFI (Oklahoma Writers Federation) as a representative of OU Press encouraged people to write more nonfiction and historical novels. Did any writing groups benefit you and your writing?

I was a member of the Tulsa Nightwriters fiction group for more than a decade, and it benefited me in many ways. The camaraderie, the advice and critique, the chance to critique and help other writers were both invaluable and personally rewarding. Since moving to Norman I have not been able to attend those regular Monday night sessions, and I miss ‘em still.

Vivian: Does writing help better you as a person? How?

Kirk: It provides an outlet for my emotions and creativity––performing music does much the same thing––that is made sweeter because I can share it with people.

Vivian: What advice would you have for a new author?

Kirk: 1. Read widely and constantly. Writers have to be readers as well.
2. Write every day, if possible; establishing the same time of day to do so can help to make the practice feel natural.
3. Observe people––all sorts of people––because from that comes the characters you need.
4. Be fearless. If you think it, write it.

Vivian: Any other comments or thoughts you’d like to share?

Kirk: Writers are the world’s best people.

Vivian: Thank you, Kirk, for taking time and some of your energy to share with us. I’m sure readers of Confessions will enjoy the novel as much as I did and do. Readers will be encouraged by your interview, too.

Confessions of a Former Rock Queen, Kirk's novel, can be found through any bookstore, Amazon.com, or the 4RV Bookstore.

Kirk's Web Page



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Border Queen Book Festival

Four of us connected to 4RV Publishing and to Pen and Keyboard Writers participated in the Border Queen Book Festival at Comanche, Oklahoma, Saturday March 7: Jacque Graham, Suzy Koch, and I are in the photo above.

Suzy's children's book Being Jacob: First Day of School hasn't been released yet, but she was handing out brochures about her first book from 4RV. Pre-orders are being taken now since the book will be released next month.

Dana Warren in the picture above and on the right as she talks with two customers. Dana's new children's book Colors was launched at the festival.

Best selling author Jordan Dane (who's an adopted member of Pen and Keyboard and a member of OWFI - Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc.) also attended.

We're hoping to return next year, but I hope my name, photo, and bio are not left out of the special edition of the local paper again. I was assured repeatedly that the oversight wasn't deliberate, and I know it wasn't.

I'm talking to people around Edmond, trying to create enough interest that we could have a book festival here. The University of Central Oklahoma (located here) has the only in-state MFA program in writing. Wouldn't that help promote the program as well as writers all over Oklahoma and adjoining states?

The next events on my agenda include an appearance at Duncan Middle School (9 miles north of Comanche) and the OWFI conference and autograph party. The head of gifted and talent program at the middle school asked if I would visit and give a talk to the middle school, and I agreed. I told her about Jacque's representation of Belle Cobb, the first Indian woman doctor in Indian Territory and the subject of Jacque's work in progress. Jacque has been invited, too. We're not sure of the exact date, but it will probably be after the OWFI conference April 30 - May 3.

Any body in Oklahoma looking for a speaker or guest appearance by an author? Here we are.


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