Peninsula resident Susan Ellison Busch will be in Mantua on May 4 to sign copies of her book. More information from a news release:

WHEN: 2014-05-04

TIME: 1 - 3 p.m.

WHERE: Hattie Larlham Center for Children with Disabilities, 9772 Diagonal Rd, Mantua, OH

WHAT: Ellison Busch. a resident of Peninsula, OH, will be available to sign copies of her book, Yearning for Normal.

I phoned for an ambulance. As I called, Mike paced back and forth in the kitchen saying, 'Just drive me. I'll be okay.' He told me that he had been cooking meatballs and his shirt caught on fire.  While waiting for the ambulance,

I got him some pants for modesty, covering his burnt waist and buttocks.

I remembered a little from nursing school about burns, so I tried to get him to lie down on a quilt since I knew he was in danger of going into shock.

This heartbreaking journey will take Susan Busch and her son, Mike, through hospitals, backyards, schoolrooms, psychiatric wards, a court room, a burn unit, and the corridors of Susan's own heart. But beyond the struggles of adjusting to life with this deletion, there is a tale of humanity, with all its sorrow, love, and hope. This story is not just for the parents of children with 22q.11 Deletion syndrome, but for their friends, neighbors, doctors, nurses, teachers, speech therapists, social workers, police officers, paramedics, firefighters, ministers, and whoever else likes a good story.            

Area comics expert and News-Herald Community Media Lab blogger Chris Lambert will be making a few appearances next month.

On May 3 — Free Comic Day — Lambert and Tom Batiuk (Funky Winkerbean, Crankshaft) will be at Comics and Friends at Great Lakes Mall from noon to 3 p.m.

The appearance will be the debut of Lambert's new sci-fi novel "Saucers," as well as his new comic book I-Qube, Hero in a Box. 

Also on Free Comic Day, Lambert will be at Comic Heaven on Robinhood Drive in Willoughby from 4 to 7 p.m.

On May 25, Lambert will sign autographs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Atlas Cinema Great Lakes Stadium in Mentor as part of Lake Effect Comic Con.

Twenty-three-year-old Heather Morris has recently published a novel, according to a news release from April 1. Below, details from that news release:

MAYFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio — This week marks the nationwide release of “Niteo,” author Heather Morris’ new novel, where she explores the healing of people who suffered from sexual abuse.

The story introduces readers to Cassie Flynn, who never wanted anything more than to be normal. Following a childhood of sexual abuse at the hands of her deranged stepfather and a six-day criminal trial to put him behind bars, she believes her chance to embrace normalcy has finally come. Following that trial, however, she is brought to the meetinghouse of a society named Niteo. Members of this society possess supernatural Spiritual gifts which they use to help victims of abuse, like Cassie, come to faith in Christ, and find the justice they deserve. Cassie soon finds out that this society was helping her through her trial and now, Cassie must choose between accepting a position of leadership in Niteo and turning her back on this extraordinary life to chase after the normal life she has always craved.

Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, the book is available through bookstores nationwide, from the publisher at www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore, or by visitingbarnesandnoble.com or amazon.com.

Morris is 23 years old and recently graduated from Cleveland State University with her BA in creative writing. She is currently pursuing her MFA. She is an active member of Journey Community Church and hopes to one day open a network of safe houses to offer support to other girls who have been through traumatic pasts.

Author Julie Walker Mitchell, a resident of Solon, will be signing copies of her book April 12 in Brunswick. Details from a news release:

WHEN: 2014-04-12

TIME: 8:00am-5:00pm

WHERE: Grace Baptist Church, 3480 Laurel Rd, Brunswick, OH 44212

WHAT: Mitchell, a resident of Solon, OH, will be available to sign copies of her books, 365 Days of Hope and Praying through the Psalms.

In this world there will be much sorrow and sadness, and most people could use a little encouragement as they travel through this life. 365 Days of Hope provides scripture verses and hopeful thoughts for those who feel caught up by the trappings of this world. With each month centered on a different theme, this book can be read in any order the reader wishes. Each day begins with a scripture reading and is followed by words of comfort, guidance, strength, and hope. Whether a lifelong Christian, a new believer, or somewhere in between, 365 Days of Hope is an easy read that contains something for everyone.

How do you express yourself in prayer?  How do you pour out your heart to God?  Do you lift up your joys and sorrows and give thanks for your blessings?  The Psalms are filled with prayers mostly written by King David.  He was a 'man after God's own heart' and his relationship with God was strengthened by his time in prayer.  Does your relationship with God need bolstering?  When you are overwhelmed with the troubles of this world, do you need some encouragement?  'Praying Though the Psalms' gives you a place to start your conversation with your Heavenly Father.  After reading some verses from the Bible, Julie Walker Mitchell encourages you to develop and deepen your relationship.  There is a prayer written for each day based on the reading and you have an opportunity to write in your own prayer or prayer request.  Sometimes we are so stressed we don't know how to begin to talk to God.  This book is an excellent starting point for some and an opportunity to build a more solid spiritual foundation for others.  Prayer should be an integral part of our lives and a focal point for our spiritual growth.

Author Susan Ellison Busch, of Peninsula, will be at the Arabica in Richfield on April 11 to sign copies of her book. Below, details from a news release:

WHEN: 2014-04-11

TIME: 11AM-2PM

WHERE: Arabica Coffee House, 4174 Wheatley Road, Richfield, OH 44286

WHAT: Ellison Busch. a resident of Peninsula, OH, will be available to sign copies of her book, Yearning for Normal.

I phoned for an ambulance. As I called, Mike paced back and forth in the kitchen saying, 'Just drive me. I'll be okay.' He told me that he had been cooking meatballs and his shirt caught on fire.  While waiting for the ambulance,

I got him some pants for modesty, covering his burnt waist and buttocks.

I remembered a little from nursing school about burns, so I tried to get him to lie down on a quilt since I knew he was in danger of going into shock.

This heartbreaking journey will take Susan Busch and her son, Mike, through hospitals, backyards, schoolrooms, psychiatric wards, a court room, a burn unit, and the corridors of Susan's own heart. But beyond the struggles of adjusting to life with this deletion, there is a tale of humanity, with all its sorrow, love, and hope. This story is not just for the parents of children with 22q.11 Deletion syndrome, but for their friends, neighbors, doctors, nurses, teachers, speech therapists, social workers, police officers, paramedics, firefighters, ministers, and whoever else likes a good story. 

King Arthur plays a role in a new children's book by Willowick author Ryan P. Delaney. Details below from a news release:

In his new children’s book, “Arthur Pendragon’s Perplexing Predicament,” author Ryan P. Delaney features an interesting episode of King Arthur’s life after he became the king.

“Arthur Pendragon’s Perplexing Predicament” tells the story of King Arthur and his first big decision since pulling the sword, Excalibur, from the stone: what shape should his dining room table be? With the help of his wizard friend, Merlin, and his trusted knights, Arthur tries all kinds of shapes, but none of them seem to be right. Will he be able to figure it out soon? And if so, how will he figure it out? Delaney offers this untold story in the life of the famous king and his knights.

Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, the book is available through bookstores nationwide, from the publisher at www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore, or by visitingbarnesandnoble.com or amazon.com.

Delaney is a teacher by trade, but has always had a passion for books and writing. He and his wife, Jackie, have four beautiful children and make their home in Willowick, Ohio.