From a news release:

“Death Never Crossed My Mind,” a new book by Anne Allen, has been released by Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc.

Accepting God in your life can truly change you as a person. In her deteriorating health due to a brain tumor, the author tells a piece of her life, how God healed and cared for her during her times of great need. She tells how the Word of God became her source of strength and comfort whenever she feels frail, and how she falls back and finds herself again in the comforting love of God.

The book discusses different aspects of the author’s life and what she thinks about the past as she looks at it now. She shares lessons learned from many years of struggle, pain, doubt, hatred, and jealousy, but also shows enough of the happiness that God and her loved ones have imparted in her life.

Death Never Crossed My Mind, by Anne Allen, is a selfless pouring and sharing of wisdom gleaned from a fruitful life’s journey.

Anne Allen was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. She is now retired and resides in Euclid with her husband of thirty-five years, and dedicates her time to serving the Lord and helping other people.  

“Death Never Crossed My Mind” is a 108-page paperback with a retail price of $14.00. The ISBN is 978-1-4349-2842-9.  It was published by Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For more information, or to request a review copy, please go to our virtual pressroom at www.dorrancepressroom.com or our online bookstore atwww.dorrancebookstore.com.

From a news release:

BROOK PARK, Ohio — In her new children’s book, “Cricket, the Unhappy Frog,” author Mary Lu Stary tells a story that showcases the importance of family to one’s personal happiness.

The story introduces readers to a little female frog named Cricket. When her father and sisters suddenly disappear from the pond, Cricket knows it’s up to her to find them. Readers will follow her as she hops along highways and through forests to find the family she didn’t realize was so important to her happiness.

Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, the book is available through bookstores nationwide, from the publisher atwww.tatepublishing.com/bookstore, or by visiting barnesandnoble.com or amazon.com.

Stary is the mother of six and a grandmother of 10. She lives in Brook Park, Ohio, with two of her children. She has dreamed of becoming a published author since her days as co-editor of the high school newspaper.

Local author Annmarie Cleversey (previously profiled here) has released the fourth book in her Hailey Hanson mystery series. "Reunions Can be Dangerous" is available on Amazon as an ebook download for $2.99.
 
Book summary from a news release:

It's summer time and children's librarian Hailey Hanson and her best friend Kayla Martin are looking forward to their 10 year high school class reunion and visiting with old friends. But neither imagined that reunion weekend would bring up old jealousies, rivalries and old flames wanting to be rekindled. While Kayla is fighting off the advances of her former high school sweetheart, Hailey is trying to figure who is responsible for seemingly harmless pranks that are occurring. But reunion weekend turns deadly when Hailey finds a classmate dead at one of the reunion events. Is the killer amongst the reunion guests? Hailey is determined to find out and with Kayla's help tracks down the killer. 

Earlier books in the series include "Trouble Comes to Town," "Deadly Deceptions" and "Buried in the Past." All can be found on Amazon as ebooks for $0.99 each.

Mentor photographer Johnny Joo is releasing a book titled "Empty Spaces: Photojournalism Through The Rust Belt," which can be preordered on his website, Architectural Afterlife, for the next seven days.

The 116-page hardcover book is 11.25 inches by 8.75 inches, and each book preordered through Joo's website will be personally signed by the author/photographer. (Only seven days left to preorder to receive a personally signed book and free gift.)

The book is also available as an e-book through Amazon.

Some of Joo's photos were recently featured on a viral Buzzfeed post on abandoned malls. His photos of abandoned buildings have been on display at Mentor Public Library.

Joo also has shared some of his work on News-Herald.com:

• Mentor Marsh fire, Nov. 5, 2013
• Winter weather photos, Nov. 27, 2013
• Mentor Fire Department training, Dec. 17, 2013
• Winter weather photos, January 2014

Find more of Joo's photography on his Facebook pages Johnny Joo Photography and Urbex.

Local author and News-Herald Community Media Lab blogger M.E. Betsy McMillan will be at Perry Public Library on May 3 (map). More information from a news release:

What can you possibly do for a person who is dying? What meaningful gift can you give to someone who no longer has the need or want of material possessions?

In her latest book, “A Mystery in the Mailbox,” local author M.E. Betsy McMillan discusses her long history of confronting this issue and her years of success in making the “gift of thought” a special way to give hope and inspiration to those who are fighting a long, hard battle.

Betsy will be appearing at Perry Public Library on Saturday, May 3rd where she will be talking with library visitors about how they too can give the “gift of thought” when nothing else seems appropriate. Signed copies of “A Mystery in the Mailbox” will be available for purchase.

About the Author
A native of Cleveland, Betsy and her family have resided in Perry, Ohio for the last 40 years. Betsy is the head writer and editor for a pharmaceutical research organization as a full time avocation, but still finds the time to write on her own time. “A Mystery in the Mailbox” is her fifth non-fiction book.

What people are saying about “A Mystery in the Mailbox”
“His Holiness sends prayerful good wishes for your work with the terminally ill. Invoking upon you the joy and peace in our Lord Jesus Christ, he cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing.”
— Secretariat of State for Pope Benedict, The Vatican, 13 February 2010

“When one is ill and becomes a patient, the secret in caring for the patient, is caring about the patient. Betsy’s stories are fascinating and describe her twenty-plus years of caring and compassion for those in need. I highly recommend this book.”
— John L. Turner, M.D., author of Miracles and Manifestations: A Doctor’s Journey Through the Worlds of Divine Intervention, Near-Death Experiences, and Universal Energy

“One of the greatest blessings in life is to die having been loved and cared about. Betsy, through her wonderful and thoughtful book, has shown us how we all can express our love and care for those who need it the most.”
— Dr. Harold J. Bowersox, author of The Bowersox Protocol for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue

“My tears flowed because of the simplicity of the idea, shared with such an open heart. Betsy writes, “There are times when I think I am getting much as in the sending as the recipient gets in the receiving.” To which I say, “Amen.” That is exactly the experience I have every time I do Reiki at the hospital. And her process does not involve any sort of training!”
— Elisabeth Petry, author of Can Anything Beat White? A Black Family’s Letters and At Home Inside: A Daughter's Tribute to Ann Petry

Betsy McMillan works as a writer and editor for Ricerca Biosciences in Concord, OH. She attended The Ohio State University and Cleveland State University. She is currently marketing her non-fiction books and has two novels that are scheduled for publication this year. McMillan also pens a blog at http://thefracturedanecdote.blogspot.com/.

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.

Author Susan Ellison will be signing copies of her book March 15 in Hudson. More information from a news release:

WHEN: 2014-03-15TIME: 1-3 pmWHERE: Learned Owl Book Shop, 204 N Main St, Hudson, 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. 

Concord resident Martin Prendergast has released a new thriller mystery novel. Details from a news release:

CONCORD, Ohio — In his new thriller mystery novel, “Fear Itself,” author Martin Prendergast introduces the story of man fearing that his daughter will take all the lengths just to have him for ferself.
Children will be the death of adults, especially if they spike adult’s wine with antifreeze. That is what Mathew Derrick suspects his precious young Sarah did to her mother so that she could have daddy all to herself. But the police think that he killed his wife after discovering that his daughter was the product of an extra-marital affair. Rather than face the wrath of the law, he takes little Sarah and runs.
Although he manages to elude the law, he can’t escape Sarah’s unquenchable wrath for the women in his life. Could this adorable and seemingly innocent child really be a murderess? And if not, who is killing the loves of his life, and why?
Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, the book is available through bookstores nationwide, from the publisher atwww.tatepublishing.com/bookstore, or by visiting barnesandnoble.com or amazon.com.
Prendergast is a freelance writer and fiction author. He received his B.A. in English from John Carroll University, where he studied creative writing under Mark Winegardner. He has published work in the Sig Sec Quarterly and editorials in the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Maple Heights resident Douglas M. Graf will be signing copies of his book "Bible Principles for Christian Dating" next weekend at Zion Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall in Maple Heights. More details from a news release:

WHEN: 2014-02-15TIME: 3:00-6:00pmWHERE: Zion Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 5780 Dunham Road, Maple Heights, OH
WHAT: Graf, a resident of Maple Heights, OH, will be available to sign copies of his book, Bible Principles for Christian Dating.While many Christian dating books focus on the relationship of Boaz and Ruth, Bible Principles for Christian Dating focuses on the union of Adam and Eve. As you may know, Eve was formed from a rib of Adam. When Adam awoke, he did not have to look too far to find his rib. Every man should be seeking his rib, and every woman should be seeking the body from which she came. This book explores and reveals the biblical principles applicable in Christian dating and marriage.
Bible Principles for Christian Dating casts a luminous light on various relationship topics in addition to framing a safe and accessible approach to Christian dating for teens, adults, and college students.

Young adults who have author aspirations should consider checking out a writers workshop planned for this weekend at Mentor Public Library. Below, the news release with more information:

Photo Courtesy of Tess Smith Photography

MENTOR, Ohio… Teens who like to write will have a special opportunity this Saturday, Feb. 1, at Mentor Public Library.
Rachele Alpine—the author of the Young Adult novel, Canary—will host a writers workshop especially for teens from 1 to 3 p.m. at the library’s Main Branch.
Everyone who registers for the workshop will also get a free copy of Canary. Alpine’s book tells the story of Kate Franklin, a teenage girl who is sexually assaulted by a popular student-athleteand then told by her father to keep it a secret.
Alpine said she wrote the book, in part, to encourage young people to tell their stories—whether through writing or other means.
“It is so important to get your story out and never have your voice silenced,” Alpine said. “No matter how hard it is, someone is going to listen. It’s through stories that people find understanding, strength and inspiration. We need to tell our stories because if we don’t, who will?"
Alpine will share her insights on writing and the path to publication with teens Saturday.
“We’ll be doing a variety of writing exercises to get their creative juice flowing and keep them writing well beyond the workshop,” Alpine said. “I’m also looking forward to talking with them about publishing, everything that goes into getting your book onto the shelves, and answering any questions they might have about writing.”
Alpine said the best writing advice she ever received was twofold: Read as much as you can and write every day.
“It doesn’t matter whether what you’re writing is good. You just want to get into the habit of creating new words each and every day,” she said.
Teens can register for Alpine’s writing workshop by calling the Mentor Public Library at 440-255-8811, ext. 215, or on the library’s website, www.mentorpl.org.
People can learn more about Alpine and her writing at www.rachelealpine.com.

Twinsburg residen Lyn Phoenix will be signing her book at the Twinsburg Library this weekend. Details below from a news release:

Author Lyn Phoenix Book Signing EventWHEN: 2014-01-12TIME: 2:00 pmWHERE: Twinsburg Public Library, 10050 Ravenna Rd, Twinsburg, OH
WHAT: Phoenix, a resident of Twinsburg, OH, will be available to sign copies of her book, The Walk Home.“Thank you, Doctor, thank you very much. I know that you did all that you could for him and he did also.” Her voice was surprisingly calm after all that had transpired that day. As she handed the phone back to the nurse she thought of all the things they had been through since her husband’s diagnosis of colorectal cancer two and a half years ago. He was stage 4 when they found it in a routine colonoscopy. After major surgery to remove part of his colon, seven lymph nodes, and part of his liver, and eight rounds of various combinations of chemotherapy drugs, he lost the battle and died.
Vicky Raven is trying to move forward after her whole life has been shattered. Cancer has taken her husband, and time has taken her career and children. What is left for her but to rediscover who she is and what God has in store for her in the years she has left?
In this story of faith, courage, and tenacity, one woman must follow her heart and take The Walk Home. 

How cool is this kid? Twelve-year-old Aiden Shugert of Broadview Heights has not only published a collection of short stories, but now he is holding a workshop for children ages 8 to 14 who are interested in writing.

Check out this news release for more information:

BROADVIEW HEIGHTS, OH (December 16, 2013)- In 2013, twelve-year-old, Aiden Shugert, of Broadview Heights published his own collection of short stories, The Marvelous Misadventures of the Fab Five. Now he’s holding a writing workshop for his peers to encourage them to get their own story started. Aiden’s Writing Workshop will take place on January 12th at the Brecksville Community Center (located on 1 Community Drive Brecksville, OH 44141) from 2:00-4:00. The cost is $50 and all children ages 8-14 with an interest in writing are encouraged to attend. 
Aiden was 11-years-old when he accomplished his dream of becoming a published author. He always loved to write, but never knew what to do with his stories. He decided to pre-sell copies of his book to pay for the book production – a smart move, considering he pre-sold 29 copies of his book in 5 hours. Between the money from this pre-sale, and cash he earned shoveling cow manure on the farm, Aiden was able to make his dream come true, and publish his collection of short stories, The Marvelous Misadventures of the Fab Five.
After Aiden’s publishing dream came true, he decided to go a step further to inspire other like-minded peer writers with his writing workshop in January. “This workshop focuses on putting those ideas in your head onto paper in stories, while helping to build self-confidence and self-discipline,” said Shugert. “I know that writing has helped me in my day-to-day life and I want to help other kids to do the same.”
“We are very proud of Aiden for going after his dream and not only becoming a published writer, but now a public speaker and mentor to other kids his age,” said Katie Shugert, Aiden’s mom. “What started off as an idea, has began to blossom in an entrepreneurship dream for Aiden, it’s a lot of fun to see him grow.”

Burton author Karen Harden will be signing copies of her book in Chardon next week. Details from a news release:

Author Karen Harden Book Signing EventWHEN: 2014-01-11TIME: 1 pm – 3 pmWHERE: Beans, 121 Main St, Chardon, OH
WHAT: Harden, a resident of Burton, OH, will be available to sign copies of her book, Been There, Survived That.Imagine that feelings and emotions were there but never expressed. Words to some are just words, but to many they hold so much meaning. Many believe that words can never hurt us, but in truth they can. Words can also express such joy that we sometimes can't help but to express ourselves.
Who would we be without these feelings and emotions, and why is it so important to have them? We've had emotions since day one, but they show as we grow. To grow means that these feelings and emotions have made us who we are. Life isn't easy, but it does make us who we are.
In ways that are sometimes hard to express, Karen Harden wants to share with you that life has its many ups and downs, but we are able to bounce back and move forward. She hopes that this book can, in some way, help you in some form or other.

Comics and Friends at Great Lakes Mall in Mentor will be hosting some artists and authors this month for the "Christmas Creator Cavalcade." Check out who and when will be appearing in front of the store:

• Sean Forney, 2 to 7 p.m. Dec. 13
• Michael Sangiacomo and Chris Lambert, noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 14
• Dave Nestler, noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 15
• Chris Lambert, 2 to 9 p.m. Dec. 18
• Thom Zahler, 2 to 7 p.m. Dec. 21
• Joe Corroney, noon to 7 p.m. Dec. 22

Author Karen Harden of Burton has published her memoir "Been There, Survived That," out this week. Information from a news release:

This week, author Karen Harden celebrates the nationwide release of her new memoir, “Been There, Survived That,” where she explores the importance of human emotions and how these emotions shape people to who and what they are.
Words, to some, are just words; but to many, they hold so much meaning. Many believe that words can never hurt anyone, but in truth, they can. Words can also express such joy that people sometimes can’t help but to express themselves. Who would people be without these feelings and emotions, and why is it so important to have them? People had emotions since day one, but emotions show as people grow. To grow means that these feelings and emotions have made people who they are.
In ways that are sometimes hard to express, Harden wants to share with readers that life has its many ups and downs, but people are able to bounce back and move forward. She hopes that this book can, in some way, help them in some form or other.
Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, the book is available through bookstores nationwide, from the publisher atwww.tatepublishing.com/bookstore, or by visiting barnesandnoble.com or amazon.com.

Cleveland resident Sandy Rozelman will be signing copies of her book "You're Gonna Laugh Your Tail Off" in Cleveland next month. More details from a news release:

WHEN: 2013-12-07TIME: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.WHERE: Backyard Nature Co, 830 Som Center Rd, Cleveland, OH
WHAT: Rozelman, a resident of Cleveland, OH, will be available to sign copies of her book, You're Gonna Laugh Your Tail Off.How many dogs does it take to change a light bulb?
Should there be rules for stray cats?
And what are some pet peeves that dogs have about humans?
You’re Gonna Laugh Your Tail Off when you hear the answers!