The Big Bag Sale
Available through December 15
The Big Bag $85
Includes a copy of all Diversion Press books, FREE shipping (US only), and a Diversion Press Bag of Books bag:
German Jackboots on Kentucky Bluegrass: Housing German Prisoners of War in Kentucky, 1942-1946
Dakota: A Work in Progress
Meanderings: A Collection of Poetic Verse
The Darling Rebels
Urban Falcon
I Am Tom Morrow
Ellabug
In the Shadow of the Big Apple
The Young Adult Bag (Recommended for ages 13 and up) $45
Includes Diversion Press Bag of Books bag, FREE shipping (US only), plus
The Darling Rebels
Urban Falcon
I Am Tom Morrow
In the Shadow of the Big Apple
The Something for Everyone Bag $50
Includes Diversion Press Bag of Books bag, FREE shipping (US only), plus
German Jackboots on Kentucky Bluegrass: Housing German Prisoners of War in Kentucky, 1942-1946
Dakota: A Work in Progress
Meanderings: A Collection of Poetic Verse
Ellabug
See www.diversonpress.com to place your order or mail a check or money order to: Diversion Press
PO Box 270
Campbell Hall, New York 10916
Thursday, November 19, 2009
The Biggest Sale Ever: What is it?
Just what is our Biggest Sale Ever?????????
Diversion Press Announces…
Our Biggest Sale Ever
All Books over 20% Off
Order 4 or More Books and get a free Bag of Books Bag!
Meanderings: A Collection of Poetic Verse
$9.95 Now $7
Urban Falcon
$12.95 Now $10
The Darling Rebels
$12.95 Now $10
Dakota: A Work in Progress
$14.95 Now $10
Tom Morrow
$12.95 Now $10
In the Shadow of the Big Apple
$12.95 Now $10
German Jackboots on Kentucky Bluegrass
$24.95 Now $18
Ellabug
$12.95 Now $10
Shipping & Handling
($3 for the 1st book, $2 for each additional book)
SALE ENDS DECEMBER 15!
ORDER IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!!
Diversion Press Announces…
Our Biggest Sale Ever
All Books over 20% Off
Order 4 or More Books and get a free Bag of Books Bag!
Meanderings: A Collection of Poetic Verse
$9.95 Now $7
Urban Falcon
$12.95 Now $10
The Darling Rebels
$12.95 Now $10
Dakota: A Work in Progress
$14.95 Now $10
Tom Morrow
$12.95 Now $10
In the Shadow of the Big Apple
$12.95 Now $10
German Jackboots on Kentucky Bluegrass
$24.95 Now $18
Ellabug
$12.95 Now $10
Shipping & Handling
($3 for the 1st book, $2 for each additional book)
SALE ENDS DECEMBER 15!
ORDER IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Interview with Gregory Turner-Rahman about Ellabug
Hello!
Before we start I want to make a comment that, while biased (since I am one of the editors at Diversion Press) it is also true, this is one of my favorite children’s books. I say that not just as a publisher, but someone who has three children
That is very kind and I am extremely pleased that you enjoy it. Do the kids like it? I hope so. When you work on something so intensely you never know exactly how it will be received. I have been surprised by how people are responding to it. It has been incredibly positive.
What inspired you to write Ellabug?
I think most stories start with a kernel of true-life experience. There are so many families I know that are a mocha-swirl of cultures, races, ethnicities, and even religions – including my own. Sometimes it is easy to take for granted or, worse, to feel self-conscious about the unique and really good aspects of being in such a family. I thought the multi-animal family would be a fun way to talk about the issue. But the story could really be about any family and how wonderfully unique each is. My hope is that the story resonates with everyone.
How long did it take you to conceptualize the project?
Egads. I am not sure. My daughter, when she was young would ask for me to read a bedtime story then, as one of those brilliant kid delay tactics (along with the proverbial glass of water), ask me to make up a story. To be completely candid, I was terrible at doing this. So, being the consummate professional parent (my wife is rolling her eyes right now), I prepared the story ahead of time. The rhyme helped me remember the story. Parts of the final story that appear in the book must be at least 7 years old. Translating it into images and refining the story, however, only took a few weeks.
What is Ellabug searching for in the book?
If you dig deep enough, I think, Ella is really looking for assurance that it is ok to be who she is. Through that archetypal hero's journey, however, she has to go through hardship in that search for "normalcy" to realize that what she's got at home IS normal.
In our children’s books we strive to only work with books that give a strong positive message. What is that message in Ellabug?
Regardless of those things - strange ideas and prejudices - that other people get hung up on, it is really all those crazy people in your life and the great big set of experiences, your life, that really make you who you are. Why not embrace and celebrate that fact?!
What advice would you give to any aspiring children’s writers and/or illustrators?
I learned it is very difficult to do both writing and illustrating. If you do take on both tasks be sure to have the story completed before beginning the drawings. I kept having to break up the argument between my right and left brain. The left brain always wanted the text to be the whole story. The right brain wanted more explanation through the images. Finally, I had to split them up and left would sit and sulk and the right would listen to jazz and shoot spit wads at the left brain. It would've been much worse if I hadn't had the story somewhat complete.
Anyway, I would also suggest really striving to create a story that could address a particular issue but could also be viewed more universally. The story has to have broad appeal.
As a university professor in an art department, I work with a lot of young artists and illustrators and would say that it is very important for them to remember that the illustrations should be in service of the story and not necessarily a series of masterpieces. There are many extravagantly beautiful children's books on the market. So, the temptation and desire is to put everything into the art work. This is fine as long as it supports the story. As a parent, I can say that, with many of the books we've bought, while the images initially have a "WOW!" factor, it is the stories that remain long after it has been read/viewed. I love those illustrations that are simple yet really give an essence of the story. A classic example is Quentin Blake and his work with Roald Dahl.
If you had to convince someone to purchase a copy of Ellabug in only two sentences what would you say?
"HELP! My kidnappers said they won't release me until you buy my book Ellabug!"
Where can we get a signed copy of Ellabug?
Good question. I am currently setting up signings locally. I live in rural eastern Washington State and teach in rural Idaho so I think I will try to line up some event in Seattle perhaps near the University of Washington, my alma mater.
In the meantime, if you happen to be in the neighborhood...
Before we start I want to make a comment that, while biased (since I am one of the editors at Diversion Press) it is also true, this is one of my favorite children’s books. I say that not just as a publisher, but someone who has three children
That is very kind and I am extremely pleased that you enjoy it. Do the kids like it? I hope so. When you work on something so intensely you never know exactly how it will be received. I have been surprised by how people are responding to it. It has been incredibly positive.
What inspired you to write Ellabug?
I think most stories start with a kernel of true-life experience. There are so many families I know that are a mocha-swirl of cultures, races, ethnicities, and even religions – including my own. Sometimes it is easy to take for granted or, worse, to feel self-conscious about the unique and really good aspects of being in such a family. I thought the multi-animal family would be a fun way to talk about the issue. But the story could really be about any family and how wonderfully unique each is. My hope is that the story resonates with everyone.
How long did it take you to conceptualize the project?
Egads. I am not sure. My daughter, when she was young would ask for me to read a bedtime story then, as one of those brilliant kid delay tactics (along with the proverbial glass of water), ask me to make up a story. To be completely candid, I was terrible at doing this. So, being the consummate professional parent (my wife is rolling her eyes right now), I prepared the story ahead of time. The rhyme helped me remember the story. Parts of the final story that appear in the book must be at least 7 years old. Translating it into images and refining the story, however, only took a few weeks.
What is Ellabug searching for in the book?
If you dig deep enough, I think, Ella is really looking for assurance that it is ok to be who she is. Through that archetypal hero's journey, however, she has to go through hardship in that search for "normalcy" to realize that what she's got at home IS normal.
In our children’s books we strive to only work with books that give a strong positive message. What is that message in Ellabug?
Regardless of those things - strange ideas and prejudices - that other people get hung up on, it is really all those crazy people in your life and the great big set of experiences, your life, that really make you who you are. Why not embrace and celebrate that fact?!
What advice would you give to any aspiring children’s writers and/or illustrators?
I learned it is very difficult to do both writing and illustrating. If you do take on both tasks be sure to have the story completed before beginning the drawings. I kept having to break up the argument between my right and left brain. The left brain always wanted the text to be the whole story. The right brain wanted more explanation through the images. Finally, I had to split them up and left would sit and sulk and the right would listen to jazz and shoot spit wads at the left brain. It would've been much worse if I hadn't had the story somewhat complete.
Anyway, I would also suggest really striving to create a story that could address a particular issue but could also be viewed more universally. The story has to have broad appeal.
As a university professor in an art department, I work with a lot of young artists and illustrators and would say that it is very important for them to remember that the illustrations should be in service of the story and not necessarily a series of masterpieces. There are many extravagantly beautiful children's books on the market. So, the temptation and desire is to put everything into the art work. This is fine as long as it supports the story. As a parent, I can say that, with many of the books we've bought, while the images initially have a "WOW!" factor, it is the stories that remain long after it has been read/viewed. I love those illustrations that are simple yet really give an essence of the story. A classic example is Quentin Blake and his work with Roald Dahl.
If you had to convince someone to purchase a copy of Ellabug in only two sentences what would you say?
"HELP! My kidnappers said they won't release me until you buy my book Ellabug!"
Where can we get a signed copy of Ellabug?
Good question. I am currently setting up signings locally. I live in rural eastern Washington State and teach in rural Idaho so I think I will try to line up some event in Seattle perhaps near the University of Washington, my alma mater.
In the meantime, if you happen to be in the neighborhood...
I Am Tom Morrow interview with Travis Poulson
Hi Travis, we have enjoyed your new book I Am Tom Morrow. What was your inspiration for writing this book?
Alright I’ll be honest, I was extremely bored at work. I was working as an intern with absolutely nothing to do, and after a couple days surfing the internet, I finally told myself, “Forget this! I’m going to write a book.” As an avid reader, story lover and creative thinker, I’ve always had a goal to one day write a book. I obviously didn’t write the book at work, but my bored frustration sure got me started. I tried to write something that I myself would not be able to put down. Hopefully you won’t be able to either!
Tom is not your average teenager, what are some of his quirks?
He’s definitely nerdy, but in an endearing sort of way. He has an engineering mind and loves to figure things out. When he’s thrown into a conspiracy involving the key members of his town, he’s driven to solve the mystery and expose it for what it is.
He also discovers that he has a bizarre gift where he can slow his perception of time. He gradually learns to control it and uses it to stay alive.
Do you see any of yourself in Tom?
Well, I’m not nearly as nerdy, but, uh, alright I’m pretty much Tom spot-on – except I can’t change my perception of time. I love futuristic technologies, the thrill of flying, and solving puzzles. I even have a slightly misaligned left eye.
Tell us about some of the other key characters in the story?
There’s Carl the Snarl, Tom’s best friend, with the power not to feel pain when he’s absolutely furious – which is much of the time. And there’s Bruce the Juice, Tom’s other friend, who has such a high vocabulary that Tom has never been able to understand him. The story takes place in a very small, very backward town chockfull of hilarious characters. Such as, the town gossip with the messiest house and ugliest cats, the extremely large but agile sheriff, and the town madman who can see the future – sort of.
What would you say to inspire someone who has not read the book to pick it up?
. . . . and read it?
I’ve had kids as young as ten and adults as old as fifty tell me they couldn’t put the book down. To me, that’s the greatest compliment, because that was my goal. This book will leave you astoundingly entertained!
What is it like being a first time author?
It’s stupendous!
Any advice for aspiring writers?
Write often and write what you love. Reading is one of my favorite things, but writing is like reading on steroids! Suddenly YOU control the story, and where it goes is entirely up to the muse inside your head. That can be frustrating, but also unimaginably rewarding. Enjoy!
Anything else that we should know?
I am Tom Morrow makes a great stocking stuffer!
Alright I’ll be honest, I was extremely bored at work. I was working as an intern with absolutely nothing to do, and after a couple days surfing the internet, I finally told myself, “Forget this! I’m going to write a book.” As an avid reader, story lover and creative thinker, I’ve always had a goal to one day write a book. I obviously didn’t write the book at work, but my bored frustration sure got me started. I tried to write something that I myself would not be able to put down. Hopefully you won’t be able to either!
Tom is not your average teenager, what are some of his quirks?
He’s definitely nerdy, but in an endearing sort of way. He has an engineering mind and loves to figure things out. When he’s thrown into a conspiracy involving the key members of his town, he’s driven to solve the mystery and expose it for what it is.
He also discovers that he has a bizarre gift where he can slow his perception of time. He gradually learns to control it and uses it to stay alive.
Do you see any of yourself in Tom?
Well, I’m not nearly as nerdy, but, uh, alright I’m pretty much Tom spot-on – except I can’t change my perception of time. I love futuristic technologies, the thrill of flying, and solving puzzles. I even have a slightly misaligned left eye.
Tell us about some of the other key characters in the story?
There’s Carl the Snarl, Tom’s best friend, with the power not to feel pain when he’s absolutely furious – which is much of the time. And there’s Bruce the Juice, Tom’s other friend, who has such a high vocabulary that Tom has never been able to understand him. The story takes place in a very small, very backward town chockfull of hilarious characters. Such as, the town gossip with the messiest house and ugliest cats, the extremely large but agile sheriff, and the town madman who can see the future – sort of.
What would you say to inspire someone who has not read the book to pick it up?
. . . . and read it?
I’ve had kids as young as ten and adults as old as fifty tell me they couldn’t put the book down. To me, that’s the greatest compliment, because that was my goal. This book will leave you astoundingly entertained!
What is it like being a first time author?
It’s stupendous!
Any advice for aspiring writers?
Write often and write what you love. Reading is one of my favorite things, but writing is like reading on steroids! Suddenly YOU control the story, and where it goes is entirely up to the muse inside your head. That can be frustrating, but also unimaginably rewarding. Enjoy!
Anything else that we should know?
I am Tom Morrow makes a great stocking stuffer!
The Results from our Halloween Movie Survey and Contest
Here are our Halloween Movie Results.
Unfortunately we only had 12 people respond!!!
Our winner is Sean McHugh who will be getting a copy of Meanderings: A Collection of Poetic Verse.
Everyone who participated received a coupon for a free Diversion Press tote bag with any order during our Biggest Sale Ever Promotion.
Question 1:Halloween is fast approaching and you find out that your friend has never watched any horror movies. Which classic do you recommend?
Psycho by five votes
Question 2:Which of these movies is the most underrated?
Night of the Living Dead with three votes
Question 3:Which of these movies is the most overrated?
Saw with five votes
Question 4: If you were fortunate enough (or unfortunate enough) to pick how you had to go, which of these options would you pick?
IRS Audit with 7
Thanks to all for your support!!
Unfortunately we only had 12 people respond!!!
Our winner is Sean McHugh who will be getting a copy of Meanderings: A Collection of Poetic Verse.
Everyone who participated received a coupon for a free Diversion Press tote bag with any order during our Biggest Sale Ever Promotion.
Question 1:Halloween is fast approaching and you find out that your friend has never watched any horror movies. Which classic do you recommend?
Psycho by five votes
Question 2:Which of these movies is the most underrated?
Night of the Living Dead with three votes
Question 3:Which of these movies is the most overrated?
Saw with five votes
Question 4: If you were fortunate enough (or unfortunate enough) to pick how you had to go, which of these options would you pick?
IRS Audit with 7
Thanks to all for your support!!
Upcoming Book Signings
Support our authors and the bookstores that are hosting them at these upcoming signings:
Greg Turner-Rahman will be signing Ellabug at November 7th at Bookpeople in Moscow, Idaho at 11 am.
Bill Rosencrans will be signing Dakota: A Work in Progress at the Apple Barrel Country Store Schoharie, N.Y. between 3-5 PM; and
January 30th, at Borders Bookstore in Crossgates Mall in Albany, N.Y. between 2-4 PM.
Greg Turner-Rahman will be signing Ellabug at November 7th at Bookpeople in Moscow, Idaho at 11 am.
Bill Rosencrans will be signing Dakota: A Work in Progress at the Apple Barrel Country Store Schoharie, N.Y. between 3-5 PM; and
January 30th, at Borders Bookstore in Crossgates Mall in Albany, N.Y. between 2-4 PM.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Blog Contests
Blog Membership Contest #1
The member of our blog, who successfully enrolls the most newmembers (10 minimum) by November 27 will win our new “Bag of Books” a Diversion Press tote with three Diversion Press books. This could make a wonderful holiday gift for someone or several people. The Diversion Press “Bag of Books” will also be available for purchase on our website in the coming weeks and will be shipped in time for the holiday season. All of our author’s books are available for this offer.
Here are the rules (the fine print):*You must be a member of the blog to be eligible.*Contestants must submit an email between November 27 and December 1 listing all the people that you recruited. All new members that you list must still be members.*The winner will be announced after December 1 and the prize will be guaranteed to arrive in time for the holiday.*We will post the results and each person’s total at the end of the contest.*We may also post the results during the contest so that you can see what the competition is up to.*The blog must reach a total of 50 members for the contest to be valid.
Blog Membership Contest #2
This is open to all members of our blog. One member will berandomly chosen on or after December 1 to receive a DiversionPress “Bag of Books”, a Diversion Press tote with three DiversionPress books. These can be veteran or new blog members.NOTE: Each person can only win once!
The member of our blog, who successfully enrolls the most newmembers (10 minimum) by November 27 will win our new “Bag of Books” a Diversion Press tote with three Diversion Press books. This could make a wonderful holiday gift for someone or several people. The Diversion Press “Bag of Books” will also be available for purchase on our website in the coming weeks and will be shipped in time for the holiday season. All of our author’s books are available for this offer.
Here are the rules (the fine print):*You must be a member of the blog to be eligible.*Contestants must submit an email between November 27 and December 1 listing all the people that you recruited. All new members that you list must still be members.*The winner will be announced after December 1 and the prize will be guaranteed to arrive in time for the holiday.*We will post the results and each person’s total at the end of the contest.*We may also post the results during the contest so that you can see what the competition is up to.*The blog must reach a total of 50 members for the contest to be valid.
Blog Membership Contest #2
This is open to all members of our blog. One member will berandomly chosen on or after December 1 to receive a DiversionPress “Bag of Books”, a Diversion Press tote with three DiversionPress books. These can be veteran or new blog members.NOTE: Each person can only win once!
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