Introducing Walter Soellner, author of Kalvarianhof: The Perilous Journey

“Anna did a very fine job assisting me in this completely new experience of publishing. My next book in the four book series is finished, and I am seriously considering Outskirts Press again.”

Walter Soellner’s parents immigrated to America from the German state of Bavaria in 1938. Visits over the years to his ancestral home inspired Kalvarianhof, The Perilous Journey. Travels to Asia, Middle East, Africa and Europe further provided historic detail against which the novel’s men and women play out their passionate lives. Kalvarianhof is the first book of a multi-generational series.

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Book description…

Follow lifelong friends Catholic Markus and Jewish Levi in this sweeping historic family saga-the story of two young men in the years before World War I. As young Imperial German soldiers in 1900, battling with other Europeans besieged in Peking during the Boxer Rebellion, Markus and Levi find themselves in dire circumstances. Markus abandons the legation’s relative safety for a dangerous cross-country adventure to find his love, the beautiful Li Ling. Tragedy interrupts their romance and he soon finds himself escaping with Sun Yat Sen downriver on a pirated Chinese mail boat. He reunites with his friend Levi after the battle of Peking, and the two encounter danger and adventure on their return by ship to Germany. A shark attack off New Guinea and a sexual bacchanal with Samoan natives and icebergs in the south Atlantic challenge the two friends. Their homeward ship stops in Uruguay, where Levi meets his future wife, Katherina Obermaier, a beautiful young Jewish girl bound for university in Berlin. Home again in Bavaria, Levi returns to his ancestral home Kalvarianhof, a grand estate deep in the forests outside of Munich, and Markus to his home in the city. It is the time of ‘Belle Epoch’, the ‘Beautiful Era’ in Europe. Still, Markus and Levi and their families face challenges and heartbreak- and a forbidden love affair that threatens to tear apart the young men’s friendship. The story continues in Book II of this four-part series, where the two friends find themselves far from the trenches of France on the eve of World War I. In the splendors and perils of the vastness of Africa, Markus and Levi find romance, hardship and tragedy that endangers their very survival.

Introducing Marria Elliott Blinn, author of Ruffner Family Historic Sites Guide Book

“My book is amazing in quality and graphic design! I wouldn’t change anything about it. My representative was outstanding and the book designer worked very, very hard to create the book exactly as I wanted. Thank you for the lovely book!”

Marria Elliott Blinn has been a member of the Ruffner Family Association for several years and currently serves as the Recording Secretary on the Association Board. She earned a M.A. degree in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Illinois and recently retired from her teaching career of 27 years. She is a 13-year member of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution through her ancestor Emanuel Ruffner. Marria is an avid genealogist and has traveled the United States photographing and researching historic sites for this book. She resides in Orland Park, Illinois, with her husband Steve, and they are the parents of three children.

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Book description…

The Ruffner Story in America…begins when a young Peter Ruffner left his home in Switzerland to come to America about 1732. In the Colony of Pennsylvania he settled in Lancaster County among other Swiss and German people who were mainly of the Mennonite faith. There he met Mary Steinman who was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania in 1714. Mary was the daughter of Joseph and Frances Stoneman. Joseph Stoneman was a German Mennonite-a yeoman and a large landholder. When Peter and Mary were wed in 1739, her father Joseph gave them 900 acres from his 1300-acre Hawksbill Patent which was located along Hawksbill Creek in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. This is where they established their pioneer farm and where the Ruffner-McNeely House and the town of Luray, Virginia, stand today. Peter and Mary prospered and became parents to eight children, six of whom survived. Their children were very successful and some of them emigrated to different areas of the United States. In this book, you will view the sites and read about Mary and Peter’s legacy of family, the prosperous work ethic that has been passed on through the generations, and the monumental Ruffner Family accomplishments and contributions that have been made to America.

Introducing Chris Dieterich, author of Tales from the Blind Side: A Strange Journey Into Football

“I intend to soon publish again and I hope I get Colleen. She was outstanding!! Always got back to me in a very timely manner. I have published with another company in the past and you guys ‘blew them away!’ Keep up the great work. I’m impressed.”

Chris Dieterich played football and graduated from N.C. State University, then went on to play seven years in the NFL with the Detroit Lions (1980-1986). He is semi-retired and devotes much of his time to helping men trying to recover from the devastating effects of alcohol and drug addiction. Chris also spends time volunteering for Pet Haven of South Carolina, a no-kill animal shelter. He lives in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with his two dogs, Slinky and Snoodle. Proceeds from the sales of this book will be donated to children and animal charities.

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Book description…

The eleven short stories in Tales from the Blind Side are based on the experiences of former NFL Offensive Lineman Chris Dieterich, who played for the Detroit Lions from 1980 to 1986. Diagnosed with depression from the many concussions he received on the playing field, Dieterich used the writing process as therapy-a release from the dark and painful memories of his decision to give up both his physical and mental health to be in the “limelight” for seven years. Writing served as an outlet for Dieterich’s physical and mental torture, the daily stress and strain of performing at a world-class level. From the grueling misery of summer training camp, to the injuries sustained on the field, and to never-ending post-career bouts of mental confusion, delusions, and addiction to painkillers and alcohol, Dieterich has expertly spun fantasy and hard-core reality into eleven short stories that explore the depths of living on the mental edge of madness. Readers will experience the agony and the ecstasy of the NFL as Dieterich offers a glimpse into the world of professional sports…and its often devastating aftereffects.

Introducing Martha Gabour Manuel, author of Political Treason

“I can’t begin to tell you how pleased I was with the help I got on my book this time. I am already working on a book for next year and I would love to be able to work with Jennifer again. She was such a delight and fun to work with – even when I kept pushing incredible deadlines on her. My sincere thanks to all of you who helped make Political Treason a reality for me!”

Martha Gabour Manuel retired from state civil service in 2007 to run for state senator. While unsuccessful in her bid for office, the experience offered her an opportunity to view the electoral process firsthand. Martha’s eminence as a registered representative with a major Wall Street investment firm; director of the EBR Parish Health Unit; and executive director of the Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs only highlight a few of the varied and coveted positions she has held, adding an unusual degree of credibility to her stories. Martha Manuel is also the author of Murder on False River.

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Book description…

In the highly anticipated sequel to Murder on False River, a shooting at the Louisiana State Capitol sends shockwaves through Baton Rouge…and leaves Senator Devereaux’s stepson, Dylan, in critical condition. Not since Governor Huey P. Long has there been a shooting at the capitol, and the already politically charged city is on high alert. Is there a sinister plot designed to manipulate and take control of the state of Louisiana? And what is in the mysterious missing envelope that triggered the shooting? When speculation meets actual fact, it’s hard to know who to trust or what to believe. In this fast-paced political thriller, even the ghost of the late Huey Long is rumored to be roaming the halls of his beloved state capitol at night, searching for answers.

Introducing Margaret Watkins, author of The Fine Line

“After struggling for several years to get my medical memoir down on paper, I submitted query letters and manuscript samples to a number of mainline publishing houses and received polite negative responses from all of them. I felt that I had a story worth telling and explored alternative avenues of publishing. After reading an article in SKY magazine aboard a Delta flight about publish-on-demand companies, and doing some research on my own, I chose Outskirts Press, Inc. to publish The Fine Line. The process could not have been more simple, with step-by-step instructions and guidance. Everyone at Outskirts was very helpful, especially my author representative, and the product was a professional and lovely book of which I am very proud.”

Margaret Watkins is a retired intensive care physician. She has written these two parallel and intersecting stories from the provocative point of view of both doctor and patient. The cataclysmic course of ruptured aneurysms is explained in scientific yet simple terms as she and Colonel Robbins descend into the nightmare of near-fatal illness and return to lives transformed by their experience. The author lives on a small ranch in the mountains of central Idaho with her husband, Robert Jarrett, and their dogs and horses. She has published a book of short stories, TRANS—PLANTED, and a book about her trip to Mount Everest, OFF TO TIBET. The latter are available by USPS from the author at email iloveidaho@att.net.

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Book description…

Aneurysm—a medical catastrophe. A middle-aged woman on snowshoes in the mountains of Idaho. A fighter jet pilot at the apex of his career. Drawn together by the same medical misfortune, one finds the other’s friendship amidst the debris of their mutual calamities. This is the true story of two strangers whose lives intersect because of simultaneous ruptured cerebral aneurysms. Their descent into darkness and slow journey back into life will touch your heart.

Introducing Skip Stover, author of The Ghosts of Governor’s Bridge

“After years of searching for a reputable publisher Outskirts Press delivered everything I needed as a new author. I have researched commercial and POD publishers and Outskirts won hands down. Simply because you can choose to keep your book in print as long as you desire.”

Skip Stover has authored numerous books and has won many awards for his writings.Look for the movie trailer on this novel. Update The filming of the trailer was finished on 6/10/2011 and is available for viewing on You Tube, Link to You Tube Type in >>: Ghost of Governors Bridge, Facebook and other sites.

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Book description…

Seventeen-year-old Sarah has plenty to be excited about. She’s about to graduate from high school and is dating the hottest guy on campus–a grade-A stud named Derrick. But lately, she’s had the weirdest image etched in her mind. It’s always the same—a young woman on the bridge, holding a child. As if she is going to jump. When she ask her friend Alice about it, she learns of a horrifying urban legend that bears a striking resemblance. The story involves a young girl who has a baby out of wedlock in the 70’s, keeping the news secret from her parents, including her minister father. When it’s revealed, the baby brings shame upon the family. And it’s said,that after getting into a fight with her dad, the girl ran off with her baby to the Governor’s Bridge. There a mysterious old man promises her warmth and safety–but the truth is too terrible to imagine. Years later, Sarah’s family has moved into the same house, as the girl in the so-called legend. And when Sarah and Derrick become romantically involved, the consequences threaten to repeat history. Suddenly Sarah is being haunted by visions of a peculiar old man….Will Sarah end up suffering the same fate?

Introducing Diane Dettmann, author of Twenty-Eight Snow Angels

“Twenty-Eight Snow Angels is my second publishing experience with Outskirts Press. Once the book was completed and in my hands, I fell in love with the custom cover and the photos that we integrated into the text added such a warm and personal touch. The positive reader response to Twenty-Eight Snow Angels makes my heart soar! Many thanks to Outskirts Press.”

Diane Dettmann is an author, presenter and teacher. During her teaching career, she was an elementary teacher, a literacy staff developer and taught at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Diane is the coauthor of Miriam Daughter of Finnish Immigrants and has presented the book at international conferences in Finland and Canada. Diane lives in Afton, Minnesota, where she enjoys writing and spending time with her loving husband, Allan.

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Book description…

A beautifully written story of a life renewed. Diane Dettmann’s memoir, Twenty-Eight Snow Angels: A Widow’s Story of Love, Loss and Renewal, invites the reader into her personal experience of grief, as she faces life alone, after the sudden death of her 54-year old husband. With honesty and a clear perspective, Dettmann reveals her daily struggles and the realities of grief. The reader feels her pain and at the same time rejoices in her commitment to tackle the daily challenges of life alone and to succeed. Her heartfelt story inspires hope as the reader discovers that they can build a meaningful life-alone or with someone new-after a devastating loss.

“In this well written memoir, Diane tells of her emotional journey in touching detail.” -Mary Ann Grossmann, St. Paul Pioneer

“Writer Diane Dettmann makes small events, like the sale of a beloved piano, become as momentous as the sale of a national treasure. In the process, she rediscovers faith, community and love.” -Susan Parker, author of Walking in the Deep End

“In Twenty-Eight Snow Angels, writer Diane Dettmann gives us a poignant account of a life badly rent and ultimately revitalized in a way we can all take to heart.” -Peggy Lang, award-winning ghostwriter ”

“The reader is drawn in and captivated by Diane’s vivid account of her grief after the death of her loving husband . . . a powerful story of love, grief, hope and faith all can learn from.” -Mary Jacks, M.S. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

“Diane’s piano move was one of our most memorable. It really touched us all.” -Paula Soukup, Manny’s Piano Company, Inc.