Success In the Press - Awards Spotlight

To Squeeze A Prairie Dog by Scott Semegran

Synopsis: This is the story of J. D. Wiswall, a sincere young man from a small town, who joins a state government agency in a data entry department comprised of quirky clerks. Quickly endearing himself to the diverse group in Unit 3, J. D. learns his coworkers have a pact to share the $10,000 prize if they win a cost-savings program for a suggestion that could save the government money, in turn helping them rise above their own personal struggles.

Author bio: Scott Semegran is an award-winning writer of humorous fiction with a dose of heart. BlueInk Review described him best as “a gifted writer, with a wry sense of humor.” His latest book is a comic sendup of state government—an entertaining slice-of-life story that’s humorous yet uplifting at the same time—titled To Squeeze a Prairie Dog: An American Novel. […] His previous novel, Sammie & Budgie, was the first place winner for Fiction in the 2018 Texas Authors Book Awards. […] He lives in Austin, Texas with his wife, four kids, two cats, and a dog. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in English.

Awards: Readers’ Favorite International Book Award Winner: Silver Medal for Fiction (Humor/Comedy); 2019 Texas Author Project Winner for Adult Fiction

On February 6th, Scott Semegran will be honored by the library and publishing communities for his accomplishments at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission in Austin.

Available On Amazon

Success In the Press

Hello, and welcome to Yellow Bird’s new ongoing series, Success In the Press. In each post, we will shine a spotlight on three of our published clients.

EloIa Born by Britta Jensen

From the author: On the remote planet of Eloia, Dex and Leanora live in two worlds that intersect: the world of the seeing and the blind. Leanora alone travels between them. But she hides her limited eyesight from the boy she loves. Then tragedy strikes and Leanora and Dex must trek across Eloia in search of answers while struggling to survive in the harsh wilderness.

Our take: This YA sci fi romance lays out a complex mystery through its’ imaginative world-building. The protagonist’s vision impairment adds heightened suspense as they travel into unfamiliar lands and meet unfamiliar creatures, all while trying to understand how their people were blinded in the first place. With a core theme of challenging yourself and exploring new ideas, this book has a great message for its’ YA audience.

From a reader: “Britta Jenson brings forth a most intriguing story that at its end, left me wanting to know more about the universe she’s crafted. The main characters, Leonora and Dex, escape their village in order to set out on a much-needed journey that inspires growth and forces both of them to figure out who they really are. Eloia Born is more than just a simple love story. It’s about leaving your comfort zones in search of life's truths. It plays on your emotions and forces you to accept things that you may not want to. It does this wonderfully.”

Amazon | Goodreads | Author site

The Gillespie County Fair by Marc Hess

From the publisher: As rampant land development and tourist money begin to transform the old German farming community of Fredericksburg, two intermarried pioneer families lock in a life-and-death struggle over the sale of their homestead. 

Our take: his literary novel delves into the history of Fredericksburg, from its’ humble beginnings as a farming town to the tourist staple it is today by following two inter-married families fighting over a piece of land. With complex characters and vibrant descriptions that make the setting feel real even as the town changes, this Amazon bestseller in Southern fiction will appeal to fans of sprawling family dramas with a touch of mystery.

From a reader: “Hess sets in motion a group of small-town friends whose lives, twenty years after high school, bear the scars of divorce, betrayal, financial failure, and parental disapproval. He has a fine ear for the local idioms of the German-settled world of Fredericksburg, Texas, and the story progresses rapidly through the plot twists and character conflicts that emerge. Definitely a worthwhile read.

Amazon | Goodreads | Author site

Secrets and Lies: a Claire Callahan mystery by P.H. Turner

From the publisher: Shot to death in his home, Morgan Tutwiler leaves behind a multimillion-dollar business and a daughter who hasn’t spoken to him in years. And she isn’t alone in wanting him dead.

Our take: This thriller, part of an on-going series, barrels straight into the action on the first page and doesn’t stop. With a murder victim who made enemies everywhere, including at home, this novel is able to take as many twists and turns as it likes without running out of suspects. With a likeable heroine, this book should satisfy gumshoe fans. 

From a reader: “I had never read a story with so many murder suspects [...] the ending totally caught me off guard. I enjoyed the pace of the story - intermingled with lighter dramatic moments and full-blown suspense; it gave me the opportunity to breathe between the pages. I loved getting to know the characters, too - witnessing their triumphs and lending support in their weaker moments.”

Amazon | Goodreads | Author site

***

We hope you enjoyed this look at some of the Yellow Bird family’s success stories! Check back soon for more. If you are a former Yellow Bird client and would like us to consider featuring your published work, email info@yellowbirdeditors.com.

Success In the Press - Author Appearances

Yellow Bird client Marc Hess will be reading from his novel, The Gillespie County Fair, at Malvern Books on March 12.

The Gillespie County Fair was published April 2019 by Greenleaf Book Group Press.

From the publisher: As rampant land development and tourist money begin to transform the old German farming community of Fredericksburg, two intermarried pioneer families lock in a life-and-death struggle over the sale of their homestead. 

Amazon | Goodreads | Author site

Event details

Success In the Press - New Launch!

Far Away Bird by Douglas Burton

Winner - 2019 Writers’ League of Texas Manuscript Contest - Best Historical Fiction Novel

Synopsis: Inspired by true events, Far Away Bird delves into the complex mind of Byzantine Empress Theodora. This intimate account deftly follows her rise from actress-prostitute in Constantinople's red-light district to the throne of the Byzantine Empire.

Author bio: Douglas Alan Burton is a speaker, author, and expert storyteller whose work depicts heroic figures and their deeper connection to the human experience. Doug blogs about heroes, heroines, and villains in pop culture with some unexpected and refreshing perspective.

Launch: Far Away Bird was released by Silent Music Press, LLC on February 6, 2020.

Available On Amazon

Success in the Press - New Launch!

The School Choice Roadmap: 7 Steps to Finding the Right School for Your Child By Andrew Campanella

Synopsis: The School Choice Roadmap offers a seven-step process that will help you harness the power of your own intuition—and your own expertise about your child’s uniqueness—to help you find a school that reflects your family’s goals, values, and priorities. Filled with sage advice […]The School Choice Roadmap is an optimistic, empowering book that cuts through the confusion in K-12 education—so that you can give your children every opportunity to succeed in school and in life.

Author Bio: Andrew Campanella has dedicated his career to helping families discover their K-12 school choice options. He serves as president of National School Choice Week, the nation's largest public awareness effort for K-12 education. Previously, he worked in senior level positions at the American Federation for Children, the Alliance for School Choice, and the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence.

Launch: This book was published by Beaufort Books on January 21, 2020.

Available On Amazon