Working Titlez

When Brooke’s mom Ginger Meurer, deputy editor of the View newspapers, asked me if I could use some help for a few weeks, I was delighted. Yes, I sure could! When Brooke showed up the next day, and jumped in feet first, I was overjoyed. She was unflappable, greeting every assignment with enthusiasm. She got a really good mix of work, from writing and editing, to lots of research. Internships are a great way to gain some “real world” experience and a meaningful addition to one’s resume. If you, or a young person living in your home, could benefit from a publishing internship, please get in contact: cuber@stephenspressbooks.com. ~CHU

Winter Break Internship: Fun!

By Brooke Mikkelsen

When I came in my first day of being an intern at Stephens Press, I thought it would just be a good way for me to get out of the house over Winter break.

Upon arrival, I was given a notebook and told to start taking notes. Then Carolyn launched into all the things I would need to know and do, never repeating herself without my asking, but explaining things that needed explaining.

The scariest part to me was answering the phone. I’ve always been good at communicating with people, but somehow, when that phone starts ringing, I start to doubt myself. This internship really forced me to turn that fear into a skill that I shall probably use for the rest of my life.

The best part was how trusted I was. I got to be the face of Stephens Press for a few weeks, writing letters, returning calls, and even talking to the press!

At the end of every day, when I was about to leave, Carolyn asked me if I had had fun that day. Every day, I answered in the affirmative. Even though my tasks had been to help me grow as an intern, they were also exciting.

I’d like to thank Carolyn Uber for not only giving me this internship, but letting me become a part of Stephens Press. I hope that my positive impact lasts longer than the few short weeks that I have interned!

For great cities aren’t just described by great novels. They are defined and shaped by them.

It comes as no surprise to writers (and readers, for that matter) that the setting is an important part of a story – whether novel or non-fiction – and often, can become a character in itself. The surprise is in finding a literary work that creates an identifiable backdrop – or captures the essence of a city’s character.

Las Vegas is certainly a character – and as a setting – quite popular. Unfortunately, Sin City is also an enigma, as book reviewer Patrick Coolican of the Las Vegas Sun remarks,  and few writers have been able to harness its pulse and put into words. Cynical by profession, Coolican readily admits that tackling the city that never sleeps is a challenge best left alone.

But then came Crit, Andrew Kiraly’s fast-paced vividly descriptive debut novel that isn’t about Las Vegas and until the end, doesn’t even take place in Las Vegas, but still, manages to impress Coolican with its “on-the-money” portrayal of the 24-hour desert town.  Kiraly’s talent gives hope to Coolican that the great Las Vegas novel is within reach. For the full article, read here:

Book signings, blog posts, Facebook entries … all are great ways for a publisher to introduce a new book and its author (or authors) to the public. An easily dismissed medium, but equally as powerful, is the good old-fashioned radio talk show. In fact, listeners get an added bonus: they can actually hear excerpts in the authors’ own voices!

This Sunday night from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Coast to Coast AM radio (100.5 AM and 840 AM, Las Vegas), Emmy award-winning journalist and radio host George Knapp will be sharing the microphone with Vegas Rag Doll co-authors Wendy Mazaros and Joe Schoenmann. They’ll reminisce about days gone by, the Las Vegas mob, and Wendy’s former life as the wife of a hitman.

It promises to be a (late) night to remember: a prize-winning interviewer, an accomplished writer, and a woman with a story that’s difficult to imagine come together to burn up the airwaves with humor as well as drama. If you’re not a nightowl, or won’t be in Las Vegas for this holiday weekend, you don’t have to miss the entertainment; check out the radio’s website here for archived shows and station call numbers across the country.

Kevin Janison

Writers used to squirrel themselves away in remote cabins, dusty offices, revealing themselves only briefly to hand over completed manuscripts to their publishers or to appear shyly at the corner bookstore or coffee house for a book signing or reading. Rarely did authors speak to large audiences or get involved in marketing their great American novel.

But times have changed. Bookstores are closing — both big chains and little indie shops — providing fewer opportunities for book signings and appearances. Authors develop follows through their websites, tweets, and Facebook pages, but never meet face-to-face with their audience. Readers buy online or download straight to their Nooks and Kindles.

Stephen Nasser

What’s a writer to do? Stephens Press authors have found a way to reach out to the community and share their stories by visiting schools and speaking to students. Stu Michaels, author of You Can’t Make This Up! spent time with high schoolers in a creative writing class. Stephen Nasser, author of My Brother’s Voice, has presented stories of the Holocaust at middle school assemblies and Kevin Janison, has entertained elementary-age students with his Deputy Dorkface series. What a delightful partnership! Professional authors doing what they do best — telling stories — and inspiring a whole new generation of budding readers and budding writers.

Stu Michaels

Working with writers to bring their stories to print is a daunting, yet rewarding task. When a manuscript is based on the life a real individual — one who has made an impact on the lives of others – it is especially thrilling. And when that story, and the research behind it, inspires another art form, well … the results are spectacular!

So it is with Helen J. Stewart, First Lady of Las Vegas, a new publication from Stephens Press. Dr. Sally Zanjani, historian and author of ten books on Nevada history, and Carrie Townley Porter, a former Nevada history teacher and Helen J. Stewart researcher for over forty years, collaborated on a fascinating and informative look at a woman ahead of her time, a woman born in the 1800s whose influence can still be felt today.

Using these writings as his inspiration, sculptor Benjamin Victor created a beautifully realistic statue of Helen J. Stewart, a fitting tribute to such a remarkable woman as well as to the dedication and hard work of the authors and the power of the written word.

Zanjani and Townley-Porter will launch Helen J. Stewart, First Lady of Las Vegas,  at the Nevada Women’s History Project luncheon October 8, 2011, at the Bartley Ranch in Reno, Nevada. The authors will discuss the years of research and writing dedicated to the project, as well as sign copies of their book.

And on December 3, 2011, government officials, Helen J. Stewart’s family members, and civic leaders reflecting the organizations on which she made an impact will gather at the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park for the unveiling and dedication of Benjamin Victor’s statue, giving the First Lady of Las Vegas a permanent home.

Stephen Nasser, author of My Brother’s Voice, recently returned from a month in Germany commemorating the sixtieth anniversary of the liberation of the concentration camp at Seeshaupt. Nasser traveled across the country,  speaking and signing books at almost twenty different venues, often two or three locations in one day, telling the story of his struggles and survival in a concentration camp as a young boy, and sharing the story of his brother, who did not survive.

As part of the festivities, Nasser participated in the launch of the German version of his book, Die Stimme meines Bruders, by Wolfgang Maximoser. In addition, German filmmaker Walter Steffen premiered his ninety minute documentary, Endstation Seeshaupt, reenacting the route of the Death train from the Muhldorf concentration camp to Seeshaupt, the point of liberation by General Patton’s third army on April 30, 1945.

Mr. Nasser’s visits were also recognized in German newspapers, with local dignitaries and other concentration camp survivors. His tireless dedication to telling his story, his brother’s story, and to Holocaust education is remarkable.

While preparing to speak at the Ames, Iowa public library about her most recent book, The Home for the Friendless, author Betty Auchard spent time with Laura Millsaps of the Ames Tribune. A wonderful article where Betty shares some of her fondest memories of her childhood in Iowa. For the full interview, click here:

Recently, Cedar Rapids, Iowa native Betty Auchard returned to her roots and spoke with Charity Nebbe of Iowa Public Radio. Click here to listen to Betty as she tells stories from her newest book, The Home for the Friendless.

Betty Auchard, author of The Home for the Friendless and Dancing in my Nightgown, returns to Iowa this month to speak at Prairie Lights Books, one of the premiere independent bookstores in the country. If you happen to be in Iowa City on June 14, come listen to Betty read and share stories from her newest book. If you aren’t in Iowa City, you still have time to get there – an evening you won’t want to miss!