California Country Boy: Book 1: Born Young

California Country Boy: Book 1: Born Young (Volume 1) Paperback – October 26, 2014

by Harold E. Grice (Author, Illustrator)

Dear Polly, Have you read Harold’s Country Boy book? It’s a humdinger! Sure brings back the memories—the farm, the boys, Helen and Roy and those kids. Talk about mischief, swiping the carrots and then taking the tie-down rope for a swing. Never saw Oscar so mad as when the load came off. Course he couldn’t wallop ‘im with Helen right there. Then that thing with the dog, blood all over, near scared us to death. And that old sow gonna eat him. Never been so frightened as when the burglar took off with him. I thought he’d do something terrible to the boy. I tell you, Polly, the little scamp kept me up nights wondering what he was a gonna get into next. Made me feel right at home again. Bye for now, GRAN’MA Be sure to read Harold’s “California Country Boy” You hear me?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Harold Grice, owner of Grice Engineering in Salinas, is a member of Central Coast Writers branch of the California Writers Club and writes memoir, poetry, and screenplays. Harold gives an intimate look at how the past changes when we see it here, in the future.

AUTHOR BLOG: CALIFORNIACOUNTRYBOY.COM

Product Details

Series: California Country Boy
Paperback: 188 pages
Publisher: Park Place Publications; first edition (October 26, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1935530437
ISBN-13: 978-1935530435
Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.5 x 9 inches
$14.95

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September 8, 2015September 8, 2015

Pioneer Poetry: A Quaker Reflects on the Civil War Era in the United States

Pioneer Poetry: A Quaker Reflects on the Civil War Era in the United States Paperback– August 8, 2015

by Matthew Willis (Author), Phyllis Ruth Edwards(Editor)

Poems Related to Social and Political Issues, Nature, Morality, Humor, Love, and Death While the views of the events of the time portrayed herein are strictly those of the poet, they reflect what may have been a typical layperson’s perspective of the events he observed. As a Quaker, he stoutly maintains his values and beliefs, including hatred of slavery, passionate reverence for the interpretations of the Bible common during his lifetime, disdain for users of alcohol for purposes of intoxication, and love of nature’s gifts in all their magnificent forms. The editor is convinced that the poet would, were he living among us today, share her sincere hopes that the works contained herein will inspire, illuminate, and entertain historians and lovers of literature who happen upon them. … from Wensleydale to Wisconsin …

About the Author

Matthew Willis Born in Carperby, Wensleydale, UK in 1799 Died in Iowa County, Wisconsin, USA in 1883 After publishing his Mountain Minstrel Vol. 1 in England in 1834, Matthew Willis married Jane Longmire from near Lake Windermere in Westmorland. From then until he came to America in 1845, his time was spent in making a living as a farmer. All the while he dreamed of the new world and the freedom it would bring to his children and grandchildren. (i.e., freedom from discrimination against Quakers that the Willis family suffered in England) In 1845 Matthew Willis and family planned to sail to America. Matthew and Jane, their sons, John (b. 1837) and Thomas (b. 1841), and baby Matthew (b. 1843), their daughter, Elizabeth (b. 1835), with their friends, assembled at the wharf while the waiting “Wind Jammer” tugged at its moorings. Elizabeth, their 10-year-old daughter, became very frightened and hysterical. Ocean travel at that time was dangerous and Elizabeth wanted to remain in England with her aunt and uncle. The aunt and uncle wanted to keep the girl and promised that, when she was educated, they would send her to America. The parents agreed, thinking that God may have planned to save little Elizabeth, should they be shipwrecked. So the ship set sail without her. The voyage took more time than the travelers anticipated. Food ran low, and little Matthew, a babe in arms, sickened and died. As the ship was still far from shore, the baby was buried in the sea. At last the family arrived with their two little boys on America’s east coast. They came slowly westward by way of the Ohio River and stagecoach to Mifflin in Iowa County, Wisconsin. There, they “took up” land and built a home. This home they called “Rama”, which means “She would not be comforted.” (Matthew 2:18) Jane continued to grieve for her daughter, Elizabeth in England, and Matthew beneath the waves. Later, seven more children were born to Matthew and Jane: James (b. 1845), Rose Ellen (b. 1847), Richard Grainger (b. 1850), Anthony (b. 1852), Margaret Jane (b. 1854), Alice Ann (b. 1856), and Robert (b. 1859). Matthew Willis died in 1883 at the age of 84. You will learn about his life in America from his poems. He liked America, but loved England.

Product Details

Paperback: 182 pages
Publisher: Park Place Publications; 1 edition (August 8, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1935530984
ISBN-13: 978-1935530985
Product Dimensions: 5 x 0.5 x 11 inches
$19.95

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September 8, 2015September 8, 2015

Three Women, Three Voices, Three Plays

Three Women, Three Voices, Three Plays

by Tom Parks

Three plays, two essentially monologues, include portraits of three celebrated women writers, Dorothy Parker, Zelda Fitzgerald, and Gertrude Stein. The author has, for the most part, let the characters speak for themselves-to tell their stories. Biographical dramas ideally suited for regional and community theaters. For audiences who love theater. An actor’s dream!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

The author is a playwright and essayist. He spent twenty-five years working as a behind-the-camera professional in the entertainment business before settling in the small California village of Carmel-by-the-Sea. He has written, produced and directed many plays, musicals and dramas on the California Coast. He lives today in a small, forested cottage with his best friend, Mr. Toby, a six year old Maltese.

Product Details

Paperback: 138 pages
Publisher: Park Place Publications (June 5, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1935530569
ISBN-13: 978-1935530565
Product Dimensions: 5 x 0.3 x 8 inches
$14.99

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September 8, 2015September 8, 2015

Flaps Up! Poetry, Prose, and Pictures buy Howard Brunn

Flaps Up! Poetry, Prose, and Pictures

by Howard Brunn

“Flaps Up! is a book from the heart of an amazing man. It is a chronological journey, through poetry and photos, of his life and love. But it is also an eloquent statement from the wisdom and optimism of a man who has lived life to its fullest.” – Phillip Butler, CDR, USN (ret.), Warrior for Peace & Justice, Author -“Three Lives of a Warrior,” more than seven years as prisoner of war in Vietnam
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Howard Brunn is an iconic Carmel-by-the-Sea figure, rare in having been raised and schooled here, and departed for war from and returned here. Howard became a successful and popular local businessman, activist, city councilman, friend, parent and devoted husband.

Born in San Francisco and raised in Carmel, when his father opened a garage here in 1926. Brunn has been successful in just about every endeavor he has chosen. His life story is closely entwined with the history of the village he loves.

Howard attended the Sunset Grammar School, then went to the newly opened Carmel High School and graduated with its second class. He developed a taste for the theater. He acted in school plays, and, a natural leader, was elected president of the student body.

While in high school, he turned his attention to aviation, an interest that has never left him. Shortly before Pearl Harbor, he graduated from high school. He passed the exam for Aviation Cadet and went directly into the Army Air Corps. Stationed in Corsica during the war, he flew seventy combat missions, piloting B-25 bombers in the Mediterranean and European Theaters. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with eleven oak leaf clusters, the European Theater Ribbon with four battle stars, and two Presidential Unit Citations.

After separation from the Air Force, Howard used the G.I. Bill and studied radio and theatre arts in Pasadena and Westwood. In 1955 he was back in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Product Details

• Paperback: 104 pages
• Publisher: Park Place Publications (June 26, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1935530755
• ISBN-13: 978-1935530756
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 0.3 x 8 inches
• $20

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September 8, 2015September 8, 2015

Pursuit by Brandon Wiggins

Pursuit: Ya Kuwinda (Volume 1) Paperback & Ebook – March 11, 2015

by Brandon Wiggins

When Skyler Morgan Smith sets off for Africa to search for a rare plant thought to have amazing healing powers, she assumes her biggest challenge will come from nature. But stampeding elephants, disease-carrying mosquitoes, thirst and hunger, deadly snakes and white-water rapids are only the beginning. The brilliant and beautiful botanist quickly learns that the real danger comes from her fellow humans in the form of greedy corporate titans, corrupt politicians, and brutal local gangs. Separated from her team and thrust into an inhospitable environment in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Skyler finds she must rely on her wits, determination, and strength to survive—plus her specialized knowledge of the world of plants.

This impressive debut novel combines an appealing heroine, non-stop action, an exotic African setting, whip-smart humor, romance, and fascinating science for an epic adventure worthy of Indiana Jones. More than just another thriller, Pursuit weaves provocative and timely observations on women’s roles in the world power structure, the imbalance between our consumer culture and the well-being of the planet, and the correlation between the human condition and the natural world.

Author Brandon Wiggins brings a wealth of knowledge of politics, science, nature, and current events to this engrossing and entertaining work of fiction. Let Pursuit sweep you away on an unforgettable journey from California’s Big Sur coast to an opulent San Francisco mansion, a luxurious corporate jet, the spectacular beauty and infinite peril of Africa, and finally to the corridors of power in Washington, D.C. Follow Skyler’s transformation from naïve graduate student to confident woman, battling ruthless corruption at the highest level. Pursuit is a special tale that will keep you up all night reading—and will give you something to think about for long afterwards.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Brandon Wiggins holds degrees in botany, horticulture, and business administration. She is the GM, CEO, and CVO of Vision Plantscaping Inc., a large landscape design and contracting business in Carmel, California. Throughout her career Brandon has won academic, business, and congressional awards. AUTHOR BLOG: BRANDONWIGGINSAUTHOR.COM

Product Details

Series: Pursuit
Paperback: 302 pages
Publisher: Park Place Publications; First edition (March 11, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0996159606
ISBN-13: 978-0996159609
Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.7 x 9 inches
$15.95

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April 6, 2015

Short HOT Flashes

“Short HOT Flashes”

One Hundred and One Stories of 101 Words

by David Rasch and illustrated by Jason Cirimele

An Illustrated Collection of Flash Fiction with Sketches

5×8 • 62 pages • $10.00

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ISBN 978-1935530954

March 7, 2015

Reason #1 to Share Your Life Stories

Empower yourself and your family.

December 4, 2014

CCW Speaker—Vanessa Diffenbaugh: “The Language of Flowers”

Vanessa Diffenbaugh: How to write a page-turner
When drafting her debut novel, The Language of Flowers, Vanessa Diffenbaugh aimed to write a book that readers wouldn’t be able to put down. It stayed on the New York Times best sellers list for 50 weeks and was translated into more than 40 languages. At the January meeting of Central Coast Writers the author will offer tips on how to write a page-turner.

Diffenbaugh is a Californian, born in San Francisco and raised in Chico. Graduating from Stanford, she worked in the non-profit sector, teaching art and technology to youth in low-income communities. Following the success of her novel, she co-founded Camellia Network, a non-profit whose mission is to connect every youth aging out of foster care to the critical resources and support needed to thrive in adulthood. She lives in Monterey, CA.

January 20, 2014 at 6:30 pm (social hour 5:30 with optional dinner menu) MEETING IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

CENTRAL COAST WRITERS at PT PINOS GRILL, 79 Asilomar Blvd., Pacific Grove, CA

November 17, 2014

Write & Publish Your Guided Autobiography Book—January 2015 Classes Now Forming

CLICK TO Watch video of people sharing their experiences with Guided Autobiography.

Bruce Feiler wrote a fascinating article in the NY Times He said, “The single most important thing you can do for your family may be the simplest of all: develop a strong family narrative.”

In other words, the children who know the most about their family history—the traditions, the set-backs and successes of parents and grandparents—had the best odds of bouncing back from hard times.

Write and Get Books of Your Life Stories in Just 99 Days!

Classes are now forming in Pacific Grove: January 21 to March 25, 2015, (10 weeks) at the Masonic Lodge, 130 Congress Avenue. Two time slots are available: 12:30-2:30 p.m. or 4-6 p.m. Call for other class times and procedure to follow if you have to miss a class. Reservations are required as space is limited. Call 831-649-6640.

What is Guided Autobiography? A weekly 2 hour class meeting over a ten week period, based on the Guided Autobiography method developed by pioneering gerontologist James Birren. This is a proven program to help you get your life story on paper by breaking it down into short, easy-to-write themes and by turning the process into a fun, social event by sharing your stories with others in the class. No previous writing experience necessary and no computer or special equipment needed. — Only $245 – that’s less than $25 per class!.

Turn Your Class Experience into a Published Book! This option gives you the 10-week class program described above, PLUS: YOU WILL RECEIVE 5 PRINTED BOOKS BY APRIL 30, 2015. We will design, format, publish, and print 5 soft-cover books for you, prepared from your stories (up to 30,000 words) that you type into a Microsoft Word.doc, plus 2 photos per class theme that we will scan at each class.—$795.

Intermediate Writing and Book Package: All of the above, PLUS: We will professionally edit your book and publish it on Amazon. —$1495.

Premier Writing and Book Packages: All of the above, PLUS: We’ll turn your printed book into a Kindle e-book and launch a Custom Marketing Campaign that can include a press release, 100 postcards, 100 business cards, a web page for your book, a blog, and other Social Media. —Individual pricing based on choice of services you desire.

ALSO AVAILABLE: Custom design services, private coaching and instruction are available. You may add additional book pages and photos, print hardcover books, video and audio recordings and production with upload to “Keepers of Our Culture” YouTube Channel. Services priced individually for your custom package.

RESERVE NOW – SPACES ARE LIMITED TO 8 PER CLASS – RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED

Patricia Hamilton - Joyce Krieg — Class instructors/facilitators: Patricia Hamilton and Joyce Krieg.

INSTRUCTORS Patricia Hamilton and Joyce Krieg are certified by The Birren Center to teach the Guided Autobiography method developed by James E. Birren. Books will be published by Park Place Publications.

TO RESERVE or for more information, please call Patricia Hamilton at 831-649-6640 or e-mail:

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November 13, 2014

Benefits of Telling Your Life Stories ala Guided Autobiography Themes

A Brief Introduction to Guided Autobiography

By Joyce Krieg and Patricia Hamilton

Guided Autobiography is a class to assist people of all ages in writing their memoirs. Typically, it consists of ten weekly sessions of two to three hours each. The method was developed by pioneering gerontologist Dr. James Birren and has been in use for over thirty years with participants ranging from college students to residents of senior facilities.

What makes Guided Autobiography unique and powerful is that participants are writing essays on specific themes and then sharing them with others. Many people say they want to write their memoirs, but few actually follow through – usually because the project is too overwhelming, or because it’s just not fun to do alone. Guided Autobiography deals with both of those issues head-on: by writing on a specific theme, participants are able to break down their life story into small, easy-to-complete projects, and they bond with other class members and form friendships by sharing their stories.

No previous creative writing experience is necessary, and no special equipment is needed. The only requirement is to show up, and the only “homework” is a two-page essay on the theme of the week. A computer is not a must – the stories can be handwritten or spoken into a recorder.

A typical Guided Autobiography class consists of two parts. In the first hour, the instructor leads the class in a discussion of the week’s theme, plus a few fun and easy exercises to stimulate their creativity. In the second hour, the class breaks into small groups in which everyone reads aloud the two pages they have written on the theme for that session

Benefits to the participants are many, and include:

Learning more about themselves and understanding the ‘why’ they may have done the things they have done.
Understanding and appreciating others and their life story.
Greater ease and confidence with writing as they learn to tap into inner feelings.
Developing close friendships with fellow students.
Leaving a legacy for their children and grandchildren, and to the world at large.

CLICK TO Watch video of people sharing their experiences with Guided Autobiography.

Bruce Feiler wrote a fascinating article in the NY Times He said,

“The single most important thing you can do for your family may be the simplest of all: develop a strong family narrative.”

Basic Package: Weekly 2 hour class for ten weeks, writing using James Birren’s Guided Autobiography Method. YOUR BOOK WILL BE PUBLISHED AT THE END OF THE CLASS: We will Design, format, publish, and print 10 soft-cover books for you, prepared from your Word.doc, up to 30,000 word text file, plus 20 your digital photo files.—$795 for writing instruction and 10 books.

Intermediate Package: Weekly 2 hour class for ten weeks, writing using James Birren’s Guided Autobiography Method. YOUR BOOK WILL BE PUBLISHED AT THE END OF THE CLASS: We will Design, format, publish, and print 10 soft-cover books for you, prepared from your Word.doc, up to 30,000 word text file, plus 20 your digital photo files. PLUS: Professional edit your book and publish it on Amazon. —$1495 for writing instruction and 10 books.

Premier Package: Weekly 2 hour class for ten weeks, writing using James Birren’s Guided Autobiography Method. YOUR BOOK WILL BE PUBLISHED AT THE END OF THE CLASS: We will Design, format, publish, and print 10 soft-cover books for you, prepared from your Word.doc, up to 30,000 word text file, plus 20 your digital photo files. Professional edit your book and publish it on Amazon. PLUS: Publish to Kindle; Marketing Package, including press release, postcards, business cards; Internet: set up blog/website and other Social Media. —Individual pricing based on choice of services you desire.

EXTRAS: Private coaching and instruction are available. You may add additional book pages and photos, hardcover books, video and audio recordings and production with upload to “Keepers of Our Culture” YouTube Channel. Services priced individually for your custom package.

For more information, please call 831-649-6640 or e-mail:

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