Alford, Audrey Faye Waggoner Cole (IL/TN)

March 24, 1938—January 9, 2010

—Doris Replogle Wenzel, January 9, 2010

Audrey Waggoner Cole Alford is probably best known for coauthoring Ten Sisters, A True Story and for children, Ten Little Sisters, but she authored and published a book on her growing family, and a cookbook based on family recipes. Born and reared in central Illinois, and in Chicago, she resided in TN for much of her life. She is appeared in the award-winning PBS short documentary on the Ten Sisters (Prairie Fire - PBS WILL) which won a Gracie Allen Award in 2004, and she is featured in a full-length PBS documentary, Ten Sisters: A True Story. The story of the Ten Sisters was also featured in Family Circle Magazine, and three newspaper articles about the ten sisters won awards for journalism. Ten Sisters: A True Story is now available in Book, Audio Book, and DVDs are available through PBS WILL 217 333 1070.

Allen, Irma Waggoner Swierk (AR/IL)

Irma Waggoner Swierk Allen has always liked to write, and was pleased when a local newspaper published her "Christmas Story." She then coauthored Ten Sisters, A True Story, and Ten Little Sisters. She lived for many years in Brookfield, IL, where she ran a grocery store and found pleasure in her sizeable family and her music. She now resides in the Chicago suburbs, a short distance from three of her sisters. She is featured in the award-winning PBS short documentary on the Ten Sisters (Prairie Fire - PBS WILL) which won a Gracie Allen Award in 2004. She is featured in a full-length PBS documentary, Ten Sisters: A True Story. DVDs are available through PBS WILL 217 333 1070. The story of the Ten Sisters was also featured in Family Circle Magazine, and three newspaper articles about the ten sisters won awards for journalism.

Ariel, Roberta Pauline "Bertie" Waggoner (AR/IL/MI)1936-2011

—Doris Replogle Wenzel, sister # 10

Pauline "Bertie" Ariel coauthored Ten Sisters, A True Story and Ten Little Sisters. Born in Mattoon, IL, after the breakup of her family, she spent several years at the Cunningham Home (at that time an orphanage) in Urbana, Illinois. Among the sisters she is thought of as the "smart one," as she was double-promoted twice in grade school. Her adult years were spent in Chicago, where she supervised a department at the First National Bank. She is retired and resides in Ohio with her family. She is featured in the award-winning PBS short documentary on the Ten Sisters (Prairie Fire - PBS WILL) which won a Gracie Allen Award in 2004. She is featured in a full-length PBS documentary, Ten Sisters: A True Story. DVDs are available through PBS WILL 217 333 1070. The story of the Ten Sisters was also featured in Family Circle Magazine, and three newspaper articles about the ten sisters won awards for journalism.

Arnold, Marilyn (UT/WI)

Steven T. Au has spent his life as a respected Engineer and professor. He was born in Hong Kong and came to the United States shortly after World War II. Educated in China and in the United States, he had a long and distinguished career as an engineering professor at Carnegie Mellon University before his retirement. He has developed a broad interest in both Chinese and American cultures and has been studying literature as a hobby. He now lives in California. He has been published many times. Engineering students will recognize the classic work Fundamentals of Structural Analysis (Prentice Hall). For his first historic novel, he chose to write Beijing Odyssey, based on a colorful and influential figure in Chinese history—Liang Shiyi, a Mandarin leader in China's transition from Monarchy to Republic. The background for the novel was carefully researched to depict the cultural and political background of China from the late 1870s to the 1930s.

Auler, Robert Isham (IL)

Robert Isham Auler has spent the last 40 years in court representing people with problems. Keep and Bear Arms is his first mystery novel. Auler grew up in the rust-belt town of Oglesby, IL. During college he worked as a laborer, but this novel is set in central Illinois. He holds a B.A. in Philosophy and graduated from the University of Illinois School of Law in 1965. He served first as a prosecutor, and since 1968, as a defense lawyer handling civil and criminal cases ranging from malpractice to murder. His cases have been reported in the Wall Street Journal; the New York, Washington, Chicago, and Los Angeles papers; as well as articles in media as diverse as the Chronicle of Higher Education, Sports Illustrated and Newsweek. He has also appeared on Larry King Live; 20/20; 48 Hours; CBS Overnight; NBC Nightly News; CBS Evening News; ABC College Game of the Week; ESPN; and PBS.

Barber, Vera Waggoner Ariel (IL/England/Japan/AK)

Vera Barber, coauthor of Ten Sisters, A True Story and Ten Little Sisters grew up in her grandparents home in central Illinois, though she has spent much of her life traveling, and has lived in England, Japan, and Alaska. She now resides in the Chicago area and spends her time with family and friends. She is featured in the award-winning PBS short documentary on the Ten Sisters (Prairie Fire - PBS WILL) which won a Gracie Allen Award in 2004. She is also featured in a full-length PBS documentary, Ten Sisters: A True Story. DVDs are available through PBS WILL 217 333 1070. Ask your local PBS stations for the time and date in your area. The story of the Ten Sisters was also featured in Family Circle Magazine, and three newspaper articles about the ten sisters won awards for journalism.

Bennett, Donna I. (MI/IL/WI)

Donna I. Bennett wrote Jessica's Bear, a book for young children (Illustrated by Jane Dippold) after a lifetime of teaching. The story reflects her understanding of the beautiful differences in children. She attended Flint Junior College, received a B.A. from the University of Michigan and a Masters degree from Northern Illinois University. She is also the author of Elementary Field Experience, a handbook for student and beginning teachers. Originally from Michigan, she has lived for many years in the DeKalb, Illinois, area. She and husband Jack also summer at their cottage at Lake Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Bennett, Paul (OH/ME)

The late Paul Bennett was born in Gnadenhutten, Ohio. He was educated at Ohio University and Harvard. Bennett's career was long and productive. He served in the U. S. N. R. from 1942-1945; taught at Samuel Adams School for Social Studies, Boston; was a teaching assistant at Harvard; taught English at the University of Maine; and was Poet-in-Residence at Denison University. He retired in 1986 as a Lorena Woodrow Burke Professor of English. He authored three works of fiction, four collections of poetry, and was awarded a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship. He contributed to: New York Times Magazine, Journal of American Folklore, Agni, Association of American Colleges Bulletin, Loon, Remington Review, Centennial Review, Crecourt Review, Beloit Poetry Journal, The Nation, College English, Georgia Review, Ohio Journal, The Gamut, American etc. He also wrote a number of film scripts. He received many honors including Ohio Universities Significant Achievement Award for writing and teaching. He is listed in Contemporary Authors, Directory of American Poets and Fiction Writers, and Who's Who in Poetry, and others. Tale of a Waggish Dog is a collection of delightful and moving short stories based on Bennett's real-life dog, Max.

Bidner, Lyle (IL)

The late Lyle Bidner wrote four books after the age of 80. Mayhaven is pleased to have published the last, Souls. Bidner suceeded in virtually everything he attempted. He was a grain farmer, and raised prize-winning hogs. And all of his life he explored his religion, especially after his wife died from an extended illness. Souls is part religious thought, part observation, mixed with his experience.

Brniak, Rhita Jean Waggoner (IL)

Rhita "Bede" Waggoner Brniak coauthored Ten Sisters: A True Story and Ten Little Sisters. A 2004 PBS TV documentary on the sisters won the Gracie Allen Award for short documentary in 2004. Ten Sisters: A True Story is also the subject of a full-length TV documentary scheduled to air on PBS in February 2007. Born in Mattoon, IL, she lived most of her life with her family in Chicago, IL, where she worked as a secretary. She resides close to her family in Chicago. She is featured in the award-winning PBS short documentary on the Ten Sisters (Prairie Fire - PBS WILL) which won a Gracie Allen Award in 2004. She is featured in a full-length PBS documentary, Ten Sisters: A True Story, which premiered on WILL-PBS TV Champaign, IL February 19, 2007. DVDs are available through PBS WILL 217 333 1070. The story of the Ten Sisters was also featured in Family Circle Magazine, and three newspaper articles about the ten sisters won awards for journalism.

Bugbee, M. Howe (IN/KY/FL/NC/England)

Margaret Howe Bugbee Atkins won the Mayhaven Award for Children's Fiction for Beyond the Road, a gripping mystery for older children and young adults. AND she has also won First Place in the Children's and Young Adult Category and the 2006 Royal Palm Literary Award for Best Book in all Categories at the Florida Writers Association's Annual Conference. She has published articles for journals and newspapers, and has written state-wide educational curriculum for Indiana and Kentucky, has taught in middle schools, high school, and in college courses. Margaret was the founder and first president of Florida Sisters in Crime and is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, and the Romance Writers of America. She earned a doctoral degree in education from the University of Louisville and is presently working on a Ph.D. in Para psychic Science. For more on Bugbee, visit her terrific website<http://www.mhowebugbee.com

Carrier, Warren (OH/IN/WI/IA/TX/D.C.)

The late Warren Carrier was a prolific writer. A prize-winning poet, more than a dozen of his books were published, including four novels. He was also a translator and editor. He founded and was original editor for The Quarterly Review of Literature, taught at the famous Iowa Writers Group, and was a university chancellor. He published two mystery/suspense novels with Mayhaven: Murder at the Strawberry Festival and An Honorable Spy.

Carson, A.D. (IL)

A.D. Carson is a writer and performer, but he is eager to point out that he is grounded in his work as an educator. COLD is his first novel. He has also authored and perfomed COLD Audio CD, based on the novel. He was born in Decatur, Illinois, and received a B.A. in Education and Creative Writing from Millikin University and an M.A. in English from the University of Illinois, Springfield. As a high school student was to become a professional rapper. After releasing two albums independently and living out his rap dreams he chose education as a professional career. He has never lost his Hip-Hop ties, however, using his unique career path and avocations to engage students and audiences of all ages and disciplines. He has written hundreds of unpublished poems, stories, songs and other tangentially related pieces, some of which he shares on his website: http://www.aydeethegreat.com. The recipient of the Grace Patton Conant Award for Literary Creation, A.D. Carson’s work has appeared in "Collage and The Alchemist’s Review," in Quiddity International Literary Journal and Public-Radio Program (www1.ben.edu/springfield/quiddity/). His essay “Oedipus-Not-So-Complex: A Blueprint for literary Education” is a chapter in Jay-Z: Essays on Hip Hop’s Philosopher King, edited by Julius Bailey. (2011 McFarland and Co., Inc.). A.D. Carson currently serves as Writer-In-Residence for Benedictine University at Springfield.

Changnon, Stanley A. (IL)

Stanley Changnon has authored several scientific books, and combined his skills as a scientist and his passion for the railroad. America's Rural Hub, published by Mayhaven, was the first of his three railroad books. He graduated from the University of Illinois and stayed on as Chief of the Illinois State Water Survey. He also taught basketball. Changnon is retired from the University of Illinois, and now travels the world as a meteorologist. He was on the research team for Al Gore's work on the environment, which won the Nobel Prize. He and his wife reside in central Illinois.

Chism, John (VA, Canada)

The elusive John Chism works in Canadian Television. He coauthored Are We Hungry Yet with equally elusive Canadian Leonard Wise. This book has much of information, and plenty of chuckles, and might even lead you to a favorite place to plop down for a good meal while traveling from Canada to Florida.

Clark, Nan (NY)

Nan Clark had her college students in mind when she wrote The World's Greatest Star Trek Quiz, now a collector's item that, because of publising restrictions will not be reprinted. A college instructor, she was an avid Star Trek fan. She lives and teaches in the Bronx, New York. She and a talented illustrator just published a wonderful little book of puns about cats.

Clark, William Lewis (IL/AZ)

William Lewis Clark is an accomplished writer of poetry and prose. Two of his poems were included in the first issue of the University of Chicago's The Awakenings Review. Gardens of the Streets is his first published work and draws on his experience as a counselor of those in crises. He is currently working on a novel and another collection of poems.

Clem, Margaret Hollingsworth (IN/FL)

Mayhaven has published four of Margaret Hollingsworth Clem's titles. Two illustrated children's books: Elbert Ein Swine, Genius Pig and Elbert Ein Swine Learns Line Dancing. The third, Little Candles, is a book of poems and short stories, and Who Shot the Spatzies is a biographical novel for young children and adults—a true Crossover Book. Clem has lived her most of her life in Indiana, attending Indiana State University. She spent a life in retail sales before turning her hand to fiction. Who Shot the Spatzies is based on her childhood journal. A treasure.

Collins, Donna Rhodes (MO)

Born on a small farm near New London, MO, Donna Rhodes Collins never planned to write a book until she observed the devastating effects of Kawasaki's Disease on her grandson. After his untimely death, she wrote On the Wings of Love: Michael's Story. This is the only known book for lay people on the subject of Kawasaki's. Collins has spoken about her book many times, including a symposium on the subject in St. Louis, MO, sponsored by Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital. Glennon: the Magazine of Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital reported that ten of the world's experts on Kawasaki's met to discuss the "leading cause of acquired heart disease in children [Kawasaki's]....the meeting was attended by 130 pediatricians, cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, infectious disease specialists, cardiology nurses and parents....The lecturers at this symposium were among the world's leading authorities on Kawasaki disease....Donna Collins...donated proceeds from her book...." Since that time, Collins was acknowledged by Dr. Kawasaki, discoverer of the diesease, on his visit to Chicago, where he was honored for his work. She now receives letters from across the United States and from other countries from those who have read her important book.

Combe, Clayton (NY, England)

We are excited! A chapter in Kirk Combe's futuristic novel, 2084, published by Mayhaven, is the basis for an independent film, THE FEED, directed by Clayton Combe and produced by Rik Cordero. Clayton Combe is a graphic designer for film, residing in New York. See the advance promotional material at: Feed on Vimeo

Combe, Kirk (ID, NC, VT, OH, Europe)

Author Kirk Combe believes fiction should not be a pleasant escape from social reality, but an intensive and imaginative exploration of it. A Professor of English at Denison University (Ohio), Combe has authored several books and articles, including A Martyr for Sin: Rochester's Critique of Polity, Sexuality, and Society (University of Delaware Press), Theorizing Satire: Essays in Literary Criticism (St. Martins Press). He has also published works of fiction and poetry in literary journals.

Combe has a B.A. from Davidson College (North Carolina) and an M.A. in English, Middlebury College (Vermont). He completed his doctorate and received his D.Phil. in English Literature from Oxford University (England). The author is originally from Idaho, and he has taught at universities in both Europe and the United States.

Cox, Judith (IL)

At fourteen, the late Judith Cox contracted a severe case of polio and during the years of rehabilitation she enjoyed drawing and writing stories for children. When she retired from 35 years in the medical field, as an accredited health information manager, she returned to art and writing. She published a number of articles, essays and poems. The Wellness Tree and The Wellness Tree Activity Book, (illustrated by Denny Rogers) are meant to be shared with sick children and their caregivers. A personal note: as a child, the publisher visited Judy when she was still in an "iron lung."

Cramer, John E. (AR/IL/HI/)

No Man's A Mountain and Seven Rode Together are Mayhaven's only Western titles. The late John E. Cramer was born in Farmer City, Illinois. He joined the Navy in 1940 and on December 7, 1941, he was stationed at Ford Island Naval Air Station in Pearl Harbor. He received his B.A. from Arkansas State Teacher College (now University of Central Arkansas) where he got his first job in broadcasting. He received his M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University. While at Northwestern, he worked at ABC News in Chicago as a newswriter-editor. After a few years in radio, he accepted a position at Arkansas State College (now AR State University) and was hired to prepare an FCC application for a college-owned Educational Radio Station, and to establish a curriculum in Radio News. While there, he met several published authors who taught at the university. His next move took him to the University of Illinois as News Director for WILL-AM radio and as a teacher of radio courses. After twenty years, he returned to Arkansas and taught radio and TV News courses.

Culp, Will, (NY/SC/IL)

When Will Culp decided to take a very active role in caring for his children, he continued writing plays, articles and editing a local newspaper. This book is based on his experience—often humorous—and chocked full of information. Better Off Dad: Morsels from a Stay-at-Home Daddio is geared for Dads, but it has a wider market for those who care for children. He is also a produced playwright.

Davis, Jack (IL)

Graphic Designer, and best known for his styalized version of Chief Illini (University of Illinois), Jack Davis has produced three jackets/covers for Mayhaven: Lincoln's Better Angel a novel by David Selby, Crossover Dribble, a novel for older children and young adults by PJ Farris, and Keep and Bear Arms, a first mystery novel by Robert Isham Auler.

Day, John "Jack" (England/Canada/IL)

The late John Day, 95 Years With John "Jack" Day, grew up in the famous Barnardo's Orphanage in London. At the age of ten, he was sent across the North Atlantic to Canada to work on a farm. He eventually worked his way to Decatur, Illinois, where he spent the remainder of his life, frequently writing letters to the editor in various local and regional publications. His very candid biography includes his estrangement from his only son, his reaction to his first wife's love affair, to the Great Depression, to his own love affair, and to a second marriage. An active, competent, and graceful man until his last days, Day left a truly honest legacy of the life of an ordinary man.

DeMitchell, Terri (CA/NH)

Terri A. DeMitchell writer of books for older children and young adults, won Mayhaven's Award for Children's Fiction with You Will Come Back, a suspenseful mystery set on the rocky coast of New England (the first in the Olde Locke Beach Mysteries). JIGSAW, the second in the Olde Locke Beach Mysteries for older children and young adult. The Portsmouth Alarm, December 1774, based on actual historic events offers an objective look at the pre-revolutionary time in America. The author is both an attorney and a teacher. She grew up in California and now lives with her husband in New Hampshire. Her books are suggested reading in several schools.

Dippold, Jane (OH)

Artist Jane Dippold has illustrated several children's books, including Jessica's Bear, by Donna I. Bennett. She lives with her family in Ohio.

Eastman, Richard Morse (IL)

The late Richard Morse Eastman, author of Tangled Tassels: Tales of Academe, was educated at the University of Chicago Lab Schools, Oberlin College (B.A.), attended Yale University Drama School, and the University of Chicago (M.A. and PhD.) He variously served North Central College as professor and chair of English, academic dean and chair of general studies. Since becoming professor emeritus, Eastman has written books and newspaper columns. A musician, he plays the recorder and composes for it. He received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from North Central College. He has coauthored Literature and Gerontology: A Guide to Research, Style: Writing and Reading as the Discovery of Outlook, and A guide to the Novel. He has contributed many articles to various publications including: Encyclopedia of Gerontology, The Loyola Psychiatric Forum, English Journal, and Modern Drama. He frequently speaks on a number of topics, including Tangled Tassels. He was an early mentor to the publisher. He also composed and wrote music.

Elliott, Ray (IL)

We don't often carry books published elsewhere, but we couldn't refuse these two. Ray Elliott's novel, Iwo Blasted Again, focuses on an Iwo Jima Marine veteran who has carried the horror of combat and the loss of his young wife and his buddies with him for 60 years. In the last 36 hours of his life, he grapples with questions about fate and self-doubt through a psychological phenomenon known as sundown syndrome. The story is based on numerous interviews with Iwo Jima and other World War II veterans. Elliott's Wild Hands Toward The Sky, is a coming-of-age story of a fatherless boy growing up in a Midwestern farm community at the end of World War II. He's drawn to the men of the area who returned home. These veterans are compelled to teach him their hard-earned lessons about responsibility, duty and honor.

Elliott is the Editor of Spearhead News, official publication of the Fifth Marine Division Association, Director and Past President of the James Jones Literary Society, he was the initiator of the James Jones Chair in World War II Studies at Eastern Illinois University that supports current and former Marines and their families. In 2006, Elliott was named Marine of the Year, and was a participant of the 60th Reunion of Honor visit to Iwo Jima in 2005. He is tireless when it working with veterans.

e-mail: talespress@talespress.com

Fallaw, Jennifer (CA, ID)

Jennifer Fallaw was born and raised in southern California, the youngest daughter of Gary and Kathleen Porter. She studied Marketing in San Diego and was married to Bill Fallaw, Jr. in November 2000. When two daughters came along, she decided to put her career on hold. At a very young age, Jennifer's eldest daughter suffered from night terrors, frightening dreams that did not cease after waking. Jennifer, in hopes of eliminating the night terrors, created a happy visualization for her girls before they went to sleep. The girls loved dandelions and called them Wishflowers, so she created a beautiful safe field of wishflowers, and would ask the girls to go there in their minds. To her surprise, the night terrors stopped. Over time, the girls revealed that they were going to the Wishflower field in their dreams and having wonderful adventures. The story grew and planted itself in Jennifer's mind as something she would one day share with others.

In 2006, Jennifer and her family moved to North Idaho to be closer to family. The Wishflower Field was put aside and life took center stage. In August of 2007, her husband was in a fatal car accident, leaving Jennifer and their two young daughters devastated. One morning, in November of 2007, the neighborhood lawns were frozen. Fallaw walked out onto the front porch and glanced down. There, in the middle of the grass was a single dandelion growing out from the frost. The next day Jennifer began writing The Wishflower Field. Her goal through fantasy fiction is to help children discover their own strengths early in life.

Ferguson, Phyllis Waggoner (IL)

The late Phyllis Ferguson coauthored Ten Sisters: A True Story and Ten Little Sisters. Other writing she attempted was a personal journal and several unpublished songs. Much of her life was lived in central Illinois where she was a foster parent to numerous children. She is featured in the award-winning PBS short documentary on the Ten Sisters (Prairie Fire - PBS WILL) which won a Gracie Allen Award in 2004. She is featured in a full-length PBS documentary, Ten Sisters: A True Story. DVDs are available through PBS WILL 217 333 1070. The story of the Ten Sisters was also featured in Family Circle Magazine, and three newspaper articles about the ten sisters won awards for journalism.

Fluharty, Jeff (CA/MO/NJ)

Jeff Fluharty has been a teacher for over 10 years, and is currently teaching 5th grade in Summit, New Jersey. He coauthored I Can't Talk Now, I'm Busy Writing Nothing which won the Mayhaven Award for Children's Fiction. Originally from La Honda, California, Jeff pulled ideas for the book from his childhood and from experiences as an elementary school teacher. When not in the classroom, Jeff spends much of his time enjoying life with his wife, Meredith, and their son, Riley. Jeff holds a B.A. in Diversified Liberal Arts from the University of San Diego, and a Masters of Education from Rutgers University.

Forrester, Gary, (IL, Australia, New Zealand)

Gary Forrester grew up in Illinois, but has lived overseas for most of his adult life. He lives now in New Zealand with his wife Keziah and their two youngest children. He is the author of three novels and a book of verse, as well as numerous academic writings on the law and other subjects. For many years he was a member of an Australian bluegrass band, The Rank Strangers, that gained some notoriety Down Under in the process of touring and producing albums of Forrester’s musical compositions. Forrester grew up in America’s midwest — much of it in the heart of Illinois, but he shared, with many of his ancestors, a wanderlust — an impatience to try everything and see everything. As a musician, that was an asset. After his two novels, Houseboating in the Ozarks and Begotten, Not Made, were published, he turned to this memoir — which has turned out to be much more. As Forrester learned of relatives who came before him, he was swept away with the need to see facts, photographs, documents. The author found “relief” in discovering the very human side of his family. Forrester, a composer, lyricist, musician, and attorney, lives and works in beautiful New Zealand.

Fouliard, Paul E. (China/IL/AZ/NH)

Paul Fouliard's Waltz With the Devil, an early publication for Mayhaven, is all about how terrorists plan to disrupt the world—ultimately through economic means. Paul Fouliard's parents were French, and because of their work, he lived in Hong Kong and traveled widely throughout the United States and Canada. He dropped out of high school and joined the U. S. Marine Corps, serving in Viet Nam. Later, he worked for Bell Helicopter International in Iran, which allowed him to travel in Afghanistan and Iraq. After returning to America, he wrote articles for a number of magazines and then moved to La Roche Sur Yon, Vende, France to write Waltz With the Devil. He taught journalism at Mesa Community College in Arizona and now lives and writes in the New England states.

Freedman, Adam (IL/England/South America/NY)

The late Jeffrey Groteboer had many sci-fi and technical articles published over the years, and his first book, Edge of Infinity—a time-travel sci-fi, was published by Mayhaven. Reared in Illinois and Minnesota, he was a graduate of Central College, Pella, Iowa. He was fluent in several languages and spent several years as a captain in the United States Navy. After a heart transplant at the age of 34, he worked in the computer gaming industry and also returned to writing, translation and publishing until his untimely death from an injury on a ski slope. The medical team failed to note his bracelet that warned against certain drugs. We will always remember Jeff striding down our street, his duffle bag over his shoulder. Just discharged from the Navy, Jeff, a family friend, came to help get the Porter family back on our feet after a sad event. He was the first to suggest I publish. In fact, at the time, he considered joining me in the effort, but his life took another direction.

Guillory, Dan (LA/IL)

Dan Guillory is a prolific author. He has been acknowledged for his many nonfiction works (one is included in a new PBS documentary on WWII). The Lincoln Poems is the most recent of his published works. He has also authored Living With Lincoln: Life and Art in the Heartland; The Alligator Inventions (poems about his Cajun roots); When the Waters Recede (the Great Flood of 1993, illustrations by Leslie Guillory), Images of America: Decatur (photographic perspective); Wartime Decatur: 1832-1945; Macon County; and over 500 articles, poems and book reviews. He has spoken about Lincoln at the Newbery Library, Michigan State University, the Vachel Lindsay home, the Illinois State Historical Society Conference, and at the Decatur Public Library “Forever Free” exhibition on Lincoln. He has served as Poet in the Schools for the Illinois Arts Council and as a Road Scholar for the Illinois Humanities Council. The author has a Ph.D. in American Literature from Tulane University, was a Fulbright Lecturer for the U.S. State Department, has won awards or grants from the Academy of American Poets, the American Library Association, the Illinois Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. He is a Professor Emeritus at Millikin University. He was recently included on PBS' documentary on WWII (WILL-Champaign) . See his recent review from the Library Journal on Mayhaven's home page. Three of his poems will be included in an upcoming book by Jason Emerson, author of The Madness of Mary Lincoln (Southern IL University Press). People and Places in the Land of Lincoln is Guillory's newest book (Mayhaven Publishing, Inc. 2010). In October, 2010, he arrived home from Taiwan where he had lectured for two weeks on Amercian literature.

Haines, Harry (TX, OK)

Harry Haines won Mayhaven’s Awards for Fiction for Orphan, his first novel, and for Collusion, just out. He is a prolific writer. Fifteen of his nonfiction works have been published, including six titles on automobiles: Porsche, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Corvette, Cadillac, and BMW. A second novel, also a winner of Mayhaven’s Award for Fiction, will be published by Mayhaven. Professor emeritus from West Texas A&M University, Haines has both an M.Ed and a Ph.D in Music Education from the University of Oklahoma. He resides with wife, Shirley, a librarian, in Canyon, Texas. They have three grown children.

Cover Design for all three novelsare by Steven L. Mayes. (s-mayes@sbcglobal.net) Cover photograph, courtesy of the American Quarter Horse Association, Amarillo, TX. Texas Panic! a novel of suspense set in the Beef industry. Haines' newest novel, Collusion, is based on the murky world of big corporations. Haines is a favorite speaker and his novels are gathering a growing number of readers.

Hannah, Yvonne "Bonnie" (IL)

The late Bonnie Hannah was Mayhaven's first author. She wrote Computers! We'll Assume You Know Nothing based on the family's trucking company and their experience going "On Line." The book predated the "Dummy" series and was written, as one newspapser reviewer said, "in English, not DOS." Simple cartoons also helped clarify specific information. It was recognized as a valuable book for small business owners. A second edition followed. When Bonnie Hannah approached me about this book, she wanted something easy for readers to understand, and added a little humor for readers who were not experienced in computers in 1990. She succeeded.

Hall, Burt (KY/VA/FL)

Burt Hall co-authored Misuse of Power with actor/activist Edward "Ed" Asner. Hall was formerly Group Director (analyst) for the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) and is a graduate of the Advanced Management Program of Harvard University. After serving in WWII, Hall joined the international division of Trans World Airlines, working in the electronics and radar field. He took a leave of absence and used the G. I. Bill to obtain a degree from the University of Louisville. He then became a CPA with a public accounting firm. He left that firm to join GAO and spent over 30 years analyzing a variety of activities of the Department of Defense and their contractors. At GAO he became an expert in the procurement field and was instrumental in creating the Truth in Negotiations Act, the modernized and unified federal procurement statute and the initial government-wide policy on acquisition of major weapon systems. For several years he was on loan to the Congressional Commission on Government Procurement and to the Office of Federal Procurement Policy of OMB. During his career with GAO he received performance awards and wrote several prize winning articles, and remains politically active. Following his retirement, Mr. Hall competed in many major bridge tournaments, and co-authored and self-published, with his wife, Lynn, How the Experts Win at Bridge. It won “Book of the Year” and become a best seller. He also has authored a number of articles— three with Edward Asner on 9/11, terrorism policy and the war in Iraq.

Hart, Deloris "DoDo" Waggoner (NY/IL)

The late Deloris "DoDo" Hart coauthored Ten Sisters: A True Story and Ten Little Sisters. Hart was the second of the ten sisters and lived in central Illinois. Until she wrote her chapter for Ten Sisters, she had only written letters and had never given a public speech. From 1997 on, she spoke over 150 times about her experience as one of the ten sisters and was a favorite among audiences. She is featured in the award-winning PBS short documentary on the Ten Sisters (Prairie Fire - PBS WILL) which won a Gracie Allen Award in 2004. She is also featured in a full-length PBS documentary, Ten Sisters: A True Story. DVDs are available through PBS WILL 217 333 1070. The story of the Ten Sisters was also featured in Family Circle Magazine, and three newspaper articles about the ten sisters won awards for journalism.

Hasling, John Jack "Grandpa" (CA)

Jack "Grandpa" Hasling is a native Californian. He wrote The Little Rock & Other Stories for his grandchildren and other children. After serving in the U.S. Army Airborne, he earned both a B.A. and an M.A. from Sacramento State University. He spent several years in radio and is retired from teaching. The Little Rock & Other Stories is also an Audio Book available from the author.

Hickmott, Mary Margaret "Margy" Waggoner (IL/AK/IN/MI)

The late Mary Margaret "Margy" Hickmott coauthored both Ten Sisters, A True Story and Ten Little Sisters. She spent much of her life working in factories or farms in Illinois, Arkansas, Indiana, and Michigan. Writing came late in her life, as did public speaking, but she managed them both, with grace, and in a very short time. She is featured in the award-winning PBS short documentary on the Ten Sisters (Prairie Fire - PBS WILL) which won a Gracie Allen Award in 2004. She is featured in a full-length PBS documentary, Ten Sisters: A True Story. DVDs are available through PBS WILL 217 333 1070. The story of the Ten Sisters was also featured in Family Circle Magazine, and three newspaper articles about the ten sisters won awards for journalism.

Huisinga, Roger (IL/CA)

I Don't Know Jack: Poems in Search of Reason was author Roger Huisinga's first book. Forty Acres of Thought: Poems From Around the Bend is another collection of his poems. A farmer poet, he was raised in central Illinois. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1985 with a B.S. in Agricultural Economics. While attending the U of I he was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho, the Student Alumni Assn., the Orange Crush, the Agricultural Economics Club, and the Ag Council. Both books are also available as Audio Books.

Jensen, Nancy Orr Johnson (ME/Germany/IL)

Nancy Orr Johnson Jensen, was born in Brunswick, Maine, and was fortunate to live the first eighteen years of her life on Bailey Island. She has written two books from that experience—the latest, a children's book that will be enjoyed by adults. Helen, Ethel & The Crazy Quilt: Based on the 1890 Letters Between Helen Keller and Ethel Orr is beutifully illustrated by artist Dawn Peterson (whose studio is in Maine). In fact, the house on the cover of Helen, Ethel...is the house Jensen grew up in and where her grandmother and greatgrandmother played their roles in this delightful book, based on actual events. Jensen graduated from Gorham State Teachers College, now the University of Southern Maine. After teaching two years, she moved to Berlin, Germany, to teach for the Department of Defense. It was there that she met Harold Jensen, a high school math and physics teacher from Minnesota. They married and after five years, returned to the States to teach in Chicago's western suburbs. Nancy went on to receive a degree in Library Science and became the Library Learning Center Director at Lincoln Elementary School and Wegner Elementary School in West Chicago. She also authored Bailey Island, Memories, Pictures & Lore, soon to be in its third printing. Jensen spends much of her time traveling around the world. She enjoys bird watching, the piano, and, of course, writing. Helen, Ethel & The Crazy Quilt is in Hardcover and Audio Book. Bailey Island is in its third printing.

Joy, Judith Bourossa (NH, ME)

Judith Bourassa Joy won Mayhaven's Award for Children's Fiction for A Doorway Through Space, an exciting sci-fi for children set in the year 2064. When 15-year-old Lucy Starrett discovers her mother, a spaceship captain, is missing, she sets off with her older brother on a rescue mission that takes her through a wormhole and across the galaxy.

Growing up in Maine, the author graduated from Bowdoin College and worked in the field of information technology before becoming an elementary school teacher. She now lives and writes in New Hampshire. She available for interviews and appearances.

Cover: Lucy Seaman is an artist especially interested in science fiction and space. Several of her paintings can be seen in the Wind, Water & Light gallery in Champaign, IL. One of her original paintings was purchased for A Doorway Through Space, winner of Mayhaven's Awards for Children's Fiction by Judith Bourassa Joy.

King, Frank (IA/AZ)

The late Frank King wrote and illustrated Tee Tee Peetum when he was in his nineties. King spent a lifetime as a graphic artist. He lived much of life in Iowa and in Arizona. He was particularly pleased that his nephew is a member of Jay Leno's Tonight Show band. Tee Tee Peetum is one of the publisher's favorite books.

Knoerle, John (OH, CA, IL)

John Knoerle (the K is silent) won Mayhaven's Award for Fiction with The Violin Player, a novel of chilling suspense. In 2003, he published Crystal Meth Cowboys. He has written for radio, film and advertising, and at one time tried his hand at standup comedy. This intricate and exciting myster/suspense novel, inspired by the study of geneology, is a winner. Knoerle lives with his family in the Chicago suburbs.

Lawler, Vinita Atmiyanandana (IL/Thailand)

Vinita Atmiyanandana Lawler was born, raised and educated in Thailand. When she married and migrated to America, she missed the food of her native country. She started a series of popular Thai cooking classes. Tantalizing Thai Cuisine is based on both traditional and modern dishes. Lawler's personal notes and list of ingredients enhance this unusual Thai cookbook.

Lippmann, Wilfried G. (WA/Germany/Vienna, Austria)

The late Wilfried G. Lippmann placed second in Mayhaven's Awards for Fiction with his unique short stories Love Matters. When the first-place winner published elsewhere, his short stories moved into first place, won Mayhaven's Awards for Fiction, and was published. A year later, he entered Mayhaven's Awards for Fiction a second time (under a pen name) and won first place with Vienna Kisses, a novel set in Vienna at the end of World War II. This novel takes a unique approach to a serious topic, the often forgotten civilian casualties of war. Concentrating on the characters, he even manages to make us laugh in the face of adversity. Both Love Matters and Vienna Kisses display wry but sincere insight and exceptional writing skill. Lippmann was born in Germany, educated in Vienna, Austria, and came to America in the 1960's, settling in Washington state where he became a public servant. He lives with his family in Olympia, Washington, where he continues to write. Lippmann placed third in Mayhaven's Awards for Children's Fiction. He is one of two authors to have won or placed three times in Mayhaven's Awards for Fiction. His work is visual and unique. Both books are also available on Kindle's ebooks.

Long, Jo (IL/CA/IN/TN)

Council of Angels was the late Jo Long's only published work. A biography, Long speaks in her book of her spiritual nature and of the inspired "writings" she received for a number of years. She grew up on a farm in central Illinois. In 1943 she left her position as a bookkeeper in the local bank and took the train to California where she married her war-time sweetheart, Charles Long. (They would be married over fifty-seven years). She worked on the Air Base as a warehouse supervisor and later as secretary to a Warrant Officer. When her husband shipped overseas, Long returned to Illinois and while caring for her children, worked as a buyer, a secretary, and ran a direct-sales business. At the age of 70, she was certified as a Massage Therapist. Her interest in writing was stimulated by unexpected, life-altering events. Long lived most of her life in central Illinois and in Nashville, Tennessee.

Long, Charles "Huey" (IN/IL/CA)

The late Charles Long relates hunting and fishing stories in Coon Tales & Cockle Burs, but his writings spanned a lifetime. He served in World War II, was a teacher, principal, and a gentle man with a wry humor. He lived most of his life in Illinois and Indiana. It is not unusual for Mayhaven to consider our authors as friends. One lovely spirng day, Charles "Huey" Long and his very funny wife were checking out the spring flowers in our back yard when they discovered a huge edible mushroom under a patch of Mayapples. We took it in, cleaned it, soaked in a special dip for awhile, and cut it in half. It looked like two large porkchops in the frying pan. It was delicious.

Lund, Evelyn (MN/CA)

The late Evelyn Lund spent most of her life as an artist, and drew from memories of her son and the influences of her home in beautiful Santa Barbara, California to write and illustrate a children's book, It Happened on Alphabet Street. Born and raised in the midwest, she maintained strong ties to her northern European background. She moved to California as a young woman to help her husband in his office supply business. They survived a forest fire. She said she could see it sweepting down the hills. She also talked about their son, a muscian and mountain climber who called her one day to say he was going climbing with his friends in Canada. She said he was not in the habit of calling and she felt a slight chill. It was warranted. He never returned from that climb.

She pursued her love of art, painting and sculpting. Her letters are works of art, reflecting her mood with clever little drawings. I don't get to meet all of our authors, but I did make a trip to her home in CA where we talked, and talked, and talked.

Lynn, Marjorie Heaton (IA/IL/TN)

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Marjorie Heaton Lynn traced seven generations of her family from England to Iowa, through journals, letters, documents and stories. That journey is documented in two volumes: Dear Family and Sugar From Lettuce. Hers is a fascinating family. Highly educated at a time when most people were not, her grandfather was in the Iowa State Legislature, her other grandfather was a successful inventor and manufacturer (washing machines and travel trailers), and her father was both an educator and a horticulturist, developing a number of prize-winning gladiolas that were honored at the Chicago World's Fair. Educated at Simpson College in Simpson, Iowa, Lynn spent her life teaching and speaking on educating the creative child. She also continuesto use her lovely voice to sing whenever she gets a chance. I remember one book signing, when she burst into song. It drew a crowd and she was delighted. In both volumes of her family history, Lynn holds nothing back, presenting a candid portrait of her family and the times in which they lived.

Marquess, Dana (DE/MD)

Dana Marquess' children's book, Night of the Lighted Freedom: A Firefly Fantasy, illustrated by Jean Spencer, is a tribute to her brother. The book is meant to entertain, and to young people, and their parents, with something to discuss. This is a first published work for the author who resides with her family in Maryland. Mayhaven... has published two books on fireflies. The other, Firefly Fred by Todd Porter, and illustrated by Brian Pantalaude, treats the same the same subject—fireflly fantasy—differently. Some teachers have used with children to demonstrate the variety in approaching a subject.

McAndrew, Kelly (CA/MO/NY)

Kelly McAndrew coauthored the engaging I Can't Talk Now, I'm Busy Writing Nothing, winner of Mayhaven's Award for Children's Fiction. She and Jeff Fluharty, entered the contest at the 11th hour, never expecting to win. Most of McAndrew's time is spent as an actress. She received a B.A. in English and Theater Arts from the University of San Diego, and a Masters of Fine Arts at the University of Missouri. She has performed in theater from coast to coast.

McBride, Susan (CT/IL/IN/KS/MO/TX)

Susan McBride was the first winner of Mayhaven's Awards for Fiction with her Maggie Ryan mystery And Then She Was Gone, now in its second edition/printing. Mayhaven also published another Maggie Ryan mystery by McBride—Overkill. McBride has additional titles published by Avon Books. McBride graduated with honors from the William Allen White School of Journalism at the University of Kansas, and resides and writes in MO.

McIntyre, Heidi (MN, NY)

Introducing Heidi McIntyre and her first illustrated book for Children—all about a little boy's addiction to Junk Food. Heidi McIntyre is an experienced early childhood educator and mother of two who resides in New York.

She enjoys traveling, writing, working on creative projects, parenting and taking time out to enjoy life's simple pleasures. Observing children of all ages using their innate gifts of creativity and imagination puts a smile on her face and joy in her heart. Over the years, those observations have also inspired her to author and sometimes illustrate a number of other kid friendly and amusing stories. Illustrated by Doris Replogle Wenzel.

McLeod, Gilbert "G" (OH/CA)

Gilbert G. McLeod spent most of his adult life as a member of the Los Angeles Police Department. A large family (ten grown children) may have inspired his curiosity about the "why" of things. McLeod drew on his curiosity and his experience to write the science fiction fantasy adventure, Ho-Nikon. He graduated from Fullerton Junior College and the California State University, Los Angeles.

Miller, Ron (AL)

Ron Miller won Mayhaven's Award for Fiction for A Broken Reed, a novel of suspense set in Alabama during the 1950's, and based on an actual event. Born and raised in Alabama, he served in the Air Force before graduating with a B.S. in English and History and M.S. in History from Jacksonville State University. He also earned an Education Specialist degree in Administration and Supervision. He and his wife, Kathrine, have several hobbies including collecting and restoring antique and classic bicycles. They have won many bicycle show awards in the south and midwest. They are currently restoring Ron's 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air.

Mitchell, Amy (Canada, North America, FL)

Amy Rayan Mitchell was born in 1982 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Having grown up all over North America, Amy currently resides in Windemere, Florida, with her husband and two daughters. Mitchell holds an honors degree from the University of Toronto, where she specialized in English literature. She then simultaneously earned her Juris Doctorate at the University of Detroit Mercy in Michigan and her Bachelor of Laws at the University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada, in just three years. As a writer of both children's literature and fiction novels, Mitchell strives to provide her readers with entertainment and wit, making them laugh and cry and ultimately feel a sense of enlightenment when they reach the last page. Dirty Jayne is her debut children's book.

Moore, Basil Ward (IL)

Sold Out! Temporarily Out of Print.

The late Basil Ward Moore was a funeral director in the picturesque town of Marshall, Illinois, best known for its association with Lincoln and with the novelist, James Jones. Moore was best known, though, for the 40 years he spent entertaining audiences across the country with his masterful presentations on the humor of Abraham Lincoln. Moore was known for his wit and his timing, always speaking without a note, always capturing his audience with his exceptional grasp of the material he presented. Basil Moore's Lincoln is based on those presentations, and includes the humor of and about Lincoln, and some of the most poignant sayings attributed to the 16th President.

Nelson, Peter (IL)

Peter Nelson co-illustrated Gertrude Stonesifer's Then And Now Stories, written for the young reader.

Nolting, Anne Carse (AK/VT)

Anne Carse Nolting won Mayhaven's Award for Children's Fiction with Pythagoras Eagle & The Music of the Spheres, and critics have consistently given it 5 Stars. An adventure for older children and young adults, this book, set in present-day Alaska, is about family, friends and the mystery of mathematics. Nolting has been fascinated by diversity in cultures for most of her life. She has studied and lived in Israel and Ireland, and has worked in a health clinic at a mission in Indore, India. She has also authored Dear Future People (Royal Fireworks Press), nominated for the 1996 Newbery Award, and published Place Beyond the Wind (Royal Fireworks Press). She has written for several periodicals, including Alaska Magazine, Farm Journal's Diary Today and Northern Adventures. Her non-fiction article, "the Ancient Library of Alexandria" appeared in Cricket Magazine and SIRS Discoverer. She has also written an adult novel, Rysaland. She is a graduate of the University of Vermont and the Institute of Children's Literature. She is also a member of the Children's Book writers and Illustrators, Institute of Noetic Sciences, Alaska Center for the Book and Friends of the Library. She lived for many years in Palmer, Alaska, and now resides in the state of Washington. Pythagoras Eagle is on the reading list and in the classrooms of public or private schools.

Mike Odell's Brother Mine is a memior, reflecting his love, despite their differences, for his brother and their lifelong interest in fine cars. He is best known for his articles about racing cars and classic cars (including those in Victory Lane Magazine, vintage and historic racing news, and to Road Racers Magazine). He graduated from the University of Illinois with an MBA and retired after a 35-year career as an IT professional and has contributed articles to professional publications and references. He has lived throughout the United States and now resides with his family in Pennsylvania. His wife, Cindy, provided illustrations for Brother Mine, Odell's first book. In Book and Audio Book.

Osborn, Michael (IL/AZ)

Michael Osborn is an award-winning artist and full-time graphic artist in marketing. His illustrations in A Week of Bunnies is a perfect fit for a story based on helping others. He also designed Black Smoke and Peanut Butter Sandwiches for Valerie Huffman Osborn. He lives with his wife and five children in the Phoenix, AZ, area.

Osborn, Valerie Huffman (IL/AZ/TX)

Valerie Huffman Osborn has created a wonderful story for children based on the happiness a child can feel in helping others, with illustrations by Michael Osborn (her son), and edited by elementary teacher, Kimberly Osborn (Michael's wife). The only child of a small-town minister and his busy wife, Valerie Huffman Osborn had time alone to read and to create stories for herself and her friends. In A Week of Bunnies, she has put her creative nature and the influence of her parents to good use. The author lives and writes in Champaign, IL, with great support and encouragement from her husband, Paul. In Hardcover Book and Audio Book, with music by the world-class IQ Illinois Woodwind Quartet.

John Paulits won Mayhaven's Awards for Fiction for his lively chapter book for young readers, Philip & The Boy Who Said "Huh?." He lives with his family in New York where he teaches fourth grade. He summers near the ocean. This is his second children's book.

Lance Pearson spent a lifetime in manufacturing before turning his hand to writing. Mayhaven published A Byte of Charity, a mystery based on a computer hacker's revenge, set in the beautiful Virginia horse country. Pearson has a B.A. from North Central College, Naperville, IL, and attended Loyola University and the University of Virginia. Pearson is accomplished at sailing and photography. He and his wife live in historic Virginia, 1100 yards from where John Rolfe met Pocahontas. Pearson has written two other novels, available through the author.

Peterson, Dawn (NY/ME)

Artist Dawn Peterson has illustrated Helen, Ethel & The Crazy Quilt... and several other children's books. Her studio is on the coast of Maine, where she is an avid student of the fauna and floral of the area. Her grandchildren are often models for the children in her work. She has also illustrated a second book for Mayhaven: Christmas Bear by Pauline Petersen.

Polette, Nancy (MO)

Nancy Polette once again brings style and substance to her writing. Though the author travels extensively to research her children’s books, she is also a professor at Lindenwood University and resides in Missouri. The Petticoat Soldier was commissioned by The Montgomery County (MO) Historical Society. The cover of this book was created by illustrator Marsha Baker. Based on fact, The Petticoat Soldier provides an exciting, little-known piece of Civil War History.

Porter, Cullen (IL/CA)

Cullen Porter is an elementary teacher and graphic designer. He also plays and sings with a popular band in central Illinois. Grandpa Grumpy Pants, illustrated by Jean Spencer, is his first Children's book. He lives with his wife and children in central Illinois where he continues to write. Grandpa Grumpy Pants is also available in audio book. Read by the author. Cullen is a favorite guest at schools and libraries, where he reads from his book, and his brother Todd's Firefly Fred.

Porter, Quintin M. (PA/IL)

Quintin M. Porter is the fifth Porter brother to contribute to Mayhaven's productions. He is Mayhaven's Audio Director and photographer. This photograph was taken on a very cold day in central Illinois during the winter of 2010. He captured the unusual ice formations left secured to the trees when the frozen river receded. He has also produced over a dozen audios for Mayhaven and worked for over twleve years in radio. Quintin Porter grew up in Glen Elyn, Illinois and now lives with his wife and two sons in central Illinois.

Porter, Todd (IL/CA/TX)

Todd Porter has led a creative life. As a child, virtually nothing was off limits to his curious mind. Growing up in the Chicago suburbs and spending summers in downstate Illinois, he says his first children's book, Firefly Fred was inspired by his daughter. Porter has spent over twenty years in the computer industry, designing games and creating software. Firefly Fred, illustrated by Brian Patenaude. received the Texas School Libraries highest rating. Firefly Fred is also available as an Audio Book—read by the daughter for which it was written.

Powell, Wilson "Woody" (CA/MO)

Wilson Powell is the son of a scientist well known for his ground-breaking work on the Atomic Bomb. Though Wilson served in Korea, he has spent a lifetime questioning war. When he met Zhou Ming Fu, a Chinese Korean War Veteran, in China during the early 1980's, the two began corresponding, forging a lifetime friendship. Two Walk the Golden Road is based on that correspondence and Powell and the late Zhou's very personal autobiographies. Powell has been an active member of the Veterans for Peace. This book is timely, important, and absorbing.

Purnell, Isabelle (IL/MI)

Temporarily Out of Print

The late Isabelle Purnell spent all but four years of her long life in one midwestern town. She wrote about that town in An Unofficial History of Mahomet, Illinois, celebrating what she observed and experienced during those years. This book is in very limited supply.

The late Virginia Rackley was born in central Illinois, the third child of 12 and the eldest daughter. She learned early that an industrious nature and a cheerful outlook were essential to her survival. At the age of fifteen, she watched her family shatter, and she was suddenly, in 1942, separated from her siblings. She would work to reconnect with her family, and, in large measure, succeeded. In 1997, she coauthored Ten Sisters: A True Story and later, Ten Little Sisters. She is featured in the award-winning PBS short documentary on the Ten Sisters (Prairie Fire - PBS WILL) which won a Gracie Allen Award in 2004, and is also featured in a full-length PBS documentary, Ten Sisters: A True Story DVDs are available through PBS WILL 217 333 1070. The story of the Ten Sisters was also featured in Family Circle Magazine, and three newspaper articles about the ten sisters have won awards for journalism.

REMEMBERING JENNY

February 9, 2013

“The Funny One” all said.

The one who made you smile and then some.

The quilter, many called her — for family, friends, and strangers,

for a little loose change, but mostly to make others happy.

The collector, said those who knew her well, of dolls, of bits of material (of course)

and of photos (absolutely) and other things that made her smile.

A doer, said those who knew her best.

Ill health, pain, great loss, hardships barely slowed her down.

She became a housewife, young then, and swept the dirt

on the floorless cabin where she and Clarence lived

while working in the fields or orchards.

And when they found different jobs — better jobs —

and purchased homes of their own,

everything was quickly in its place, and scrubbed clean,

always, always scrubbed clean.

And she became a mother, a grandmother, a great grandmother

and felt the loss of a grandaughter, a grandson, a husband,

two brothers and five sisters,

but not before she was sure they would all be remembered

in a quilt, in two books, an audio book with her voice speaking,

remembering all.

And others wanted to know the story — her story

and at the end of her busy life,

when her mind wandered from the wear of time and pain killers,

and the days apart from those she loved,

she called out to visitors: “How is . . . ,” naming each sister,

“after the breakup?” the breakup she remembered best

as the eldest sister.

She tried to ward off the breakup, after brothers went off to CCC camps and then to War.

by working, taking care of the younger ones, cleaning, sewing, sacrificing.

But she was unable to fully fight circumstances she never really understood.

And the breakup never left her thoughtful, busy mind.

And you, dear Jenny, will never leave ours.

—Doris Replogle Wenzel, Sister # 10

Rademacher, Helen Stewart (MN, IL)

Book and Audio Book

Helen Stewart Rademacher, bored when she wasn't teaching in a small Illinois town, picked up her pen to write. She was, she says, influenced by the author of Spoon River Anthology. She wrote a lot of "terse verse," over many years, and put her work into Collage, a much appreciated book of poems and essays with the cover art exhibiting one of her mother's skillful oil paintings. Her work is also available as an Audio Book. Collage will be read by the author on the Illinois Radio for the Visually Impaired. By the way, she is a talented speaker.

Christine Righthouse did not set out to be aan author. She liked teaching Sunday School, and caring for her two daughters. An engaging woman, she and her hard-working husband were always striving to improve their lives and their children's lives. That included the purchase of a pretty little home on the outskirts of southern Indiana town. It was in that neat little home, however, that they and and their older daughter would step into a world they never dreamed of, a world that left their outgoing, cheerful young daughter, dead—at the hands of a neighbor. Murder in Southern Indiana is a biography of Lena's short life, and a moving report of the murder in documents and in the evidence of personal grief. This story was also the subject of an article in Cosmopolitan magazine.

Royer, Warren (IL/FL/MI)

The late Warren Royer (Memories of the Heart: Rural Schools in Illinois) was born in Rushville, Illinois. He served in the Air Force during World War II. After graduating with a B.A and an M.A. from the University of Illinois, he worked in television, wrote sports for the Champaign News Gazette, and wrote advertising copy, but most of his life was spent as a teacher, coach and principal. Retired from the Uni High School, he lives with his wife, Nancy in Kalamazoo, MI. He has published two books, Peepstones, Beartracks, and Ghosts of Dutchmen's Creek, and with Mayhaven Publishing, Memories of the Heart: Rural Schools in Illinois, inspired by his own experiences in rural schools. Royer is presently working on a third volume. Note of interest: Royer's father, at ninety, painted the cover art for Memories of the Heart.

Michael Russo's satire, Yats in Movieland, is a wildly comic treatment of his eclectic characters, coupled with the movie industry in pre Katrina New Orleans. A number of his short stories have been published in the Colorado-North Review, Cream City Review, Tulane Literary Magazine, Xavier Review, One Way Ticket and he has worked as a book reviewer at the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Russo has taught at Xavier University, and is a librarian. He holds a B.A. from Loyola, and an M.A. from the University of Wisconsin. Yats in Movieland is his first novel. He now lives with his family in Baton Rouge, LA.

Rutherford, Delorse Hackett (IL/IA)

Delorse Hackett Rutherford has survived breast cancer for nearly two decades. It wasn't easy. A positive, active woman, she drew on her faith to help her through the experience and wrote about that experience in To Send A Dove. She has taught writing, spoken before many organizations, including Gilda's Club, and has received Third place in the Iowa State Competition of NLAPW and third place from the Moline Dispatch Readers Choice "Best Book" Category for To Send A Dove. She is a member of the National League of American Penwomen and a contributor to Together At the Doorway, an anthology of personal essays and poetry. She has also written for: Catholic Digest, Christian Drama, Gotta Write, The Joyful Woman, The Lutheran Digest, Mature Focus, Mature Years, The Moline Dispatch, Standard, United Methodist Reporter, and Vital Christianity. She is currently working on a second non-fiction manuscript.

Selby, David L. (WV, IL, NY, CA)

Nancy Easter Shick Nancy Easterlooked to her family and friends as the subject of short stories and poems about growing up in central Illinois. Long Story Short is filled with those finely etched stories. Shick has also published two other non-fiction books based on the history of Charleston, Illinois.

Smith, James Allen (IL/Korea/GA/MO)

James Allen Smith wrote Searching for Footsteps to the Past: Surface Finds on the Kaskaskia River, based on Native American artifacts he collected on his father's rolling farm along the Kaskaskia River in central Illinois. A bricklayer, collecting artifacts became his passion after a car accident left him with permanent injuries. He still lives with his family beside the Kaskaskia near Shelbyville, IL.

Spencer, Jean (IL, SC)

Jean Spencer has spent her life illustrating, but her first illustrations for a book were for Mayhaven. She has illustrated covers for three award-winning books for older children and young adults (Pythagoras Eagle & The Music of the Spheres, Mystery of the Missing Candlestick, and Beyond the Road). She has also illustrated two books for younger children, Night of the Lighted Freedom: a Firefly Fantasy and Grandpa Grumpy Pants.

Stanley, Phyllis (CA)

Phyllis Stanley, a teacher by profession, and had the pleasure of knowing Elizabeth Terwilliger and chose to write a book for young readers about the famous naturalist's life and work, Elizabeth Terwilliger, Someone Special. Stanley also authored American Environmental Heroes, a book profiling such pioneers as Henry D. Thoreau, John Muir, and Francs Moore Lappe. When not traveling around the country, Stanley lives in California.

Steinbauer, Larry (IL)

An established photographer and artist, Larry Steinbauer lives and works in the midwest. His work can be seen at several galleries, including Wind, Water, and Light Gallery in Champaign, Illinois. His photo was used on Margaret Van Damm's The River Love, and he was the illustrator for Neva Swartz's children's book, Tommy the Timid Turtle.

Stevenson, L. W. (IL)

The late L. W. Stevenson based his chilling ghost story, A Family Possessed, on reported events. Stevenson spent many years writing articles for magazines and newspapers and published two other books, Notes from a Briefcase and The Secret Place. A Family Possessed, is in its second printing and in audio book. Read by Brian H. Porter (author of Harvey's Life - Now What?)

Stonesifer, Gertrude (IL/TN)

The late Gertrude Stonesifer didn't start publishing until she was in her mid-eighties. Always an adventurous woman, she married late, had a child late, ran a newspaper when her young husband suddenly died, taught for many years, and traveled by tramp steamer to South America during the 1930's. She wrote three children's stories for Mayhaven: The Peanut Butter Kid (also in audio book. Read by Michelle Petersen), The Monarch, The Snow Goose & the Butterfly Tree, and Then & Now Stories. She also wrote: Sister & Me, a small, candid autobiography written for parents and older children.

Swango, Lynn (IL)

Lynn Swango grew up in a small Illinois farm town, with a single mother. He became a teacher and a sports announcer, familiar to central Illinois students and audiences. No Baseball in Fairview is a children's book inspired by his own upbringing and his interest in sports. He currently lives in central Illinois where he continues to write and is a frequent speaker for grade-school children. Also available in Audio Book.

Swartz, Neva (IL)

Neva Swartz is a first-time author with Tommy the Timid Turtle. She drew on her experiences as a teacher in the Champaign, Illinois schools to create a book for shy children. She received a B.S. in Music Education in 1946, and an EdM in Educational Administration in 1967—both from the University of Illinois. Tommy the Timid Turtle has been favorably reviewed by the Texas School Libraries. Available in Audio Book.

Temple, Sunderine (Wilson) (IL)

Sunderine (Wilson) Temple co-authored the revised edition of Abraham Lincoln and Illinois' Fifth Capitol with her historian husband, Wayne C. Temple. As a guide, and then interpretor in Illinois' Fifth Capitol, she brought her considerable experience, knowledge and perception to this work.

Temple, Dr. Wayne C. (OH, Germany/TN, IL)

Wayne C. Temple is a world-class historian and Chief Deputy Director of the Illinois Archives. He is among 30 individuals, from around the world, honored with a special Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial edition of the Order of Lincoln, the highest honor that can be awarded by the State of Illinois. Dr. Temple is also a guest on the 2009 PBS documentary, Prelude to the Presidency which is playing in PBS stations across the country, available on DVD through PBS WILL 217 333 1070. He is a member of the U.S. Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission's Advisory Committee to mark the 200th Anniversary of Lincoln's Birth on February 12, 2009. Temple is a prolific writer of articles and books, and Mayhaven has had the privilege of publishing three of his titles: Abraham Lincoln: From Skeptic to Prophet (Second printing); By Square & Compass, Saga of the Lincoln Home (Second Edition), and "The Taste Is In My Mouth A Little..." which includes the entire text of the 1843 edition of Miss Lesley's Cookbook, known to have been used in the Lincoln household. One of Temple's articles appears in The Many Faces of Lincoln, also published by Mayhaven. We also distribute two of his other publications, both collector's items: Alexander Williamson, Friend of the Lincolns; and Abraham Lincoln and Others at the St. Nicholas. Temple has held many positions, including: Curator Ethnohistory (Illinois State Museum), Editor-in-Chief of the Lincoln Herald, Secretary-Treasurer of the National Lincoln-Civil War Council, Memorial Bibliography committee (Lincoln Lore), Editorial Advisory Board (American Biographical Institute), Board of Governors (St. Louis Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children), and Trustee Regent (Lincoln Academy). He has addressed the Congress of the United States and has received many awards and honors during his lifetime. He is a life fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and many other prestigious organizations. Temple served under Eisenhower in Europe during World War II. He received a B.S. in Engineering, and an M.A. and a PhD. in history from the University of Illinois, where he was a research assistant to Prof. J.G. Randall, “Dean of the Lincoln Scholars.” He then earned his A.M. and Ph.D degrees under the direction of Prof. Randall and Prof. Richard N. Current. He has been a repeated guest on the History Channel. Abraham Lincoln and Illinois' Fifth Capitol, co-authored with his wife Sunderine (Wilson) Temple is available in Hardcover. Lincoln's Travels on the River Queen During the Last Days of His Life is a wonderful glimpse of Lincoln as few think of him. In Hardcover and Audio Book.

Thomas, Lewis (AL/CO)

Lewis Thomas won Mayhaven's Award for Fiction for his novel Potter Junction. Thomas was born in Vredenburgh, Alabama, a small lumbering town south of historic Selma. When he was an infant, Infantile paralysis (Polio) left him partially paralyzed. His impairment did not slow him down. He received an engineering degree, helped build airplanes at Douglas Aircraft Company during WWII, then became a cub reporter for the Rocky Mountain News in Denver. During the next 20 years, he worked as a writer for two metropolitan newspapers, two TV stations, and as a college publicist. During that time, he also earned a Masters and a PhD in speech semantics. While in California, he taught college English and worked at the San Jose Mercury-News. He drew on his experiences for his award-winning novel, Potter Junction.

Thomas, Richard L. "Dick" (IL/AZ)

Born in Mattoon, IL, Richard L. Thomas (Chicken Tommy & Other Stories and Broomcorn Johnnies) grew up a few miles north in Humboldt, IL. He was employed as a telegrapher by the Illinois Central Railroad. Later, he worked at other jobs, including writing for an Arizona newspaper. He says his "heart remains in Humboldt, but the rest of him has lived, (with his wife Ruth) in Arizona since 1953."

Thomas, Ruth St. John (IL/AZ)

Ruth St. John Thomas draws on her own roots for The Rawleigh Man Told Me, a coming-of -age novel for older children and young adults. She is presently working on a sequel The Red Headed Girl. The setting for both titles is the midwest during the Great Depression, when two children, who had been brought across the country on the Orphan Trains, found themselves living very different lives with the families that sheltered them. This was a favorite book of the publisher's mother who called early one morning to say she had sat up most of the night reading it. The softcover edition of this book will be reprinted. It is available in hardcover.

Tipton, R. Kent (UT/CA)

R. Kent Tipton is an ambitious man. He won Mayhaven's Awards for Fiction with Kid Posse & the Phantom Robber, a wonderfully funny adventure for young readers set in Utah in the 1950's. The story was inspired by a real posse (his grandfather was a member of that group) who chased down some bank robbers in the late 1800's. This is not Tipton's first publication, nor his last. A teacher in Jamestown, California, his first book was A Different Kind of Mom, based on the life of his mother, Blanche Prior Tipton, and In Quotes We Trust, coauthored with his wife, Lois Tipton.

Van Damm, Margaret Hay (TN/VA/NM)

Margaret Hay Van Damm drew grew up in Nashville Tennessee where her father, George Hay, founded the Grand Ol' Opry. Van Damm attended Vanderbuilt University and wrote for the The Tennessean before she turned her attention to writing novels and dramatic presentations. The River Love is her first novel for Mayhaven. Set in contemporary Mississippi, two mature sisters follow their hearts in pursuit of love. Now, also in Audio Book, Van Damm's voice adds another dimension to The River Love.

Watkins, Gwendolyn (IL/MO/MN)

Defile de Navidad y Mas (Christmas on Parade and More) is a collection of Watkin's poems, based on her life and her passions. She grew up in the midwest and after graduating from Washington University in St. Louis, she worked for a number of years as a technician at Mayo Clinic, but writing was always in her blood. She has traveled extensively, and makes her home in central Illinois. Her second book (under pen name Gwen D. Lynn), is full of adventure for children, .

Weaver, Jenny (AK/WA)

Jenny Weaver received Mayhaven's Award for Children's Fiction with Following the Raven, a story of secrets and adventure set in Alaska. Weaver was born in San Francisco, but grew up in Anchorage, Alaska, where she enjoyed hiking, skiing and fishing. She was also a guide for the Alaskan Rail Road. Weaver graduated from the University of Oregon (English) and worked with the Scholastic Book Fairs. Following the Raven is her first published work. She lives with her family on an island off the coast of Seattle, Washington.

Weltman, June ( FL/IL)

June Weltman’s first novel for children, Mystery of the Missing Candlestick, won Mayhaven’s Awards for Children’s Fiction. It also received the Florida Historical Society’s Journeys for the Junior Historian Award for Children’s Literature, Best Young Adult Fiction Award from the Florida Publishers Association, and First Place for Juvenile Fiction in the 2005 National Federation of Press Women At-Large Communications Contest. The book also won Honorable Mention in the NFPW National Communications Contest.. Born in Chicago, Weltman graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and earned a master’s from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. She began her career as a reporter with the Chicago Tribune and later covered Congress and the State Department as a foreign affairs writer. Her articles have been published in newspapers and magazines throughout the United States and have won national and state awards from the National Federation of Press Women, Florida Press Women, Capital Press Women and the Florida Freelance Writers Assn. She lives in Jacksonville, FL, where she has worked as a reporter for the Mandarin News & St. Johns River Pilot and as a freelance writer for the Jacksonville Business Journal, Florida Times-Union, Jacksonville Magazine and other publications. She currently is writing another mystery for young people. Her Email address: mirandamanning@aol.com

Wenzel, Doris Replogle (IL)

Publisher and editor of Mayhaven Publishing, Inc., Doris Replogle Wenzel coauthored Ten Sisters: A True Story and Ten Little Sisters. She is a former college instructor and journalist. She has illustrated several book covers and recently, Jack's Snack Attack for author Heidi McIntyre. When Wenzel is not editing, designing, or publishing, she can be found with friends or family. She is also a member of AFTRA and can be seen in Little Lotto, a short film (as Sister Martha), and can be seen in other films and documentaries. She is a frequent speaker on the subject of the Ten Sisters, publishing, and Mary Todd Lincoln. She won an award for Without Discretion, her play on Mary Todd Lincoln. Her research for the footnoted play has twice been on display at the University of Illinois Rare Book Library. Doris has edited over two hundred books.

White, Herman H. (KY/OH)

Herman H. White's first novel, Valley of the Flames, was inspired by his work as a fireman. He also drew on his Kentucky roots for this outstanding adventure for young adults. Caution: This story includes the romantic fantasies of the young hero, and may be a bit too graphic for younger readers. White continues to live in Kentucky and is working on a sequel.

Wise, Leonard Allen (Canada)

Leonard Allen Wise coauthored Are We Hungry Yet with fellow Canadian, John Chism, but his resume is varied. He is an actor, an attorney, and a writer for newspapers and television. He has published other books on food, including two editions of Toronto Eats (1981 and 1996). He also wrote a column of food for the Toronto Star. He lives with his family near Toronto.

YOLI (NY, FL, PA)

Yoli is an author, playwright, actress and the Director of the Pittsburgh Playhouse Jr. Theater.

A graduate of S.U.N.Y. Purchase Acting Conservatory, her beloved mentor was Joseph Anthony. She also studied with Kay Carney, Alan Schneider, Lloyd Williamson, Tina Packer, Norman Aryton, Mark and Dana Zeller, and Edith Skinner. After graduating, she helped found the Westchester Ensemble Summer Theatre, and later, Harbor Repertory, performing locally and at the Lincoln Center Outdoor Festival.

Yoli moved to New York City and continued her study with the Stella Adler and Kelly Morgan at the Mint Theatre. She performed at The Open Eye Theatre, and Westbeth Theatre Center where she met and performed with the international New Zealand Red Moles. She was an assistant for two theatrical talent agencies, The Beverly Anderson Agency and Reach for the Sky management in New York City and in Los Angeles. She also assisted and was a reader for Bee Waller, at the Source Foundation, which produced staged readings at the Promenade Theatre, bringing in talents such as Amanda Plummer, Cynthia Nixon, Kate Reid, Austin Pendleton, and Earl Hyman.

Yoli married Earl Hughes in Las Vegas, and soon went on tour with her husband as Wardrobe Supervisor for Ann-Margret and Company, visiting South Africa, Sweden, and many U.S. cities. Yoli and Earl lived in Manhattan, helping form the 35th Street Tenants Association, with Joe Restuccia and Luz Monje, saving their building and two others while working to support low-income housing.

The next ten years were spent in Miami, overlooking Biscayne Bay. She became a company member performing at New Theatre, under the direction of Rafael de Acha. Her favorite roles included Clytemnestra (Electra), Gertrude (Hamlet), E.M. Ashford (Wit), for which she received a Best Supporting Actress Award. She also performed at the Coconut Grove Playhouse, Florida Shakespeare, Hollywood Boulevard Theatre, and the Ring Theatre.

Yoli was a founding member of the Theatre League of South Florida. She chaired the Creative Alliance, a playwriting workshop, helping and producing new short plays, and chaired the events committee, bringing artists and producers together. She was presented the REMY Award for Outstanding Service to the Theatre Community.

Her first short play, Up There, was produced at the Florida Studio Theatre Festival in Sarasota, and at Women at Play, in Kansas City. Her full length play Beautiful Dreamer: A Tale of Cassadaga, won the Florida Individual Playwriting Fellowship. Sharon Gless recommended her work.

She directed a play by Manuel Martinez at the Colony Theatre on Miami Beach. He would soon become her partner, establishing Dreamers Theatre in Coral Gables. She was awarded a Certificate of Congratulations from the City of Coral Gables for establishing a new professional resident theatre and for her newly produced play Beautiful Dreamer. As Producing Artistic Director of Dreamers Theatre, Yoli produced and directed world premiers, workshops for playwrights, directors, and designers, the Women's Project (plays for and about women), Plays of the Hood, a Tea Reading Series (staged readings), as well as welcoming local Theatre Companies, Seminars, and Comedy-Improv.

Yoli was an adjunct professor at the University of Miami, teaching acting, improvisation, theatre history, and film analysis. She was a judge for play submissions to the South Florida Chapter of the National Writers Association, and was Assistant to the Director, Bob Kalfin, and was the Make-up Artist for Bea Arthur and Renee Taylor at the Coconut Grove Playhouse she performed the role of Elena in Mama's Last Waltz, and directed radio plays for WLRN.

Yoli studied at the Masters Writing Program at Chatham University. Her first children's novel Cruisin' Sarah, won Mayhaven Award for Children's Fiction, and she taught acting and improvisation for young adults at Point Park's Community Classes, and at the Carnegie Museum of Art. Her play, Arlecchino and the Italian Clowns premiered at Point Park Playhouse Junior, the second longest running profession children's theatre in the country. The following year she wrote and directed her adaptation of Five Children and It, at the Playhouse. She brought the concepts of theatre production, acting, and improvisation to schools, and had the privilege of telling the story of her plays to children and Children's Hospital.

Yoli's newest play, The Dark Side of Zylo's Moon, premiered May 2010. Yoli is a member of Actors Equity Association, Screen Actors Guild, Dramatists Guild, the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators, Women in the Arts, and American for the Arts Action Fund. She lives happily with her husband Earl and Mi-ki dog Gobo, in Pittsburgh. Visit: www.Yoliworld.net

The late Jessie Johnson Young was widowed early in life. Undaunted by fate, she worked hard to raise her son, and found time to write poetry and short stories. She published several poems before she put them together in Young at Heart and in her newest book, And Still...Young at Heart.

Zhou, Ming Fu (China/Korea)

The late Zhou Ming Fu coauthored Two Walk the Golden Road with Wilson Powell. Though they lived on opposite sides of the world, their views on family, friendship, and war are completely compatible. Their letters and journals are the basis for this extraordinary book. Both are candid about their personal and public lives. On June 25, 2010, Zhou Ming Fu was featured on the OP.ED page of The New York Times for having written Two Walked the Golden Road with Wilson Powell.

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