Blogs > The OP Book Stop

The Oakland Press wants to share book-related news with you, including updates on events and reviews. We want to talk books with you, so feel free to contribute.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Waterford author Shaun Webb to hold book signing

Waterford author Shaun Webb will be signing "Black Jacks" and "A Motion for Innocence" at the tailgate sale at St. Patrick Church on Hutchins and Union Lake roads in White Lake Township from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, June 11.
The book is described as a mystery:
Someone is committing murder in Lincoln, Nebraska, leaving a black Jack of Spades as a calling card. Jack Beauregard, a state trooper Colonel with gubernatorial aspirations, is desperate to solve the case and secure the election. Circumstantial evidence points to a cantankerous old local, John Garrison. Amy Fraser, a beautiful and aggressive defense attorney, is hired to represent him, but Amy has demons of her own. Abused as a child, she is haunted by recurring visions and ghostly apparitions. She fights for John, and for her own sanity.
Despite a lack of adequate evidence, Beauregard continues his quest to railroad Garrison; his political ambitions more important to him then the truth. Several subplots evolve around a bevy of small town characters.
Find out what the real truth is, or isn't.
The game begins, and Jacks are wild.
Webb leads a quiet life in Waterford with his wife Nancy. They have three children, Bill, Mary and Alycia. They also have two grandchildren, Keller and Ruth Ann. Shaun enjoys music, sports and the taking care of his yard.
To get updates on Shaun and his works, log onto www.amotionforinnocence.blogspot.com
Also visit https://www.createspace.com/3491221 to link to "Black Jacks."

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Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Book/paw-signing at Rochester Hills Barnes & Noble

Jim Dratfield, world renowned and fine art photographer and FastPencil premier author, will launch his "Dogphoria" book tour and paw signings this spring at locations across the country. All of the events fall on May 4, making "Dogphoria" a multi-simul-city book and paw signing tour.
Below are the book tour signing events:


· May 4 – (7-9 p.m.) – Barnes & Noble, 100 Greyrock Pl, suite H009, Stamford, Conn., 06901;

· May 4 – (7-9 p.m.) – Healthy Spot, 1110 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, Calif., 90401;

· May 4 – (7-9 p.m.) – Barnes & Noble, 3 South Tunnel Road, Asheville, N.C., 28805; and

· May 4 – (7-9 p.m.) – Barnes & Noble, 2800 South Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, Mich., 48307

· May 4 – (2-4 p.m.) – Pet Mania, 353 Pass Avenue D, Burbank, CA 91505
"My latest book is yet another reflection of the powerful and meaningful friendships we can have with our pets, more specifically with dogs," said Jim Dratfield, author of "Dogphoria." "The mission of this book tour is to celebrate our love for these precious animals, and also so I can thank my readers for their continued support."
Laura Dern, an award-winning and Oscar-nominated actress, has had Dratfield take photos of her pets.
"Jim is a master at capturing the soul of a dog in a photograph," said Dern. "I have felt so lucky to have images of my beloved pets (especially ones that I have lost) that hold their essence to remember them by."
"Dogphoria" is a 132-page collection of candid photos of dogs together with insightful quotes that illustrate the companionship and loyalty of dogs. Dr. Debbye Turner Bell, a celebrity veterinarian and CBS News staff correspondent, penned the foreword for the book.
Dratfield will be at the book signing in Stamford, Conn. to meet one-on-one with his readers.
Dog lovers who attend the Santa Monica book signing will meet with celebrity TAO, a rescue and certified therapy dog, featured in "Dogphoria". For the Asheville, N.C. signing, attendees will have a chance to meet "Dogphoria" star, Lovable Lucy, and her owner, motivational speaker Dr. Mary Sedgwick. Lucy is a trained dog with Leader Dogs for the Blind. Responsible Maddy is also a part of the "Dogphoria" project, and will give paw signings at the Rochester Hills, Mich. event, with her partner, Jim Platzer, at her side. Maddy is also with Leader Dogs for the Blind.
Halo, Purely Pets®, the holistic pet care company co-owned by Ellen DeGeneres, will provide free samples of HALO Spot's Stew® all natural pet food with the purchase of "Dogphoria" at all the signings (except for the Santa Monica event). In addition, when visitors use $2 Halo coupons (found at Freekibble.com), Halo donates one meal to shelter pets, and enters you to win a 10,000 meal donation to your favorite animal shelter. Healthy Spot, a L.A.-based company that offers a full range of wholesome, organic food lines and safe and eco-friendly toys, grooming products and training tools, will provide free samples of pet food with the purchase of "Dogphoria" at the Santa Monica signing. A portion of the proceeds will go to Leader Dogs for the Blind.
Dratfield is the author-photographer of 10 additional fine art photography books including "Pugnation," "Day of the Dachshund," "Under Dogs" and "The Quotable Equine," which have collectively sold more than 150,000 copies. His books have been featured on 20/20, CBS's Early Show, Access Hollywood, Inside Edition, Primetime Live and in print features and reviews in USA Today, People, and Town & Country. His celebrity clients include Elton John, Jennifer Aniston, Barbara Walters and Henry Kissinger. A TV series based on Dratfield's work is also in progress.
Dratfield joins a growing list of best-selling authors signed by FastPencil for its PREMIERE imprint which offers high-quality traditional and digital formats, speed to press, higher author royalties, wider market reach and greater transparency and control throughout the entire process.
"Jim's book 'Dogphoria' beautifully illustrates the compassion and love we have for our furry companions," said Steve Wilson, FastPencil CEO and co-founder. "His selection of photographs really tugs at your heart and makes you appreciate how lucky we are to have such loyal friendships. We're looking forward to the 'Dogphoria' book tour because it will give Jim another way to share this remarkable book with others."

About Jim Dratfield
Fine art photographer Jim Dratfield, a world-renowned, celebrated fine art pet photographer, celebrates the fine art of photography through his studio www.Petography.com<http://www.Petography.com/>, specializing in canines, and felines employing his unique beautiful sepia toned film style.
Dratfield, a trained actor (including a role in St. Elsewhere), has also been the spokesperson for Claritin (Wag Allergies) and MSN.com. A docu-series is now in development with Revera Entertainment about him and his work. He lives in New York.

Dogphoria Pricing and Availability
The book will be available for purchase in May, and is available for pre-order in hardcover in FastPencil's Marketplace<http://www.fastpencil.com/publications/903-DOGPHORIA> for $21.95. The digital format of "Dogphoria" will also be available to read on smartphones and tablets.
About Dogphoria
Produced by Lynn Isenberg of www.FocusMediaMarketing.com<http://www.FocusMediaMarketing.com/> in partnership with FastPencil's elite Premiere imprint. Book concept, brand strategy and campaign partnerships by Lynn Isenberg on behalf of author-fine art photographer Jim Dratfield and www.Petography.com<http://www.Petography.com/>.

About FastPencil
FastPencil is leveraging innovative digital-publishing, social media, print-on-demand and e-book distribution technologies to deliver next-generation publishing, offering authors simplicity, more control, speed to market and higher margins. FastPencil.com enables authors to create books online, collaborate, publish and distribute from one engaging, simple, cost-effective solution. Beyond publishing tools and services, FastPencil also maintains a world-class, publishing imprint, FastPencil PREMIERE, an exclusive line of high-interest titles that provides top-tier and best-selling authors all the benefits of FastPencil's services to produce and publish the best of the best in book content. For more information please visit FastPencil.com.

For regular FastPencil updates follow us at www.Twitter.com/FastPencil<http://www.twitter.com/FastPencil>
Become a Fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/FastPencil<http://www.facebook.com/FastPencil>

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Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Dealing with pets in estate planning: Who will care for your pet?

NEW BOOK URGES PET OWNERS TO INCLUDE THEIR PETS IN
THEIR ESTATE PLANS AND SHOWS THEM HOW TO DO IT, IN AN
EFFORT TO STEM THE TIDE OF PET EUTHANASIA.


Detroit estate planning attorneys Robert E. Kass and Elizabeth Carrie have just published a comprehensive yet concise guide to estate planning for pet owners which is "must" reading for every pet owner.
Who Will Care When You're Not There? Estate Planning for Pet Owners explains in plain English why planning for your pets is necessary, the issues that must be addressed, and the alternative solutions.
It also includes a detailed fill-in Pet Information Sheet and Pet Trust Drafting Checklist, to provide for more efficient implementation of the plan and keep legal costs down.
The discussion covers pets of all types, including not only cats and dogs, but also parrots (which can live up to 100 years), and large animals such as horses.
The Humane Society of the United States estimates that 4-6 million pets are euthanized from shelters each year, many of which are due to failure of the deceased pet owner to make proper provisions in his or her estate plan.
"Leaving cash and the pet to a relative simply may not work," says Kass. One fellow left his cat and $5,000 to a nephew "to take care of the cat." After the man died the nephew came to the Executor and demanded the $5,000.
"Where is the cat," asked the Executor? "I took care of it," replied the nephew." He had the cat euthanized.
Simple solutions often are not the best.
The Will was ambiguous, the nephew was the wrong choice, and the uncle's intentions were clearly not implemented.
Kass and Carrie have helped many clients make the necessary arrangements for the future welfare of the pets, in the case of disability or emergency, or should the pets outlive the pet owner.
Though most pet owners do not include their pets in their estate plans, when asked if they would like to do so, a surprisingly large number say they would.
According to Anna Scott, Chair of the Animal Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan, planning with a pet trust is "something many people are concerned about but don't do because they don't know where to start."
Kass and Carrie wrote this book to fill that gap. According to animal law expert Prof. David Favre of Michigan State University College of Law, the book is "...comprehensive yet easily understood...I have never seen as clear a road map for the future of our pets."
Since many non-lawyers are intimidated by legal guides, the book includes 14 full-color illustrations by nationally known animal artist, Jill Flinn, and inspirational quotes, to lighten it up. It looks more like a coffee table book than a legal guide.
"We intend to draw in the pet owner by the attractiveness of the book," says Kass, "and once they begin flipping through it they will see the important issues they need to address."
The book answers these fundamental questions:
- Why you must plan for the future of your pets if something happens to you.
- Why planning for your incapacity, unexpected absences and emergencies is as important as planning for your death.
- Who are the key players in planning for your pets' welfare, and how to choose them wisely.
- How to determine the right level of care to be provided, how much money to provide, and when to fund it.
- What are the legal ways to plan for your pets' future welfare, and how to plan in any state, including an analysis of the law applicable to pet trusts in the 50 states.
- How to minimize taxes and avoid surprises in your planning.
- How pets show grief on loss of an owner, and how to obtain grief support after the loss of a pet.
- How to memorialize your pet, and leave a legacy.
- How to implement the plan, weighing the pros and cons of using an online document preparation service or an experienced pet planning attorney.
About the book: Who Will Care When You're Not There? Estate Planning for Pet Owners by Robert E. Kass and Elizabeth A. Carrie
Publisher: Carob Tree Press, LLC

About the author:
Kass, a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School (JD, cum laude) and New York University Law School (Masters of Law in Taxation) has practiced law as an estate planning and tax attorney for over 30 years, and is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. He previously published a best-selling layman's guide to settling an estate, "What Do We Do Now? A Practical Guide to Estate Administration for Widows, Widowers and Heirs."
Carrie earned her law degree and Masters of Law in Taxation from the University of Florida Frederic G. Levin College of Law. She is also an estate planning and tax attorney, and a long-time pet owner. Her relationship with and dedication to her German Shepherd provided the impetus for this book, so that other pet owners could become aware of their responsibilities, understand the critical issues in planning for their pets' welfare, and be prepared to implement practical solutions.
Both practice law as members of the Detroit law firm of Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker, PLLC.

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Friday, April 8, 2011

Waterford author Beth Griffin to hold book signings

WATERFORD TWP.
A book signing will be held for a Waterford Township author from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 16 and Sunday, April 17, at Meijer, 4200 Highland Road, Waterford Township.
Beth Griffin will sign copies of "BCZICAN". She lives in Waterford, Michigan where her mother, Naomi Griffin was Waterford Township Clerk for several years.
It is a true story is based on a slice of life which was described as "a roller coaster ride with a hint of Alfred Hitchcock in the mix."
In addition to Meijer, visit Bookstand Publishing, Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, and Borders.
— Staff reports

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Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Waterford woman writes about cooking for family

TIME: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., Monday, April 18

WHERE: Madison Heights Public Library, 240 W. 13 Mile Rd., Madison Heights, MI 48071

WHAT: Darla Jaros, a resident of Waterford, MI, will be teaching a cooking workshop based on her Cookbook, The Kitchen Assistant: Time and Money Saving Tips in the Kitchen.

As a single mom supporting three children, Darla Jaros of Waterford learned the importance of fulfilling her children's preferential tastes with presentation as well as nutrition.
After collecting recipes and helpful kitchen tips for more than 30 years, Darla combined her knowledgeable and tried-and-true basic principles of cooking into this helpful and unique cookbook.
Darla utilizes fresh ingredients and a handful of useful guidelines to cook quick-and-easy meals on a tight budget. She is well versed in providing delicious, wholesome, and inexpensive meals while saving time and cleanup in the kitchen.
Darla will teach you which staple items to always keep handy, how to make a meal for the entire family when the cupboards seem bare, and the multiple uses of spices, as well as a weight-management plan.
Her useful and unique tips will help you successfully prepare for a healthy dining experience while stretching your grocery dollars.
The Kitchen Assistant is sure to become your daily reference guide and a permanent fixture in your family kitchen.

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Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Royal Oak resident writes about difficult behavior

ROYAL OAK RESIDENT WRITES NEW BOOK

Royal Oak resident Cindy Hampel has written her first book, titled, "It's Not Personal: Lessons I've Learned from Dealing with Difficult Behavior."

In the book, Hampel shares personal stories of difficult encounters and the life lessons she discovers through those situations. Several stories involve Sandwich Generation conflicts, resulting from the difficult squeeze between personal and family needs and the expectations of a needy elderly parent.

Other stories talk about encounters with a school bully, a cranky neighbor (not from Royal Oak), a rude restaurant patron and an arrogant business contact. From those stories, the author draws practical suggestions and encouraging insights from a layperson's point of view.

"I wrote the book in the spirit of a friend who shares a story and a suggestion over a cup of coffee," Hampel said. "I hope readers will find stories they can relate to, as well as practical ideas they can use."

Hampel has earned awards for investigative journalism and feature writing. She has reported for daily and weekly newspapers, served in corporate media relations, and consulted on editorial projects for nonprofit and for-profit organization.

"It's Not Personal" is now available through Amazon.com and through Orange Sun Press at http://orangesunpress.wordpress.com<http://orangesunpress.wordpress.com/>.

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Everything a New Boater Needs to Know

Whether you are a new boat owner, weekend adventurer or vacationer looking to rent a craft, there are basic tips, techniques and skills you need to know before you step foot on deck. With Seamanship (Fox Chapel Publishing, July 1, 2011) beginners will learn everything to safely enjoy power or sail boating.

Comprehensively detailed instructions, diagrams and clear illustrations provide a wealth of information on boat handling, navigation, dropping anchor, reading weather, winds and water, as well as ways to prevent extreme situations, like a capsized boat.

Historical details and real life boating examples are included. Whether you're planning a trip along the coast or in the deep blue waters of the ocean, Seamanship is an essential guide to boating for anyone new to the sport.

About the Editor:
Skills Institute Press provides books for the do-it-yourselfer or hobbyist in a variety of subjects, including Boating, Sewing, Crafts, Self-Sustainability and more.

Book Title: Seamanship, NEW from the Essential Guide to Boating Series
ISBN: 978-1-56523-554-0
Price: $19.95, Pages: 160, Size: 7.5" x 9"
Pub. Date: August 1, 2011
Published by: Fox Chapel Publishing, 1-800-457-9112
Distributed by: Ingram Publisher Services, 1-866-400-5351

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