Downeyoshun by Art Young Genre: Recent Historical Family Fiction

 

A not-always-sentimental vacation to the '50s, '60s, 'and '70s. Bring your swimsuit.

Downeyoshun

by Art Young

Genre: Recent Historical Family Fiction

Sally Osterhoff is a genius. When she grows up, she wants to be a mathematician, a teacher, and a carpenter; and she plans to swim in the 1968 and 1972 Olympics. 

 

Her mother has other ideas, and will emotionally and physically abuse Sally to fit them. After all, she only wants what is best for her child. But between her father trying his best, the family next door who practically adopts her, and her Aunt & Uncle down in Ocean City where she spends her summers, Sally just might have the support and love she needs to make all of her dreams come true.

 

Set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights struggles, the Vietnam War, and the early Feminist movement, the story explores the power of found family, and how unconditional love can come from the least expected places. Downeyoshun is a not-always-sentimental vacation to the '50s, '60s, and '70s. Bring your swimsuit.

 

Praise about the book:

“Arthur Young will introduce you to a special world, East Baltimore, and its vacation spot, Ocean City, with his warm Downeyoshun.  Not that life is perfect – not all mothers are kind, and the VietNam war casts a shadow. But you’ll feel as if you’ve met new friends as you follow his characters through the challenges of growing up. In his skillful telling, the fabric of a family and a neighborhood comes to life. You may even find yourself becoming a Baltimore Hon!”

–Pamela Zerba, Contributor Atheists in America, Writer, Creative York Contest Winner

 

“Be prepared to fall in love with one of the most endearing literary characters of the century thus far. Ultimately, this is a book about family, the one you’re stuck with and the one you make. By the end, Sally will feel like part of yours. You will thoroughly enjoy your trip Downeyoshun.”

-Robert Akridge, Writer

 

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Art Young is a Baltimore-born U.S. Navy / Vietnam / Agent Orange veteran and cancer survivor. He was once a carny in a traveling gadget show, and has worked as a fire-extinguishing-system installer and serviceman, a brewery’s route delivery salesman, flexographic press operator, licensed boiler-plant engineer, and a storyteller. He much prefers the last. 

 

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Imaginary Heroes by Michael Seidelman Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy Adventure

 

His friends may be IMAGINARY… but the danger is REAL!

Imaginary Heroes

by Michael Seidelman

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy Adventure

His friends may be IMAGINARY… but the danger is REAL!

Twelve-year-old Matthew’s life has been incredibly challenging because of his Tourette Syndrome, a disorder which causes uncontrollable movements and sounds. Isolated and tormented by bullies at school, Matthew finds solace in the company of his lifelong imaginary friends, a lovable green monster and a tough-as-nails little girl.

On his way home from school one day, as Matthew is pursued by his relentless tormentors, they all crash into a mysterious underground lair. At first, it seems that being trapped with the bullies who make his life miserable is his biggest problem. That is, until he and the others discover that they are not alone.

Hunted by a menacing presence lurking in the depths, Matthew and the bullies must confront a threat to their very existence. Their desperate mission becomes clear: put their differences aside and work together to find a way to safety before they are all consumed by the darkness.

 

Although fictional, the book is inspired by the author's own childhood experiences with bullying, loneliness, and Tourette Syndrome. He set out to craft an engaging story while exploring issues many kids can relate to—told from the perspective of someone who has lived them firsthand.

 

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When Michael Seidelman was growing up, his passions were reading, watching movies, enjoying nature and creative writing. Not much has changed since then.

 Working in Online Marketing for over ten years, Michael felt it was time to pursue his passion and began writing The Garden of Syn trilogy.

 His latest Middle Grade book, Imaginary Heroes, is personal for Michael. While fiction, the book is inspired by his own childhood experiences with bullying, loneliness, and Tourette's Syndrome. He set out to tell an entertaining story while delving into issues many kids can relate to, told by someone who has experienced them firsthand.

 Michael was born in Vancouver, BC Canada where he continues to reside.

 

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Thea by Genevieve Morrissey Genre: YA Historical Fiction

  

Poverty, prejudice, her mother’s addiction…in her quest for an education, 15-year-old Thea tries to navigate them all. But will a secret ultimately undermine her efforts?

Thea

by Genevieve Morrissey

Genre: YA Historical Fiction

Oklahoma City, 1925

Fifteen-year-old Thea Carter lives in a small garage apartment—Thea’s seventh “home” in four years—provided by her alcoholic mother’s employer, the morose and enigmatic Dr. Hallam.

School is Thea’s refuge and she’s an excellent student, but the parasitic Mrs. Carter’s instability continually threatens her dream of getting a high school diploma. In an effort to keep her mother employed and the two of them housed, Thea secretly takes on much of her mother’s work while at the same time navigating adolescence, friendships, and first love.

Dr. Hallam, impressed by her drive and intelligence, becomes Thea’s unexpected ally, but in addition to wealth and position, the doctor also has a secret that could ruin him, and shatter his bond with Thea.

 

“Thea is a coming-of-age tale with a lot of heart and charm. Author Genevieve Morrissey has written a moving story about a young girl's journey of self-discovery…. Morrissey's characters truly leap off the pages….. It's a fantastic coming-of-age story for young adults and even older readers!”

– Reader’s Favorite Review

 

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Thea is the new historical novel by Genevieve Morrissey, author of the award-winning Marriage & Hanging and the popular Antlands science fiction series. She is an avid student of British and American social history who, through one of those strange little quirks of fate, spends most of her days talking with scientists. In addition to writing, Genevieve enjoys reading obscure books, travel, and solitude.

 

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The Abandoned Theater by Dana Robertson

 

Book One of the Alderland Series 

Middle Grade Fiction

Date to be Published: 05-01-2025

Publisher: Our Street Books

 

Deep in the woods of the Winnodov property sits the abandoned theater. Something mysterious happened during the last performance there - the same night Mr. Winnodov disappeared.

Eight years later, it’s happening again. A group of mischievous teenagers sneaks into the theater. And now, one is missing.

When 12-year-old Beth Shoner learns who the missing teen is, she sets off with two friends to find him. But what they discover is more astonishing than they could ever have imagined.

Early Reviews

5 stars - “Absolute gem of a read that had me hooked from the first page. A thrilling, magical adventure with a touch of danger.”

~K.L, Netgalley

5 stars - “Genuinely brilliant tale filled with lush imagery and fantastical settings. Wonderful fantasy adventure. Very highly recommended.”

~A.S., Readers Favorite

5 stars – “What a compelling and engaging read. Action-packed, magical, and entertaining. A must-read middle-school/YA fantasy read.

~A.A, Author

5 stars - “Masterfully weaves suspense and wonder, keeping readers on edge with unexpected twists and a richly built setting.”

~Kids World book blog

5 stars – “Novel is wonderful, whimsical and beautifully crafted. A spectacular read for people of all ages.”

~T.C., Goodreads

About the Author

Dana Robertson lives in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. She writes fantasy, mystery, science fiction and middle grade fiction.

 

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Summer Fated To Be Mine

 

 

YA, Coming of Age, Urban, Romance

Date Published: 05-06-2025

 

 

First Love is Overrated 

This summer these two broken souls discover if your second love can make you forget your first

 

Growing up, the Morelli brothers were close

Their kinship sinks deeper than the Titanic the summer they both fall for the same girl. Zakiah always felt Iliana Kaplan's heart belonged to him. All along, it has been their story, until fate removed the blindfold.

Everything falls apart when Zakiah realizes Iliana will never give him her whole heart. This time, the middle brother, Elijah, won't be able to repair the damage. A rift is torn amid all of them, and nothing will ever be the same again.

Two years later, when love comes knocking on his door, Zakiah strays from his motto. He can't pretend the connection he feels with Glory Glover isn't real. He just can't afford to fall victim to love again—already learned that lesson the hard way.

Life drops the other shoe. When his dad reveals who his betrothed is, there's no running from what fate has in store. Can your second love make you forget your first? Zakiah must decide if love only exists in fairytales. No matter what choice he makes, it won't be easy to find what's truly his to behold.

What happened in the spring might've made him forget his summertime dreams, but reality rarely has a silver lining.

 

About the Author

B. Truly has wanted to be an author since she was fifteen years old. She is grateful to have accomplished this dream. B. Truly has very vivid dreams and a wild imagination. She likes to read, watch tons of TV shows, and movies. She’s addicted to romance and gets a thrill out of suspense and sci-fi. She writes young adult, new adult, and adult romance, sci-fi, dystopian, paranormal, and urban genres.

B. Truly likes to explore conflicted plots of romance with thrilling twists. She also loves creating impossible situations for her characters to grow from and try to overcome.

B. Truly has three wonderful children, and a husband who defines the person that she is today. She works full-time as an Ultrasound technologist in Houston, Texas.

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Nontraditional Plot Structures for Neurodiverse Writers by Margie Pignataro Genre: Nonfiction Literary Theory, Writer’s Guide

 

Check out the cover reveal for this free ebook that introduces neurodiverse writers (and neurotypical) to plot structures beyond the commonly used hero's Journey. These plots are emotionally accessible, highly creative, and more "traditional" than you'd expect.

Nontraditional Plot Structures for Neurodiverse Writers

by Margie Pignataro

Genre: Nonfiction Literary Theory, Writer’s Guide

Born from a rejected dissertation proposal and reworked over the course of 15 years into a compelling exploration of narrative, Nontraditional Plot Structures for Neurodiverse Writers challenges conventional storytelling norms. This free ebook delves into how nontraditional plot structures resonate with neurodiverse writers, offering creative frameworks that align with their artistic and intellectual strengths—traits often mislabeled as obstacles.

Through engaging diagrams and dozens of links to free resources, this book examines storytelling across diverse mediums, from Oedipus the King to Squid Game, spanning novels, poetry, visual arts, television, film, theater, and even commercials. The Mona Lisa and Little Red Riding Hood provide illustrated and textual examples of each plot structure. Whether you're a writer seeking fresh approaches or an artist questioning traditional narratives, this guide provides valuable insights into storytelling beyond the expected.

This ebook lays the groundwork for a forthcoming second edition, arriving next year, which will expand upon these ideas with deeper textual analyses, practical exercises, and hands-on guidance to help you craft your own unique narratives.

  

**Coming May 1st – and it’ll be FREE!!**

I have been writing with serious intent for thirty years. I've been published and produced multiple times. My education has focused on literary theory, theater history and criticism, as well as creative writing. I also sell my collage art in a Redbubble store.

I have been published as a playwright. I had articles about Shakespeare published, as well as blog pieces. I've self-published several novels and one book of poetry under the name Lady Ristretto. I have also worked as a freelance erotica writer with individual clients.

 

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The Pot of Gold at the Rainbow Cafe by Dan Chabot

Contemporary Fiction

Date Published: April 1, 2025

 

 

In a time when too much emphasis is on our past sins, instead of our many celebrated successes, The Pot of Gold at the Rainbow Café is a breath of fresh air. It's a story that looks at what’s right with America, its big heart, and its kind and generous people. It is an inspiring, touching, humorous story about main-street America, still the land of opportunity and exceptionalism, where fairy-tale endings are still common. It’s a place where neighbors look out for each other, help each other, then pay it forward, pass their good fortune along. Just look around you. It still happens every day.

 

About the Author

  

Dan Chabot is a retired newspaper editor and columnist for a major metro daily, the Milwaukee Journal (now the Journal-Sentinel). For many years he presided over the paper’s most popular section, the Green Sheet, a daily compendium of entertaining feature stories, nostalgia, history, humor and whimsy. He is the author of several other novels and now lives in Florida.

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