From The InterMountain
By Gary Mallonee

Matthew Gregory is not just the chief of police for the city of Buckhannon. He is now a published author with book one, titled “A Land Divided.” The book is the first of a five-book series on “The Lost Kingdom Saga.”

“Writing has always been a passion for me,” Gregory said. “It is an escape and something I really enjoy doing.”

The book begins with the death of a king in the mythical land of Purthia. Chaos erupts, but in its midst a band of warriors join together and attempt to restore order, Gregory said.

“I like deep stories and the underlying symbolism,” Gregory said. “This book is a tale of redemption.”

Gregory said the books can be read from start to finish on more than one level. On a personal level the stories can be seen as preserving and keeping the faith. On another level the stories can be compared to today’s world versus terrorism.

Gregory and his editor spent several months reading and re-reading the novel and e-mailing each other. The process was very time consuming. Unlike writing which can be done at your own pace, the editing process had a deadline that had to be met, Gregory said.

“I got some valuable experience in the editing process,” Gregory said. “I learned a good lesson in patience.”

Gregory is drawn to the classic good-versus-evil theme and has taken elements from real life and human character traits including the ability to distinguish between right and wrong and joined them together.

One of the main themes in the book is based on the Arthurian legend, might does not make right, Gregory said.

In the story, the characters face a hopeless situation.

“When all hope is gone, do you just give up and accept your fate? Or, do you ask what you can do?” Gregory said.

Gregory wanted to use these themes and write a story in novel format. After writing the novel, he realized that the story he had written was not complete.

“It was only a small piece,” Gregory said. “I then realized that five books would be needed.”

Gregory said that book two will continue from the point where book one ends.

The book is set for official release in early December. Some advance copies are currently available for sale by Gregory. The book and ebook can be ordered from the Tate Publishing Web site, www.tatepublishing.com.

Gregory said the audio book is something to look forward to because the listener will be able to close their eyes and become part of the action.

The novel is dedicated to Gregory’s mother Patricia Muncy. Gregory said he witnessed the struggles his mother went through before she died from cancer, something that influenced him greatly.

As a child, Gregory said he drew picture books and his mother would encourage him to write stories to go along with the books.

“She always was a great influence and inspiration to my writing,” Gregory said.

A Web site, www.lostkingdomsaga.com, currently under construction where Gregory plans to post more original writing, will be up and running in the near future.

Anyone interested in having Gregory speak or to purchase an autographed copy can e-mail Gregory at chief491@hotmail.com

Learn more about “A Land Divided“

From News Chief
By Shelly Godefrin

LAKE WALES – Donna Raye, assistant reference librarian at the Lake Wales Public Library, never liked to write, but after an accident that resulted in 80 percent of her body being burned, Raye tapped into her writing skills during recovery.

In 2004, Raye was mowing the grass and put brush and lawn clippings into a fire pit to burn. She went to light the pile and it backfired on her.

“My body swelled up like an Oompa Loompa,” Raye said. “I was in bed covered head to toe in gauze. I couldn’t talk and my whole face was burned.”

During the healing process, which Raye said went quickly, she looked out her bedroom window around 3 a.m. and saw a firefly. Raye thought of a light bulb, then thought of Thomas Edison, which gave her the idea for her children’s book titled “Edison the Firefly and his Buddy Bell.”

“I really think the burn was it for me,” Raye said. “I don’t think I would’ve ever given myself time to just do nothing. When you’re just laying there, you can’t do anything but think.”

Raye and her family moved to Lake Wales in 2004, which was a tumultuous year for her. In April 2004 she got burned and during the hurricane season, her house was destroyed when old oak trees fell on it.

Raye said it took 14 neighbors 12 hours to dig her and her family out of their house.

“They couldn’t get in, we couldn’t get out,” Raye said. “It took us about a year and a half to rebuild.”

As Raye and her family were rebuilding their life and Raye’s health was rebuilding, she found a passion writing.

Raye said writing and literature were her worst subjects in school. She didn’t start reading for fun until she was 35 and didn’t start writing until she was burned.

As the first book in a series of 13, “Edison the Firefly and his Buddy Bell,” tells the story of an adopted firefly named Edison and how he invented the phonograph because he wanted to hear better. He invented the phonograph with the help of his friend Bell the Bee, named after Alexander Graham Bell.

Each of the books in the series will talk about different inventions.

Bell the Bee will receive his own series of 12 or 13 books that will feature other inventors.

Growing up in Fort Myers about five blocks away from Thomas Edison’s home, Raye grew up with an appreciation of inventions and science.

“I really liked the Edison home,” Raye said. “I went there all the time because I liked the Banyon tree and I loved going through the gardens. I always thought his thought process was so different. He was way before his time and not everyone understood him.”

Through “Edison the Firefly and his Buddy Bell,” Raye hopes to not only teach children about inventors and their inventions, but also teach about diversity, recycling and show adopted children they’re just as important as anyone else.

Each book ends with a moral lesson. The moral at the end of “Edison the Firefly and his Buddy Bell,” is that Edison invented the phonograph so he could hear better, but he ended up helping the entire world.

Besides children’s books, Raye has also written a novel titled “Sands of Sanibel,” which focuses on a 93-year-old woman who talks about life growing up on Sanibel Island. Raye doesn’t know when the novel will be published.

Published by Tate Publishing, “Edison the Firefly and his Buddy Bell” can be purchased in any book store.

Raye doesn’t know how many books she’s sold, but she has received responses from parents who thanked her for writing a wholesome book they can read with their children.

Some schools use the book as part of the curriculum to teach about inventors and inventions.

Raye is pleased to know she’s impacting the lives of children through her book.

“I love children and because I love them, I want them to be inspired and know they are important,” Raye said. “They are our world and our next generation. They can make our world or break our world and we as adults need to love on them, care for them and inspire them.”

Raye’s writing career seemed to have come out of no where and she doesn’t know how long it will last, but she’s going to enjoy the ride.

“I’m having a blast,” Raye said. “I don’t know where this is coming from, but I’m just going with it. I’m going to ride this train as long as I can. When it stops, it stops.”

Learn more about “Edison the Firefly“

 Book Review

 Full Time Doctors An Endangered Species
All Physician MDs Are Now Specialists
William H. Whitmore, MD
Tate Publishing, LLC
299 pages

 
Physicians and health professionals, regardless of their areas of expertise, will undoubtedly benefit from the medical experiences and opinions that Dr. William H. Whitmore portrays so effectively in his book entitled Full Time Doctors An Endangered Species. He acknowledges that before the birth of “specialists,” physicians with less experience would seek help from older, wiser, and more experienced colleagues if they could not deal with a specific problem. After thirty-five years as a General Practitioner where he treated patients wholly, doing minor surgeries, delivering babies, and diagnosing health problems, the author retired due to some serious health problems. The period of time during which he and many others practiced medicine is often referred to as the “Golden Years.” Although, there continues to be wonderful advances in science and medicine, this era that he refers to is over. The author reminds readers that too many doctors just “don’t do windows,” and instead of treating individuals in their offices for conditions that they are quite capable of handling, they often choose to refer patients to one or more specialists.

 
Dr. Whitmore describes the changes that have progressively taken place throughout the years in regard to how and where physicians are trained and how and where patients receive medical care. With such evolution, some changes, such as the advances in technology are exciting; however, others convey a personal sense of loss. Because my doctors don’t do windows, I have been referred to specialist after specialist for various health problems, and since none of these physicians truly knew my entire medical history—or me—there have been some negative results.

 
Even though I am not a physician, I found many of the medical cases that Dr. Whitmore writes about to be fascinating. Reading how he solved medical puzzles was entertaining, educational and personally reassuring. He honestly states that he “learned” the art of practicing medicine and, just as he sought advice from more experienced physicians in his early years of practice, he was soon sharing his insight and experience with newer generations of physicians. In writing Full Time Doctors An Endangered Species, he continues to do this, offering life-saving lessons and his own unique medical experiences that need to be passed on to today’s medical students. This book is a valuable resource that, in my opinion, should be required reading for students who wants the benefits of Dr. Whitmore’s years of “learned expertise” before they even began the art of practicing medicine.

 
Whether reading how the author assisted physicians in diagnosing members of his own family, participated in some rather unusual autopsies, showed examples of effective “old time” remedies, communicated with patients as he diagnosed their conditions, dealt with rare diseases and infections, described how one patient was scared to death, reminisced about former employees, shared stories of memorable recoveries as well as the emotions involved in losing patients, readers will respect this doctor and his contributions to society. He describes his relationship with his father, who was also a physician, and the wonderful life that he enjoys with his wife of fifty-five years. Not surprisingly, he continues to keep up with all the medical advances, and, although retired, maintains his license to practice medicine and surgery.

 
When Dr. Whitmore describes his own serious illnesses, he is open and honest. I was intrigued that he admitted not having good rapport with a particular neurosurgeon and thus engaged the services of a different physician in this field. This sends an important message to all readers of this book. Don’t settle when it comes to your health!

 
This is a book that I highly recommend; within the pages, there is wit and wisdom that needs to be absorbed and utilized. As I read each chapter, I found myself wishing more and more that I could find a physician who practices medicine as Dr. Whitmore did until his retirement. But, as the title suggests, he is “an endangered species.” I find this sad and also more than a little frightening.

 
Bettie Corbin Tucker
Former mainline publisher, author of seven books,
and experienced editor and book reviewer.
Learn more about “Full Time Doctors An Endangered Species“

From FaithWriters.com

On Sunday night, January 5, 2003, the author had just returned home from preaching a sermon on Revelation. He could not stop thinking about it. As the Lord spoke to his heart, his life was changed forever.

“Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the Throne will dwell among them.” (Revelation 7:15 KJV).

The words that seemed to be staring him in the face were “dwell among them.” So he began in Genesis and read through Revelation, searching for more confirmation of this concept that the only thing God has ever wanted to do wasdwell among us.

Stevens found seven distinct places where he says, “…God has, is, and will dwell with His People.” (P.8)

1. The Garden of Eden

God walked and talked with Adam and Eve. His interest laid a foundation for communication. The author reminds us that God wants to be with us and that we need to ask His forgiveness and not hide from his presence as the first two humans did.

2. The Tabernacle of Meeting

“As a result of Adam and Eve’s fall, God was no longer able to dwell with man as He had done before.” (P.19)

Mankind was separated from a holy and righteous God as a result of the sin of disobedience that happened in the Garden of Eden. This brought a curse upon all of mankind. In God’s mercy and desire to fellowship with us, there had to be a method to remove the sin. The shedding of blood was the way to make atonement. An animal would have to be sacrificed for humans to enjoy God’s presence again.

“God had chosen the nation of Israel to be his people (Deuteronomy 7:6) and He wanted them to build Him a sanctuary, which would be called the Tabernacle of Meeting (Exodus 27:21). The word ‘tabernacle’ in Hebrew means dwelling place. Wow! Once again, God was going to be able to dwell with his children.” (P.21)

3. The Word became Flesh

As a result of Israel’s ultimate disobedience and pulling away from God, He made a new covenant by sending Jesus Christ to earth to dwell with His people and eventually to be a living sacrifice for mankind’s continuing sins.

4. The Spirit of Truth

After Jesus completed his earthly task and then was crucified, as promised, he sent the comforter–the Holy Spirit.

“Sometimes life is going to get dark and cloudy and we are going to have to go through some storms. But always remember, just because we can’t see Him doesn’t mean that HE isn’t with us. And may we remember what Jesus told His disciples, and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (P.53)

5. The One Who Sits on the Throne

After Jesus comes back to take His church home, there will be a seven year period called the Great Tribulation when God will pour out his judgment on the earth. Those who have repented and accepted Him as Lord and Savior will dwell with Him in heaven.

“Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matthew 24:44).

6. The Millennium Reign

“His first coming was as a babe in Bethlehem and led to Him giving His life on the cross to set up His spiritual kingdom. But His second coming will not be the same. This time it will not be as a babe, but as conquering ‘King of Kings and Lord of Lords’ to set up His earthly kingdom.” (P.65)

We will reign with Him here on earth for a thousand years (Revelation 20:6).

“Until Jesus sets up His kingdom on the earth, the world is only going to get worse and worse, but the good news is we win in the end because of what Jesus did at Calvary and one day we will be royalty and the earth will be ours forever.” (P.75)
7. The Tabernacle of God

John’s vision showed him the old heaven and earth will pass away.

“And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.’” (Revelation 21:3).
Mr. Stevens has done a fine job in reminding us how God yearns to dwell with His people, and how He always has made a way for that to happen, and continues to do so.

“What’s really important for us to know is God wants to be with us. And we must be careful and not hide from His presence as Adam and Eve did.” (P. 88)

This reviewer says, ” Well done, and Amen!”
Learn more about “The Seven Dwelling Places of God in the Bible“

All About Unconditional Love 

From Winston-Salem Journal
By Kim Underwood

Hilda LeVan Principe almost talked herself out of finishing her children’s book My Red Hat Grandma & Me.

Anyone who has ever tried to avoid turning a dream into reality is familiar with the basic package of self-defeating excuses that she was working with.

To that everyday mix, she added a custom-tooled whopper – “I’m too old to write a book.”

After all, she told herself, she was already in her 60s.

Thank goodness her husband, Martin, would have none of that. He kept after her to finish it.

With his help, she saw that it was important that she do it, and now, at the age of 64, she is out in the world promoting a story of unconditional love between a grandmother and a granddaughter. Not incidentally, God plays a significant role.

On Saturday, she will be signing books at The Master’s Loft, and, in December, she will be at Barnes & Noble.

Principe – it’s pronounced prince-e-pay – is from here. She grew up on Murray Road in the Old Town neighborhood and graduated from Northwest when it was a high school. Her younger sister, Linda Starkey, lives in Kernersville, and her uncle, Dwight Myers, lives in Mocksville.

These days, she lives in Virginia Beach, Va., where she belongs to The Mahvelous Mermaids of Virginia Beach chapter of the Red Hat Society, a group for women 50 and older that has 40,000 chapters in 31 countries. At get-togethers, members wear red hats and purple outfits.

From the title of the book and reading that the grandma owns lots of red and purple clothes, you might presume that the grandma is a member of the society.

The grandmother in the book, though, was inspired by Principe’s maternal grandmother – Beatrice Johnson Myers – a woman fond of red and purple long before the society came along.

“She was a red-and-purple woman ahead of her time,” Principe said.

Fulfilling her wish

Myers grew up in a time when the material for dresses often came from flour or feed sacks, and buying something ready-made in red or purple would have been an extravagance beyond her means. So she fulfilled her wish to keep company with red and purple by planting red roses and plants with purple blooms – bachelor buttons, hydrangeas, sweet peas.

The little girl in the book is named Kit, after a friend who loved life, Principe said. For her, the name came to symbolize feisty, funny, looking for trouble, ready to face anything.

In real life, Principe has a 13-year-old grandson named Connor.

Before writing her book, Principe spent 27 years teaching U.S. government and history to high-school students. From early on in her life, she wanted to become a teacher. But she took a detour to start a family with her first husband. They married after her first year of college and have two children, Steven Kiger, who returned from a tour in Iraq in May, and Dawn Stephenson, who is a hairstylist in Florida.

Her first husband’s work took the family first to Florida and then to Virginia, where she graduated from Old Dominion University in 1972.

She and Martin – a retired lieutenant colonel – have been married for 12 years. She had planned to keep teaching at the local community college after retiring. But a series of serious health problems derailed those plans. For four years, she couldn’t drive, and for a time, she couldn’t even walk. During that time, she joined the Red Hat Society and refocused on her writing, something that she had done since she was a child.

Principe grew up Southern Baptist, with ministers on both sides of the family, and, all along, some of her writing has pertained to her Christian faith. The Red Hat Grandma story grew out of her belief in the importance of unconditional love.

In her years of teaching, she said, she saw time and again the devastating effects of children not getting enough love.

“I saw so many lose their way,” she said. “There is something worthwhile in every child, and it’s not always obvious on the outside.”

Before Principe sought a publisher, she wrote five books in her red-and-purple grandma series. Each successive book is for children a little older and deals with ideas a bit more complex.

The illustrations in the first book are by Taylor Rauschkolb. If the time comes when Principe has enough name recognition as an author for her publisher to take a chance on a different sort of book, she hopes it will put out Porch Sittin’ on Murray Road, a collection of her earlier writing seasoned with recipes for some of her Southern specialties such as pound cake and barbecued ribs that are, if not world famous, at least famous within her family.

Principe’s husband is Italian, so, in recent years, she has also learned to cook Italian dishes. The one dish she doesn’t attempt is eggplant parmesan. That’s her mother-in-law’s specialty.

“I know when to yell, ‘Uncle!’” she said.

Principe hopes that people find a positive message not only in the pages of her book but also in the fact that she wrote it.

“You’ve got to live your dream,” she said. “You’ve got to put it out there.”

Learn more about “My Red Hat Grandma & Me“