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That’s Just the Way Life Is… A Memoir

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That's Just the Way Life Is... A Memoir by Leslie ComptonThat’s Just the Way Life Is… A Memoir
By Leslie Compton

That’s Just the Way Life Is… details the journey my father and I traveled as he battled prostate cancer while weaving through memories of happier times. The physical, emotional and medical situations we encountered are explored in detail. This memoir was written for those who have lost a loved one, those who are caregivers and those who are training to be caregivers.

At the conclusion are discussion suggestions to be used in a group situation to prepare them for their journey ahead.

* * *

…a fine piece of writing, honest, unflinching,…impressive work.”
— Peter Gibb, author of King OF Doubt (a memoir), teacher, lecturer on memoir writing and mindfulness.

“This is a book not everyone will want to read…but everyone should… profound and moving, wonderfully well written.” — Olivia Taylor-Young, FORMER Public Relations Director / Hospice Public Information Officer, San Jose, CA
retired newspaper / magazine columnist, U of Oregon Osher LifeLong Learning Institute 

“It is well written, a very honest telling of your experience with your father’s dying. The questions at the end are …helpful and should generate valuable reflection.” — Fred Grewe, Clergyman, Hospice at Providence Medical Facility, Medford, Oregon

Mountaintops and Valleys, Book 3, The Peaks Saga

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Mountaintops and Valleys, A Peaks Saga, Book 3 by MF Erler
Available at FSP BOOKSTORE  |  AMAZON and everywhere books are sold.

READ A SAMPLE | SHARE | BUY

[UPDATED AND REVISED 2018]

Jon, Jael, and Martina have finally found Maia, or Mother Earth. In their travels, they’ve been told they must search for a fountain on Earth that can wash them clean in both body and soul. But no one seems to know where this fountain is, though many cities claim that their fountain is the ‘true one.’ This is only one of the challenges they face, as they try to make a home for themselves in this strange, new place. Will Jon and Martina be able to commit to each other? Or will forces of the world tear their marriage apart, before it’s even begun?

Meanwhile, Jael’s friend, Raina–from Terres–has also managed to escape the destruction of Terres-City, with the help of kindly strangers. Will she and Jael be reunited? And will Jael and Martina find the rest of their shattered family?

* * *

“…mix of fantasy and adventure with a moral tale at its center… appropriate for a younger audience.” —Kathy Dunhoff, Zola Award-winning Women’s Fiction Writer

“…start with a religious/fantasy base, then adds a dollop of ‘A Wrinkle in Time’, mixed in a sprinkling of ‘Narnia’ and spice it up with a little romance.”

“M.F. Erler is an intriguing story-teller…hard to put down. I had many sleepless nights because I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next!“

An M.F. Erler book. Visit PeaksAndBeyond.com

Searching for Maia, Book 2, The Peaks Saga

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Searching for Maia, A Peaks Saga, Book 2 by MF Erler
Available at FSP BOOKSTORE  |  AMAZON and everywhere books are sold.

Searching for Maia (The Peaks Saga, Book 2)

[UPDATED AND REVISED 2018]

Ginna and Danny have been back from the future for almost four years, but things are falling apart for them again. Then time-travelers Jon and Jael arrive with a big surprise, taking them into their parallel universe and their own personal lives–where Jon, Jael, and Martina are out of choices. As they flee their homes on planet Terres, they are told to search for a mysterious planet called Maia. But no one seems to know where it is, or if it even exists.

As they travel through uncharted space, they encounter many ways of life, but none of them seems to provide any of the answers they seek. And they aren’t the only ones looking for it. The longer they search, the more they encounter mysterious dark forces and threats. As the truth of these forces and their schemes unfold, the trio falls into a deadly struggle for their very lives. They begin to wonder if their journey will ever reach an end, or if the journey itself is the only thing that is real.

* * *

“…a page turner!” —Judith Seidel

“I remember fondly reading The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe when I was in middle school. The Peaks at the Edge of the World has a similar mix of fantasy and adventure with a moral tale at its center. This is a book that’s appropriate for a younger audience than most sci fi/fantasy novels. Enjoy the read!” —Kathy Dunhoff, Zola Award-winning Women’s Fiction Writer

FIRESIDE PRESS- Self-Publishing Division of First Steps Publishing

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FIRESIDE PRESS (CM Publishing / Soul Fire Press), is the hybrid division of FSP, offering the same professional services. Our titles are regularly reviewed by First Steps Publishing for new, talented authors. While there are no guarantee of the number of titles First Steps will sign each year, this is a way to get your foot in the door.

Fireside Press (CM Publishing / Soul Fire Press)
Publishing with a Personal Touch

OPEN SUBMISSIONS

FIRESIDE SUBMISSION FORM

Starting Cost: $3499

Print/ Ebook Earning: 50% royalty.

What does the fee for Hybrid Publishing include?

PRICING: $3499

Hybrid and Self-Publishing Package includes:

  • Proofreading of final manuscript (one-time read through)
  • Professionally designed interior layout
  • An original, professionally designed book cover
  • Purchase and assignment of ISBNs
  • Metadata management
  • Inclusion in catalogs to libraries and the book trade internationally
  • Hardback, paperback, and ebook formatting
  • Free copies of the book (5 PBK, 1 HBK)*
  • Author book purchase at 40% above print cost* (Example: $5 print cost/book, Author price = $7/book
    • We want you to succeed in your writing career, so we keep your purchase price low.
  • 50% Royalties for Print and Ebook* (net sales)
  • Worldwide sales and distribution to brick-and-mortar bookstores and libraries. Through Ingram Spark / Lightning Source, we are connected to the ordering systems of 40,000 independent and chain bookstores, libraries, and online retailers worldwide, plus every major e-book retailer (including iBookstore, Kobo, Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, etc.)
  • Promotion through Social Media, our newsletter*
  • Media Kit. We work with you to create a base media kit:
    • Print/Web headshots (S, M, LG)
    • Print/Web cover (full, flat, and 3D)
    • Interview Questions / Answers
    • Sales sheet handout
    • Social Media Banner Ad
    • Press Release

*Not included in self-publishing package

What are the criteria for selection of titles?

We base our initial decision on the QUERY LETTER and your writing sample, then decide whether to request the full MS.

Quality of the writing: We are seeking well-written manuscripts that are engaging, well-structured, and well-edited. We also consider whether the writing style is appropriate for the intended audience, such as thrillers, suspense, cozy, historical, contemporary, etc.

Marketability of the book: FSP wants to work with authors whose books will be able to sell well in the market. They consider factors such as the book’s genre, the target audience, and the competition in the market.

Author platform: FSP may consider an author’s platform, which is the author’s visibility and reach in the market. This can include an author’s social media following, their reputation in their field, and their previous publication credits. While not a requirement, FSP strongly recommends some form of online presence.

Feasibility of the project: FSP needs to consider whether a book project is feasible from a financial standpoint – considering factors such as the length of the book, the potential market for the book, and the production costs.

Fit with our publishing list: FSP has a specific focus and set of goals for our publishing program, and will consider whether a particular book aligns with those goals.

 

Peaks at the Edge of the World ~ Finding the Light, Book 1 The Peaks Saga

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Peaks at the Edge of the World by MF Erler
Available at FSP BOOKSTORE  |  AMAZON and everywhere books are sold.

Finding the Light: Peaks at the Edge of the World (The Peaks Saga, Book 1)

[UPDATED AND REVISED 2018]

On the distant planet of Terres, far in the future, a young boy, Jael, finds his family being torn apart by dark forces of the Galactic System. Raised by his mother, and older siblings, who believe in a distant ruler called the True King, he soon finds himself alone in a world that is falling apart.

Now he must put his trust in a stranger named Jon, who claims he has the ability to cut across space and time-by Crossing the GAP. Jael convinces Jon to take him across their planet toward the mountain peaks at the edge of their world in order to help him find his runaway sister, Martina. But Martina has become possessed by the dark forces of the Redlarks, people who live in the Wilds. Will Jon and Jael be able to release her, and escape to a better place?

This book asks “What if Christianity were to survive into the distant future?” Would this ancient religion have any meaning in a complex, future technology? What would life be like for a tiny remnant who are severely persecuted, and trying to cling to ‘Old Ways’?

* * *

“M.F. Erler is an intriguing story-teller. The Peaks at the Edge of the World was hard to put down. I had many sleepless nights because I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next!”