Life at Open Heart Publishing

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Just a reminder that submissions for An Honest Lie, Vol. 2: Delusions of Insignificance are due March 15. As in 15 days from now. As in just over 2 weeks.

Submissions should be 3,000-6,000 words and relate to the theme “Delusions of Insignificance.” You can write 200-400 words a day, can’t you? Be sure to read the FAQ before you submit: www.anhonestlie.wordpress.com/faq.

And to all of you who didn’t come to The Cave of Colors Premiere, nanny-nanny-boo-boo! It was a wonderful time. More on that later, but in the meantime you can order your copies of The Cave of Colors, An Honest Lie, Vol. 1, or A Children’s Book of Necromancy from the OHP website.

I’m cracking it to remind you that submissions for An Honest Lie, Vol. 2 will close on March 15, just a little over a month from today. Unlike last year, the deadline will not be extended, so be sure to turn in your work on the theme “Delusions of Insignificance.” Submissions should be at least 3000 words in length and no more than 6,000 words total. Please be sure to read the faq for further details before submitting: www.anhonestlie.wordpress.com/faq.

In addition, the deadline is also March 15 to be considered as a writer or illustrator for an upcoming serialized fiction project with Open Heart Publishing. The setting is modern and based around a specific location and a diverse cast of characters; the “story collections” created by this team will be linear and as such the changes to characters within the story will have unique effects to plotline and development, and authors chosen for this episodic serial will receive full credit for the pieces. For more information regarding those writing and illustration opportunities, click here: http://debrincase.com/blog3/opportunities-with-o-h-p/

Artists interested in doing illustration for other projects should send a link to their work to ohpcareers@debrincase.com.

Open Heart Publishing announces the premiere of “The Cave of Colors,” an Open Heart Opportunity Project. The focus of the event is “The Cave of Colors,” a children’s book with accompanying audio that was conceived and written by children. 100% of the profits from sales of “The Cave of Colors” will benefit a charity of the childrens’ choosing.

The story of “The Cave of Colors” revolves around a magical place called The Cave of Colors, wherein everything you say and do happens.

Sunday February 28, 2010. Doors open at 12:45 pm at the Center for Spiritual Living facility at 4801 Spring Valley Rd (at International Pkwy.), Dallas, Texas 75244.

Meet some of “The Cave of Colors” children, buy your own copies of this charming book, and get more information on this and other Opportunity Projects.

Also featured at the Premiere will be “An Honest Lie, Volume 1: Encouraging the Delinquency of your Inner Child,” a short story anthology, and “A Children’s Book of Necromancy,” a spell-binding book by Debrin Case.

To our concerned parents and faculty:

It has come to my attention that many of our students are in possession of “A Children’s Book of Necromancy,” written by Debrin Case and illustrated by Darcy Melton. The book encourages children to mesmerize up to twelve of their friends, then force them to unwillingly participate in ceremonies in which they reanimate the dead.

Although “A Children’s Book of Necromancy” is clearly marked “Not recommended for children” on the cover, it is a coloring book and sells for just $12 from Open Heart Publishing, an amount any child can save from their allowance.

The inherent danger of this book cannot be overstated, and parents should closely monitor their children’s phone calls and activities. Make sure you know where your child is going and what they are doing. If they seem confused or are acting strange, they may have become a victim of a necromancer.

If your child exhibits any of the following signs, especially following a telephone conversation, do not permit them to leave the house, and call a local clergy member to assist with exorcism.

· Swirling spirals in place of eyes
· Sudden willingness to follow commands
· Insistence upon leaving the house without a specified destination
· Penchant for dark robes
· Chanting or humming

As long as these reanimation ceremonies are kept to a minimum, our students need not fear the zombie horde. I know we can count on your help in these troubled times.

Sincerely,

Dr. Nigel Newsom
Headmaster, Schadenfreude Academy

I recently asked all the authors from An Honest Lie, Vol. 1: Encouraging the Delinquency of Your Inner Child to answer the same question: How do you think your work for An Honest Lie relates to the theme Encouraging the Delinquency of Your Inner Child?

As you read these answers, don’t forget that you can help your favorite author win a book deal with Open Heart Publishing by either leaving a comment through their voting and purchase portal, here: http://ahlvol1vote.debrincase.com/, which is good for one point, or by purchasing your copy of An Honest Lie through their portal for 500 points.

Enjoy, and keep an eye on this blog, because The Children’s Book of Necromancy is coming soon!

Ilan Herman, author of Dilemma, said, “My protagonist in Dilemma starts out encouraging the delinquency of his inner child by being a calloused corporate lawyer. As the story evolves, he grows up and realizes what a jerk he’d become … and where the healing for him begins. ”

To vote for Ilan by leaving a comment or making a purchase, go here: Vote for Ilan Herman

Bob Clark, who penned Whatever Lulu Wants, had this to say. “I think that every character in my story Whatever Lulu Wants has an inner and outer child who is very delinquent. I often have no heroes in my stories because I am a closet delinquent and my characters live my inner child’s life.”

To vote for Bob Clark by leaving a comment or making a purchase, go here: Vote for Bob Clark

Eric Trant, who wrote The Apple Tree, said, “The Apple Tree involves two boys who question the ultimate authority: The Almighty God of Heaven and Universe. And isn’t that the definition of our childhood delinquencies, to question authority, and with the impudence of youth believe we know better? These are my insolent, delinquent youths. They’re geniuses. Because they say so.”

To vote for Eric by leaving a comment or making a purchase, go here: Vote for Eric Trant

The Apple Tree illustration by Eric Carbrey

The mind behind Gran’s Prophesy, C.B. Calsing, said, “Children are creators. They create everyday, whether it’s playing house with friends or baking mud pies. Adults, on the other hand, generally do not create. Very few try to find some sort of outlet for that spark that used to burn so brightly as a child. One speaker I saw at a recent International Reading Association workshop pointed out that adults always promise themselves they’ll start journaling or taking a class to learn pottery or painting or whatever — trying desperately to find that drive to create they had as children — but they seldom take it to the next level.
I am very fortunate to be able to write fiction. I like to think that the childishness in me never died like it has in some people. The plays I performed on the lawn in the yard when I was six and seven are replaced by these flights of inked fancy. I think in writing, I continuously encourage the delinquency of my inner minor (she drinks quite a lot). In that way, I am a lot like Keldon/ Rupert in “Gran’s Prophecy.” We both had dreams as children and found ways to make those dreams work as adults without crushing the innocence and brightness within. Keldon/ Rupert allows himself, as an adult, the same hope, the same drive to imagine and create, that he had as a child. For this, initially he is ostracized, but when he finds the proper outlet, he is accepted.
I hope that readers take away from this the idea that it is okay to be a little crazy. It is okay to play with mud and laugh hysterically. It is okay to try to fit on a Big Wheel and ride around the block. We all need that release of childishness to give us balance. Like Keldon/ Rupert, we all need to remember our dreams as children and let out inner child out to create again.”

To vote for C.B. Calsing by leaving a comment or making a purchase, go here: Vote for C.B. Calsing

M.E. Johnson, the author of Crossing the Guard and senior editor at Open Heart Publishing, said, “As a child, there was not only the self encouraged delinquency that could be found in all of us, there was also the urge to drag others into joining us in those same-said high-jinks. Somehow, it was always much more fun when you could get others involved in it. I think that directly relates to my work for An Honest Lie. Part of my job is finding good authors to publish, good authors to join in the high-jinks going on at An Honest Lie.”

To vote for M.E. Johnson by leaving a comment or making a purchase, go here: Vote for M.E. Johnson

Crossing the Guard illustration by Kelly Jacobi

Robert Dean, who wrote Blue Eyeliner, said, “I’m a 13-year-old boy trapped in a 28-year-old man’s body. It’s hard for me to even admit I’m a man. How I ever got to adult status is beyond me or my comprehension.”

To vote for Robert Dean by leaving a comment or making a purchase, go here: Vote for Robert Dean

Alexander Francani, the author of Honey, Legos, a Squirrel, Marcus, and Me, said, “I have an old man that is grieving after the death of his beloved wife. She was the only good thing in his life, then she died. He is broken down by life. Most people would say that there is a grieving period and when that is over, it is time to move on with life again. Well, our hero decides to place himself in fake comas so his daughter will take care of him. An outsider would find this to be quite childish. However, he is not a child, nor is he acting like a child. He is a self-indulgent old man who’s broken and afraid to or unwilling to be fixed. It isn’t until later on in the story that he is blessed with childish inclinations again. He goes to McDonald’s, orders a Happy meal, and learns about Love. I believe that a child, and the delinquency thereof, is the beautiful resilliance and faith that allows a person to bounce back from even the greatest of tragedies. Children don’t yet know that giving up is an option. So they live. In my story, it took a child, to teach my old man to live again. Oh crap. That sounds trite and overwrought.”

To vote for Alexander Francani by leaving a comment or making a purchase, go here: Vote for Alexander Francani

Victoria Joyner, who penned July Burning Bright, said, “Everybody will go screwy for something. Over a girl. Or a big brother who’s always been everything you’re not. Or because a holiday just has to live up to expectations. Or just because it’s summertime and summer was made for misbehavior. Considering what we’ll do when we’re older, know better, and no longer laugh when someone says “Uranus” (or aren’t supposed to), it’s pretty clear the inner child doesn’t need much encouragement to step into the limelight … a very gentle shoulder tap will do.”

To vote for Victoria Joyner by leaving a comment or making a purchase, go here: Vote for Victoria Joyner

July Burning Bright illustration by Erin Marissa Russell

Germaine Shames, who wrote Counter-Indications of Trance on the Male Libido, said, “In my story, Counter-Indications of Trance on the Male Libido, under hypnosis the subconcious mind of a grown man comes out to play like a delinquent child. Naughty, naughty…”

To vote for Germaine Shames by leaving a comment or making a purchase, go here: Vote for Germaine Shames

Alyssa Cooper, the author of My Dead Isn’t Dead, had this to say. “In my story, the narrator does as most children do when confronted with a situation that defies reality: she accepted it. Rather than taking an introspective approach to what has happened or questioning her own involvement in creating the situation, the narrator responds by placing the problem where she does not have to analyze her own actions. Never at any point does she begin to question how she might have gone about things a different way or what could have prevented things from transpiring in the manner they do. Essentially, the narrator remains in an altered state of logic, unable to recognize that it was her own flaws that cause this catalytic reaction in her malleable reality.”

To vote for Alyssa Cooper by leaving a comment or making a purchase, go here: Vote for Alyssa Cooper

William Terry, who wrote Situational Dyslexia, said, “Well, this is a question that I have asked myself several times. Situational Dyslexia is a story that ties together self-sabotage and insecurity. In my opinion, irrational action, like setting your house on fire to avoid a girlfriend, is something I could see myself doing when I was very young. I am twenty-six now, but I definitely would have done this at twenty-five. My inner child is a delinquent anyway, a delinquent with a book of matches and a mind that forgets where he put the gasoline.”

To vote for William Terry by leaving a comment or making a purchase, go here: Vote for William Terry

From left: Erin Marissa Russell, Melissa Cantrelle, Alyssa Cooper, Rhia Johnson, Eric Trant, Jon C. Forisha, ME Johnson

Way back in July of this year, several of the Dallas-local authors of An Honest Lie, Vol. 1 met with publisher and fellow author Debrin Case and editors ME and Rhia Johnson at Liberty Hall to rub elbows so when we have events things won’t be all awkward. Also because we are an incredibly talented lot, and it’s always good to share drinks and discussion with a table of authors, editors, and publishers.

You can read Eric Trant’s musings on the evening at his blog, Digging With the Worms.

I’d like to say, before you read Eric’s blog and start wondering, that I only carry batteries in my purse (both AA and AAA) because I usually need them for my digital camera or voice recorder. I have another job as managing editor at the Brookhaven Courier, and it’s the end of the world if my voice recorder runs out of batteries.

From left: Erin Marissa Russell, Melissa Cantrelle, Alyssa Cooper, and Rhia Johnson.

At the time, I was an artist for An Honest Lie- Rhia Johnson was the junior editor as well as an author- and it was fascinating to hear the authors talk about their stories. I’d already drawn the illustrations, based on a scene Debrin had described, but I didn’t know who the people were, what was happening, or even what the stories were really about. The authors had a lot of fun hearing about one another’s work, too.

Don’t forget to support your favorite contributor to An Honest Lie, Vol. 1 by doing one or both of the following:
* Leave them a comment by clicking their name on this link: http://ahlvol1vote.debrincase.com/. A comment earns them one point toward a book deal with Open Heart Publishing.
* Purchase An Honest Lie, Vol. 1 through their portal by clicking on their name here: http://ahlvol1vote.debrincase.com/. A purchase earns them 500 points toward a book deal with Open Heart Publishing!

Also, there are only 95 days left to work on submissions for An Honest Lie, Vol. 2: they’re due March 15, 2010. Read over the submission guidelines here: http://anhonestlie.wordpress.com/2009/10/10/its-that-time-again/

Things are happening here at OHP, and as such, there are several positions just waiting to be filled by the right author, artist, editor, or salesperson. Check out the opportunities below and don’t be afraid to send a letter of interest- we don’t bite (much).

Writers and Illustrators

Open Heart Publishing is recruiting four people to form a creative production team.

Must be comfortable working on a managed and controlled product with expectations for results and serious deadlines.
Product is serialized fiction, setting is modern and based around a specific location and a diverse cast of characters; the “story collections” created with this team will be linear and as such the changes to characters within the story will have unique effects to plotline and development. Authors chosen for this episodic serial will receive full credit for the pieces.

To be considered for this position with Open Heart Publishing

Writers please submit 3 written examples as attachments in a .doc or .docx format, these examples must be
1. Real Life essay
(Humorous encounters from real life only 2,000 words or less)
2. Fiction
(Preferably fantasy fiction. In the areas of contemporary and urban tales, surrealism, magical realism, modern age fairytales, and folktales)
(3,000 words minimum – 5,000 words maximum)
3. The Pitch
(pitch us an interesting story concept revolving around “the heart of a butterfly” 1000 words or less)

Illustrators please send us 3 black and white illustrations of
1. A woman’s hand
2. A housecat
3. The interior of a bathroom in a small apartment
Please keep these illustrations simple and quick.

Send your submission packet to
ohpcareers@debrincase.com
Pay structure is royalty based.
Production begins May 1st 2010, so apply now.
Telecommuting is ok

Promotions

O.H.P. is looking for talented individuals who love the arts, namely the literary arts. These passionate people can help us expand our ever growing fan-base, and we can in turn compensate them handsomely for their efforts. If you are interested in learning more about this exciting position with O.H.P. send an email to ohpcareers@debrincase.com

We’re talking with Dorayne Breedlove, Youth and Family Ministry Director at the Center for Spiritual Living in Dallas, TX. Open Heart Publishing worked with Dorayne and the children at the Center for Spiritual Living to create “The Cave of Colors,” the first release of the Opportunity Project. The Opportunity Project works hand in hand with youth organizations to instruct future generations about the positive changes they can make in the world around them, as well as the limitless opportunity their lives will offer them so long as they are willing to look for those opportunities. Through the crafts of writing, art, editing, marketing, and publishing, these groups create a book the children sell, and 100% of the profits benefit a charity of the children’s choosing.

Thanks for joining us, Dorayne. Tell me about what you do at the Center for Spiritual Living.

I am the Youth and Family Ministry Director. I am responsible for all children, youth, and parenting programs, which include our Sunday school classes, spiritual parenting classes, and special family events through out the year.

What would you say is the most rewarding thing about your life’s work, and what is the hardest thing?

The most rewarding thing about my life’s work is that I am with children every single day. I learn how to be a better teacher, better parent, and better person when I am with children. They are my greatest teacher. The hardest thing is to remember that I do not have all the answers and am willing to to seek help.

You said the children are your greatest teacher. What is the most important thing we can learn from children?

When we are most aware of the gifts children bring to our lives, we learn the importance of “allowing”. So often we, as teachers, caregivers, and parents, tend to direct, manipulate, and coerce our will on children. By allowing the multiplicity of ideas to flow, to be as inclusive as possible, to work together as a team, we create a synergy that would not have otherwise existed if we were only set on our own agenda. Allowing children to express their creativity, thoughts, and ideas helps to bring a higher level of relationship between children and the adults who care for them.

The children you work with had an chance to express their creativity in the Opportunity Project. Tell me about the story the kids wrote, “The Cave of Colors.”

The Cave of Colors is a story written by our children in grades 1-3. During the past year, they worked together to create an original story based on their ideas and input. The Cave of Colors is the magical world that resides inside of everyone. In this place we decide, through our thoughts, to live in light and beauty.

That’s a very valuable message. How do the kids feel about writing their own book?

The best word is “pride”. During the months of developing the story, the gathering of ideas, the unfolding of characters and plot, the children were part of a process that developed many skills like listening, including, creating, and deciding. After all that, they have a final product that they can own as theirs and feel a sense of pride in their accomplishment.

It sounds like it was a lot of fun. Tell me about the writing/publishing workshops that the Opportunity Project did?

The Opportunity Project was an amazing experience for the kids of Jr. Church. Debrin began the Opportunity Project as a way to help kids have a creative voice in the world at large. Over the past year, Debrin inspired the kids with interactive lessons tailored to the age group that touched on story craft, writing, publishing, art, and creative teamwork.

Do you know what charity the children have chosen to benefit from “The Cave of Colors” sales? Why was this one chosen?

The children have chosen 3 charities so we can touch the world globally, locally, and also within our own community. In order to touch the world globally, we chose “Pennies for Peace.” To impact our world locally, we decided to donate to a program here in Dallas known as “Preventing Violence in Children,” a program dedicated to teaching alternative solutions to violence to kids in Dallas area schools, and of course the kids also wanted to help build our own resources here at the YFM program at CSL.

If you had the opportunity to speak to yourself as a child, what would you say? Do you think your child self would listen?

I would simply say, “I love you dearly. You are a magnificent child of God, and I adore you.” I would hope that my child self would listen and know this to be the absolute truth.

Dorayne Breedlove is the Youth and Family Ministry Director for the Center for Spiritual Living in Dallas, a professional storyteller, and a music and drama teacher. She offers multicultural stories, educational programs, and training for teachers through her company “A Slice of Rainbow“, and has performed her arts and education programs for more 15 years in many states including Texas, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Georgia, Maryland and even Delaware. A product of a military family, she learned at a young age how diverse, interesting, and fun cultures can be and incorporates that into her stories, music and drama classes. You can visit Dorayne’s website at www.alsliceofrainbow.com.

An Honest Lie, Volume 1: Encouraging the Delinquency of Your Inner Child is now officially for sale! That’s right, copies now are up for grabs. Support your favorite contributor by purchasing from their portal at this link:

An Honest Lie Voting and Purchase Portal

Even if you aren’t ready to purchase just yet, leaving a comment helps your favorite author win a book deal, so don’t be shy.

Musician Lisa Umbarger, of The Toadies and Tile, is here to talk about the soundtrack she and Jennifer Mayes developed for Open Heart Publishing’s book The Cave of Colors, a product of the Opportunity Project.

Welcome, Lisa! How did you become involved with Open Heart Publishing and The Opportunity Project?

Debrin Case had talked to me about Open Heart Publishing and his many projects. I was really intrigued with “The Cave of Colors” because of the co-creation with the brilliant minds of children. I love the idea of allowing a space for their minds to run free.

And you ended up developing a soundtrack for the book. Musically, what were your influences for the soundtrack?

I really didn’t think about or intend a musical influence for this project. I had the pleasure of watching the children in the creative process and I just tapped into that. The music strayed pretty far away from my rock background. We started with a normal rock bassline and it turned into something quite different.

What is your writing process normally like when you’re going to work on a song?

Jennifer or myself will usually have an idea for a melody or a “riff,” and we play around with it until it becomes a song. We work well off of each other. She adds a dimension to a song that I would never think of and I believe that I do the same for her. That is the beauty of working with another person … their energy coupled with mine takes the idea to unexplored places.

Tell me about your past in the music industry.

My first band, The Toadies, was signed to Interscope Records. We released two full length albums and an EP. We contributed music to many sountracks, including The Crow II and Cable Guy. Our first CD, Rubberneck, went platinum and was very successful.

And what’s all this about you being an ewok?

There is a wonderful story about how I used the money I was paid for playing an Ewok in Return of the Jedi to purchase my first bass. So, George Lucas may or may not have been my musical benefactor. I have been invited to attend many conventions and I have declined them all. Although I have participated in the Make-A-Wish Foundation. I could not turn down a sweet kid who wanted a signed picture of an Ewok. Oh, and I still love Star Wars as much as I did when I was a kid.

I understand the soundtrack to “The Cave of Colors” includes guided meditations for adults and children. Is meditation a big part of your life?

Meditation is very important to me. I have experimented with many types of meditation for years, and oddly enough, one of my favorite places to go during meditaion is to my cave.

In addition to making music, what other areas of the arts do you pursue?

I paint and sketch. I did alot of artistic work for The Toadies as far as t-shirt design and band bio art. I also designed The Toadies logo. I was in the fourth grade when my first painting was displayed in a museum. I was so excited when my paerents took me to see it.

I would have been excited too! Some of your Dallas fans are wondering about the show that was to be the Toadies’ last, at Trees. The show was delayed for several hours and you ended up not playing with the band, to fans’ disappointment. Would you like to share that story?

I was in Scotland at the time. It was a trip that was planned for a few months before the show. The show was scheduled with the knowing that I would not be able to attend. My parents, however, were there because they were the band’s biggest fans. I would have really liked to have played!

How did you and Jennifer Mayes meet, and what other musical projects are you two affiliated with?

Jennifer and I were introduced to one another through a mutual friend. We hit it off right away and are really comfortable writing and playing together. I have a great respect for Jennifer and her talents. I have tried to start a few other projects after the Toadies, and none of them felt as artistically freeing as with TILE (the project Jennifer and I started). Jennifer moved to Portland in August, so we are redifining the collaboration and playing with distance.

Who or what has been most instrumental to your development as a musician?

Definitely, Todd Lewis. He taught me how to play bass. I did not play before I joined the Toadies. I learned as we went along.

That’s amazing. What advice would you give to others who want to be professional musicians?

Follow YOUR dreams. There are always people who will tell you what you should and should not do, and they have no insight into your inner workings. Only YOU know what is right for you. This sometimes means that you will go “against the system.”

What was your favorite part of working on “The Cave of Colors” soundtrack? What was the hardest part?

I really loved doing something different from the usual music I write. It was a great stretching exercise. The hardest part was making sure that we stuck to the children’s vision.

Here’s a hard question for any artist. If you had to choose just one of your five senses to keep for the rest of your life, which would you choose and why?

I would choose the sense of touch, because I could still create art and music with this sense. I would still be able to “hear” the music through vibration and I would be able to create art through feel.

Good choice! Did you get to read “The Cave of Colors“? What did you think of it?

I think that the kids have done a brilliant job.

Finally, if you could talk to yourself when you were a child, what would you say? Do you think you would listen?

I talk to my child self all of the time! I love re-connecting to the innocent free idealistic part of me. I would tell myself that all of the dreams you have been dreaming will come true. I would listen to that!

Hear Lisa Umbarger and Jennifer Mayes’ band TILE here: http://www.myspace.com/tilemusic and read about The Cave of Colors here: http://debrincase.com/blog3/2009/03