Wonderful new book of slices of American life, twenty-first century

 

Aluminum Currents

Rodney Schroeter

Compilation

March, 2024

Silver Creek Press, 392 pp

$49.99

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About the Book:

A selection of articles from The Plymouth Review Current, from 2014 to 2024. Rodney Schroeter edited this monthly publication during that time. This anthology includes articles on movies; individual liberty; illustration art in America; Wisconsin history; pulp fiction. Full color photos and graphics.

My Review:

Rodney Schroeter's work in a small Wisconsin town is showcased in his monthly edition of the Current, an add-on publication to Plymouth's newspaper, The Plymouth Review. Over the course of ten years, read and reflect on changing times not related just to eastern Wisconsin. Schroeter showcases films, literature, events both historical and present, besides the usual ads, puzzles and games, community calendars and editorials. In this book, Schroeter has chosen tidbits from each edition, reflected through his colorful covers. Readers of Americana, no matter where you live, will find much to love in this volume. Vibrant and entertaining. Worth the price.

About the Author:

Rodney Schroeter grew up in Sheboygan County, wanting to be a writer. He graduated from Random Lake High School and from the University of Wisconsin­ Parkside in Kenosha, where he majored in English, took classes from Wisconsin writer Herbert Kubly and earned a teaching certificate.

After graduating, he taught middle school science in North Dakota. He wrote and drew comics as a hobby. Seven years of teaching was enough, so he went to a tech school to learn computer programming. That career lasted more than 25 years, ending with the recent economic recession.

Rodney picked up several part­-time writing jobs, reporting local government meetings and other projects. Learning to design books for the Wisconsin Writers Association led to additional work. Among other things, he now edits a monthly newspaper called The Current.

Crossing Borders: the Search for Dignity of Palestine

 

Crossing Borders: The Search For Dignity In Palestine

Christa Bruhn

Little Creek Press, May 20, 2023, 506 pp

$28.95, Paperback, $9.99 Ebook, $42.95 hardcover

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About the Book
In her debut memoir Crossing Borders: The Search for Dignity in Palestine, Christa’s journey of curiosity beginning in Jerusalem and Gaza while studying abroad in her father’s homeland of Germany at the tail end of the Cold War. Christa’s experiences open up a world of joy and heartache that transforms into a lifetime pursuit to make a difference in a land two peoples call home. Through Christa’s unique perspective as an American and mother of three Palestinians, we become familiar with both current and historic challenges Palestinians face living in the shadow of the State of Israel. Christa poses thought-provoking questions that are a test to us all as we collectively grapple with how to come together in a place that is increasingly divided in the mind and on the ground.

My review

Bruhn’s lengthy memoir covering some three decades of passionate relationship with the country of Palestine is thought-provoking. A German proverb she quotes about picking your hero and picking your villain aptly applies: rights and wrongs are not respected in the Question of Palestine.

Told first person travel memoir, educational experience, and marriage, Bruhn is suited to share her view of the intimacies of life of modern Palestine. Straddling the fence are her three children born in the States but holding Palestinian credentials. Each lengthy stay in Palestine throughout the years to observe, learn, gather information for her advanced degree, or plant roots is a challenge to make a difference both in the lives of the Palestinians and those who monitor the “situation.”

With plenty of angst and blame and constant “what if” sprinkled in with the obvious love and joy and recipes and culture in general, the story is not a casual read. I often wondered how the author would view life if she had gotten caught up in a different aspect the national heritage of the geographical region. Muslim, Jewish, Christian has become a national political identity, not a profession of belief, especially to this generation. One thing for sure is that there has been a lot of undignified actions performed on behalf of religion. Hopefully Bruhn’s story and plea for understanding and respect can help bring dignity back to the table.

Recommended for those who want to learn more about Palestine from an inside view.

About the Author

Christa Bruhn is an American author, photographer, and culinary artist with a lifelong passion for peace and justice. She is the daughter of a German immigrant raised under Nazi Germany and the mother of three Palestinian Americans. She holds degrees in International Studies (BA), Middle Eastern & North African Studies (MA), and Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis (PhD). She has published academic work on Palestine, peace education, and diversity and led and participated in roundtables on the future of Palestine and Israel. She splits her time between her home in Madison, Wisconsin and Jalameh, Palestine.

Is This a Lousy Job or is it Me with Terri Jacke

 

IS THIS A LOUSY JOB OR IS IT ME?
By Terri Jacke
Inspired Publishing, August, 2020
244 pp.
 
Ebook: $9.99
Hardcover: $22
 

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About the Book

Have you ever felt deflated at work? Whether you are just starting your career or have

finally gained enough experience to advance to your “dream” job, you may find yourself disillusioned by difficult bosses or coworkers, drained by unreasonable demands, or disappointed with the lack of growth opportunities. Given these lousy elements of your job, how can you achieve fulfillment from your work?

In IS THIS A LOUSY JOB OR IS IT ME?, executive coach Terri Jacke explores how every success and every struggle at work can be used to develop your character, which determines the way you handle each experience. It is your character that shapes your behavior in the workplace and informs the quality of decisions you make at work and about your career. By using stories—sometimes humorous, sometimes heartbreaking—Terri invites you to join her on a journey that chronicles her growth through the seven stages of character development at work: Beginning, Yuckiness, Fear, Authenticity, Boundaries, Love, and Exit.

Terri holds nothing back in taking you into the heart of her experiences from her first job at a campground at age 12 to succeeding at iconic corporations and finally fulfilling her dream to establish her own firm. Combining real-life experience and organizational development expertise, IS THIS A LOUSY JOB OR IS IT ME? Provides practical tools and hard-won wisdom to help you develop your character at work.

The insights you gain into the seven stages of character development, captured in the BY FABLE model, will empower you to make sense of your workplace experiences and effectively move yourself through the stages in their natural sequence, allowing you to create a fulfilling career path leading to your inevitable success.

A Brief Interview with the Author

Terri, what do you love about your book?

I am excited that my book offers young professionals, in particular, insights into the experiences they are having in the workplace. It prepares them for the interesting people and unexpected challenges they may face on their journeys, so that they are able to handle those situations with confidence and grace rather than surprise and confusion, which sets them up for success. It also offers more seasoned employees an opportunity to put their careers in perspective in order to contemplate the impacts they hope to have and the legacies they want to leave behind. It's informative, but written in a storytelling fashion that keeps readers engaged whether they are new to the workplace or have been around the block a few times!

Share something you learned while writing it.

As I spoke to people about their workplace journeys, I learned that - without exception - everyone experienced a similar character development journey over the course of their careers. The stages of character development were the same even if the timing and experiences were vastly different. I was astounded by some of the stories people shared and the richness their experiences added to my book. I made sure to incorporate elements of my story, which is the basis for the book, that highlighted the wisdom I gained from other people who had shared their journeys with me.

What do you hope readers will talk about?

I hope readers will reflect upon their career journeys thus far and be thoughtful about how they want to manage themselves for greater fulfillment and success. I would love for readers to contemplate their current state of character development and to be intentional about how they might use workplace situations to continue to evolve their character.

What are you reading now?

I am currently reading The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt.

What's next for you?

I am researching material for my next book which will be for workplace leaders. I want leaders to explore the impact of their current stage of character development upon the people they lead, and I plan to offer practical, specific ideas for leaders to develop the mental and moral qualities of themselves and others. Maybe when I retire from executive coaching and organizational development work, I will write a nonfiction book...perhaps a psychological thriller based in an American workplace.

 

About the Author Terri Jacke, MS

Terri Jacke is a seasoned organizational development consultant and the founder of Inspired Training Institute, Inc. She serves as a professional coach to executives and business owners, guiding the growth of their character as a foundation for increased leadership effectiveness and teamwork. She is also a sought after workshop facilitator and professional speaker on topics related to professional development, leadership, and culture. Terri lives in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with her husband, Chris. She is the mother of three adult children, her daughter and two step-sons.

 

Karen Franco advocate for special needs

Meet Karen Franco, children’s book author and advocate for children with special needs.

Karen Franco was born and raised in Kenosha, Wisconsin. After earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, started as a Feature Writer for a weekly newspaper, the Zion Benton News. Life took her to California and that’s where her son, Jacob, was born. Little did she know that Jacob would change her life forever, and begin the journey in the world of special needs.

Karen's son Jacob is the inspiration for her book series… “Just Hold My Hand,” “Jacob’s Hoop,”  “What Makes Bella Special?” and now “Where Did the Sun Go?”

Karen and Jacob

Karen says, “My publisher is amazing...Layne Case of AMITY Publications. I met her on LinkedIn. We both belong to the same writers groups and one day I reached out to her about publishing my books. Now four books later, we're still together. Right now, I haven't started another book. I'm still focusing on Where Did the Sun Go? which is my book that was published in December 2018. All my books are inspired by Jacob and living in his world for 24 years. He is the best subject to write about...research is just going back in time and dive into my memories of different things that have happened to us over the years. My books focus on a different aspects of Jacob's development. I wrote about sensory issues, physical limitations, his relationship with our dog Bella and behavioral changes to due weather. I always have a positive outcome within these struggles...showing what I have done to help Jacob get through these challenges.”

Each book tells a different story with a positive outcome of how Jacob has to cope with his day to day struggles.  In addition to being an author, and Jacob’s mom, Franco is also a speaker, bringing the message of patience, understanding and acceptance of children who are “differently” abled.

Each 8.5 by 8.5 inch paperback between 28 and 42 pages is $12.00

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From the author (Signed)

Just Hold My Hand 

My son, Jacob sees, feels, hears and interprets the world around him differently than anyone else. One day at the county fair he experiences all these senses in a way that only he can relate to, but by holding mom’s hand, he can cope with what scares him such as loud noises, what frustrates him like not getting what he wants, and what excites him. Most of us take those feelings for granted or they wouldn’t be expected at a fun place like the fair, but for our “differently” abled children, they need ways to cope with the world around them. Nothing is more comforting than holding mom’s hand.

Jacob’s Hoop  

Jacob wants to play basketball. He tries really hard but his “different” abilities make it difficult for him to play like everyone else. One day, at his child care center Every Child’s Place, he gets a wonderful surprise. There in the playground was a basketball hoop just his size. On the backboard were the words “Jacob’s Hoop” in big green letters. This book is a simple story with a big meaning that teaches understanding, patience and most of all acceptance of someone who is different from other children. In my story, I introduce Every Child’s Place, a special child care center, who embraces children of all abilities. I am so fortunate I have been a part of their mission for over fourteen years. Jacob was welcomed with open arms, and that’s where other kids began accepting him for who he is. 

What Makes Bella Special? 

• Is it her curly Q tail that’s always wagging?
• Her fuzzy fur and floppy ears?
• Her funny way that she grunts when she wants attention?
• Her calm and friendly personality?

All those things make Bella a special part of the family but Jacob answered the question best…

Where Did the Sun Go?

When weather changes, so can behaviors. “Where Did The Sun Go?” touches on how a stormy day affects Jacob. But with positive reassurance, constant interaction, as well as fun distractions, Jacob learns how to cope with the storm. Knowing the sun will be back soon helps to keep him calm and puts a smile back on his face.

Sharing her stories about living in Jacob’s world is a wonderful way to connect with others who may be experiencing similar challenges with their children. "Knowing that you aren’t alone helps to face these struggles with hope, love and strength," Franco says.

Franco is also a founding member of the Board of Directors of Every Child’s Place, an all-inclusive, not-for-profit child care center that cares for children of all abilities. She has served on the board for 20 years. Today, Franco lives in Union Grove, Wisconsin with her husband Chris, their Labradoodle Bella and of course, Jacob.

Connect with Karen through her website, Facebook, and LinkedIn. She is also available for speaking engagements. "I like to share our story with others and where our journey in Jacob's World has lead us to where we are today. I always say that it's so helpful to other families to let them know that they are not alone in this special needs world. Trust me, it can be a very lonely place when you think you are the only one who is facing these kinds of struggles. I talk about our life, Jacob's diagnosis, the doctors, therapies and how I decided to write my books. This is usually my approach to my talks."

American Expats describe life in Germany

Patriotic Expats

Former GIs Describe their Lives in Germany

By Robert Potter

April, 2019

Nonfiction

Ebook $2.99

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About the Book:

Would his late Cold War bride have been happier—and better able to fight the cancer that took her in the prime of life—if the couple had chosen to live in Germany, rather than the U.S., after his military service in the 1960s? Decades after his wife’s death, the author remained haunted by that question. In a search for answers, he returned to Germany in 2017 and sought out former G.I.s who married their German sweethearts and elected to reside there. The result of that quest is this series of sixteen interviews with American expats and women who married G.I.s. The men we meet in these pages came from very different backgrounds, but they all experienced the challenges common to immigrants everywhere: learning a new language, adjusting to cultural differences, overcoming bureaucratic hurdles, and earning a living. Each story, recounted with honesty, courage, and humor, provides a unique, fascinating response to those challenges—as well as a detached lens through which to view American society today.

My review:

Robert Potter, a former GI, brought his German bride back to the US when his service concluded. Life here was very different, including laws that would not accept (and still don’t) German education and work experience in many professions like teaching and medicine. Robert and his wife had two children. Gerdi was unhappy in general, couldn’t procure work as a requirement of her visa, and eventually succumbed to cancer. Although Bob eventually remarried happily, he remained aware of men who chose to remain in or return to Germany after they had relationships or married German women. Eventually, Bob, with the help of his tech college writing students, put together an interview format for a project to record stories from ex-patriots to learn more about their situations. Bob found a group of expats who met regularly to discuss their lives and support each other. Several of these men and one wife agreed to meet Bob and be interviewed for this book.

I appreciated learning about what it’s like to move and try to adapt to a different culture and language. The stories included mostly those of servicemen who had done their time. The unbelievable issues with obtaining work permits and regulations, how much language to learn for what skillset, what kind of certificates to obtain for professional work or even unskilled labor was fascinating. Medical care seemed to be a big issue among the expats, as far as where to go for care and who pays. Most thought German medical care was superior. Some men had wives willing to live in the US for a time, and a few cases worked out quite well when the spouse was able and willing to retrain for a profession and get a US license to work. Getting visas and residency requirements were quite different though both countries seem regulation bound. Driving licenses and gun control were stricter in Germany. Voter apathy didn’t seem much different, nor did political opinions. The book was interesting and every person interviewed unique. Bob’s original quest regarding whether he should have chosen to live in Germany instead of having his wife emigrate to the US was determined to remain an open theory, though Bob finally found peace through reaching out to other veterans who may have learned something through sharing their own stories. 

Non Fiction Writers Webinar May 8 to 10

Register for the 2019 Nonfiction Writers Conference

Join us for the 9th annual Nonfiction Writers Conference

Event Dates: May 8-10, 2019

This event is VIRTUAL! Attend from anywhere.

Since 2010, the Nonfiction Writers’ Conference has taken the concept of the traditional in-person writers’ conference and turned it into a one-of-a-kind ONLINE experience. Featuring 15 speakers over three days, all sessions are conducted via webinar, which means attendees from around the globe participate via phone or webcast–NO TRAVEL REQUIRED!

Dates: May 8th, 9th and 10th, 2019

Times: 9am PDT/ 12pm EDT through 3pm PDT/ 6pm EDT each day


Location: Wherever you are!

Can’t make it to the live event? Replays, recordings, and transcripts are available!

New for NFWC 2019: All Conference Sessions Delivered in Webinar Format!

Beginning with the 2019 Nonfiction Writers Conference, all event sessions will be delivered in webinar format. This means you can watch a visual presentation on your computer while you listen to each lecture. OR, you can opt to watch a replay of each session at a later time/day, download the recording to listen on the go, or read the transcripts. Options depend on the registration level you choose.

For those who prefer to participate by phone, this option is still available, too!

Since we launched in 2010, we chose to use the teleseminar format because of the ease of use. But technology has evolved and it’s easier than ever to participate in a webinar. We are excited to bring this technology to our NFWC attendees in 2019–and we promise it will be easy to access, and a rewarding experience for attendees.

Fees range from $125 to $490 depending on what you sign up for.

Jane Schmidt and rural life anecdotes Not a Perfect Fit

Not a Perfect Fit

Jane Schmidt

She Writes Press

April, 2017

Print ISBN: 978-1-63152-206-2

328 pp

Print $16.95

E-book

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Not a Perfect Fit: Laugh-out-loud funny one minute and thought-provoking the next, Not a Perfect Fit includes stories detailing everything from Jane Schmidt’s experience living off-grid as the only English woman in an Amish neighborhood to family trips that are remarkably similar to National Lampoon’s Vacation. Through it all, Schmidt manages to rise above the many challenges she faces, inspiring and entertaining her audience along the way.

When fitness instructor Jane Schmidt moved from the city to rural Wisconsin, stories of her “single-girl-gone-country” adventures helped her become an award-winning columnist for the Crawford County Independent and Kickapoo Scout—and now she’s taking readers on a candid, insightful, and hilarious trip into her world with her new book release, Not a Perfect Fit: Stories From Jane’s World featuring some of her most beloved escapades as well as over 30 never-before-seen stories.

My Review

I’m always happy to read fellow Wisconsin authors. When asked to look at Schmidt’s compilation of personal stories from her local newspaper columns, I was intrigued and occasionally giggling to see familiar roads and small communities through her eyes. As the author introduces her work, she shares her stories for her family and also for the rest of us who can say, been there, said that. We’re not alone, we aren’t the only ones surprised by life.

From the gradual refitting of her “cabin” with modern conveniences to the outfitting of her domestic zoo, readers are drawn into Schmidt’s exploits with language, snow, fitting rooms, and hiking in the rain. Her stories of neighbors, love of pets, surprise and joy of the beautiful natural surroundings of southwestern Wisconsin and quirky lifestyle will touch readers. Those who enjoy humorous and thoughtful real life vignettes will be in for a fun getaway of a read. Schmidt’s style is reminiscent of the old-time personal columns, such as Pearl Swiggum’s the Barn Came First, and neighborhood news. All seasons, recent timeline and occasional childhood memories populate the book. Poignant stories of pets are included—readers who are sensitive to the life cycle of dear ones will want a hanky. All brief tales old in down to earth occasionally self-deprecating but with genuine, earnest narrative.

About the Author

Jane A Schmidt is a columnist and the owner of two businesses, Fitness Choices and Turtle Adventures. When not teaching her fitness classes or encouraging women to get outside, she spends her time backpacking in places like the Grand Canyon, Superior Hiking Trail, and Isle Royale National Park; biking across Wisconsin; hiking and kayaking in the Kickapoo Valley Reserve; or just hanging out with her animal family in rural Viola, Wisconsin.

An Interview with Jane A. Schmidt

When did you make the move from the city to rural Wisconsin? Why?

I moved to the Driftless area of Wisconsin after the hype of the millennium in 2000. I spent a lot of time driving in the country when my daughter was small. I'd see an old cabin or a house that was falling apart and I'd think, if only I could buy that place. My dreams were of land, out-buildings, animals, and a quiet country life. I longed to get out of the city and live closer to the land, where I felt I’d have more room for living.

How did moving to rural Wisconsin impact your life?

The impact was huge. I had to start all over. I had no friends here, no job, and after a couple of months I was living off-grid. The learning curve was not only steep but sometimes dangerous. I cooked with a head-lamp on in order to see. The “hot plate” was connected to a propane tank under my cabin. I lived in fear every time I lit a match. I thought I'd blow myself and the cabin up. Every day I learn something new. Like don't use the John Deere mower to blaze a hiking trail through your Amish neighbor’s hay field. Before moving here I spent all my free time getting away. I'd drive to the parks, small country towns, lakes, and rivers. I was camping out every chance I had. Now I live in the kind of areas I was always running too. I can finally slow down and walk!

What is your favorite part about living in the country? Is there anything you miss about city life?

I lived in apartments before moving to this area. I love the freedom of living alone, surrounded by trees and my animal family. Coming from apartment city living to my own home in the country is liberating. I feel I can live-out-loud better here. I miss ethnic restaurants, my family, and the many lakes I lived near when in the Milwaukee area.

How does your passion for fitness and wellness influence your stories?

My passion for a life lived outside has influenced my interest in fitness and wellness. I knew from the get-go that I needed to stay fit and healthy to live the life I wanted to. My stories revolve around my life. My passion for fitness and wellness is reflected in them.

Why do you think readers connect with your stories?

My stories are real. I talk about everyday happenings that some people would never admit to. Reading about walking through an airport with toilet paper hanging off my rear end or mixing up the words circumcise and circumnavigate allows people to relax and find the humor in their own lives. In the end, we're all just people trying to do the best that we can. Not a Perfect Fit reeks of humanness.