Devastating news for Proper Publishing

We're fairly certain anyone visiting our site has noticed the lack of updates/posts. Our small publishing company has been hit with devastating news.

Our fearless leader and owner, Susan Lewis, whom we lovingly call Miss Proper, was diagnosed with Leukemia on October 8th of last year. She did not want the general public to know until the disease's trajectory was known, which would give her a good idea of how it would affect the company. Not that the general public is concerned with one person's health, however, she understands the importance of our company's role regarding fledgling authors and those seeking information on the writing process. 

We have always been proud of the fact that when anyone calls the company phone number, they speak directly to the owner, which is unheard of in the writing industry. Because of Miss Proper's diagnosis, she has made the decision to halt all operations. She feels writers should speak directly to her once she's beaten cancer rather than have individuals leave voicemails, which might go unanswered for months. In her opinion, that is the height of disrespect, and she refuses to let writers feel unheard.

So, Proper Publishing is officially halting all operations. We are rallying around Miss Proper and hope you, dear visitor, will pause a moment and do the same. Leave a comment of encouragement, or email her encouraging words at her company email address. Thank you for reading... and we truly hope to hear from you once Miss Proper becomes Miss Proper Cancer Survivor. 

Ordinary to Extraordinary

 

    I want to tell you a quick story: 

    On May 1st, 1994, after a 4-month battle with Leukemia, my 51-year-old mother died at home in her bed. I was 23 years old at the time. After walking out of her room, I sat down in her old recliner and looked around; I saw her address book, her nail file, her slippers, all of it exactly where they’d always been. A bomb dropped on me at that moment; nothing had changed, but everything had changed. Everything was the same in that room, but nothing would ever be the same again. I knew a massive part of my life was in the next room, and I now had to bury her. But to anyone watching, they would have seen a young woman sitting in a tattered recliner, looking around. An ordinary moment to an outside observer. An extraordinary moment for me. 

    Everyone has at least one extraordinary moment. The observer would see ordinary behavior and think nothing of it: a door closing, a car driving away, a dish in the sink, a young woman looking around a room—benign actions of normal people. But the emotional tectonic plates beneath the surface are shifting violently. Molten hot rage, grief, regret, betrayal, loathing, jealousy, and more…all building pressure, threatening to explode. 

    Those extraordinary moments are when you pivot. Your path shifts ever-so slightly, and decisions are made because of those emotions that pulse beneath the surface. You go around or tunnel through, but both dictate the outcome. Writers are tunnel rats. We dig. We enjoy the dark. It sounds morose, but it’s true. 

    When approaching your own memoir, the extraordinary must be part of your project. The beautiful thing about those moments is that they are easy to locate. Just think back to a time when your world stopped spinning, the clocks stopped ticking, everything went silent, and you had to remind yourself to breathe. Those ripples in the fabric of your life became permanent, and they must be honored exactly as they are…heavy, emotional, and complicated. 

    So, what extraordinary moment put you where you are today? Think. Don’t dismiss the idea because it’s there. Our paths forked several times along the way and we had critical decisions to make. “Do I want to take this promotion or move to the new job?” “Do I want to re-enlist and hope I get selected for promotion, or do I get out and accept this civilian job?” “Do we really want more children?” 

    One question will always lead to others when you give yourself enough room to freely think of all possible outcomes and why you chose your current path. Remember, honoring the moments that made you is critical for others who are taking those first tentative steps down the same path.

Where do you begin?

Think back to when you were a child running and laughing at the park or school playground. Making friends was as easy as pulling up a pant leg, pointing at a scab or fresh scrape, and exclaiming, “LOOK AT THIS!” While most appreciated your injury, some gathered to show their own playground wounds.

As adults, we still compare scars. That’s how we build friendships and strengthen bonds. Sharing both success and failure keeps us relatable and reachable. The more successful we become, the more important relatability and reachability are in terms of how we are seen by those who work with us. Knowing your ‘why’ locks you on course. Why did you move? Why did you study engineering? Why did you resign? All of those things affected the trajectory of your life and inevitably altered the fabric of who you are as an individual.

It all begins with your story. Mitch Albom says it so brilliantly in his book For One More Day:

“But there's a story behind everything. How a picture got on a wall. How a scar got on your face. Sometimes, the stories are simple, and sometimes, they are hard and heartbreaking. But behind all your stories is always your mother's story because hers is where yours begins.”

Think of it like this…as we mature and our lives change, so does our ‘why.’ Those events are life’s rip currents where individuals can get trapped. They get pushed and pulled by opposing forces, unsure which direction is best. No matter the person, age, religion, sexual orientation, and education, most obstacles remain the same. That is where your story lives, snuggled between the cracks and dents of perceived perfection. Your story is a road map for others. Yes, you struggled to find your place as the new CFO of a failing company, or maybe you decided it was time to completely change your lifestyle after a scolding from your doctor. But HOW did you turn it around, and HOW did you motivate yourself to keep going when so many others had walked away?

            What seems ordinary to you is extraordinary to others. Making that distinction and honoring the moments that made you is critical to helping others who are taking their first tentative steps down the same path. So, start writing! Write about the bad decisions, good decisions, great moments, and horrible moments. Write about love and sorrow. But remember, there’s always value in learning about writing because a good story won’t save bad writing, but good writing can salvage a bad story.

 

 

Stop waiting on your dream...

When we say the sun rises in the morning and sets in the evening, that is true but only relatively. In absolute terms, it is false. In actuality, the sun neither rises nor sets but shines continuously. It is only from our perspective that we adamantly claim the false to be true. If we so readily place limits on a star, imagine what we are doing to our own lives...

We are honored to nominated LaChelle McCormick Johns for a Pushcart Prize

On November 3rd of this year, LaChelle's book "BLACK BEER WHISKEY WISDOM" was released to the public. We were so impressed when Miss Proper brought us the completed book. THIS is a fledgling author? No. This is a seasoned writer. 

And on the first day of release, her book hit #3 on the best seller ranking.

Miss Proper approached us because she couldn't get that one very specific poem out of her head. One special poem called "8 Minutes" and so, today she sent in that story as a nomination for the Pushcart Prize.

Congratulations to LaChelle McCormick Johns on her nomination and on her incredible dedication to her family, friends and craft.

 

 

We are honored to nominate Debra Rayor Asplund for a Pushcart Prize

On August 1st of this year, Debra's book "Escaping Ukraine 1920" was released to the public. We were so honored she chose our little rag-tag publishing house to create her family history, but more than that, we loved the stories of each family member, especially Boruch Tzepeniuk aka Grandpa Ben Shipnuck. Miss Proper couldn't get that one story out of her head, and so, today she sent in that story as a nomination for the Pushcart Prize.

Congratulations to Debra Rayor Asplund on the nomination and on her incredible dedication to her family history. 

"Black Beer Whiskey Wisdom" LaChelle McCormick Johns first book debuts at #3!

 It's rare when we are approached by our fearless leader, Miss Proper, with unpublished work and she is beyond excited. 

"This one is going to be fun to watch climb the rankings."

And it did, faster than any of us anticipated. She knew the writing was stunning and we all worked to make sure the format and cover matched the authors vision. Day 1 of its release, "BLACK BEER WHISKEY WISDOM" hit #3 on Amazon's bestseller ranking. That is absolutely incredible. 

We are so happy for LaChelle McCormick Johns and have no doubts that anyone that reads her work will feel her passion and joy, sorrow and triumph.

Get your copy HERE.

Congratulations to Deb Rayor Asplund on her first novel Escaping Ukraine 1920

Deb Asplund has written a gripping history of Ukrainian Jewish peasantry who survived, and subsequently thrived, despite being subjected to discrimination by ruling Tsars, to WWI, the Bolshevik Revolution, famine, and a pandemic over 100 years ago. 

Written as a family legacy, the old world Jews of Ukraine undertook huge risks to secure their freedom and prosperity. The timelessness of my Grandparents story, followed throughout the decades, is matched only by the timeliness of today's grinding war between Ukraine and Russia.

The similarities are striking. Order your copy HERE

 

Mental wellness and emotional stability finally being addressed!

Lewis Educational Materials has released the perfect coloring book for call centers, long-term rehab and palliative care facilities, as well as anxiety relief. 

They have started producing high quality material designed to strengthen mental wellness and emotional stability. Offered at low costs and with bulk discounts, Lewis Educational Materials strives not to make money but to help a silently suffering community within our already struggling world. 

Buy your copy HERE

 

Lewis Educational Materials comes out swinging

Lewis Educational Materials has officially come out swinging at the big boys with two books specifically aimed at improving healthy habits. Thinking outside the box, L.E.M. has included clear lines, extra log boxes and notes sections. With bulk discounts for healthcare facilities, private doctors/nursing establishments, and long-term assisted-living homes and rehab facilities, L.E.M.'s goal is to make their products as easy for private patients and trainers to obtain as large organizations. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 To order the Diabetes Journal click HERE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
To order the 3 Month Meal Planner and Nutrition Tracker click HERE

 

Congratulations to Lewis Educational Materials!

We are so excited to announce the release of Lewis Educational Materials Adult Coloring books for both established and budding artists. Perfect for waiting rooms, long-term care facilities, caregivers, those who work in call centers, and individuals who are combating the early stages of Alzheimer's and Dementia. Bulk discounts available.

To order the Realistic Countryside Coloring Book click HERE

To order the Realistic Dog and Puppy Coloring Book click HERE

To order the Realistic Cat and Kitten Coloring Book click HERE

To order the Fantasy Creations Coloring Book click HERE

Tom Turner has a conversation with Jesus...

The first two books the Proper Publishing team did with Tom Turner, he kept mentioning a manuscript he had been working on for decades. He spoke to us about how it was based on an actual event. We kept wondering if we would ever see the completed interior. 

Lo and behold, Tom finally brought us THE manuscript and to say we were excited is a massive understatement. We were all blown away by this book.

Working with Tom is always fun but this book was something special. It had a life of its own, a purpose and we could all feel it, which we talked with Tom about several times. All of us knew this was a special project and we were so proud that Tom trusted us with a manuscript so special. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If your faith is wavering, or if you're wanting to strengthen your faith, this is a must-read! It's the story of one man getting the opportunity to have a conversation with a deity that he understands is Jesus. He asks questions about faith, about life, about death, and about the world we live in...with Jesus answering each and every one. 

Wondering about the answers to those questions?
Get your copy by clicking HERE 

Pulling into the perfect Port

 Mark Milhoan has written a riveting story about loss, love, and how choices continue to create ripples years later. Working with Mr. Milhoan was a true honor that the entire Proper Publishing team  still talks about. It's rare to come in contact with someone who is so brilliant, they leave you feeling as if you need to go back to school IMMEDIATELY. Thank you for keeping us on our toes, Mr. Milhoan. You are a true gentleman. We highly recommend this man's book. As smart as he is...his storytelling capabilities are incredible. 

To get your copy click HERE

 

Congratulations on your trilogy Mr. Rozelle!

 So, when Mr. Rozelle contacted the Proper Publishing team and first indicated he had an actual trilogy he wanted to release at the same time...we were in shock. Most first-time authors struggle to complete ONE book. But to release THREE for your first journey into the world of publication? Well, that's just being an over-achiever! But he did it! 

For copies of this exciting mystery:

Part I click HERE

Part II click HERE

Part III click HERE 

 

--With edgy characters and a story that twists and turns, absolutely NOTHING is predictable in these three books. Settle in with your favorite drink and prepare to be happily transported. Order yours today!

Hollywood calling...

 At the beginning of June, the owner of our company, Mrs. Lewis, received an interview request from The History Channel. The producer/head writer of William Shatner's show, The UnXplained called and spoke with her, stating he had read her book, Bury your Dead. They spoke about a possible on-camera interview to be aired on an upcoming episode about burial rituals. After several emails back and forth, they eventually informed Mrs. Lewis that they had enough interviewee's for the episode and would complete shooting near the end of August, beginning of September. 

September 19th, Mrs. Lewis received notification from the producer that filming had been wrapped on the episode, titled Last Rites. He informed her "your book was very helpful in establishing a foundation for the unexplained aspects of this very dense topic."

To say we are proud of her is an understatement. Mrs. Lewis is one to lift others up without wanting the spotlight on herself. She doesn't know we are posting this on the company site but we all agree it's important we celebrate the woman that celebrates everyone else daily.

If you'd like to buy her amazing little book, click HERE. 

Newest best seller for S. Lewis

Sharing over two decades of writing and publishing knowledge, which includes tips on tackling your life story, and step-by-step guidance on every aspect of compiling a manuscript for publication or legacy. It also includes writing prompts and 365 days of morning pages to help you work your writing muscles. This is the fledgling writers guide for all things pertaining to writing and publication. Perfect for first time solo projects, workshops, writing or critique classes, elderly/VFW/DAV groups and any other individuals interested in recording their life story. An absolute must for writers considering publication.
Order by clicking HERE

Silent but BEYOND busy!

 We realize that our site has been silent for several months and it might appear to an outside observer that our business might be struggling. However, nothing could be further from the truth. We have come to the startling realization that we must turn clients away due to a staggering workload. 

If COVID19 has proven anything, it is that an isolated artist is a busy artist, which means WE are now almost literally drowning in work. Which, in turn, has led to a critical shutdown of all things non-essential (especially ironic given our circumstances) one of which has been regular site posts. 

Please forgive the silence but we hope you understand that it has been done for our own emotional wellness. We must prioritize and our loyal clients come first. Once we get them taken care of, we will open our services up, once again, to new clients and will update the site.

If you have questions that need to be answered now, please reach out via email (theproperpublisher@yahoo.com) and we'll respond as soon as possible. 

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your patience and kind messages of concern. We adore you all and keep writing and reading! 

"Spinning Insights" by Brenda Coleman

Congratulations to Brenda on the release of her first book, Spinning Insights. It was a true honor to work with such a tender soul. 

If you are searching for words to soothe a scarred heart, or balm for a tattered spirit, this book is exactly what you need and can be purchased HERE! 

"Talking to the Night" by Ora Wills

The majority of our clients publish stories that leave you in awe, however there is one client in particular that continues to make us so proud to simply be associated with her name.

Ora Wills is that client.

Aptly named the 'patron saint of the arts' in Pensacola, she has left an indelible mark on hundreds, if not thousands of young writers during her decades teaching English at Tate High School and her volunteer projects throughout the city, including Arts Quest.

Her latest book is a poetic journey from a young girls perspective, HER perspective in the South during the Jim Crow years. Heartbreaking while being both bitter and bittersweet, she chronicles in the most beautifully tender way, a child's innocence shattered by the murder of a family member. This is a MUST HAVE for every household struggling to find a way to teach young adults about tolerance. Order your copy HERE.

"A Little Florida Farm" by S. Lewis

Congratulations to S. Lewis on the release of the coffee table book "A Little Florida Farm: A Simple Life...Photos and Observations" which has already made Amazon's Top 100 Best Seller List at #84 for Lifestyle Photography. All photos by Tammy Parker and Susan Lewis.
This is the perfect gift for any man who enjoys the outdoors. Buy your copy HERE.