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Review by Dawn Johnson

Roaming Southern New Mexico, a new book by author Phyllis Eileen Banks, will appeal to armchair travelers and back-roads ramblers alike.Reading this delightful book is like hitchhiking with the author and her husband as they roam the roads less traveled in the lower half of the Land of Enchantment.

Off the major interstates we find charming small towns and cities with histories that date from the distant past to early last century.Man has left his mark on this amazing terrain- from the Sandia Man (25,000 BC), the Clovis man of the Pleistocene, to Native American communities, explorers, conquerors, and settlers.

As we roam, we learn the impact of ranching (ostriches anyone?), mining, the ebb & decline of oil, the role of railroads, the postal service, and the military on the birth and sometimes deaths of these communities.

We discover why J. J. Hoag’s son exhumed residents of an old cemetery in1910- 16 years after his father’s death, where Smokey Bear was born, the site of New Mexico’s oldest zoo.State parks abound as well as recreation areas, sports, arts & crafts, theater, museums, music, even the paranormal.

Gustatory delights abound.Try Pepper Lovers’ Heaven or the Nutcracker Suite (pecans), the Red Hen Cafe and the Velvet Garter.

Southern New Mexico has been called home by heroes and antiheros like John Chisum, Geronimo, Billy the Kid, Butch Cassidy, General “Black Jack” Pershing, R. H. Goddard, and Elfgeo Baca-reputed to have 9 lives and was wanted ‘dead or alive’ by Pancho Villa.

Be sure to check your calendars to include the festivals in the areas you visit.They include Peanut Valley Festival, Leap Year Festival, Mescalero Coming of Age Ceremony, Lea County Fair & Rodeo, Old Lincoln Days, and the World’s Richest Tombstone Race.

Thinking of retiring to Southern New Mexico?You will be welcomed.You will also be able to choose a new address from such whimsical towns as Mogollon, Luna,Shakespeare, Elephant Butte, Pie Town, Animas, Yeso, Pep, Bent, Weed, Hope, Lingo and Loving.

Ms. Banks has written a well organized and referenced guide.An appendix of delightful short vignettes of the area written by the author for other publications completes our tour of Southern New Mexico.

As the back of the cover queries, “Aren’t you intrigued?

HOW TO BUILD A CATAPULT IN YOUR BACK YARD
By Bill Wilson
Publisher: Loompanics Unlimited
http://www.loompanics.com
ISBN# 1559502185
Format: Paperback
Coverart: Bill Wilson
Inside photos: Bill Wilson and Eric Iverson
Interior art: by Jim Blanchard
US- $8.00
Reviewed by Brutal Dreamer

Throughout history there has been numerous versions of these magnificent devices used for countless
reasons. Bill Wilson tells us about the history and how to build a catapult in our own backyards. He also
gives us in depth uses for these functional tools.

From Medieval to Modern times, catapults were used as powerful throwing arms for wars by hurling
objects at their opponents with great force. What is a catapult? It is a well-built mechanism that hurls
spears and stones and many other objects. Showing some of the author’s wittiness, you are even given
some fun reasons for use of the catapult. For instance, blast bombing his old Toyota with overripe
produce such as pumpkins and watermelons.

Bill and his brother established plans on what they wanted to accomplish. In deciding upon a light but
mobile device, but to still be able to shoot a variety of objects from their catapult, they set out their plans
accurately and what material they would need. These important items are listed in the book down to the
science with phenomenal illustrations, both drawings and actual pictures, and then pictures of the finished product.

This book is not only educational but filled with some of the best skill and talent all sprinkled with
enough flavoring of clever and humor to keep your interest. The history and the various uses of the
catapult is without a doubt by far some of the satisfying information one will find. Bill’s vernacular is
understandable and enthralling and keeps your attention to the last page.

I highly recommend ones to get “How to Build a Catapult In Your Backyard” for several reasons. One
reason being, the narration in the book is both very entertaining and informative. Other reasons are: if
you need to heave something or you are working on a project that requires a catapult, this is one book
you can understand and it reads well the diagrams are precise and the illustrations legible. Bill Wilson did
an outstanding job putting this book together along with showing us his catapult in his own backyard!

A Journey To Hell and Back
Author: Charlotte Russell Johnson
PUBLISHER TEC http://www.reachingbeyond.net
ISBN:193152713X
Paperback
PRICE:$14.95
Reviewed by James L McTyre Jr.

Charlotte Russell Johnson shared her story in a way that was simultaneously provocative and
reaffirming! She carried her readers on a well orchestrated journey with many interweaves of
truisms that concern this earthly existence. It is difficult to imagine a person's ability to come away
from "A Journey to Hell and Back" without asking the existential question - "What is the meaning
of Life?" Surely, Ms. Johnson caused this reader to reexamine the question, and to reckon with
the power of the human will to survive. However, Ms. Johnson moved a step beyond survival. She
has PREVAILED!! She prevailed beyond her overwhelming yearn for acceptance that this reader
sensed throughout her story.

Charlotte Russell Johnson's story is like a nightmare. It reminds this reader of a child's sudden
awakening from a nightmare, and the child finds that his mother is there, saying all those
appropriate things, like "it is going to be okay, I am here, hold my hand". And when Ms. Johnson
awoke from her nightmare, she found God there, and realized that He was there all the time. He was reassuring to her that she would be okay and that she is His child, and thereby, meeting the greatest
acceptance of all. Yes, Charlotte Johnson has been to hell. However, more importantly, she came
back. Just as the great Shirley Caesar frequently says, "if there is a way in, then there is a way
out." If you are not sure, just think about Calvary.

IT ALL BEGINS WITH THE SCRIPT: Writing (& Selling!) Your Screenplay
By Christina Hamlett
ISBN: 1876882328
Published By: Zeus Publications, Australia
Review by S. Joan Popek
Recommended

Have you ever thought about writing a screenplay or a movie.  If so, this book is for you.  IT ALL BEGINS WITH THE SCRIPT  is a well written book by a professional who's been there.  It is divided into three basic parts for easy reference and is extremely comprehensive.

The first part is entitled "The Fun Side Of Screenwriting: Putting Your Ideas On Paper,"  the second is, "The Business Side Of Screenwriting: Putting Your Script In Circulation (& Paying The Bills In The Meantime)" and the third is filled with resources and links to help you find even more help.

Hamlett discusses ten aspects of script writing that writers must consider if they want to be successful and gives concise, easily understandable answers to the following questions.

1. Are there age requirements?
2. Do you have to relocate to Los Angeles or New York?
3. Do you have to have a degree or other licenses/permits?
4. Do you have to join a special club or association?
5. Can you make your own hours?
6. What supplies or equipment will you need?
7. What kind of training do you need?
8. Must you be in perfect physical health?
9. What if you write in several genres?
10. Do you have to stick with one employer/producer?

As an author, I was impressed with Hamlett's comprehensive advice over such a wide range of "how to's" and "how not to's" that script writing covers.  She includes everything from shaping your characters to how the camera will view them.  Then she offers exciting ideas for a template where you can actually design your scenes one by one.

She also points out what directors and actors look for in a script and what they love or hate.  She tempers this advice with ways to get your script into the right hands to actually be read.

Overall, this is a very informative book for the beginning script writer, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking into that field.

Punctuation: a Thorough Primer for Writers of Fiction & Essays
by H. Stanbrough
Published by HarMona Press
ISBN 0-9713087-9-9
E-book and Print: PDF version $5.00 (download); $7.00 (Disk); $10.00 (paper bound 8 1/2 x 11 book)
H. Stanbrough, PO Box 370, Pittsboro, IN 46167, or order any version via email at hmpeditor@hotmail.com.
Review by S. Joan Popek
Highly Recommended

My first encounter with Harvey Stanbrough was in a college English Literature class during the early 1990s.  The first day of class, I found a seat in the front row (Older, returning students always sit in the front row. I'm not sure why we do that.  Maybe it's just because we can.)  Sitting next to me was a semi-attractive man a few years my junior.  His chin was decorated with a sparse growth of  beard in an obvious attempt to make him look distinguished, but it didn't quite succeed.  I immediately categorized him as a "wanna be" writer who probably would never make it through the semester .

Since then, Harvey Stanbrough has been recognized as a brilliant poet, editor, publisher, essayist and fictionist.  He is an English Instructor and was nominated for the Pulitzer.
So much for first impressions.

Mr. Stanbrough is now sharing his expertise with his latest book, Punctuation: a Thorough Primer for Writers of Fiction & Essays  which is one of the most intelligent, easy to understand and comprehensive books on the subject I have ever read.

He manages to take a very dull subject and make it interesting and even humorous.  He begins with, "Whether you’re a beginning writer or an old pro, a full- time or part- time freelancer, an essayist, a short story writer, a novelist, or a poet, punctuation is the third most important tool in your inventory. Its importance ranks only after your ability to form letters from lines, circles, and arcs, and your ability to arrange those letters into words."
One of the best things I found in this book is that Stanbrough mentions immediately what the book will not do and what it will do for you. He says that it will not teach you, "…how to react to punctuation as a reader…" and "It will not contain "…a bunch of boring, out-of-context rules that don’t make sense…"

What this book will do is "teach you how to use punctuation to achieve a particular effect in the reader…" and give you "…a concise set of usage guidelines…."

Also included is a brief  survey of your existing skills to tell you where to look for improvement.  In this self-evaluation, you answer questions like what is the primary use of parentheses?  What is an "em" or "en" dash, and where do you use them?  He discusses colons, semicolons, exclamation points and much more as well as sentence structure.

I found tremendous help, especially for fiction writers, in the section where Stanbrough discusses how and when you can successfully break the "rules" of punctuation and get away with it.
I was especially pleased with the very informative Glossary of Definitions at the end of the book.  I intend to keep this handy reference by my side and on my computer at all times.  My experience as an editor has taught me that no matter how much you write or how experienced you are, you can still get stumped when it comes to the labyrinth of English grammar and punctuation usage rules.

For experienced writers, this book is a valuable tool. For new writers, it is a mandatory reference guide.
This book should be on the shelf of every writer or everyone who wishes to be a writer.  I highly recommend Punctuation: a Thorough Primer for Writers of Fiction & Essays  for anyone who writes anything.

Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy
By Crawford Kilian

Crawford Kilian is a teacher and has written more than 18 books both in the print and electronic media. This book is great for the beginning writer in the genre. If I taught a science fiction and fantasy writing course, I would consider using it as a guide or even as a textbook for the class.

It is very easy to read and has some great tips for the beginner or the more experienced writer, especially those who are ready to make the transition from short stories to novels. Kilian discusses the publication process in detail from the mechanics of manuscript preparation to signing the final contract. He also includes some online market addresses.

The author takes us through basic techniques such as getting into a writing routine and doing research to character development, plot, scenes, voice, dialogue and more. He outlines in detail the writing process.

But the most important section (to me) was the section where he defines the genres and sub genres with the basic concepts for all of them. Today, so much of science fiction, fantasy, and horror are lumped together into a general category of "Speculative Fiction" so I was pleased to see someone actually define the characteristics of each. Because, think about it, folks. What fiction is not speculative? Isn’t that the premise of all fiction? What if?

If you are a beginning writer or an experienced writer in other genres, and you are thinking about diving into the genres of science fiction and fantasy writing, I recommend this book. Or if you are switching from freelancing short stories to novel writing, this book could help guide you through the process.

Anxiety Disorder Workbook
by Mary Ellen Popkin
Published by Awe-Struck Books
 Direct link to the book
 Price: PDF: $4.50
 ISBN: most ebook editions: 1-58749-285-7
 Gemstar ebook: 1-58749-286-5
 print (to be released in January 2003)
 1-58749-287-3

Review by Dr. Bob Rich

   As a psychologist, I have worked with thousands of people suffering from severe anxiety. I have never ceased to be amazed and humbled by their courage.

   Let me explain. For me, driving along the highway is an ordinary act, needing no bravery. For Mary Ellen Popkin, it used to be an act of mind-numbing terror--and yet, she did it when she needed to. Courage is not the absence of fear, but the act of overcoming it.

   People suffering from anxiety disorders experience fear in the absence of an objective danger, but the fear is real. Facing it, overcoming it, needs courage.

   Mary Ellen is a hero, for not only has she defeated the monster Anxiety, but also she has written a guide for fellow sufferers.

   Often, personal accounts of recovery are just that: perhaps touching, emotionally powerful, but, well, not much use to anyone else. The Anxiety Disorder Workbook is not like that. As the title suggests, it is a tool for defeating anxiety. I was pleased to find a list of techniques very close to those I use with my clients, each clearly explained, each leading to explicitly set out exercises.

   I was delighted to read a book with no typos, correct grammar and punctuation, and clear language. Such virtues are not to be taken for granted, even in books put out by big name publishers. The author's language shows that she is not a professional writer, but all the more credit to her for having produced an inspiring, technically correct and very useful book.

   I thoroughly recommend it to anyone who is pestered by anxiety in any of its forms, and for friends or relations of sufferers.

Copyright 2002, JoPop Publications. Copyright on all material in this publication is held by the individual authors & JoPop Publications. Any use without expressed written permission is strictly prohibited.