17-year old local Author Marta Stahlfeld.

Burien Books will be hosting a book signing for 17-year old local Marta Stahlfed, Author of ‘Darkwoods a young adult fantasy novel, on Friday Nov 25th from 12:30pm-2:30pm at 824 Sw 152nd Street.

Seventeen-year-old Marta Stahlfeld is a voracious reader, enjoying epic fantasy and historical novels, as well as books on history. The Seattle native has a particular interest in World War II, devouring both books and movies regarding that era. In fact, her Darkwoods’ Ranger Mice characters were inspired by the U.S. Army Rangers who scaled Pointe du Hoc on D-Day.

Marta began writing Darkwoods at age twelve, rewrote it numerous times, and through it all has known that her future lies in a career in writing. Darkwoods is the first in the new series by the same name, and Marta is currently working on the second book in the series, Pasadagavra.

To read an interview we conducted with Marta in June, click here.

For more information about Darkwoods and Marta go to www.DarkwoodsBooks.com.

Charm Hair Salon will be hosting a book signing event from 2 – 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10th with local Author George Matthew Cole, whose book ‘Colt O’Brien Sees The Light’ is set in Burien.

Artwork will also be exhibited during the signing.

Charm Hair Salon is located at 249 SW 153rd Street in Burien.

The book is based on a certification program that Mr. Cole participated in, that taught students about computer networking.

Cole, a Burien resident, spent over 30 years in the computing field, with experience on mainframe computers as well as PCs and servers. The idea for “Colt O’brien Sees the Light” came from personal experience working with high school students over a two-year period.

Cole lives in Burien with his wife and dog, and this is his first novel.

Here are the event details:

WHAT: Book Signing with George Matthew Cole, Author of ‘Colt O’Brien Sees The Light’

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011 2:00 pm

WHERE: Charm Hair Salon, 249 SW 153rd Street, Burien, WA, 98166. Owner Holly Shaw, Phone: (206) 248-3259

INFO: “Please join us for the Charm Hair Salon’s first book signing event with a local author and a book that takes place in Burien.”

The paperback version of this book will be offered for $11.00.

Here’s more information about the book:

Colt O’brien doesn’t think that he has to prove anything. He is the most savvy computer technician at Highline High in Burien, Washington. When a PC needs fixing, Colt is called in to save the day. The short, energetic senior, with his bright, colorful attire and cocky attitude, knows that he is the best. He expects the respect that is showered upon him by peers and teachers. School will soon be over and freedom beckons. No more girl friend to tell him what to do. No more schoolwork to bore him to death. Colt is cruising through senior year, but his life is about to be turned upside down. Two freshman nerds start a computer class that will put Highline High on the map and challenge Colt’s credibility. Three women will show him the meaning of love. One will show him the meaning of hate. And, his hidden psychic powers will emerge when he least expects them to. Hang on Colt.

More information on the book is available here: http://www.georgemcole.com

BTB Advertiser Burien Books wants our Readers to know that they’re holding a free book-signing event from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 23rd for ‘Darkwoods,’ a young adult fantasy novel written by local teen author Marta Stahlfeld.

Marta is a 17-year old Burien native, and ‘Darkwoods’ is the first in a new epic fantasy series for teens and preteens – read our previous story about her here.

Burien Books is located at 824 Sw 152nd Street in Olde Burien.

Burien Author Marta Stahlfeld, 17.

Burien Books will also be participating in the 4-day Olde Burien Neighborhood Sidewalk Sale, which runs July 22 – 24, with an eclectic array of books and boxed cards for the sidewalk sale:

• Thurs., July 21st: 20% off sidewalk sale items.
• Friday, July 22nd: 30% off sidewalk sale items
• Saturday, July 23rd: 40% off select sidewalk sale items
• Sunday, July 24: 12- 4pm 50% off select sidewalk sale items.

Also clearance and select used books will 50%-75% off everyday of the sale. All sale items are non refundable.

Here’s some more information about Marta Stahlfeldfrom www.DarkwoodsBooks.com.

17-year old Marta Stahlfeld is a voracious reader, enjoying epic fantasy and historical novels, as well as books on history. The Seattle native has a particular interest in World War II, devouring both books and movies regarding that era. In fact, her Darkwoods’ Ranger Mice characters were inspired by the U.S. Army Rangers who scaled Pointe du Hoc on D-Day.

Marta began writing Darkwoods at age twelve, rewrote it numerous times, and through it all has known that her future lies in a career in writing. Darkwoods is the first in the new series by the same name, and Marta is currently working on the second book in the series, Pasadagavra.

The book is based on a certification program that Mr. Cole participated in that taught students about computer networking.

Cole, a Burien resident, spent over 30 years in the computing field, with experience on mainframe computers as well as PCs and servers. “Flashmath for Windows 95″ is a flash card program that Cole wrote many years ago which is still in use today.

The idea for “Colt O’brien Sees the Light” came from personal experience working with high school students over a two-year period.

Here’s the publisher description of the novel:

Colt O’brien sees himself as the most savvy computer technician at Highline High. The energetic senior, with his bright, colorful attire and cocky attitude, knows that he is the best. Colt is cruising through senior year, but his life is about to be turned upside down. A new computer program will challenge his credibility and his psychic powers will emerge when he least expects. Hang on Colt!

Cole lives in Burien with his wife and dog, and this is his first novel.

To download your FREE Ebook, available in 10 different formats, click here.

CORRECTION

New York Times bestselling author Robert Dugoni, known for his suspense novels with Burien settings (read our previous coverage of him here) is coming back for another book-launch/signing party at his main character David Sloane’s favorite B-Town bar, The Tin Room (BTB Advertiser), on Thursday, June 30th Wednesday, June 29th..

Dugoni’s latest book, Murder One is a continuation of his Sloane character’s story, who also happens to consider the Tin Room his favorite place to grab a bite and a drink, as well as Burien’s St. Francis being a place to seek answers as he works his way through murder and mystery.

Books will be on sale on site.

Here’s what his website says about his latest book:

A year after tragedy, attorney David Sloane has returned to work full time. At a black-tie dinner he reconnects with Barclay Reid, opposing counsel in Sloane’s most prominent case. Barclay is suffering from her own personal tragedy-the death of her teenage daughter from a drug overdose. In the aftermath, Barclay has begun an intense crusade against the Russian drug traffickers she holds responsible for her daughter’s death, pursuing them with a righteousness that matches Sloane’s own zeal for justice. Sloane finds himself drawn to this woman, despite their adversarial past.

When Barclay’s crusade stalls and the Russian drug dealer turns up dead, she stands accused of murder and Sloane is her chosen defender. Amidst the swirling media frenzy, in his first criminal case, Sloane finds himself once again in harm’s way, while mounting evidence suggests Barclay is a woman with many secrets. And may not be quite as innocent or as in love with Sloane as she purports to be.

With his signature fast-paced, page-turning action, and exhilarating plot twists, Robert Dugoni once again proves why he’s so often been named as the heir to Grisham’s literary throne.

Here are the event details:

WHAT: Author Robert Dugoni’s book launch/signing party for Murder One

WHEN: Wednesday, June 29th, from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

WHERE: Tin Room Bar & Grill, located at 923 SW 152nd Street in Olde Burien; (206) 242-8040; www.tinroombar.com

VIDEO: Here’s a video interview with Dugoni by The Seattle Channel’s Nancy Pearl:

Seventeen-year old Burien-native Marta Stahlfeld has authored and published “Darkwoods,” a 275-page book that is the first in a new epic fantasy series for teens and preteens.

Marta will be holding a local book signing also, on Saturday, June 18th from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Burien Books, located at 824 SW 152nd Street.

Like many other popular teen series, all the characters in Darkwoods are animals, though they display very human-like strengths and weaknesses. “Darkwoods” is available at local bookstores, including Barnes & Noble locations, and is also available in print and eBook versions online.

“I have always loved fantastic stories,” Stahlfeld said. “Reading for me is a way to travel to different worlds and different times, and to have adventures I could never have on my own. If my stories can hook another kid on reading like I got hooked, that would be great!”

Marta Stahlfeld, 17, Author

Stahlfeld has already completed the next book in the series. “I’ve outlined six books, but I really like the characters, so there may be more,” laughs Stahlfeld.

The series begins with the Foxes leaving their home in Darkwoods, determined to conquer the world. Standing in their way is Princess Zuryzel of the Wraith Mice, with the ability to fade undetected into the shadows, and her allies among the Squirrel Tribes, Ranger Mice, and River Otters.

Like any good epic tale, Darkwoods includes battles, romance, and treachery, as well as the heroism necessary to defeat evil. But Stahlfeld was careful to craft her tale without gory battle details or language inappropriate for her audience. “Good books don’t need that kind of thing,” says Stahlfeld.

Interested readers can learn more about Stahlfeld and also sample the first five chapters of “Darkwoods” at www.DarkwoodsBooks.com. Stahlfeld can be contacted at DarkwoodsBooks at AOL.com, and on Facebook on the DarkwoodsBooks fan page here.

In addition to print copies available at Barnes & Noble locations and other bookstores, “Darkwoods” is available in print and eBook formats at Amazon.com, BN.com, and in all eBook formats at Smashwords.com, the leading distributor of eBooks for authors.

Stahlfeld just finished her junior year in high school and plans on majoring in English Literature or History when she starts college in 18 months. She is a voracious reader and has long been fascinated with WWII history. In fact, the Ranger Mice of “Darkwoods” were inspired by the U.S. Army Rangers who scaled Pointe du Hoc on D-Day, which she visted on the 4th of July. It was shortly after that day when she began writing “Darkwoods.”

We conducted the following interview with Marta via email:

Q: What high school do you go to?
A: I actually attend a private Lutheran high school in Des Moines, Evergreen Lutheran High School.  I just finished up my last final of my Junior year last Friday, and have one more year to go. Before that, I attended Seattle Christian Schools in SeaTac.

Q: Do you still live here?
A: Yes, we live in the Shorewood area, in north Burien.  We’ve lived here in the same house all my life.  Both my parents are attorneys.  My dad has his own office in Burien (Eric Stahlfeld), and my mother works in downtown Seattle.  I have a younger brother, Karl, who is just finishing up 8th grade at Seattle Christian Schools. He plays baseball for RIPS Brewers (Des Moines Memorial Drive) and also plays the bagpipes – you can probably hear him at your offices when he practices, they are VERY loud. We also have a cat — Leonidas, or Leo for short.

Q: Were there any teachers in particular who helped you out?
A: Susan Seig, my Language Arts teacher at Seattle Christian, and Cheryl Knight, the secondary school librarian for Seattle Christian, both helped my in early editing of the book and were very encouraging to me.

Q: How long have you been writing?
A: When I was seven years old, I won a blank book in a bean bag toss at a neighborhood festival.  I was kind of disgusted at first — it didn’t seem like much of a prize to me!  But my mom challenged me to write a story in it, and so I did.  That’s the first story I remember writing, and I wrote short stories in it and other blank books or notebooks on and off over the years after that.

I started writing Darkwoods when I was 12. I have the next book in the series done and ready for editing (title: Pasadagavra), and I’m working on the third book now (working title: Graystone).  I also have other stories I’m working on.

Q: What inspired this book?
A: In 2006, my family took a trip to Europe.  During some of the down time while traveling (sitting on planes, trains, etc.), the vague idea of a story of quiet little animals defending themselves against attacking animals rolled around in my head.  But it wasn’t until we visited the Normandy Beaches on the 4th of July that I began getting some concrete ideas for the characters.  The first place on the tour that we stopped at was Pointe du Hoc where the U.S. Army Rangers scaled that huge cliff, under fire, and then fought when they reached the top.  I was amazed as I listened to the guide telling us what happened and looking down that cliff!  How could anyone do that?  But as we continued in the tour and learned more about what happened there on D-Day, I thought about it and I realized that people can do impossible things when they have to, and they can rise to be leaders when the need is there.  That’s where I got the inspiration for my Ranger Mice characters — they are well-trained warriors because they have to be, but they are also brave and come to help the other creatures defend their home from the foxes because they know its the right thing to do. When we got home from the trip, I began writing down the story.

My Ranger Mice characters are not, of course, really like the amazing U.S. Army Rangers who scaled Pointe du Hoc – they are just characters in a book.  But I did try to capture the bravery and dedication of the U.S. Army Rangers in my story.

Why animal characters?  I had read a lot of Brian Jacques, author of the Redwall series, and enjoyed his animal characters.  Its fun to write about the characters as if they are human then throw in a phrase like, “On the other paw,…”

Q: What authors inspire you?
A: Brian Jacques (Redwall series), Erin Hunter (Warrior series), J.R.R. Tolkein (Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit), and of course, J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series — in fact, I’m rereading those books now.

I would also have to say that knowing that Christopher Paolini wrote and published Eragon when he was younger than 18 years old helped me realize that just because I was a teenager, there was no reason I couldn’t get my book finished and published, too.

Q: What’s next for you?
A: Immediately?  The dance performances for Momentum Dance Academy on Friday — I do Irish, Contemporary, and Jazz dance.  I’m also visiting bookstores this summer to set up book signing dates.

In writing, I need to get Pasadagavra edited and then published, and otherwise keep working on the next books in the series.

Otherwise, I’m going to finish up high school next year and head off to college. My primary career goal is to be a novelist, but I am also interested in teaching — sharing with teens and/or preteens, either through books or school or whatever, is something I really enjoy.  I’ve been tutoring a fifth grade student this year, and that has been very rewarding. I plan to major in English Literature or History in college, and then get an advanced degree for teaching.

Q: Anything else you want to add?
A: I want to really encourage kids to read. If a kid doesn’t like fantasy books like mine, that’s okay, there are lots of other kinds of books out there for kids at all age levels. Books open up the world (or in some cases other worlds!) for the reader and can help the reader learn about other places, what motivates people, etc.  And sometimes it just provides a fun escape from boredom on a rainy day, a not uncommon occurence around here….  Books may take a little more work than video games or movies (both of which I also like) because you have to use your imagination more, but that’s what makes them so great:  you get to imagine what a character looks like, and the buildings, etc.  A good book is like a friend that you can revisit over and over again.

by Steve Krause

I’m the new kid on the block. Kim and I just moved here from California looking for a pot of Gold at the end of the rainbow. A place where people can agree to disagree. A fun place with fun people. Let’s call that a community.

I’ve been going to these vision meetings. I’ve been to many of these types of meetings in several cities over the past few decades. I say that because I don’t like to express an opinion unless it’s a qualified opinion. I think I’m qualified. I have a Masters degree in business and a PhD in common sense. I’ve seen the dark side… people walk out when they disagree – but not here. People yell – not here. People impose their will on others to raise their position on an issue to a higher priority – not here. They are not trying to be civil and constructive – they are.

Shaping the future of the city is a tremendous responsibility. I loved to play on the beach when I was little. Actually, I still do. I had lots of toys – a little dump truck, shovel, flags for my castle. Mom used to tell me to let the other kids play with my toys. Every time I built my own sandcastle it washed away before I was done. I cried. One day, I shared my toys with the other kids and we built it faster and stronger and it stood high and proud on that beach. I learned an important lesson… play nice. Evidently, I wasn’t the only one. The folks on this Steering Committee have very different backgrounds, personalities, skills, education. Yet, they all appear to have one thing in common… they play nice. They ask questions about community needs rather than inflict their personal agenda on the process. They’ve made personal sacrifices to engage in this process for the benefit of the community.

I don’t care that I’m the new kid on the block I’m takin’ that hill. I’ll stand high on the hill and yell “THANK YOU” to every resident who contributed to the process. “THANK YOU” to every person on the Steering Committee. “THANK YOU” to the Council and City Manager for leading the process.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Steve Krause is a Screenwriter who recently moved to Burien after escaping, alive and unscathed, from Southern California.]

Normandy Park 'Geek' Don R. Crawley.

Normandy Park resident ‘Geek’ Don R. Crawley has co-written a new book, called ‘The Compassionate Geek: Mastering Customer Service for IT Professionals,’ aimed at helping IT professionals learn all-important customer service skills.

Crawley is quite accomplished as an author, speaker, musician and actor. He also is president/chief technologist of IT training firm soundtraining.net, has spoken before audiences in all 50 states, plus Canada, the U.K. and Australia, has appeared in numerous local films and plays (most recently in Burien Little Theatre’s production of ‘Unfound Fossils’), is an ensemble cast member in Seattle Theatre Readers, and plays the pipe organ at Southminster Presbyterian Church in Des Moines.

“In his spare time, he laughs with his family, howls with his dogs, and watches the ships on Puget Sound from his home in Normandy Park,” reads his bio.

He also wrote the ‘Accidental Administrator’ series of books for IT pros, and adds this about his ‘Geek’ role:

As a longtime IT author and trainer, I get phone calls and emails every week from C-level execs, business owners, and HR managers who are frustrated with their IT staff.  They tell me that their IT staff members are technically competent, but lack the necessary customer service skills to help end-users with their jobs.  That’s why my co-author Paul Senness and I wrote ‘The Compassionate Geek: Mastering Customer Service for I.T. Professionals.’  In this short (164 pages) book, you’ll find:

• The four intrinsic qualities of great customer service providers
• How to use emotional intelligence skills to deliver great tech support
• How to say “no” without alienating the end-user
• How to listen so you understand
• Ways to maintain your calm and manage job stress

Here are some links to info on Don:

• Don’s business website: www.soundtraining.net
• The Compassionate Geek book page on Amazon: http://amzn.com/145371278X
• Don’s Amazon author’s page: http://amazon.doncrawley.com

[EDITOR'S NOTE: We love to profile authors, artists, filmmakers, musicians, 'geeks' and other talented local folk, so if you know someone who lives in the general area you think is worthy of a story, please email us!]

After suffering from being bullied at a young age, Burien Author Jacquie Ream has recently launched a “Don’t Be a Bully Dog” program to help create awareness, educate and offer productive dialogue for schools, churches, and youth focused organizations.

“We see it in the news every day—bullying on the playground, in the classroom, on the internet, and even through text messaging,” reads a press release. “Sadly, even the youngest of children can be targets of the devastating effects of bullying.”

The program developed by Ms. Ream, who herself was bullied at a young age, is the author’s effort to utilize fictional characters and stories to encourage children to openly discuss a topic that many shy away from out of fear of retaliation.

“When I was growing up, bullying occurred mostly in the school yard,” says Ream.  “It was something that wasn’t discussed much and we sure didn’t tell our teachers in fear of being called ‘tattletales.’  But now, with cell phones and the internet, bullying can happen anytime and everywhere and children have to understand why it is happening to them and what they can do about it, or the consequences, as we see on the news every day, can be detrimental.”

Ream’s efforts to help children grasp the complexities of bullying started with the first book in her new Bully Dogs series written for children from kindergarten through middle school. Her first book, and series namesake, Bully Dogs, and her second book, YNK (You Never Know), are gaining popularity with children and adults alike. Although the series is based on fictional characters, the events and challenges the characters face are very real.  In the first book (Bully Dogs), the main character, Fran, is victimized by not only the bullies in her school, but those of the canine persuasion in the neighborhood.  When the bullies at school are intent on destroying her beloved volleyball team, Fran must decide whether to “stand up” or “sit out” the tough times.  In Ream’s second book (YNK), Fran is exposed to the drama of cyber bullying and bullying by text.  But this time it is Fran who must decide whether it is easier to become a bully than fight the technology world.

As a former educator herself, Ream knew that if she could create stories and characters that children would enjoy reading and talking about, she could create a vehicle for greater discussion about bullying in an open and safe environment.

In addition to writing the books for children to read, Ream also created class discussion talking points, activities, and a “Don’t be a Bully Dog Pledge.”  All are utilized during her in-person presentations to educators, schools, youth groups, and parents’ groups across the state of Washington.  To ensure that children and teachers have access to her program and her books prior to her visit, she also included a free travelling lending library.

Jacquie Ream’s “Don’t Be a Bully Dog” program is available at no charge.  More information about the program, and author visits, is available at www.jacquieream.com.

“I truly believe that I can use my experience as a victim of bullying, and my stories, to make a difference,” says Ream.  “If children can be empowered to say “No” to bullying, the media reports and stories will start to dwindle.  I may have come to a place of peace around my childhood, but fighting against the horror of bullying is one fight I’m not willing to give up on–ever!”

ABOUT JACQUIE:
Jacquie Ream was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  She attended college by way of writing scholarships, and received her Master’s degree in creative writing from the University of Washington.  She has written three children’s books, including the first two books of the Bully Dog Series, and KISS – Keep It Short and Simple – A reference book for school children, teachers and parents that shows “simply” the Easy Steps for Better Writing.

Jacquie has taught classes in creative writing for ages five through 65 years of age and is a passionate advocate for the importance of learning proper writing skills. She has been interviewed numerous times, around the issues of bullying, cyber bullying, and writing.  Jacquie currently lives in Burien with her husband.

More information about Jacquie and the books she has written is available at www.jacquieream.com.

Burien resident Jack Burke, 89, a retired pilot, recently wrote a memoir about his exploits, called “A Life Aloft: From Montana Roots to Pan Am Wings.“

A native of Montana, Jack began his aviation career at a young age. His new book spans his nearly eight-decade career, which he calls a “hobby.” He flew nearly every new plane to “fly the line,” and crossed paths with dozens of memorable characters who became close friends who shaped his career. From the majestic Big Sky country of Montana to the remote, unrelenting wilds of Alaska, from wartime Europe to war torn Southeast Asia, from the boundless South Pacific to the eerily desolate north Pole – and nearly all points in between – Jack Burke shares a lot of stories from his 75-years of flying.

“Ride along with him, share first-hand the thrills, chills and occasional near-spills of a unique and remarkable life aloft,” reads a press release.

Here’s more info on his book:

Burke transferred to New York to fly the majestic flying boats across wartime North Atlantic, finished his service in World War Two in the Aleutians, and would return to serve in both the Air Force and Navy in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Amazingly, Jack’s ? “best day ever” with Pan Am was January 31, 1968, the first day of the gruesome Tet Offensive, when he made a daring landing with his 707 into besieged Saigon Airport and delivered more than 200 trapped civilians—many of them children—to safety. “All those little kids,” he recalls with a smile. And surely they have never forgotten him.

Retired from Pan Am in 1982, Jack had a 40-year career as an instructor, check pilot and even Chief Pilot—although he always preferred to ?fly the line.? But it was never a job to him. “I got paid for my hobby,” he says. Everyone should be so lucky.

Home base was in Seattle, where he remains today and still logs air time. In the book, he regales readers with some of his fondest memories including the chance to meet with many interesting people up in the air, such as the time he flew the Beatles at the height of their career, and forgetting to get their autographs for his daughter. She forgave him.

Sadly, the love of Jack’s life and his wife of 65 years, “Scotty,” succumbed to cancer in 2007. But her bright memory lives on, in many of the stories and photographs represented in this historical and loving tale of his journey in the air. A Life Aloft is a love story of many dimensions.

Listen to a recent interview with Jack produced by KUOW here.

Jack’s book can be purchased online here:

A Life Aloft (From Montana Roots to Pan Am Wings)