Writing Contest

Mark Miller's ONE is a spiritual anthology featuring true stories of faith from best-selling and critically acclaimed authors around the world.

The 2015 edition is going to be a little different. It will be written by YOU! All of the stories in the 2015 book will be by first time authors. 20 stories will be selected from all submissions.

If you have a story to tell and have NEVER been published, this is your chance. We want to hear your story.

Beginning October 1, 2014 and running through January 31, 2015, submit your story by FB message to MarkMillersOne - www.facebook.com/MarkMillersOne

Be sure to "like" the page while you are there and share it with your friends.

Now for some details:

*This contest is open to everyone 18 years and older, or 12 to 17 years with signed consent of a parent or guardian.

*The writer must NEVER have been published, either traditionally or self.

*The story must be an original work and not infringe on anyone else's copyrights.

*The story will be published by Helping Hands Press in the 2015 edition of ONE. As such, Helping Hands Press will retain all print and digital rights of the story for five (5) years from the date of publication. Selected authors will also have the opportunity to contract with Helping Hands Press for future works, but are under no obligation.

*Submissions should be in a Word-compatible document. A minimum of 1,000 words, but no more than 10,000 words. Stories must be inspirational or faith-based, preferably Non-Fiction (sorry, no poetry). Stories containing profanity, sex, or violence will be automatically disqualified.

*Winning selections will be personally edited by Mark Miller. Any and all submissions, in whole or part, may be displayed on the ONE Facebook page for promotional purposes.

*Contestants agree to donate all proceeds from the sale of ONE 2015 to a charity selected by Mark Miller, MillerWords.com or Mark Miller's ONE.

Please feel free to share this event and invite any aspiring author you know. Please post any questions to this event page.

Trouble in the Bubbles

In an informal survey of third graders, Trouble in the Bubbles is noted as the most liked and requested of all of my stories. It is quite popular with those "in the know".

Small World

Global Protection Agency

Issue # 002-B

Trouble in the Bubbles

Star athlete Josh and computer prodigy Madison are recruited by the mysterious Mr. Crux to attend a special summer camp. The two elementary school kids then begin the adventure of a lifetime. They discover that the Small World Global Protection Agency is a network of talented and skilled children in countries all over the world. Their mission is to help other kids and save the day when adults can’t.

In Case File: 002-B, Trouble in the Bubbles, Josh, Madison, Devante and Drina search the historic castle. There they find proof of La Pantera’s hidden treasure. It is up to them to stop La Pantera and her mysterious boss. An undersea cave is the setting for this exciting conclusion.

This new series is aimed at Young Readers anywhere from 3rd to 6th grade and will be available only in eBook from Trestle Press. The monthly short stories will be reminiscent of the adventure serials of the 1940’s with a contemporary setting. Each episode will feature two ten-year-olds, Josh and Madison, as they secretly work for the high-tech, international Small World Global Protection Agency to keep the world safe. The short stories will come in a two-part “cliffhanger” style and expose readers to interesting facts and details of the countries Josh and Madison visit. At the end of each two-part story, there will also be Points to Ponder: five questions or discussion starters to keep parents involved with their young readers!

Miller is the author of The Empyrical Tales fantasy adventure series. Book I: The Fourth Queen and Book II: The Lost Queen are available now from Comfort Publishing and Book III: The Secret Queen is coming Spring 2012. From Trestle Press, Miller heads the spiritual anthology Mark Miller’s One. Miller has also written the adaptation of the faith-based movie Daniel’s Lot, available from Trestle Press, as well. 

He is a husband and father of four. Miller has a background in elementary education and currently works as a substitute teacher. He also has a Bachelor’s Degree in Film, which lends to his visual writing style.

The style of the Small World stories has been compared to Magic Treehouse. The series has received other critical praise:

“It's about time someone wrote a story for children in grades 3-5 about geography. Seeing a country on the globe tell kids nothing about the country, but Mark Miller mixes in culture and 

"takes" the kids to diffferent countries in this continuing series, just the right length too. As a former teacher and homeschool mom, I highly recommend this new series.” – Amazon.com Review

“I find it appealing (as a teacher) that the author has also managed to make the story educational, as well as creating situations and issues that young people will know all about. Madison and Josh have talents, worries and problems like us all, but manage to keep on track with a positive outlook.” – Amazon.com Review

“It's a nice touch that we have both a male and a female co-protagonist, to appeal to kid readers of both genders. And the discussion questions at the end are a plus, IMO. In short, I'd say this promises to be a series that could be quite popular with kids in this age bracket!” – Goodreads.com Review

Please visit www.MillerWords.com for more, or follow the series on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SWGPA

And In Conclusion...

The conclusion to the debut story of Small World Protection Agency is now available from Trestle Press!

Down Under Thunder

Josh and Madison are two elementary school students that have been recruited by a secret organization known as the Small World Global Protection Agency.

In the first issue, they headed to Australia to investigate a record producer that seemed to have some unusual plans. In the conclusion, Down Under Thunder, the junior agents confront the producer with the fate of the world in the balance.

Having the stories in this two-part format helps to not overload our young readers, but it also heightens the suspense. In my grandparents' days, they used to see cliffhanger serials in the cinemas and bookstores. Small World Global Protection Agency brings back that thrill to a new audience.

Also, at the end of Down Under Thunder is a set of questions, or Points to Ponder. This is a great opportunity for parents and teachers to interact with the kids who loved the story.

Become a fan at Facebook.com/SWGPA

Both issues are ONLY 99 Cents each on Kindle or Nook! Click the title to get them now!

Issue 001-A - New Kids on the Rock

Issue 001-B - Down Under Thunder

And Now a Word From....

Giovanni Gelati. That's right, Trestle Press's main man is back and he says something to say. Oh, this is a big deal and I am thrilled to be a part of it!


Amish Knitting Circle now occupies the numbers 2,3,4,5 rankings in short story fiction in all of Amazon Kindle, not by category, but overall. 


Check it out HERE: http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/digital-text/157087011/ref=pd_zg_hrsr_kinc_1_4_last

They also are topping the charts on Amazon UK. Congratulations to Karen Anna Vogel and all the authors of Trestle Press. 

Why did I just mention all the authors of Trestle Press? 

Quite simply, it is because they all share one common goal and one vision­--- each other’s success and bringing quality reads to the market time after time.

One of the other visions they have embraced and ran with is the digital short series of the“Amish Knitting Circle”. There are more than 30 books now that Trestle Press publishes. Each month, a new installment of those series listed below will be released. The benefits to this are many, and just for fun I am going to list a few:

·        New content every three to four weeks to be easily read on your favorite e-reading device (smartphone, laptop, computer, tablet, Kindle,Nook,iPad…), the reader can follow the progression of not just the characters but the authors development as well.

·         A variety of genres to follow, so the reads can be rotated and fresh, low cost fun (the majority $0.99 each)

·         80 percent of U.S. families did not buy or read a book last year. (People don’t have time for full length novels.)

·         Great way to discover a new and emerging author without much investment in time or money(many of these authors have full length work to purchase, don’t forget

·         Great way to have fun and look forward to a ray of sunshine in your reading week (I love digital short stories, they really help me keep my reading fresh and fun)

Having the label “Indie Press” or being with a “little publisher” doesn’t mean the content is small or little. I feel it is an advantage in this day and age. The authors of Trestle Press have a tremendous amount of input and say in what goes on and their direction. The common vision they share, their incredible communication and team work have put them on the cusp of achieving much success.

The Grand Slam success of “Amish Knitting Circle” and the many titles they have charted on Amazon Kindle and Amazon UK is just the tip of the iceberg for them as they continue their journey. Why not join them and find out what they are all about? 

The authors would love for you to read their hard work and give them feedback: Email them, find them on any social network and friend them, tell them what would make them a better more relevant author in your eyes.

In no particular order I have listed the digital short story series currently up and running from Trestle Press. The additions to the list change often so please feel free to put Trestle Press in your Amazon Kindle or Barnes & Noble Nook toolbar each and every time you go shopping:

Karen Anna Vogel-“Amish Knitting Circle”

Roger Rheinheimer/Crystal Linn- “Amish Forever”

Paul D. Brazill- “Drunk on The Moon”

Chantal Boudreau- “Weird, Wicked and Wonderful”

Benjamin Sobieck-“Maynard Soloman”

Darren Sant-“Tales of The Longcroft Estate”

Mark Miller-“One”

Sam Lang –“Reprisal”

Jochem Vandersteen-“A Mike Dalmas Story”

B.R. Stateham- “Call Me Smitty”

William Tooker-“Slouching Towards Bethlehem”

Mark Miller-“Small World Global Protection Agency”

Mark Cooper-“How I Met Your Mother”

Lisa Taylor-“Shana Black”

Alexandrea Weis-“NOLA”

Celilia Robert-“The Soul Collector’s Series”

Cody Toye- “Dribbles the Squirrel”

H.R. Toye- “Debtor’s Chip”

The Author’s Lab/Collaboration Series

S.L. Schmitz-“Mina’s Daughter…The Harker’s Chronicles”

Whit Howland-“The Cain Series”

Heath Lowrance- “Deadland ,USA”

Michael Tabman- “Bad Intent”

Julia Madeleine- “The Devils’ Music”

Big Daddy Abel-“Open Mic”

Heath Lowrance-“That Damn Coyote Hill”

Thad Brown-“Smoking Gun Sisterhood”

Darren Sant/Sam Lang-“Severed”

McDroll-“Kick It”

Luca Veste- “Liverpool 5”

Col Bury- “Manchester 6”

Angelique LaFontaine/Eddie Frantom-“Thirty-1”

Sue Mydliak- “Friday Flashes”

Tanya Cotios-“Wicked Little Lies”

R.Thomas Brown-“Old Man Coyote”

As a reader I like to look for new stuff to read. I thrive on finding new authors with awesome stuff. The digital age of publishing has allowed me as a reader to discover new and various ways to read them. Less than a year ago this format was just an afterthought, an exercise for an author.

Now, thanks to visionaries like Karen Anna Vogel and her fellow Trestle Press authors, we the reader, can have our fun and read it too. I for one really like that. Join me in celebrating the freedom of reading in any way, size and e-reader we want to. Download one or more of these innovative, provocative and fun series. Challenge yourself and the author’s.  See what else we can all accomplish together.

Trestle Press- bringing authors and readers together.

Authors of One Interviews: Sudè Khanian

The cool breezes of October seem to slip by us as time moves silently, like a stage hand behind the curtain changing props and set pieces. Before this month ends, you will have the opportunity to read the next installment of the ONE series.

Dr. Candy takes us to the other side of the world. Author Sudè Khanian does not hold back with the raw power of her tale. She shares two stories of love. The first story challenges the reader with a man facing decisions about God and what is considered “normal”. The intertwining tale is one of life and how the unexplainable can sometimes intervene.


I took some time to ask Ms. Khanian some questions about her entry into the series.


ME: What was your inspiration for this quite moving story?


SK: It was Mark and the goal behind his One series that not only inspired me but also gave me the heart to speak of what I never intended to share with public.


ME: Thank you, but I don't want to take any of your credit. The story is very personal and I felt the emotion when I read it. One of your characters is a cross-dresser, that might be a sensitive topic for some. I am glad you had the courage to share something so personal. I have read some of your other writing and you don't shy away from the emotional, personal experiences. How long have you been "putting yourself out there"?


SK: The first story that spoke to my mind and moved my hands against my conscious came to me around a decade ago (It called itself Paradise Victim). But as for writing down my thoughts, I have been doing it since I was 16.


ME: That is an impressionable time to start. Definitely a lot of new experiences in a person's life at that age. Now, I know it wasn't that long ago, but in the time you have been writing, have you developed any interesting habits or eccentricities when it comes to putting words on paper?


SK: Not sure what you’re meaning by it but I usually write the story loosely in my mind before bringing it into the paper but when it comes on the paper, it goes its own path and most time surprises me. The point is, I bow to the ideas instead of expecting them to praise my mind. Maybe that is a habit. I wouldn’t know.


ME: I wouldn't call it eccentric, but it is unique. You seem to be at the mercy of your inner thoughts and passions. That lends itself easily to our ideals on this series. Letting that inner voice speak can expose readers to your faith and beliefs. Is there something more you would like to share about yourself and your faith that cannot be found in Dr. Candy?


SK: If there’s something I want to share that maybe is not dancing loudly around the corners of Dr. Candy is what I’ve exposed in my fiction stories Alleged and Cancer. And that is, when you find yourself judging a being, look beyond the clothing and superficial differences, and somewhere deep there, you may be able to find you in them and be able to understand where their seemingly unacceptable traits come from. That may not change your mind about your belief set but allows for love and better communication. But is that my faith or my advice? I am not in the position to give out advices, so I am assuming that’s only my faith ;)


ME: That is what Dr. Candy is about. More so, that could be a universal truth. The idea of finding common ground in others that appear so different than ourselves is both simple and profound. Too often, we are all guilty of judging by looks. Your beliefs present themselves as strong and deep rooted. Are there any influences that guided you to this spot? Any particular writers, maybe?


SK: I am not sure if I am influenced by any source other than the ideas themselves. As mentioned earlier, I let the ideas boss me as I trust them better than my earthly intellect and let them go wild beyond my thinking. They dictate where to start, where to end, and they know no rules. But if you wish to know which writers I favor the most, Borges and Italo Calvino are two of my favorites.


ME: I'm not nearly so well read. I'm going to smile and pretend to know Calvino. Then I will quickly follow up with who are some of your spiritual influences?


SK: It is funny, when it comes to writing which is a supposed task of mind, I let the metaphysical world take over my hands but when it comes to spiritual beliefs, I choose to trust my judgment than the spiritual signs or gurus. So I guess your answer is ‘my eyes’.


ME: That is fascinating. I would not have expected any other answer based on our previous conversations. Going into this, I expected you to be intriguing and a little mysterious. That being said, what is something you would like to tell us that you do not put in your public bio?


SK: I don’t like spicy food.


ME: Very good! I am the opposite, I seek out the spiciest foods I can find. I've even tried the infamous Ghost Pepper. I suspect that is not on your list of things to do. What are your "To Do" items?


SK: As for writing projects, I have recently finished On the Silk Road to Love and I am not writing any new stories anytime soon or if I am, I do not know that yet. About other projects, I am studying the potentials of working with some UK studios to make a movie based on Alleged. Another project which is more of a hobby to me is my Virtual Universe Traveland.wall.fm. I am building a virtual version of the world with help of one person from each country in the world, the countries that are announced in the world map or those that only exist in the minds of those who believe theirs is wiped off the map or has never even been there. So far I have ambassadors from 29 countries. Some are active and some are a challenge to deal with but what I like about this virtual universe of mine is that though we’re all focusing on the differences between our countries and cultural traits, we’re not using those differences to draw lines but to praise one another. We celebrate our differences and respect it.


ME: That's great! I hope our readers will visit your amazing Virtual Universe.You look to be very busy. I'm available to help write your movie script, by the way. Couldn't resist plugging myself. It's funny, but I often get the impression you are a serious person. I know from your writing in 30.5 and our emails that is not true. Here are a couple silly questions as a test to see how serious you are. When you finally stand before your Supreme Being, what will you ask?


SK: What’s up with the world mama?


ME: Mama, hmm? That is telling. Moving on, what flavor of ice cream are you?


SK: Though not a fan of berries when it comes to picking my favorite ice cream flavor, I have a feeling I would be some type of sour berry, thinking maybe blueberry.  Yea! Blueberry!


ME: Funny. Ms. Khanian, thank you for taking the time to visit with me. It has been quite revealing. Your story, Dr. Candy, will be available very soon. In the meantime, readers can listen to our turn on The G-Zone blogtalkradio show HERE. Please also visit our Facebook fan page and post questions or comments for any of the Authors of One. 


Lastly, I would like to say how excited I am that Dr. Candy will be the first of our series to appear under Trestle Press' NEW imprint Helping Hands Press!

I Have an Idea

Well, I did have an idea. A little while ago, I created a story about two unsuspecting fourth graders that suddenly find themselves in the middle of some serious, high-tech, international espionage. It is now available from Trestle Press.

That's right, ten-year-old spies that travel the world learning about each country they visit. The stories are humorous, suspenseful and exciting.

Star athlete Josh and computer prodigy Madison are recruited by the mysterious Mr. Crux to attend a special summer camp. The two elementary school kids then begin the adventure of a lifetime. They discover that the Small World Global Protection Agency is a network of talented and skilled children in countries all over the world. Their mission is to help other kids and save the day when adults can’t.

In Case File: 001-A, New Kids on the Rock, Josh and Madison start their adventure with the Global Protection Agency. Their first mission takes them to Australia to help teen pop singer Ja-Naya and discover what her evil manager, Feeble Bix is up to. Their counterparts, Mick and Kim, are ready for action as they head across the Outback.

The Small World Global Protection Agency is an adventure serial aimed at third through fifth grade readers. Each volume will take Josh and Madison to a different country. The stories will be entertaining, sometimes suspenseful, sometimes humorous. Each story will introduce facts about other countries and cultures, educating the reader through the eyes of children their own age while having fun. 


This is a great one for you teachers to read in class. Just ask my third graders from last year!

Something for the Kid in You

Trestle Press is bringing my new Young Reader series to eBooks soon! Here's what Small World Global Protection Agency is all about:

This new series is aimed at Young Readers anywhere from 3^rd to 6^th grade and will be available only in eBook from Trestle Press. The monthly short stories will be reminiscent of the adventure serials of the 1940’s with a contemporary setting. Each episode will feature two ten-year-olds, Josh and Madison, as they secretly work for the high-tech, international Global Protection Agency to keep the world safe. The short stories will come in a two-part “cliffhanger” style and expose readers to interesting facts and details of the countries Josh and Madison visit. At the end of each two-part story, there will also be Points to Ponder: five questions or discussion starters to keep parents involved with their young readers!

Miller is the author of The Empyrical Tales fantasy adventure series. Book I: The Fourth Queen and Book II: The Lost Queen are available now from Comfort Publishing and Book III: The Secret Queen is coming Spring 2012. From Trestle Press, Miller heads the spiritual anthology MarkMiller’s One and has worked with Giovanni Gelati in the Author’s Lab collaboration A Prince in Trenton, Seriously? Miller has also written the adaptation of the faith-based movie Daniel’s Lot, available from Trestle Press as well. He is a father of four with a background in elementary education and film.

Be ready for Issue #001-A: New Kids on the Rock!

Regarding Gelati

No, it's not a delicious frozen treat for when you settle in with a good book.

I'm talking about Giovanni Gelati. Maybe you've heard of him? Trestle Press front man, anchor of the Author's Lab collaboration series, social media and internet marketing whiz. I wrote "A Prince in Trenton, Seriously?" with the guy. Yeah, that's him.

He has also started a series on his own about...............Bocce?

It actually sounds fun and could easily be played in the backyard, the community park, the beach, or most anywhere.

Gelati (the man, not the ice cream) has taken Bocce to the next level. He has created larger than life characters and thrust them into outrageous situations. In "I Have Chrome Balls, Don't You?", he introduces us to two members his team: Giovanni "The G-Man" Gelati and Dan "Big Balls" Cannoli (he gets his name due to the maximum size of his regulation Bocce equipment). The two friends are pitted in a duel against each other to determine the greatest Bocce player in the world.

In "Holy Chrome Bocce Balls on Fire", things go global. Giovanni and Dan are whisked away to an international tournament in Djibouti of all places. There, they face off against the Chinese and Russian teams. Things quickly escalate into an outlandish competition, and of course, flaming Bocce balls.

I love that the outcome of these stories is a foregone conclusion. The G-Man is always the unquestionable winner. Like all good stories, you know the "good guy" is going to win, but you relish seeing how it goes down. The humor is sharp and the puns are thick.

I look forward to the next adventure, which will be part of Trestle's Harbinger of Horror Halloween Month: "Holy Chrome Bocce Ball Beach Bloodbath - A Zombedy"

Oh yes, if you buy either of these (or any of my Trestle Press stories), Trestle is currently offering a Buy One Get One deal. Be sure to email me your proof of purchase (Mark@MillerWords.com) and I will get you a FREE story!