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

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!

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!

Greater Than the Sum

I have really been enjoying myself working on the "One" series. Thanks to Giovanni, I have had the opportunity to explore my own thoughts, but also work with my father as a writer.

With October only a few days away, we are about to release another installment, by Sudè Khanian. I have been fortunate to get to know her over the past several months and I am impressed. She has a unique view of the world that is inspiring.

You can follow "One" HERE: http://www.facebook.com/MarkMillersOne for all of the latest news and releases.

We are working to put out one story a month, each by a different author. In November, look for Giovanni Gelati to tip his hat, followed by Melissa Studdard. Award-winning teen poet, Rachel Hunter will come along after that and we may have a retired Catholic priest as well.

Each of these authors is going to bring you something personal, and most likely emotional. They want to share their faith and beliefs with you.

Be sure to listen in to the G-Zone on BlogTalkRadio this Saturday (10/01) to hear the first three authors of "One" share their experiences with Giovanni!

Also, leave a comment below if you would like to read "Meant To Be", the first story of "One", for FREE!

The Authors of ONE: De Miller

The next installment of One will be coming your way from Trestle Press very soon, so I wanted to give you an opportunity to meet the next author.

De Miller is a former newspaper reporter, photographer and editor now living in the little central Florida town of Mount Dora. He became a born again Christian on July 13, 2008. He and his wife, Sue, have four children and 17 grandchildren and a great grandchild on the way. Through the years, he served as a reporter, photographer and relief desk editor for The Star and then as a reporter, photographer, Associate Editor and finally Managing Editor of the Kansas City Kansan, the daily newspaper on the Kansas side of Kansas City. Following some 15 years in the newspaper business, he became the Public Information officer for the Wyandotte County Commissioners for eight years. He entered private business, owning and operating several businesses in Kansas City. Also during his post-government years he operated his own Public Relations firm and sold freelance articles to such diverse publications as the National Enquirer, the Sporting News and Handicraft Magazine.

I prepared a few questions and my father was kind enough to answer them.


MM: Given what we are trying to accomplish with "One", what was the inspiration for your contribution to the series?


DM: As a "baby" Christian, I wanted to share my excitement about my new found knowledge with family and friends. If I learned about a new way to repair a car, I would certainly share that with those I loved. So why not share what I've learned about the true meaning of life?


MM: Sharing is a cornerstone of "One". We definitely want to expose readers to different viewpoints and give them things to consider. You have a lengthy background in writing. Why don't you share how long you've been at it?


DM: Do I have to tell? : ) Can I even remember back that far? : ) : ) Okay. 43 years!


MM: I won't add to your pain by saying that's longer than I've been alive. In that time, I'm sure you've developed some habits, good or bad. Tell us something interesting or odd that you do while writing?


DM: I wouldn't call it a habit or an eccentricity....but I really enjoy writing outdoors. I wrote my first novel on my laptop and a portable desk sitting on a park bench on the bank of Lake Dora here in Mount Dora, FL. When I don't have time to load up the desk and computer, I wheel it out on my deck overlooking a smaller lake and enjoy the shade and breeze. Maybe that is eccentric?


MM: I would say that's a great way to get in touch with nature. A lot of different faiths depend on communicating with nature. Can you tell us something more about your faith that we can't get from your story?


DM: I think I probably made this clear in the article, but I think it bears repeating. God is the faithful one. He will always be there for you. Just acknowledge Him in all you do and He will provide. Quit worrying.


MM: Very nice. Obviously that is a big part of your work these days, but who are some of your writing influences?


DM: Mark Twain, Mark Miller, Tony Hillerman, James Lee Burke, Liliam Jackson Braun and Robert B. Parker. (Not too many faith writers, huh?)


MM: I'm not sure I deserve it, but I'm humbled to be included in such an esteemed list. Many of our readers would probably agree that your influences don't all have to be spiritual. It's the message and not the messenger, right? If your spiritual influence is not overwhelmingly from other authors, who does influence you in that realm?


DM: Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the one and only. But to name some people with whom I've personally come in contact with, I would have to say Apostle Matthew J. Shaw, T. D. Jakes, Joel Osteen and Joyce Meyers.


MM: Another great list. These are people you've come in contact with in your life, in one way or another. That leads me into the next question. Give us a hint at the real you. Share something about your life that we can't read in your bio?


DM: I guess it would be my secret desire to be a movie actor. At this point in my life, I couldn't pass for a leading man type, but certainly a character actor. I wrote, directed and produced a couple direct-to-video movies in the mid-90s and I put myself in those; I also wrote, directed and produced a Christian movie (Daniel's Lot, which is now in worldwide release through Bridgestone Multimedia) and I gave myself a speaking part in that movie. We are in pre-production for our second Christian movie and I have already lined up a part for me in that movie....so if no one else will hire me, I will!


MM: Sounds like fun. I hope it goes well for you. Before we wrap things up, we definitely want to know what else you have in the works. What are your other projects right now?


DM: As I mentioned, I am involved in the movie ministry at our church, Faith and Power Worship Center in Apopka, FL. We recently released our first movie, Daniel's Lot, which stars Emmy-award winner Gary Burghoff (Radar from M*A*S*H). That movie received the coveted Family Approval Seal from the Dove Foundation and was named fan favorite at the Holywood Film Festival in New York earlier this year. We are presently seeking funding for our second feature. We actually have two in the pipeline: A faith-filled Baseball movie entitled Heading Home and a Prodigal Son story set on a horse ranch, entitled The Long Ride. I am also involved with a non-profit group, Arts for the Community, Inc., and we are setting up a Christian radio station as our first project. The station will serve the Marion County area near Ocala, FL. The call letters are WTYG (We Thank You God) and we'll be at 91.5 FM. We hope to be on the air by November.


MM: You are certainly busy. I want to close with a couple fun questions. First, if you could ask your supreme being one question, what would it be?


DM: I don't know that I would have a question. I would really enjoy telling Him face to face, thank you for this wonderful life He has given me. Oh, I guess I will be able to do that.....not too soon, though.


MM: We're not wanting you to hurry to that appointment either. Lastly, if you were ice cream, what flavor would you be?


DM: Chocolate chip. It is smooth and crunchy at the same time. Is that me? Maybe.


MM: Thank you for taking your time and sharing some of your thoughts. Below are some links where readers can learn more about De Miller and his many inspirational projects.

www.danielslot.com  -  www.demiller.com  -  www.headinghomemovie.com www.thelongridemovie.com - www.lazarusfilmworks.com - www.wtygfm.com

Coming Soon from Trestle Press: Mark Miller's One - Story Two: Twelve Steps by De Miller

In story two, De Miller tells something of his life growing up and compares it to his new existence as a Born Again Christian. He has strong influences from both his mother and father that shaped his whole life. After forty years, he is learning something new. 

     

Watch the DVD or get the Kindle adaption today!

Showcase #3

Recently, I was invited to join the group Writers of the South (USA). It is a small, but enthusiastic group of authors in every type of genre. The group is aimed at supporting and promoting authors in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi and Tennessee.

As we grow, we plan to take several opportunities to showcase the varied and talented people in the group. We will hit it hard over the next couple of days, hopefully gaining some new exposure and introducing you to writings you might not have found otherwise. Looking at the group, there is something for everyone, so be sure to check these posts every day.  The plan is to do this again in a few months.

Today, the spotlight shines on Corine A. Belle (aka Sandy Theriot)

Corine says, "Welcome To My Legend! I am an apiring author who loves to write YA in the supernatural/romance/thriller/humor. I welcome negative and postive feedback. It will be taken seriously and without prejudice. Thank you so much for your support!!!"

Sandy has been writing from personal experiences since she was a teen. More recently, her work has taken a turn with inspiration from Stephanie Meyers' Twilight Saga. Check out her YA supernatural writing at the link above!

This One's Educational!

I've been wanting to do this for awhile. My publisher (Comfort) finally spurred me into getting ready for next week's big event.

I've created a nice little study guide/companion packet to go along with The Empyrical Tales.

I had already written some comprehension questions to use at school with Renaissance Learning's AR program. I converted those questions into two quizzes, one for each book. There's also a study guide with different activity suggestions for both younger and older students. For fun, I included an old-fashioned word search.

For those that really want a challenge, I made a Hero's Journey study guide. Basically, take the elements of Campbell's hero's journey and apply them to the plot of The Fourth Queen. It should make for some good discussion.

Anybody that wants the packet, please send me an email to Mark@MillerWords.com. I am offering them free for a limited time.

With only 5 days until the release of The Lost Queen, now is the perfect time to get this. Order from www.MillerWords.com and I will include the study guide along with your autographed book(s)!