Bukowski’s thrillers win awards

Oct. 29, 2024 – East Tennessee author John Bukowski has earned two awards from the fall 2024 BookFest awards. Checkout Time won second place in the Crime/Legal Thriller category, and Project Suicide won third place in the Techno Thriller category.

“I am extremely proud and feel blest that my writing has been recognized by such an august group,” Bukowski wrote in announcing the achievement.

Checkout Time had been a finalist for both the Silver Falchion and Imadjin awards earlier this year. In that book, handsome scientist Thomas Tomacinski’s easy-going style has the ladies talking, but beautiful FBI agent Sally Butterworth doesn’t want to join the conversation. Not until they both land in the same hotel, where an extortion bomber mysteriously known as Conrad Hilton sparks their romance with a bang. Conrad is looking to make a killing from a consortium of hotel owners — and is not above killing to make a point.

Project Suicide sees high-profile politicians dying by their own hand, and only genius scientist Dr. Deacon Creel knows how to save them. There’s one problem, though: he now prefers the bottle to the laboratory and the alley to the office.

Bukowski has contracted with PathBinder Publishing to publish a sequel to Project Suicide titled Bad Pennies. In it, Creel must once again return from a drunken exile to find a cure for the Alzheimer’s treatment turned into an assassination drug. But this time, the stakes are more personal. In addition to lives on the line, so is love.

***

Children’s author invited to prestigious event 3rd time

Oct. 29, 2024  – Columbus, Indiana, children’s author Kimberly S. Hoffman has been selected to the prestigious Annual Holiday Author Fair at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center in Indianapolis for the third year in a row. Hundreds of authors apply to be part of this annual event held in December, which annually showcases some of the Hoosier State’s top books and authors.

Kimberly was selected due to her book, No Matter What, I Love You, which published in June. Beautifully illustrated by Greg Potter, Hoffman’s ninth book explores questions children sometimes have, but don’t always voice. The main question this book centers on is, “Will you still love me if I’m different?” The story allows parents to express their unconditional love to their child through a gentle, rhyming story. Though this story centers around affirming love to children, it also allows adults examine themselves, learn, and expand their hearts to love unconditionally.

The event will be held Saturday, Dec. 7, from noon to 4 p.m.

A selection committee reviews applications and titles each year. To be eligible, authors must have spent significant time in Indiana or be a nationally recognized author on a fall tour, and/or the book pertains to Indiana.

***

Book to detail artist’s work, personal story

Oct. 29, 2024 – PathBinder Publishing is proud to announce that it has contracted with Columbus, Indiana, artist Kimberly Rose Free to publish a book of her art, which was part of an exhibit she presented at 4th Street Gallery in Columbus this past spring. Titled Psyche Relics, the book not only features her artwork, but also her mental health journey, told in her own words.

The book should be available by Thanksgiving.

***

Author of two thrillers interviewed on podcast

Sept. 6, 2024 – East Tennessee author John Bukowski, who has two thrillers out with PathBinder, was interviewed on the Language of Soul podcast recently. Listen to the segment here.

The podcast segment uncovers the intricate process of weaving real-world scientific concepts into compelling fiction, as well as creating stories that thrill while ringing plausible and authentic. John shares his journey from technical writing to fiction, shedding light on how his diverse experiences fuel his creative process and the “what if” scenarios that drive his narratives. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or an avid reader, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Over a forty-year career, John has gone from veterinary practitioner to epidemiologist to medical writer to novelist. He currently writes fast-paced thrillers such as Project Suicide and Checkout Time, as well as shorter fiction. John grew up in a factory worker family of six kids in Motown. He has extensive experience in public speaking, including numerous appearances on theatrical stages, TV, radio, podcasts, seminars, workshops, civic groups, and book clubs.

Meanwhile, his most recent thriller, Checkout Time was named a finalist for the Silver Falchion Award finalist for Best Thriller at Killer Nashville. Killer Nashville is the premier forum for all genres incorporating mystery, thriller, suspense, action, or romance elements. The book was also a finalist earlier this summer for an Imadjinn Award at the Imaginarium Convention in Louisville, Ky.

***

Chronicling two centuries of an Indiana church

Aug. 29, 2024 — First Presbyterian Church of Columbus, Indiana, has fashioned a long and rich history since it was chartered on July 3, 1824, by circuit rider John M. Dickey, with 17 members in attendance. But what really makes this congregation special is the good it has done, and continues to do, in the community.

First Presbyterian Church, or its members of their own volition, have started many programs for the community’s common good. Such as:

• In 1913, the Rev. Alexander Sharp Sr. helped organize the first Boy Scout troop in Columbus.
• Harold W. Turpin, pastor here in the 1940s, organized the first chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous in Columbus,
• The church opened the first preschool in town in 1954.
• In the 1960s, a childcare center was opened in the church that eventually became Children Inc.
• In 1972, the church helped start Y-Med, a program that allowed young mothers and mothers-to-be finish their education, giving both meeting space and financial assistance.
• The Rev. Warner Bailey was the guiding force in the establishment of a shelter for battered and abused women. Organized in June 1979, it is now known as Turning Point.
• Presbyterians were instrumental in starting the first homeless shelter in Columbus.
• A group from First Presbyterian that had renovated a home for an elderly widow sparked the formation of Housing Partnerships Inc. in 1990 with other churches. HPI is now doing business as Thrive Alliance.
• Hot Meals, offering food and fellowship for anyone in the community, has been conducted here each Friday evening since 1993.
• First Presbyterian member Juana Watson was the first director of Su Casa, a Hispanic resource center that opened in 1999. First Presbyterian covered much of startup costs.

There are more.

The how and why these events came about, as well as what impact they’ve had on the community, are detailed in 200 Years of First Presbyterian Church Columbus, Indiana: Honoring Our Past, Building Our Legacy, a book, authored, designed and published by PathBinder Publishing owner Paul J. Hoffman. The cover was done by Rachel McCarver, with an assist from Charles P. Day with a dramatic drone shot of the church in downtown Columbus. Katharine Smith, a longtime member of the congregation and professional copy editor, provided the editing.

This is Hoffman’s third book. His first two were nonfiction titles published by The History Press: Murder in Wauwatosa: The Mysterious Death of Buddy Schumacher and Wicked Columbus, Indiana.

As with all our books, 200 Years of First Presbyterian is available in hardback, paperback, and ebook everywhere you purchase books. We prefer you check with your local bookstore first, if that’s an option, as we like to keep them in business.

The book is 134 pages in an 8×10, easy-to-read format. It’s got loads of historical information and photos.

The official publication date is September 12, but it’s available for pre-order now.

***

Our first audiobook

Aug. 29, 2024 – Bob Morris’ debut novel has been turned into an audiobook, the first audiobook in PathBinder’s history. Secret Service Journals: Assassination and Redemption in 1960s Detroit tells the tale of Bill Eaton, who digs into the stories behind some intriguing files given to his grandmother years ago by a former Secret Service agent named Bill Simpson.

Simpson’s files include ones titled “The White House,” “The Assassination,” “Prison,” and “Reuther.” The journals reveal a web of conspiracy, political assassinations, and redemption.

Morris, of southeast Michigan, employs his expertise in politics, the auto industry, and all things Detroit to fashion this historical fiction thriller that will keep readers guessing the whole way through.

The audiobook is free for those with an Audible subscription.

***

Teaching others how to write thrillers

Aug. 29, 2024 – East Tennessee author John Bukowski, who has two thrillers published with PathBinder, offered his advice on how to write thrillers on Thriller Novel Writing (Ep. 27) that posted on YouTube on Aug. 22. Sara Nunez Bee interviewed Bukowski, a former veterinarian and public health researcher turned full-time thriller novel writer. They discussed his journey into becoming a novelist as well as his insights on the writing process, the need to let go of projects that aren’t working, the process of revising and editing a novel, the importance of having an editor, and the challenges of turning a novel into a screenplay. He also shared his approach to character development and the business side of publishing. His novels are Project Suicide and Checkout Time.

***

Children’s book will be a story walk

Aug. 29, 2024 – Author Kimberly S. Hoffman will have her latest book featured at a Pride festival in Columbus, Indiana. No Matter What, I Love You is being turned into a story walk. Each stop along the walk will feature a two-page spread of her book. Hoffman will also have a booth with her books and essential oil diffuser jewelry. No Matter What is Hoffman’s ninth children’s book, explores questions children sometimes have, but don’t always voice. The main question this book centers on is, “Will you still love me if I’m different?” The story allows parents to express their unconditional love to their child through a gentle, rhyming story. Though this story centers around affirming love to children, it also allows adults examine themselves, learn, and expand their hearts to love unconditionally. Columbus Pride will be conducted on Sept. 7.

***

Owner, wife act in test scene for potential movie

August 29, 2024 — PathBinder owner, Paul J. Hoffman, and his wife, children’s author, Kimberly S. Hoffman, played two of the three characters in a proof of concept scene for a film for which their friend, script writer and director, Dustin Brenton, hopes to get funding.

***

See Kimberly Hoffman’s TV interview

June 19, 2024 – Children’s author Kimberly S. Hoffman enjoyed her time with the Life.Style.Live! crew at WISH-TV 8 in Indianapolis on June 18. The segment was broadcast live that morning not only on Indianapolis TV, but also on Chicago WRJK- TV 22.8, Louisville WMYO TV 24.2, Fort Wayne WLMO TV 2.8, and Livestream at Lifestyle live.TV. She was interviewed by Felicia Michelle, who was on her second day as a host of the program.

The interview centered on Kimberly’s newest book, No Matter What, I Love You, which depicts a mother’s unconditional love for her child, who asks her some serious what-if questions.

You can see the interview by clicking here.

Kimberly was accompanied by her husband, Paul, PathBinder owner. He was disappointed to find out they made bacon on the show the previous day. There were doughnuts in studio on the day Paul and Kimberly went, but Paul was unable to procure a treat.

No Matter What goes on sale June 28, but can be pre-ordered anywhere you buy your books, including your local bookstore.

***

Cover reveal for church history book

June 19, 2024 – We have a cover for the book on the 200-yer history of an Indiana church that PathBinder Publisher owner Paul J. Hoffman is writing and publishing. 200 Years of First Presbyterian Church, Columbus, Indiana: Honoring Our Past, Building Our Legacy is scheduled to come out in August.

Rachel McCarver, co-chair of the church’s bicentennial committee, designed the cover. Paul, a member of the committee, took on the task of researching, writing, and coordinating the book project. This will be his third nonfiction book, the first published by PathBinder. The book is just one part of First Presbyterian’s bicentennial celebration.

The cover features an overhead drone shot of the church.

A bit about the congregation and book: On July 3, 1824, seventeen area residents gathered to charter a Presbyterian church in Columbus, Indiana, which 200 years later remains a vital part of the city. First Presbyterian Church has been a leader in establishing and supporting social justice initiatives throughout its history, and continues to advocate for those with physical and mental health issues, those who are unhoused, as well as all marginalized sectors of our population. As the church commemorates its 200th anniversary, it offers this book not only to honor its past, but more importantly to build upon its legacy.

Click here to see the church website.

***

Children’s author gets booked for Indy TV show

May 20, 2024 – Kimberly S. Hoffman, whose ninth children’s book will publish at the end of June, has been invited to appear on Indianapolis WISH-TV 8’s Life.Style.Live! show on June 18. WISH-TV is affiliated with The CW network.

As the show’s title implies, it covers lifestyle trends and issues in central Indiana and is broadcast live at 10 a.m. weekdays. It also livestreams at LifeStyleLIVE.TV .

Kimberly will be discussing her forthcoming book, No Matter What, I Love You, which depicts a mother’s unconditional love for her child, who asks her some serious what-if questions. The main question is centered around “Would you love me if I’m different?”.

Kimberly lives in Columbus with her husband, Paul J. Hoffman.

Author’s short stories getting published

April 26, 2024 – East Tennessee author John Bukowski, who has two thrillers listed with PathBinder Publishing LLC, will have his short story “Thumpdrag“ included in the NonCorporeal II anthology. His story “Wheel of Fortune” will be in Larceny and Last Chances. And his short story entitled “M Go Blue” will appear in the Cost of Living anthology by Whisper House Press in 2025.

M Go Blue centers on the bitter University of Michigan/Ohio State University rivalry: a Michigan fan meets up with an extreme OSU fan in a casual confrontation that yields unusual results.

In addition to my his two published novels, Checkout Time and Project Suicide, he now has 14 short stories published. He’s begun work on an anthology of his published short fiction, which he hopes to have out next year.

John was also featured on Successful Quitters, a podcast centering on people who have changed vocations, and talked about Checkout Time at the Gettysvue Book Club in Knoxville on April 10.

***

 Two PathBinder books named finalists for Imadjinn Awards

April 2, 2024 – Two books published by PathBinder Publishing LLC last year have been named finalists for the 2024 Imadjinn Awards.

Checkout Time by John Bukowski and Jason Phoenix and the Demon Lamp by Kyle Willis were selected from the largest field of nominations ever in the 11-year history of the Imaginarium Convention. All finalists advance to the awards jury to determine the winners in each category. Winners will be announced live at the Imaginarium 2024 Awards Banquet, taking place on Saturday, July 20, at the Holiday Inn Louisville East.

Checkout Time is a finalist in the Best Thriller Novel category. Published last February, it’s the story of handsome scientist Thomas Tomacinski and beautiful FBI agent Sally Butterworth, who combine efforts to try and stop an extortion bomber mysteriously known as Conrad Hilton. Tom-Tom and Sally Pancakes, as they are affectionately known, are led on a merry chase through the scenic backroads of Kentucky and Tennessee with more plot twists than a country lane.

This is the second thriller by Bukowski, an East Tennessee resident. His first was Project Suicide, which came out in March 2022.

Jason Phoenix, also published last February, is in the Best Urban Fantasy Novel category. The title character is like any normal teenager until the discovery of a mysterious lamp. The seductive, female demon who emerges from the lamp in a spire of black smoke manipulates Jason into exchanging his soul for omnipotence.With unlimited power at his fingertips, young Jason Phoenix is both thrilled and terrified as he now has easy access to his deepest desires, but unless he harnesses his abilities, he can also destroy those he loves.

Be sure to get your single-day or full-weekend Event Tickets for the big weekend, and a limited number of Dinner Tickets are still available for the awards ceremony.

***

Author talk a smashing success

April 1, 2024 – PathBinder Owner Paul J. Hoffman had the opportunity to chat with New York Times best selling author Michael Koryta March 27 for an author talk put on by the Johnson County Public Library on the campus of Franklin College. Hoffman and Koryta, a Bloomington, Indiana, native chatted about, among other items of interest, Koryta’s 19 novels, including his latest release, Lost Man’s Lane, which published the day before the talk. That novel was written under Michael’s pen name, Scott Carson, which he uses for his horror books. Koryta is reserved for more thriller-type fare.

Hoffman, an author of two nonfiction books, engaged Koryta in conversation, enlightening and entertaining the audience of 200-plus. Many of the attendees had read several of Michael’s books, as well as some of Scott’s.

Hoffman and Koryta both signed and sold books afterward.

***

Wynne continues conversations on anti-racism

April 1, 2024 – W.E. (Bill) Wynne, author of Understanding and Combating Racism: My Path from Oblivious American to Evolving Activist, was part of two programs in March in western New York, where he lives. On March 14, he did a joint anti-racism program with another local author, John Strazzabosco, at Hipocampo Children’s Books in Rochester. On March 16, Wynne presented a program titled “Transformation from Fear of Each Other to Becoming a Beloved Community” at the Mount Irenaeus Franciscan Mountain Community in West Clarksville.

Wynne, who lives near Rochester, included the following quote from Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in the March 16 program: “I am convinced that men hate each other because they fear each other. They fear each other because they don’t know each other, and they don’t know each other because they don’t communicate with each other, and they don’t communicate with each other because they are separated from each other.”

On April 23, Wynne will be part of a discussion on “How to BE an Anti-Racist” at the Sisters of St. Joseph Motherhouse in Pittsford. The discussion, sponsored by their Justice and Care for Creation Committee, will focus on some personal experiences of encountering and combating racism.

***

Two PathBinder authors to participate in Seymour, Indiana, event

February 26, 2024 – Kyle Willis and Kimberly S. Hoffman, both of whom have had books published by PathBinder, will be two of the authors participating in an authors event in Seymour, Indiana, on May 18.

The inaugural Magic of Books Author Signing will feature authors from several genres and stages in their publishing careers to meet and greet readers at Rails Craft Brew & Eatery, 114 St. Louis Ave. General admission and VIP ticket packages will be available through Eventbrite soon.

Kyle’s young adult fantasy book, Jason Phoenix and the Demon Lamp, published in February 2023.

Kimberly has eight children’s books:

Cleo and Roger Discover Columbus, Indiana – Architecture

Cleo and Roger Discover Columbus, Indiana – Art

Emma’s Dancing Day

I Llama Ewe

Love, Hope: Children Express Their Emotions During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Pete the Brave

The Red Coat: Giving and Gratitude During The Great Depression

Sigmund Stanley Spider Squared

 ***

Biography by Palestinian author remains popular

February 26, 2024 – Terry Ahwal’s debut memoir, Keeping the Dream Alive: My Quest for Peace and Justice, continues to rank among the top ten best sellers in Arab & Middle Eastern Biographies for paperbacks on Amazon. It’s been in the top three, and at present occupies the No. 9 spot. The book, which published in November 2023, details her years growing up as a Palestinian Catholic under Israeli occupation, her reluctant immigration to the United States as a teenager, and her daily battles in becoming a Palestinian American who cares deeply about both her homeland and her adopted country.

***

Children’s author gets in some acting

February 26, 2024 – Kimberly Hoffman, author of eight children’s books, acted in a production of Inherit the Wind at The Crump Theatre in Columbus, Indiana, recently. Kimberly, who has lived in Columbus most of her life, played the part of Mrs. Blair, a member of the local church in the fictional town of Hilsboro. The play, popularized by the 1960 movie starring Spencer Tracy and Fredric March, is based on a real-life case in 1925 in which two great lawyers argue the case for, and against, a Tennessee science teacher accused of the crime of teaching Darwin’s theory of evolution. Kimberly is working on her ninth book, which is in the process of being illustrated.

***

Author gets story in horror comic anthology

February 22, 2024 – East Tennessee author John Bukowski’s short story, “Carpet Sharks” will be published in the anthology, Max Blood’s Mausoleum. John has received his author’s copy and assumes it will be available to the public within the next month. A comic book fan growing up in the 1960s, John loved them, and on occasion he’d explore horror comics, of which Max Blood’s Mausoleum reminds him. He says that the graphics are amazing, and the paper copy has the look and feel of the old creepy-tales-like comics.”

John has published the thrillers Checkout Time and Project Suicide with PathBinder. He’s working on three novels and has been shopping them to traditional presses that accept unagented work. He continues to make the literary circuit near his home.

***

Wynne, book on racism featured in magazine

February 5, 2024 – A local magazine has published a story on author Bill Wynne and his book, Understanding and Combating Racism: My Path from Oblivious American to Evolving Activist. 55-Plus of Rochester (NY) published the story in its January/February issue.

He said he wasn’t exactly enamored with the headline, but was happy that a topic near to his heart got some press.

The story goes into Bill’s self-discovery of the many evils associated with the racial injustice permeating our society. In the book, he says: “My personal view of white privilege, as created out of white supremacy, especially white male supremacy, is that  it encumbers all white people in this country to one degree or another, whether they are aware of it or not.”

The story also details some of the things Bill has learned during his conversations and presentations in the Rochester area on the topic of racism.

To read the story, click on this link and go to Page 59.

PathBinder published Understanding and Combating Racism in 2021.

 

 

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Bukowski’s thrillers win awards

Oct. 29, 2024 – East Tennessee author John Bukowski has earned two awards from the fall 2024 BookFest awards. Checkout Time won second place in the Crime/Legal Thriller category, and Project Suicide won third place in the Techno Thriller category.

“I am extremely proud and feel blest that my writing has been recognized by such an august group,” Bukowski wrote in announcing the achievement.

Checkout Time had been a finalist for both the Silver Falchion and Imadjin awards earlier this year. In that book, handsome scientist Thomas Tomacinski’s easy-going style has the ladies talking, but beautiful FBI agent Sally Butterworth doesn’t want to join the conversation. Not until they both land in the same hotel, where an extortion bomber mysteriously known as Conrad Hilton sparks their romance with a bang. Conrad is looking to make a killing from a consortium of hotel owners — and is not above killing to make a point.

Project Suicide sees high-profile politicians dying by their own hand, and only genius scientist Dr. Deacon Creel knows how to save them. There’s one problem, though: he now prefers the bottle to the laboratory and the alley to the office.

Bukowski has contracted with PathBinder Publishing to publish a sequel to Project Suicide titled Bad Pennies. In it, Creel must once again return from a drunken exile to find a cure for the Alzheimer’s treatment turned into an assassination drug. But this time, the stakes are more personal. In addition to lives on the line, so is love.

***

Children’s author invited to prestigious event 3rd time

Oct. 29, 2024  – Columbus, Indiana, children’s author Kimberly S. Hoffman has been selected to the prestigious Annual Holiday Author Fair at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center in Indianapolis for the third year in a row. Hundreds of authors apply to be part of this annual event held in December, which annually showcases some of the Hoosier State’s top books and authors.

Kimberly was selected due to her book, No Matter What, I Love You, which published in June. Beautifully illustrated by Greg Potter, Hoffman’s ninth book explores questions children sometimes have, but don’t always voice. The main question this book centers on is, “Will you still love me if I’m different?” The story allows parents to express their unconditional love to their child through a gentle, rhyming story. Though this story centers around affirming love to children, it also allows adults examine themselves, learn, and expand their hearts to love unconditionally.

The event will be held Saturday, Dec. 7, from noon to 4 p.m.

A selection committee reviews applications and titles each year. To be eligible, authors must have spent significant time in Indiana or be a nationally recognized author on a fall tour, and/or the book pertains to Indiana.

***

Book to detail artist’s work, personal story

Oct. 29, 2024 – PathBinder Publishing is proud to announce that it has contracted with Columbus, Indiana, artist Kimberly Rose Free to publish a book of her art, which was part of an exhibit she presented at 4th Street Gallery in Columbus this past spring. Titled Psyche Relics, the book not only features her artwork, but also her mental health journey, told in her own words.

The book should be available by Thanksgiving.

***

Author of two thrillers interviewed on podcast

Sept. 6, 2024 – East Tennessee author John Bukowski, who has two thrillers out with PathBinder, was interviewed on the Language of Soul podcast recently. Listen to the segment here.

The podcast segment uncovers the intricate process of weaving real-world scientific concepts into compelling fiction, as well as creating stories that thrill while ringing plausible and authentic. John shares his journey from technical writing to fiction, shedding light on how his diverse experiences fuel his creative process and the “what if” scenarios that drive his narratives. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or an avid reader, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Over a forty-year career, John has gone from veterinary practitioner to epidemiologist to medical writer to novelist. He currently writes fast-paced thrillers such as Project Suicide and Checkout Time, as well as shorter fiction. John grew up in a factory worker family of six kids in Motown. He has extensive experience in public speaking, including numerous appearances on theatrical stages, TV, radio, podcasts, seminars, workshops, civic groups, and book clubs.

Meanwhile, his most recent thriller, Checkout Time was named a finalist for the Silver Falchion Award finalist for Best Thriller at Killer Nashville. Killer Nashville is the premier forum for all genres incorporating mystery, thriller, suspense, action, or romance elements. The book was also a finalist earlier this summer for an Imadjinn Award at the Imaginarium Convention in Louisville, Ky.

***

Chronicling two centuries of an Indiana church

Aug. 29, 2024 — First Presbyterian Church of Columbus, Indiana, has fashioned a long and rich history since it was chartered on July 3, 1824, by circuit rider John M. Dickey, with 17 members in attendance. But what really makes this congregation special is the good it has done, and continues to do, in the community.

First Presbyterian Church, or its members of their own volition, have started many programs for the community’s common good. Such as:

• In 1913, the Rev. Alexander Sharp Sr. helped organize the first Boy Scout troop in Columbus.
• Harold W. Turpin, pastor here in the 1940s, organized the first chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous in Columbus,
• The church opened the first preschool in town in 1954.
• In the 1960s, a childcare center was opened in the church that eventually became Children Inc.
• In 1972, the church helped start Y-Med, a program that allowed young mothers and mothers-to-be finish their education, giving both meeting space and financial assistance.
• The Rev. Warner Bailey was the guiding force in the establishment of a shelter for battered and abused women. Organized in June 1979, it is now known as Turning Point.
• Presbyterians were instrumental in starting the first homeless shelter in Columbus.
• A group from First Presbyterian that had renovated a home for an elderly widow sparked the formation of Housing Partnerships Inc. in 1990 with other churches. HPI is now doing business as Thrive Alliance.
• Hot Meals, offering food and fellowship for anyone in the community, has been conducted here each Friday evening since 1993.
• First Presbyterian member Juana Watson was the first director of Su Casa, a Hispanic resource center that opened in 1999. First Presbyterian covered much of startup costs.

There are more.

The how and why these events came about, as well as what impact they’ve had on the community, are detailed in 200 Years of First Presbyterian Church Columbus, Indiana: Honoring Our Past, Building Our Legacy, a book, authored, designed and published by PathBinder Publishing owner Paul J. Hoffman. The cover was done by Rachel McCarver, with an assist from Charles P. Day with a dramatic drone shot of the church in downtown Columbus. Katharine Smith, a longtime member of the congregation and professional copy editor, provided the editing.

This is Hoffman’s third book. His first two were nonfiction titles published by The History Press: Murder in Wauwatosa: The Mysterious Death of Buddy Schumacher and Wicked Columbus, Indiana.

As with all our books, 200 Years of First Presbyterian is available in hardback, paperback, and ebook everywhere you purchase books. We prefer you check with your local bookstore first, if that’s an option, as we like to keep them in business.

The book is 134 pages in an 8×10, easy-to-read format. It’s got loads of historical information and photos.

The official publication date is September 12, but it’s available for pre-order now.

***

Our first audiobook

Aug. 29, 2024 – Bob Morris’ debut novel has been turned into an audiobook, the first audiobook in PathBinder’s history. Secret Service Journals: Assassination and Redemption in 1960s Detroit tells the tale of Bill Eaton, who digs into the stories behind some intriguing files given to his grandmother years ago by a former Secret Service agent named Bill Simpson.

Simpson’s files include ones titled “The White House,” “The Assassination,” “Prison,” and “Reuther.” The journals reveal a web of conspiracy, political assassinations, and redemption.

Morris, of southeast Michigan, employs his expertise in politics, the auto industry, and all things Detroit to fashion this historical fiction thriller that will keep readers guessing the whole way through.

The audiobook is free for those with an Audible subscription.

***

Teaching others how to write thrillers

Aug. 29, 2024 – East Tennessee author John Bukowski, who has two thrillers published with PathBinder, offered his advice on how to write thrillers on Thriller Novel Writing (Ep. 27) that posted on YouTube on Aug. 22. Sara Nunez Bee interviewed Bukowski, a former veterinarian and public health researcher turned full-time thriller novel writer. They discussed his journey into becoming a novelist as well as his insights on the writing process, the need to let go of projects that aren’t working, the process of revising and editing a novel, the importance of having an editor, and the challenges of turning a novel into a screenplay. He also shared his approach to character development and the business side of publishing. His novels are Project Suicide and Checkout Time.

***

Children’s book will be a story walk

Aug. 29, 2024 – Author Kimberly S. Hoffman will have her latest book featured at a Pride festival in Columbus, Indiana. No Matter What, I Love You is being turned into a story walk. Each stop along the walk will feature a two-page spread of her book. Hoffman will also have a booth with her books and essential oil diffuser jewelry. No Matter What is Hoffman’s ninth children’s book, explores questions children sometimes have, but don’t always voice. The main question this book centers on is, “Will you still love me if I’m different?” The story allows parents to express their unconditional love to their child through a gentle, rhyming story. Though this story centers around affirming love to children, it also allows adults examine themselves, learn, and expand their hearts to love unconditionally. Columbus Pride will be conducted on Sept. 7.

***

Owner, wife act in test scene for potential movie

August 29, 2024 — PathBinder owner, Paul J. Hoffman, and his wife, children’s author, Kimberly S. Hoffman, played two of the three characters in a proof of concept scene for a film for which their friend, script writer and director, Dustin Brenton, hopes to get funding.

***

See Kimberly Hoffman’s TV interview

June 19, 2024 – Children’s author Kimberly S. Hoffman enjoyed her time with the Life.Style.Live! crew at WISH-TV 8 in Indianapolis on June 18. The segment was broadcast live that morning not only on Indianapolis TV, but also on Chicago WRJK- TV 22.8, Louisville WMYO TV 24.2, Fort Wayne WLMO TV 2.8, and Livestream at Lifestyle live.TV. She was interviewed by Felicia Michelle, who was on her second day as a host of the program.

The interview centered on Kimberly’s newest book, No Matter What, I Love You, which depicts a mother’s unconditional love for her child, who asks her some serious what-if questions.

You can see the interview by clicking here.

Kimberly was accompanied by her husband, Paul, PathBinder owner. He was disappointed to find out they made bacon on the show the previous day. There were doughnuts in studio on the day Paul and Kimberly went, but Paul was unable to procure a treat.

No Matter What goes on sale June 28, but can be pre-ordered anywhere you buy your books, including your local bookstore.

***

Cover reveal for church history book

June 19, 2024 – We have a cover for the book on the 200-yer history of an Indiana church that PathBinder Publisher owner Paul J. Hoffman is writing and publishing. 200 Years of First Presbyterian Church, Columbus, Indiana: Honoring Our Past, Building Our Legacy is scheduled to come out in August.

Rachel McCarver, co-chair of the church’s bicentennial committee, designed the cover. Paul, a member of the committee, took on the task of researching, writing, and coordinating the book project. This will be his third nonfiction book, the first published by PathBinder. The book is just one part of First Presbyterian’s bicentennial celebration.

The cover features an overhead drone shot of the church.

A bit about the congregation and book: On July 3, 1824, seventeen area residents gathered to charter a Presbyterian church in Columbus, Indiana, which 200 years later remains a vital part of the city. First Presbyterian Church has been a leader in establishing and supporting social justice initiatives throughout its history, and continues to advocate for those with physical and mental health issues, those who are unhoused, as well as all marginalized sectors of our population. As the church commemorates its 200th anniversary, it offers this book not only to honor its past, but more importantly to build upon its legacy.

Click here to see the church website.

***

Children’s author gets booked for Indy TV show

May 20, 2024 – Kimberly S. Hoffman, whose ninth children’s book will publish at the end of June, has been invited to appear on Indianapolis WISH-TV 8’s Life.Style.Live! show on June 18. WISH-TV is affiliated with The CW network.

As the show’s title implies, it covers lifestyle trends and issues in central Indiana and is broadcast live at 10 a.m. weekdays. It also livestreams at LifeStyleLIVE.TV .

Kimberly will be discussing her forthcoming book, No Matter What, I Love You, which depicts a mother’s unconditional love for her child, who asks her some serious what-if questions. The main question is centered around “Would you love me if I’m different?”.

Kimberly lives in Columbus with her husband, Paul J. Hoffman.

Author’s short stories getting published

April 26, 2024 – East Tennessee author John Bukowski, who has two thrillers listed with PathBinder Publishing LLC, will have his short story “Thumpdrag“ included in the NonCorporeal II anthology. His story “Wheel of Fortune” will be in Larceny and Last Chances. And his short story entitled “M Go Blue” will appear in the Cost of Living anthology by Whisper House Press in 2025.

M Go Blue centers on the bitter University of Michigan/Ohio State University rivalry: a Michigan fan meets up with an extreme OSU fan in a casual confrontation that yields unusual results.

In addition to my his two published novels, Checkout Time and Project Suicide, he now has 14 short stories published. He’s begun work on an anthology of his published short fiction, which he hopes to have out next year.

John was also featured on Successful Quitters, a podcast centering on people who have changed vocations, and talked about Checkout Time at the Gettysvue Book Club in Knoxville on April 10.

***

 Two PathBinder books named finalists for Imadjinn Awards

April 2, 2024 – Two books published by PathBinder Publishing LLC last year have been named finalists for the 2024 Imadjinn Awards.

Checkout Time by John Bukowski and Jason Phoenix and the Demon Lamp by Kyle Willis were selected from the largest field of nominations ever in the 11-year history of the Imaginarium Convention. All finalists advance to the awards jury to determine the winners in each category. Winners will be announced live at the Imaginarium 2024 Awards Banquet, taking place on Saturday, July 20, at the Holiday Inn Louisville East.

Checkout Time is a finalist in the Best Thriller Novel category. Published last February, it’s the story of handsome scientist Thomas Tomacinski and beautiful FBI agent Sally Butterworth, who combine efforts to try and stop an extortion bomber mysteriously known as Conrad Hilton. Tom-Tom and Sally Pancakes, as they are affectionately known, are led on a merry chase through the scenic backroads of Kentucky and Tennessee with more plot twists than a country lane.

This is the second thriller by Bukowski, an East Tennessee resident. His first was Project Suicide, which came out in March 2022.

Jason Phoenix, also published last February, is in the Best Urban Fantasy Novel category. The title character is like any normal teenager until the discovery of a mysterious lamp. The seductive, female demon who emerges from the lamp in a spire of black smoke manipulates Jason into exchanging his soul for omnipotence.With unlimited power at his fingertips, young Jason Phoenix is both thrilled and terrified as he now has easy access to his deepest desires, but unless he harnesses his abilities, he can also destroy those he loves.

Be sure to get your single-day or full-weekend Event Tickets for the big weekend, and a limited number of Dinner Tickets are still available for the awards ceremony.

***

Author talk a smashing success

April 1, 2024 – PathBinder Owner Paul J. Hoffman had the opportunity to chat with New York Times best selling author Michael Koryta March 27 for an author talk put on by the Johnson County Public Library on the campus of Franklin College. Hoffman and Koryta, a Bloomington, Indiana, native chatted about, among other items of interest, Koryta’s 19 novels, including his latest release, Lost Man’s Lane, which published the day before the talk. That novel was written under Michael’s pen name, Scott Carson, which he uses for his horror books. Koryta is reserved for more thriller-type fare.

Hoffman, an author of two nonfiction books, engaged Koryta in conversation, enlightening and entertaining the audience of 200-plus. Many of the attendees had read several of Michael’s books, as well as some of Scott’s.

Hoffman and Koryta both signed and sold books afterward.

***

Wynne continues conversations on anti-racism

April 1, 2024 – W.E. (Bill) Wynne, author of Understanding and Combating Racism: My Path from Oblivious American to Evolving Activist, was part of two programs in March in western New York, where he lives. On March 14, he did a joint anti-racism program with another local author, John Strazzabosco, at Hipocampo Children’s Books in Rochester. On March 16, Wynne presented a program titled “Transformation from Fear of Each Other to Becoming a Beloved Community” at the Mount Irenaeus Franciscan Mountain Community in West Clarksville.

Wynne, who lives near Rochester, included the following quote from Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in the March 16 program: “I am convinced that men hate each other because they fear each other. They fear each other because they don’t know each other, and they don’t know each other because they don’t communicate with each other, and they don’t communicate with each other because they are separated from each other.”

On April 23, Wynne will be part of a discussion on “How to BE an Anti-Racist” at the Sisters of St. Joseph Motherhouse in Pittsford. The discussion, sponsored by their Justice and Care for Creation Committee, will focus on some personal experiences of encountering and combating racism.

***

Two PathBinder authors to participate in Seymour, Indiana, event

February 26, 2024 – Kyle Willis and Kimberly S. Hoffman, both of whom have had books published by PathBinder, will be two of the authors participating in an authors event in Seymour, Indiana, on May 18.

The inaugural Magic of Books Author Signing will feature authors from several genres and stages in their publishing careers to meet and greet readers at Rails Craft Brew & Eatery, 114 St. Louis Ave. General admission and VIP ticket packages will be available through Eventbrite soon.

Kyle’s young adult fantasy book, Jason Phoenix and the Demon Lamp, published in February 2023.

Kimberly has eight children’s books:

Cleo and Roger Discover Columbus, Indiana – Architecture

Cleo and Roger Discover Columbus, Indiana – Art

Emma’s Dancing Day

I Llama Ewe

Love, Hope: Children Express Their Emotions During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Pete the Brave

The Red Coat: Giving and Gratitude During The Great Depression

Sigmund Stanley Spider Squared

 ***

Biography by Palestinian author remains popular

February 26, 2024 – Terry Ahwal’s debut memoir, Keeping the Dream Alive: My Quest for Peace and Justice, continues to rank among the top ten best sellers in Arab & Middle Eastern Biographies for paperbacks on Amazon. It’s been in the top three, and at present occupies the No. 9 spot. The book, which published in November 2023, details her years growing up as a Palestinian Catholic under Israeli occupation, her reluctant immigration to the United States as a teenager, and her daily battles in becoming a Palestinian American who cares deeply about both her homeland and her adopted country.

***

Children’s author gets in some acting

February 26, 2024 – Kimberly Hoffman, author of eight children’s books, acted in a production of Inherit the Wind at The Crump Theatre in Columbus, Indiana, recently. Kimberly, who has lived in Columbus most of her life, played the part of Mrs. Blair, a member of the local church in the fictional town of Hilsboro. The play, popularized by the 1960 movie starring Spencer Tracy and Fredric March, is based on a real-life case in 1925 in which two great lawyers argue the case for, and against, a Tennessee science teacher accused of the crime of teaching Darwin’s theory of evolution. Kimberly is working on her ninth book, which is in the process of being illustrated.

***

Author gets story in horror comic anthology

February 22, 2024 – East Tennessee author John Bukowski’s short story, “Carpet Sharks” will be published in the anthology, Max Blood’s Mausoleum. John has received his author’s copy and assumes it will be available to the public within the next month. A comic book fan growing up in the 1960s, John loved them, and on occasion he’d explore horror comics, of which Max Blood’s Mausoleum reminds him. He says that the graphics are amazing, and the paper copy has the look and feel of the old creepy-tales-like comics.”

John has published the thrillers Checkout Time and Project Suicide with PathBinder. He’s working on three novels and has been shopping them to traditional presses that accept unagented work. He continues to make the literary circuit near his home.

***

Wynne, book on racism featured in magazine

February 5, 2024 – A local magazine has published a story on author Bill Wynne and his book, Understanding and Combating Racism: My Path from Oblivious American to Evolving Activist. 55-Plus of Rochester (NY) published the story in its January/February issue.

He said he wasn’t exactly enamored with the headline, but was happy that a topic near to his heart got some press.

The story goes into Bill’s self-discovery of the many evils associated with the racial injustice permeating our society. In the book, he says: “My personal view of white privilege, as created out of white supremacy, especially white male supremacy, is that  it encumbers all white people in this country to one degree or another, whether they are aware of it or not.”

The story also details some of the things Bill has learned during his conversations and presentations in the Rochester area on the topic of racism.

To read the story, click on this link and go to Page 59.

PathBinder published Understanding and Combating Racism in 2021.

 

 

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Bukowski’s thrillers win awards

Oct. 29, 2024 – East Tennessee author John Bukowski has earned two awards from the fall 2024 BookFest awards. Checkout Time won second place in the Crime/Legal Thriller category, and Project Suicide won third place in the Techno Thriller category.

“I am extremely proud and feel blest that my writing has been recognized by such an august group,” Bukowski wrote in announcing the achievement.

Checkout Time had been a finalist for both the Silver Falchion and Imadjin awards earlier this year. In that book, handsome scientist Thomas Tomacinski’s easy-going style has the ladies talking, but beautiful FBI agent Sally Butterworth doesn’t want to join the conversation. Not until they both land in the same hotel, where an extortion bomber mysteriously known as Conrad Hilton sparks their romance with a bang. Conrad is looking to make a killing from a consortium of hotel owners — and is not above killing to make a point.

Project Suicide sees high-profile politicians dying by their own hand, and only genius scientist Dr. Deacon Creel knows how to save them. There’s one problem, though: he now prefers the bottle to the laboratory and the alley to the office.

Bukowski has contracted with PathBinder Publishing to publish a sequel to Project Suicide titled Bad Pennies. In it, Creel must once again return from a drunken exile to find a cure for the Alzheimer’s treatment turned into an assassination drug. But this time, the stakes are more personal. In addition to lives on the line, so is love.

***

Children’s author invited to prestigious event 3rd time

Oct. 29, 2024  – Columbus, Indiana, children’s author Kimberly S. Hoffman has been selected to the prestigious Annual Holiday Author Fair at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center in Indianapolis for the third year in a row. Hundreds of authors apply to be part of this annual event held in December, which annually showcases some of the Hoosier State’s top books and authors.

Kimberly was selected due to her book, No Matter What, I Love You, which published in June. Beautifully illustrated by Greg Potter, Hoffman’s ninth book explores questions children sometimes have, but don’t always voice. The main question this book centers on is, “Will you still love me if I’m different?” The story allows parents to express their unconditional love to their child through a gentle, rhyming story. Though this story centers around affirming love to children, it also allows adults examine themselves, learn, and expand their hearts to love unconditionally.

The event will be held Saturday, Dec. 7, from noon to 4 p.m.

A selection committee reviews applications and titles each year. To be eligible, authors must have spent significant time in Indiana or be a nationally recognized author on a fall tour, and/or the book pertains to Indiana.

***

Book to detail artist’s work, personal story

Oct. 29, 2024 – PathBinder Publishing is proud to announce that it has contracted with Columbus, Indiana, artist Kimberly Rose Free to publish a book of her art, which was part of an exhibit she presented at 4th Street Gallery in Columbus this past spring. Titled Psyche Relics, the book not only features her artwork, but also her mental health journey, told in her own words.

The book should be available by Thanksgiving.

***

Author of two thrillers interviewed on podcast

Sept. 6, 2024 – East Tennessee author John Bukowski, who has two thrillers out with PathBinder, was interviewed on the Language of Soul podcast recently. Listen to the segment here.

The podcast segment uncovers the intricate process of weaving real-world scientific concepts into compelling fiction, as well as creating stories that thrill while ringing plausible and authentic. John shares his journey from technical writing to fiction, shedding light on how his diverse experiences fuel his creative process and the “what if” scenarios that drive his narratives. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or an avid reader, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Over a forty-year career, John has gone from veterinary practitioner to epidemiologist to medical writer to novelist. He currently writes fast-paced thrillers such as Project Suicide and Checkout Time, as well as shorter fiction. John grew up in a factory worker family of six kids in Motown. He has extensive experience in public speaking, including numerous appearances on theatrical stages, TV, radio, podcasts, seminars, workshops, civic groups, and book clubs.

Meanwhile, his most recent thriller, Checkout Time was named a finalist for the Silver Falchion Award finalist for Best Thriller at Killer Nashville. Killer Nashville is the premier forum for all genres incorporating mystery, thriller, suspense, action, or romance elements. The book was also a finalist earlier this summer for an Imadjinn Award at the Imaginarium Convention in Louisville, Ky.

***

Chronicling two centuries of an Indiana church

Aug. 29, 2024 — First Presbyterian Church of Columbus, Indiana, has fashioned a long and rich history since it was chartered on July 3, 1824, by circuit rider John M. Dickey, with 17 members in attendance. But what really makes this congregation special is the good it has done, and continues to do, in the community.

First Presbyterian Church, or its members of their own volition, have started many programs for the community’s common good. Such as:

• In 1913, the Rev. Alexander Sharp Sr. helped organize the first Boy Scout troop in Columbus.
• Harold W. Turpin, pastor here in the 1940s, organized the first chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous in Columbus,
• The church opened the first preschool in town in 1954.
• In the 1960s, a childcare center was opened in the church that eventually became Children Inc.
• In 1972, the church helped start Y-Med, a program that allowed young mothers and mothers-to-be finish their education, giving both meeting space and financial assistance.
• The Rev. Warner Bailey was the guiding force in the establishment of a shelter for battered and abused women. Organized in June 1979, it is now known as Turning Point.
• Presbyterians were instrumental in starting the first homeless shelter in Columbus.
• A group from First Presbyterian that had renovated a home for an elderly widow sparked the formation of Housing Partnerships Inc. in 1990 with other churches. HPI is now doing business as Thrive Alliance.
• Hot Meals, offering food and fellowship for anyone in the community, has been conducted here each Friday evening since 1993.
• First Presbyterian member Juana Watson was the first director of Su Casa, a Hispanic resource center that opened in 1999. First Presbyterian covered much of startup costs.

There are more.

The how and why these events came about, as well as what impact they’ve had on the community, are detailed in 200 Years of First Presbyterian Church Columbus, Indiana: Honoring Our Past, Building Our Legacy, a book, authored, designed and published by PathBinder Publishing owner Paul J. Hoffman. The cover was done by Rachel McCarver, with an assist from Charles P. Day with a dramatic drone shot of the church in downtown Columbus. Katharine Smith, a longtime member of the congregation and professional copy editor, provided the editing.

This is Hoffman’s third book. His first two were nonfiction titles published by The History Press: Murder in Wauwatosa: The Mysterious Death of Buddy Schumacher and Wicked Columbus, Indiana.

As with all our books, 200 Years of First Presbyterian is available in hardback, paperback, and ebook everywhere you purchase books. We prefer you check with your local bookstore first, if that’s an option, as we like to keep them in business.

The book is 134 pages in an 8×10, easy-to-read format. It’s got loads of historical information and photos.

The official publication date is September 12, but it’s available for pre-order now.

***

Our first audiobook

Aug. 29, 2024 – Bob Morris’ debut novel has been turned into an audiobook, the first audiobook in PathBinder’s history. Secret Service Journals: Assassination and Redemption in 1960s Detroit tells the tale of Bill Eaton, who digs into the stories behind some intriguing files given to his grandmother years ago by a former Secret Service agent named Bill Simpson.

Simpson’s files include ones titled “The White House,” “The Assassination,” “Prison,” and “Reuther.” The journals reveal a web of conspiracy, political assassinations, and redemption.

Morris, of southeast Michigan, employs his expertise in politics, the auto industry, and all things Detroit to fashion this historical fiction thriller that will keep readers guessing the whole way through.

The audiobook is free for those with an Audible subscription.

***

Teaching others how to write thrillers

Aug. 29, 2024 – East Tennessee author John Bukowski, who has two thrillers published with PathBinder, offered his advice on how to write thrillers on Thriller Novel Writing (Ep. 27) that posted on YouTube on Aug. 22. Sara Nunez Bee interviewed Bukowski, a former veterinarian and public health researcher turned full-time thriller novel writer. They discussed his journey into becoming a novelist as well as his insights on the writing process, the need to let go of projects that aren’t working, the process of revising and editing a novel, the importance of having an editor, and the challenges of turning a novel into a screenplay. He also shared his approach to character development and the business side of publishing. His novels are Project Suicide and Checkout Time.

***

Children’s book will be a story walk

Aug. 29, 2024 – Author Kimberly S. Hoffman will have her latest book featured at a Pride festival in Columbus, Indiana. No Matter What, I Love You is being turned into a story walk. Each stop along the walk will feature a two-page spread of her book. Hoffman will also have a booth with her books and essential oil diffuser jewelry. No Matter What is Hoffman’s ninth children’s book, explores questions children sometimes have, but don’t always voice. The main question this book centers on is, “Will you still love me if I’m different?” The story allows parents to express their unconditional love to their child through a gentle, rhyming story. Though this story centers around affirming love to children, it also allows adults examine themselves, learn, and expand their hearts to love unconditionally. Columbus Pride will be conducted on Sept. 7.

***

Owner, wife act in test scene for potential movie

August 29, 2024 — PathBinder owner, Paul J. Hoffman, and his wife, children’s author, Kimberly S. Hoffman, played two of the three characters in a proof of concept scene for a film for which their friend, script writer and director, Dustin Brenton, hopes to get funding.

***

See Kimberly Hoffman’s TV interview

June 19, 2024 – Children’s author Kimberly S. Hoffman enjoyed her time with the Life.Style.Live! crew at WISH-TV 8 in Indianapolis on June 18. The segment was broadcast live that morning not only on Indianapolis TV, but also on Chicago WRJK- TV 22.8, Louisville WMYO TV 24.2, Fort Wayne WLMO TV 2.8, and Livestream at Lifestyle live.TV. She was interviewed by Felicia Michelle, who was on her second day as a host of the program.

The interview centered on Kimberly’s newest book, No Matter What, I Love You, which depicts a mother’s unconditional love for her child, who asks her some serious what-if questions.

You can see the interview by clicking here.

Kimberly was accompanied by her husband, Paul, PathBinder owner. He was disappointed to find out they made bacon on the show the previous day. There were doughnuts in studio on the day Paul and Kimberly went, but Paul was unable to procure a treat.

No Matter What goes on sale June 28, but can be pre-ordered anywhere you buy your books, including your local bookstore.

***

Cover reveal for church history book

June 19, 2024 – We have a cover for the book on the 200-yer history of an Indiana church that PathBinder Publisher owner Paul J. Hoffman is writing and publishing. 200 Years of First Presbyterian Church, Columbus, Indiana: Honoring Our Past, Building Our Legacy is scheduled to come out in August.

Rachel McCarver, co-chair of the church’s bicentennial committee, designed the cover. Paul, a member of the committee, took on the task of researching, writing, and coordinating the book project. This will be his third nonfiction book, the first published by PathBinder. The book is just one part of First Presbyterian’s bicentennial celebration.

The cover features an overhead drone shot of the church.

A bit about the congregation and book: On July 3, 1824, seventeen area residents gathered to charter a Presbyterian church in Columbus, Indiana, which 200 years later remains a vital part of the city. First Presbyterian Church has been a leader in establishing and supporting social justice initiatives throughout its history, and continues to advocate for those with physical and mental health issues, those who are unhoused, as well as all marginalized sectors of our population. As the church commemorates its 200th anniversary, it offers this book not only to honor its past, but more importantly to build upon its legacy.

Click here to see the church website.

***

Children’s author gets booked for Indy TV show

May 20, 2024 – Kimberly S. Hoffman, whose ninth children’s book will publish at the end of June, has been invited to appear on Indianapolis WISH-TV 8’s Life.Style.Live! show on June 18. WISH-TV is affiliated with The CW network.

As the show’s title implies, it covers lifestyle trends and issues in central Indiana and is broadcast live at 10 a.m. weekdays. It also livestreams at LifeStyleLIVE.TV .

Kimberly will be discussing her forthcoming book, No Matter What, I Love You, which depicts a mother’s unconditional love for her child, who asks her some serious what-if questions. The main question is centered around “Would you love me if I’m different?”.

Kimberly lives in Columbus with her husband, Paul J. Hoffman.

Author’s short stories getting published

April 26, 2024 – East Tennessee author John Bukowski, who has two thrillers listed with PathBinder Publishing LLC, will have his short story “Thumpdrag“ included in the NonCorporeal II anthology. His story “Wheel of Fortune” will be in Larceny and Last Chances. And his short story entitled “M Go Blue” will appear in the Cost of Living anthology by Whisper House Press in 2025.

M Go Blue centers on the bitter University of Michigan/Ohio State University rivalry: a Michigan fan meets up with an extreme OSU fan in a casual confrontation that yields unusual results.

In addition to my his two published novels, Checkout Time and Project Suicide, he now has 14 short stories published. He’s begun work on an anthology of his published short fiction, which he hopes to have out next year.

John was also featured on Successful Quitters, a podcast centering on people who have changed vocations, and talked about Checkout Time at the Gettysvue Book Club in Knoxville on April 10.

***

 Two PathBinder books named finalists for Imadjinn Awards

April 2, 2024 – Two books published by PathBinder Publishing LLC last year have been named finalists for the 2024 Imadjinn Awards.

Checkout Time by John Bukowski and Jason Phoenix and the Demon Lamp by Kyle Willis were selected from the largest field of nominations ever in the 11-year history of the Imaginarium Convention. All finalists advance to the awards jury to determine the winners in each category. Winners will be announced live at the Imaginarium 2024 Awards Banquet, taking place on Saturday, July 20, at the Holiday Inn Louisville East.

Checkout Time is a finalist in the Best Thriller Novel category. Published last February, it’s the story of handsome scientist Thomas Tomacinski and beautiful FBI agent Sally Butterworth, who combine efforts to try and stop an extortion bomber mysteriously known as Conrad Hilton. Tom-Tom and Sally Pancakes, as they are affectionately known, are led on a merry chase through the scenic backroads of Kentucky and Tennessee with more plot twists than a country lane.

This is the second thriller by Bukowski, an East Tennessee resident. His first was Project Suicide, which came out in March 2022.

Jason Phoenix, also published last February, is in the Best Urban Fantasy Novel category. The title character is like any normal teenager until the discovery of a mysterious lamp. The seductive, female demon who emerges from the lamp in a spire of black smoke manipulates Jason into exchanging his soul for omnipotence.With unlimited power at his fingertips, young Jason Phoenix is both thrilled and terrified as he now has easy access to his deepest desires, but unless he harnesses his abilities, he can also destroy those he loves.

Be sure to get your single-day or full-weekend Event Tickets for the big weekend, and a limited number of Dinner Tickets are still available for the awards ceremony.

***

Author talk a smashing success

April 1, 2024 – PathBinder Owner Paul J. Hoffman had the opportunity to chat with New York Times best selling author Michael Koryta March 27 for an author talk put on by the Johnson County Public Library on the campus of Franklin College. Hoffman and Koryta, a Bloomington, Indiana, native chatted about, among other items of interest, Koryta’s 19 novels, including his latest release, Lost Man’s Lane, which published the day before the talk. That novel was written under Michael’s pen name, Scott Carson, which he uses for his horror books. Koryta is reserved for more thriller-type fare.

Hoffman, an author of two nonfiction books, engaged Koryta in conversation, enlightening and entertaining the audience of 200-plus. Many of the attendees had read several of Michael’s books, as well as some of Scott’s.

Hoffman and Koryta both signed and sold books afterward.

***

Wynne continues conversations on anti-racism

April 1, 2024 – W.E. (Bill) Wynne, author of Understanding and Combating Racism: My Path from Oblivious American to Evolving Activist, was part of two programs in March in western New York, where he lives. On March 14, he did a joint anti-racism program with another local author, John Strazzabosco, at Hipocampo Children’s Books in Rochester. On March 16, Wynne presented a program titled “Transformation from Fear of Each Other to Becoming a Beloved Community” at the Mount Irenaeus Franciscan Mountain Community in West Clarksville.

Wynne, who lives near Rochester, included the following quote from Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in the March 16 program: “I am convinced that men hate each other because they fear each other. They fear each other because they don’t know each other, and they don’t know each other because they don’t communicate with each other, and they don’t communicate with each other because they are separated from each other.”

On April 23, Wynne will be part of a discussion on “How to BE an Anti-Racist” at the Sisters of St. Joseph Motherhouse in Pittsford. The discussion, sponsored by their Justice and Care for Creation Committee, will focus on some personal experiences of encountering and combating racism.

***

Two PathBinder authors to participate in Seymour, Indiana, event

February 26, 2024 – Kyle Willis and Kimberly S. Hoffman, both of whom have had books published by PathBinder, will be two of the authors participating in an authors event in Seymour, Indiana, on May 18.

The inaugural Magic of Books Author Signing will feature authors from several genres and stages in their publishing careers to meet and greet readers at Rails Craft Brew & Eatery, 114 St. Louis Ave. General admission and VIP ticket packages will be available through Eventbrite soon.

Kyle’s young adult fantasy book, Jason Phoenix and the Demon Lamp, published in February 2023.

Kimberly has eight children’s books:

Cleo and Roger Discover Columbus, Indiana – Architecture

Cleo and Roger Discover Columbus, Indiana – Art

Emma’s Dancing Day

I Llama Ewe

Love, Hope: Children Express Their Emotions During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Pete the Brave

The Red Coat: Giving and Gratitude During The Great Depression

Sigmund Stanley Spider Squared

 ***

Biography by Palestinian author remains popular

February 26, 2024 – Terry Ahwal’s debut memoir, Keeping the Dream Alive: My Quest for Peace and Justice, continues to rank among the top ten best sellers in Arab & Middle Eastern Biographies for paperbacks on Amazon. It’s been in the top three, and at present occupies the No. 9 spot. The book, which published in November 2023, details her years growing up as a Palestinian Catholic under Israeli occupation, her reluctant immigration to the United States as a teenager, and her daily battles in becoming a Palestinian American who cares deeply about both her homeland and her adopted country.

***

Children’s author gets in some acting

February 26, 2024 – Kimberly Hoffman, author of eight children’s books, acted in a production of Inherit the Wind at The Crump Theatre in Columbus, Indiana, recently. Kimberly, who has lived in Columbus most of her life, played the part of Mrs. Blair, a member of the local church in the fictional town of Hilsboro. The play, popularized by the 1960 movie starring Spencer Tracy and Fredric March, is based on a real-life case in 1925 in which two great lawyers argue the case for, and against, a Tennessee science teacher accused of the crime of teaching Darwin’s theory of evolution. Kimberly is working on her ninth book, which is in the process of being illustrated.

***

Author gets story in horror comic anthology

February 22, 2024 – East Tennessee author John Bukowski’s short story, “Carpet Sharks” will be published in the anthology, Max Blood’s Mausoleum. John has received his author’s copy and assumes it will be available to the public within the next month. A comic book fan growing up in the 1960s, John loved them, and on occasion he’d explore horror comics, of which Max Blood’s Mausoleum reminds him. He says that the graphics are amazing, and the paper copy has the look and feel of the old creepy-tales-like comics.”

John has published the thrillers Checkout Time and Project Suicide with PathBinder. He’s working on three novels and has been shopping them to traditional presses that accept unagented work. He continues to make the literary circuit near his home.

***

Wynne, book on racism featured in magazine

February 5, 2024 – A local magazine has published a story on author Bill Wynne and his book, Understanding and Combating Racism: My Path from Oblivious American to Evolving Activist. 55-Plus of Rochester (NY) published the story in its January/February issue.

He said he wasn’t exactly enamored with the headline, but was happy that a topic near to his heart got some press.

The story goes into Bill’s self-discovery of the many evils associated with the racial injustice permeating our society. In the book, he says: “My personal view of white privilege, as created out of white supremacy, especially white male supremacy, is that  it encumbers all white people in this country to one degree or another, whether they are aware of it or not.”

The story also details some of the things Bill has learned during his conversations and presentations in the Rochester area on the topic of racism.

To read the story, click on this link and go to Page 59.

PathBinder published Understanding and Combating Racism in 2021.

 

 

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