Wyatt-MacKenzie Fall/Winter Press Release

Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing 2015/2016 Fall-Winter Releases Include Poetry, Memoir, and Education; Documentaries Featuring 2008 Author, CIA Terrorism Analyst Gina Bennett

Ground-breaking, spirit-evoking, future-changing titles from Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing — "The Everywhere Oracle," "Witness to Spirit," and "Unwritten," plus "National Security Mom" author Gina Bennett featured on MAKERS and SHOWTIME — aim at finding inner strength and having conviction of character, and address timely topics of the broken education system and terrorism.

Deadwood, OR (PRWEB) December 17, 2015

 

As their 18th year in independent publishing approaches, Wyatt-MacKenzie in Deadwood, Oregon, is releasing some of their most important, inspiring, and influential books yet. Simultaneously, 2008 author Gina Bennett has become a prominent name in the war on terror with feature roles in two documentaries airing on HBO and SHOWTIME.

Poetry

"The Everywhere Oracle: A Guided Journey Through Poetry for an Ensouled World" (Nov. 2015) by Caryl Ann Casbon is described as "original, deceptively simple, and easily accessible, these poems celebrate the mysterious unfolding of the inner life and point towards the guidance, clarity and meaning to be found in our everyday encounters,” by Parker J. Palmer, author of "Let Your Life Speak," "The Courage to Teach," "A Hidden Wholeness," and "Healing the Heart of Democracy."

ForeWord Reviews describes, "'The Everywhere Oracle’s' uniqueness as a book of both poetry and spiritual guidance is most certainly its greatest appeal. Those looking for a fresh way to approach self-help would do well to engage with this volume, as would any group or circle working to manifest soulfulness in the modern world ... The accompanying questions—and the self-knowledge they inspire—greatly enrich the experience of Casbon’s poetry.” Available at: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1942545088 

Casbon is an ordained Interfaith Minister. She taught in the Graduate Studies Department at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon for 13 years. She has been working as a leader, mentor and program designer for Circles of Trust™ Retreat Programs for the last 20 years. Casbon received the Lifetime Anamcara Award.

Memoir

"Witness to Spirit: My Life with Cowboys, Mozart & Indians" by 94-year-old Robert Staffanson, founder of The Billings Symphony and the American Indian Institute, is "... not a mere memoir. It is an important, unforgettable book full of wisdom that, once read, will leave you changed in the way you think about America. It is a reminder for us all of the spiritual transformation that can only happen when we have the courage and moral conviction to open our minds, ears, and hearts,” states the introduction by Todd Wilkinson, author of "Last Stand, Ted Turner’s Quest to Save a Troubled Planet." 

National Book Award Winner Barry Lopez, author of "Arctic Dreams" and "Of Wolves and Men," reviews: “Bob Staffanson’s journey from rural Montana to a prestigious conductor’s podium in western Massachusetts is remarkable; the culmination of his life in decades of service to the highest ideals of human achievement, working with Native American elders, is profound. By turning his back on racism and materialism, he has given us, in 'Witness to Spirit,' both wisdom and a modern example of an exemplary life.” 

Terry Tempest Williams, author of "Refuge," "When Women Were Birds," and "The Hour of Land" reviews: “Robert Staffanson has created a story that honors his own evolution from cowboy to symphony conductor before abandoning wealth and fame to work with indigenous people and learn the ways of wisdom. Gratitude is the word that remains after reading 'Witness to Spirit.'”

The Country Bookshelf on 28 West Main Street in Bozeman, Montana has "Witness to Spirit" on their shelves, and it's available at http://www.amazon.com/dp/1942545223. In December, author Robert Staffanson appeared at the Portneuf Library in Idaho and the Bannock County Museum. A Montana book launch is scheduled for January 22, 2016 at The Bozeman Library. The December Bozeman Magazine reviews: "it is courageous ... it is jaw-dropping." Ed Kemmick, Montana reporter, editor and columnist deems Staffanson: "the most interesting man in Montana. Hell, he might be the most interesting man in America."

Education

There’s never been a more chaotic and tenuous time in our nation’s educational story. "Unwritten, The Story of a Living System: A Pathway to Enlivening and Transforming Education" (Jan. 2016) by veteran educators Lori L. Desautels, Ph.D. and Michael McKnight, "urge teachers and policy makers to join them as they revise the story of education," as quoted in ForeWord Reviews Jan. 2016 issue, calling the book "a path teacher leaders can follow.” Desautels and McKnight believe that we can begin to create wholeness and connection within our schools, and help students to thrive, mindfully and by design. Available at: http://www.amazon.com/dp/194254510X 

Lori Desautels, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor in the School of Education at Marian University in Indianapolis teaching undergraduate and graduate students. Desautels is currently applying educational neuroscience research, and social and emotional learning, two days a week directly in the 5th grade and 7th grade classrooms. Michael McKnight, M.A. is an education specialist for the Department of Education in New Jersey. A former special education teacher, he is currently an adjunct professor at Stockton University teaching special education. 

Terrorism

Wyatt-MacKenzie's 2008 "National Security Mom" author Gina Bennett is featured in a "MAKERS: Women Who Make America" (PBS/AOL) Video Series — http://www.makers.com/gina-bennett — a collection from footage shot for the HBO 2013 "MAKERS: Women in War" Documentary, which included clips of Bennett and began with her voice-over. 

SHOWTIME premiered "The Spymasters" on Nov. 28, 2015, a documentary about the 12 living CIA directors, and it also included Bennett—not in the title, not in the promos, not on the website—but in a way that the Wall Street Journal noticed, calling her "the lone woman in the show and its most forthcoming witness." After watching "Spymasters," Salon magazine was convinced that Bennett was "the obvious model for Jessica Chastain’s Zero Dark Thirty character." The LA Times was thoughtful in assessing, "There's Gina Bennett, a senior counterterrorism analyst in the unit assigned to Osama Bin Laden—and a mother of five—who contends that our willingness to 'become something that we're not' is a greater threat than terrorism itself." Newsweek was quoted, "The show’s two hours move quickly. Too bad it isn’t a miniseries." Watch for updates at http://www.nationalsecuritymom.com. 

"The Everywhere Oracle: A Guided Journey Through Poetry for an Ensouled World" by Caryl Casbon (Nov. 2015); 108 pps, full-color, Paperback ISBN 9781942545088, $17.99; illustrations, indexed. 

"Witness to Spirit: My Life with Cowboys, Mozart & Indians" by Robert Staffanson (Dec. 2015); 260 pps, full-color, Hardcover ISBN 9781942545224, $42; Paperback ISBN 9781942545217, $24; over 50 photos, indexed.

"Unwritten, The Story of a Living System: A Pathway to Enlivening and Transforming Education" by Lori L. Desautels, Ph.D. and Michal McKnight, M.A. (Jan. 2016); 216 pps, Paperback ISBN 9781942545101, $17; indexed. 

"National Security Mom" by Gina Bennett (Nov. 2008); 180 pps, Paperback ISBN 9781932279795, $14.95; indexed. 

Eighteen Years in Independent Publishing

Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing, Inc. was founded in 1998. Located in Deadwood, Oregon, this award-winning indie and its publisher, Nancy Cleary, have become known for providing an unparalleled author experience. Wyatt-MacKenzie authors have appeared in TV segments, documentaries, magazine articles, major blogs and newspapers all over the world.

Gina Bennett ~ National Security Mom

~ A LITTLE BACKGROUND ~

Eight years ago a fax came through that I will never forget. I wasn't sure what I was looking at; the “CLASSIFIED” stamp didn't tip me off. It hit me as I read the writer's pitch that followed—the pages were part of her 1993 Briefing to the President, the first warning about a man named Osama bin Laden.

The pitch was for a non-fiction book—written by this mom of five—about how her work at the CIA as a national security analyst overlapped her work as a parent, and how the lessons we teach our kids could be good for the country.

I was mesmerized. I couldn't believe the project hadn't been scooped up by a major publisher.

Wyatt-MacKenzie released National Security Mom nine months later, in November 2008. What I didn't know then was that having an author who is active CIA makes it a bit difficult to do publicity—everything Ms. Bennett says or writes must be pre-approved.

When Harpo Studios called me in September of 2008, luckily the CIA approved and helped us take the photo of the Bennett family on the iconic CIA seal—which unbelievably had to be done on September 11th to meet the deadline. I was thrilled when the CIA blogged about Gina's October 2008 "appearance" on Oprah, even crediting her publisher for the pitch.

Since then, because of the book, I've found myself playing gatekeeper to everyone wanting to interview Gina—from the BBC to HBO's Vice—who must go through the CIA Public Affairs Office (and, Gina has been a very, very busy woman at work). 

With terrorism in the air, maybe the world is finally ready to listen to Gina Bennett's wise words.

~ LAST WEEK ~

MAKERS (PBS/AOL) posted their absolutely incredible video series about Gina last week http://www.makers.com/gina-bennett. I smiled when I saw the photo we shot for Oprah come through my email on "Makers Monday."

 

I have to confess, my eyes were welling up watching these videos—I've listened to Gina tell all of these stories. Now the world can hear them.

HBO showed the MAKERS "Women in War" documentary in 2013 which included clips of Gina, and began with her voice-over. Now all of Gina's interview is posted on the MAKERS site, a must-watch series of videos!

 

When SHOWTIME announced they would be including Gina in "The Spymasters" premiering 11/28/15 I was grinning from ear to ear. The documentary, meant to focus on the 12 living CIA directors, included Gina—not in the title, not in the promos, not on the website—but in a way that the Wall Street Journal noticed, calling her "the lone woman in the show and its most forthcoming witness."

After watching "Spymasters" Salon was convinced that Gina was "the obvious model for Jessica Chastain’s Zero Dark Thirty character." (Something else that made me grin.) The LA Times was thoughtful in assessing, "There's Gina Bennett, a senior counterterrorism analyst in the unit assigned to Osama Bin Laden—and a mother of five—who contends that our willingness to 'become something that we're not' is a greater threat than terrorism itself."

There's talk of plans for a CBS version to air next year. Newsweek was quoted, "The show’s two hours move quickly. Too bad it isn’t a miniseries." I couldn't agree more.

I expected a few quotes from Gina in "Spymasters," instead she graced the documentary multiple times, and was, in my humble opinion, the most authentic and brilliant voice on it. From the first image of Gina my jaw dropped open, and I think it stayed open for just about the entire show. 

Here's to hoping other viewers will be awe-struck as well, and will want to know more about Gina, and her view that national security starts at home—they can find it in National Security Mom. 

Some stills from the show...

 

~

 

New Acquisition ~ Witness to Spirit

Just 8 short weeks ago, on August 25, I received an email from Kristin Campbell: “Hi Nancy, I got your name from Sandi Selvi when we were talking today. My father has written an amazing book and I would love to speak with you about it.” 

The next day I got on the phone with Kristin and the writer who penned the introduction, Todd Wilkinson, who I learned had just written a book with Ted Turner. (Wow!)

Todd spun an enchanting tale about a Montana cowboy who loved breakin’ wild horses and playin’ fiddle. And how a love of music led Robert Staffanson, author of Witness to Spirit: My Life with Cowboys, Mozart & Indians, to create the highly-successful Billings Symphony against all odds, and then to conduct the prestigious Springfield Symphony in Massachusetts. Then, homesick, Robert Staffanson returned home to Montana to co-found The American Indian Institute. (Wow. Wow. Wow.) And, there were photos. Lots of gorgeous photos.

The arc of Robert Staffanson’s life evolves through this trio of distinct movements, and at each step of the way, he bears witness to spirit.

I was smiling through the entire phone call (of course, I do have a soft spot for cowboys). After a few follow-up contract calls, Wyatt-MacKenzie quickly signed Kris and her father, who is 93 and deaf, with the inconceivable goal of getting books to him for Christmas. After 3 weeks in editing, and 3 weeks in layout, we just got the hot galleys in our hands! I am beyond excited.

Here’s a peek inside the pages of Witness to Spirit... taking pre-orders now on Amazon, set to start shipping December 1.

 

Advance Review Copies!!

 

Can’t even tell you how much fun I had designing this.

I wanted to try and capture the same spirit held in Mr. Staffanson’s words... and in the photos he’s held on to for all those years.

 

A peek inside the pages in “First Movement ~ Cowboys” 

This section features antique sepia-tone photos secured with old-fashioned picture corners.

 

A peek inside the pages in “Second Movement ~ Music”

This section features dramatic, stark black & white photos with romantic accents.

 

A peek inside the pages in “Third Movement ~ Indians”

This section features vibrant, stunning color photos. 

 

 

 

We’re anxiously awaiting the foreword, being written by Oren Lyons—Faithkeeper of the Turtle Clan of the Onondaga Nation and a Chief of the Onondaga Nation Council of Chiefs of the Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy—who co-founded twocircles.org with Mr. Staffanson. 

For me, this entire book project has been imbued with spirit from the onset. 

Awesome insight #1: Kris was speaking with our author, Sandi Selvi, about her book A Stem Cell Transplant MS Recovery Story, after having the life-changing procedure Sandi wrote about!

Awesome insight #2: And here’s the BEST full-circle moment, ever. I moved to Oregon in 1992 and at that time I was helping a partner build his media publishing company, WisdomKeepers Publishing, named after a gorgeous book which came out in 1990 featuring Native American Elders, including Oren Lyons. 

 ~ • ~