Author Archives: admin

Launch and Reception for 2011 Anthology

Posted on by

On May 21, VAO Publishing held the reception/book launch for Along the River at 7:30 pm in the Douglas Clark Studio on 700 N. Main Street, McAllen. Despite the stifling heat and humidity, a large number of people attended, showing their support for the writers included in the anthology and for Valley Artistic Outreach, the parent organization of VAO Publishing. After about a half hour of mingling and refreshments (including Angélica Maldonado’s legendary margaritas), several of the poets who’d contributed to the anthology did readings. Afterward, the recipients of the three poetry and three prose prizes were announced. Copies of the anthology were on sale for $10, and they were snatched up pretty quickly.

VAO Publishing is thrilled to have had the opportunity to get the work of these worthy writers before the public eye. Along the River: An Anthology of Voices from the Río Grande Valley is VAO Publishing’s first annual collection of local authors. It features poetry and prose by a host of local talent, including the short story “The Time About the Dog” by Álvaro Rodríguez, co-screenwriter of the recent films Shorts and Machete.

Sponsors
Prizes were sponsored by Dr. Michael Flores, Josefina González, Maritza Park, Emily Anderson, Javier Villanueva, Luie Solís, Carol Concha, Roberto F. Loredo, Elizabeth Cásares, Betancourt Taxes, José Valdez, Abel Muñoz, Velma Rangel, and Debbie S. Rodríguez.

Refreshments were available due to the generosity of HEB.

Along the River

Posted on by
On May 18, VAO Publishing released Along the River: An Anthology of Voices from the Río Grande Valley. Edited by David Bowles and with a cover designed by painter Noé Vela, Along the River features poetry and prose by a host of local talent, including the short story “The Time About the Dog” by Álvaro Rodríguez, co-screenwriter of the recent films Shorts and Machete.
This volume is the first in a projected series of annual anthologies that will provide a forum for the unique vision of regional writers. Proceeds from its sale will be used by Valley Artistic Outreach to continue providing art camps for children and promoting artistic expression throughout the Valley.


Contributors
Álvaro Rodríguez
David Bowles
Angélica Maldonado
Yaresy Salinas
María Ramírez
Daniel Tyx
Mónica G. Hernández
Félix Omar Vela
Evangelina Ayon
Lois Marie Garza
Charlene Bowles
Robert Brown
Cindy Jáimez
Virgilio B. Valencia
Alfredo Ortiz
Javier David González
Matthew Madrigal
Olga Lidia Cervantes
Richard D. Givens
Verónica Sandoval
Edwin de Kock
Gwenda J. González
Jonathan Corey Mangan
Kristin Michelle Keith
María Piedra
Ludivina V. Vásquez
María de la Luz Quiroga
Clarrissia Nerio
Nina Medrano
Rosalia Arriaga
Anna Lilia Castillo
Gloria M. Alvarado
Edwin Sandoval
Book Description
These unique voices combine in a harmony of Mexican and American, of magical and ordinary, of tragedy and triumph. From established writers to emerging talents, the contributors to this volume represent the depth and beauty of a community that is just beginning to make itself heard.
Book Details
Paperback: 168 pages
Publishing Date: May 18, 2011
Language: English and Spanish
ISBN-10: 0615480667
ISBN-13: 978-0615480664
Product Dimensions: 5″ X 8″
Shipping Weight: 8.6 ounces
Book Availability
Along the River will eventually be available for order at most national bookstores.  To preview and purchase online, select one of the following options:

Mix-Up

Posted on by

On April 1, VAO Publishing released its first children’s book—Swift the Cat-Human, Book 1: Mix-Up. Written by Angelo Bowles and illustrated by Charlene Bowles, Mix-Up is a hilarious, adventure-filled tale for kids 7-12 years of age.


Book Description
Swift was just an ordinary house cat until a mix-up in the lab of his owner, Dr. Gonzales. Now he’s part human… and not really sure if he likes it.

Pretty soon, everybody wants a cat-human of their own. But when Dr. Gonzales starts to create more, he accidentally makes a dangerous villain.

And Swift is forced to become a hero.

Book Details
Paperback: 60 pages
Publishing Date: April 1, 2011
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1461009979
ISBN-13: 978-1461009979
Product Dimensions:
Shipping Weight:

Book Availability
This chapter book is available in the VAO Publishing store and through Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble as a trade paperback. Additionally, eBook versions will be available soon through Barnes & Noble and the Apple iBookstore. Mix-Up will eventually be available for order at most national bookstores. To preview and purchase online, navigate to the book’s Amazon page by clicking here.

The Deepest Green

Posted on by

On March 25, VAO Publishing released The Deepest Green, by David Bowles, Volume 2 of the D’Angelo Chronicles, an intellectually engaging and heart-pounding science fiction series that will appeal to discriminating genre fans.


Book Description
For 15 years, Fernando Miranda has lived on the independent world of Terego, happily married, raising three children, involved in church and community, teaching at a local high school: a model citizen in all aspects of his life.

And every bit of that life is a lie.

In reality, Fernando Miranda is Brando D’Angelo, a fugitive from the law, wanted for multiple crimes, raising the clones of his murdered wife and daughter, hoping beyond hope that he won’t be discovered.

But the armed forces of the Consortium have finally tracked him down, and in an instant his carefully constructed identity is exploded. His daughters, shocked at the revelation of their true nature, have little time to assimilate the news; nearly immediately, the two teens find themselves abducted and drawn into a cataclysmic crisis that will shake the very foundations of human society.

For humans are not the only species on Terego: in the deep green shadows of its nearly impenetrable forests, fierce creatures are rallying for war.

Book Details
Paperback: 482 pages
Publishing Date: March 25, 2011
Language: English
ISBN-10:
ISBN-13: 978-1456447212
Product Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 1 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds

Book Availability
In addition to VAO Publishing’s own store, the novel is available through Amazon.com as a trade paperback or an eBook. Additionally, eBook versions will be available soon through Barnes & Noble and the Apple iBookstore. Green will eventually be available for order at most national bookstores. To preview and purchase online, navigate to the book’s Amazon page by clicking here.

Anthology Submissions

Posted on by

Calling All Writers from the RGV!  Get your stories, essays or poems published in a new anthology.

VAO Publishing is accepting submissions for its upcoming title Along the River: An Anthology of Voices from the Río Grande Valley.  The anthology will be available in April in trade paperback (through VAO as well as Amazon and other outlets) and eBook form (for Kindle, iPhone, iPad and Nook). 

Authors whose work is selected for inclusion will receive a free copy of the paperback.  There will additionally be six monetary prizes for the three prose pieces and three poems judged by a panel to be the most appealing.

If you are interested in being part of this exciting project, you should submit your work—in English or in Spanish—as attachments to an e-mail directed to publishing@valartout.org.  Submission deadline is March 1, 2011.

For further information, call us at 956.246.0353 or drop us an e-mail at the above address.