Independent Books

I edited the book, so it better be good! In all honesty, Mr. Twigg is one of the finest poets I have ever met and had the pleasure of working for. I enjoy his poetry and his music immensely - each piece reflects the great humor and insight of his personality. I hope you enjoy it as well ...

and to read his poetry, is to admire him. I have never been so touched by such a visceral sense of gravitas that words can carry. Then there are just some poems in there that are so damn funny, I peed a little.

I am so lucky to have gotten to meet and know him. He is a wonderfuLL person and an amazing poet. An all around ArTisTe.
I would gladly follow him to hell and back.

I first heard about Christopher Twigg when I was traveling through Ireland and stumbled upon his book, In the Choir (out of print now I think). I remember flipping through it and thinking that it was some of the most hilarious, profound, bizarre, intelligent, and inspiring poetry I had read in a long time. Through a series of fortunate circumstances I became friends with Twigg a few years later. Since then, I have had the pleasure to watch Twigg perform at a number of venues. Twigg is one of the best damn performers I have ever seen. My only complaint about this collection is that it does not come with a CD of Twigg reading (a mistake we at Zenane are in the process of rectifying). Read this book. If you are a fan of Whitman, of Ginsberg, or of Lowell, you'll love this stuff. No pretentious angsty crap here--just solid and honest poetry. Plus, he looks like a Cherub.

OK. This is just a good book. Mr. Steiff, (I use "mister" because I know it makes him feel old) knows his stuff and he does a superb, (SOOPERB) job of getting that stuff across to the reader. (If you've ever read any of his movie reviews you will find this book just as entertaining.) He has a way with words he has. I'll never be a filmmaker. But I can now carry on a conversation with one. Maybe my home movies will be less boring in the future. This book ought to be required reading for all media students everywhere.

For those with even the most remote interest in filmmaking or how it works, this is a great book to read. You can learn the basics of things behind the scenes of making your favorite movies, without necessarily having to be a filmmaker yourself.

Joe Steiff is an accomplished and highly-regarded filmmaker, a respected educator, a
talented writer and much else. All his talents and experiences are put to use in this concise, practical and endlessly interesting book. Every facet of independent filmmaking is covered with clarity and excellent advice. But the book goes way beyond the basics into areas such as professionalism, ethics, teamwork and treating people with consideration. Even if you have never considered making a film you can learn a lot from this book about planning, organization, creativity and focus in any field.

I think this book is terrific. Anyone writing a book about computer software should be required to study this book first. It gets to the heart of what you need to know and doesn't hesitate to tell you what you might not want to use (like the grammar checker and the indexing feature). Best of all are the really useful sidebars. For example, as the author admits, it is really easy to get a word count--the hard part is what to do if the document is too long, and her sidebar on the subject is really helpful. Examples of other excellent sidebars are "Seven Rules for Creating Great Lists" that accompanies the section on Numbered and Bulleted Lists and "Dealing With Criticism" (both how to accept it and how to offer it) that goes with the section on Tracking Changes. If you're looking for a really useful guide to Word's most important features, this is the book to get.

A very well written book that not only helps you navigate through the latest version of Word but also provides many helpful hints and suggestions for better business writing. Highly recommend this for those looking to improve their business use of Word.

This book covers all the basics of using Word--all the same information you'd get from a Dummies book or one of Microsoft Press's Step-by-Step books. In addition to that information, Effective Executive's Guide to Word also provides lots of advice and information about how to write better, including info on writing business memos, emails, etc. Most business users would never need more information than this book provides. And everybody who wants to write better reports, memos, etc, will benefit from the author's tips.

This is a wonderful book that every libertarian should own. It features a solid selection of some of the best pieces in "Cato's Letters" as well as the "Independent Whig." These works expounded some of the most radical libertarian principles that the world has ever known. Trenchard and Gordon advocated natural rights, including the right to revolution, and looked upon every governmental action, as well as every individual who possessed political power, as suspect. This philosophy of is key to understanding the American Revolution, because, as Jacobson notes, Americans loved these works and read them frequently. Aside from the actual texts included here, Jacobsons' lengthy introduction and bibiography are wonderful sources of information on "Cato's" lives, thought, and influence. Nevertheless, if one is truly interesting in their work, I would suggest a purchase that the Liberty Fund's fine edition of the complete "Cato's Letters" as well.

This book is great. First of all, it gives the reader an introduction to the lives and thoughts of the two great masters. Also, it includes ample passages from both the INDEPENDENT WHIG amd CATO'S LETTERS. Reading this book often leads to the purchase of Cato's Letters in their entirety.

Trenchard and Gordon were the inheritors of Algernon Sydney's political notions. They contrast sharply with Party Whigs and Party Whiggery. Trenchard and Gordon are Radical Whigs and their Radical Whiggery is simply libertarianism. Some historians say these men, through the publication of "The Independent Whig" and "Cato's Letters", stand foremost in influencing the American colonists toward libertarian political thought.

Consider the following unknown author's comments from his "Historical View of the Political Writers of Great Britain (1740): "Cato [was a] Man of severe Principles with regard to Liberty . . . the only Man in his Time who on political Subjects wrote what he thought, and wrote it for no other Reason but because he thought it, and that it would be of service to his Country to know it. These Letters however had a great Character by their being more FREE FROM PARTY-ZEAL and Personal Reflections than any other publick Writing that ever appeared."

Jacobson says "Trenchard and Gordon promote[d] a radical variant of Whiggery, they also insisted upon the 'Independence' of their beliefs on questions other than those of anti-Catholicism and anti-Jacobitism". Jacobson adds that "Trenchard and Gordon were sometimes more radical than many of their contemporaries, [yet] they were . . . close to the popular temper in their understanding of the recent English past and in their strong anti-Catholicism and anti-Jacobitism".

Trenchard said "How apt Parties are to err in the Choice of their Leaders: How little they regard truth and morality, when in Competition with Party. The terrible Consequences of all this; worthy Men decried and persecuted; worthless and wicked Men popular and preferred; Liberty oppressed and expiring". Jacobson points out that even the title "The Independent Whig" stressed a distrust of the regular party men.

Jacobson informs us that "With the publication of Letter Number 59 on January 6, 1721, Trenchard and Gordon began a significant series of commentary on the origin of government, the contrasting effects of liberty and tyranny, and the problems of preserving free government. The two authors repeated their ideas in other places, but, in this Letter and the eight that followed, they presented perhaps the clearest statement of their own general position. Here are the Letters (notice their logical coherence):

No. 59 Liberty proved to the unalienable Right of all Mankind;
No. 60 All Government proved to be instituted by Men, and only to intend the general Good of Men;
No. 61 How Free Governments are to be framed so as to last, and how they differ from such as are arbitrary;
No. 62 An Enquiry into the Nature and Extent of Liberty; with its Loveliness and Advantages, and the vile Effects of Slavery;
No. 63 Civil Liberty produces all Civil Blessings, and how; with baneful Nature of Tyranny;
No. 64 Trade and Naval Power the Offspring of Civil Liberty only, and cannot subsist without it;
No. 65 Military Virtue produced and supported by Civil Liberty only;
No. 66 Arbitrary Government proved incompatible with true Religion, whether Natural or Revealed;
No. 67 Arts and Sciences the Effects of Civil Liberty only, and ever destroyed or oppressed by Tyranny;
No. 68 Property and Commerce secure in a free government only; with the consuming Miseries under simple Monarchies.

"Thus", says Jacobson, "the whole thought of 'Cato' was based upon a broad concept : on human liberty".

Jacobson says "The 1770s did not mark the beginning of the popularity of the writings of Trenchard and Gordon; these works had been well known for half a century before the American decision for Independence".

Other historians concur. Clinton Rossiter says in his "Seedtime of the Republic"(1953) that "No man can spend any time in the newspapers, library inventories, and pamphlets of colonial America without realizing that 'Cato's Letters' RATHER THAN Locke's 'Civil Government' was the most popular, quotable, esteemed source of political ideas in the colonial period". And John Adams said to Dr J. Morse on January 5th, 1816 (in "The Life and Works of John Adams", edited by C.F. Adams, 1850): "Cato's Letters and the Independent Whig, and all the writings of Trenchard and Gordon, Mrs. Macaulay's History, Burgh's Political Disquisitions, Clarendon's History . . . all the writings relative to the revolutions in England became fashionable reading".

Walter Macken, a native of Galway, was born in 1915 and died in his home city at the age of 51. A writer, an actor and a playwright, he is perhaps best known for his novel "Flight of the Doves" - which was adapted for the cinema - and his "Irish Trilogy". "The Scorching Wind" is the third book of this trilogy, and is set in the early 1900s. Although the book itself is a work of fiction, many of the 'background' events actually happened - for example, the Easter Rising of 1916, the partition of Ireland in 1921 and the Irish Civil War (1922-23).

The book opens in the West of Ireland in 1915, with two brothers resting in the shade of a haystack. Much to the disgust of their father, Dualta - the elder brother - has joined the British Army. Dualta believed the words of John Redmond, the leader of the Home Rule Party at Westminster. Redmond had suggested that Ireland would be granted Home Rule if the Irish Volunteers fought for the British in the Great War - a false promise. The book focuses more on Dominic, however - the younger of the two brothers. He sees his brother off to war, the pair travelling with a close friend called Poric into town. Poric has also disappointed Dominic's father, his former teacher, by joining the police. Shortly after leaving his brother and friend. Dominic meets a man called Sam Browne - who gradually involves Dominic in the struggle for freedom. Among the many others who also become involved are Lowry, an acquaintance of Dominic's at college and the pretty Finola Brady - not to mention Poric and Dualta, on his return from war.

While this is the third book in a trilogy, it's not strictly necessary to read them in order. However, I think it's probably better if you do - if you enjoy one of them, I have no doubt you'll enjoy all three. It appears the heroes of the two previous books (Dominick, in "Seek the Fair Land" and Dualta, in "The Silent People") are ancestors of the two brother. In a way, I found this to be the saddest book of the three, with the differences between the two brothers becoming more pronounced as the book progresses. (If you've enjoyed this book, you might also want to try "Call My Brother Back", by Michael McLaverty. It's set in Belfast, at the same time as this book - McLavery, like Macken, is an excellent storyteller.)

This, the third book in the much acclaimed Irish Trilogy, offers a unique insight into the life and times of the 1916 Easter Rebellion and the years that followed. Walter Macken was a Master Storyteller, who wrote about Irish life "from the inside", drawing the reader in completely. A book you won't want to put down until the very last page, and one that you will read, and re-read! A book that is as good today as when it was first published.

The Scorching Wind is the third in a trilogy that began during Cromwellian days in Ireland in the mid 1600's, and ends with this novel in the early 1900's. It is the story of a Connacht family through the generations, and this final book in the trilogy begins in 1916 and ends after the truce of 1922. It is the story of a young man, the son of a school teacher, and his brother. The young man, who is a medical student, is not politically inclined but is drawn into the struggles for freedom in Ireland. It is a powerful story of a young man and the fight within himself, the love for his older brother, and the tragic events that led to the establishment of the Free State of Ireland. Excellent book and a powerful and passionate historical trilogy.

What a great little book! I don't whether to give Foolish Diversions to my niece, the HOA at my building or the city of Decatur where I live! I found myself smiling about these eccentric characters long after I was done with the book-they are quite the loveable characters. I can imagine this book being read aloud or performed as a play - I would love to hear and see the characters come to life. I think this crazy life we live begs for book that are simple and good hearted and this book fits the bill. It's obvious the author gave a lot of thought about what it is like to be an animal and then transferred those thoughts to a story where you forget they are animals!
I think younger readers will learn from and appreciate the friendship between individuals very different from one another.
Foolish Diversions is a fabulous tale of friendship and loyalty, both touching and adventurous. I can't wait to have the next adventure in my library!

This is a really good read. It's great educational material, and I loved the social commentary in it. But beyond that, the mystery is enthralling, and the characters are wonderful. This is a must read, especially for those of you looking for quality literature for young people. As an educator, I appreciate the fact that this book with make you think...Great read!

I love a good mystery and Foolish Diversion is just that. But I really love cool, interesting characters. All through the book I could just see Triple T in his fedora strutting w/ his silver-tipped walking stick and Herman quietly munching on oatmeal cookies, sipping a hot cuppa tea. These guys are some pretty smart frogs. Sure, they solve the mystery of the Diversion Project but they have a good time doing it. Once I got started reading Foolish Diversion, I just couldn't find a good place to put it down. I can't wait until their next story comes out!

This book is great for parents because it's easy to use and it tells you exactly what to do to get the school you want. -- Chine Wong, parent

Choosing a high school is not just up to parents. It's up to teenagers, too! This book will help you get the high school and the future you want. -- Cindy Camacho, student, Wallenberg High School

A much-needed guide through the public school enrollment maze. As a parent and as a former teacher, I wish I'd had a resource like this. -- Tom Ammiano, San Francisco city supervisor

This book is a great resourse book! It has a list of agencies and contests you can enter. Reading this book is like talking to Andrea Leigh Wolf. She tells you her journey as a screenwriting. It's really great!

This book is greatly needed. It's the first book that tells it
like it is. It lights a path to a first sale, by an author who
has walked the walk. This author knows what she's talking about.
There is another way to market a screenplay...and it doesn't
require that you have the almost impossible to find, agent. You
can do it yourself. This books shows you how to find a market
for your first script. Then the author wants to hear from you...
to see how you're doing. She's given her contact information...
she really cares.

Sell Your Screenplay: Your Guide To The Independent Film And Television Producer is a professional, down-to-earth guide to effectively pitching Your screenplay. Author Andrea Leigh Wolf draws upon her experience and expertise to delineate every step of the process, with examples of her own successes and failures. Her advice and insights will enable the reader to avoid wasted time, energy, and resources in the writing and selling of their professional quality screenplays. Honest, unambiguous, and extremely practical, Sell Your Screenplay is a "must" for every aspiring screenwriter.

Under suspicion for embezzlement Abigail Pierce, accompanied by her sister Moriah, flee St. Louis to run their late father's store at Fort Lookout, Colorado. The commander of the army post, Captain Bryce McGregor tries, but fails to persuade the siblings to go home as they do not belong in the rugged unsafe Rocky Mountains even inside the fort. Bryce does convince the women to stay with him until the store can be renovated and made hospitable. His young daughter Pamela serves as a perfect chaperone so Abby and Moriah accept the kind offer.

Pamela adopts Abby as a mother figure and the former St. Louis resident cannot stop her heart from reaching out to the young child. Inadvertently Pamela plays matchmaker as Abby and Bryce fall in love. However, Abigail willingly sacrifices her happiness because she knows the scandal she fled would destroy the man she cherishes as a rising officer cannot afford a dishonored (even if she is innocent) spouse.

There are few if any authors that can provide such well drawn characters including secondary players with a colorfully vivid nineteenth century Americana panorama inside an exciting historical romance than Leigh greenwood can. His latest tale INDEPENDENT BRIDE matches up two honorable individuals in love and encouraged by her sister and his daughter and even to a degree his men, but those same principles stand in their way of happiness. Mr. Greenwood shows that principles are important even if it costs achievement of a personal goal all that within a fabulous post Civil War romance with a deep message.

Harriet Klausner

Favorite scene with Abby-
Shooting the intruder in her store.

Favorite scene with Bryce-
Abby telling Bryce she can't be with him.

Together-
The gunfight while getting the cows to the reservation.

What did you like about Abby-
Her stubborness and her strength. Her love for Pamela. Not willing to give up, despite obstacles.

What didn't you like about Abby-
She was too stubborn to listen to advice on how to protect herself. She wanted to do things her way. She wouldn't let herself love and be loved because of her past.

What did you like about Bryce-
His love for Abby and his daughter, Pamela.

What didn't you like about Bryce-
Only that he wouldn't let his soldiers marry.

If I had to cast Abby, I'd cast Hilary Swank.

Abby and Moraih's father had left them with their Aunt Emma. He would send money home for them. But the girls still worked. Moraih worked for her aunt in the dress shop. Abby worked in a bank.

That's were she met Albert. They were engagded to be married. But one day Abby found out that Albert was embezzling money from the bank. She gave him two weeks to return the money or she would turn him in. Someone else also found out and turned him in. Albert was arrested, he implied that Abby was his accomplice. They never found any evidence that she was involved.

In the meantime, Abby's father died. The girls decided to move to the west and take over the trading post at Fort Lookout.

When they arrive, they find that the trading post is nothing like the store their father had in St.Louis. They were also confronted by three thugs. Who thought they were going to have their way with Abby and Moraih. But Colonel Bryce McGregor intervene's. He throws the three in jail. Then tried to send Abby and Moraih back to St.Louis. The two are determined to stay and make things work. They had nothing else.

The Colonel agrees to let them stay in his extra bedroom. That is until the trading post is ready. While staying at Bryce's home, Abby falls in love with Bryce and his dauhter Pamela. But Abby has vowed that she would never let another man into her life. Especially after Albert.

Can Abby get over her past, to become Bryce's wife and Pamela's mother. Or will the embezzlement issue in St.Louis caome back to haunt her.

I read this book, and it totaly helped me! I started my film, and learned so much from this book.

The author must be some sort of g-d! He anwered nearly everyone of my questions. It actually changed the way i've been shooting.

Thanks! If only you'll write some more books!

I found Mr Garon's book to be direct, informative and easy to read without losing any of the details. This had all the information of a definitive text while being an easy read. I was eagerly awaiting his book, it did not disappoint.

Filmmaking is a leap of faith. A lot of people assume someone else will solve all the paperwork problems when distributions is locked. Unfortunately, if your paperwork is not in order and you can't furnish deliverables, you run the risk of losing the distro deal. Deliverables- what you provide to a distributor so they can do their job of marketing your movie- begin at the screenwriting stage.

If you are totally do it yourself and willing to make investments on yourself, why would you leave legalities to the VERY end when you have no choice (at least at the start you have the option of NOT hiring someone if they won't sign an actors release, avoiding a location if the owner won't sign. There's no "getting away" with anything.) This is stuff you hear about in film school, but it doesn't sink in until you experience the limitations caused by putting off the paperwork.

Author Jon Garon provides a legal book that is inclusive of all filmmakers, including no budget guerilla filmmakers. Even books that deal with guerilla filmmaking tend to gloss over the pertinent details that relate to Do-it-yourself-ers. He has some beautiful words of respect for guerilla filmmakers, too. That this is a law and business guide makes it a must have for anyone thinking about making a movie, be it for no money or millions.

This is the first book I've read that goes indepth as to the protections of a sole-proprietor vs. sole-Proprietor LLC (if your state allows it). I set up the LLC today, following his instructions. Took 10 minutes, online. Even went to the irs.gov for the employer id Number. He explains the risks of partnerships, and how you can unwittingly enter a partnership if you and your pals don't set forth an agreement at the start.

Financing is everyone's biggest complaint. This book explores the conventional and alternative financing models (investors vs. disposable income vs. debt financing/credit cards), and goes one better as to compare the risks and rewards of each. The golden quote is "I have never heard of anyone who has gambled her house on a film and won."

He even breaks down setting up your company and chain of command, running your company, working out deferrals and how those are paid back, and all sorts of issues you need to know but otherwise wouldn't think of. This book also includes info on contracts, actor and location releases, and music permissions.

Granted, this doesn't include a lot of boiler plate. But Mark Litwak has books for that. However, this book bests Litwak in the realm of detail and why certain provisions really matter. This book empowers the filmmaker to understand business and contracts, what to ask for, what to avoid, and so much more. This is a critical book to own. Particularly if you're broke. So get it!