Every now and then, Indie It Press will feature a guest writer, filmmaker, or indie artist of any kind to our eZine. Sharing other talent freely is a part of “living the indie life.” A special “thank you” to our guests and our readers. Enjoy! Leisa Greene ~ Indie It Gal
Indie It Guest Artist: Nancy Rishoff – Landscapes of the Mind
Nancy Rishoff was born in Great Falls, Montana. She grew up on a wheat farm in Eastern Montana where the closest neighbor was 25 miles away. Her drawing talents were discovered at the early age of five and continued to develop into her High school years. Summer painting classes expanded her skill set. She graduated from high school in 1969 and was married soon after.
Art and painting lay dormant while Nancy was married. Her husband and raising the children took all of her time. After ending a difficult marriage, Nancy found comfort in painting as a way to heal. Learning to paint once again while watching Bob Ross videos. She soon regained her artistic abilities.
Nancy moved to Missoula, Montana in 1999, working and painting Landscapes on the side. She was accepted into the Art Department at the University of Montana in the fall of 2007. During this time she was invited to show her work on First Friday (Gallery Night Downtown Missoula.) Her most recent show is Febuary,2016 called “The View”. While at The University of Montana, Nancy was accepted to the “Student Juror Art Show” at the Gallery of Visual Arts on the University of Montana campus. She was selected out of 400 applicants. Nancy received an award for her sculpture in a group show through the University of Montana Artist Collective.
Nancy’s work “Merby Werby” was published in The Oval Magazine Volume V 2012; a University Montana publication. Nancy graduated from the University of Montana in the spring of 2012 with a BA in painting and a minor in Art History. Her background also included studies in psychology.
Nancy is very passionate about painting landscapes, as well as painting En plein air. Nancy’s medium is acrylic, water color, water color pencil and some mixed medium. She is always looking to try new painting techniques and to experiment with new products. Nancy paints most of her paintings on wood panels, because she likes the way paint lays down on the panel versus canvas. She most recently participated in the “Art on the River” En plein air, summer solstice in June of 2015. Nancy has been very active in the art community in Missoula, volunteering at the MAM (Missoula Art Museum), teaching art classes and assisting other gallery programs as the needs arise. She has also taught a class at the Lifelong Learning Center in Missoula called, “Healing through art.”
For Nancy, art making, is a very passionate process. She will start with a from a recent road trip. Through this process she calls, “landscape of the mind”, her imagination takes over and a new world is created. Lately Nancy has been painting En plein aire. She has found the colors are more alive in her paintings since she has been painting outside.
Her work can also be seen on her web site www.landscapesofthemind.net or on her facebook page Landscapes of the Mind-Artist Nancy Rishoff.
Indie It Guest Artist: Rachel Chansler, 25
Received Pre-law Political Science and Bachelor of Arts in Art with a minor in Art History from the University of Montana in 2014. She’s participated in numerous First Friday and University of Montana exhibitions from the years 2009-2014. Rachel was chosen for the Mortar Board Senior Recognition Award and artist for the Odyssey of the Stars exhibition from the University of Montana department of Fine Arts, and selected to participate in the Kennedy Center’s “Sustaining/Creating” exhibition at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC (which toured the United States and St Petersburg, Russia). Her future plans include attending law school and receiving a masters in Art History, also, keep drawing!
To inquire about commissions, please email: miniaturemissoulian@gmail.com
Twitter/Instagram: @minimissoulian
Websites: miniaturemissoulian.com
society6.com/miniaturemissoulian
Currently location: Missoula, Montana
Upcoming events: June, First Friday and monthly exhibition at Draught Works Brewery in Missoula, Montana.
Indie It Guest Author: Lee Hulme aka Angie Hulme
Lee Hulme is a writer/producer with 8 Sided Films as well as being a fiction writer. As Angie Hulme, they have written multiple books, the most recent being A Rotten Core – a twisted take on the idea of the fairytale and the “happy ending”.
With 8 Sided Films they act as the House Manager for the community and ensemble, co-produced the recent webseries SASSxACCELERATION, and are embroiled in production for Quantum Theory, Man and Machine and their own lead project A Changeling Love Story.
They are also in the process of taking their years of storytelling over to a new format, currently working on putting together a livestream theatrical project which is to be a modernised, feminised, queer production of a Comedy of Errors.
Indie It Guest Book Cover Designer: Jan Marshall
I’ve been a graphic designer for many years, more than the requisite ten thousand hours. Specializing in book cover design at present, I’ve worked on all sorts of graphic design projects in my time – some simple, and some utterly extraordinary, from key rings for the CBI Conference to supersite outdoor posters for Universal and Paramount movies. “It’s been an amazing journey, and I’m not even there yet!”
Contact me for a quote if you’d like an in-depth report or if you want help with a particular aspect of your project.
You can follow me on Twitter here: @Jan_Marshall and visit my website here: Jan Marshall – The Book Designer. There’s a contact page on the website or you can email me at bookcoverdesign@btinternet.com; I’d love to hear from you.
Indie It Guest Author: Tamara Mataya
Tamara Mataya is currently a librarian; she lurked there for so long recommending books to patrons and shushing people, that she suspects they only hired her so it would be less creepy. Now she’s armed with a name tag, and a thin veneer of credibility. She’s also a musician with synaesthesia – which isn’t an issue until someone plays a wrong note, which makes her want to squirm inside out. It makes for a good live show.
Author of The Best Laid Plans
The Best Laid Plans on Goodreads
Indie It Guest Writer/Author: J. H. Bográn, born and raised in Honduras, is the son of a journalist. He ironically prefers to write fiction rather than fact. José’s genre of choice is thrillers, but he likes to throw in a twist of romance into the mix. His works include novels and short stories in both English and Spanish. He’s a member of the Short Fiction Writers Guild and the International Thriller Writers where he also serves as the Thriller Roundtable Coordinator and contributor editor their official e-zine The Big Thrill.
His debut novel TREASURE HUNT, which The Celebrity Café hails as an intriguing novel that provides interesting insight of architecture and the life of a fictional thief, has also been selected as the Top Ten in Preditors & Editor’s Reader Poll.
His second novel, FIREFALL, that international best-selling author Jack Needham calls “Smart and engrossing,” was released by Rebel E-Publisher in 2013.
Indie It Guest Poet: Loren Kleinman ~ Loren Kleinman is a young, American-born poet with roots in New Jersey. Her poetry explores the results of love and loss, and how both themes affect an individual’s internal and external voice. She has a B.A. in English Literature from Drew University and an M.A. in Creative and Critical Writing from the University of Sussex (UK). Her poetry has appeared in literary journals such as Nimrod, Wilderness House Literary Review, Writer’s Bloc, Journal of New Jersey Poets, Paterson Literary Review (PLR), Resurgence (UK), HerCircleEzine and Aesthetica Annual. She was the recipient of the Spire Press Poetry Prize (2003), was a 2000 and 2003 Pushcart Prize nominee, and was a 2004 Nimrod/Pablo Neruda Prize finalist for poetry.
Indie It Guest Writer/Author: Stephanie Neighbour ~ I was born and raised in New Jersey where I still live today with my two lovable but unruly dachshunds, Chip and Autumn. After graduating high school, I attended Monmouth University and received my BA in 1989. I pursued a wide range of careers including everything from working as a bartender, personal trainer, probation officer, owning a fitness center and finally, real estate sales.
I never found myself fully content with any of my endeavors because my creative side was there; quietly nudging me to find an outlet. I’ve always had the ability to make people laugh; usually at my own expense. It wasn’t until I enrolled in some comedy classes that I discovered I enjoyed writing humorous content as opposed to telling scripted jokes; not to mention my social anxieties. Have we discussed those yet? I’m sorry, you’ll have to read my blogs to learn about what a nut I am not to mention, the rest of my family.
I began writing my first collection of short stories that I’ve titled, Least Likely To Succeed and I hope to have that released quite soon. Until then, please enjoy my Chucklespace blog, follow me on social media and take advantage of our free email subscription to receive all new posts sent directly to your email.
Writing stories, blogging and connecting with other like-minded people has been a true blessing in my life. Although my personal projects tend to be rooted in humor, I find it very easy to adapt to the needs of my freelance clients and other projects.
I have developed content for volunteer groups, newspaper and magazine articles, brochures, blogs, website development, marketing/advertising, law offices and college instructors. I believe the ability to adapt and diversify is paramount to one’s success. In the meantime; sit back, relax and have a few laughs.
Indie It Guest Artist: Joseph Grady
Indie It Guest Artist: Malinda Prud’homme
Creating beautiful art sings to my soul. I never feel more content or alive than when I am immersed in the creative process.
I use my artwork to make statements about matters I feel very passionately about. The majority of my work focuses on the portrayal of beauty, particularly natural female beauty. Also, many of my series express the immense amount of beauty found in our world; either seen through culture, landscape, or society.
My current work is heavily focused on portraying female inner beauty and the beauty of the multifaceted female spirit. With attention to detail my portraits expresses the soul and uniqueness of women. I hope that others will feel connected to my work and that my pieces will inspire new thoughts and bring joy.
Malinda Prud’homme – Mixed Media Art Creations
Indie It Guest Author: Eric Kobb Miller
Eric Kobb Miller is a retired dentist who traded his drill for a quill to become a literary humorist. As well as being a tweeting toastmaster, he is the author of the Spit Toon’s Saloon trilogy: Spit Toon’s Saloon, Overheard at the Bar, and Toasts from the Tap. You can find him at SpitToonsSaloon.blogspot.com or @SpitToonsSaloon on twitter.
You can purchase all his books on Amazon.
Indie It Guest Style/Designer – Tracey
Tracey is an entrepreneur. She is the owner and clothing designer of Scruffy Girl Designer Knitwear and Clothing. You can look at her clothing styles and options on ScruffyGirl.com where you can purchase her custom dyed and hand made items.
Indie It Guest Author – Chris Henry
“The Naked Way” is Chris Henry’s first novel. He’ll gladly write another if you like this one.
Chris is originally from Chicago and now lives in Denver, Colorado. In other lifetimes, Chris has been involved in political organizing and fundraising, finance, and academia.
Writers Chris admires include Jack Kerouac, Bob Dylan, Milan Kundera, J.D. Salinger, Michael Chabon, Nathanael West, Anaïs Nin, Robertson Davies, Joni Mitchell, Kazuo Ishiguro, Leslie Marmon Silko, Jerzy Kozinski, James Baldwin, Herman Melville, Joseph Conrad and Jonathan Lethem.
Chris geeks out over Star Wars, Mad Men and The Wire, and his teams are the Denver Nuggets and the Chicago Bears. He loves music, especially rock, jazz and the blues.
Indie It Guest Poet: Laura LME
Laura writes about life, love, soul journeys, conscious and unconscious dreams, immersed in music.
Music is essential to her creations, Laura’s recent work is an EP of poetry in music,
“Absolute ° Gravity“ (Ultrasonic Music Germany), out now on all major digital stores, wonderful collaboration with
Musicians/Producers Cass Ferre and Tom Cloverfield.
She’s also part of @PoeticBeatz, studio project founded in 2011, where Laura’s Verses In Motion meet Tom Cloverfield’s Ultrsonic music.
Listen to some of their creations on Fandalism.
Indie It Guest Author: Judith Barrow
My name is Judith Barrow, and I feel that, finally, I can say I am an author. A lifelong ambition. I grew up in a small village in the Pennines, North West England and for the last thirty-four years, have lived with my husband, David, and my family in Wales. Currently I am promoting Changing Patterns, (which came out in June 2013) the sequel to my first book, Pattern of Shadows, both published by Honno, a small independent publisher. The novels could be described as sagas, the life stories of my characters. But, because they’re written during WW2 and in the fifties I think of them as historical fiction as well. And there again there are also touches of romance and crime … so, in the end I leave it to the reader to decide.
I have an MA in Creative Writing, B.A. (Hons.) in Literature, and a Diploma in Drama and Script Writing. I’ve had short stories, poems, plays, reviews and articles published throughout the British Isles. I am also a Creative Writing tutor and run workshops on all genres.
When I’m not writing I spend time doing research for my writing, walking the Pembrokeshire countryside or organizing the letting of our holiday apartment Saddleworth House.
Indie It Guest Promoter/Writer: Casey Ryan
Casey Ryan is the creator and host of the Cutting Room Floor talk-radio podcast and blog. For the past 5 years, the show has sought to highlight the works of independent entertainers of all types. A self-proclaimed pop-culture addict, his film education consists of a lifetime of watching, studying, and reading about movies. He holds a BA in Industrial Relations and Economics as well as a diploma in Sciences. For the past 10 years he has enjoyed a prolific career in corporate sales – often using his skills to help his guests market their work on air. Casey was born and raised in Montreal, Canada where he currently lives with his wife.
Indie It Guest Author: Vanessa Wester
Vanessa Wester is bilingual in English and Spanish, since she was born and raised in Gibraltar. She first moved to England to further her education and obtained a degree in Accounting and Law from the University of Southampton, UK. Initially, she embarked on a career in Chartered Accountancy. After a couple of years it became obvious she was not cut out to work in an office.
A change in vocation led her to become a Secondary School Mathematics Teacher, which she loved.
For many years, she has been a stay at home mum and gives up a lot of her time towards voluntary organisations. She still teaches maths as a private tutor and has many hobbies which include swimming, walking, and reading. She is also a qualified A.S.A. Swimming Teacher and volunteers on weekends at her local swimming club.
Writing is her passion. The day she decided to start writing was the day she found an outlet for her imagination. It is the best way she can think of to express herself and escape from everyday life.
Her debut novel, HYBRID (The Evolution Trilogy) was released in March 2012 via Smashwords and May 2012 on Amazon. Since then she has published COMPLICATIONS, the second book in the Trilogy, and has also released another short story called FIRST DATE, which is based on her true story. In addition, she co-founded the SEASONAL SHORT STORIES GROUP, and publishes the collections to aid Charity. She then went on to put together children’s story collection (KIDS4BOOKS), again in aid of good causes.
She now lives on the Isle of Wight, UK.
Indie It Guest Author: Robbie Cox
Robbie Cox is the author of “Reaping the Harvest” and writer of the popular blog, The Mess That Is Me.
Robbie Cox started writing in high school as a way of escaping the lessons his teachers tried to cram into his head. With the aid of two very determined Literature teachers, he was given the push he needed as well as the guidance to win the Florida Pride Award for both short stories and poetry by his senior year and also helped create the school’s literary magazine, Spindrift. However, it was five years later before he made his first sale, an essay on prayer, to Decision Magazine.
With that milestone, Robbie turned his attention to freelance writing in between his daily jobs and the raising of three boys. While not always able to focus on it as he would have liked, he was able to stay active with his writing and has been published in parenting, religious, retirement, and ghost story magazines. He had also written a Christmas play for local churches and was at one time a contributor to the Good Shephard Ministries Newsletter. Still, he kept working on his novel and short stories.
In September of 2010, he decided to stop dabbling with his writing and began to take it seriously. With the help of three ladies, whom he affectionately refers to as the girls or his editors-in-residence, he launched his blog, The Mess that Is Me.
Living along the Space Coast beaches of Florida with the girls, his 21 year old son, Zac, an 8-year old that demands quite a bit of attention, and two cats, his home is a revolving door of family, friends, and adventures to keep the imagination – and gossip mill- churning. In 2012, he published his short story, Circle of Justice, on Smashwords, which has received great reviews, and a steal for $.99. In February of this year, Robbie published his first novella, Reaping the Harvest, also on Smashwords.
Robbie’s current work in progress is titled “A Confused Life”. When he was asked what genre it fell under, Robbie stated, “Essays, humor, family, non-fiction, and personal humiliation. I added that last one because the book makes fun of my own downfalls and points of view. My motto? Make fun of yourself before others do it for you.”
Indie It Guest Designer/Artist: Dan Landrum
My background and degree is in Fine Art painting, printing and photography. In the ’80’s &’ 90’s I worked half-time as a silversmith for a jewelry designer and spent the other half creating large format non-objective paintings. At the turn of the millennium I answered the call to go digital, focusing on computer graphics and web design. In May of 2012, I gave up being a Computer Resource Specialist at UC San Diego to find my way into the Maker Movement. Within a month I was cutting and engraving on the Hurricane lasers at Makerplace, in San Diego. A few months later the lighting and container designs of Rustic Lux Modern began to emerge.
Indie It Guest Artist: Marzena Lavrilleux
Marzena is a French-Polish painter living in France, Orleans.
Indie It Guest Writer: Syl Lassman
I was born in Spokane, WA and graduated from high school in 1969. I flunked my first quarter of college and ended up back in Spokane where I saw my opportunities limited to a series of menial jobs. I moved to Seattle and continued my series of menial jobs. By pure chance I was sent to Boeing as an office temporary. Twenty six years later I retired from Boeing as a reluctant computer administrator and haven’t looked back.
My wife and I chase the sun every winter to Phoenix. We have also have travelled several thousand miles around the country in our motor home. Home base is the little town of Carnation, WA, about 30 miles from Seattle. In addition to my travels I enjoy woodworking, golf, reading, ‘riting, and ‘rithmatic.
Proving my childhood critics right, I still haven’t achieved my potential but I’m still working on it.
Indie It Guest Artist: Terre Britton
Terre Britton is a painter, designer, illustrator, and owner of Terrabyte Graphics, and VP of Marketing at Sirius Press, Inc.
Terre is also the co-author of Energetics: The First Order the first of a four-book SciFi-Thriller series—The Four Orders of Inherent Freedom.
Indie It Guest Writer: Kit Johnson
Kit Johnson – author of Dodging Suicide – A Lifetime’s Preoccupation:
An alternative and affectionate look at coping with Cyclothymia/Bipolar Disorder. Kit Johnson is a successful International businessman, who has had to battle through the condition and wrestle with frequent moments of despair and suicidal thoughts, including two attempts. He sought help through tried and tested channels, took medication and various therapies – all to no avail. He discovered that humour and home spun philosophies saved him from the worst excesses of his condition. This semi autobiographical account is funny, excoriating, honest and thought provoking.