THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENTS

The Newsletter of the Independent Authors Guild

The Independent Authors Guild has produced this newsletter to showcase the talents of IAG members, while providing entertaining and informational reading for the book-loving public.

November 2007  A collection of articles on topics of historical interest, including the Lost Colony of Roanoke, the Orphan Train Movement, and the Roman invasion of Pictish territory in first century Britain.

December 2007  Read about a family tree of modern languages, one author's search for a true picture of Mozart's wife, and articles discussing the genres of Viking adventure tales and Westerns.

January 2008    PBS sponsors a series based on the novels of Jane Austen, Jack Shakely traces the development and popularity of the banjo, Celia Hayes reflects on the past during a visit to Southern Spain, and Al Past writes without using the letter e!

February 2008    A royal fan secures Jane Austen's success, Barry Yelton reminisces about his childhood barber, Julie Ann Shapiro discusses digital publishing, plus reviews of two historical romances.

March 2008     I discuss the delicate balance between literary experiences and test preparation in the classroom, Mary Simonsen describes the "Mighty Eighth" American Air Force defense of Europe in WWII, Laurie Pooler Pelayo compares genealogy to a combination of detective work and journalism, and Mike Katz reviews Boxcar Down, a historical fiction novel of the Cold War.

April 2008    The Texan War for Independence leads to tragedy at the Alamo and the Goliad, Charles Lundsford debunks some myths about Morse Code, an author shares a harrowing episode of her life which inspired a ghost story, and Al Past reviews a novel about Viet Nam.

May 2008    The Allies coordinate the Berlin Airlift when the Soviet Union maneuvers to annex Berlin after WWII, Al Past explores ancient unsolved mysteries, and Barbara Morgenroth shares her experience with graphics programs.  Book reviews include an historical fiction novel of the Civil War in Indian Territory and a book that blends the gothic style of Anne Rice with characters who would be at home on "The Office."

June 2008    Lloyd Lofthouse shares the lesser known side of the Tibet-China conflict, and Trudy Schuett shares her experiences designing a website for a non-profit organization.  Stuart Mirsky reviews a Viking saga, and Aidan Lucid describes his "voyage into the unknown" when he decided to independently publish his own poetry.

July 2008    Juliet Waldron explores the role of animal characters in historical fiction, I discuss Elisha Kent Kane's contribution to the celebrity culture of 19th century America, and Kim McDougall suggests that genre-based marketing does a disservice to good literature.  Plus, poetry by Barry Yelton, and two book reviews.

August 2008   Brandy Purdy explores the truths behind the sinister legend of Piers Gaveston, Dr. Al Past discusses the development of language, dialect, and geographical accents in the English language, and Janet Elaine Smith reflects on the message behind her writing.

The Independent Authors Guild provides support and advocacy to authors who publish their work independently.  IAG members share their skills and resources, offering peer reviews, editing swaps, and advice on everything from finding a publisher to promoting a book.  IAG seeks to increase awareness among those who buy and read books of the undiscovered treasures available outside mainstream publishing channels. 

“Have fun storming the castle!” – Miracle Max, The Princess Bride

To learn more about the Independent Authors Guild, visit our website!

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