The holidays are often described as joyful, bright, and full of celebration — but for many of us, they are also reflective. They bring memories, longing, love, and loss all to the surface at once. That is exactly where our newest poetry release, Lamenting Sam, lives.
Lamenting Sam is not just a poetry book — it’s an experience. A quiet companion for winter evenings, a voice for emotions we don’t always know how to articulate, and a reminder that grief and love often walk hand in hand.
A Poetry Collection That Speaks to the Soul
This collection explores themes of:
Loss and remembrance
Love that lingers beyond absence
The ache of unanswered questions
Healing through reflection and words
Each poem is intimate and raw, written for anyone who has loved deeply, lost someone important, or simply felt the weight of memory during life’s quieter moments.
Why Lamenting Sam Makes a Thoughtful Holiday Gift
Not every gift needs to sparkle to be meaningful. Sometimes the most powerful gifts are the ones that understand us.
Lamenting Sam is perfect for:
Someone grieving or navigating loss
A poetry lover who appreciates depth and honesty
Readers who enjoy reflective, emotional writing
A meaningful self-gift during a reflective season
It’s the kind of book that says, “You’re not alone in how you feel.”
Available in Multiple Formats — However You Like to Read
To meet readers wherever they are, Lamenting Sam is now available in:
Audiobook – experience the emotion through voice and sound
Whether you prefer to hold poetry in your hands or listen to it unfold, there’s a format for you.
Give Words This Holiday Season
This holiday, consider giving a gift that lingers — one that can be revisited, reread, and felt again and again. Lamenting Sam is a reminder that poetry has the power to comfort, connect, and heal.
✨ Available now in paperback, eBook, and audio formats. Give it as a gift. Or give it to yourself.
Because some stories — and some feelings — deserve to be honored.
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In honor of Veterans Day, we’re proud to spotlight books written by veterans. Their stories, strength, and service deserve to be seen and shared. Check out these powerful reads and support the veterans who’ve fought for all of us. 📚🇺🇸
In “Fouled Anchor Chronicles,” after his Vietnam War experiences and first sea duty tour, George Trowbridge unknowingly charts a life course that leads him through powerful, unique episodes—much like a harsh tide caught between the planet’s strongest forces: land and sea. He must navigate changing, often stormy circumstances, from harmony to chaos, while striving to be a devoted husband and father. He shares his sea stories in chronological order to illustrate demanding and relentless times in his life—adventurous, challenging, sometimes ominous, and often humorous—revealing a vast and seemingly empty pathway that ultimately guides him to his calling.
George Trowbridge is the author of Striking Eight Bells: A Vietnam Memoir, which is about George’s journey in the Navy as he traversed the oceans of the globe to fight in America’s most unpopular war.
Karen Mertes is the author of Plaintiff 101, which details everything she learned about being the plaintiff in a personal injury case after a traumatic brain injury forced her to retire from being a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force.
Corey Hall is the author of I Found Me, which is an inspirational story that brings light to an invisible enemy that millions of people suffer from in America—bipolar disorder.
Bob Baldwin and Jay Ledbetter co-authored Proper Care & Feeding of a Huntin’ Buddy, which is filled with hilarious short stories about their hunting adventures and escapades.
Dr. Uhuru Smith, MD and Dr. Tracy Smith, PhD co-authored Modern IV Wellness, which introduces the world to a modern spin on the age-old use of IV therapy.
Art Koch is the author of When Swing Was King!, which is about one of the most historical eras in American music.
Mark T. Mahaffey, a living legend in Saint Petersburg, Florida, shares the story of his life-long journey as The Pathfinder.More than the name behind the iconic Mahaffey Theater, Mark Mahaffey is the patriarch of one of the largest, family-owned, real estate companies in Florida. Reflecting on the road that brought him to where he is today, he recognizes the defining moments that were the tailwinds to his success. Finding the right path is never easy, but with the support of his family, friends, and some key mentors along the way, Mark confidently navigated through some of life’s most challenging obstacles. The Pathfinder is a loving tribute to all those people who helped pave the way of the Mahaffey legacy and the friendships that have blossomed along the way. From growing up in Indiana and attending the University of Notre Dame, to serving in the Vietnam War as a U.S. Navy Lieutenant, to growing the Mahaffey Apartment Company, to exploring the world with his closest kin and kith, Mark Mahaffey hopes to inspire his readers to live life to the fullest.
As the US continues to settle the west in the wake of the civil war, one unlikely scout distinguishes himself as white settlers and freed slaves alike look to the US army for protection. The Buffalo Scout, a runaway slave himself, proves to be their best hope and craftiest warrior. With the skills it took to successfully deceive slave hunters, the tracking knowledge of several Indian tribes who harbored him on his journey west, and the support of the US army, no mission is too large for this vanguard. This work of historical fiction tells a story that has been left out of history, from a time when no one wanted to believe a black man could survive on his own, let alone fight legendary and heroic battles.
An inspirational memoir of a man who escaped war torn Liberia to eventually find asylum in America. However, it was not an easy road to travel. As a child, it took Pitman and his family almost two months to walk on foot from their country into Sierra Leone. With nothing but the clothes on their backs, they had to hide from rebels who were on a rampage amputating and murdering anyone who they thought were connected to the government. In his debut book, Kennedy takes you along his journey of being a refugee from a 3rd world country to becoming a successful businessman in the states.
The Audacity of Resilience
“Scars of a Soldier” follows Jonathan on his journey from a teenage delinquent to a soldier in Afghanistan. Jonathan shares his experiences growing up with a rocky childhood. He exposes the raw truth of dealing with depression, suicide and drugs. Climb into his mind and get a firsthand view of what it’s like to go through the highs and lows to live a normal life and persevere.
Scars of a Soldier
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As writers, we understand the weight of narrative. Stories shape memory, identity, and even entire nations. Few days in the American calendar demonstrate this as clearly as Columbus Day.
The Original Narrative
When Columbus Day was first celebrated in 1792, the story was simple: a bold Italian explorer, sailing under the Spanish crown, “discovered” a new world. This framing became a foundation for mythmaking—Columbus as a symbol of courage, exploration, and possibility.
For many Italian-American communities, the holiday became a cultural anchor, affirming their place in a country that often marginalized them. When Franklin D. Roosevelt made it a national observance in 1937, it was not only about honoring Columbus but also about validating the story of immigrants as contributors to the American tapestry.
The Counter-Narrative
But stories evolve. Historians and Indigenous voices have long reminded us that Columbus’s voyages also marked the beginning of colonization, violence, and the destruction of Indigenous communities. The same story of “discovery” can also be read as a story of loss.
In recent decades, cities and states have shifted toward Indigenous Peoples’ Day, rewriting the cultural script to recognize voices that had been pushed to the margins. Writers can see this as an act of reframing—a reminder that every story has perspectives left untold.
Lessons for Authors
Narratives Change Over Time What was once celebrated without question is now reassessed. As authors, we must recognize that our work will be read differently by future generations. Stories live, breathe, and transform.
Whose Voice Is Missing? Just as Columbus Day has shifted focus toward Indigenous perspectives, our writing should ask: whose voices are absent from this narrative? How do we bring them forward with respect and authenticity?
The Power of Myth and Symbolism Columbus Day demonstrates how societies build myths around figures. Writers can learn from this—whether to construct mythologies in fiction or to deconstruct them in essays, memoirs, or historical works.
Writing With Responsibility Every story we tell has consequences. Just as the narrative of Columbus shaped centuries of perception, our words carry influence. Writers have the privilege—and duty—to handle history and humanity with care.
A Final Reflection
Columbus Day is no longer just about a man and his voyage; it is about the story we choose to tell as a culture. As authors, we stand at the intersection of memory and imagination, where we can preserve, challenge, and reshape narratives to tell the whole story.
This holiday, perhaps the most meaningful act we can take is to write with awareness: to acknowledge complexity, to honor silenced voices, and to remind readers that every history is, at its core, a story—one we must strive to tell fully and truthfully.
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Ah, October—the season of pumpkin spice, skeleton decorations, and haunted hayrides. It’s the time of year when ghosts, ghouls, and things that go bump in the night take center stage. But let’s be real: there’s a certain type of ghost who’s been haunting the publishing world all year long, tirelessly working in the shadows.
That’s right—we’re talking about ghostwriters and editors.
They may not rattle chains or appear in your bathroom mirror when you say their name three times, but without them, the books, memoirs, and stories we love would crumble like a dusty old tombstone.
The Ghost in the Room (Who Actually Wrote That Book?)
Ghostwriters are the true phantoms of publishing. They slip quietly into the minds of authors, learning their voices, quirks, and favorite phrases, until they can spin out pages that sound as though they were written by the author themselves.
They don’t get the glory. Their names rarely appear in print. But make no mistake: their invisible ink is often what turns a rough idea into a finished masterpiece.
Think about it—politicians, celebrities, busy business moguls, and even some beloved novelists often call on ghostwriters to give shape to their stories. These spectral scribes take scattered notes, half-finished drafts, or sometimes just a vague idea muttered over coffee, and transform it into a book you actually want to read. Without them, many of the titles on your shelf might never exist.
Editors: The Vampire Slayers of Publishing 🦇
If ghostwriters are the spirits who conjure the story, editors are the brave vampire slayers who keep it from spiraling into chaos. They might be the one who makes your manuscript bleed with changes but only for the good. Armed with red pens (or more often, tracked changes), they stalk through drafts hunting down clichés, bloated sentences, awkward dialogue, and yes—the dreaded typo lurking in the shadows.
There are different kinds of editors, each one a different creature of the night:
Developmental editors: The big-picture necromancers, reshaping plots, building arcs, and ensuring the story doesn’t collapse like a haunted house in a storm.
Copy editors: The werewolves of grammar, fierce under the full moon, tearing apart sloppy syntax with precision.
Proofreaders: The ghostly guardians of final drafts, catching the tiniest slip-ups before they escape into the world.
These folks may not get their names in gold foil on a cover, but their fingerprints (or claw marks) are on every polished page.
Why They Matter (a.k.a. Why You Should Leave Candy Out for Them) 🍬
Books are not created in isolation. For every story that captivates a reader, there’s a small army of unseen workers making it possible. Authors bring the spark, yes—but ghostwriters fan it into flame, and editors keep it from burning the house down.
Without ghostwriters:
Many stories would remain just “great ideas” collecting dust in notebooks.
Readers would miss out on powerful memoirs, celebrity tell-alls, and even some bestselling novels.
Countless voices would go unheard because not everyone can (or wants to) write their own story from scratch.
Without editors:
Readers would drown in typos, plot holes, and messy chapters.
Books would lose their magic, weighed down by clunky sentences and confusing narratives.
The industry itself would be a swamp of unpolished manuscripts, and no one has time for that horror story.
In short: ghostwriters and editors are the backbone of publishing. Their work may be invisible, but without them, the bookshelves would be bare—or worse, filled with half-baked monsters stitched together without care.
A Toast to the Shadows 🥂👻
So, as October rolls on and you enjoy your pumpkin spice everything, take a moment to honor the hidden heroes of the book world. Ghostwriters and editors give their blood, sweat, and tears (sometimes all in the same chapter) so we can lose ourselves in amazing stories.
They may not wear capes. They may not sign book jackets. But they are the lifeblood of literature, the unseen hands that keep the magic alive.
Here’s to the ghostwriters—the friendly phantoms of prose. Here’s to the editors—the fearless monster slayers of grammar. And here’s to the publishing underworld as a whole, without which we’d have nothing but dusty manuscripts and unfinished drafts.
Happy October, dear readers. And if you know a ghostwriter or editor, don’t just hand out candy this year—give them the recognition they deserve. They’ve earned it.
Cheers to our team of ghouls and goblins at Richter Publishing! Have a smashing good October.
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Labor Day is more than a long weekend—it is a holiday born out of struggle, solidarity, and sacrifice. It emerged in the late 19th century, when American workers endured exhausting 12-hour days, unsafe factories, and poverty wages. Out of those harsh realities came the labor movement, a collective voice demanding fairness, safety, and dignity in the workplace.
The very first Labor Day was celebrated on September 5, 1882, in New York City, with thousands of workers marching together. By 1894, following turbulent strikes and growing momentum, Labor Day was established as a federal holiday. It stands today as a tribute to those whose courage transformed not just the workplace, but society itself.
And while unions and marches gave workers a powerful voice, writers and authors also played a key role—using words as tools of labor, truth, and change.
Writers on Work and Dignity
“All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Though Dr. King was not a novelist, his words remind us of a truth writers also embody: work is not defined by prestige, but by its impact. Authors labor over words the way workers labor over steel or stone—each shaping the future in their own way.
This echoes the historical fight of unions and workers whose demands gave us the 8-hour workday, fairer wages, and protections against exploitation.
Writers Who Captured the Spirit of Labor
John Steinbeck in The Grapes of Wrath gave voice to struggling laborers and migrant workers, showing the human side of economic hardship.
Upton Sinclair’sThe Jungle exposed the brutal conditions of Chicago’s stockyards, fueling labor reform and workplace safety laws.
Langston Hughes, through poetry, lifted the dignity of working-class Black Americans, writing, “I’ve known rivers: Ancient, dusky rivers. My soul has grown deep like the rivers.” His words connected the struggles of workers to a broader human story of resilience.
Each of these authors turned their pen into a tool of solidarity, amplifying the struggles of workers in ways that no picket line alone could achieve.
The Shared Spirit of Labor and Literature
Both the labor movement and the world of writing are built on persistence. Just as unions fought for safer, fairer conditions, writers fight through rejection, silence, and revision, laboring to bring forth stories that can inspire justice and hope.
Labor Day calls us to honor both kinds of labor—the physical and the creative—because both shape the world we inherit.
A Labor Day Reflection
As we pause this Labor Day, let us remember not only the marches and strikes that birthed this holiday, but also the writers who chronicled those struggles, who gave voice to the voiceless, and who reminded us that work, in all its forms, carries dignity.
✦ Labor Day is not just about honoring work—it is about honoring the workers, thinkers, and storytellers who together built the foundations of our society.
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Saint Petersburg, FL — Mark T. Mahaffey, a name long synonymous with leadership, legacy, and community in Florida, has released the much-anticipated second edition of his memoir, The Pathfinder.
Known as the patriarch behind one of Florida’s largest family-owned real estate companies and the name behind the iconic Mahaffey Theater, Mark Mahaffey has lived a life defined by service, resilience, and vision. From his roots in Indiana and his formative years at the University of Notre Dame, to his honorable service as a U.S. Navy Lieutenant in Vietnam, to building the thriving Mahaffey Apartment Company, his story is one of perseverance, purpose, and gratitude.
In the original Pathfinder, Mahaffey reflected on the defining moments that guided him through life’s challenges—always with the support of family, friends, and mentors by his side.
What’s New in the 2nd Edition?
For the first time, Mahaffey shares a deeply personal and life-altering chapter of his journey: his near-death experience in a helicopter crash deep in the Alaskan wilderness. The tragic accident claimed the life of his longtime friend and forced Mahaffey to confront the extremes of survival, grief, and faith.
This candid new addition captures the raw reality of loss and the spiritual awakening that followed. It is a moving reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of friendship.
A Book That Inspires
The Pathfinder: 2nd Edition is more than a memoir—it is a tribute to the people who shaped Mahaffey’s life, a celebration of the friendships that blossomed along the way, and an invitation for readers to embrace life to the fullest.
Whether you are discovering Mark Mahaffey’s journey for the first time or returning to walk alongside him again, this new edition promises to inspire, comfort, and challenge you to reflect on your own path.
About the Author
Mark T. Mahaffey is a businessman, veteran, philanthropist, and patriarch of one of the largest family-owned real estate companies in Florida. From his humble beginnings in Indiana to his celebrated legacy in Saint Petersburg, Mahaffey’s journey has been one of service, leadership, and exploration. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and a U.S. Navy Lieutenant who served during the Vietnam War, Mahaffey has built a life around family, faith, and community. His memoir, The Pathfinder, reflects not only his own story but also the countless people who shaped and inspired him along the way.
Get Your Copy
The Pathfinder: 2nd Edition is available now. Audiobook coming soon! 👉 Order Your Copy Here
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How far would you go to save the one you love? In “Rainforest to Rainbow: Will a Parrot Unlock the Secret?” embark on a gripping journey with Deirdre, a fiercely devoted aunt shattered by the imminent loss of her beloved eight-year-old niece. After exhausting every medical avenue, Deirdre stumbles upon an ancient legend that whispers of a miraculous gift of healing hidden deep within the Amazon rainforest. Could this myth hold the key to saving her niece’s life? Driven by love and desperation, Deirdre sets off on a daring adventure, guided by the enigmatic lineage of an Amazon parrot rumored to possess the insights needed to unlock the ancient secret. As she navigates the dangers of the rainforest, Deirdre confronts not only the beauty of nature but also the greed of a relentless faith healer determined to eliminate any competition, forcing her into life-and-death decisions.
“Rainforest to Rainbow” masterfully intertwines two powerful narratives—one a thrilling adventure that plunges into the heart of the jungle, and another that explores the deep, emotional bonds between humans and animals, highlighting themes of hope, sacrifice, and resilience. As Deirdre races against time, she faces profound moral dilemmas and emotional journeys, ultimately questioning what she is willing to sacrifice in her quest to save her niece. Will she unlock the secrets of the past and fulfill her promise, or will the rainforest’s guardians guard its ancient knowledge against her? Prepare for a captivating tale filled with heart, courage, and the unyielding power of love. “Rainforest to Rainbow” challenges readers to reflect on the lengths they would go to for those they cherish, making it a timeless story of hope against all odds. Join Deirdre on her quest; you won’t just witness a journey, you’ll experience a life-changing adventure that resonates with the human spirit.
Get our newest publication on Amazon! Available in paperback and ebook by Barry and Darlene Greenawald.
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Every year, on the Fourth of July, the skies over America light up with fireworks, the streets buzz with parades, and communities gather to celebrate the birth of the United States. But beyond the barbecues and sparkling displays, July 4th marks a pivotal moment in history—a moment when the written word sparked a revolution.
A Brief History of Independence Day
The Fourth of July commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. On that day, the thirteen American colonies formally declared their separation from British rule. It wasn’t a quiet decision—it was bold, dangerous, and transformative.
The Declaration itself, penned primarily by Thomas Jefferson, is one of the most powerful documents in history. With words like “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,” it didn’t just announce independence—it gave a voice to a new vision of freedom and self-governance.
The power of that document is a reminder of something every writer knows: words can change the world.
The Writer’s Role in Shaping Freedom
The Fourth of July isn’t just a celebration of political freedom—it’s a celebration of expression. At its core, the American Revolution was fueled by writers: pamphleteers, essayists, poets, and journalists who dared to put their beliefs on paper. Writers like Thomas Paine, whose Common Sense ignited public support for independence, proved that the pen could indeed be mightier than the sword.
For modern authors, the holiday is a perfect time to reflect on the responsibility and privilege that comes with the written word. Freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom to tell the stories that matter—these are liberties that were hard-won.
Writing Your Own Declaration
As writers, we have our own declarations to make. Whether you’re writing fiction, memoir, poetry, or nonfiction, your words are part of a larger tapestry of freedom. You have the ability to challenge, to inspire, to uplift, and to spark change.
So this Fourth of July, as you watch the fireworks, consider this: What do you need to declare? What story is burning inside you, waiting for your voice to set it free?
Just as Jefferson and his contemporaries wrote for their time, you can write for yours.
Final Thoughts
The Fourth of July is not only a day to remember the past but also to embrace the freedom we have to create, to question, and to imagine. For authors, this holiday is a celebration of the power of the written word—a reminder that stories, ideas, and bold declarations still have the potential to shape history.
So light your creative fire, pick up your pen, and let your words ring out—because freedom, after all, is a story still being written.
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Our stories matter. The moments, lessons, and laughter you’ve shared with your family are pieces of history that deserve to be remembered — not just now, but for generations to come.
Whether it’s how your family came to this country, the values your father instilled in you, or the trials you overcame together — writing and publishing your family history ensures those stories live on, long after you’re gone.
🖋️ Don’t wait for someone else to tell your story. Write the book. Publish it. Share it with your children, your grandchildren, and the world.
Because family isn’t just made of people — it’s made of stories.
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Every year on June 14th, Americans across the country pause to celebrate Flag Day—a tribute to one of our nation’s most enduring symbols: the United States flag.
📜 The History Behind Flag Day
Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States on June 14, 1777, by the Second Continental Congress. The resolution stated:
“Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”
Though it’s not a federal holiday, Flag Day holds deep patriotic significance. It was officially established by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916, and later President Harry Truman signed it into law in 1949 as a national observance.
🎨 What the Flag Represents
The U.S. flag is more than just cloth and color. It stands for freedom, resilience,and unity. Each element of the flag carries meaning:
Red: Valor and bravery
White: Purity and innocence
Blue: Vigilance, perseverance, and justice
Stars and Stripes: The 50 states and the original 13 colonies
🇺🇸 How Americans Celebrate
Flag Day is a chance to reflect on our shared values and national heritage. Here are a few ways people honor the flag:
Flying the American flag at homes, businesses, and public buildings
Community parades and patriotic ceremonies
Educational events in schools about the flag’s history and symbolism
Volunteering or supporting veterans’ groups and civic causes
In some places like Quincy, Massachusetts, and Waubeka, Wisconsin (the hometown of the “Father of Flag Day,” Bernard J. Cigrand), celebrations include festivals, speeches, and pageantry.
🌟 A Day to Reflect
Flag Day reminds us of the sacrifices made to protect the freedoms we enjoy and the unity that binds us as a nation. Whether it’s by displaying the flag, teaching children its history, or simply taking a quiet moment to reflect, June 14th is a day for all Americans to come together in gratitude and pride.
Happy Flag Day! Long may she wave. 🇺🇸
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Richter Publishing 