Who would have thought that 2018 would bring about such wonderful growth for Higher Ground Books & Media! At the beginning of the year, I had a couple of goals for our little publishing company. One, I wanted to sign two new authors. Two, I wanted to publish at least five new titles. These were fairly conservative goals and I wasn't sure we would be able to accomplish either of them. Things were slow at the beginning of the year. Lots of starts and stops. A few sour grapes along the way. Some unfortunate incidents with less than reputable individuals who were not dealing above board. And a few months of weary soul-searching about whether or not it even made sense to keep going. And then, suddenly...a breakthrough. I prayed and prayed for God to help me figure out the direction I needed to take. And He delivered the most awesome message to me. He said, "Trust Me." And in the midst of conflict and disap...
Meet the authors!
Rebecca Benston is the author of The Rona Shively Stories
mystery series as well as a number of inspirational works including Wise Up to
Rise Up. She is also the owner of Higher
Ground Books & Media (HGBM); an independent publisher located in
Springfield, Ohio. HGBM publishes works
that are inspirational, motivational, and education. Books available through HGBM include
devotionals, memoirs, fiction, children’s books, poetry and assorted
non-fiction works. The company has been
in business since 2013 and continues to grow.
Mya Benston is a young author from Springfield, Ohio. She has written two books in a series; Whobert the Owl and Snowy the Owl. These books were written when Mya was just 10 years old and she is currently working on some other ideas she has for teen fiction.
Stephen Bowman is a 53 year-old child of God. He's battled addiction, depression and
catastrophic illness. A counselor and
licensed clergyman, he enjoys working with and helping people. When he's not helping others, he enjoys
fishing and an occasional walk.
Rev. Mark Etter has been a
pastor for thirty years and is currently the pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church
in Erlanger, KY. Rev. Etter has published several books of Adult Bible studies
and numerous devotions and youth studies with Concordia Publishing House in St.
Louis. He is a certified pastoral coach for the Ohio District of the Lutheran
Church – Missouri Synod in Cleveland, OH and has served in several capacities
like LWML counselor, evangelism chairman, and circuit counselor for the larger
church. He and his wife, Joan, have three grown children and one grandchild (so
far).
Daniel K. Held is both an Ohio Licensed Independent
Social Worker and ordained United Methodist Elder (pastor) living with his wife
of 51 years, Sue, in retirement. With
degrees from Sterling College, the Ohio State University, and United
Theological Seminary, he works intentionally to both improve and express his
deeper understanding of God and people. Such
understanding forms the basis for his faith and love of God, neighbor and self.
His work has included individual,
marital and family counseling, educational workshops and seminars, pulpit
ministry and writing over the span of now 50 years. The latter includes his blogsite: www.pastordanheldblog.com.
Jen
Hernandez is a local artist who creates many different styles of paintings, she
finds her groove with a sort of abstract impressionistic street art. She is
willing to try new combinations and techniques to convey the feeling that she
is striving for in each individual piece of art. Arti St Gallery & Studio
is a direct extension of her and her artwork. Using art therapy techniques she
designs her teachings to reflect that the emotion is more important that the
formal technique of each piece.
Charlotte Hopkins is a freelance writer and reporter whose work has appeared in numerous magazines, newspapers and websites. Combining her love of research and her passion for writing, she has developed the 365 Days Book series. She resides in a small town in Pennsylvania.
Linda Phillipson and her husband live on a farm in central Mississippi with a rat terrier called Shady Lady, a cat, J.K. and a mule called Ruth, who loves pears. She and her husband had an egg farm for several years, with twenty thousand hens and two thousand roosters, the inspiration for ‘The Magic Egg’.
Cali girl, born and raised. My family & friends are my everything. Beach baby, foodie, coffee addict, bookworm, writer, blogger, movie buff, music maniac, night owl. With a cup of coffee in my hand and a piece of honesty from you, I'll bring my walls down and show you my unguarded soul.
John Salmon, PHD, has worked with children and families
since 1986 in settings as varied as church, community, school, and private
practice. John currently sees children
and families in an outpatient setting to help them identify the personal
strengths and available resources that will enable them to more successfully
navigate life's struggles and transitions. He also assists children and
families in developing the skills necessary to develop successful relationships
and become involved in communities that will support them through life's
changes.