May 12, 2023
Donna Marie Merritt participated in a book signing event at Barnes & Noble in Waterbury, CT, on May 6. Donna reports a “fabulous celebration of Connecticut authors!” The authors signed their wide variety of books and talked personally with people who wanted to know more about writing and publishing.
Donna—who is an accomplished poet, children’s author, and librarian—is the poet/author of Bible Poems for Reflection and Response. (Cladach, 2020). In the photo Donna is standing 7th from left in the back.
April 21, 2023
With the current renewed interest in 1960s-70s era, partly as a result of recent events such as the “Jesus Revolution” movie and the Asbury University awakening, Cladach is partnering with author Dean Davis to re-release his short memoir, A Furnace for God: A Child of the Sixties Takes the Test of Life, first printed in 2008. An engrossing personal account of how he searched for and found (was “found” by) God in Jesus Christ, A Furnace for Gold, offers a passionate and intelligent description of Dean’s search for spiritual truth and meaning in life. Amid the sexual revolution, drug experimentation, Eastern mysticism, amid the anti-Establishment ethos and Vietnam war protests of his youth, one could say Dean was transformed from a sixties radical to a radical for Jesus.
February 27, 2023
Congratulations to Catherine Lawton for completing a Master in Specialized Ministry degree at Northwind Theological Seminary and graduating with Distinction.
Her concentration was Faith-Based Publishing. Catherine is the the co-owner and editor-in-chief of Cladach Publishing. She also is a many-times published author, writer, and poet. Watch for her upcoming book currently titled, Organic Publishing.
Jan. 25, 2023
Announcing our latest release:
I Rise to Your Light: Poetic Meditations
by Sarah Suzanne Noble
“Sarah Noble’s second book of poetry and photography demonstrates her talent in combing words and images that lead the reader to reflect on their own spiritual journey. In the midst of serious
subjects and thoughts, she infuses hope and humor that all can relate to.”–Amazon reviewer, Katherine Sanford
A second volume of poetry by Sarah that could be considered a sequel to her earlier volume, I Cry Unto You, O Lord. Each section of this book offers honest questions that always come back to a resolve to hope. Sections include Rise, Reflection, Delight, Setback, Savior, and Stillness, and each features evocative black and white photography by Sarah.
Nov. 12, 2022
Gayle Irwin had a book signing at Barnes & Noble in Loveland, Colorado, Nov. 12. Her book, Walking In Trust: Lessons Learned with my Blind Dog, sold out quickly. Gayle will be signing books at other events this month in Wyoming.
She also participated OCT. 29, in the Buffalo, Wyoming, Wild Rose Teahouse event featuring five Wyoming authors, in honor of National Book Month and to help promote the St. Francis Animal Shelter.
Oct. 12, 2022
Cladach authors with active and updated websites include the following:
Nancy Swihart
author of On Kitten Creek:
Janyne McConnaughey
author of the BRAVE series of books:
Judith Galblum Pex
author of four Cladach titles including Walk the Land
Sept. 5, 2022
Judith Galblum Pex’s debut novel, TO BELONG, released (in English) worldwide on Sept. 1, 2022. Judy is the author of three previous nonfiction titles. Many of the themes treated in those books, including love for the land itself as well as the many people groups of Israel, are treated in this novel in the form of an absorbing family story. The characters are as varied as the people actually are in the beach town of Eilat, Israel. And the writing is as straight-forward, energetic, and engaging as the author herself.
August 15, 2022
Donna Marie Merritt was the guest artist at the Watertown (Connecticut) Farmers’ Market on Sunday, Aug. 14, offering her signed poetry and children’s books for sale. Shoppers were encouraged to stock up on fresh food for the body and fresh books for the spirit.
Donna Marie Merritt, Watertown resident for over 40 years, is the author of seven poetry collections. Her most recent is Bible Poems for Reflection and Response (Cladach). She has written 17 books for children, such as Teensy Meensy Mice. Merritt has also contributed hundreds of articles, stories, and poems to magazines and anthologies over the past 20 years, including work for National Geographic.
In addition to her role as an author, Merritt is a lifelong educator with fourteen years of classroom teaching experience and five years as a school librarian. Her goal is to ensure that every person of every age has books they love to read.
Merritt is available for in-person and virtual school visits, poetry readings, library talks, and literary events.Learn more about Donna Marie Merritt at https://cladach.com/bible-poems/ or DonnaMarieBooks.com or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donna_Marie_Merritt
May 31, 2022
Judith Galblum Pex was invited to speak to a group of women at the College of the Bible in Jerusalem in late May. At the Bible college, all teachers are Israeli believers in Jesus as the Messiah, and come from a variety of cultural backgrounds.
April 28, 2022
On May 11 Catherine Lawton will teach a virtual workshop for the Write His Answer Colorado Christian Writers Conference (May 11-14). Her topic is: Faithful & Effective Writing/Publishing in a Postmodern Context. This is the 25th year of the conference founded and directed by Marlene Bagnull.
March 22, 2022
Alice Scott-Ferguson is scheduled for a number of poetry readings at senior venues in Phoenix, AZ, where she lives. As well as reading poems from UNPAUSED and PAUSING IN THE PASSING PLACES, Alice will also share about her love of poetry and the benefits she has experienced through the art of writing poetry.
March 4, 2022
Two Cladach authors contributed essays to the book Partnering With God (SacraSage, 2021). Since then both essays have been featured online at Center for Open and Relational Theology’s website (C4ORT) and can be accessed and read by clicking on the following:
February 21, 2022
Donna Marie Merritt poet/author of Bible Poems for Reflection and Response will join a great lineup of poets at Byrd’s Books’ Spring Poetry Series in Bethel, Connecticut, reading selections of their poetry on Sunday, May 15, 2022, 2:00 to 4:00 pm. For more information click HERE.
Jan. 25, 2022
Catherine Lawton, editor-in-chief at Cladach Publishing, announces publishing plans for the first half of 2022.
Cladach will be releasing new titles by two of our authors:
- Judith Galblum Pex, author of Walk the Land, Come Stay Celebrate, and A People Tall and Smooth has penned her first novel, tentatively titled Tamar’s Children, set in Eilat, Israel.
- Sarah Suzanne Noble, author/poet of I Cry Unto You O Lord has another collection of poetry, I Rise To Your Light, releasing later this year. The full-length volume will include selections of Sarah’s artistic photography.
Release dates and launch events to be announced.
November 3, 2021
John Buzzard, author of That Day By the Creek: A Novel About the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864 will, again this year, be selling and signing copies of his books at the Cowboy Festival at the Empire Ranch near Sonoita, Arizona, November 6-7.
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September 23, 2021 (Updated October 19, 2021)
As awareness of the new title, The Animals In Our Lives, grows, reviewers are showing that they understand and appreciate our purpose in producing this compilation. Here are quotes from, and links to, some of these published reviews and recommendations:
“’Heartwarming’ is an overused word; these stories and poems are that, but they also serve to encourage, to cheer (and cheer up), and to strike a note of wonder at the ways animals of all kinds find their ways into our lives and our hearts.” ~Glynn Young at Faith, Fiction, Friends, Oct. 18, 2021
“In these turbulent, often scary, times, directing our attention onto animals of all kinds gives us a positive focus that helps us to realign with God’s prayer for all peoples to take care of the earth.…This new anthology can help us to regain our perspective, our commitment, and our hope through the essays, stories, and poems about engaging with animals.…What a special showcase of creatures, great and small!” ~Mary Harwell Sayler at Poetry Editor, Aug. 28, 2021
“The animal lovers among us … become an informal community of people who sense that God is found in other animals and our relationships with them, and who find ourselves drawn to build communities that are good for people, other animals, and the earth…. [who] sense that God shares in the perspectives of all creatures….This book introduces us to this community, and it is well worth purchasing for the companionship it offers.” ~Dr. Jay McDaniel at Open Horizons, Aug. 30, 2021
“Catherine Lawton has combined well-written experiences from known authors and ones from all walks of life and literary identification…Would I recommend this book? Definitely, especially to the animal lover and to a person who wants to become one. It’s a good read.” ~Sue Wolff in SAR Dog News, Sept. 2021
August 2, 2021
Cladach Author Appearances Coming Soon:
Nancy Swihart will participate in a Wellspring Arts and Crafts festival in Manhattan, Kansas, August 7. She will be selling and signing her books, On Kitten Creek: Searching for the Sacred and The Animals In Our Lives (contributor). Nancy and her husband, Jud, are co-founders of Wellspring, Inc.
Alice Scott-Ferguson has scheduled author events in Pinetop, Arizona: 1) August 12, Alice will lead a presentation and discussion of her book, Mothers Can’t Be Everywhere, But God Is at the St Mary of the Angels women’s group. 2) August 27, Alice will appear at an author event at the local library along with 3 other writers, who will talk about, and sign, their books.
Catherine Lawton will serve on faculty at the (virtual) Colorado Christian Writers Conference, August 26-28. She is teaching (pre-recorded) workshops on poetry and creative nonfiction, and (live on Zoom) will serve on an editors’ panel, and meet with authors pitching book proposals and ideas. More information about the conference Here.
Gayle M. Irwin has two events in September. She will be speaking at two different Christian Women’s groups in Cheyenne, one the evening of September 13 and the other the next morning at a brunch. She will have her books for sale, including Walking In Trust and The Animals In Our Lives (contributor).
May 15, 2021
Upcoming events featuring Cladach Authors:
Janyne McConnaughey will present at the 2021 International eConference on Religious Trauma May 29-30. Dr. McConnaughey’s topic will be “Religious Abuse and the Trauma of Perceived Spiritual Failure”. Learn more HERE.
Catherine Lawton will present workshops at The Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, June 24-26. She is teaching (pre-recorded) workshops on poetry and marketing, serving on an editors’ panel, and meeting with authors giving pitches (on Zoom during the virtual conference). Find information about the conferences HERE.
Gayle M. Irwin will be a participating author at the Wild Deadwood Reads event in historic Deadwood, South Dakota June 19th, 2021. Learn more HERE.
March 10, 2021
Janyne McConnaughey, PhD, author of the BRAVE Series, who is a trauma-informed author and advocate, announces that she has launched Brave Spaces at Janyne.org.
Janyne’s introductory message reads:
If you are a survivor of trauma, as a child or as an adult, this safe and compassionate space was created for you.
As a survivor of abuse and trauma, I understand how important it is for you to feel safe and believe healing is possible. Please know that what happened was not your fault!
If your healing is just beginning,
I encourage you to begin therapy.
It is normal to be anxious! See Dear Survivor
You can become a trauma-informed survivor!
BRAVE Spaces was created with you in mind! Healing is possible! Begin your path to healing here . . .
December 16, 2020
Dennis Ellingson, author of God’s Healing Herbs and God’s Wild Herbs is again leading his Plants of the Bible Walks at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Arizona, where he shares his knowledge and well as his faith, as an educational guide each winter.
Catherine Lawton, editor at Cladach and poet and author of several books, had a Christmas story/meditation published in the book, Lean Towards The Light This Advent & Christmas, compiled by Christine Aroney-Sine and Lisa DeRosa and released by Godspace. The book follows the Celtic Christian Advent season. Lawton’s story is “The Light of Life Shines Into the Darkness of Death.”
Mary Harwell Sayler, poet and author of PRAISE! POEMS contributed a poem, “When God Gave Us Jesus,” to the above mentioned Advent devotional volume from Godspace.
September 18, 2020
Cladach authors use ingenuity, opportunity, and technology to reach out to their readers and to share their message.
Donna Marie Merritt officially launched her new book, Bible Poems, at the Litchfield (Connecticut) Community Center “Tent Talk” 5:00-6:30 pm, September 17.
Donna reports, “What a lovely, reflective, supportive audience. Some came with their copies to be signed and some bought copies there—and they asked the best questions during the presentation!”
(Pictured at left: Local newspaper write-up of Merritt’s book launch)
Janyne McConnaughey, author of three BRAVE titles (including the just-released A Brave Life: Survival, Resilience, Faith & Hope After Childhood Trauma), presented the Sept. 3 Webinar: “How to Be a Healing Church: Mental Health, Trauma-Informed Ministry, and Our Wesleyan Theology” produced by the Church of the Nazarene, Sunday School & Discipleship.
Janyne’s presentation gave an overview of the effects of childhood trauma. 500+ attendees received information and encouragement for de-stigmatizing mental health and promoting spiritual growth in local church bodies. Far too many questions were sent in for the time allowed, so Janyne is devoting her blog, in the near future, to answering the questions.
Click here for Janyne’s introduction and link to video recording of the Sept 3 Webinar.
Gayle M. Irwin, prolific author and journalist in Wyoming where Covid 19 outbreaks and lockdowns are not as severe as many places, and physical bookstores are opening up again, participated in book signings at both a Christian store and a local Indie store southern Wyoming. Cladach Publishing released Gayle’s devotional memoir, Walking In Trust : Lessons Learned with my Blind Dog in 2012 and is seeing continued sales of, and interest in, Gayle’s timeless stories and insights.
Catherine Lawton, contributes regularly to Christine Sine’s blog, Godspace. Cathy’s poem, “A More Excellent Way” (excerpted from her latest collection of poetry, Glimpsing Glory: Poems of Living & Dying, Praying & Playing, Belonging & Longing) was featured at Godspace on Sept. 16. Click HERE to view the poem/post.
Judith Galblum Pex had the thrill this month of seeing her book, Come, Stay, Celebrate! (Cladach, 2014) released in Israel in the Hebrew language by an Israeli publisher. Judy reports that, “We received our copies of the new Hebrew translation, simply titled The Shelter (cover shown at left). The publisher felt it would help the younger generation of believers here to understand aspects of the history of the Messianic movement in Israel. I pray that God will use this book for His glory.”
Come, Stay, Celebrate! has been translated into German and Dutch as well.
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August 12, 2020
Early in the Pandemic, amidst illness and event cancellations, our publication schedule was delayed. Now, we are happy to report, two titles originally planned for Spring release are today literally “hot off the press.” Both titles are officially launching on September 1.
BIBLE POEMS for Reflection and Response
by Donna Marie Merritt
. . .
. . .
A BRAVE LIFE : Survival, Resilience, Faith & Hope After Childhood Trauma (third book in the BRAVE Series)
by Janyne McConnaughey PhD
Both titles can be ordered NOW through Cladach, Amazon, B&N, and local independent Bookstores.
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February 10, 2020
Author McGill Alexander‘s hostage crisis story / testimony has garnered increased media attention lately on both podcasts and TV:
Hostage In Taipei : A True Story of Forgiveness and Hope by McGill Alexander
This memoir by now-retired South African ambassador and brigadier general tells the dramatic hostage story that occurred in Taiwan. A few years after the book was released, National Geographic TV broadcast a docudrama of this amazing story and testimony of the Alexander’s, which was re-enacted by a British production company. Now the “Locked-up Abroad” episodes, including this one (Season 1, Ep. 10: “Taiwan”), have become available on Amazon video. Viewers of the docudrama sometimes search for more about the story and land on Alexander’s Wikipedia page, and finally finding and reading the book, Hostage In Taipei. One such viewer / searcher / reader was a Christian media person, Ethan Nicolle, who then invited McGill Alexander as a guest on two podcasts he helps produce.
Doug TenNapel and Ethan Nicolle welcome special guest McGill Alexander from South Africa, who was in an intense hostage situation many years ago while living in Taiwan. A notorious murderer and rapist held his family hostage for 26 hours, shooting McGill and his daughter – both survived. McGill and his wife later brought a Bible to the man who held them hostage and led him to Christ, forgiving him for what he put them through. This interview is all about that act – loving those who are your enemies, praying for those who persecute you. Why are we called to do it and what does it mean?
(In the 40-minute interview, McGill tells the story with such passion and freshness, you’d think it happened yesterday.)
2. Babylon Bee podcast hosted McGill on Jan 24. This one is probably even more indepth and thoughtful. You can listen to this 48-minute podcast segment on this page: Forgiving The Man Who Took My Family Hostage: The McGill Alexander Interview Jan 24, 2020.
Many people on social media will recognize the Babylon Bee as a Christian / Political satire site. There are good vibes but no satire this time, as the story is deadly serious, has eternal ramifications, and has provided challenging, inspiring testimony to the world. In their interview, Kyle Mann and Ethan Nicolle covered these topics and more:
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McGill’s story : How this hostage event happened and who the criminal was
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McGill’s Christian faith
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How did McGill get through this horrible event?
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Forgiveness- what is it and what does it look like?
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How long did it take to forgive, was this a process, and what was going through his mind as all this was happening?
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Is forgiveness completely unconditional?
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Does forgiveness condone the evil?
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We live in a “show no mercy” culture nowadays, especially on social media. How does forgiveness shape how we approach this culture?
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We at Cladach appreciate the length of these podcasts and the time they gave McGill to tell his story, as well as the excellent questions and subjects covered in the discussions. (Thank you, Ethan.) We are also pleased at the increase in sales we have noticed as a result of these media opportunities. And we are even more pleased that the Alexander’s story is reaching ever-widening audiences.
3. In another part of the world, McGill Alexander was invited to Indonesia by CNA, an English-language Asian news network, to appear in an episode of The Negotiators to tell his hostage-crisis story, which was also reenacted. The 47-minute episode can be viewed at:
The Negotiators: Ep 2: Taipei Hostage Crisis (Updated: ) Taiwan’s most-wanted criminal holds a South African diplomat’s family hostage at gunpoint. Negotiators find themselves trying to do their work in the midst of a frantic media circus.
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For more information or to reach out to Cladach Publishing or any of our authors, use this form: