Today, we celebrate Black History Month with a selection of significant works from Outskirts Press self-publishing authors. This collection delves into black history from a variety of perspectives: thoughtful historical recounting, historically accurate fiction, American and international black perspectives, dramatic and true family histories and more. Among this curated selection are celebrated, award-winning books that readers of all walks of life will by moved by. So enrich yourself this February with our Top 10 Black History Books from Outskirts Press.

Do you have a compelling story of patriotism to tell? Let Outskirts Press show you how to share your story with the world!

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, we are oh-so-happy to announce that we are giving away a pair of tickets to see the one, the only, Mr. John Waters on Monday, February 16th at Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater. 

John Waters
Mon, Feb 16th, 2015
ACL at the Moody Theater
Tickets Available For Purchase Here 

TO ENTER: Tell us in the comments below why YOU are the ultimate John Waters fan. What’s your favorite book by Waters? Favorite line of his, from a book or otherwise? Share your John Waters love and YOU could win a pair of tickets to see him!

We’ll draw a winner at random on Friday, February 13.

The show, in his own words:

“I’ve been doing it for so long—it was originally developed when Divine and I were sent to colleges and nobody knew who we were, so we had to…

Here’s this week’s Featured Book-of-the-Week available now on Amazon.com!

The Stolen Dragon of Quanx

by Becca Mann

(4.5 Stars – 15 Customer Reviews)

Price: $19.95

Becca Mann’s “The Stolen Dragon of Quanx.” In Quanx, there is no hiding who you are. People in the tribes are defined by the color of their eyes and disaster is ready to strike. With peace barely hanging by a thread, the King of Vitchreonyo makes a risky decision. What he doesn’t know is that his plan may not end how he thinks. The fisherman’s daughter makes a shocking discovery, which may very well lead to the destruction of the entire world. The Stolen Dragon of Quanx is the first novel in The Eyes Trilogy.

Please note that product prices and availability are subject to change. Prices and availability were accurate at the time of this posting; however, they may…

Once again, this year a number of books published through Author Solutions imprints received recognition from Kirkus Reviews as the best books of 2014 on their Indie list. Those titled honored were:

• “Stein House” by Myra Hargrave McIlvain (iUniverse)
• “Tales of a Country Doctor” by Paul Carter (Xlibris)
• “Whirlwind & Storm” by Charles E. Farnsworth (iUniverse)
• “An Adirondack Life” by Brian M. Freed (AuthorHouse)
• “ A Century on New Brunswick’s N.W. Mmichiira” (Xlibris)
• “Playing Until Dark” by John R. Alberts (AuthorHouse)

Each book has been awarded with the Kirkus Star from Kirkus Reviews, which is arguably one of the most trusted and respected sources for book discovery since 1933. The Kirkus’ Indie program began in 2005, when the editors wanted to expand their coverage to include the fastest-growing segment in the book industry—self-publishing. The program gives self-published authors the opportunity to earn critical acclaim from one of the most prestigious reviews…

While self-publishing has gained popularity in recent years, it remains a mysterious process to many authors. Outskirts Press, the fastest-growing self-publishing service provider, has released a free, downloadable white paper designed to help new and traditionally published authors decide whether self-publishing is right for them.

Getting a book to publication is a complex process, one that has driven many talented authors to solicit traditional publishing houses to publish their works, or has kept already published authors from considering independent publishing. Often, it’s fear of the unknown and a desire for author support that keeps traditional publishers in business. But there are distinct advantages to self-publishing that new authors – or authors who are currently traditionally published – should consider: With self-publishing, authors enjoy much higher royalties, greater creative control and as much or as little support as they feel they need during the publication process.

Outskirts Press has released…

The Monday Finish the Story flash fiction challenge, 100 – 150 words based on the following picture–

Copyright 2014 Barbara W. Beacham
and the initial sentence “They say that life is a game of chess…”

I noticed something about the picture and went with it….

***************************************
“They say that life is a game of chess,” said the Black Queen.

“Yes,” replied the White King. “Order, hierarchy, everyone in their place, according to their assigned roles. “

“And, then,” said the White Queen, “the clash of opposing forces, the constant of competition, the subtle machinations of the powerful, the maneuverings that produce victory or defeat….”

“It is how life itself is,” the Black King intoned. “We are but its noble reflection.”

“Let us begin the battle…,” said the Black Queen.

“Wait just a minute!” cried the White King.

“What is it, my lord?” said the White Queen.

“Where the bloody hell…