Author:

We have the check copy from the printer in hand…not much longer now for Communication Alternatives in Autism!

Book reviewers, request your advance reader’s copy now by emailing publicist Beth Cox.

The Durable Runner: A Guide to Injury-Free Running by Alison Heilig

Migrating for Medical Marijuana: Pioneers in a New Frontier of Treatment by Tracy Ferrell

Communication Alternatives in Autism: Perspectives on Typing and Spelling Approaches for the Nonspeaking by Edlyn Vallejo Peña

Mountain Miles: A Memoir of Section Hiking the Southern Appalachian Trail

Mark Clegg

The Appalachian Mountains are a well-known world treasure, perhaps the most biodiverse region on the planet. This book spans almost six years and 500 miles of hiking by the author along the southern portion of the Appalachian Trail. A fresh perspective is brought to the subculture of “AT” hikers. The path of the trail crosses many areas that featured dramatic family events, and the author weaves in compelling stories of his ancestors who called this ancient mountain range home. Also explored are a multitude of topics ranging from environmental challenges to the modern-day problems facing residents of the region.

We’re wrapping up the editorial work on Edlyn Vallejo Peña’s Communication Alternatives for Autism and preparing to pass the manuscript to the production department.

This collection makes a particularly compelling argument for the use of communication methods that have given all ten essayists access to a voice that was previously inaccessible: their own.  Each chapter is unique, with the exception of two common refrains. Every story includes a hard-won battle for equal access to education and a passionate attempt to make such access universally available for others with autism.  In our society schools often equate being nonverbal with a lack of intelligence. Today we offer a few sneak preview excerpts to demonstrate that there is nothing further from the truth.

“Placement in the disability hierarchy is based on how you communicate. Clear verbal speech is on top, hard to understand verbal speech is in the middle and no verbal speech is at the bottom. Your placement in the hierarchy usually determines your access to education and community. This disability hierarchy exists everywhere: in society, classrooms, hospitals, work, and in families. It is even in the disability community. Every day, false assumptions about intelligence and communication deny life opportunities.”  From “Expectations” by Henry  Frost

“When I think of what I want for others, it falls on having fewer obstacles like the ones that I have faced. I would like to see other spellers and typers supported instead of battled. I would rather see the system of effort work toward propelling forward the outmoded methods of trying to teach students with autism. It would be great to see a school where the only thing to struggle against is our autism.” From “Letter by Letter” by Dillan Barmache

“I am exuberant, overflowing with energy.  I’d rather gallop than walk, bounce than sit quietly.  I’m happiest with high volume, intense beats, jumping, arms flailing, pounding bass, total darkness or bright stage lights and a microphone in hand.  I want people to hear me.  I am as versed in making silly faces as I am in my favorite songs and my neurology.  My mind is lightning fast, hungry, logical.  I’m a seeker, determined, a lover of laughter in a body trying to keep up.  It can’t, but I’ll keep trying.” From “I am Emma” by Emma Zurcher Long

The new Toplight Books catalog is out! Access the flipbook, which covers the first season of releases planned for fall 2019, here.

The fall 2019 list has been set. Coming this fall from Toplight Books:

Mountain Miles: A Memoir of Section Hiking the Southern Appalachian Trail by Mark Clegg
Migrating for Medical Marijuana: Pioneers in a New Frontier of Treatment by Tracy Ferrell
The Durable Runner: A Guide to Injury-Free Running by Alison Heilig
Acts of Forgiveness: Faith Journeys of a Gay Priest by Ted Karpf
Mountain Climber: A Memoir by William H. Katra
Communication Alternatives in Autism: Perspectives on Typing and Spelling Approaches for the Nonspeaking by Edlyn Vallejo Peña
A Killer Appetite: Overcoming My Eating Disorder and the Thinking That Fed It by Holly Pennebaker

JEFFERSON, North Carolina – May 1, 2019 – Scholarly publisher McFarland has announced the launch of Toplight Books, a new imprint with a focus on the body, mind and spirit. 

“We hope to offer a wide array of books that explore these basic, essential components of being human that in the pace and pressure of modern life are too often relegated to the periphery of our consciousness,” said acquiring editor Natalie Foreman.

The first season of releases, planned for fall 2019, includes titles about migrating for medical marijuana, effective communication alternatives for the autistic, and a comprehensive guide to being an injury-free runner.  In Migrating for Medical Marijuana, University of Colorado professor Tracy Ferrell shares unique insights into a social, political and medical revolution, including personal accounts from doctors and patients.  Communication Alternatives in Autism chronicles the experiences of ten autistic self-advocates, covering effective but controversial communication methods.  In The Durable Runner, author Alison Heilig–an RRCA running coach, yoga teacher, corrective exercise specialist, and NASM personal trainer–maps out proven strategies for a lifetime of healthy and happy running. 

“We’re excited about this eclectic debut of titles for Toplight Books. The neglect of our physical, mental and spiritual selves diminishes our capacity to respond to life and each other, to the great detriment of personal and planetary well-being, and we hope to counter the trend with well-researched books covering any or all of the three core human dimensions, in original and inspiring ways,” said Foreman.

Toplight’s interests include uplifting and positive books about psychology and mindfulness, religious studies and spirituality, and alternative health treatments.  Submissions from authors and literary agents are invited, and should be directed to Foreman’s attention at toplightbooks@mcfarlandpub.com.  Foreman welcomes proposals for books as wide ranging as reincarnation and the soul, yoga and meditation guides, nature’s relationship to well-being, explorations of neurodiversity, and scientific studies on the nature of qi.  For more information about the imprint, go to http://toplight.onpressidium.com/.

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Media Contact:
Beth Cox
336-246-4460 x122
bcox@mcfarlandpub.com

http://toplight.onpressidium.com/

JEFFERSON, North Carolina – April 6, 2018 – Scholarly publisher McFarland has established new imprint Toplight Books.

“We hope to publish books which strive to improve or help readers understand their body, mind or spirit,” said Executive Editor Lisa Camp. “Our interests include uplifting and positive books about psychology and mindfulness, religious studies and spirituality, yoga, and common medical problems and treatment, among other topics.”

The imprint’s first books are slated for a spring 2019 release.  Submissions from authors and literary agents are invited, and should be directed to toplightbooks@mcfarlandpub.com.  For more information about the imprint, go to www.toplightbooks.com.

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Media Contact:
Beth Cox
336-246-4460 x122
bcox@mcfarlandpub.com
ToplightBooks.com