Former Astronaut Wife Re-Releases Novel about Moon Landing
In association with the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11, JoAnn Petrie Carr reflects her personal experience as an astronaut’s wife in her debut novel, ‘Keeper of the Flame’
(San Diego, CA August 16, 2019) – What is it like being married to an astronaut? Author, JoAnn Petrie Carr, offers an inside view of an astronaut family as she draws from her personal experience. A fiction based on fact, “Keeper of the Flame” tells the story of an Apollo astronaut wife as she struggles to establish an identity of her own. She puts her own ambitions aside in favor of supporting her husband’s quest for the moon.
In the book, readers will follow the life of Jennifer
Davis. She is a devoted mother of four and wife of an Apollo astronaut, who had
dreamed of being a lawyer. Instead, she married and started a family. Her
husband, Evan, is a good but neglectful man who is driven by his need to excel
at whatever he does. His time and attention are focused exclusively on the moon
to the detriment of his family and his relationship with Jennifer.
Jennifer pushes the traditional envelope of her life as far
as she is able without jeopardizing Evan’s chances or neglecting her children.
An emergency on the lunar surface, endangering the crew, causes her to
reexamine her core values. She meets the tough choices that face her head on.
“Keeper of the Flame” is a metaphor for the universal story
of every traditional married woman who found herself exposed to the
possibilities offered by the changing world of the ‘60s. It will also appeal to
those younger women who struggle to combine career and family.
“Keeper of the Flame”
By JoAnn Petrie Carr
Hardcover | 6×9 in | 294 pages | ISBN 9781796031720
Softcover | 6×9 in | 294 pages | ISBN 9781796031713
E-Book | 294 pages | ISBN 9781796031706
About
the Author
JoAnn Petrie Carr was
born and raised in Orange County, California. She graduated from The California
State University at Long Beach with a degree in elementary education. She
married her high school sweetheart who was later to be named as an Apollo
astronaut in the ‘60s. During her life as the wife of a marine fighter pilot,
she organized and taught a private kindergarten in North Carolina. She moved to
Houston where she raised her six children against the backdrop of Gemini,
Apollo and Skylab. She later completed her Doctor of Jurisprudence at the Bates
College of Law at the University of Houston with all six children still at
home. She divorced and practiced law for 30 years. During this time, she was a
sole practitioner, general counsel for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and
counsel for Star Station One, a 501c-3 dedicated to space education for
children. She designed a distance-learning program for primary grades.
To book JoAnn Petrie Carr for media interviews
or speaking engagements please contact her
publicist:
Dr. Schroeter is known for her
ability to present complex ideas in a clear and entertaining way. Communication
Breakthrough shows how the brain reacts under stress and provides
powerful body techniques to easily shift moods for successful communication.
Here is a short video of Dr. Vin in action
‘Enlightening & Entertaining’
To book Dr. Vin Schroeter for
media interviews
or speaking engagements please contact her
publicist:
QUOTE from Dr. Schroeter: “I welcome speaking opportunities to share tools for
success in communicating effectively. I am skilled at adapting my material to
meet the needs of a variety of audiences, and enjoy presenting in corporate,
medical, academic or community settings.
I had a forty-two-year career as a clinical psychotherapist, focusing on body-mind psychology. I have noticed a common theme in my professional as well as personal life, which is how people suffer when they do not know how to communicate well. My current passion is to help people communicate better. My recent studies in neuroscience (mind) along with my long-term work in somatic psychotherapy (body) allow me to provide original and effective communication tools.”
Vincentia Schroeter, Ph.D. (Dr. Vin)
Upcoming Book Signings/Appearances
(subject to change):
San Diego Author J.R. Strayve Jr. is thrilled to announce his new fiction novel First Spouse of the United States: Star Athlete & War Hero Battles Societal Boundaries and Washington Elite, which is now available at https://jrstrayvejr.com or on Amazon.com.
Book Description:First Spouse of the United States: Star
Athlete & War Hero Battles Societal Boundaries and Washington Elite
parallels today’s political and social unrest. Politically controversial and
pragmatic, witness an unlikely duo in their quest for the White House. Watch
both Democrats and Republicans facilitated by a complicit media, maneuver to
eat their own.
The
first chapter introduces Marine Corps fighter pilot Lt. Ricardo Chambers – ‘Rocky’
– receiving the Medal of Honor in the White House East Room. Most would say
this is an achievement, like conquering Mount Everest. Rocky is the man most
men would like to be. He is the epitome of what many women would want in a man.
But things are not what they appear to be. The First Lady and President
callously exploit and discard our hero.
Flashback
to Rocky’s idyllic high school years as his life takes a sudden turn, a
forbidden turn. Living an inauthentic and tumultuous life, Rocky carefully
samples more of what could unmask and destroy. Heroism and prowess do not clear
a path for happy-ever-after. It only muddies the water, providing cover for
adversaries lying in wait, ready to spring to the surface and decimate what
they covet and hate.
Quote from J.R. Strayve Jr.: “When Hillary Clinton was
running in 2016 the idea that we could have a ‘First Spouse’ seemed very real.
That reality planted the seed for developing the manuscript featuring a gay
couple in the White House. Mayor Pete Buttigieg’s declaring his candidacy for
the President of the United States validated the need for such a book. I quickly moved forward with the
manuscript for ‘First Spouse of the United States: Star Athlete & War Hero
Battles Societal Boundaries and Washington Elite’.”
Bio: J.R.
Strayve, Jr. has always been fascinated with history and politics. Those
interests coupled with a vivid imagination led to the creation of FSOTUS. The
author was raised in a military household and subsequently spent ten years in
the Marine Corps. One of his first duty assignments was at HMX-1, the
Presidential Helicopter Squadron in Washington D.C. Captain Strayve left the
Marine Corps to raise three children. He now has three grandchildren and is a
Wealth Management Advisor in San Diego, Ca. Interests include politics, Special
Needs and Human Rights. The latter led to the authorship of this inspiring novel.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
First Spouse of the United States: Star Athlete & War Hero Battles Societal Boundaries and Washington Elite
ISBN#: 9781090261007
UpcomingBook
Signings/Appearances (subject to change):
Best known for her ability to present complex ideas in a clear and entertaining way, Dr. Schroeter has published in the areas of integrating somatic psychotherapy with other modalities, such as self-psychology, affect (mood) regulation and interpersonal neurobiology. Communication Breakthrough shows how the brain reacts under stress and provides powerful body techniques to easily shift moods for successful communication.
QUOTE from Dr. Schroeter:
“As the 4th of 12 children, I was intrigued by all our different personalities. By age 16, I knew I wanted to be a counselor. Coming from a working class family, I put myself through college and graduate school in order to pursue my dreams.
I had a forty-two year career as a clinical psychotherapist, focusing on body-mind psychology. I have noticed a common theme in my professional as well as personal life, which is how people suffer when they do not know how to communicate well. My current passion is to help people communicate better. My recent studies in neuroscience (mind) along with my long-term work in somatic psychotherapy (body) allow me to provide original and effective communication tools.”
SJF: Tell us about the book Communication Breakthrough – how you came up with the theme, how long it took to write it? Why did you write it? Where did you write it?
VS: I was teaching doctor-patient communication at PCOM (Pacific College of Oriental Medicine), when I decided that a book for the public on improving communication, both better listening and better expression, would be valuable. In my clinical practice as a psychotherapist I witnessed marriages end and families suffer partially because people did not know how to best communicate their needs and wants to each other.
I came up with the theme of combining neuroscience with somatic awareness as a lens to view communication. While there are many communication books, no one has combined these two up-to-date methods that can inform best practices. Since I am schooled in both models, I explain them in clear and accessible ways for the average person to apply in improving expression and listening.
I wrote the book over five years, often in the quiet of the library, as I find the focused stillness conducive to my concentration. I did all the sketches for my book, often in the library also.
SJF: What experiences and/or people (parents, role models etc.) in your life influenced you the most and why?
VS: My parents were both strong, faith-filled, and family-oriented stalwarts of getting along with others. They raised a big family and we were expected to help each other and enjoy our connections as siblings. We worked together in the family business and also played sports together. I think that influenced my interest in exploring how people get along with each other.
SJF: What have been your three most memorable experiences (positive or negative)?
VS: Finding the right person to marry, suffering two ectopic pregnancies, and rising from that tragedy by adopting the most beautiful child in the world.
SJF: Which job have you enjoyed the most and why (and the least and why)?
VS: I have thoroughly enjoyed my career as a psychotherapist, especially in private practice for over forty years. I like exploring with people what their defenses are, what their dreams are, and providing a compassionate ear and assortment of tools to help them reach those dreams.
The job I enjoyed the least was peeling skins off of steamed tomatoes in stultifying heat as they came down a conveyer belt in a cannery. It was the summer of 1968. Our family business had just burned down. My parents and we older siblings had to work in the local cannery to put food on the table. So I did not complain. But the monotony would make my mind wander, I would get dreamy, stare off into space and then I would get yelled at. I couldn’t wait for that summer to end so I could go away to college. Which I did.
SJF: Accomplishments/Recognitions?
VS: Professional: I received a Masters in Psychology and my license to practice at age 25. I went back to graduate school, doing research on infant-mother bonding and received a PhD at age 49. I was the Coordinating Trainer for SCIBA, a post graduate training program in Bioenergetic Analysis for many years, as well as teaching and giving workshops and keynotes on subjects related to somatic psychotherapy internationally. I have published many papers on somatic psychotherapy and some of my art and poetry have also been published. I was chief editor of the IIBA professional journal for ten years.
VS: I do not like this question as it seems to invite comparisons of who I am to who I could have been. It would invite a rejection of any younger version of myself. I have learned from my mistakes, which just makes me a person richer for having swum in those waters. I can search my memory banks when someone feels shame or guilt, to see times when I may have been shackled by the bonds of shame or guilt. It helps me understand and identify with others who are suffering. But I refuse to carry shame or guilt around on a regular basis. They weigh too much. I am happy with my past and present.
SJF: What are you most proud of?
VS: Snagging a loving husband who is my best friend, raising a daughter who is a wonderful person to be around, loving two darling grandsons who own my heart and my close bond with my eleven siblings.
Vincentia Schroeter, Ph.D. and 3 of her 11 siblings!
SJF: Any difficult decisions?
VS: Nothing comes to mind. Once I make up my mind, I just do things, even if (for example having to confront someone when there is a conflict) I know it may cause suffering for me, for them or for both of us.
SJF: What’s the most difficult thing about writing?
VS: Just making the time and committing to getting going. Then maybe over obsessing on edits. I am very slow but like to be thorough on proofreading, so it takes me forever to proof other people’s work as well as my own. I go over it a million times like an ant exploring one blade of grass for a long, long time. That can be time consuming but I can’t seem to go any faster, so I have to just accept the tediousness of it.
SJF: What do you envision for the book, Communication Breakthrough?
VS: Global Dominance. Just kidding. I want it to be lifted by a strong wind and carried across the miles into homes, offices and classrooms and picked up by folks who are lonely or angry or scared or sad and need a little nudge to improve their relationships with others. They read, learn and start practicing tools for better listening and tools for clearer expression, and viola, they feel happier. (Interpersonal happiness is more satisfying than global dominance anyway).
SJF: Any fears? Doubts?
VS: Do I ever feel fear? Yes. Do I have doubts? Sometimes. I may feel anxious before a big presentation and tend to bind my anxiety by being over-prepared. But that is better than being under-prepared, so in these cases, fear is my friend as it can help me be alert to being as ready as possible. Then I usually do some centering, some self-acceptance mantra, breathe and feel the excitement right before going out on that stage!
We are thrilled to welcome our new SJF Communications client, Tommy Anderson. Tommy is the author of the new military thriller Haboob Wind. Tommy is also on board as a screenwriter and producer of the optioned film “Haboob Wind” with Global Edge Pictures, currently in pre-production. IMDB Link
Tommy Anderson, a native of Madison, Wisconsin, is a retired veteran (active duty and reserves) with 23 years of experience in several military organizations including the U.S. Army, Army National Guard and Air National Guard. After his military retirement he spent 25 years in public service as a police deputy and dispatcher, firefighter and medic. Tommy has a MA in Public Administration, BS in Fire Engineering and AD in Fire Science. Anderson serves on the board of directors forUS4Warriors and its offshoot, Veteran’s Publishing, Inc. He is also a life member of the American Legion, Veteran of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, 32nd Infantry Division Association, International Association of Firefighters Alumni Association, and U.S. Air Force and U.S. Air National Guard Fire Chief’s Association.
It’s 2021, 20 years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks on America and celebrations to the heroes and survivors are suddenly disrupted by a long-planned terrorist attack within the U.S. An Electronic Pulse Weapon (EPW) missile attack along with a ground terrorist assault is launched at a Southern California military installation — supported by thousands of sleeper cell members, who camouflaged themselves into the fabric of American society as patriots working in trusted positions in the government, law enforcement, FBI and CIA.
The invasion, called Haboob Wind (a violent Arabic dust storm), is orchestrated by a radical jihad army formed after the U.S. pulled out of Iraq in 2011. A vintage strike force, led by veteran military officers, is called on to defeat the terrorist group. In an epic battle of good versus evil, Anderson confidently showcases the resourcefulness and patriotism of our veterans to protect our life, liberty, and freedom against all odds of modern warfare.
Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications with Tommy Anderson, Author, ‘Haboob Wind’
SJF: Tell us about the book ‘Haboob Wind’– how you came up with scenario, how long it took to write it? Why did you write it? Where did you write it? Etc.
TA: I started gathering notes for my book in 2014 based off current events going on in the world. One of the last jobs I had in the military was wartime operations planning for my unit. I looked at current events and history and came up with a ‘what if’ scenario that would revolve around a current terrorist threat and applied a ‘what if’ to the story line. I wanted to write a gripping thriller that would revolve around these threats and the military and law enforcement response to them. I wrote it at home, on trips, recorded notes while driving. It took two years to write the book then approximately another to do cover design, the editing process, and marketing.
SJF: What experiences and/or people (parents, role models etc) in your life influenced you the most and why?
TA: My father with his mid-western values and his approach to his service in World War II, his business, and humbleness. Other role models are heroes I served with in the military and on the fire department.
SJF: What have been the three most memorable experiences (positive or negative) in the military or after?
TA: My first day of Basic Training at Fort Dix New, Jersey in January of 1971, being appointed to the Fire Department, and the birth of my daughters.
SJF: Which job/MOS etc. did you enjoy the most and why and the least and why?
TA: The least was my original 05B20 which was as an infantry radio telephone operator (RT0), that job was interesting, but I was sent to Fort Gordon, GA because of my test scores and ability to handle Morse code and was sent to the Cryptology Communications Course. I was confined to an office and not in the field. After getting off active duty and going into the Army National Guard I entered an Air Cavalry unit and went back on active duty to Fort Rucker Alabama and air crew flight school. I stayed in Aviation for another 10 years when I transferred to the Air Force (Air National Guard). I entered into crash rescue and enjoyed that the most, rose through the ranks to a position of a Deputy Fire Chief in the United States Air Force.
SJF: Accomplishments/Recognitions?
TA: Numerous, most proud of my Presidential Meritorious Service Medal for developing a war time operation plan for Crash Rescue Units – for Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Actually, too many to list.
SJF: What are your top 3 values in life?
TA: God, My Family, My close circle of Friends.
SJF: If you had to do it over again…
TA: Yes, on the fire department if I stayed home the day of my accident, I wasn’t scheduled to work. I would have obtained my private pilots license. Otherwise I’m happy with my life and I’m where I should be.
SJF: What are you most proud of?
Tommy Anderson and his wife, Lidia Shaw Anderson
TA: I’m extremely proud of my wife and family, I’m proud of my career on both the fire department and the military. I’m proud of this country even with it’s bumps in the road.
SJF: Any difficult decisions?
TA: Which day? To write the book – yes! In discussing it with my wife if we were to do, it would be a big commitment and financial hit.
SJF: What’s the most difficult thing about writing?
TA: Keeping focused on your story line, characters, plot, and details. I’ve developed my own way of doing that and I think each writer does. Also, not forcing a story but to let it come out naturally.
SJF: What do you envision for the Haboob Wind film?
TA: With the momentum that is moving forward from the production company, main screenwriter, veteran’s community and the fans, we must do it right and accurate. We are striving for that and I love how it has brought other veterans into supporting the movie and helping in how ever they can. I see it being a big and popular film. That is the vision that so many share with me.
SJF: Any fears? Doubts? ever?
TA: Always every day. If you don’t have any fears and doubts in your actions, you can never improve and grow in life. It all depends on how you handle it. Are you a captive to them or in control of them? I prefer to be in control. Since the start of my book until today everyday has been different and challenging.
Dr. Schroeter will have a Communication Breakthrough book signing at Barnes & Noble, Grossmont Center (5500 Grossmont Center Dr #331, La Mesa, CA 91942) on Saturday, September 29th from 1 – 3 p.m.
Best known for her ability to present complex ideas in a clear and entertaining way, Dr. Schroeter has published in the areas of integrating somatic psychotherapy with other modalities, such as self-psychology, affect (mood) regulation and interpersonal neurobiology. Communication Breakthrough shows how the brain reacts under stress and provides powerful body techniques to easily shift moods for successful communication.
QUOTE from Dr. Schroeter:
“As the 4th of 12 children, I was intrigued by all our different personalities. By age 16, I knew I wanted to be a counselor. Coming from a working class family, I put myself through college and graduate school in order to pursue my dreams.
I had a forty-two year career as a clinical psychotherapist, focusing on body-mind psychology. I have noticed a common theme in my professional as well as personal life, which is how people suffer when they do not know how to communicate well. My current passion is to help people communicate better. My recent studies in neuroscience (mind) along with my long-term work in somatic psychotherapy (body) allow me to provide original and effective communication tools.” – Vincentia Schroeter
With the 2018 theme ‘Things We Don’t Talk About’, this year’s memoir competition ran from
April 25th through June 9th.
Marni Freedman; Photo by Julia Alicia Photography
“A panel of judges reviewed 160 entries and ten finalists were chosen. These ten winners along with additional top writers from previous memoir showcases have their written pieces included in the upcoming 2018 SDMWA Memoir Anthology – Shaking the Tree – brazen. short. Memoir”. – Marni Freedman
“The 10 Winning writers were assigned a writing coach in July for a month to refine their theme and cut or polish their piece. One of two professional directors (Hannah Logan and Tracy Jones) were assigned to each of the winning writers. After the Director’s audition and casting process, the writers, directors and actor will have collaborative round table discussions. The director will take the notes from the collaborative round table and work with the actor/actress. The memoirs will ultimately be directed and then performed on the stage on October 22nd”. – Kristen Fogle
Saadia Esmail, What Not to Say in an Arranged Marriage
Lynn Gahman, The Great Escape
C.J. Elliott, Red Speedo
Krissa Bruemmer, Mom Should Not Be Trusted
Cost is $20. Free parking. Tickets are now on sale online. General seating – First Come, First Served. Last year was sold out. Online ticket sales will end on 10/21. All tickets must be paid for by credit card upon registration. Tickets purchased online will be available at Will Call in front of the Theatre starting at 6pm.
