BOOKS
Coming Soon: Literary Fiction
RADIO DREAMS and DEAD AIR NIGHTMARES (WT)
There’s a certain cachet to working in radio, even in a small market. It’s a glittery, ephemeral energy; an excitement of something yet to come.
“Radio Dreams and Dead Air Nightmares” is the story of a young woman growing into her career, and a peek at what’s really going on when the microphone is off—from how radio works to the pranks, contests, music, and subtle misogyny behind the scenes. It’s a roller coaster ride of comedy and calamity in an ever-changing, sometimes punishing medium.
What advance readers are saying:
- I'll never look at radio the same way again.
- This was great fun to read. Engaging cast of characters, sweet insider's look at the radio and music scene, young women facing the reality of the man's world they are living in and trying to break the barriers. Well done!
- I am usually reading two or three books at a time, and for this I set the others aside. I was totally immersed in the story, pulling for Grace the entire way.
- I'm blown away.
RADIO DREAMS and DEAD AIR NIGHTMARES (WT)
There’s a certain cachet to working in radio, even in a small market. It’s a glittery, ephemeral energy; an excitement of something yet to come.
“Radio Dreams and Dead Air Nightmares” is the story of a young woman growing into her career, and a peek at what’s really going on when the microphone is off—from how radio works to the pranks, contests, music, and subtle misogyny behind the scenes. It’s a roller coaster ride of comedy and calamity in an ever-changing, sometimes punishing medium.
What advance readers are saying:
- I'll never look at radio the same way again.
- This was great fun to read. Engaging cast of characters, sweet insider's look at the radio and music scene, young women facing the reality of the man's world they are living in and trying to break the barriers. Well done!
- I am usually reading two or three books at a time, and for this I set the others aside. I was totally immersed in the story, pulling for Grace the entire way.
- I'm blown away.
Overview
Two years after college, Grace LaVette finally gets a shot at her radio dream, but the allure quickly fades as she experiences the loneliness and boredom of working overnights for low pay. Disenchanted, she hangs on to her goal of being a news reporter, and as Lizzie Taylor, pretends to love the Lite music she must play. Meanwhile, her friend and mentor, Coco, lives the rock radio fantasy, fearlessly navigating her way to bigger markets across the country. The girls lean on each other through their ups and downs on the airwaves.
When Grace unexpectedly lands a spot on a zany and popular morning show, she finally experiences the exhilarating side of the business. She blithely ad libs her way through it all as she enjoys being a celebrity, confusing Tanya Wilde—her perky radio persona—with who she is in real life. The sacrifices she makes to succeed take a toll on her relationships with family, friends, and her husband, Luka, who works opposite hours and cares for his ailing mother. When Grace is abruptly fired, she feels as if she's lost her identity. But radio plays both a true love and a bad boyfriend; she finds herself wooed once again.
At a country station, after paying her dues on weekends as Belle Stevens, Grace gets promoted to news reporter, then morning show sidekick. She becomes influenced by the music—cheatin' and drinkin' songs—and when her marriage starts to unravel, she’s seduced by a charming afternoon drive guy with a deep, melodious voice. The heady love affair becomes another difficult learning experience; her lies lead to an assault, a stalemate, and possibly the end of her marriage. A surprise guest on the morning show helps illuminate her mistakes and her potential. As she struggles to repair her life and figure out what she wants, Grace lives vicariously through Coco’s success. After a fresh start at a polka radio station as herself, and with Coco back in town, she discovers her own voice, growing more content with Luka and satisfied with her accomplishments... Or is she?
The novel is chock full of radio bits! Dead air dreams, hitting the post, accidentally saying your real name, cue burn, fun contests, breaking up with someone while you're on the air, getting locked out of the station, gifts from prisoners, having to clean the station on overnights (girls only), lips moving while listening to ads, low pay, PDs screaming on the hotline, pesky AEs, radio urban legends about getting fired, live remotes, rigged contests, show prep, smoking in the studio, stuttering, taking requests, tight playlists, tumbling carts, working every holiday, wacko callers/telephone screamers, and writing ad copy: For all your _(cliche)_ needs is a running joke.
"Bits, spots, pots, carts. Bumpers, kickers, sweepers, liners. Programming, promotions, production, remotes!"
“Radio Dreams and Dead Air Nightmares” is similar to "Sweetbitter" by Stephanie Danler but set in the fleeting world of radio. It's like "WKRP in Cincinnati" meets the #MeToo movement. The novel is 90,000 words and was edited by Christopher Chambers, editor of the Midwest Review. Lisa is currently seeking representation by an agent.
Two years after college, Grace LaVette finally gets a shot at her radio dream, but the allure quickly fades as she experiences the loneliness and boredom of working overnights for low pay. Disenchanted, she hangs on to her goal of being a news reporter, and as Lizzie Taylor, pretends to love the Lite music she must play. Meanwhile, her friend and mentor, Coco, lives the rock radio fantasy, fearlessly navigating her way to bigger markets across the country. The girls lean on each other through their ups and downs on the airwaves.
When Grace unexpectedly lands a spot on a zany and popular morning show, she finally experiences the exhilarating side of the business. She blithely ad libs her way through it all as she enjoys being a celebrity, confusing Tanya Wilde—her perky radio persona—with who she is in real life. The sacrifices she makes to succeed take a toll on her relationships with family, friends, and her husband, Luka, who works opposite hours and cares for his ailing mother. When Grace is abruptly fired, she feels as if she's lost her identity. But radio plays both a true love and a bad boyfriend; she finds herself wooed once again.
At a country station, after paying her dues on weekends as Belle Stevens, Grace gets promoted to news reporter, then morning show sidekick. She becomes influenced by the music—cheatin' and drinkin' songs—and when her marriage starts to unravel, she’s seduced by a charming afternoon drive guy with a deep, melodious voice. The heady love affair becomes another difficult learning experience; her lies lead to an assault, a stalemate, and possibly the end of her marriage. A surprise guest on the morning show helps illuminate her mistakes and her potential. As she struggles to repair her life and figure out what she wants, Grace lives vicariously through Coco’s success. After a fresh start at a polka radio station as herself, and with Coco back in town, she discovers her own voice, growing more content with Luka and satisfied with her accomplishments... Or is she?
The novel is chock full of radio bits! Dead air dreams, hitting the post, accidentally saying your real name, cue burn, fun contests, breaking up with someone while you're on the air, getting locked out of the station, gifts from prisoners, having to clean the station on overnights (girls only), lips moving while listening to ads, low pay, PDs screaming on the hotline, pesky AEs, radio urban legends about getting fired, live remotes, rigged contests, show prep, smoking in the studio, stuttering, taking requests, tight playlists, tumbling carts, working every holiday, wacko callers/telephone screamers, and writing ad copy: For all your _(cliche)_ needs is a running joke.
"Bits, spots, pots, carts. Bumpers, kickers, sweepers, liners. Programming, promotions, production, remotes!"
“Radio Dreams and Dead Air Nightmares” is similar to "Sweetbitter" by Stephanie Danler but set in the fleeting world of radio. It's like "WKRP in Cincinnati" meets the #MeToo movement. The novel is 90,000 words and was edited by Christopher Chambers, editor of the Midwest Review. Lisa is currently seeking representation by an agent.
A TOUR OF BLACK RIVER - GEM OF SHEBOYGAN COUNTY
By Jim Schultz & Beth Dippel. Includes photos by Lisa A. Lehmann.
"This beautiful book offers you a virtual tour of Black River to enable you to decide for yourself whether this area of less than three square miles deserves to be called Gem of Sheboygan County. With a history going back over a thousand years, its unique combination of forests, wetlands, and dunes along the shores of Lake Michigan continue to attract people, including families spanning several generations."
Order your copy from the Sheboygan County Historical Research Center
LAKE MICHIGAN: THE WISCONSIN SHORE
A unique gift for lovers of the Lake Michigan! by Lisa A. Lehmann
~ Finalist: National Indy Excellence Awards ~ Over 2,000 sold ~
Nine Wisconsin photographers share their best images in this beautiful, glossy, hardcover book. Many are once-in-a-lifetime shots such as white-tailed deer running through the shallow waters of Lake Michigan and pictures taken while crewing on the tall ship Denis Sullivan in the Sheboygan Harbor at sunset. The book showcases over 100 gorgeous photographs along with descriptive captions, poetry and Great Lakes facts.
Photos include sunrises, sailboats, surfers, freighters, fishing boats, wildlife, lots of lighthouses and more breathtaking scenes of the lake and its shore. The book includes images of deer and sand hill cranes at Kohler-Andrae State Park, the Sheboygan lighthouse at dawn, Milwaukee skyline at night, autumn along the Kenosha Sand Dunes, the view from Eagle Tower at Peninsula State Park in Door County, grassy shore along trails at Point Beach State Park, glorious kite-filled skies at the Kite Festival in Two Rivers, the craggy bluffs at Lions Den Nature Preserve, golf at Whistling Straits, and so much more that you will not want to miss!
- This book has been on our coffee table since we got it. It is a great conversation piece and is adored by every person who picked it up. The photography by all the artists who submitted their photos for this book is astounding! It is definitely a must-have for anyone with a love for the Lake Michigan shoreline.
- A beautiful book created by very talented Wisconsin photographers.
- What a beautiful book! Being a Wisconsin native I am familiar with these places. The photographers caught the beauty of the shoreline. The images are crisp and clear. So glad to add this to our library.
A unique gift for lovers of the Lake Michigan! by Lisa A. Lehmann
~ Finalist: National Indy Excellence Awards ~ Over 2,000 sold ~
Nine Wisconsin photographers share their best images in this beautiful, glossy, hardcover book. Many are once-in-a-lifetime shots such as white-tailed deer running through the shallow waters of Lake Michigan and pictures taken while crewing on the tall ship Denis Sullivan in the Sheboygan Harbor at sunset. The book showcases over 100 gorgeous photographs along with descriptive captions, poetry and Great Lakes facts.
Photos include sunrises, sailboats, surfers, freighters, fishing boats, wildlife, lots of lighthouses and more breathtaking scenes of the lake and its shore. The book includes images of deer and sand hill cranes at Kohler-Andrae State Park, the Sheboygan lighthouse at dawn, Milwaukee skyline at night, autumn along the Kenosha Sand Dunes, the view from Eagle Tower at Peninsula State Park in Door County, grassy shore along trails at Point Beach State Park, glorious kite-filled skies at the Kite Festival in Two Rivers, the craggy bluffs at Lions Den Nature Preserve, golf at Whistling Straits, and so much more that you will not want to miss!
- This book has been on our coffee table since we got it. It is a great conversation piece and is adored by every person who picked it up. The photography by all the artists who submitted their photos for this book is astounding! It is definitely a must-have for anyone with a love for the Lake Michigan shoreline.
- A beautiful book created by very talented Wisconsin photographers.
- What a beautiful book! Being a Wisconsin native I am familiar with these places. The photographers caught the beauty of the shoreline. The images are crisp and clear. So glad to add this to our library.
SHEBOYGAN AREA PICKUP or DELIVERY: To arrange, call Lisa at (920) 912-8691 or send a request by email.
ONLINE ORDERS: Choose the number of books from the menu and they will be shipped within two days.
QUANTITIES OVER THREE BOOKS: May qualify for discounts. Call Lisa at (920) 912-8691 or send a request by email.
ONLINE ORDERS: Choose the number of books from the menu and they will be shipped within two days.
QUANTITIES OVER THREE BOOKS: May qualify for discounts. Call Lisa at (920) 912-8691 or send a request by email.
A portion of the proceeds is donated to nonprofit organizations which support the Great Lakes.
