An Imprint of
Mannahatta Maine Coons
12
Tamarack Drive, Brunswick, ME 04011
207-373-0470 (tel) 207-373-0471 (fax) mannahattamainecoons@mac.com
Available directly from Weiala Press or on www.amazon.com or www.barnesandnoble.com
See author & orderinginformation below!
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The Whaler's Bride
Carla Maria Verdino-SŸllwold Paper;
perfect bound 120 pp.
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The
Whaler's Bride is award-winning author, Carla Maria
Verdino-SŸllwold's second novel. Obsessed by a
scrimshaw carving given to her by her late husband on their
honeymoon, a middle-aged widow, accompanied by her faithful
Newfoundland dog, sets out on a quest to discover the origins
of the piece, only to embark on a journey that takes her
across several lifetimes to another dimension.
Part metaphysical mystery, part paranormal adventure, this
love story continues the author's quest to understand the
human journey.
The prose and plot swell like a Bach cantata. Ð Albert H. Black, playwright (Boot Camp & other plays)
The
Whaler's Bride - Self Publishing Review
1/4/13
**** 1/2
Love isn't always
perfect, but those
who have felt it know its power. Carla
Maria Verdino-SŸllwoldÕs novel, The
WhalerÕs Bride, is a love story that
conquers all, even death. Mary Lee and
Lucas had a marriage most people would
envy. When they were together all could
see how much they loved each other. Once
when they stayed at the Billingsgate
Motel for their fifth wedding anniversary
they forgot to pack up their clothes
and left them. All that mattered when they
were together was being together.
Everyday life didn't matter.
Love mattered.
After forty
years of marriage, Lucas succumbs
to a sudden heart attack. She lives in
their cottage with two Maine Coon cats
and their Newfoundland, Ruffian. One day
Mary Lee examines a scrimshaw that
Lucas purchased for her during their
honeymoon. At the time the
couple couldn't afford the
piece, but Lucas had to buy it for Mary
Lee. Over the years she has treasured it.
During a visit
to the Whaling Museum in New
Bedford, Mary Lee stumbles upon a
scrimshaw exhibit. One piece by Lars
Lindquist catches her eye. Not only is the
detail astounding but itÕs the
spitting image of her dead husband, Lucas.
This discovery sparks a fire to seek
out information about Lindquist and the
two scrimshaws. Oddly enough, the
scrimshaw that Lucas purchased years ago
looks like it was made by the same
hands. Is there a connection? And are Mary
Lee and Lucas connected to Lindquist
and his bride? She sets out with Ruffian
to seek answers. What she uncovers
will warm your heart.
This is my
second novel by Verdino-SŸllwold. I
feel lucky to have discovered her talent.
This novel, like her first, is quite
short. However, it is not short on story and
entertainment. The opening pages
tugged on my heart. Losing her husband after
four decades and having to endure
life alone seems cruel. I felt Mary LeeÕs
anguish as she recounted trips taken
together and their love for each other.
While I enjoyed
the story, what I loved most is
Verdino-SŸllwoldÕs love of language.
She doesn't just write Mary Lee
loved to watch the ocean. She pens
descriptions that immerse me in the story
and I feel like IÕm seeing it all first-hand.
For example, Mary Lee Òfeared the
anger of the surf in a storm, yet she reveled
in the peace that the sea and
sand brought on a clear day when she would
stare for hours at the water as it
met the sky and would drink in the rhythm of
the tides.Ó Her use of language
amazed me in her first novel and this novel
does not disappoint.
If I had to name a
complaint it would be that I
wanted more. The love and mystery in this story,
for me, demanded more
attention. SheÕs a talented writer and selfishly
I wanted to read more of her
words. She dangled just enough of the story in
front of me, but I sense that
thereÕs more. Or maybe I just want there to be
more so I can continue to
discover words and images through her writing.
The WhalerÕs
Bride
is a delightful story that will make you smile and
believe in love. While I
wanted more, I canÕt fault the writerÕs skill. Read
her words and let her whisk
you away into another realm. I give this novel 4.5
stars out of 5.
About the Author
Born and raised in the
metropolitan New York area, Carla
Maria Verdino-SŸllwold took her degrees at Sarah Lawrence College and
Fairleigh Dickinson University. She began her career
as a teacher and arts administrator before becoming a
journalist, critic, and author. Her music and visual
arts reviews and features appeared regularly in Opera News, Gramophone,
OpŽra International, Opera, Music Magazine, Beaux Arts,
and The Crisis,
and her byline headed numerous program essays and record
liner notes. Among her scholarly works, the best known is
We Need A Hero!
Heldentenors from WagnerÕs Time to the Present: A
Critical History. She helped to create several
television projects, serving as associate producer and
content consultant/writer, among them I Hear America Singing
for WNET/PBS and Voices
of the Heart: Stephen Foster for German
television. She is also the author of Top Cat Tails of Mannahatta,
a fictional account of her and husband GregoryÕs
adventures in breeding Maine Coons. In 2009 the
SŸllwolds realized a lifelong dream to move to coastal
Maine. Her first novel, Raising Rufus: A Maine Love
Story
was a fictionalized account of the coupleÕs last year
together with their beloved Newfoundland, Rufus, before
Gregory SŸllwoldÕs fatal heart attack in February
2010. The author's screen play version of the same
title won the 2011 GRAND PRIZE at the Rhode Island
International Film Festival. The
Whaler's Bride is her second novel. Now
semi-retired, Ms. Verdino-SŸllwold continues to
write and teach part time. She shares her home in
Brunswick, Maine, with her kitties and a new Newfoundland
puppy, Ruffian.
To order:
To order your copy of The Whaler's Bride just
fill out this form, print it, and mail it to: Carla Maria Sullwold, Weiala
Press,
12 Tamarack Drive,
Brunswick, ME 04011, or fax it to 207-373-0471, or
email your request to mannahattamainecoons@mac.com. Faxed or emailed orders will be
processed upon receipt of payment. Make checks payable to Carla
Maria Sullwold.
ADDRESS: ___________________________________________________________
PHONE: (day) ______________________________(eve)____________________
Email: _______________________________________________________________
| THE
WHALER'S BRIDE
Quantity
|
List Price |
|
Subtotal |
| $17.95 |
Less any
discount |
||
| Shipping/Handling
|
$4.90
|
||
| ME Sales Tax @ 5% (if applicable) |
$0.89 | ||
| Total Due: |
If another form of shipment is desired, please request at time of ordering. Additional charges will be billed.
To receive a shipping estimate at time of order, please email us at mannahattamainecoons@mac.com.
AWARD-WINNING NOVEL- November 2011!
See author & orderinginformation below!
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Raising Rufus
Carla Maria Verdino-SŸllwold Paper;
perfect bound 131
pp. ISBN 978-1-4507-8463-4 |
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Raising Rufus: A Maine Love Story by Carla Maria Verdino-SŸllwold is a tender and tragic love story about an older couple, their Newfoundland dog, and their passion for the coast of Maine. A romantic drama with a live action animal subplot, Raising Rufus is the tale of Gus and Maria Sundergaard, who realize their dream of building their retirement home in Midcoast Maine. Though deeply devoted to each other, their forty-year marriage has been sometimes plagued by demons and discord and by secrets hidden deep in GusÕ heart. Childless, they adopt a Newfoundland puppy, Rufus, and embark on a series of hilarious and heartwarming adventures together. Discovering RufusÕ extraordinary talent for water rescue, Gus and Maria train and compete with their dog at the national breed water trials, where Rufus becomes a true hero when he rescues Gus, who suffers a heart attack in the midst of the competition. Though tragedy looms ahead, Rufus helps to heal his family, celebrating with them a renewed love for each other and for the place they call their home. Written after the sudden death of the authorÕs husband of forty years, this poignant novel will speak to anyone who has ever loved and lost a soul mate, to readers who cherish the bond between man and dog, and to all those captivated by MaineÕs rugged beauty.
A love story for the ages, the beautiful vistas of Maine and a boisterous Newfoundland puppy named Rufus - who could ask for a better tale? - Newfoundland Club of America, April 2012 Newsletter
The story unfolds with a beautiful and poetic lyricism. Ð Albert H. Black, playwright (Boot Camp & other plays)
A seamless novella evoking the woods and sea of Maine, the bond between a dog and his humans, and the happy and tragic scenes of a long and loving marriage.
- Donna Puccini, poet, (To Sip Darjeeling Tea & other volumes)
Self Publishing Review 1/10/12
****
Raising Rufus: A Maine
Love Story
by Carla Maria
Verdino-Sullwold is about a couple in their sixties who
choose to leave their hectic lives behind in New York to
live in their dream retirement home in Maine along the
coast. Gus and Maria Sundergaard have survived forty
years of marriage and their relationship has been full of
love and devotion. However, Gus has kept a couple of
secrets that cause discord in the relationship and Maria
senses that there are issues but is fearful to push for
answers. To complicate matters, Gus struggles with
depression, which frightens Maria.
The couple never had
children and when they settle into their new home in Maine
they adopt Rufus, a Newfoundland puppy that is boisterous
and full of love. Once they learn that Rufus loves the
ocean the couple decides to train Rufus to become a water
rescue dog. The raising and training of Rufus brings
the couple closer to each other. Not only do they
start to air out their problems, but their love for each
other is reinforced. People who have been in a
relationship will be able to relate too many of the coupleÕs
issues. Marriage is not always easy, but Gus and
MariaÕs story shows just how rewarding a relationship can be
as long as both people are willing to work at it.
The writerÕs use of
flashbacks helps aid the reader to understand the
complexities of the coupleÕs relationship. And as you
read more about the coupleÕs past you begin to understand
how they reached the point they are at and the motivations
for the move to Maine and the adoption of Rufus.
Verdino-Sullwold wrote
this touching novel after her husband of forty years died
suddenly. If you have ever suffered the loss of your
soul mate and best friend, this story will touch your
heart. And many readers will fall in love with the
adorable Rufus.
As I read the novel, I
realized that the author has a love for the English
language. I suggest having a dictionary close
by. This is not to say that her writing is
pretentious. In fact, her writing is beautiful and
poetic at times. As I read the first sentence, ÒA
ribbon of undulating cerulean divides sky and landÓ I
thought I was in for a tough read. Instead I fell in
love with her descriptions of Maine and I pictured myself
frolicking on the beach with the couple and Rufus. For
those who have been to Maine, this tale will make you miss
the landscape. And for those who have never been,
youÕll want to visit by the time you finish the novel.
The novel is only 134 pages long, so instead of
being immersed in Gus and MariaÕs story you are given
glimpses into their lives. At times I wanted to know
more and to feel more. However, given that this
novel was written soon after Verdino-Sullwold husbandÕs
death, giving more might have been too painful. This
begs the question, will the author explore this subject
again. If she does, I would love to read it. I
give the book four out of five stars.
AUTHOR WINS GRAND PRIZE for SCREENPLAY BASED on NOVEL
Carla Maria Verdino-SŸllwold was awarded the GRAND Prize in the Rhode Island International Film Screenplay Competition for 2011. The screenplay, Raising Rufus: A Maine Love Story will be the focus of the screenplay component of RIFF's August 2012 Festival in Providence, RI. The press releases are attached. Ms. Verdino-SŸllwold is now represented by Matthew Valentinas Law, who is helping to develop the script for submission to the TV and film industry.
| RIIFF ANNOUNCES 2011
SCREENPLAY COMPETITION WINNERS .... 364 submissions received from throughout the United States and across the globe (PROVIDENCE, RI) ¥ Carla Maria Verdino-SŸllwold from Brunswick, Maine was the Grand Prize Winner for this year's 2011 FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) Screenplay Competition. The awards announcement was made Tuesday by George T. Marshall, RIIFF Executive Director. The winning screenplay ÒRaising Rufus: A Maine Love StoryÓ is a tender and tragic love story about a childless older couple, their Newfoundland dog, and their passion for the coast of Maine. After forty years of a devoted, but troubled marriage, they adopt Rufus and embark on a series of heartwarming, heroic and ultimately healing adventures. ÒThis screenplay is something that should be made. Reading it, you can literally envision the actual film,Ó said J. Scott Oberacker, RIIFF Educational Outreach Director. ÒThe outstanding quality of this year's submissions and the level of creativity, made for difficult decision-making on the part of our international group of judges,Ó added Oberacker. ÒOur adjudication team read 364 screenplay entries this year, the largest entry base in the competitionÕs history. Each submission was analyzed and scored according to a set of criteria, including Character, Dialogue, Setting, Plot and Technique. ÒAfter extensive reading and deliberation among the judges, prizewinners were chosen in five different categories: Main Competition, Gay and Lesbian (GLBT), Local (New England) Focus, Horror, and Short Screenplay,Ó she added. ÒEach will come with its own set of awards.Ó ÒWe could not be more pleased with the selection of this yearÕs winners,Ó noted George T. Marshall. ÒAs this competition continues to grow and expand, we have access to some of the worldÕs brightest and most talented writers in the craft.Ó |
PORTLAND PRESS HERALD Friday, November 4, 2011 Maine woman wins R.I. screenplay competition The Associated Press PROVIDENCE, R.I. Ñ A Maine woman has won the Rhode Island International Film Festival screenplay competition with a story about a childless older couple and their adopted Newfoundland dog. The screenplay "Raising Rufus: A Maine Love Story" by Carla Maria Verdino-Sullwold of Brunswick was selected as the winner in the main competition category. The Flickers film festival calls it a tender, tragic story about a couple in a troubled marriage of 40 years who adopt a dog named Rufus and set out on a series of adventures that help them heal. Winners were also chosen from among the 364 entries in several other categories, including New England Focus, Horror, and Gay and Lesbian. Officials said the number of screenplays entered was the largest in the competition's history. |
To order:
To order your copy of Raising Rufus: A Maine Love Story just
fill out this form, print it, and mail it to: Carla Maria Sullwold, Weiala
Press,
12 Tamarack Drive,
Brunswick, ME 04011, or fax it to 207-373-0471, or
email your request to mannahattamainecoons@mac.com. Faxed or emailed orders will be
processed upon receipt of payment. Make checks payable to Carla
Maria Sullwold.
ADDRESS: ___________________________________________________________
PHONE: (day) ______________________________(eve)____________________
Email: _______________________________________________________________
| RAISING
RUFUS
Quantity
|
List Price |
|
Subtotal |
| $17.95 |
Less any
discount |
||
| Shipping/Handling
|
$4.90
|
||
| ME Sales Tax @ 5% (if applicable) |
$0.89 | ||
| Total Due: |
If another form of shipment is desired, please request at time of ordering. Additional charges will be billed.
To receive a shipping estimate at time of order, please email us at mannahattamainecoons@mac.com.
RELEASED
JUNE
2008!
Available directly from Weiala Press
 |
Tails of Mannahatta By
Carla Maria Verdino-SŸllwold Paper;
perfect bound 185
pp. ISBN 978-1-60530-487-8 |
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Confessions from the Cattery!
Candid diaries
of twenty-one felines who have made their home at Mannahatta,
the national award-winning Maine Coon cattery,
and at Friskie's Feline Finishing School, its rescue
component.........
In a series of
dramatic monologues these colorful characters tell their
heartwarming tales, both funny and sad,
with spice, wit, and more than a little wisdom.
Through the eyes and voices of these "tribesman,"
four-legged folks can
enter the magical, metaphysical
world of the feline mind.
based on the true-life experiences of a Maine Coon breeder.
Curl up with a kitten or two under each arm, a cup of tea in hand,
and this book on your lap. You won't regret it!
Ð Donna Pucciani, poet/author Jumping off the Train, The Other Side of Thunder & Chasing the Saints
To order:
To order your copy of TOP CAT Tails of
Mannahatta, just fill out this form,
print it, and mail it to: Carla
Maria Sullwold, Weiala Press,
12 Tamarack Drive, Brunswick,
ME 04011, or fax it to 207-373-0471, or email your
request to mannahattamainecoons@mac.com. Faxed or emailed orders will be
processed upon receipt of payment. Make checks payable to Carlla Maria Sullwold.
ADDRESS: ___________________________________________________________
PHONE: (day) ______________________________(eve)____________________
Email: _______________________________________________________________
| TOP
CAT
Quantity
|
List Price |
|
Subtotal |
| $16.95 |
Less any
discount |
||
| Shipping/Handling
|
$4.90
|
||
| ME Sales Tax @ 5% (if applicable) |
$0.85 | ||
| Total Due: |
If another form of shipment is desired, please request at time of ordering. Additional charges will be billed.
To receive a shipping estimate at time of order, please email us at mannahattamainecoons@mac.com.
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