From Egyptian hieroglyphics to stories on

From Egyptian
hieroglyphics
to stories on

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the history and evolution of written storytelling has profoundly shaped history. Stories have created language, established culture and inspired thinking. From crude cave drawings to pithy thoughts on Twitter, we recognize that when you assess the Ancient Greeks, Shakespeare and the Bible there really are no new stories under the sun.

There are only new storytellers

reimagining, reinterpreting and retelling

the human experience in inspiring, entertaining and profound ways.

In the spirit of independence, we started off publishing our own books. As we grow, we are passionate about collaborating with artists whose unique voices are captured in the weight of the work they create - books, poetry, short stories, screenplays, stage plays, songs and nonfiction. Our goal is to champion creatives and cultivate interdependent communities.

“I have my books and poetry to protect me.”

— “I am a Rock”, Simon & Garfunkel

Publishing

You Are Not Here

You Are Not Here

(
2024
)
Stories and Inspirations for Those Who Have Not Yet Arrived  

At this stage of your life... are you where you thought you would be?

No?  Then this book is for you.

You Are Not Here explores the enduring concept of life's journey as its own reward.

Partly autobiographical and loosely inspired by the· beloved poem lthaka, this collection of stories, musings and inspirations is for those who have not yet arrived.

Written by Michael Albanese and adorned with captivating illustrations by JJ Richards, You Are Not Here is a love letter to dreamers, an approachable and encouraging reminder that on this adventure of life:

you are exactly where you are supposed to be.

Jackhammer Lullaby

Jackhammer Lullaby

(
2024
)
Poetic reflections on the broken and the beautiful.

"Jackhammer Lullaby" is a contemporary collection of poetry that explores the delicate balance between brokenness and beauty. From school shootings to creativity, from the loss of a parent to the birth of a child, this collection humbly attempts to reflect and understand the human experience through the human condition. The poems honestly examine themes of social justice, family, racism, faith, the wonder of nature, grief, resilience, the fragility of health, the power of last words, and the enduring hope that sustains our vital connection with each other and our world.

The Adventures of Birpus & Bulbus

The Adventures of Birpus & Bulbus

(
2023
)
Book One: The Sour Milk Dragon

Birpus & Bulbus is a new picture book series chronicling the whimsical adventures of two Tree Wee Brothers living in The Forest of Fine Repute. In The Sour Milk Dragon, Birpus and Bulbus discover how a small act of kindness transforms fear into friendship. Follow Birpus and Bulbus and their Grand Wees, Nester Nook and Granny Cranny, on a magical journey of acceptance, love and family.

The Boy Who Loved Boxes

The Boy Who Loved Boxes

(
2022
)
A Children’s Book for Adults

In this illustrative book for grownups, we meet our hero – The Boy who loves boxes.  He has a box for everything in his life and they make him happy.  But as we follow him into adulthood, he finds that life can be complicated… and messy.  Inspired by the global pandemic that changed our world, this modern day allegory explores the illusion of control and the pursuit of peace.  

Art by Todd Wilkerson
Words by Michael Albanese

Jesus + Seltzer

Jesus + Seltzer

(
2022
)
Stories and Meditations on Sobriety and Recovery

The Weight of Ink is proud to present Jason Umidi's first book "Jesus + Seltzer", a collection of meditations and stories intended to inspire hope in both addicts and alcoholics in recovery as well as the sober curious.  Based on the author’s personal, raw and hopeful journey from decades of addiction to the freedom of sobriety, “Jesus + Seltzer” reflects on and celebrates the sober lifestyle in a pocket-sized, easy-to-read format for anyone, at any time, seeking a moment of encouragement.

Guardian of the Groceries

Guardian of the Groceries

(
2020
)
It’s okay to be bored sometimes. That’s the perfect time to use your imagination.

Henry gets bored.  I mean, we all do.  One day, when his mother takes him the grocery store (the most boring place on earth!), Henry decides to use his imagination.  And what happens next is the most incredible adventure he’s ever been on!  Join Henry on this unexpected journey and you, too, might just be surprised by what you find.

Illustrated by Laura Kirkland
Written by Michael Albanese

Reach for the Stars

Reach for the Stars

(
2018
)

How do we reach our dreams when they seem so far away? You reach your dreams by reaching for the stars. Every day: trust God, work hard and be patient.

Inspired by a real-life bedtime routine between a father and his daughters, this heartfelt tale chronicles a man and his family as they grow together through the generations. With vivid pictures and a touching story, Reach for the Stars captures the attention and hearts of young and old alike.  Meet Edward and his daughter Elizabeth as together they reach for the stars!

Written by Michael Albanese
Illustrated by Polina Hrytskova

“All great literature is one of two stories; a man goes on a journey or a stranger comes to town.”

— Leo Tolstoy