Mark Glamack "Littluns"

 "Hootsy-bootsy" everyone!

                                                                                                                                                                              Copyright C 2008 Mark Glamack ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

For Littluns, "Hootsy-bootsy" can mean several things, including, Hello; How are you? Good day, or as a response to some surprising news. Expression is everything when saying "hootsy-bootsy," so picture a big ear-to-ear smile wishing you a great day – every day in His Light!

FYI, this is the most recent review from MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW. Other reviews can be found on our Blog.

Littluns and the Book of Darkness
Mark Glamack, Author
Mark Glamack, Illustrator
EZ Gift Shopping
PO Box 285, West Bloomfield, NY 14585
9780615169972 $29.95 www.littluns.net

Adventure, courage, and determination surround loyal friends in the fantasy novel Littluns and the Book of Darkness. Movie Producer and Director now Author, Mark Glamack, uses his background in animation and writing to create this family friendly and Christian based young adult novel. With a mission to positively motivate, educate, enlighten and inspire through entertaining content, Glamack uses his own spiritual guiding light to draw his readers into the struggle between good and evil in this debut novel. The Littluns and the Book of Darkness will entertain audiences of all ages with its fast paced, intriguing storyline and elaborate illustrated life of the Littluns world in the Hollow Hills of the land, Terra Fermata. Author, Mark Glamack, shows off his artistic talent with colorful and meticulous illustrations. His veteran motion picture experience shines with expertly written detailed scene changes and engages readers with screenwriting skills that make his audience feel like they've been deep inside a high production animated movie. Glamack has exceeded his goal in depicting the journey of life, how to choose between the light and dark side of the world while showing the gifts of friendship and how they can influence us in the shadows of our own life choices. Littluns and the Book of Darkness is a delightful, skillfully written novel that will capture both young and mature readers and leave them with full hearts and the tools necessary to know the difference between good and evil. Littluns and the Book of Darkness is a wonderful gift for lovers of fantasy, for parents and educators who want to offer a faith based book and for librarians who want to expand their offerings.

Sara Hassler
Reviewer

http://www.midwestbookreview.com/rbw/sep_09.htm#hassler

Looking for a different reading experience?

 For some time now, many parents and others have voiced their concerns about popular books that send the wrong messages to impressionable minds. Many people talk about their concerns, but few new options exist that have any great interest to our children. Some titles have become more a peer issue than anything of substantive value. Some of these works have significant dangers where, as one example, some people would have everyone believe that there is good and bad evil. Hopefully most parents can explain the difference. And hopefully young and old alike will discover "Littluns."

Mark Glamack, creator, author, and illustrator of  his novel, “Littluns, AND THE BOOK OF DARKNESS.”

A New Beginning 

About four years ago, I was in the process of funding any one of the six projects that I created and developed over several decades. Time really does fly by when you have a lot on your plate especially when your focus is determined and unwavering. These projects range from two motion pictures, a television series, and three inventions; one of which I was awarded a patent.

Looking back I would have to say that the one big omission was not taking the time to be more social while traveling in the necessary financial circles and meeting up with the right people who could have been in the position to fund what I have to offer. Unless you’re very wealthy, without their participation whatever you have becomes but a distant light at the end of a very long tunnel.

And then I had, what can only be described as an epiphany. It was an experience of pure love like nothing I had ever experienced before, asking me to write “Littluns.” Now, contrary to popular opinion and perception, not everybody in the entertainment industry is rich and certainly not me. I would make a living directing a television series or feature film for a studio and when my work was completed, I would only then have the time to work on my projects. This is something I have been doing all of my professional life; never being able to completely realize my dreams.

Well...I had written scripts and other writings, but a novel? Not in a million years would I have even considered writing a novel. Not that I wouldn’t have wanted to do so, but I always thought there were far better qualified people than I to take on such a difficult and demanding journey. Why then did I, of all people have this epiphany; drop all the other projects that are important to me, and dedicate full time; while understanding the huge odds against such an endeavor? Besides the obvious, I guess only time will tell all.

After completing the first draft of the first chapter, I quickly threw it away telling myself I can’t do this. I then told my closest friend Stella about my dilemma, who by the way should have written a novel herself. She had great talents and abilities. She also knew me better than anyone else, understanding that I wouldn’t be satisfied with just writing a book. If I were going to do this, it would have to offer much more. But, could I be more than just another writer? In all her wisdom she said two things to me: (1) Find your own voice; it’s what made all great writers great through their own unique style, and (2) Write from your heart.

I shut myself up working between ten to fourteen hours per day; even working on my birthdays and Holidays while becoming somewhat of hermit and surely an enigma to my neighbors and acquaintances. You really discover your few real friends when they're always there for you with their support. I certainly did. I would only get out a few hours each week; usually grocery shopping for the following week. Few people knew I even existed. Many miracles enabled me to survive and continue working. I don’t say this lightly. Four years later amongst every imaginable deterrents, obstacles, negative distractions, and relentless invasions, seemingly to stop me at all costs, the novel “Littluns, AND THE BOOK OF DARKNESS” was born; then published, and now finally ready for sales. I keep telling myself, “If it were easy, everybody would be doing it.”

Breaking all the Rules 

If everyone listened to the so called experts telling us why we shouldn’t or can't do something, and then took their advice or did nothing, we would never know for sure if we were right or wrong. Thomas Edison was told by many skeptics that his light bulb theory would never work. After he proved them wrong a reporter later asked him, “What do you have to say about your failures?” To which Edison replied, “Failures? I don’t have ANY failures. I found out a thousand ways a light bulb wouldn’t work until I found the one that finally did.” It’s in the trying that we live up to our full potentials. In this finite life, we should all follow our bliss.

With “Littluns” I wanted to break the glass ceiling on what is, to what can be. Here are a few examples:

“Littluns”: There are very few, if any novels written in the “present tense,” third omniscient voice. My intent is for the reader to have an ‘at the moment’ reading and visual experience similar to that of watching a motion picture.

Other novels: Most, if not all other novels are written in the past-tense.
“Littluns”: Is the first hardcover 411 page novel that includes 63 color illustrations to complete the visual reading/movie-going experience. We were told that we could, and should have charged $50.00 for this book, but refused and settled on the lowest price we could at $29.95 so that everyone could afford it.

 
Other novels: No other publisher would produce a 411 page color illustrated novel because they would not spend the money necessary to produce such a book. The cost would be prohibitive according to their corporate business model, reducing their profit margins. Most publishing houses just have too many other expenses including large overheads to justify the additional production costs. They would have to charge more.

“Littluns”: Is the first novel written as an animation-like, secondary world environment experience that is mostly for adults. The book is family reading, but recommended for children 12 years of age or older.

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Other novels: Most other publishers believe that animation is only for kids. The successes' of animated films have proven just the opposite.

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“Littluns”: Against expert business advice we printed “Littluns” in the United States. In today’s business climate, employing Americans is breaking many business models.

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Other novels: Too many companies are outsourcing their work to foreign companies to reduce their costs and increase profit margins. Employing our own seems to be someone else’s problem. Yet, if everyone thought that way, when out of work no one could afford to buy anything at any price.

The basic concept of  “a spiritual journey” and “adventure into the unknown" is what best describes Littluns. But there is more - much more. The book clearly defines the good and righteous among us dwelling in the Light in contrast to those things and influences that drag us down into the doldrums of mediocrity and ultimate darkness. 

Littluns shines a bright Light on the truth for; 

• A family friendly alternative.
• Traditional values.
• The stark reality and consequences of being in the Light or in the darkness.
• The pure of heart in contrast to those who have none.
• The truth and how it can be disguised and/or manipulated for self-serving purposes.
• Further understanding the disturbing dangers regarding mind altering drugs.
• The existence of pure love.
• Hope in what seems like overwhelming odds.
• What joy there can be.
• God’s truth, love, hope, joy, enlightenment, and hearts desire.
• How the very worst of handicaps can reveal our most significant strengths.

Overall, Littluns is about extreme good and innocence in contrast to extreme evil and its manipulative, deceptive influences in the guise of truth. There are of course the majority who exist somewhere in-between wrestling with their choice until finally choosing one over, or under the other. Although framed in fantasy, the book explores the very real, prophetic, and provocative issues of our time.

                      “Littluns” Book Foreword

            Deep in the heart to each one of us lie innocence and malice, irreconcilable, struggling for mastery over our souls. Alternately, they call out to us, each promising great reward if we will but ally ourselves with one or the other. But without a guide we cannot reach, understand, and choose between them. To one belongs The Book of Darkness. If unopposed, it seeks its victim and is implacably victorious.

             To the other belongs The Book of Light, but it must be found or will be forever lost to the one who most needs it. But if a guide to the heart steps forward, then the person he summons can follow the navigator to the realm of indefatigable innocence. The Chronicles of Narnia are one way; The Lord of the Rings, another. But Mark Glamack offers a third way with an ending so surprising as to be utterly true to life in the world as we know it.

            Littluns creates a path into the human soul that guides us to its center, providing a key to peace and endurance as we await the renewal of the world at the end of time. 

                                                Robert E. Maguire, O. Cist.

 The visuals I created for the book only provide a foundation for readers with plenty left to their fertile imagination. I did it this way because I could; employing my varied God given gifts and abilities to take this novel to a whole new level, beyond anything that currently exists out there. There is much to consider between the lines and illustrations/paintings in this 411 page journey into Light.

A Few Final Thoughts…

If everyone played it safe succumbing to their own self-inflected limitations, we would all still be living in the middle ages. We all benefit from the risk takers, if only to inspire us to reach our full potentials. Personally, I gravitate to people who think outside the box; not afraid to try new things. As Theodore Roosevelt said, “…their place shall not be with those timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.” It’s an exciting place to be. We are all better off from those who are actually in the arena, pushing the envelope beyond what is, to what can be, while constantly reaching ahead of us to the infinite possibilities beyond.

There are countless stories of people who were ahead of their time, with their work sometimes only appreciated after their death. Whether they succeed in life or not is not as important as their determination to make it all happen, and after years of hard work, to finally realize their dream(s) as something real and tangible. Otherwise, the dream remains but a dream, and dies with the dreamer - as so often tragically happens. At least the courageous followed their bliss and took a chance with that first step to a higher calling.

BIOGRAPHY

 Mark Glamack is an animator, businessman, director, producer, writer, and patented inventor. He has worked in every area of the animation industry. Over the last twelve years he has created, written, and developed two motion picture projects and a television series. Also, he invented (Scoreguide) which doubles as a marketing tool that brings commerce to the golfer and the golfer to commerce. It also provides low cost advertising for the Dot-Com market.  

From 2000 to 2003, Glamack dedicated full time developing a new means for reversing runaway productions. This new process and invention blends a far-reaching business model with the technology that supports it.

From his early beginnings at Walt Disney Productions, Glamack experienced a level of quality unprecedented in the industry and the attention to details needed to achieve it. While there, he worked on the animated classic “The Jungle Book and animated many of the special effects for the combination live-action/animation “Bed-Knobs and Broomsticks.” He also worked on the EPCOT promotional film, animation inserts for “The Wonderful World of Disney,” and “The Story of Walt Disney,” a Disneyland attraction. 

In 1999 he was nominated for an Emmy in the Outstanding Special Class–Animated Program for “Life with Louie.” 

Drafted out of Disney to serve in the Viet Nam War, Glamack spent a year as a medic with the First Air Cavalry Division based thirty miles from the DMZ. While in Viet Nam, he photographed and directed an ambitious documentary entitled, “Is Freedom Just a Word?” He was awarded the Bronze Star. 

In 2003, Glamack completed his sixth elected term as Governor for The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. 

Appointed by the President as Vice-Chair for the ATAS Activities Committee 1991 – 1992. Served on the Budget, Awards, and Membership Committees. 

Born and raised in Rochester, New York, Glamack attended Art Center College of Design, UCLA, PCC, Sherwood Oaks Experimental College and various animation courses. 

Mark Glamack’s philosophy includes the belief that future business successes in the entertainment industries will depend largely upon our abilities to compete on a global level through competitive production costs. “Also, we need to positively motivate, educate, enlighten, and inspire through entertaining content with more positive celebration to the human spirit.”  

Having stated the above, I assure all of you that I’m not here to sell anybody anything I wouldn’t buy myself. If you do buy “Littluns,” I hope that it will touch your heart as it has for countless other readers. I only included it here as an introduction of what is important in my life. If you would like to take a look – that’s good. If you buy - all the better. Unless anyone has a question, I will not try to personally sell you anything. 

I have a Blog here about what truth means to Littluns. If you have time, I would like to hear your thoughts and what truth means to you. 

I'm here because of what Christ's truth, love, hope, joy, enlightenment, and hearts desire have brought into my life, and hopefully I can contribute a little something to yours.

 And the adventure begins…