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            Inspired by his own experience with a racially biased trial that changed his life, Max G. Geier undertook an academic study of a 1943 murder trial involving racial, gender, and class issues. The Color of Night: Race, Railroaders, and Murder in the Wartime West presents Geier’s research of the murder of Martha James and the subsequent execution of Robert E. Lee Folkes who had been found guilty for her murder. Today Geier tells us the story of his 2005 jury summons and how the trial influenced him to write this book of murder, mystery, and railroad history in Oregon.

September 27th-October 3rd celebrates our freedom to have access to and read books. The 1^st Amendment of the Constitutional guarantees freedom of speech and freedom of the press. The goal of Banned Books Week is to raise awareness about censorship in the United States and how it affects our society.

Institutions such as schools and libraries have sometimes chosen to remove or restrict books from their collections because they deem the content inappropriate, but through the advocacy of committed organizations and passionate readers, most of these banned books remain available to those who want to read them. The American Association of University Presses (AAUP), the American Library Association (ALA), and American Booksellers for Freedom of Expression (AABFE), along with many other organizations and countless individuals, believe that books should not be withheld from readers.

Here at OSU Press, we know our authors work hard to contribute to their respective fields. But it’s always rewarding when others recognize their talents and dedication, as well! Last month saw two OSU Press authors honored with distinguished accolades.

Sharman Apt Russell received the 2015 Willa Literacy Award for Creative Nonfiction. Her book, Diary of a Citizen Scientist, was not only well received by readers, but also prized by colleagues who value the burgeoning field of citizen science. Using her own experience tracking tiger beetles as a guideline, Russell crafts a humorous, wondrous picture of our natural world. She applauds the opportunities of citizen science and encourages others to explore their own self-driven scientific inquiries.

Wednesday marked the ninety-fifth anniversary of the 19^th Amendment, a monumental change to the United States Constitution granting women the right to vote.  For almost a century, American women have had a voice in the political arena. To celebrate, we created a list of OSU Press titles showcasing the strength and indomitability of Pacific Northwest women. These literary ladies have spunk—and they’re ready to share it!

The arrival of a new book always spurs excitement around the office, but the appearance of Michael Helquist’s fascinating work was especially thrilling. Following the life of one of the West’s first well-known lesbians, Marie Equi: Radical Politics and Outlaw Passionsfills a startling gap in the lexicon of Oregon history. Helquist joins us today to discuss the extraordinary Dr. Equi and what drove him to share her story.

There’s a new face in the office! Freshman Heather Bennett has joined our team as the newest student worker. We’re proud to welcome another member to the OSU Press family and are excited to have her on board. Studying business management and marketing, she’s lively, well spoken, and … loves Corvallis salsa? Read the interview below to see how Heather found her place in the OSU Press office.

Behind every incredible book is a hardworking author. The kind of author who is willing to trek into fields every morning, or take their dinner amidst a stack of books. These writers pour passion into their work, attempting to convey via pen or keyboard a revelation that they simply need to share with others. And while we as readers certainly enjoy the end product of their labors, rarely do we discover the people behind the pages.

We all know the ABC’s are easy as 123. But when it comes to understanding the complex world of publishing? The answers are often far from simple. That’s why we’ve created a short guide that’s as accessible as the alphabet (and hopefully scintillating enough to get the Jackson 5 song out of your head).

A**B**C**D**E**F**G

Acquisitions: The press department that decides which books to publish.

The New Yorker dubbed it the “really big one.” Geologists have heralded its imminent approach for years. Broadcasters and bloggers have facilitated dozens of heated discussions regarding its potency and approach. But just how big is this earthquake truly supposed to be and how can we best prepare for its arrival?

Located along the Cascadia Subduction Zone, the Pacific Northwest is due for a devastating earthquake of epic proportions. After the social media explosion caused by Kathryn Schulz’s article in The New Yorker, the region’s residents have faced a deluge of information and speculation. Below is a list of resources from OSU Press and our friends at University of Washington Press to help explain the situation and filter fact from fiction.