Monthly Archives: September 2014

Penumbra Literary Signs David Montgomery and Marcelo Vital, Artist and Writer of Graphic Book The Secret Around-the-World Adventures of Owney the Postal Dog

Penumbra Literary is very excited to represent David Michael Montgomery and Marcelo Vital, artist and writer, respectively, of the graphic book, The Secret Around-the-World Adventures of Owney the Postal Dog. Owney is an actual historical figure and the former official mascot of the United States Postal Service! This lovable pooch actually made his way around the world in 1895. The book had previously been featured in an extremely limited run edition only available to a select few, through Kickstarter. Artwork for the book is featured as part of an exhibit at the Children’s Illustrated Art Museum in St. Louis, MO. You can also visit an exhibit on Owney at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum in Washington D.C. According to the Smithsonian website, railway mail clerks thought that dogs were good luck charms, back in a time when railway accidents were all too common, and that “no train Owney ever rode on was in a wreck.”

Marcelo Vital is a journalist and freelance writer living in Toronto. He’s originally from Brazil and lived for many years in the American Midwest before moving to Canada. Marcelo writes about comics and pop culture in his blog, http://marcelovital.com,  and is the author of the graphic novel 1904 – a caper set against the backdrop of the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair.

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David Montgomery

Marcelo Vital

Marcelo Vital

Owney the Postal Dog!

Owney the Postal Dog!

David Montgomery is a freelance artist living in St. Louis. He began Van Gogh’s Ear Studio in 1999 painting large-scale murals, but has since done an about-face and now prefers working with the small scale and wider scope of illustration. His first collaboration with Marcelo Vital was on the graphic novel 1904.  When not drawing, David can usually be found rehabbing an old house or walking his dog. Samples of David’s work are at http://www.vangoghsearstudio.com.

You can learn more about Owney and stay in touch through the Owney website: http://www.owneythepostaldog.com/

Both Michael and Marcelo will be attending the Small Press Expo 2014 on September 13th and 14th in Bethesda, MD. Come by the table for some free giveaways and say hello if you are in town!

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Thank You to Penumbra’s Summer Interns: Michelle Leah Neigut and Chris Corr!

It’s hard to believe that summer has come and gone so quickly! Penumbra Literary wants to take some time out to thank its summer interns, Michelle Leah Neigut and Chris Corr. Penumbra was very lucky to have the aid of two interns this summer, who split their time between reading queries, evaluating manuscripts, writing reader reports, and assisting with general publicity and marketing research.

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  Michelle at Book Expo America 2014

A passionate reader, Michelle Leah Neigut is a recent graduate of Widener University, graduating with a degree in English Literature. She had the pleasure of interviewing the band, Imagine Dragons, for That Mag music magazine, and is a fan of a wide variety of literature from the Harry Potter series to the beat authors. Michelle is also interested in 60’s and 70’s music, acting, and attending local comic con events.

Chris graduated from USC with a degree in Business and Education.  While teaching for a few years, he worked for HUD in Philadelphia.  He is currently studying for his English Degree at Rowan University.  In his free time he likes to read non-fiction, write, and play music.  His favorite books include The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Green and Greene’s other books.  He also enjoys reading all the books on kinesiology by David R. Hawkins.

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           Chris Striking a Pose

Thanks again to Michelle and Chris for all their hard work, best of luck in your future endeavors!

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