From history to novels to self-improvement, San Diego and Riverside County authors have been busy in 2009:
The Rev. Emilio Marrero Jr., formerly a chaplain stationed at Camp Pendleton, has written "A Quiet Reality: A Chaplain's Journey into Babylon Iraq With the I Marine Expeditionary Force" (Faithwalk Publishing, $15.99), which details how the Marines Marrero served with struggled to preserve Iraq's ancient treasures.
Escondido's Eric Peterson has written "Life as a Sandwich" (Sunbelt Publications, $24.95 hardcover, $15.95 softcover), a novel set in San Diego that traces a man's failing marriage and the struggles of a start-up business.
Carol Ann Lindsay of Carlsbad has written "One Allied Sailor: The Story of Dirk Baatenburg de Jong and the Sinking of the S.S. Maasdam" (Lulu, $18.80), a history of her father's service as a Dutch sailor in World War II.
Amber Lenore Winckler of Escondido has written "The Final Bath" (Sassy Britches Publishing, $12.99), a coming-of-age novel set in the world of funeral homes.
Leonie Albani-Tremaine, a pen name for two North County writers working in collaboration, has written "Adios, Aries" (AuthorHouse, $14.99), a mystery set in Carlsbad with astrological themes.
Oceanside's Denny Dorsey has penned "Comedy of Errors" (Xlibris, $29.99 hardcover, $19.99 soft), which details his descent into substance abuse.
Andy Evans of Escondido has written "Three to Go Mario!" (Racemaker Press, $25), a children's book about racing great Mario Andretti.
Behnam Bakhshandeh of Encinitas has written "Conspiracy For Greatness ... Mastery of Love Within" (Primeco Education, $18.95), a guide to dissolving limiting thoughts and barriers.
Temecula resident Francesca Fisher has written "RumRill Pottery: The Ohio Years 1938-1042" (Collector Books,; $29.95), an identification guide to the popular clayworks' products.
Richard L. Fletcher of Oceanside has written the World War II action novel "Dive, Dive Deep" (Eloquent Books, $23.95), which follows submariners on station between Hawaii and Japan in the latter half of the war.
Fallbrook's Dr. Michael D. Yapko has written "Depression Is Contagious" (Free Press, $26), subtitled, "How the Most Common Mood Disorder Is Spreading Around the World and How to Stop It."
Rancho Bernardo resident Ruth Rodgers has written "The Mountaintop" (Xlibris, $19.99), a historical saga of her family.
Menifee's James E. Horn has written "Healthcare In America: A Plan That an Honest Obama Could Appreciate" (CreateSpace, $6.75), an extended essay that explores options not currently on the table.
Solana Beach business owner Tanya Alpert has written "Haiku Knits: 25 Serenely Beautiful Patterns Inspired by Japanese Design" (Watson Guptill, $29.99), which blends the Japanese poetry form with Western fashions.
Alexander De Volpi of Oceanside has written the third volume of his "Nuclear Reductions" trilogy, "Nuclear Insights: The Cold War Legacy" (De Volpi, $15), an exploration of nuclear arms and how nations can disarm.
Poway's Harry Paul has written (with Ross Reck) "Instant Turnaround!: Getting People Excited About Coming to Work and Working Hard" (William Morrow, $22.99), which argues that happy employees are productive employees.
Liz Palika, a Vista resident, has had the second edition of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Yorkshire Terriers" (Alpha Books, $15.95) come out.
San Diegan Andrew F. Charlton has written the children's book "The Ocean Is My Sky" (Tate Publishing, $8.99), which teaches that everyone was created different for a reason.
UC San Diego professor emeritus Doug Macdougall's "Nature's Clocks" (University of California Press, $17.95) is now out in a softcover edition.
Palm Springs' William J. Mann has written a biography of Elizabeth Taylor, "How to Be a Movie Star" (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $28).
Greg S. Reid of San Diego has written (with Sharon L. Lechter) "Three Feet From Gold: Turn Your Obstacles into Opportunities! (Think and Grow Rich)" (Sterling, $22.95), which shows people how to find financial success.
San Diego resident Walter Rouzer has written the juvenile title "Rebel Stone And The Ghost Whisperers" (iUniverse, $18.95), a ghost detective novel.
The second edition of a book co-written by University of San Diego professor and Carlsbad therapist Dr. Larry Charnow has come out. The book is "Essential Skills in Family Therapy, Second Edition: From the First Interview to Termination," published by The Guilford Press for $38.
Palm Springs resident Elizabeth Adler has written "Hotel Riviera" (St. Martin's Press, $14.99), a romantic mystery set in the French Riviera.
San Diegan Melissa Prandi has written "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Success as a Property Manager" (Alpha Books, $19.95), which offers practical advice about a career in property management.
Retired teacher and Palomar College tutor Robert M. Riffle has written "The Miracle of Independence" (Xulon Press, $18.99), which argues that God has specially blessed the United States.
San Jacinto's Dan Langerock has written "David: Man After God's Heart" (Living Waters Publishing, $10.99), which helps readers learn from the life of the biblical character.
San Diego leadership consultant Steve Farber has written "Greater Than Yourself: The Ultimate Lesson of True Leadership" (Doubleday, $17.95), which shows that successful business leaders help their employees and co-workers achieve their potentials.
Maj. Brian Dennis, a San Diego resident and Marine officer, has written "Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine & a Miracle" (Little, Brown, $17.99), about the dog he rescued from Iraq.
UC San Diego writing instructor Sarah Shun-lien Bynum's coming-of-age novel, "Ms. Hempel Chronicles," has been re-issued in softcover by Mariner Books.
San Diegan Richard Lederer has written "A Treasury for Dog Lovers" and "A Treasury for Cat Lovers" (Howard Books, $13.99 each); each volume contains numerous lists, word games, inspirational quotes and more about our favorite companion animals.
