Words
Way back in the early 1970s, I met Walter Doty, the only true genius I’ve ever known. He was in his late 70s and I in my early 20s. Walter had been editor-in-chief of Sunset magazine for 35 years – from 1929 to 1964. I had just “stopped out” from U.C. Berkeley. Walter was legally blind and deaf. I knew how to type. And I knew my way around plants. Together we started Ortho Books out of his garage in Los Altos. Practically overnight it became the most successful garden book series in the history of American publishing. Crazy and beyond intense! For the first three years I worked seven days a week, from 9 in the morning until 9 at night. Walter said if he gave me a day off, he was afraid I wouldn’t come back. But I did and, in many ways, I’m still there. Thanks, Walter, for getting me started on what has been a 50-year journey exploring the Green World through words and pictures.
Words
Way back in the early 1970s, I met Walter Doty, the only true genius I’ve ever known. He was in his late 70s and I in my early 20s. Walter had been editor-in-chief of Sunset magazine for 35 years – from 1929 to 1964. I had just “stopped out” from U.C. Berkeley. Walter was legally blind and deaf. I knew how to type. And I knew my way around plants. Together we started Ortho Books out of his garage in Los Altos. Practically overnight it became the most successful garden book series in the history of American publishing. Crazy and beyond intense! For the first three years I worked seven days a week, from 9 in the morning until 9 at night. Walter said if he gave me a day off, he was afraid I wouldn’t come back. But I did and, in many ways, I’m still there. Thanks, Walter, for getting me started on what has been a 50-year journey exploring the Green World through words and pictures.
Weather-Wise GardeningPublished by Ortho Books, 1974
My first effort with Ortho Books when I was 22. It had to be produced inside of a two-week window, a nearly impossible task. The head of our creative team, Walter
L. Doty, then 84 years old, told me “just make sure there aren’t any blank pages.”
My first effort with Ortho Books when I was 22. It had to be produced inside of a two-week window, a nearly impossible task. The head of our creative team, Walter
L. Doty, then 84 years old, told me “just make sure there aren’t any blank pages.”
All About Fertilizers, Soils & WaterPublished by Ortho Books, 1979
Not the most glamorous of subjects, I learned more from writing this book and any other. I was heartened to learn that it became a popular textbook for agricultural classes at the junior college level, valued for its straightforward explanation of complex topics.
Not the most glamorous of subjects, I learned more from writing this book and any other. I was heartened to learn that it became a popular textbook for agricultural classes at the junior college level, valued for its straightforward explanation of complex topics.
Shrubs & HedgesPublished by Ortho Books, 1980
All About TomatoesPublished by Ortho Books, 1981
Co-authored with Walter Doty
Co-authored with Walter Doty
All About PerennialsPublished by Ortho Books, 1981
This was an interesting book to write and one of the most
popular in the Ortho Books lineup.
This was an interesting book to write and one of the most
popular in the Ortho Books lineup.
All About AnnualsPublished by Ortho Books, 1981
Easy Maintenance GardeningPublished by Ortho Books, 1982
Shade GardeningPublished by Ortho Books, 1982
Gardener’s Answer BookPublished by Sunset Books, 1983
House PlantsPublished by Sunset Books, 1983
Container GardeningPublished by Sunset Books, 1984
Small Space GardeningPublished by Ortho Books, 1979
By Michael MacCaskey, edited by me
By Michael MacCaskey, edited by me
Spas & Hot TubsPublished by HP Books, 1982
For years I wrote a column on hot tubs and spas which appeared in the color supplement to the Sunday edition of The Los Angeles Times, called “Home." This book was supposed to be a compilation of those columns. It didn’t work out that way and, ultimately, became a very difficult book to write. I might add I’d never been in a hot tub or spa when I wrote the book.
For years I wrote a column on hot tubs and spas which appeared in the color supplement to the Sunday edition of The Los Angeles Times, called “Home." This book was supposed to be a compilation of those columns. It didn’t work out that way and, ultimately, became a very difficult book to write. I might add I’d never been in a hot tub or spa when I wrote the book.
The Grilling BookPublished by Aris Books, 1985
Oddly, the subject of this book was a hard sell in the mid 80s. A generation earlier, grilling was popular, but then it all but disappeared from the home landscape. This book helped popularize grilling once again and it hasn’t stopped since. Illustrated by Earl Thollander, a family friend and well-known talent from Calistoga.
Oddly, the subject of this book was a hard sell in the mid 80s. A generation earlier, grilling was popular, but then it all but disappeared from the home landscape. This book helped popularize grilling once again and it hasn’t stopped since. Illustrated by Earl Thollander, a family friend and well-known talent from Calistoga.
The Grilling EncyclopediaPublished by Atlantic
Monthly Press, 1992
The appearance of Apple’s Mac computer allowed an individual to perform the functions of an entire publishing company. With my new Mac, I not only wrote this one, but designed it (including the cover), did the illustrations and all the prepress work with help from my co-worker, Christine Beyer. It was a massive job and, quite frankly, a ground-breaking one. Nominated for a James Beard award in 1993.
Monthly Press, 1992
The appearance of Apple’s Mac computer allowed an individual to perform the functions of an entire publishing company. With my new Mac, I not only wrote this one, but designed it (including the cover), did the illustrations and all the prepress work with help from my co-worker, Christine Beyer. It was a massive job and, quite frankly, a ground-breaking one. Nominated for a James Beard award in 1993.
In Your Own BackyardPublished by Andrews McMeel, 1992
This book introduced a whole new world to me. I wrote, designed, and illustrated In Your Own Backyard, published in 1992 by Andrews McMeel. The Mac computer was still relatively new, as was the term “desktop publishing.” Even though we didn’t really know what it meant, my assistant, Christine Beyer, and I embraced the concept completely and produced this very complicated project completely digitally, from start to finish, and never looked back. It was thrilling to be able take advantage of the design tools the Mac offered and have a preview of a new era in publishing.
This book introduced a whole new world to me. I wrote, designed, and illustrated In Your Own Backyard, published in 1992 by Andrews McMeel. The Mac computer was still relatively new, as was the term “desktop publishing.” Even though we didn’t really know what it meant, my assistant, Christine Beyer, and I embraced the concept completely and produced this very complicated project completely digitally, from start to finish, and never looked back. It was thrilling to be able take advantage of the design tools the Mac offered and have a preview of a new era in publishing.
Backyard GamesPublished by Andrews McMeel, 1993
The second in the Backyard Books series, published by Andrews McMeel in 1993. As with In Your Own Backyard, I wrote, illustrated and designed Backyard Games and my assistant, Christine Beyer, and I produced it all the way through prepress. As we got the hang of the process, it became less intimidating. Truth be told, it was exciting to have complete control over the project – addictive, even.
The second in the Backyard Books series, published by Andrews McMeel in 1993. As with In Your Own Backyard, I wrote, illustrated and designed Backyard Games and my assistant, Christine Beyer, and I produced it all the way through prepress. As we got the hang of the process, it became less intimidating. Truth be told, it was exciting to have complete control over the project – addictive, even.
The Gas Grill GourmetPublished by Harvard Common Press, 1996
Best-selling title that capitalized on the popularity of gas grills. Harvard Common Press was known for their workmanlike cookbooks with lots of recipes (this one had 200), and no four-color photography or illustrations. Somewhat counterintuitively, they were very successful with what they published.
Best-selling title that capitalized on the popularity of gas grills. Harvard Common Press was known for their workmanlike cookbooks with lots of recipes (this one had 200), and no four-color photography or illustrations. Somewhat counterintuitively, they were very successful with what they published.
The New Gas Grill Gourmet(Revised and expanded)
Published by Harvard Common Press, 2005
Ten years after the publication of the original Gas Grill Gourmet, the publishers decided they wanted to bring out a revised, expanded edition with more than 100 additional recipes.
Published by Harvard Common Press, 2005
Ten years after the publication of the original Gas Grill Gourmet, the publishers decided they wanted to bring out a revised, expanded edition with more than 100 additional recipes.
25 Techniques for Gas GrillingPublished by Harvard Common Press, 2012
25 of the best recipes gleaned from The New Gas Grill Gourmet, packaged in a spiral-bound hardcover with color photography.
25 of the best recipes gleaned from The New Gas Grill Gourmet, packaged in a spiral-bound hardcover with color photography.
The Big Book of FlowersPublished by the National Home Gardening Club, 2000
Gardens for Outdoor LivingPublished by the National Home Gardening Club, 2001
Solving Garden Problems VegetablesPublished by the National Home Gardening Club, 1999
Solving Garden Problems FlowersPublished by the National Home Gardening Club, 2000
The Big Platter CookbookCo-authored with Lou Jane Temple
Published by Stewart Tabori & Chang, 2004
A collection of more than 100 home-entertaining recipes that can be prepared ahead of time and served hot, cold or at room temperature, in quantities that makes sure no matter who drops by, there’ll be enough for everyone. Focusing on meals that can be presented on large platters, the recipes are organized by season, in a volume complemented by starter and dessert suggestions as well as wine recommendations.
Published by Stewart Tabori & Chang, 2004
A collection of more than 100 home-entertaining recipes that can be prepared ahead of time and served hot, cold or at room temperature, in quantities that makes sure no matter who drops by, there’ll be enough for everyone. Focusing on meals that can be presented on large platters, the recipes are organized by season, in a volume complemented by starter and dessert suggestions as well as wine recommendations.
Mad About Meyer LemonsPublished by Hearth & Garden Press, 2015
Literally years in the making, I somehow convinced myself it was a good idea to do 36 watercolor illustrations of ‘Meyer’ lemons to go with 36 recipes. No wonder it took forever to finish. I was happy with the way it turned out, but also knew that no traditional publisher would be interested in such a niche market, so I published it myself. It was the first time I used IngramSpark, which I continue to use today as printers for both my client’s and my own projects.
Literally years in the making, I somehow convinced myself it was a good idea to do 36 watercolor illustrations of ‘Meyer’ lemons to go with 36 recipes. No wonder it took forever to finish. I was happy with the way it turned out, but also knew that no traditional publisher would be interested in such a niche market, so I published it myself. It was the first time I used IngramSpark, which I continue to use today as printers for both my client’s and my own projects.
Techniques for Wood-Fired OvensPublished by Harvard Common Press, 2018
“Master of backyard cooking A. Cort Sinnes presents 25 sure-fire techniques for cooking with a wood-fired oven, each introduced by a delectable, smoke-infused recipe–including breads and pizzas, fish, poultry, meats, vegetables, and sides. Mouthwatering photography with every recipe provides incentive to fire up.” Amazon review.
“Master of backyard cooking A. Cort Sinnes presents 25 sure-fire techniques for cooking with a wood-fired oven, each introduced by a delectable, smoke-infused recipe–including breads and pizzas, fish, poultry, meats, vegetables, and sides. Mouthwatering photography with every recipe provides incentive to fire up.” Amazon review.
In My GardenPublished by Andrews McMeel, 2004
“A simple but elegant tribute to gardening. That such a slim volume can capture a philosophy of gardening, relationships, purpose, and life shows that Sinnes's talents reach far beyond growing and cultivating plants. Highlighted by simple, watercolor sketches, the wisdom in this book will appeal to gardeners, those looking for a gardening gift, and anyone with an eye for simple living relished to its fullest. Sinnes plants, tends, and waters this story until it blossoms in a golden splash of the setting sun. Delightful.” Amazon review.
“A simple but elegant tribute to gardening. That such a slim volume can capture a philosophy of gardening, relationships, purpose, and life shows that Sinnes's talents reach far beyond growing and cultivating plants. Highlighted by simple, watercolor sketches, the wisdom in this book will appeal to gardeners, those looking for a gardening gift, and anyone with an eye for simple living relished to its fullest. Sinnes plants, tends, and waters this story until it blossoms in a golden splash of the setting sun. Delightful.” Amazon review.
Things and their storiesPublished by Hearth & Garden Press, 2020
Written for an audience of two – my daughter and my grandson – this volume tells the stories of the things my family has collected over generations and which are now in my possession. I’m not saying anyone in the future will be interested in these things but, if they are, they’ll find the back stories and provenance here.
Written for an audience of two – my daughter and my grandson – this volume tells the stories of the things my family has collected over generations and which are now in my possession. I’m not saying anyone in the future will be interested in these things but, if they are, they’ll find the back stories and provenance here.
The Silverado TrailPublished by Hearth & Garden Press, 2018
Representing way too much effort over a ridiculous amount of time, I guess it’s accurate to call The Silverado Journals my life’s work. The Silverado Trail is the first volume. The story was deposited in my brain in 1980 over the course of just a few seconds–beginning, middle and end–and has been my responsibility ever since. I wrote, designed and illustrated it, seeing it through to bound book. It immediately won several awards, so that’s gratifying and, even better, as of 2022, I can say that all three books in the trilogy are now finished.
Representing way too much effort over a ridiculous amount of time, I guess it’s accurate to call The Silverado Journals my life’s work. The Silverado Trail is the first volume. The story was deposited in my brain in 1980 over the course of just a few seconds–beginning, middle and end–and has been my responsibility ever since. I wrote, designed and illustrated it, seeing it through to bound book. It immediately won several awards, so that’s gratifying and, even better, as of 2022, I can say that all three books in the trilogy are now finished.
The Voyage of the SilveradoPublished by Hearth & Garden Press, 2018
The first book in the trilogy, The Silverado Trail (left), takes place in the Napa Valley. The second book, Voyage of the Silverado, takes place primarily in Kauai and jumps between the late 1960s and present times. The story includes a transpacific trip via vintage sailboat, an intense island hunt for a gnome wizard who’s been missing for more than 100 years, and an other-worldly fight between the very frightening Madam Pele and her sister that almost sinks the character’s hopes of returning home.
The first book in the trilogy, The Silverado Trail (left), takes place in the Napa Valley. The second book, Voyage of the Silverado, takes place primarily in Kauai and jumps between the late 1960s and present times. The story includes a transpacific trip via vintage sailboat, an intense island hunt for a gnome wizard who’s been missing for more than 100 years, and an other-worldly fight between the very frightening Madam Pele and her sister that almost sinks the character’s hopes of returning home.
Escape to SilveradoPublished by Hearth & Garden Press, 2021
After a generation of not hearing from the gnomes, Nick's (the main character) grandson, Joaquin, manages to reconnect with them. In no time, he and his grandfather are plunged into a whirlwind escapade through Scandinavia and Europe in an effort to assist the left-behind gnomes to join their compatriots on Mt. St. Helena and, not incidentally, transfer an historic fortune in gold to its new home. All may be well that ends well, but there are many obstacles on the journey from the Åland Islands to California’s Napa Valley.
After a generation of not hearing from the gnomes, Nick's (the main character) grandson, Joaquin, manages to reconnect with them. In no time, he and his grandfather are plunged into a whirlwind escapade through Scandinavia and Europe in an effort to assist the left-behind gnomes to join their compatriots on Mt. St. Helena and, not incidentally, transfer an historic fortune in gold to its new home. All may be well that ends well, but there are many obstacles on the journey from the Åland Islands to California’s Napa Valley.
Books Produced by Me
After years of producing my own books (mostly using IngramSpark), other authors started approaching me about packaging their manuscripts into finished books. Over the past ten years, I’ve produced some sixteen titles, including designing (and in some cases illustrating) all of the covers you see here. If you’ve finished a manuscript, you’ve completed a Herculean undertaking. No joke: It’s a major achievement. I’ve found that I enjoy the evolution of other people’s words and pictures – from manuscript to a book that can be held in your hands and enjoyed. It’s a satisfying journey. If you have a book project in need of a shepherd, drop me a line at [email protected].
The Story of a Contrary, Contumacious CatGail Wilson Kenna
Published by Crosshill Creek Publications, 2019
A true story written by Gail Kenna about a difficult Persian cat who felt it was her right to shit on a Persian carpet. A story of conflict and resolution, to say the least. In addition to designing the book, I did the illustrations, as well.
Published by Crosshill Creek Publications, 2019
A true story written by Gail Kenna about a difficult Persian cat who felt it was her right to shit on a Persian carpet. A story of conflict and resolution, to say the least. In addition to designing the book, I did the illustrations, as well.
Here to There and Back AgainGail Wilson Kenna
Published by Crosshill Creek Publications, 2019
Another project for Gail Kenna – a fictionalized account of her great-great-grandfather’s trek across the country in 1849, from his home in Vermont to the gold fields of California. Based on his journals, it represents a fascinating chapter in American history and an insightful look at one of Gail’s early family members. In addition to designing and producing this book, I also adapted Jules Tavernier’s painting, Crossing the Prairie (c. 1875), for the haunting cover.
Published by Crosshill Creek Publications, 2019
Another project for Gail Kenna – a fictionalized account of her great-great-grandfather’s trek across the country in 1849, from his home in Vermont to the gold fields of California. Based on his journals, it represents a fascinating chapter in American history and an insightful look at one of Gail’s early family members. In addition to designing and producing this book, I also adapted Jules Tavernier’s painting, Crossing the Prairie (c. 1875), for the haunting cover.
Beyond the WallGail Wilson Kenna
Published by Crosshill Creek Publications, 2020
The author’s provocative, true account of her work with the prisoners of Retén La Planta, a prison in Caracas, Venezuela. Initially printed through a 2000 Puffin Foundation grant, this book explores a country that satirizes greed and depravity, and mocks unequal administration of the law. In fourteen interrelated stories, Gail unveils the corruption that helps to explain Venezuela’s tragic economic and political morass today. In addition to designing and producing this volume, I painted the corrupt “Lady Justice” on the cover.
Published by Crosshill Creek Publications, 2020
The author’s provocative, true account of her work with the prisoners of Retén La Planta, a prison in Caracas, Venezuela. Initially printed through a 2000 Puffin Foundation grant, this book explores a country that satirizes greed and depravity, and mocks unequal administration of the law. In fourteen interrelated stories, Gail unveils the corruption that helps to explain Venezuela’s tragic economic and political morass today. In addition to designing and producing this volume, I painted the corrupt “Lady Justice” on the cover.
A Soul-Making Keats CollectionGail Wilson Kenna
Published by Crosshill Creek Publications, 2021
A collection of thirteen works which won multiple first and second place awards in the Soul-Making Keats literary competition in San Francisco and also in the National League of American Pen Women’s 2020 biennial. An excellent book for writers entering literary competitions or writing personal pieces for family as legacy. All thirteen stories treat the soul-making theme from poet John Keats: "Some say the world is a vale of tears, I say it is a place of soul making.”
Published by Crosshill Creek Publications, 2021
A collection of thirteen works which won multiple first and second place awards in the Soul-Making Keats literary competition in San Francisco and also in the National League of American Pen Women’s 2020 biennial. An excellent book for writers entering literary competitions or writing personal pieces for family as legacy. All thirteen stories treat the soul-making theme from poet John Keats: "Some say the world is a vale of tears, I say it is a place of soul making.”
No Green SaladsPatricia Ellen Langer
Published by Medusa’s Press, 2013
My longtime friend, Patty Langer, wrote this collection of recipes and family stories for her daughter after she asked her mother what foods she wanted at her funeral. Patty’s reply was to the point: “No green salads.” I designed and produced the book and acted as cheerleader to make sure Patty crossed the finish line with the text and photos. There was nothing easy about it, but she ultimately had a valuable artifact, celebrating generations in the kitchen and around the table.
Published by Medusa’s Press, 2013
My longtime friend, Patty Langer, wrote this collection of recipes and family stories for her daughter after she asked her mother what foods she wanted at her funeral. Patty’s reply was to the point: “No green salads.” I designed and produced the book and acted as cheerleader to make sure Patty crossed the finish line with the text and photos. There was nothing easy about it, but she ultimately had a valuable artifact, celebrating generations in the kitchen and around the table.
Cooking for FamilyBob Kaufman
Self-published, 2019
My friend, Bob Kaufman, is a talented guy – in the kitchen and with a camera. In short, he had all the elements for a book assembled and well-organized, but needed some help knitting the pieces together. We worked well together and produced a volume of which he is justifiably proud.
Self-published, 2019
My friend, Bob Kaufman, is a talented guy – in the kitchen and with a camera. In short, he had all the elements for a book assembled and well-organized, but needed some help knitting the pieces together. We worked well together and produced a volume of which he is justifiably proud.
The Tip-Top LettersSusan Ferries Moore
Published Tip Top Publications, 2020
1903-1904 correspondence, recounting the courtship and eventual marriage of the author’s maternal grandparents, including the time they spent at the tent city on the grounds of the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego. The combined letters tell an intriguing story of the relationship between her grandparents and a childhood friend and possible lover of her grandmother. Every letter, telegram, news clipping was kept, detailing an Edwardian era love triangle. This was a complex design project, involving many graphic elements presented as collage.
Published Tip Top Publications, 2020
1903-1904 correspondence, recounting the courtship and eventual marriage of the author’s maternal grandparents, including the time they spent at the tent city on the grounds of the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego. The combined letters tell an intriguing story of the relationship between her grandparents and a childhood friend and possible lover of her grandmother. Every letter, telegram, news clipping was kept, detailing an Edwardian era love triangle. This was a complex design project, involving many graphic elements presented as collage.
Journeying the SixtiesWilliam Cook Haigwood
Published by Cooskie Creek Press, 2019
Photographer and author, Bill Haigwood, has embarked on an ambitious publishing program that takes advantage of his keen insight into the so-called “counter-culture” era. When he originally approached me, he needed a consistent design package that would span many years and many books. I was inspired by the look of Life magazine and adapted it for the covers of Bill’s books, all of which have proven to be very successful.
Published by Cooskie Creek Press, 2019
Photographer and author, Bill Haigwood, has embarked on an ambitious publishing program that takes advantage of his keen insight into the so-called “counter-culture” era. When he originally approached me, he needed a consistent design package that would span many years and many books. I was inspired by the look of Life magazine and adapted it for the covers of Bill’s books, all of which have proven to be very successful.
A Time of Unsearchable ThingsWilliam Cook Haigwood
Self-published, 2013
Self-published, 2013
DavenportWilliam Cook Haigwood
Self-published, 2017
Self-published, 2017
Bonny DoonWilliam Cook Haigwood
Self-published, 2018
Self-published, 2018
WilderWilliam Cook Haigwood
Self-published, 2019
Self-published, 2019
Best RecollectionsJohn Pope Ellis
A charming series of short stories from the author’s adventurous life. Written not for the public, but for the enjoyment of family and friends.
A charming series of short stories from the author’s adventurous life. Written not for the public, but for the enjoyment of family and friends.
A Matter of CircumstanceGail Wilson Kenna
Unpublished
My dear friend (and former high school teacher!) wrote this engaging novel. I produced the cover in 2016 because I couldn’t help myself. The novel involves Hylda Wertheimer, painted by John Singer Sargent and, yes, there’s a moving episode in the story involving goldfish. It’s probably my favorite of all the covers I’ve produced.
Unpublished
My dear friend (and former high school teacher!) wrote this engaging novel. I produced the cover in 2016 because I couldn’t help myself. The novel involves Hylda Wertheimer, painted by John Singer Sargent and, yes, there’s a moving episode in the story involving goldfish. It’s probably my favorite of all the covers I’ve produced.
At Home on the RoadIlona Duncan
Self-published, 2019
Friends and family could not believe Ilona and Ian Duncan's plan in 1999 when they decided to sell their Coral Gables home, buy a converted bus, and travel permanently. Bets were placed. How long would the Duncan marriage survive a confined 350 square-foot home on the road? At Home on the Road details a two-year adventure in North America.
Self-published, 2019
Friends and family could not believe Ilona and Ian Duncan's plan in 1999 when they decided to sell their Coral Gables home, buy a converted bus, and travel permanently. Bets were placed. How long would the Duncan marriage survive a confined 350 square-foot home on the road? At Home on the Road details a two-year adventure in North America.
Watch Me Take OffIlona Duncan
Self-published, 2022
Watch Me Take Off recounts one man's remarkable achievements in an era of adventurous and joyous flying. The late Ian Duncan's career with the Air Force, Pan American World Airways, executive positions with Airbus Industrie, and his many noteworthy awards reflect a unique life in aviation. His grounding in humility, integrity, and hard work will inspire; and for readers interested in aviation history, the book is of importance.
Self-published, 2022
Watch Me Take Off recounts one man's remarkable achievements in an era of adventurous and joyous flying. The late Ian Duncan's career with the Air Force, Pan American World Airways, executive positions with Airbus Industrie, and his many noteworthy awards reflect a unique life in aviation. His grounding in humility, integrity, and hard work will inspire; and for readers interested in aviation history, the book is of importance.