Joining us today is Debrin Case, founder and publisher of Open Heart Publishing and author of “Edgar’s Last Christmas,” a story in the upcoming “An Honest Lie, Volume 1: Encouraging the Delinquency of your Inner Child.”

Debrin, what do the names “Open Heart Publishing” and “An Honest Lie” mean to you?

The name Open Heart Publishing was actually my girlfriend’s idea.

I had originally intended something more butch, with flaming skulls, vicious looking scorpions and hooded snakes caught in the act of striking and whatnot. You know, something that lends itself to a feeling of rebellion. My originating vision even had official leather jackets and plans to open an account with the Dallas Harley Davidson dealership.

Then my girlfriend was kind enough to remind me that I’m not that fellow.

In all seriousness, though, her idea worked very well with my vision for the publishing company I wanted to create. In my vision, it would be a publishing house dedicated to giving new authors a voice. Writers who wanted to create new paradigms through social awareness and those who want to create new avenues of expression through art and literature.

As to what An Honest Lie means, well, that is still open for debate. I have my own interpretation for that phrase, as do many of the authors who answered interview questions in a similar fashion to this, and I will neither confirm nor deny the validity of their understanding of the masthead, nor will I explain my own originating vision.

Figure it out for yourself, it is a mystery and one I do not plan on revealing.

One of the upcoming books from Open Heart Publishing is “The Cave of Colors.” This book is part of the Opportunity project. Can you tell me a little about the Opportunity project?

Open Heart Publishing works hand in hand with youth organizations to instruct the future generations about the positive changes they can make in the world around them, as well as the limitless opportunity their lives will offer them so long as they are willing to look for those opportunities. Through the crafts of writing, art, editing, marketing and publishing these groups create a book the children then sell, and 100% of the profits benefit a charity of the children’s choosing.

I began the Opportunity project as a way in which to create a perpetual fundraising effort that could be of financial benefit to the charity and nonprofit groups that are chosen to work with the Opportunity project, as well as a way to encourage young people in the crafts of publishing, writing and self expression.

Far too often the finances earned from donations or even grants just isn’t enough and these groups have to attempt to find new streams of income in whatever capacity they can – whether that would be bake sales, or car washes and yes, even books. What makes us different than the standard “Book Project” for charity is our direct involvement with the kids involved with the organization we chose to work with.

To be considered as a candidate for having the youth of your charity become involved with the Opportunity project, express your interest via email at opportunityproject@debrincase.com.

In addition to everything else on your plate, you’ve just declared your intent to participate in NaNoWriMo, in which participants write a 175-page novel in 30 days. How do you possibly have time to do this, and would you encourage others to do the same?

Honestly, I don’t have time for this. As every writer knows, life gets in the way of writing.

With running a publishing company, maintaining a happy home, taking care of three lovely furry kids (that’s animals to the laypeople out there), writing grants, working on publicity, planning distribution, finalizing projects on the verge of being published, bathing, eating and occasionally sleeping, I truly shouldn’t attempt doing this project at all.

All of that aside though, the key point to this is I want to do it.

I have thought about doing NaNoWriMo for years and for whatever reason I always talked myself out of attempting it. This goal is monumental; 50,000 words in a month is not an easy task. If you don’t believe me, look at the folks that try and do not succeed as opposed to the people that do.

Even against these odds, I’m jumping into the madness with both feet. I just made a rough outline, gave it a working title (Title: And Filbert said the World was Flat), and I even made a mock cover for it.

Whether I complete the goal or not, I am looking forward to challenging myself in this fashion. Would I recommend others to attempt this? I would and I do, go ahead and visit the official site: www.nanowrimo.org. If you feel up to the challenge, sign up today.

Sounds like a double dog dare. Who or what would you say has been most instrumental to the development of your voice as a writer?

Everything.

I wish I could break it down to one specific thing or an individual, but in truth every part of my existence has lent itself to shaping my voice. From the moments of great pride to moments of pitiful shame, each and every failure or success is tied directly to who I am at this moment, and it would be a disservice to deny any aspect, whether little, big, embarrassing, upsetting or insignificant.

From the guy that shot me the finger at me when I was seven years old to the first teacher who encouraged me to pursue writing as an avenue of creative expression. It’s all in there.

Tell me about your story in “An Honest Lie, Volume 1: Encouraging the Delinquency of Your Inner Child,” “Edgar’s Last Christmas.”

“Edgar’s Last Christmas” is a tale told in a narrative voice about the predicament a child may have to face if they happen to be slovenly or perhaps ungrateful, or it could explain the reason why socks are the least-desired present under a Christmas tree.

That’s right, folks; don’t buy anyone socks for Christmas. They are truly a horrible gift idea and one that will not be appreciated.

If you need an awesome gift idea for Christmas, just remember that people love books, especially anthologies (hint hint).

What was the most exciting part of working on An Honest Lie, and what was the most frustrating part?

The most exciting part was reading every one of the four thousand submissions received for this anthology’s first issue. We received stories from all over the country, and reading each author’s unique perspective on the theme (Encouraging the Delinquency of Your Inner Child) was truly exciting.

It was also the hardest part, especially when we had to make our decision about who would take part in the inaugural edition.

We passed on some excellent stories, a few feelings were hurt, and though we believe we chose the best tales that adhered to the theme, there were a few great ones that slipped through the cracks.

You’re the author of another upcoming book from Open Heart Publishing, “A Children’s Book of Necromancy.” Tell me a little about that.

I think it would be best to begin by asking, what is necromancy? Necromancy is the magical art associated with death, and more specifically, with the dead.

A Children’s Book of Necromancy teaches its readers an astounding miracle that anyone can perform with very little effort. It proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that you can do anything. When you are finished reading this book, you are guaranteed to learn how to raise the dead and all without any of that pesky business of losing your immortal soul.

And besides all of that, it’s also a coloring book. This book is not recommended for children.

What other projects are upcoming at Open Heart Publishing?

Well of course we have the next installment of An Honest Lie. This time is Volume 2: Delusions of Insignificance, The Next Opportunity Project, and we also have three new projects that will be revealed in the months ahead.

Let’s assume you’re on Death Row. It doesn’t matter why. What meal would you choose for your last?

For some reason this question conjures up images in my imagination of being killed by a French firing squad, and so if I am going to go I might as well have the perfect meal.

Southern fried chicken with tazzo ham gravy, deep-fried bacon-infused polenta wedges, vine-ripened tomatoes with mozzarella, fresh basil and a Greek vinaigrette, wilted spinach with bacon, bleu cheese and pecans, Homemade biscuits with freshly churned butter, more chicken, pan-fried summer squash, aw hell some cornbread too, a little breath mint (as in green onions), and a risotto cheese thingy made with a smoked gouda cheese, then I’d finish with some shortbread cookies with some rich percolated Kona coffee flavored with about 2 oz. of 25 year old single malt Irish whiskey (Bushmills).

If the bullet wouldn’t get me, the meal surely would.

I’m seeing two themes: bacon and fried. Very recently, the theme for An Honest Lie, Volume 2 was announced: Delusions of Insignificance. How was the theme chosen?

The themes that are chosen for An Honest Lie are themselves a definition of our masthead. If you pay attention to the themes, perhaps you will be able to discover the meaning of it all. I’m giving out a lot of clues here, think of it like a riddle, or an extended Koan, if you prefer.

Finally, Debrin, do you believe in life after death in any form?

I believe in life after death in many forms. One of my favorites happens to be in the form of various kinds of art, music, stagecraft, dance and most assuredly stories.

You can help my own selfish goals in this matter by picking up all three books that debuted from Open Heart Publishing in 2009. These of course being An Honest Lie, The Cave of Colors (with musical soundtrack created by Lisa Umbarger and Jennifer Mayes), and A Children’s Book of Necromancy.

As to religious/ spiritual views about the subject, or theories involving the environmental recycling patterns of particles of subatomic matter, these things would be better discussed over a stiff drink and enough humor to alleviate whatever ails the world at that particular moment.

Like storybook characters of old, Debrin Case has traveled through “Faery,” that semi-mythical realm that resides someplace between the ears and the heart. Like many fellow pilgrims ahead of him who have survived this transformation, no one is quite sure whether he came out a poet or a madman. As a matter of fact, neither is he.

And he is quite alright with that.

Debrin Case holds a B.A. in English Literature and is currently the founder and publisher of Open Heart Publishing, a company that promotes, showcases, and opens doors for new authors with its annual anthology “An Honest Lie,” but also for children through its creative project called, “The Opportunity Project.”

Additionally, Debrin oversees intuitive writing workshops, writes grants for charities and artistic endeavors, and is an experienced freelance storyteller, ghost writer, and fiction writer (Publisher’s note (I.E. See shameless self-promotion) be sure to pick up a copy of “A Children’s Book of Necromancy” illustrated by Darcy Melton and written by D.C., a delightful romp where you are guaranteed to learn how to raise the dead…. Coming soon (this book is not recommended for children)).

He has also held the position of editor for Hedge Wizard Press, and co-editor for Red River Review.

When asked of the validity of his tales he will normally reply, “My stories are 50% bullshit … and the rest is questionable, but at least they are honest.”