Local publisher and author duo inspire young readers

LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) – Amanda Purser is a veteran, a mom of 4, an author, and the owner of her very own publishing company named Queensbriar Press, right here in Southwest Oklahoma.

Meanwhile, David Bublitz is a professor at Cameron University, the son of a veteran, and now, a published author.

The two worked together to write and publish “The Depend-Ant”, a deeply personal story to them.

The book connects kids through a shared experience: what having a parent in the military can look like.

“The Depend-Ant” is about a dependent named Lor, who is growing up to learn how to be a soldier ant,” said author and illustrator David Bublitz, “When her Aunt Kathy is sent to combat and returns home with an injury.“

On top of helping real, non-ant families have these discussions, it also highlights female veterans through the story of the main character’s aunt.

While southwest Oklahoma might not seem like a likely place to publish your book, that’s part of what encourages Queensbriar Press owner and fellow author, Amanda Purser, to help aspiring authors like Bublitz share their stories.

“So, I’m a disabled vet and I’m medically retired from the Army,” she said, “I was stationed at Fort Sill, so I stayed here to raise my kids; this was just where it felt right and sort of my where my little community was that was rallying in my support.”

Bublitz also says that southwest Oklahoma is a place he takes pride in.

“I’m really proud to be in southwest Oklahoma,” he said, “I’m really proud to work with Amanda and Queensbriar Press as well to kind of get our message out there and invite other people to kind of join in.“

As for people looking to get a start on their own book, Purser has some advice.

“Ultimately, you’ll be surprised sometimes what the feedback you get,” she said, “So I say get it out there, get some eyes on it, and be prepared for a vulnerable process.”

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