Books
Axis Moon & The Ghost Division
Book Summary
An alien goes missing on a United States naval base. Meanwhile, the government promotes mining on the moon. Discoveries on the moon start a new religion. And a dog that can read human minds gains critical insight to the truth, which prompts a journalist to expose it all for the lie that it is.
From the Author
"The format of this book was inspired by Kurt Vonnegut's Cat's Cradle and his other novel The Sirens of Titan. I had a bunch of character names in mind and wanted to insert them into a chaotic, fast-paced, humorous narrative. The events primarily take place in southern Indiana where I've spent a lot of time."
The Spirit Clans Of Ketchikan
Book Summary
While fishing in Alaska, a young couple discovers a treasure from the ancient past that opens the door to a bizarre present and a parallel world. Over the course of the summer they find themselves questioning their actions while interacting with a colorful cast of characters who skew the presumption of what is right versus wrong.
From the Author
"I wanted to write a book related to the story of The Sleeping Bears Of Leelanau County but introduce new characters and settings that were completely different. I opted to focus on the part of the book that mentions Alaska and used a fishing trip I took a few years ago as a reference for the location."
The Sleeping Bears Of Leelanau County
A secret clan of bear-people have inhabited the peninsula for millennia. Their story is the true legend.
Book Summary
In a remote corner of northern Michigan, the residents of Leelanau County have a secret society that has been living on the peninsula for thousands of years. They are the bear-transforming descendants of tribes who crossed Lake Michigan millennia ago to escape the destruction of their clan.
One evening, a traveler has a chance encounter with a spirit bear and discovers he has a hidden history of his own. In the months that follow, he becomes deeply involved with the Sleeping Bear Clan and—depending on your point of view—a murder.
From the Author
"I got the idea for this novel while driving back to Chicago from Traverse City. I was thinking about taking a trip out to one of the Manitou Islands when the idea of the Sleeping Bear legend being something entirely different started to take form. The story involves all things Michigan and the places and locations I enjoy visiting whenever I can."
Locations featured in the book
The Wooden Nickel Bar - Marquette
The 906 Bar & Grill - Marquette
Foggy's Steakhouse - Christmas
Muldoons Pasties - Munising
Legs Inn - Cross Village
J&S; Hamburg - Traverse City
Sleder’s Tavern - Traverse City
Side Traxx - Traverse City
Earthen Ales - Traverse City
The Workshop Brewing Co. - Traverse City
Mackinaw Brewing Co. - Traverse City
Cedar Tavern - Cedar
Hop Lot Brewing - Suttons Bay
Dick's Pour House - Lake Leelanau
Anderson's Market - Glen Arbor
Fishtown - Leland
South Manitou Island
Alligator Hill Trail
Heritage Trail
Leelanau Trail
Clay Cliffs Natural Area
Kehl Lake Natural Area
About The Author
Paul Wcisel graduated from Indiana University in 1993 with a degree in History. Since then his work and life have taken him to Denver, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Traverse City, Michigan and Chicago, Illinois. He has held a variety of occupations--hey, it worked for Mark Twain--including: real estate agent, bank teller, gallery guard, barista, project coordinator, museum front desk associate, digital media editor, web designer, graphic designer, interactive designer, web developer, technical director, and now--writer.
His first novel, The Sleeping Bears Of Leelanau County, was independently published in December, 2019. Along with authoring the book, he did the layout, design and editing.
The same can be said of his second novel, The Spirit Clans Of Ketchikan, which was independently published in December, 2021, and is a companion book to The Sleeping Bears Of Leelanau County.
Paul's third novel, Axis Moon & The Ghost Division, is unrelated to his first two novels and was independently authored, designed, and published in September, 2025.
Artwork for the covers are derived from his paintings: Suzy Michigan, Rain In Alaska, Crow, and Regal Gatsby.
