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BOOKS & COLLABORATIONS

Every book has its own voice.

These books range from memoir and personal history to travel, fiction, and a very loved rescue dog. Some are my own stories; others grew out of someone trusting me with theirs.

Cover of Leave a Lasting Legacy

THE MEMOIR-WRITING GUIDE · BY JOE WEAVER

Leave a Lasting Legacy

A Practical Guide and Template for Writing and Publishing Your Memoir or Autobiography

A step-by-step guide for first-time memoirists who want to shape their memories into a book and publish it. It’s the option for someone ready to start writing independently, with a practical guide beside them.

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You have stories to tell. Leave a Lasting Legacy helps you turn them into a book, with practical advice on organizing, writing, revising, and publishing your memoir.

Work at your own pace. Return to the chapters you need as your book takes shape.

Writing a memoir means deciding what matters, shaping your experiences into a story, and making that story engaging for a reader. This book takes you through the work, from your first ideas to revision and publication.

An Excellent Guide to Sharing Your Stories

If you are thinking about writing a memoir or autobiography, I highly recommend this book. I bought it and read it twice because I wanted to understand and remember well what Joe Weaver was writing. I wrote a Kirkus Reviews recommended memoir, and I can assure you that the challenges of writing my memoir would have been immensely easier if I had had the knowledgeable advice that this book offers. I give Author Talks about my memoir and encourage people to give serious consideration to writing their memoirs. With “Leave a Lasting Legacy” in my possession, I will begin showcasing Joe Weaver’s book, encouraging attendees to buy a copy of my memoir and order a copy of Weaver’s book to help launch them into beginning their memoirs.

This book is very well written and it’s guidance will be an invaluable help to any prospective writer.

Bob Crites
Author of No Ghosts in the Graveyard

Read Bob’s review on Amazon ↗

An Essential Guide for Memoir Writing

Leave a Lasting Legacy is a thorough and well-written guide for any author, whether writing fiction or non-fiction. I love how Weaver approaches memoir as a story, applying many of the same literary and writing concepts to the genre in an accessible way.

Its brief, tightly focused chapters encourage re-reading and referencing as authors progress through the various phases of their writing journey. No book or class on writing is a silver bullet for achieving success as a writer—they should serve as bricks in a foundation, providing a solid platform to build on. Joe Weaver’s book is an essential, substantial brick in that foundation.

He avoids the misrepresentations often found in online “tutorials” and “how-to” guides, delivering actionable advice with the confidence of an experienced, knowledgeable writer. If you’re interested in writing a memoir, I couldn’t recommend this book more.

Ruel Knudson
Author of The Highwaymen series and the gothic fantasy series The Monolith Stories

Read Ruel’s review on Amazon ↗
01 / TRAVEL & FAMILY

BY JOE WEAVER · EDITED BY FRANK WEAVER

Gorillas with Machine Guns

Stories from a 12,000 Km Journey across the Americas

In 1967, the Weaver family loaded a VW van with camping gear and set off from Missouri to Paraguay. Their 12,000-kilometer journey crossed the Andes and the Chaco, with stops at the Panama Canal and Inca ruins and encounters with people who made the trip unforgettable.

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In 1967, while the US was torn apart by an unpopular war and hippies were flocking to the summer of love, the Weaver family loaded a VW van with camping gear and set upon a 12,000 Km odyssey from Missouri to Paraguay. Some obstacles and perils of nature such as navigating the treacherous Andes roads without reliable roadmaps or traversing the inhospitable Paraguayan Chaco were planned for. What they couldn’t foresee were the challenges created by man that they encountered, from being caught in Catch-22 bureaucracies to inadvertently finding themselves in the area where Ernesto “Che” Guevara was conducting a guerilla war. They overcame it all with the aid of a colorful cast of characters ranging from Shamans to Freemasons, all while meeting an unforgettable array of locals and travelers. These are some of the stories of that trip: hopping on a cargo ship crossing the Panama Canal, playing on Inca ruins, and exploring some of the most remote locations in Central and South America, seen through their eyes and told in their voices.

02 / LIFE STORY

BY JOE WEAVER · THE STORY OF LUCIANO FERNANDEZ

Perfect Hat Trick

The Life Story of Luciano Fernandez, Futsal Pioneer

As a barefoot child in Paraguay, Luciano Fernandez made a soccer ball by stuffing rags into a sock. His path from poverty led to a pioneering role in futsal, leadership in U.S. sports, and a life as an ambassador for the game.

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Barefoot, kicking a ball he made stuffing rags into a sock, eight-year-old Luciano sought escape from the poverty punishing his family for being on the losing side of the Paraguayan civil war. Hiking to rural villages or train hopping into Brazil with his ragtag soccer teams, he honed his skills in the beautiful game. His celebrity status earned captaining his state’s all-star team helps him dribble the political repression of the military dictatorship that, for many others, resulted in detention, exile, or worse. He parlayed his sports career into business until tragic events, political turmoil, and narco-violence force him to flee with his family, leaving it all behind. Bringing only his passion and experience, he starts anew in the U.S., where he rises as a sports leader. Learn about the incredible life of Luciano Fernandez, “The Pioneer of Futsal.” From child too poor to afford a soccer ball to U.S. Ambassador to FIFUSA and the North American Futsal Federation.

Working together

“Working with Joe Weaver on writing my personal history was easy and enjoyable.” — Luciano Fernandez

Getting to know who Luciano really is.

I liked that this book is really a page turner. I could not put it down and read it from start to finish in one day. I will also be purchasing the paper copy. I was able to learn many things about Luciano, from his perspective and his strong pursuit of leadership.

His energy and passion for Futsal is contagious and coupled with his desire to encourage youth to reach high standards in every aspect of life, make him an amazing person. You will enjoy reading this book.

Leni Fernandez · Reader review
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Inspiring story of determination.

This biography shows that to be successful you need more than just natural born talent, you need grit. I could not put the book down! What an inspiring life. During these trying times when hope can dwindle, Luciano’s story is true testament that a passion for life and absolute commitment to one’s dream can make the unbearable bearable, and the unachievable possible. This is a book that any sports aficionado would not only enjoy but learn from. Highly recommended!

Jessica Kelch · Reader review
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03 / MEMOIR

A LIFE STORY WRITTEN WITH JOENNA FERNANDEZ

Presence

A Leapling’s Life of Love and Care

Joenna Fernandez’s February 29 birthday is only one unusual detail in a life shaped by caregiving, advocacy, humor, and resilience. Her story is about showing up for people, again and again, and the kind of love that takes practice.

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Joenna Fernandez has lived a life that shows love is not proven through grand gestures or easy answers.

Presence is about what it means to show up, again and again, with heart, humor, and energy, in a life shaped by care.

Born on February 29, Joenna has always lived slightly out of step with the calendar and deeply in step with the people around her. Known for her warmth, quick laugh, and boundless energy, she is often remembered as the one who brings light into a room. Presence: A Leapling’s Life of Love and Care reveals the fuller story beneath that familiar brightness.

As a daughter, a mother, a caregiver, and an advocate for those often overlooked, Joenna’s life unfolds through moments of responsibility, resilience, joy, and resolve. Told through the voices and memories of those who know her best, this memoir honors the steady work, care, and consistency that define her days.

Presence honors a life lived attentively, where cheerfulness and commitment coexist, and where love is not just felt, but practiced.

A wonderful book highly recommended

I was surprised by receiving this book as a birthday gift .. Reading this was an incredibly moving experience. Mr Weaver didn’t just list the facts of my life; he captured the essence of my journey. I am deeply grateful for the sensitivity and honesty he brought to my story. Seeing my own experiences reflected back through his words has given me a new perspective on my own life. Thank you Mr. Weaver for treating my history with such professionalism and care. It is a rare thing to feel truly seen and understood. This book is a beautiful tribute to my journey, and I am honored by the way you’ve told my story. Thank you again for your dedication to getting every detail by interviewing family and friends and incredible empathy throughout the process.

Of course I will recommend everyone to read this book about my life but also recommend 100 percent to have Joe Weaver write a story about you or anyone that you truly love!!

Joenna Fernandez · Subject of the book
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04 / TRUE STORY

BY JOE WEAVER

Seven Shades of Gold

The War on Drugs Comes to Our Family Farm

When marijuana growers put his family’s farm in Paraguay at risk, Joe and his brother became reluctant participants in the war on drugs. Told over one day in the jungle, the story meets people on both sides of the conflict, and those caught between them.

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The global war on drugs is experienced intimately as we accompany the author for a day in the jungles of Paraguay. Reluctantly involved when his family's farm becomes the forefront in that war, Joe and his brother must lead raids on plots of "the world's best" marijuana that were putting his family in jeopardy.

Meet people on both sides of the battle, and those like the Weavers caught in the middle.

Gripping Drama on The Family Ranch

It was fascinating to read about one American family's fight to keep their Paraguayan ranch free from dangerous, clandestine marijuana growers. It shatters the illusion of the idyllic life on a ranch in South America. It is well written and is a quick read. I highly recommend it.

Bob Crites · Reader review
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05 / PERSONALIZED FICTION

BY JOE WEAVER · INSPIRED BY FAMILY MEMORIES

Amber’s Artful Adventures

The Peculiar Pen and the Portal Pages

A military child weary of constant moves discovers that the drawings she makes with a peculiar pen open portals to the places she sketches. From Venice to Florida, Amber’s adventures draw on real memories shared by her friends and family, turning them into a story made just for her.

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When young Amber receives a peculiar pen and notepad from a mysterious family friend, she has no idea it will transform her life as a military child forever.

Weary from constant moves and motion sickness during her family's travels across Europe, she discovers an extraordinary secret: her drawings can create magical portals to any destination she sketches.

From the canals in Venice to the swamps of Florida, Amber steps through her artwork into adventure itself. As the pages run out, Amber faces a bittersweet truth—each new portal brings her closer to the end of the magic, and she must decide how best to use what little remains.

Inspired by real memories shared by Amber's friends and family, and infused with the wonder of childhood imagination, Amber's Artful Adventures is a playful, heartfelt celebration of Amber herself—her creativity, curiosity, and the belief that art can take you anywhere.

Client testimonial

Joe created an autobiographical fantasy story book for my wife's 40th birthday. Working with Joe on Amber's Artful Adventures was an amazing experience. He has such an incredible talent to be able to take all the random memories and personal milestones of Amber's life that me and other family members gave him, and somehow transform them into a beautiful, cohesive fantasy book that Amber herself would love even if she wasn't the subject of it!. He really went above and beyond to include special details that completely blew us away. If you need someone to create an absolutely one-of-a-kind gift that is guaranteed to be cherished by the recipient, look no further!

Amber’s husband · Client testimonial
06 / ANIMAL STORY

BY JOE E WEAVER · ILLUSTRATED BY AMBER HAAS

Life of Magpie

Passed over at the adoption fair, a crossbreed shelter dog finds adventure, mishaps, and a forever home. Magpie’s escapades tell how one extraordinary rescue hound won over her extended family.

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After being passed over at the adoption fair, a crossbreed shelter dog finds adventure, mishaps, and a forever home. Follow her escapades and heartwarming stories. Get to know the most extraordinary rescue hound and her conquest of the hearts and minds of her extended family.

07 / PERSONAL HISTORY

A BIOGRAPHICAL COLLABORATION

Dan Evers

A Gentleman and a Scholar, an Uncle and a Lawyer

A false accusation nearly derailed Dan Evers’s life. He went on to spend more than 32 years as a public defender, arguing cases before the U.S. Supreme Court while remaining a beloved uncle and cousin.

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A false accusation and a dishonest cop's attempt to frame him for a crime he didn't commit almost derailed Dan Evers' life. But it didn't stop him. Dan Evers speaks publicly for the first time of that harrowing incident more than 40 years ago and how he went on to embark on an impactful 32 years, 11 months, and 15 days career as a public defender for the state of Illinois.

"Bringing hope to those who had none," Dan argued two cases before the U. S. Supreme court, eight cases before the Illinois Supreme court, and several hundred before the appellate court. Dan was the scholar who was the pride of his family, a gentleman who brought joy to many and earned the title of Professional Uncle in recognition of his love for his nieces and nephews.

We delve into these and other memories of Dan Evers in a quest to discover how he will be remembered.

Unwritten memories vanish

There are many people we know and love, yet there are also so much we do not know about each of these people. I know that I wish I could ask Dad or Mom so many questions, but alas they are no longer here! I am sure this is true for most people.

Joe Weaver is the talented writer who was able to get my husband of 53 years to talk about things even I was not aware of.

Dan Evers is my dear cousin. But he is a humble man. Once again Joe Weaver was able to get him to talk about those details of his life that I have learned through this book!

I am happy to have the opportunity to get to know Dan better!

Leni Fernandez · Reader review

Have a story you want to put into a book?

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