Books by Todd R. Marcum
I spent most of my career writing in short bursts as an advertising copywriter. These days, I enjoy having the freedom to wordfarm in pastures that give me more elbow room than doing a spec sheet for an Ethernet connector. My books range from middle-grade fantasy and Appalachian fiction to baseball history—but each reflects my love of storytelling, memorable characters and the places that help shape me.
How Chloe Became the Candy Corn Queen
A magical middle-grade adventure about courage, family and discovering that ordinary people can do extraordinary things.
Sixth grader Chloe Finley is just trying to survive pre-algebra when her house transforms into a candy corn castle and a giant opossum appears at her door. Soon, Chloe finds herself in the magical kingdom of Cornia, where the queen has disappeared and the Candycornucopia—the source of the kingdom’s happiness—is failing.
To save Cornia, Chloe must face the wicked fairy Rancid Crabtree in a series of unusual competitions. Along the way, she discovers that courage doesn’t mean being fearless. Sometimes, it simply means taking the next step when everyone is counting on you. Available in Kindle and paperback editions on Amazon.
Way Out Wayne
A funny, unvarnished coming-of-age story about football, friendship and growing up in Appalachia.
Things don’t change much in Wayne, West Virginia, but there hasn’t been this much excitement in years. The high school football team looks like a genuine state championship contender. That was before the Plymale situation. Way Out Wayne follows one team and one town’s pursuit of a football championship while exploring the friendships, loyalties and complications of growing up in Appalachia.
“Todd Marcum knows this place and these people. His characters are rich and delightfully raw. If you’re from West Virginia, like I am, this is a must read. If you’re from some other place, do yourself a favor and take a trip with Todd to Wayne.”
— Filmmaker Jon Matthews
Available in Kindle and paperback editions on Amazon.
Baseball Cards at the Edge of War
The story of the 1941 baseball season, told through the cards, players and events of an unforgettable year.
The summer of 1941 produced one of the greatest seasons in baseball history. Joe DiMaggio assembled his record 56-game hitting streak. Ted Williams pursued—and achieved—a .400 batting average. Around them, established stars and emerging players competed during the final months before America entered World War II.
Baseball Cards at the Edge of War: 1941—The Games, the Gum, and the Glory explores the season, the players, the companies that produced the cards and the pasteboard treasures that preserved their stories.
Created with contributions from Eric Goulberbery, Ed Atanasio, Todd Bolton and others, the book combines baseball history with the fascinating story of the cards issued during this pivotal year. Available in paperback on Amazon.
About Todd
Todd R. Marcum spent his career in advertising and public relations, writing everything from headlines and television commercials to speeches and feature stories. His work has earned dozens of advertising and public relations awards, the American Advertising Federation Silver Medal and induction into the Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications Hall of Fame.
Todd lives in Roanoke, Virginia, with his wife, Rhonda. When he isn’t writing or helping clients, he enjoys collecting baseball cards, playing guitar, hiking and pursuing whatever adventure happens to come next.
For interviews, appearances or conversations about writing, baseball cards—or candy corn—contact Todd at todd@toddmarcum.com.