About Sofa Ink Publishing
Owner David Cowsert has seen plenty of horrible things, heard, and used, horrible language, and he was tired of the same scenes and language being used cheaply in writing classe and writing groups he participated in.
Aspiring writers David taught or worked with as a peer often hid lack in their work through sensationalism, attempting to artificially create suspense, tension, excitement, and the other ebbs and flows of prose through shocking language and scenes that had no real power beyond polluting the mind and darkening the mood of the reader. There is absolutely a place for strong language and scenes. Life is often dark and so will be painted as such in art. But life can be otherwise and even horrible events and tremendous tension can be portrayed in prose in ways that keep a reader feeling clean mentally and light emotionally. Commercially, sensationalism is easily available in all forms of media.
Sofa Ink seeks to provide wholesome material that does not preach. It is easier on David's mind, soul, and heart. Our readers seem to agree it is a positive venue for them as well.
Ink & Paper Group, LLC
Recognizing a need to grow quicker for sustainability as a full-time publisher, David also wanted to test some theories on collaboration and team effort. After initial investigation in April 2006, David invited six individuals who were graduates of or students in the master's program in publishing at Portland State University. All six are exceptionally talented and David felt together they could make a great company. Four of the six agreed to make the attempt. Ink & Paper Group, LLC, was the result with the company legally formed in the state of Oregon in July 2006 and with an operating agreement and place of business in October 2006 in southeast Portland, Oregon.
Moving Forward
As of October 23, 2007, Sofa Ink became again a sole proprietorship under founder David Cowsert. The company has relocated from the beautiful green and rains of the Pacific Northwest to Utah with its own rugged beauty and, most important to David, his mother and two of his siblings.