Shangana Press In Print and More
The presses are rolling. The readings are events.
Shangana Press was begun in 2022 in Portland, Oregon, by Portland’s own Gemma Whelan, in concert with her husband, Adam Liberman. Shangana
Press is a traditional publisher, meaning authors do not pay to have their work published, and acceptance is currently by invitation only.
Gemma's first novel, “Painting Through the Dark" was published in 2022 by a NY publisher who subsequently disappeared (he literally left the country), leaving over 100 authors in the lurch. I published an article about my experience and how it led to the founding of Shangana Press. We then decided we could also publish others. We now have four books in our roster" said Whelan.
Shangana Press titles are distributed worldwide and are available from your favorite bookseller. Shangana Press’s most recent releases include: Even So, This Song by Lisa Dart, The Bird You Are by Lisa Dart, and Madonna of the Cat by Sue Mach. Adding to her rich body of work, Gemma Whelan has two published novels, Painting Through the Dark and Fiona: Stolen Child. Her energy is presently focused on completing and publishing her third novel. Gemma recently directed Madonna the Cat, her latest theater work, which garnered excellent reviews throughout its run.
“Shangana Press is a home for authors to dream; for readers to imagine; a place of revelation and possibility. We want the author to feel empowered by having their words in print. We want them to take pride in holding a well-made volume of their work in their hands and in sharing it with others. We are a small press and not equipped to do major promotion.
For local authors, we can set up bookstore and library readings,” said Whelan.
Gemma Whelan’s versatility from a literary perspective is unimaginable. She is a literary architect in many literary genres. Her husband, Adam Liberman, is in union, helping create literary excellence over many years in Dublin, Ireland, and Portland, Oregon. Gemma Whelan prevails as an Author, Freelance Director, and Educator. She is a highly educated literary driving force. Portland is blessed to have her talents amongst us. Gemma founded the Portland Irish theater company Corrib Theater and served as its director for 10 years, 2012-2022. Adam’s expertise lies in theater sound design.
From life and from the stage, Gemma knows drama: “She gets the simultaneous thrill and catch-in-the-throat nervousness of landing in a place You've never been, on your own in a strange city or strange country, with no plan of action but to feel its presence, start moving, and go from there.”
—Bob Hicks, Oregon Artworks.
The Irish Theater Tour will be celebrating its 10th Year over 10 days (July 13-26) in 2026, led by Gemma and Adam. Its actually the 10th anniversary (since the first was in 2016), but due to COVID, it’s the 7th trip. Those who sign up for the Irish Theater Tour will attend eight performances at world-renowned theatres in Dublin and Galway (during the Galway International Arts Festival). All participants will have the opportunity to meet with leading Irish playwrights and theatre artists. It doesn’t end there; day trips and other activities are also planned. In 2025, trips to Kylemore Abbey, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Burren were part of the Irish Theater tour package. “I want people to feel they have gotten an entree into theatre in Ireland, experienced some amazing performances, met with Irish theatre makers, and gotten a feeling for the country, the landscape, the culture,” said Whelan.
Gemma Whelan loves her bicycle too.
