White Ghost in China: March 2008

Kellmann, co-author to sign 'White Ghost' books Sunday at Cafe' Co.
Written by Dave Marner
Wednesday, 12 March 2008
He’s an inventor and now a published author. Raised in Owensville, Gary Kellmann returns to town for a book signing scheduled Sunday for the novel “White Ghost in China” which he’s co-authored with college friend and business partner Mike Kuhn, of St. Louis. Kellmann and Kuhn will sign copies of the book from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 16 at The Cafe´ Company.
The Owensville High School graduate’s inventions include the blinking belly-botton lights which were all the rage several years ago. Since then, Kellmann has relocated to China where his experiences in the sometimes seedy businessworld of a heavily populated Asian nation provide much of the background for the book’s main character — Ben Stillwater. Kellmann said he was inspired to keep a journal while living and working in China. He told The Republican he was at first sensitive to the Chinese diet and its pollution but overcame both.

“I was also one of the few white ghosts, a term that Chinese Nationals call Westerners, living in my city, located in the factory districts of Shenzhen, China,” wrote Kellmann recently. “I learned how to deal with thugs, business sharks and was fortunate to find a friend who became my mentor. He taught me about China’s ancient history, tutored me in Mandarin, and helped me assimilate into modern Chinese culture. China has proven to be a wonderful puzzle of ancient civilization colliding with the modern world.”

Noise, from non-stop construction in a city of 7 million people where he was living, 20 million if you include the surrounding region, is a constant. Looking out his window gave him a view of 27 construction cranes in action around the clock. The pounding is constant as equipment jackhammers into the bedrock to secure footings for new skyscrapers.

“I really appreciate Owensville more and more now that I’m gone,” said Kellmann this week from Wildwood, Mo., where he’s working on getting their book shipped out. “I never thought I’d ever say that. I couldn’t wait to get out of here after high school.”

The book has real life romance, said Kellmann.

“Ben Stillwater went to China to make his fortune, buying into the country’s manufacturing millenial gold rush, but what began as a quest for successful business became a personal search for his own soul,” notes the “White Ghost in China” web site (www.whiteghostinchina.com) which includes ordering information. “With the mafia hot on his heels, a million-dollar business deal hanging in the balance after a lead paint scare, and the appearance of a compelling ghost, Ben also finds himself in love with a mysterious Xiao who teaches him Mandarin, Mah Jong and the traditions of a vast country.”

Kellmann notes his journey to China, after selling his U.S. businesses in 2004, eventually led to his “sharing my life with a special Chinese National.”

He met and fell in love with his fiancee, Ting, while working in Shenzhen. With assistance from U.S. Congressman Kenny Hulshof and his staff, Kellmann is working on obtaining visas for Ting and her daughter, Wei Wei, 9, (pronounced Way Way) in hopes they will join him permanently in Missouri this summer. He expects that to be quiet the shock for them as they do not see stars in the sky where they live.

The sounds of night in the large cities of China consist mostly of construction and traffic. Kellmann said he can’t wait to see Ting’s and Wei Wei’s reactions the first time they hear insect and animal noises at night from the woods of his family’s farm.

Kuhn joined Kellmann in writing the book because its based-on-true-events aspect is inspiring and offers a glimpse of the Chinese culture and the country’s magnitude. “I knew this book was to be a part of my life’s destiny,” Kuhn said, “and after traveling to China and visiting with my good friend Gary, I was smitten by the history and culture.”

Kuhn and his wife, Nora, live in the St. Louis community of Wildwood. They are scheduled to appear at the book signing with Kellmann. White Ghost in China sells for $13.88 and available on-line or at fine bookstores. Kellmann said Farmers Merchant in Owensville is planning to stock the book following the release party.

Like his experiences in China, the book examines Ben Stillwater’s search for his own destiny.

“With a foot planted firmly in two different cultures, would Ben rally to save someone’s life as well as his own?” asks the promotional material for the book.

“Ben’s journey inspires readers to find their destiny within, and challenges them to face their doubts, fears and actions that ultimately become their own life stories.”

Kellmann and Kuhn meet in 1988 while both attended Southeast Missouri State University. Kuhn, an elementary school teacher, also had interest in the publishing business along with creative writing. Together they formed White Ghost Global, LLC, and co-authored the novel based on Kellmann’s experiences in China.

“With a firm belief in the do-it-yourself business philosophy, and the ambition to spread their message of ‘love and destiny’ they created a small publishing company, using their strong supply side, marketing and distribution contacts in America and China,” notes their web site. “Although the authors have compressed time and created amalgams of several real-life characters, many of the adventures of White Ghost in China are based on actual events.”