Mega marketing with Mini Money with Valerie Allen

Valerie Allen will present, Mega Marketing with Mini Money to help authors develop successful selling strategies. The workshop is on February 7, 2015 and will focus on marketing in real time, how to use  hard copy materials, and using social media. It will be held at the West Melbourne Library, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The cost is $15.00, seating is limited, and pre-registration is required. Please contact Valerie for more information and a registration form.  VAllenWriter@cs.com

~ Valerie Allen ~

VAllenWriter@cs.com                                          ValerieAllenWriter.com

Black River by Tom Lowe

 

 The sixth novel in the Florida-based, Sean O'Brien, mystery/thriller series was just released.   The book is called BLACK RIVER.   Here's a link to it on Amazon.

 

About Black River

 

When an old man sees an unidentified Civil War photograph of a woman in the newspaper, he begins a desperate search for a 160-year-old painting that he believes will match the image of the enigmatic woman in the photograph, and if it does, it will prove that his great, great grandfather did not run from battle. After the old man hires Sean O’Brien to find the mysterious painting, O’Brien discovers it’s linked to a secret letter and map that will lead to a trapdoor where a hidden key to the most horrific war on U.S. soil lies buried in mud at the bottom of a river. It's also linked to a new murder, and there are those who will stop at nothing to keep the information hidden because to bring it to the surface will re-write American history.

About the Author

Tom Lowe's latest mystery/thriller novel is BLACK RIVER. It marks the sixth book in the Sean O'Brien series.  The next book to be published featuring Sean O'Brien is CEMETERY ROAD.  Tom is an award-winning documentary writer/director whose films air nationwide on PBS. As he writes his books, Tom draws from his travels around the world and his background as a print and broadcast journalist. Tom is a sailor, windsurfer and SCUBA diver. He lives in Florida with his wife and two dachshunds. .

Silent Scream to be shown on ID Channel

Yvonne Mason's true crime novel Silent Scream will be shown on the ID channel on Jan 4,2015 at 10:00 pm EST. This is the story of the victims of Gerard Schaefer, Florida's first serial killer.

Local Author Gives Back to Youth

Award-winning author to teach free advanced writing program at Suntree Library 

 

Melbourne, Florida, December 28, 2014 — “My books are meant to entertain, inspire, and empower the next generation.” –Jaimie M. Engle

One of Jaimie M. Engle’s favorite aspects of being an author is sharing what she has learned with kids who are excited about writing. In 2015, she will be offering a free creative writing program for advanced writers. The program will be held at Suntree Public Library located at 902 Jordan Blass Dr. in Melbourne under the guidance of Youth Coordinator Scott Hague. Classes will run from 4:30-5:30 on the 4^th Thursday of the month during January, February, March, May, August, September, and October.

What can students expect?

Students will have time to practice in class, and if they don't finish they can choose to complete the assignment at home or not. Homework is optional. “My goal is to get students excited about expanding their writing skills beyond character, plot, and setting using advanced techniques to deepen their stories,” explained Engle. The class will be very fun and interactive, encouraging kids to write about what they love and to get outside of their comfort zones. Students must have substantial writing experience.

   “You inspired our somewhat apathetic learner to strive for excellence in his writing skills. Thank you!” –Becky & Steve Hoyle, homeschool parents

Many young writers know about the main pillars of novel construction, such as character, plot, setting, and theme. During this FREE program, they will learn how to implement minor touches that will transform their stories into potential novels, such as:

• Plotting Coincidence

• Forcing Change

• Motivation & Lies

• Tension

• Tell, Don’t Show

• Calm Before Storms

• Seeing the Story god

• World Building

Incorporation of a seven step revision process, basic query letters, and submission practices will be included.

Students will learn:

1)        A written, tested process for editing their own manuscripts through revising, reading aloud, and playing back recorded clips before submitting to beta readers for final stage revisions

2)        How to incorporate techniques that will deepen the reality of the story world and the real life existence of make believe characters using characters in literature as examples

3)        Understand the proper formatting and purpose of a query letter, how to construct one, and how to submit to agents and editors

Students from 13 and up are welcome to attend.

Author Bio

Jaimie M. Engle is a freelance writer for Space Coast Living Magazine and several other publications. She published her debut middle-grade novel, Clifton Chase and the Arrow of Light, in 2013 and signed with her agent shortly thereafter. Engle is a national conference and classroom speaker, writing coach, editor and regularly teaches writing to Homeschool students. She volunteers with elementary schools & offers free library writing programs. Visit www.jaimiengle.com to learn more.

Congratulations to Joe Richardson

Joe Richardson's book Fire Angels received Honorable-Mention in Writers Digest self-published e-books contest. According to WD info, there were over 680 entries. 

Positives and Negatives, Tricycles and Pancakes by L. Davyd Pollack

Book Description

Raymond Pollard is a successful businessman, husband, and father. He has a beautiful family, a spectacular home, and though it wasn't always like that, now life is good. On the surface things couldn't get any better, especially for his son BJ who was abandoned by his birth mother shortly after he was born.

Having surmounted the challenges life throws at them, father and son not only survive, they flourish. Ray finally has his ducks in a row and everything is just as it should be. But appearances can be deceiving and in Ray’s case, his past is about to catch up to him with one goal in mind, even the score. In a fast-paced story with unexpected twists and turns, Raymond Pollard meets his match—the enemy within. Only this time, he doesn't have to do it alone. With the help of friends, family, and especially his son BJ, Ray finds the courage to confront his demons and protect all that he loves . . . by risking all that he has.

Available now: www.LDavydPollack.com and Amazon

--------

Author

L. Davyd Pollack was born and raised in South Florida. He attended the University of Florida and with a lot of hard work, and even more luck, eventually graduated with a degree in Construction. Back then, he had every intention of becoming a contractor and building buildings in Florida until he retired.

After fifteen years in the construction business, he became disillusioned with his chosen profession and spent the next five years trying to find a new source of fulfillment. It was while struggling to make one of his business ventures work, and failing miserably at it, that Davyd decided to try something outside the box. He started to chronicle his life in a daily log (a journal), and for him, it marked a new beginning.

150,000 words later, it occurred to him that writing a novel might be something he could do. He’s been writing ever since.

Florida Romance Writers JANUARY Meeting

DATE: Saturday, January 10th, 2015

TIME:  9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport Hotel, 1825 Griffin Road, Dania 33004

COST: $22 per person/member, $25 non-member; includes buffet breakfast

DIRECTIONS: I-95 to Griffin Road exit (Exit 26). Go east on Griffin and make a right at the first light into the Sheraton parking area.

PARKING: Self-parking is free of charge. Take a ticket when you enter and when you leave be sure to tell the parking attendant you were attending the FRW event.

PROGRAM: Put me in Coach!

It’s you and a giant blank screen. Sometimes a writer needs help getting off the bench and into the game, but only you can write your book…so no pressure. If you have the skills, great. If you don’t, there are people, places, and multiple resources waiting for you. Writing is a process, but no one will take away your birthday if you don’t accomplish it all. Promise. In this fun and interactive class, we’ll be sharing tips and tactics to motivate the reluctant creative writing brain and prepare you to get off that bench. Plus every attendee will be entered to win a twenty minute book coach session.

BIO: Traci Hall and Christopher Hawke

Traci Hall is an award-winning author who writes genre fiction for both adults and teens. Believing in Happy Ever After, she pens stories guaranteed to touch the heart while transporting the reader to another time and place. She has taught workshops from world building to marketing, has been President of the Florida Romance Writers, and is the co-founder of Community Authors, an author service company for writers who don’t want to do it all. For more information about Traci, please visit TraciHall.com.

Christopher Hawke has utilized the latest in information technologies, design, and marketing to ensure the success of companies in many fields. After writing two acclaimed novels on spirituality and reality, he followed his passion for teaching, information technology, and marketing to publishing and helped create the one-stop author service company, Community Authors. He is working on his next novel and co-leads writing workshops every week. For more information about Christopher, please visit ChristopherHawke.com.

For more information about their author services, please visit CommunityAuthors.com­.

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: Please e-mail Edi Ojeda at ediojeda@comcast.net for a reservation and visit us at: www.frwriters.org

JANUARY 17, 2015: MYSTERY WRITERS OF AMERICA, FLORIDA CHAPTER, LUNCHEON

GUEST SPEAKER:              Dr. Karen Dodge

Program:  “Personality Disorders: The Weird, the Wild, and the Wacky”

What’s the difference between a psychopath and a sociopath? A narcissist and a borderline?  Just what is a personality disorder, and what (if any) is its relationship to crime? How can you create realistic characters who have personality disorders?  Using case examples from her practice and research and from popular culture, a renowned expert will discuss types of personality disorders and what drives these individuals.

Karen Dodge, Ph.D., is Director of Neuro-rehabilitation at Caron Renaissance, a nationally-leading addiction treatment facility located in Boca Raton.  She is a specialist in the treatment of dual diagnosis (addiction coupled with mental or personality disorders) and in the science of the addicted brain.  Among her extensive background in treatment and research, she has participated in a research project on the brain activity of serial killers.  Dr. Dodge holds a Ph.D. in social work from Florida International University.

DATE:  Saturday, January 17, 2015

TIME:  11:30—Social mingling; 12:00—Luncheon and Business Meeting

PROGRAM:  1:00—“Personality Disorders: The Weird, the Wild, and the Wacky”

PLACE:  Doubletree by Hilton (formerly Deerfield Beach Hilton), 100 Fairway Drive, Deerfield Beach, 33441 (east at Hillsboro Blvd exit from I-95.)

COST:  $25 for MWA members; $30 for non-members.  Please note that those who do not reserve and prepay will pay $5 extra at the door, and be seated only if space is available.

RESERVATIONS/PREPAYMENT:   To reserve and pay through PayPal, visit the Chapter website http://mwaflorida.org/events/monthly-meetings/#lunchmeet, fill out the “Sign up for Luncheon meeting,” and click the “Pay Now” PayPal button.

To reserve and pay via mail: email rwymer55@aol.com with the subject line "MWA January Meeting" to reserve a spot.  In the body of the email, please include your name, the name of any guest you have invited, your email address, and telephone number.  Then write your check or money order payable to  “Mystery Writers of America/Florida Chapter'' and mail to Rick Wymer, 13900 Carlton Dr., Davie, FL 33330.

NEXT LUNCHEON IS SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015:  Please save the date.

Valerie Allen, psychologist, speaker, and author has published 'Tis Herself: Short Story Collection, Volume One.

 

The short stories in this collection focus on small, and the not so small, events in the lives of ordinary people. Readers will laugh and cry as they encounter the twists and turns of dealing with everyday life. Each story explores our common and universal experiences and follows the emotional ups and downs of relationships. The reader will wonder at the foolishness and the wisdom, of old and young alike, as their decisions and actions forever shape the course of their future. 

 

Contents include: Split Second Timing, Puppy Love, No Goin' Home, A Mother's Love, A Marriage of Convenience, I Remember Momma, Leisureville, Potty Talk, Mother Knows Best, Second Chance, The Penalty Box, and Home for the Holidays.

 

'This Herself: Short Story Collection, Volume One is available as a book, an ebook, and in LARGE PRINT editions.

 

~ Valerie Allen ~

VAllenWriter@cs.com                                          ValerieAllenWriter.com

Four Days with Hemingway's Ghost by Tom Winton

 

With more than 300 outstanding reviews on Amazon alone, it seems many readers are finding Jensen Beach author Tom Winton's Four Days with Hemingway's Ghost to be hugely inspirational. The suspenseful book has been an Amazon bestseller several times and climbed as high as #18 on the Barnes & Noble chart.     

Description:

After big-time Hemingway fan Jack Phelan falls into a coma following an accident, he somehow finds himself in Key West, Florida, literally rubbing shoulders with his longtime hero. 

The legendary author has been sent down by “The Main Man in the clouds” to see if Jack has what it takes to write a book for Him. And though Hemingway knows that his findings may very well determine whether Jack lives or dies, he doesn’t have a clue that the book is going to be about him. 

Over the next four days, Jack and Hem not only knock around Key West but they also travel to some more of the legendary author’s old haunts. Together the two meet up with many of Hemingway’s long gone friends and have some rollicking good times. But during their journey they are also forced to go nose to nose with some things that are not at all fun and games. They both face highly-emotional tests of strength as well. But wait. That’s not all. After their time together ends is when things really get out of hand.

About the Author

Said to be a man who writes with his pen dipped in his soul, Jensen Beach author Tom Winton has been listed as one of Amazon's Top 100 "Most Popular Authors" in both Literary Fiction and in Mystery, Thriller and Suspense. 

Tom's novels have been likened to such classics as Catcher in the Rye, To Kill a Mockingbird and more. His titles are Beyond Nostalgia, The Last American Martyr, Four Days with Hemingway's Ghost, Within a Man's Heart, A Second Chance in Paradise, and a short story collection The Voice of Willie Morgan.

AMAZON  

BARNES & NOBLE  

KOBO  

APPLE  

Events at Murder on the Beach Bookstore January 2015

Booksignings

Thu Jan 15 at 7 pm.  James W. Hall will speak and sign Big Finish $25.99.

Fri Jan 16 at 7 pm.  Tami Hoag will speak and sign Cold Cold Heart 27.95.

Book Clubs
Sun Jan 18 at 3 pm.  The Sunday Sleuths book club will discuss Robert B. Parker's Lullaby by Ace Atkins 9.99.
Tues Jan 20 at 630 pm.  The Tuesday Murder Club will discuss Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz $9.99.

And coming in February:
Feb 10 Tim Dorsey
Feb 13  Gregg Brickman
Feb 24  Charles Todd
Feb 25  David Putnam
Feb 28  Vicki Delaney

-- 

America: Where Great Things Happen by Donald L. Gilleland

About the book

Every single day, wonderfully exciting things happen in our country, but you would never know it from the news coverage.  The philosophy that seems to drive headlines is:  “If it bleeds, it leads.”

We are blasted out of our chairs daily by television commentators announcing “breaking news,” which is almost always negative, and sometimes rehashed old news. 

You won’t find that in America: Where Great Things Happen.  Instead, you will find uplifting and inspirational tales that will bring a smile to your face and make you feel proud to be an American.

You will find coverage of incredibly talented young people and exciting senior citizens who do things you would never expect; corporations and community organizations that feel a sense of responsibility to the public; good Samaritans and organ donors who risk their lives to save people they don’t even know; Americans who overcame disabilities or wretched childhoods to achieve unimaginable success; and inspirational, humorous and encouraging stories that will just make you feel good to be an American.

            America: Where Great Things Happen is a feel good book!

About the Author

Politically independent, Don is a frequent contributor to Florida Today and TC Palm, both daily newspapers, and Vero’s Voice, a monthly community magazine. 

He has over 500 published articles in a variety of nationally and internationally circulated magazines and newspapers, and two published books, America: A Cultural Enigma, published in January 2014,  and America: Where Great Things Happen, published in November 2014. 

Don and his wife, Peggy, have been married for 55 years.  He is an Evangelical Christian who serves as an usher at the Calvary Chapel Melbourne/Viera church located in Viera, Florida. 

Both books may be purchased online at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and BooksaMillion.com; or signed copies may be ordered directly from me at www.donaldgilleland.com. Click on America: A Cultural Enigma.  Online purchases will include a shipping and handling fee.  He sells America: A Cultural Enigma for $17.00, America: Where Great Things Happen for $15.00, or both combined for $30.