SleuthFest for Mystery, Thriller, Suspense Writers St. Pete, May 15-18

SleuthFest provides writers at any point in their publishing journey with techniques to improve their craft, information on publishing, marketing, and the business of writing, along with insight from best-selling authors, industry professionals, and forensics experts.

We also give authors networking opportunities that are an invaluable component of any writer’s toolkit. MWA and other Florida writing group members (including Sisters in Crime, Crime Writers of Color, and Florida Writers Association) $400.

Non-MWA members: $425. Registration.

May 15-18, 2025

Hilton Bayfront

St. Petersburg.

SFW Member Robert Heron Merits FAPA Bronze Award for Novel

Robert Lewis Heron: Wanted to let you know that I received the 2024 FAPA President’s Book Award (Bronze) for my Sci-Fi novel called The First HumAIn. I have also been notified the book has also been awarded a semi-final place in the 2024 FWA Awards.

I could not attend the FAPA award ceremony in Orlando as I was on vacation in Scotland.

Between Brenda Spalding and me, I think SFW is doing pretty well.

Regards, Robert Lewis Heron.

About Brenda Spalding and The Snake Traders

Brenda Spalding, SFW member: The Snake Traders is a Gold Medal winner from the Florida Authors and Publishers Association and is book three in the Florida Wildlife Heroes Series featuring Florida Wildlife Fish and Wildlife Commission officers Seth Grayson and Liz Corday Grayson. Yes, they got married at the end of book two, The Turtle Thieves, which won a silver medal from the Florida Authors and Publishers and a bronze award from the Florida Writers Association.

Book one, The Alligator Dance is a Readers Favorite Award winner but was not finished on time for FAPA or FWA.

Book four is in progress with a working title of, Panther Tracks, and set in the Big Cypress Preserve.

This series is inspired by events that actually did happen in Florida. I have added my own fictional spin, a little romance, a little chasing the bad guys and dropping a few dead bodies along the way. Check out my new website and my once a week blog. Ask a question or make a comment.

www.brendaspaldingauthor.com

Lucy Tobias Releases Newest Book Sept. 9 at Bookstore1

Member Lucy Tobias talks and signs her latest book Floating in Florida Monday, Sept. 9 from 5-6 pm. at Sarasota Bookstore1 in the Loft.

The event is free and you can register for a headcount at Eventbrite.

Her contacts suggest the broad and deep publishing achievements:

Website: www.LucyTobias.com

E mail: greatwalks@gmail.com

Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SeaAsterGallery/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucy.b.tobias

Labyrinth Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/walkinglabyrinths/posts/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcChXFFKLa6DHwSUcgouXHw

Wednesday Notes: https://lucytobias.substack.com/p/wednesday-notes-e07

Pivot Point Podcast: https://lucytobias.substack.com/p/pivot-point-with-dr-ceil-bare

Mark Mathes: It’s been a pleasure working with Lucy since the late 1980s when I hired Lucy to become the first environmental and nature write at the Ocala Star-Banner, where I was executive editor 1986-1994. Her fine work was distributed throughout the 35-newspaper New York Times Regional Newspaper Group.

Dave Pearce of Bradenton Publishes New Green Charisma Series

Dave Pearce, FWA member: The Green Charisma reality adventure series has enjoyed ratings success. To raise a larger audience, Ian “Mac” MacIntyre and his actors attend a fan convention.

When the Chromium Confederation, a group of fanatical robots, attacks the convention, they take a child and her robot chaperone hostage. As fate would have it, that kid happens to be the niece of one of the show’s actors. The Green Charisma crew gives chase, back to the captors’ lair on a foreign moon. After a setback, Mac and his actors learn that kidnapping the kid’s robot chaperone is tied into plans for a military conquest of a neighboring planet. Available here. The latest book was released August 28 and is available free on Kindle Unlimited.

Jacqueline Sullivan Wyco of Venice Publishes Memoir/Self-Help Story of Her Father's Battle with Alzheimer's and Her Own Fight to Protect Him 

Jacqueline Sullivan Wyco of Venice has published Fear Knocked, a 64,000-word non-fiction book. She tells the story: My father’s signs of Alzheimer’s grew and multiplied but I didn’t add them up. The truth was there, and it revealed that my father was under attack by a slow-moving, unrelenting, and merciless disease. By the time I got involved as my father's legal advocate, Marie, my father's second wife who married him after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, had already implemented her plan to take control over my father. It was a betrayal I never saw coming. My father never wanted a treatment that would extend his life, but Marie convinced his primary care physician that what I voiced for my father wasn’t what he wanted. Even when I proved, as his advocate, that I upheld his choices, it didn’t change or stop Marie from pursuing what she wanted. This once-agreeable family member became an opposing force I did not recognize, and she tried to remove my father from our lives when he was nearing the end of his.

About Jacqueline: Jacqueline Sullivan Wyco is the author of Fear Knocked. Jacqueline was born and raised in the West Roxbury neighborhood of Boston and currently lives in Venice, Florida. Daughter of a Boston Firefighter and a stay-at-home mother, Jacqueline Sullivan Wyco grew up in the 1970s when violence exploded in the city and America’s economy shifted into an all-out crisis. As a kid, she heard her father repeat, “Fear knocked, faith answered and there was nobody there,” and she believed as she grew older, she could make it through anything, no matter what the challenge. 

Jacqueline cooked for thirty years, in every aspect of the business, from restaurants to country clubs, fine dining, catering, restaurants, independent living, and everything in between. Jacqueline worked as a chef and a manager for Boston’s Hebrew Senior Life when the institutionalized nursing home was being restructured. As the industry’s priority evolved, the aging-in-place model of care brought forward what it meant to treat the most vulnerable with more compassion and understanding than ever before.

In 2008 Jacqueline embarked on a new career as a massage therapist and focused her business on the health and well-being of the aging. She reached out in her community on Cape Cod, Massachusetts to councils on aging, assisted living, and independent living where she provided presentations on the benefits of massage and reiki. Her clients ranged in age, and many struggled with physical and cognitive challenges. Jacqueline believed knowledge was power, and she conducted workshops that engaged seniors and wrote newsletters to share what she thought could help them.

When Jacqueline married a Worcester firefighter, she moved and began her career in a new city. She discovered a non-profit organization that provided all types of therapeutic services for those with cancer, from the newly diagnosed to clients who transitioned to end-of-life care in hospice. She had been trained as an oncology massage therapist, manual lymphatic drainage practitioner, and a Reiki master/teacher and she provided these therapies to clients seeking to feel whole again. At the Healing Garden, she worked with people who faced unforgiving diagnoses and she witnessed the resilience of those who had suffered the unimaginable. Jacqueline is driven to help those who are vulnerable. Through her career, she has connected with people on a profound level, a place where few professionals ever have the privilege of entering.

Jacqueline's call to action: Why you need to read this book.

She’s building a newsletter data base that asks:

Full Name

Enter your name

Subscribe to our email

Stay informed with the latest updates, exclusive content, and upcoming releases from Jacqueline Sullivan Wyco.

Her website has at least four cover blurbs, including this powerful endorsement: “You’re not responsible for what you don’t know but once you do then it’s your responsibility to attempt to change or fix it.’ To this day, Jacqueline is attempting to right an unbelievably broken system. The lessons learned were profound.”

—Kathy Minehan—Co-Leader WINGS CISM Team, Massachusetts.

Jacqueline worked with book designer Nancy Koucky, NRK Designs, Bokeelia. Nancy spoke last year at our SFW meeting on design basics. Nancy created the cover, interior design, proofed the galleys with Jacqueline and Mark and also designed marketing collateral. This included two-sided color bookmarks which can be signed and a two-sided post card for targeted mailing. Jacqueline has used the postcards to build awareness, announce the Amazon ebook pre-order discount, to thank dozens of sources quoted in the book, to offer ARCs to reviewers and to build interest in appearances for upcoming trips to Boston, New England and the Southeast.

Meet the author on Instagram.

Jacqueline is using a selection of keywords that can be changed for testing effectiveness:

#author #meettheauthor #daughter #patientadvocacy #powerofattorney #eldercare #endalz #alzheimers #boston #firefighter

Jacqueline is using LinkedIn for regular posts, likely weekly. She changed her bio headline to move "author" to the top of her skills.

On TikTok, Jacqueline has created a photo carousel slide show of her father and their family through the years.

Member Mike Sisti Publishes On the Brink

SFW Member Mike Sisti has published On The Brink, Chaos and Mayhem at the Office, a coming of age novel. This gripping story races from a Manhattan schoolyard to the untamed wilderness of the Adirondack Mountains, then back to the alcohol-fueled halls of the 1960s New York advertising world. Based on true events, it’s a tale that takes your emotions on a rollercoaster ride. In July, he offered the book at a special rate.

Sarasota Libraries Hosts Off the Page Again. No Local Authors Announced.

Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources unveiled the 2024 line-up for Off the Page literary celebration, launching Nov. 1. This year’s program will feature best-selling authors Amor Towles, Soman Chainani, Chef Edward Lee, Rebecca Renner, Curtis Sittenfeld and social media influencer Oliver James. Hosted across all 10 county library branches, the celebration includes local authors, writing workshops, book signings, outreach events and more. All events are free and open to the public.

Off the Page is a literary celebration hosted by Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources throughout November. Events include author talks and book signings by bestselling authors, writing workshops, and more with all 10 library locations participating and partner locations, Ringling College of Art and Design and Hermitage Artist Retreat.

Every year a new artist is selected to create the Off the Page illustration. The 2024 illustration was created by David C. Gardner, a former artist for Walt Disney Animation Studios, who continues his visual development work for animation and teaches illustration at Ringling College of Art and Design. He lives in Sarasota.

Presenters include:

Soman Chainani Thursday, Nov. 7| 6 pm. Shannon Staub Library.

Bestselling author of The School for Good & Evil series, now a major motion picture from Netflix.

Amor Towles Friday, Nov. 8 | 7 pm.  Venice Performing Arts Center.

Bestselling author of Table for Two, Rules of Civility, and A Gentleman in Moscow, now streaming on Paramount +.

Chef Edward Lee Tuesday, Nov. 12, 6 pm. Shannon Staub Library. 

Celebrity chef and James Beard Award-winning author of Buttermilk Graffiti.

Oliver James Wednesday, Nov. 13, 3 pm Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library.

Wednesday, Nov. 13, 6 pm. Fruitville Library.

Social media influencer and motivational speaker is known for inspiring audiences worldwide with his personal journey to literacy.

Rebbecca Renner, Thursday, Nov. 14, 6 pm. Selby Library.

National Geographic contributing writer and author of Gator Country.

Curtis Sittenfield, Saturday, Nov. 16, 3 pm. Selby Library.

Acclaimed short story writer and novelist, bestselling author of Prep, American Wife, Eligible and Romantic Comedy.

Angie Cruz Friday, Nov. 1, 5:30-6:30 pm.  Hermitage Artist Retreat, 6660 Manasota Key Rd., Englewood.

How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water - The Works of Angie Cruz

Angie Cruz' most recent work How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water was chosen for The New York Times 100 Notable Books of 2022 and The Washington Post 50 Notable Works of Fiction. Presented in partnership with Sarasota County Libraries and Ringling College of Art and Design, put your toes in the sand on the Hermitage Beach and hear from this gifted writer as she reads from her work, shares thoughts on the creative process, and opens insights into what is next for her.

Elaine Romero, Elsie Quirk Library, 100 W. Dearborn St., Englewood

Walking the World Within – A Hermitage Playwriting Workshop. Hermitage Fellow, award-winning playwright, and highly regarded educator Elaine Romero will help you dive deeper into your own self. Romero will offer a series of exercises designed to circumvent your writing expectations and lead you to your own stories within. This interactive workshop is open to writers of all levels and interests. The only prerequisites are an open mind and a desire for creativity! Please wear comfortable clothes as the conversation is planned for outdoors with some seated stretching; please bring both pencils and pens.

Off the Page schedule and presenters.

Sarasota History Center Features ‘Now Arriving’ and Recycling Exhibits

The Sarasota County History Center has two new exhibits. "Now Arriving!" explores the evolution of the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport from its early days of stunt planes and dirt runways to today’s modern facility. Enjoy historical photos, a detailed timeline, and artifacts showcasing aviation history. Additionally, the "Recycling Our Past: The C.B. Wilson House" exhibit highlights the rehabilitation of this historic home at Urfer Family Park. Discover how preserving historic buildings not only retains community character but also saves energy and resources. "Recycling Our Past" is on display through the end of 2024. Sarasota County History Center.

Florida Writers Association Lists Program for Oct. 18-20, Orlando

The Florida Writers Association Conference is Oct. 18-20 in Orlando. Attendees have the option to add on one 2-hour small-group workshop. Led by experts in their fields, small-group sessions will provide you unique opportunity to generate some of your best work. Workshops are an additional $50 and are limited to 15 participants.

Rick Bettencourt: Microsoft Word Mastery: Transform Your Documents

Ginnye L. Cubel: Marketing Strategies for Multi-Passionate Writers

Mary Flynn: Open Mic Prep Session

Sarah Fisk: Writing a Standout Query Letter

Cathy Fyock: The Speaker Author: Sell More Books, Book More Speeches

Gail Ghai: Elevating Your Poetry with Similes and Metaphors

ALSO: 30 workshops & presentations tailored for writers.

Publishing Perspectives Panel

Royal Palm Literary Awards banquet.

Conference information.

The collapse of Romance Writers of America. New York Times.

New York Writers Coalition, decades-old creative writing hub, to close its doors. Gothamist.

Eco Authors Carl Hiaasen, Spencer Myers at Sarasota Summit

The recent Eco Summit + Expo in Sarasota debut featured keynote speaker Carl Hiaasen. Member Lucy Beebe Tobias said the two-day event was superb. Here, author Hiaasen is joined by fellow author Spencer Myers who is the creator of the Derk Bryan ecological thrillers. “Save the planet. Save yourself ,” he says on an attractive bookmark for his Dead Wrong book. EcoBuzzBooks.

Relive the TW Festival with Our 2024 Show Reel!  

Revisit the 2024 Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival: a five-day New Orleans affair for readers, writers, and theatre lovers. Includes footage from TWFest, along with our LGBTQ+ Literary Festival, Saints and Sinners, and our new theatre festival, The Last Bohemia Fringe Festival.

TW contest details here.

Takeaways from the Tennessee Williams New Orleans Literary Festival: Ten things from volunteer Mark Mathes, who's worked it around 14 years.

Author Donn Fleming Dies in Sarasota

Donn Fleming: In Sarasota, he worked at Ringling Museum and Mote Marine, while selling his books by The Old Salty Dog on City Island.

Susan Klaus: Donn Fleming, a well-known and highly respect author of local thrillers, passed away July 31. He was a great guy and will be missed.

His obituary in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune:

Donn Fleming, a Sarasota author born in New England, passed away after a sudden brief illness on July 31, 2024. He was a son to the late Norman and Nila (Crawford) Fleming.

Donn is survived by his two daughters, Jennifer (Fleming) Mango and her husband Tom, Jillene Fleming and her partner Brad Wilson, and his nieces and nephews, Pam (Klaus) & Mark Laushway, Cindee (Klaus) Elliot, Nancy (Simoneau) & Mike Nadeau, Mike & Debbie Simoneau, David & Debbie Simoneau, their children, and cousin Carlene Adair. His newfound love and partner, Sheila Foley, also survives him. He will be missed by his band of brothers (aka the kindergarten club). Donn was predeceased by his parents, his sisters Betty Ann Simoneau and Beverly Mae Klaus, his late wife Elizabeth (Bets) Boiteau Fleming, and his niece Jeanne Richards.

Donn was known for his adventurous spirit and his passion for creativity and entrepreneurship. He channeled this into self-publishing 4 murder mystery novels, 1 poetry book, and opening 2 fashion boutiques, among other endeavors. He was a graduate of Western New England College with a BS in English Literature. His fashion retail life was spent at Chess King, J. Riggings, and opening his own boutiques Gentleman’s Affair and Boston Ltd. He bartended at The Pier House in Key West and The Publick House in MA. In Sarasota, he worked at Ringling Museum and Mote Marine, while selling his books by The Old Salty Dog. He will be missed by his OSD friends who became our extended family. His warm-hearted nature and zest for life left a lasting impact on everyone he met. His legacy of love, laughter, and adventure will forever be remembered by those who had the privilege to know him.

Memorial services for Donn will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Donn Fleming Memorial Fund https://everloved.com/life-of/donn-fleming to help our family continue the legacy of our beloved father’s work.

Mark Mathes remembers Donn: Susan Klaus introduced me to Donn at one of her Sarasota Authors Connections meetings at the Fruitville Branch Library. Susan and Donn were among the best connected storytellers in Sarasota. The rest of the story.

SFW Members Invited to Hear Book Editor Gilbo on Zoom, Thanks to Kevin Kuhens

Our Sarasota Fiction Writers members are invited to join a Zoom meeting with the Southwest Florida Fiction Writers to hear book editor and coach Savannah Gilbo, thanks to an idea by our member Kevin Kuhens.

“The SWFFW board is happy to share our March 23 monthly Zoom meeting with the Sarasota  Fiction Writers. We're hosting Savannah Gilbo, who will present a workshop on writing structured scenes,” says vice-president Rena Koontz. It will be at 11 a.m. EST on March 23, 2024. I'll send the president Mark Mathes the Zoom link the Sunday before the meeting and he/she can share it with the Sarasota members.”

“We are a mix of authors as well, ranging from children's to suspense to cozy to regency and historical to terrorism -- I always plug Kevin! SWFFW does not have a newsletter that we circulate. Any news, we post on our private members group and usually on our Facebook page. All of our meetings and events are posted there as well as our website. Our monthly Zoom meetings are recorded and available to members who were unable to attend in person for about 30 days after the meeting, or whenever Zoom decides to delete it. I'll be happy to send that recording link after the meeting.” Here's our website.

“Anyone who loves the session and wants to join our group can do so for $40/year. We only offer one free meeting before folks are required to join. Feel free to share my email.

Here is a short description of Savannah's Scene Workshop

"Scenes are the building blocks of story. And if you can learn to write a scene that works, you’ll be well on your way to writing a story that works. In this presentation, Savannah will walk you through how to write well-structured and engaging scenes using scenes from popular novels as examples."

Savannah Gilbo is a certified developmental editor and book coach who helps fiction authors write, edit, and publish stories that work. She’s also the host of the top-rated Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast, where she delivers weekly episodes full of simple, actionable, and step-by-step strategies that you can implement in your writing right away. When she’s not busy crafting her own stories, you can find Savannah curled up with a good book, a cozy blanket, and her three dogs.

Life Celebration for Award-Winning Author DL Havlin Jan. 20

Dennis Lee Havlin Sr. passed away peacefully in the presence of his family on July 31, 2023.  In his personal life, Dennis was a husband, father, and grandfather. But he was much more to many more people. In his 82 years he was a businessman, an entrepreneur, a softball and football coach, a fishing captain, speaker, and award-winning author. During his time in Florida he resided in Lakeland, Narcoosee, Lake Alfred, Haines City, and spent his final years in Bokeelia, Florida.

A celebration of life event is being planned for January 20, 2024.

Dennis was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on April 18, 1941, to the late Ralph and Luella Havlin.  He was raised in Cincinnati and Fort Myers, Florida.  He graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a bachelor’s degree in business and quickly moved to Lakeland, working for 23 years in a wide range of capacities for the FMC Corporation.  Mentoring people was always a priority in his life and in that time, he was active in coaching football, softball, and leading the Campfire Girls.  He also honed his love for the outdoors, primarily fishing, camping, and bird hunting.  He was a phenomenal fisherman and a friend once joked, “I swear he could catch fish out of a bathtub.”

After retiring from FMC, Dennis continued entrepreneurial endeavors such as owning/operating Ramp Manufacturing, and a boat/fishing captain adventure company.  He then turned his energy toward his passion for writing and speaking. Dennis has published twelve of his works in mystery/history genres and received over a dozen accolades for his writing efforts. He had a lifelong passion for history, especially for Florida history and had become an in-demand speaker touring through the southeast. He also enjoyed leading seminars teaching other aspiring writers in the craft of storytelling and character development. 

Dennis is survived by his wife of 42 years, Jeanelle (Cooley) Havlin, children Lori Funk (Michael) and Dennis Jr. (Dorothy), and four grandchildren, Bradley and Branden Funk, and Natalia and Dennis Havlin.

We are certain Dennis has rejoined his family and friends that have proceeded him, undoubtably around a campfire in the sky, listening to country radio, taking an occasional sip of bourbon, and telling tall fishing tales.  He will be loved, cherished, and missed until we rejoin him as part of God’s plan.

The Onion Back in Print, and other literary library news. Book Riot.

Book excerpt: The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin. CBS News.

Reflections on James Baldwin's magnificent life from those who knew him. NPR.

10 reasons to love James Baldwin, in honor of his 100th birthday. Lit Hub.

How a Dallas author released her first novel at age 80+. Garden and Gun.

In early science journalism, these women were writing for their lives. Scientific American.

Meet the author: Stephen O. Sears of Sunniland. National WWII Museum.

Marine vet arrested after self-publishing book about storming US Capitol on Jan. 6. Military.com.

Love in the time of Hillbilly Elegy: On JD Vance’s Appalachian grift. Lit Hub.

How Unabomber Ted Kaczynski loomed in the mind of an “obsessed” novelist. Orange County Register.

I am falling apart, but will I finish my novel? Esquire.

The art of giving up (and starting over) as a novelist. Lit Hub.

How I wrote a book in 15 minutes a day. Fast Company.

The first American Graphic Novel? Go Back to Old Newspapers.

D.D. Degg, The Daily Cartoonist: What is the first American graphic novel? The first book to call itself a graphic novel is Will Eisner’s A Contract with God (1978); it’s not a graphic novel, though, at least not in the sense of being a novel. It’s a short story collection. It’s not a genre short story collection, though, and that was unusual at the time. But still not a novel. Also 1978 is going to be a hard sell for first of anything. So, let’s look back; all the way back. The first comic printed in America is The Adventures of Obadiah Oldbuck, which appeared as a newspaper supplement in 1841 and a book in 1849. At eighty pages of continuous picaresque story, it’s certainly a novel. But it is immediately disqualified for not being American. It’s an unlicensed ripoff of an unlicensed British ripoff of a Swiss comic by Rodolphe Töpffer! You can’t just make your Eurocomics American through translation and crime! More commentary here.

Stephen King names the Stephen King novels he’d rescue from a fire. Far Out Magazine.

Stephen King's two favorite movie adaptations of his books. SlashFilm.

Stephen King’s five-word response to Tim Walz running mate pick. Miami Herald.

Jack Kerouac’s hand-drawn cover for On the Road (1952). Open Culture.

Carl Hiaasen on Bad Monkey becoming a TV series. CBS News.

White Robes and Broken Badges exposes the inner workings of the Ku Klux Klan. NPR.

Lauren Groff Plans Gainesville Book Store to Carry Florida Authors, Banned Books

Craig Pittman: Up 'til now, the biggest celebrity in the book-selling business in Florida has been Judy Blume, who will wait on you personally at her Books & Books at the Studios in Key West. Recently, a new name joined the ranks: Lauren Groff, author of such books as the short-story collection Florida. The publication Shelf Awareness broke the story that the bestselling novelist and her husband, Clay Kallman, plan to open a bookstore in Gainesville called The Lynx. The store "will sell new books for all ages, with an emphasis on Florida's literary history and, especially, books currently banned in the state," the story says. "We have such a rich and varied literary history that no one knows about," said Groff, explaining the need to promote the works of such Florida authors as Zora Neale Hurston, Edwidge Danticat and Jeff VanderMeer. On X (formerly Twitter), she said she was "putting my money (like, all of it) where my mouth is." You tell 'em (and sell 'em), Lauren!

Member Kevin Kuhens Presents at Island Bookshop Jan. 20

Kevin Kuhens: I’d like to invite the SFW membership to my presentation on Terror’s Sword, my award-winning #1 bestselling thriller involving a bioterror attack on America.  I’ll be describing my background and how it came into play for the writing of my novel. The event is hosted by the Venice Island Bookshop and will be held in the art gallery they own at the opposite end of their building in downtown Venice on January 20. There’ll be a reception with refreshments followed by my presentation.

Saturday, January 20, 2024

6 to 7:30 pm

Reception with refreshments (6 pm) & presentation/book signing (6:30 pm)

Hosted by The Venice Island Bookshop

Reception and Presentation will be held at Collectors Gallery & Framing (same building)

206 Miami Ave W, Venice, FL 34285

Member Lucy Tobias Shares Book Marketing, Social Media Links

SFW member and author Lucy Tobias shared some information about her book marketing and social media. About my YouTube channel - I put up short nature videos, bring them in iMovie, give titles, sometimes music - and incorporate them into Wednesday Notes. Here is my blog from two weeks ago: it leads with a video from Key West Butterfly conservancy.

Website: www.LucyTobias.com

E mail: greatwalks@gmail.com

Etsy shop.

Facebook.

Labyrinth Facebook page.

YouTube.

Wednesday Notes blog on Substack.

Pivot Point podcast.

Dona Lee: Tips on Reviewing Books by Members on Amazon, Goodreads

Dona Lee: To help with the book reviews, as promised, I am enclosing tips for writing a review that gets accepted and how to mention any problems honestly while still providing a four-star or five-star rating. I hope you all will purchase the two ebooks each month. They will be on price promotion at 99 cents each, making it a verified purchase rather than the free rating. Please, even if it is not your genre, check out the books and mention what you like about while stating it isn't your normal reading fare.

I am doing this for ALL of you. I receive nothing, except maybe some good vibes in return. If I can devote this much time to all of you, please see if you can find the time to help our fellow local writers. Plotting Success July newsletter.

Thank you. I plan to provide TWO books each month. Do your best, that's all I ask. Tips here.

Dona Lee, Plotting Success

July 1 Only: Sarasota Author Dan Dana’s Books Free on Amazon

All of Sarasota author Dan Dana’s eBooks will be free on July 1 only. On Amazon here.

“Download all on July 1, read/rate/review at your leisure,” he said.

For Father’s Day, Dan wrote a tribute: My Dad at 150.

Excerpt: My Dad at 150

14 December 1874 — 22 April 1955

on this Father’s Day

we’re getting up there in years

you and I, Old Man

my mythic totem,

you are who I’ve strived to be,

in fatherless dreams

His website here.

His new book Diary of a Young Man: His final two months of Army service in Vietnam—set free to pursue his pent-up dreams, hitchhiking through Central America—joining a cluster of hippies on a remote Mexican beach—recovering from a motorcycle crash with village priests in Honduras—struggling to find a path to his future on a sailboat in Panama.   Follow the author’s astonishingly candid daily jottings in this unique journal—once discarded, then recovered fifty years later, never intended to be seen by others. 

Peek inside this unedited, unabridged, uncensored time capsule of a pivotal six months in a young man’s life and in America’s counter-cultural revolution—all fact, no fiction. 

Vietnam vets, their families, aging hippies, and others who experienced this seismic chapter of the American story may find themselves in these salvaged pages.

Sarasota Experience Turns PBS Cameras on Community

 “The Sarasota Experience,” the WEDU documentary directed and produced by Shaun Greenspan, is literally the talk of the town. “Come look at me in this movie,” said one disheveled traveler to a commuter while the two were sitting on a bench at the downtown transfer station for the Sarasota County bus. “I’m on YouTube.”

Lots of documentaries win fans among history enthusiasts, cultural elites, subject matter experts and the like. But if anecdotal evidence is any indication, “The Sarasota Experience” has captured the hearts of people who don’t typically embrace the genre such as young audiences and those on the fringes of society. Sarasota Observer story by Monica Roman Gagnier.

When the documentary was screened at the Sarasota Opera House on April 13, WEDU CEO and President Paul Grove said he had never seen so many young people at the venue. One obvious reason for the wide appeal of “The Sarasota Experience” is the filmmaker himself. At 44, he is relatively young and spent his formative years here, having moved to Sarasota from Connecticut when he was 12. He is at home in the city and among its different cultural subsets.

Joan Voyles Has Her Story in Storm Stories Anthology

Congratulations to Joan Voyles on the launch of Storm Stories: Hurricane Ian. Her short story “My Hurricane Ian Adventure” was chosen by Gulf Coast Writers Association for inclusion in their Hurricane Ian Stories of Survival, Heroism, and Humanity. Eighty victims of Hurricane Ian, whose lives changed the day the monster storm hit the southwest coast of Florida, tell their stories of survival, loss, heroism, humanity, and resilience. These first-person, true accounts of the most disastrous hurricane to hit Florida in eighty-seven years are heartfelt, sad, harrowing, uplifting, and sometimes even funny. The book can be purchased on Amazon or free for Kindle Unlimited here.

People of The Book with Mitch Albom in Sarasota Dec. 4

The Jewish Federation of Sarasota is thrilled to kick off its People of The Book series and welcome internationally renowned and bestselling author, journalist and musician Mitch Albom in-person on December 4. Collectively, Albom’s books have sold more than 40 million copies worldwide, beginning with his breakthrough books Tuesdays with Morrie and The Five People You Meet in Heaven. His new book, The Little Liar: A Novel is a moving parable that explores honesty, survival, revenge, and devotion, set during the Holocaust. All ticket buyers will receive a signed copy of his book!

Filmmaker Damon Gameau headlines a Sarasota conference on nature and the environment. Sarasota Magazine.

Author Neil Gaiman hands a free history lesson to those attacking “They/Them” pronouns. Scoop Upworthy.

Neil Gaiman really just wants to write. Gizmodo.

Neil Gaiman MasterClass Review: Still worth the money. The Write Practice.

SouthShoreAuthors.com: Showcasing Tampa Bay’s finest literary talent. Osprey Observer.

Sarasota County Library Off the Page Literary Festival begins. Sarasota Magazine.

Authors bring the “write stuff” to a Sarasota literary festival. MySuncoast.com.

Opinion: The Elvis of the literary scene is L.A.'s own Raymond Chandler. Los Angeles Times.

Ahead of James Patterson's new book release, the author spills on his writing essentials. USA Today.

Dolly Parton has spent over $500 million on books for kids for a sentimental reason. The Things.

Danielle Steel's love affair with writing has translated into an enormous net worth. Parade.

2022 FAPA Award Medalists. Specifics to Come August 5

Robert Jacobs: We are proud to announce the 2022 FAPA President’s Book Award medalists! Our thanks, again, to the many librarians, educators, and publishing professionals who served as judges this year and to the incredibly talented authors who submitted their books.

We will be announcing the final places and presenting gold, silver, and bronze medals at the 2023 FAPA President’s Book Award Ceremony, which will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2023 in conjunction with our annual conference, FAPACon 2023.

If your book is listed below and was entered in multiple categories, you are definitely a medalist in at least one of them, and you may have won in the other categories you entered as well. You’ll have to wait for the awards ceremony to find out. FAPACon 2023 will be held on Friday and Saturday, August 4 and 5, at the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace in Orlando.

The Awards Ceremony is a separate ticketed event from FAPACon 2023. Each person attending the Awards Ceremony, including children, must have their own ticket.  You can register for both the conference and the awards ceremony through our webpage or use the link: https://www.myfapa.org/fapa-con  2022 FAPA medalists.

Michael Connelly on rescuing Maddie Bosch, fighting book bans and more. He’s speaking at the Times Festival of Reading in St. Pete this month. Tampa Bay Times.

Author Michael Connelly proud that ‘Bosch’ has become longest running streaming character. AP.

Brenda Spalding Continues Compiling SW Florida Author Events

Brenda Spalding: As some of you have heard, I resigned as the president of ABC in April and we are also looking for a new treasurer if the group is to continue.

However I am still attending author events in the area. I will let anyone interested know what is happening when and where just like I used to. Here are upcoming 2023 author events in SW Florida.

If you want to be included on a list to be notified about events let me know. Email here. I will not send information to anyone not on the list.

Some events like the Venice Community Center or the Englewood Sports Center may give out more space than a single author needs. If you are interested in sharing a space let me know. I'll have a list of authors looking to share space.

The Venice Community Center is not assigning space on first come, first served this year. Spaces will be given out by drawing. I have applied but don't know if I'm in or not.

I will not be arranging a space for you. I will give you the information and it is up to the individual author to follow through.

Dave Barry’s 2023 in Review: Yes, the Situation Is Hopeless.

Dave Barry: It was a year of reckoning, a year in which humanity finally began to understand that it faces an existential threat, a threat unlike any we have ever faced before, a threat that will wreak havoc on our fragile planet if we fail to stop it — and it may already be too late.

We are referring, of course, to pickleball. Nobody knows where it started. Some scientists believe it escaped from a laboratory in China. But whatever its origin, it has been spreading like rancid mayonnaise ever since, to the point where pickleball courts now cover 43 percent of the continental U.S. land mass, subjecting millions of Americans to the inescapable, annoying POP of the plastic ball and the even more annoying sound of Boomers in knee braces relentlessly telling you how much fun it is and demanding that you try it. Anchorage Daily News.

Miami Herald humor columnist Dave Barry built his syndication platform the way authors do: the personal touch. Appearances and talks on the chicken dinner circuit. This led to successful books, international syndication of his weekly newspaper columns and his special series.

Mark's commentary here on working with Dave Barry's humor over the years.

Galveston, where Gulf Coast stormy noirs abound. CrimeReads.

Waco author self-publishes first book, becomes instant best seller. KWTX.

Marc Jaffe, publisher of paperback hits, is dead at 102. The Boston Globe.

NYT bestselling author Greg Iles writes letter to his readers revealing multiple myeloma diagnosis. The Real Book Spy.

My favourite fictional character: George Smiley is unattractive, overweight, a terrible dresser – and a better spy than James Bond. The Conversation.

James Grippando: 30 years of lightning bolts, percolators, and other sources of inspiration. CrimeReads.

How Truman Capote’s Esquire stories ruined his life. Esquire.

The books by Southern authors that made us laugh out loud. Garden and Gun.

Thirty years of Savannah’s Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Garden and Gun.

40 years ago, one kids book (Dr. Seuss) dared to explain the worst things in the world. Fatherly.com

The hunt for Jack Ryan’s owner: Heirs to end fight for Tom Clancy’s golden goose. Baltimore Banner.

Takeaways for Authors from the Florida Writers Association Conference

Mark Mathes: QR codes are back. Members use the scannable codes on their bookmarks, business cards and books themselves. Speakers use QR codes for easy access to handouts and one-sheet collateral. More takeaways from Mark Mathes.

The quality of independently published book covers in the 2023 Royal Palm competition is exceptional. More authors seem to be investing in professional designers.

Fiction writers can get professional and technical tips for their thrillers and mysteries. An example is the excellent presentation: What mystery writers need to know about forensics by Lisa Black. And, Avoiding the info dump in created worlds by Janice  Hardy.

Book marketing does not need to be expensive. Ask Nancy J. Cohen, who presented on book marketing on a budget.

FWA supports its members with a custom-published book anthology. The 2023 addition is called Secrets. It includes over 220 pages of entries from general members and a special section called NextGen Writers for its high school and college writers. It was edited by Paul Iasevoli. The paperback builds awareness for member authors, for the organization and is available with ISBN for easy access.

The FWA has developed a fresh way to honor the Book of the Year. FWA bought 50 copies of All the Salt in the Sea by winner Tammy L. Harrow. Attendees could pick up a copy at no charge with the idea of an honest book review. Yes, I enjoyed a book that I didn’t know about and contributed a review.

AI is stampeding ahead and authors are trying to learn. Sessions like AI: The good, the bad and the ugly were well attended and drew curious questions.

Authors are realizing in this Amazon era that compiling email lists is one of the most basic ways they can identify their readers, and develop direct relationships with them through email marketing. Amazon, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok are not the author’s friends.

Author, Activist James Baldwin Born 1924

Author and activist James Baldwin, born 99 years ago in 1924, on self-examination: “I still believe that the unexamined life is not worth living: and I know that self-delusion, in the service of no matter what small or lofty cause, is a price no writer can afford. His subject is himself and the world and it requires every ounce of stamina he can summon to attempt to look on himself and the world as they are.”

Mark Mathes on editing one of the most recent biographies  of James Baldwin in 2015-16 at Pelican Publishing in New Orleans:  Commentary here.

How Baldwin and the Atlanta Child Murders Changed True Crime

Sarah Weinman on James Baldwin, the Atlanta child murders and the evolution of true crime writing.  The celebrated writer James Baldwin felt called to explore the Atlanta child murders, first in a long essay for Playboy, and then in The Evidence of Things Not Seen, published in 1985, two years before his death. Baldwin was two decades removed from the height of his celebrity, when The Fire Next Time (1963) had made him the philosopher-king of the civil rights movement, whose work was supposed to bring order out of mounting chaos, and who was unfairly expected to alleviate white guilt and offer them hope as a salve. But by the early 1980s, America had soured on Baldwin. This change in attitude about Baldwin may explain why the initial critical response to The Evidence of Things Not Seen was one of widespread bafflement. Baldwin had no interest in adhering to a typical true crime narrative, or even traditional narratives at all. His lambasting of the Atlanta Police Department and of the city’s governmental bodies was a song on repeated refrain, but most people just wanted to turn the music off. His reporting was introspective: while he did visit crime scenes and bore witness to the loved ones left behind, Baldwin ultimately concluded that he could not impose himself upon the parents of the murdered children after they had already suffered such grievous and continuing losses.

Celebrating James Baldwin, on what would have been his 100th birthday. NPR.

Colm Tóibín on James Baldwin’s enduring, international influence. Lit Hub.

The brilliance in James Baldwin’s letters. The Atlantic.

Reflections on James Baldwin's magnificent life from those who knew him. NPR.

To us, he was James Baldwin. To them, he was Uncle Jimmy. Esquire.

A century of James Baldwin. Lit Hub.

A bookstore named for James Baldwin in New Orleans is counting down to his 100th birthday. NPR.

Jonathan Galassi remembers his friend, the great editor Robert Gottlieb. Lit Hub.

Behind the bleak, beautiful stories of Cormac McCarthy. Smithsonian Magazine.

Michael Connelly on his path to the top of the crime fiction world. Lit Hub.

Brenda Spalding a Semifinalist in FWA for her Turtle Thieves

Author and SFW member Brenda Spalding has been notified by the Florida Writers Association that she’s a semifinalist for her latest series book, The Turtle Thieves.

This entry now goes to final judging. “We will notify all semifinalists of their finalist status on a rolling basis. It is a painstaking process, and we thank you for your patience. Again, this year we will be reading a portion of award-winning works at the Banquet in Oct. If this work becomes a finalist, we will ask you to provide a 50–100-word excerpt which, if you win an award, will be read from the podium while you make your way to the stage to collect your trophy, to

the applause of your peers and colleagues!

Mark Mathes edited The Turtle Thieves and other books in the series.

Florida Writers Con 2023 is October 20-22.

The RPLA awards will be announced at the Saturday, October 21 banquet.

As always, it will be a celebration of all writers and writing. You may register for the conference here.

Member Pamela Mones a Semifinalist for Her Debut Mermaid Novel

From member Pamela Mones: Just wanted to tell the SFW group that I was recently notified that my debut novel, A Deadly Mermaid Fetish, is a semi-finalist for the Royal Palm Literary Award by the Florida Writers Association. Winners will be announced at the FWA group's conference in Orlando, October 2023.

Fingers crossed. But no matter, it is still quite an honor to be considered.

Attached is the 'badge' that came with the notification.

Royal Palm Awards Open for Entries in 28 categories

Royal Palm Literary Awards (RPLA) is a prestigious writing competition that recognizes extraordinary writing in 28+ genre categories for adults and 4 for youth and provides objective and constructive written assessments to all entrants. Published and unpublished works; fiction and nonfiction; short works and book-length; and poetry are welcome. The RPLA submission period runs February 1–April 30, 2023. Or until we reach 550 submissions. Entry fees apply and you can take advantage of lower fees by submitting early. Download the guidelines to view the entry fees and submission requirements. We're actively seeking volunteers to help with RPLA! Including judges and rubric coordinators. See the Volunteer section below for more information. Submit here.

FAPA Improves Strategies for Authors Podcast/Video

FAPACon 2023 is just around the corner. Everyone who is planning to attend should book their rooms now. It’s very easy to do through our website. Just click on the FAPAcon website to register for the conference and book a hotel room at the discounted conference rate.

On another topic, we are modifying our “Successful Strategies for Authors” program. Originally titled “Practical Tips for Authors,” this program offered FAPA members the opportunity to attend monthly zoom classes on various topics pertinent to both new and experienced authors. Afterward, recordings of these classes were uploaded to FAPA's YouTube channel and posted to our website, allowing our members to view them at their leisure. Scheduled for the third Wednesday of the month, “Practical Tips for Authors” never seemed to attract many attendees. So, starting in September 2023, we renamed it “Successful Strategies for Authors” and modified our marketing plan. Unfortunately, attendance didn’t improve. This is understandable as most of us find it difficult to commit ourselves to attend a class on a Wednesday evening, especially when we can watch it later at a more convenient time. We are modifying the overall concept of our “Successful Strategies for Authors” program to skip the scheduled classes and go directly to the YouTube Channel and website posting. The monthly Zoom classes will be replaced with video sessions on our website and YouTube Channel. This is where you come in. We are seeking experts who wish to share their knowledge, experience, and expertise. 

Please let me know if you have an idea for a session topic, are interested in creating a video, or already have a video recording of a session that you would like to share. Each video session should be about ten to fifteen minutes long.

Send ideas to robert.jacob@myfapa.org

2023 FAPA President's Book Awards Now Open

2023 FAPA President's Book Awards is open for submissions!

Click here for information. 2023 FAPA President's Book Awards

Submission Fees: $75 for members /$95 for non-members.

Registration is open until April 30, 2023

Each year the Florida Authors and Publishers Association sponsors the FAPA President’s Book Awards, which recognizes book publishing excellence and creativity in design, content, and production for authors and publishers.

James Lee Burke on Hemingway, Orwell, US Battle against Fascism

The work of James Lee Burke functions as a searchlight, exposing and illuminating the contradictions of the American experience. Full of grand beauty and haunting brutality, Burke’s novels and stories, like the country in which they take place, map a collision course between heroic idealism and corruption, exploitation, and evil. Burke is most beloved for his series of novels chronicling the struggles and triumphs of Dave Robicheaux, a New Iberia, Louisiana detective with the sheriff’s office, and a separate series about the Holland family, which includes a sheriff and a Texas Ranger.

Burke uses the genre of crime like Miles Davis used the trumpet. It is an instrument for artistic exploration, not a limitation. Throughout his prolific career, Burke has examined all the hallmark subjects of the police procedural, while also inspecting race, movements for social justice, war, environmental degradation, and the most salient subjects of American debate.

He returns with two books – the profound short story collection, Harbor Lights, published in January, and the novel forthcoming in June, Clete, which makes Robicheaux’s popular sidekick, Clete Purcel, the protagonist. Harbor Lights provides riveting episodes of characters battling to maintain virtue – sometimes their own, sometimes their community’s – against hate movements, and supernatural forces of evil. Clete deals with the same topics, making it read like a rollicking continuation of Harbor Lights. CrimeReads.

Book editor Susan Larson interviews James Lee Burke, whose new book is Clete, and Kent Wascom about his new novel, The Great State of West Florida. The Reading Life free podcast here.

James Lee Burke brings sidekick Clete to the fore. Tampa Bay Times.

Eight books by authors who have also engaged in journalism. CrimeReads.

Babysitters Club Cover Illustrator of Venice Recalls His Iconic Work

Hodges Soileau, whose cover illustrations defined the series for a generation of readers. And while admits he has never read a book in “The Baby-Sitters Club” series, he has come to realize the major role his cover artwork played in how a generation of readers experienced the books.

After the 80-year-old artist, a Venice resident and former part-time Ringling College of Art and Design instructor of 16 years, began placing the covers on sale, he was greeted with an enthusiastic response. Story by Ian Swalby in the Sarasota Observer.

From left: Rachel Jakes, John Jakes, and Shannon Staub. Special thanks to Shannon Staub for providing the lovely photo.

Sarasota Library Remembers Best-Seller John Jakes

John Jakes was an American writer who specialized in historical fiction and speculative fiction. John Jakes was a founding member of the Library Foundation for Sarasota County, which works to ensure a strong public library system in our area. A spokesman says: He left an indelible mark on literature with his vivid portrayals of people and places from the past. We honor him for his dedication to bringing history alive through the stories he wrote, which span multiple centuries and genres. His books are a Sarasota County favorite and are sure to continue to make an impact for generations. We salute John Jakes, a great writer and library lover, whose work lives on.

Discover his books in the library catalog.

John Jakes, First Person: My Search for John D. MacDonald In 1979, I’d never been to Sarasota. But the writer I admired most in America lived there—and so we set off. By John Jakes. Sarasota Magazine. April 24, 2014.

John Jakes (1932–2023), North and South author. Legacy.com

John Jakes, whose historical novels hit the jackpot, dies at 90. The New York Times

Too Big for Words: Siesta Key’s Forgotten Fiction King Kantor

He died deep in debt, but MacKinlay Kantor wrote bestsellers, won fiction’s great prizes, hung with Hemingway and brought celebrities to Sarasota, writes Louis Llovio of the Business Observer. There was a time when the most famous writer who ever lived made his home in Siesta Key. While that lofty title is based on the tall tales he told his children, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist MacKinlay Kantor was one of the most famous and bestselling authors in the country, if not the world. For a time. This was in the middle decades of the last century, the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, back when a writer could still be a celebrity, grace magazine covers and make the society pages. This was a time when you could be a star if you knew how to tell a story. And Kantor could tell a story. He wrote more than 40 books, published countless short stories, was a war correspondent and wrote the original screenplay for the Oscar-winning film “The Best Years of Our Lives” and the book it was based on, “Glory for Me.”

Alan Paul Publishes Brothers and Sisters about Allman Brothers over 50 Years

ll the cool kids were listening to country rock in the 1970s, and no album did a better job of melding those two styles of American music than the Allman Brothers Band's '73 release, "Brothers and Sisters." It features the irresistible smash hit "Ramblin Man," written and sung by longtime Sarasota and Bradenton area resident Dickey Betts. In fact, the underrated guitar hero from here in Florida composed every original song, except two, on the album that propelled the band to superstardom. It was this thrilling era of the Allman Brothers, when they were the biggest band in America, that helped inspire Cameron Crowe's classic 2000 film "Almost Famous" and is now the focus of Alan Paul's excellent book "Brothers and Sisters," which is being published July 25 by St. Martin's Press, writes Wade Tatangelo of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Yes, this summer marks the 50th anniversary of "Brothers and Sisters," and to commemorate the occasion, we have Paul's book with the same name as the LP and subtitled: "Brothers and Sister: The Allman Brothers Band and the Inside Story of the Album That Defined the 70s." Few, if any, journalists are more qualified to write about the Allman Brothers than Paul. His previous book, "One Way Out," is a fascinating oral history written with the band's participation, capturing various highs and lows from the 1960s right up to the years just before their final show in 2014. Paul's latest Allman Brothers book, though, is even more rewarding.

Miami Book Fair Unveils Poster for Nov. 12-19 Events

A highlight of every Miami Book Fair is selecting a different artist each year to create a work of art that embodies what MBF is all about. This year that torch is being held by Jose Chocce, a Peruvian artist and graphic designer based in Miami who’s currently a senior in the BFA in graphic design program at New World School of the Arts. His work investigates the persistence of visual systems around us and attempts to reduce content with graphic clarity to be embedded into memories. Combining minimal composition with illustrations and design, Chocce simplifies information. He brings a playful energy to projects while working in many different mediums.

All Seasons Press Sues Author Mark Meadows for Lying — Or For Then Telling the Truth?

In a filing that deftly blends unintended comedy with performance art, publisher All Seasons Press sued author Mark Meadows in a Sarasota, Florida state court on Friday, alleging breach of contract in his publishing agreement. They seek payment of approximately $3 million in expenses, potential lost profits, and “reputational harm.” The publisher says that they are acting based on unconfirmed press reports that Meadows testified before a grand jury in exchange for immunity “that neither he nor President Trump actually believed…claims” that the 2020 presidential election was fraudulent. Publishers Marketplace.

Publisher All Seasons Demands $350,000 Advance Returned, $600,000 Expenses

Mark Meadows, the former White House chief of staff during Donald Trump's administration, was sued on Friday by the publisher of his 2021 book. According to the publisher, All Seasons Press, Meadows violated an agreement regarding false statements by including untrue claims in his book about the 2020 presidential election. The publisher is asking to be paid back the $350,000 advance they gave to Meadows, as well as $600,000 in additional compensatory damages for expense and $1 million in reputational damages. Newsweek. "As a result, public interest in the book, the truth of which was increasingly in doubt, precipitously declined, and ASP [All Seasons Press] sold only 60,000 of the first 200,000 printing of the book," the company wrote in the suit.

Times Festival of Reading Returns Nov. 12. Book Editor Bancroft Honored.

There’s good news for book lovers. The Tampa Bay Times Festival of Reading, consigned to virtual-land since 2020 because of Covid-19, will return – live and in person – this year. The newspaper’s books editor, Colette Bancroft, says the 30th annual event will take place Nov. 12 at the Palladium Theater – a shorter run than in previous years, at a new venue, and with between six and 10 authors giving talks and selling their wares (instead of the usual 30-plus). Details here. “It means that instead of having to write 45 book reviews, I have to write eight,” laughs Bancroft, who’s been the Times’ books-keeper since 2007. Another reason: Fewer people and smaller crowds are just practical in these not-quite-post pandemic times. Bancroft was honored at the Sunlit Literary Festival April 1 with the inaugural Roy Peter Clark Literary Award, named for the author and Poynter Institute writing instructor (and Bancroft’s one-time colleague at the Times). Bancroft, who serves on the board of the National Book Critics Circle, believes Clark chose to honor her because she is a longstanding – and effective – cheerleader for local authors.

Rene’ Fletcher Illustrates and Writes Her Debut Fantasy

Rene’ Fletcher’s debut novel is now on sale at Amazon. It is a fantasy that takes place in the Devil’s Triangle. Miami is saved from destruction by ancient Atlanteans. Scientists discover Atlanteans living deep within the earth under the Caribbean. It is their destiny to save Miami and work with the Atlanteans. Rene’ drew on her experience living in South Florida, the Bahamas and the Caribbean region.

Rene' has also designed the cover and created illustrations for chapter pages and feature pages. Doug Sahlin did the interior design.

She announced her book trailer. How did it begin? Atlantis disappeared. Rhia and De Da escaped by boat prepared by Poseidon. Watch this brief book trailer: Guardians of Atlantis: 2:15.

Rene’ and Doug Sahlin teamed to create two videos for her debut novel, Guardians of Atlantis: Saviors of Miami. Watch the video here on her Amazon page.

About Rene' on her Substack post: I returned to Florida in 2016 with a great sigh of relief as I walked the beach and watched the sky daily. This was home. My childhood was spent on Key Biscayne and Nassau, which left an indelible mark on my soul. The endless skies with looming clouds and rolling waves changed moods often. The sunlight flickering on the water and the rocking of the waves are at the core of my work. But there is another layer it is the secret of the bursting life in the tropical foliage, which also whispers in my ear. Looking back at my educational career, I can now see Florida and the Caribbean in my paintings. I never could conform to the traditional standards of color. Scale was either the micro or the macro, sky, and water or the delicacies of tropical plants.

Four years at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Arts gave me a grounding, but thankfully never took the sand from between my toes. Obtaining my MFA and BS at Louisiana State University sprinkled a little jambalaya into the mix.

Over the years, I have won many awards and shown my work in Texas, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and Florida.

Mark Mathes edited her book. He grew up in the same small South Louisiana communities that Rene’ knows so well.

Amazon here. Kindle Unlimited and paperback $8.99. 215 pages.

Richard Ford: “I don’t read for comfort. Comfort I source elsewhere.” The Guardian.

Hop in: Richard Ford and Lorrie Moore offer unforgettable summer road trips. NPR.

Jonathan Galassi remembers his friend, the great editor Robert Gottlieb. Lit Hub.

Crime writer S.A. Cosby loves the South — and is haunted by it. NPR.

Behind the bleak, beautiful stories of Cormac McCarthy. Smithsonian Magazine.

Michael Connelly on his path to the top of the crime fiction world. Lit Hub.

Florida Journalist Anne Hull’s Memoir Recalls Through the Groves

A lost world comes alive in Through the Groves, a memoir of pre-Disney Florida. Florida is in the news a lot these days, but the Florida that journalist Anne Hull writes about in Through the Groves is a place accessed only by the compass of memory. Hull grew up in the rural interior of Central Florida during the 1960s and '70s. Her earliest recollections are pre-Disney, almost prehistoric in atmosphere. Hull's father was a fruit buyer for a juice processing company. Every day, he drove through miles and miles of remote orange and grapefruit groves, armed with a pistol and a rattlesnake bite kit. Think Indiana Jones searching for the perfect citrus, instead of the Lost Ark. NPR.

Hollywood loves Elmore Leonard. The feeling was not always mutual. Washington Post.

Publisher showed stoic resilience as he lost house, yacht, everything. Brisbane Times.

Tom Hanks on what Nora Ephron told him about writing. Lit Hub.

Author, Activist James Baldwin on The Unexamined Life

Author and activist James Baldwin, born in 1924. “I still believe that the unexamined life is not worth living: and I know that self-delusion, in the service of no matter what small or lofty cause, is a price no writer can afford. His subject is himself and the world and it requires every ounce of stamina he can summon to attempt to look on himself and the world as they are.”

Mark Mathes on editing one of the most recent biographies of James Baldwin in 2015-16:

Commentary here.

How Baldwin and Atlanta Child Murders Changed Crime Writing

Sarah Weinman on James Baldwin, the Atlanta child murders and the evolution of true crime writing.  The celebrated writer James Baldwin felt called to explore the Atlanta child murders, first in a long essay for Playboy, and then in The Evidence of Things Not Seen, published in 1985, two years before his death. Baldwin was two decades removed from the height of his celebrity, when The Fire Next Time (1963) had made him the philosopher-king of the civil rights movement, whose work was supposed to bring order out of mounting chaos, and who was unfairly expected to alleviate white guilt and offer them hope as a salve. But by the early 1980s, America had soured on Baldwin.This change in attitude about Baldwin may explain why the initial critical response to The Evidence of Things Not Seen was one of widespread bafflement. Baldwin had no interest in adhering to a typical true crime narrative, or even traditional narratives at all. His lambasting of the Atlanta Police Department and of the city’s governmental bodies was a song on repeated refrain, but most people just wanted to turn the music off. His reporting was introspective: while he did visit crime scenes and bore witness to the loved ones left behind, Baldwin ultimately concluded that he could not impose himself upon the parents of the murdered children after they had already suffered such grievous and continuing losses.

Staffing Firm EHS Sponsors Sarasota Area Cookbook to Help Chefs

EHS Recruiting Company, a Sarasota-based staffing firm focused on the restaurant and hospitality industry, has released a cookbook — with proceeds going toward a nonprofit that provides financial assistance to chefs and those in the culinary arts. The book, according to a statement, is “Cooking WIth Friends: An EHS Culinary Adventure.” Business Observer story by Mark Gordon.A cookbook signing was May 21 at Daiquiri Deck on St. Armands Circle, 325 John Ringling Blvd. The cookbook features recipes from James Beard Award-winning chefs Rick Tramonto and Nicola Zanghi, in addition to local chefs Greg Campbell with Pier 22 in Bradenton and The Grove in Lakewood Ranch; Steven Phelps with Indigenous in Sarasota; and Jeremy Thayer with Daiquiri Deck in Sarasota. Other signature dishes in the book are from TV culinary stars including pastry chef Gale Gand; “MasterChef” judge and host Graham Elliott; “Top Chef” alum Ron Duprat; and Food Network’s “Vegas Chef Prizefight” winner Lamar Moore,

Each recipe in the book is accompanied by a story about the chef's career and personal journey, offering readers a unique and personal look at the culinary industry, the release states. The book includes a range of dishes, from classic comfort food to contemporary cuisine, and “showcases the diverse flavors and cultures that make up the American culinary landscape,” the release adds.

Author Ceil Warren Interviewed by Washington Area Host about Her Series

SFW member Ceil Warren was featured on a community literary and culture video program recently with Ralph Peluso on Z-TV. The conversation about writing, New York neighborhoods, friendships and stories radiated the comfortable tone of old friends. They grew up together in a New York neighborhood. Ceil has published her third book in The Stones End Series. She’s at the midpoint of a historical mystery set in Harlem and New Orleans in the 1940s. And she’s mapped out book four in her Stones End series.

Ralph said, “Ceil Warren returns to the discuss the third book in her captivating series When Only Happily Ever After Will Do. The story does not disappoint with its intrigue, emotional twists, and fascinating hijinks.”

Mark Mathes edited her three book series and current manuscripts.

Reading, Writing and Ralph on YouTube. 33 minutes.

Her brother John Warren of Sarasota is also an SFW member. He’s writing a book about Vietnam.

Author/Podcaster Pittman Reports on Elvis, Watergate, Muir & Weird Florida

Elvis in Florida: A new movie about Elvis Presley hit theaters this weekend, writes podcaster, author and journalist Craig Pittman. Guest is Bob Kealing, author of "Elvis Ignited: The Rise of an Icon in Florida" which details the legend's time in Florida, including the critical period between 1955 and 1956 where a young Elvis was transforming from nobody to the biggest star in the world. He visited Inglis/Yankeetown.

The focus of another recent episode, John Muir, was well-known for getting outside. Taking long walks. Communing with nature. In a recent column, Craig encouraged state education officials and teachers to get Florida kids outside, introduce them to the natural places around this state so they can better understand them, more deeply care about them, and, ultimately, more passionately protect them.

Fitting for a recent episode, Craig's latest article for Flamingo Magazine centers on a fiction writer Dawn Lee McKenna highlighting Appalachicola.

Recent guest is Florida historian and author Jim Clark whose latest book details Florida's astonishing literary history which dates back to the 1500s and includes Earnest Hemmingway, Robert Frost, Tennessee Williams, Zora Neale Hurston, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, Hunter S. Thompson, Jack Kerouac, John Grisham, Michael Patterson, Carl Hiassen and countless others. His newest book is called "Florida Literary Luminaries: Writing in Paradise" and was published in May of 2022.

Mark Mathes remembers: Jim Clark is a superb Florida journalist, historian, storyteller and comics writer.

"Welcome to Florida," as always, is sponsored by Visit Sarasota and there's no better place to get outside in Florida than Sarasota. From Myakka River State Park to the world's best beaches, nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts have endless options for exploration in Sarasota.

One of the fathers of the conservation movement, John Muir, set out on a nearly 1,000 mile trek across the South in 1867. He started in Indiana, entered Florida at Fernandina Beach, and concluded his adventure in Cedar Key. Dan Chapman has lived in Atlanta since 2000, covering environmental issues for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He decided to follow in Muir's footsteps to personally experience the ravaged ecological condition of the region. His book detailing the experience is titled, "A Road Running Southward: Following John Muir's Journey Through an Endangered Land."

With the 50th anniversary of the Watergate break-in upon us--an event which would lead to a fundamental change in American politics, society and media--we take a look at the numerous and surprising ways in which the Watergate scandal connects to Florida.

Helping us do so is Garrett M. Graff, author of a new book released in 2022 sharing the full story of Watergate which goes back much further than the break-in.

Craig Pittman's Welcome to Florida podcasts here.

Member Stan Aizin Publishes Global Study of 10 Nations

SFW member Stan Aizin has published a broad and deep nonfiction book examining social problems, innovations and economic challenges in 10 nations. He published the ebook January 1 in the Amazon 90-day exclusivity, then he’ll publish ebooks broad and wide on online storefronts that are strong in the nations he’s covering.  Meanwhile, he’s preparing the print edition for March-April.

The book "Social Innovation - Global Experience" was written to collect outstanding precedents of complex state-level reforms, analyzing solutions that facilitate or hinder their implementation, he says. The concluding chapter provides recommendations on the process of introduction and implementation of social innovations.

The book contains examples of social innovation from 10 countries: Singapore, China, Czechoslovakia, Finland, Russia, Canada, Norway, USA, Iceland, and Portugal.

Price: $30 is optimal for now, especially, to avoid “delivery” charges from Amazon. 

What I’m planning to do with promotions is to create other content: articles, videos, memes (etc.) and mention my book every time in content. Will be using my email list as well, however not sure yet which social networks I’m going to focus on. There’s plenty of new ones popping up recently.

After 90 days I'll pursue more platforms, and try to reach libraries and colleges to get printed versions rolling. 

Personal website is ready https://stanislavaizin.com/

Project website will be up April-May.

Each of the chapters is dedicated to a specific country and structured as follows:

Historical background. In what conditions did social innovations arise, and how were they introduced?

Formulation of objectives. What kind of goal each government wanted to achieve?

Solutions positive and negative. State-level errors and effective steps that may be useful for other countries to adopt.

Conclusions and recommendations.

Mark Mathes edited Stan’s book for the English-language version. His editor and publisher in Russia edited his Russian language version.

Lisa Unger Reveals Next Thriller, Secluded Cabin Sleeps 6

Tampa Bay novelist Lisa Unger: Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six countdown begins! I know it seems like a long way off, but November 8 will be here before we know it. If you're a bookseller, librarian, or book reviewer, don't forget to request your ARC from NetGalley or my publisher. Enter the Goodreads ARC giveaway. And for my loyal readers, this is the perfect time to pre-order the book. It makes a big impact on the release, and is greatly appreciated.

Ringling City, Where Bees Practice for the Circus – Poetry by Jan Ball

Jan Ball has had 364 poems published in various journals internationally and in the U.S. including: ABZ, Mid-American Review, and Parnassus. Finishing Line Press published her three chapbooks and first full-length poetry collection, I Wanted To Dance With My Father. Orbis, England, nominated her for the Pushcart Prize in 2020 and Constellations nominated her for it in 2021.

Her verse Ringling City was published by Deepoverstock.com recently.

Besides her poetry, Jan wrote a dissertation at the University of Rochester: Age and Natural Order in Second Language Acquisition after being a nun for seven years then living in Australia for fourteen years with her Aussie husband and two children. Jan has taught ESL in Rochester, New York and Loyola and DePaul Universities in Chicago. When not traveling, or gardening at their farm, Jan and her husband like to cook for friends.

How ThriftBooks Thrives in 20 Years of Selling Used Books

Time’s wingèd chariot isn’t hurrying near just for us; it wants our books, too. Unless you’re a collector of fine volumes, there’s a good chance your personal library will someday be donated to Goodwill or dropped off at a library book drive.  Behind the retail market for new titles lies a long, lumpy tail of used books that stretches from here to Gutenberg. It’s a voluminous economy of printed matter swelling every year by the millions, struggling against chaos to match that one moldering book with that one interested reader. 

Enter ThriftBooks, a massive online used bookseller. This summer, ThriftBooks is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Over the past two decades, the company says it’s sold more than 250 million books, donated more than 2 million and diverted another billion from landfills to recycling plants.  “The devil is in the details,” ThriftBooks CEO Ken Goldstein tells book editor Ron Charles of the Washington Post. “If you’re going to manage inventory at this volume, you have to know exactly what you want to take in inventory, what you don’t want to take in inventory, how to price it, how long you’re willing to let it sit on the shelf, and then what you’re going to do with the unsold portions.”

ThriftBooks interrupts the mortality of a book just before it’s consigned to an eternity of oblivion. The company’s business model depends on buying extraordinarily large quantities by the pound at extremely low prices. A typical truckload might deliver 30,000 books. From there, the books have a chance at regaining their individuality and their salability. At five processing centers on the country, the volumes are sorted, identified, priced, shelved — or sent to recycling — at breakneck speed.

Washington Post Book World and free newsletter.

ALA, AAP Reaffirm Landmark Freedom to Read Statement on 70th anniversary. Publisher's Weekly.

Goodreads was the future of book reviews. Then Amazon bought it. Washington Post.

Is All the Light We Cannot See based on a true story? Collider.

Essence Authors talk romance, genre, and representation at New Orleans conference. Verite News.

TikTok, influenced by the Chinese government, sells a lot of books. now, its owner wants to publish them, too. New York Times.

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Martin Amis

Martin Amis: An Appreciation. The New York Times Book Review.

A world without Martin Amis. The Atlantic Books.

Martin Amis (RIP) explains why American populism is a con. Open Culture.

Opinion: A cerebral rock star is dead. CNN.

Martin Amis: “The past gets bigger but the future shrinks.” BigIssue.com.

Remembering Sarasota's Rich Schineller, friend of the arts and artists. Sarasota magazine.

Master Storyteller Burke, 86, Focuses on Sidekick Purcell after 23 Best Sellers

When I ask author James Lee Burke whether the rumor is true that he’s finally written a novel devoted to his brawling, beloved character Clete Purcel, he laughs heartily and pumps his fists in the air. A lot of readers are going to have the same reaction, writes book editor Colette Bancroft of the Tampa Bay Times. Clete has been the faithful sidekick to Burke’s best-known character, Dave Robicheaux, through 23 bestselling novels. They were “the Bobbsey Twins from Homicide,” then became freelance detectives in the territory around New Orleans and New Iberia, Louisiana, and points west. Clete is a big man with big appetites and few boundaries, his wild sense of humor the counterpoint to the often serious Dave.

15 literary podcasts to make you laugh, learn and join conversations about books. The Conversation.

Author David Grann discusses Killers of the Flower Moon. Sarasota Magazine archives.

New Orleans writer Jami Attenberg's newest book is a creative writer's guide. Axios New Orleans.

Author David Grann discusses Killers of the Flower Moon. Sarasota Magazine archives.

New Orleans writer Jami Attenberg's newest book is a creative writer's guide. Axios New Orleans.

Mark Twain's Death Was Exaggerated

Back in June 1897, New York Papers Exaggerated Author Mark Twain’s Death

You have almost certainly heard the famous quote attributed to Mark Twain (and referenced widely in pop culture): “Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.” What a flex! Except, that isn't what he said, according to historian W. Joseph Campbell. On June 1, 1897, the New York Herald reported that Mark Twain, famous writer and inventor of the bra clasp, was “grievously ill and possibly dying. Worse still, we are told that his brilliant intellect is shattered and that he is sorely in need of money.” The next day, the New York Journal ran an item with the headline “Mark Twain Amused,” which began: “Mark Twain was undecided whether to be more amused or annoyed when a Journal representative informed him today of the report in New York that he was dying in poverty in London.”

One great short story to read today: Robert Coover’s “The Babysitter.” Lit Hub.

Tom Hanks discusses his debut novel. PBS Newshour.

AUTHOR EVENTS

Author and Book Events on Florida Gulf Coast

SFW Member Brenda Spalding shares many upcoming author events in West Florida that she’s attending. Brenda is president of ABC-Books. 

For details on upcoming events, contract Brenda here.

spaldingauthor@gmail.com

April 3— Venice Gardens Community Center 11 am—3 pm 406 Shamrock Blvd. Venice FL 

April 30 - Children’s Book Fair, 9 am—2 pm Downtown Bradenton, FL 

June 25— Craft Fair, George Mullen gymnasium, 10am—3 pm 1602 Kramer Way, North Port FL  

July 16— Craft Fair, Englewood Elks Lodge, 10 am—3 pm 401 N. Indiana Ave, Englewood, FL  

July 29—30, Florida Authors and Publishers conference Orlando 

August 20—Craft Fair, George Mullen gymnasium, 10am—3pm 1602 Kramer Way, North Port, FL 

14th Hermitage Greenfield Prize Celebration, April 8-10 in Sarasota

The Hermitage Artist Retreat, in collaboration with the Greenfield Foundation, presents the 14th Hermitage Greenfield Prize Celebration Weekend, April 8-10, 2022, culminating in the Hermitage Greenfield Prize Dinner on Sunday, April 10, with a live performance of Angélica Negrón’s work by Grammy Award-Winning cellist Nick Photinos, and a special guest performance by Tony Award-Winning Hermitage Fellow Gavin Creel (The Book of Mormon; Hair; Hello, Dolly!). Limited seats are available for this nearly sold-out gala dinner. For tables and sponsorships, visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org, or contact Development Director Amy Wallace at Development@HermitageArtistRetreat.org or (941) 475-2098, Ext. 2.

This year’s weekend of events begins on Friday, April 8 with “A Theater Maker’s Year: What ‘Went Down’” (6pm at New College of Florida) with 2021 Hermitage Greenfield Prize Winner Aleshea Harris. Then, on Saturday, April 9, the Hermitage presents two events, one virtual and one live: “Angélica Negrón: The Journey, The Work, The Inspiration” (3 pm, virtual event) features the 2022 Hermitage Greenfield Prize Winner, whose innovative music compositions have been described as “playful and inventive” by The New York Times. That evening, Hermitage Greenfield Prize Jurors Terrance McKnight, host of WQXR New York Public Radio, and Gary Padmore, Director of Education and Community Engagement at the New York Philharmonic, are joined by Sarasota’s own Nate Jacobs, Founder and Artistic Director of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, for a panel discussion entitled “Artistic License: Whose Story Is It?” (6 pm on the Hermitage Beach). Registration.                           

Sisters In Crime: A Bookish Road Trip Meet-Up in Lake Placid, April 9

If you’re looking to participate in a local author April event, A Bookish Road Trip Meet-Up is taking place in Lake Placid, on Saturday, April 9, from 11 am–4 pm, according to Martha Reed. She is 2022 president, Florida Gulf Coast Sisters in Crime. She appeared at a recent SFW meeting. Note: Authors need to sign up for this event individually. To participate in the event and sell your books, contact event coordinators Grace and Tom directly at grace@gracesammon.net and tomeis39@gmail.com by March 31. There is no cost to participate. Tables for each author will be provided. Looking down the road, don’t forget to let us know if you’re releasing a new book or scheduling an author event of your own so we can share the news with other FLGC SinC members and help you celebrate your 2022 accomplishments, says Martha Reed.

Times Festival of Reading: 9 Distinguished Authors. 7 Live Virtual Discussions Nov. 8-14, 2021. Virtual.

Join the 29th Festival of Reading Nov. 8-14. Ask a question or just listen to free virtual author discussions hosted by Tampa Bay Times book critic Colette Bancroft.

Featured author – Louise Erdrich. Winner of the 2021 Pulitzer Prize for fiction for The Night Watchman, Erdrich will talk about her new novel, The Sentence. Ticketed event to benefit the Times Journalism Fund.

Preregistration is required for all live events. Link to watch the interview will be emailed to you before the event.

Lauren Groff

Mon. Nov. 8 at 7 pm

Michael Connelly

Tues., Nov. 9 at 7 pm

Honorée Fanonne Jeffers

Wed., Nov. 10 at 7 pm

Ace Atkins and Lisa Unger

Thurs., Nov. 11 at 7 pm

Cynthia Barnett and Craig Pittman

Fri., Nov. 12 at 2 pm

Michael Koryta

Sat., Nov. 13 at 2 pm

Presenter Michael Koryta Is a Writing Machine, with 14 Bestsellers

Michael Koryta is a machine, writes Eli Cranor in Crime Reads. He published his first book at twenty one and went on to become the New York Times-bestselling author of 14 novels. His work has been translated into more than 20 languages and has won or been nominated for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, Edgar Award, Shamus Award, Barry Award, Quill Award, International Thriller Writers Award, and the Golden Dagger.

St. Pete Author Writing Next Book about Kids on Troubled Streets

St. Pete author Charles Davis is now “99.8%” done with his second book revolving around the troubled life of its eponymous protagonist, Tyrone Jenkins. Davis self-published the first in a series, Tyrone I Din Do Nuffin, in 2019, writes Mark Parker in the St. Pete Catalyst. The book is semi-autobiographical fiction, based on a teen auto theft ring in St. Petersburg in the early 1990s. Davis, 32, lives in a trailer custom-wrapped to promote his book, while he saves money for a house. “I’m still blessed,” Davis said. “But at the same time, it’s a struggle. To be honest with you, I do get depressed sometimes about being in this situation.” Davis started writing I Din Do Nuffin in 2018. Its setting is “Pineburg,” an amalgamation of Pinellas County and St. Petersburg. As noted in the book’s Amazon description, Tyrone, 13, frequently finds himself on the wrong side of the law. In addition, teachers “hate him” and “his mama can’t stand ’em.”

Davis, 32, said he sold over 1,000 copies of Din Do Nuffin on 18th Avenue alone. He hopes to increase those numbers with the latest entry in the series, which he said is “beyond adventurous.”

He noted the first book is “all the way hood” and believes the second has more crossover appeal. While it still includes South St. Pete’s history and happenings, readers will also find monsters, UFOs and a Gulfport-based “ghost cat.”

At the Venice Writers Fest March 25, Sarasota author Susan Klaus, a speaker for the David Hagberg tribute and Andy Sandberg, Tony award-winning producer and playwright.

5 Takeaways for Authors from Florida Authors & Publishers Conference, Orlando

The Florida Authors and Publishers Association offered industry professionals the first opportunity for a live conference in nearly a year and a half in late July, writes Mark Mathes, SFW president and book editor.

Here are my 5 takeaways from the conference. It is likely to be the last in-person large book and author conference in 2021. Florida Writers Association just canceled their October annual conference because of Covid. Our Sarasota Fiction Writers community was well represented, with members Brenda Spalding (ABC Writers president and founder), Susan Klaus (founder of Sarasota Authors Connection), Nancy Buscher (VP and co-founder of ABC) and Edmund “Doc” McGarey. 

Enter FAPA Book Awards with Early Bird Discount Until Jan. 15

Each year the Florida Authors and Publishers Association (FAPA) sponsors the FAPA President’s Book Awards, which recognizes book publishing excellence and creativity in design, content, and production for authors and publishers. This year we have opened the competition from North America only to the English-speaking world. We hope to encourage entries from all who share our complex and wonderful language. Finalists are chosen by publishing professionals and librarians from both within and outside of Florida and are announced at the President’s Book Awards Banquet the last weekend of July.

FAPA membership is not required for entry, although FAPA members receive a $20 discount. According to FAPA Book Awards Chairman Bruce Ballister, the President’s Book Awards contest rocketed off to an awesome start with dozens of "Earliest Bird" submissions in thirty-eight categories! You still still have time to make the Early Bird discount of $75 per entry through January 15, when the fee goes up to $95.Click here.

This rate will continue to April 30 with the standard fee of $95 for non-members and $75 for members. 

Speakers Wanted For FAPACon 2022

FAPA president Renee Garrison: “We are now open for submissions to present at FAPAcon 2022. Use this link: https://myfapa.org/speaker-proposal-submissions/

Or click on MyFAPA.org, then on the three horizontal stripes at the top right corner, and under “Conference” you will see “Speaker Proposal Submissions.

Click that to open the info and the form you will need to fill out which is under our tentative schedule. (Red section).

Submissions are due no later than January 25, 2022. You will be notified by February 15, 2022.

We look forward to seeing what you can teach us!

FAPA Members Get Discounts for IBPA Publishing University, Orlando

The IBPA Publishing University is meeting April 29-30 in Orlando, and April 20-21 in virtual programming, says Renee Garrison. Remember that FAPA members can take 15% off the registration fee with code PubU-Regional. Registration  link here. Code is valid till April 2022. This is a great discount to the Independent Book Publishers Association Conference April 29-30 at the Orlando Renaissance Hotel. Website: https://www.publishinguniversity.org/ 

FAPA members can take 15% off the registration fee with code PubU-Regional The registration link is: https://www.publishinguniversity.org/register. Code is valid till April 2022.

Members who register before January 15, 2022 Early Bird Deadline get 15% off automatically -- for a total savings of 27.75% combined.

In addition, any non-IBPA member who registers will automatically receive a one-year membership to IBPA.

Florida Writers Association October Meeting Canceled

“We value our members, and your health and safety are of great concern to us. Due to COVID-19, the Delta variant, and the continuing increase in infections and hospitalizations, we have decided it is inadvisable to hold the Florida Writers Conference as planned in October,” said a spokesman. Announcement here.

“Much volunteer time and effort had gone into conference planning, and you can be sure we share your disappointment. We look forward to a time when we can gather with our friends in person to learn and celebrate the writing life again. We ask for your patience as volunteers process full refunds for conference registration fees, guest meals, interviews, and headshots, and we remind you to cancel your hotel reservations.

“We are pleased to share that the winners of the Royal Palm Literary Awards will be announced in a virtual ceremony available to all free of charge on October 16, 2021, at 7 pm on Zoom. Stay tuned for more details. We look forward to celebrating with you online!”

Novelist Steve Barry Is Keynote for 25th FAPA Conference, Orlando

Steve Berry will be the keynote speaker at this year’s FAPA Annual Conference in Orlando. Steve is the New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling author of 20 novels. His books have been translated into 41 languages with 25,000,000 copies sold in 52 countries. To learn more about Steve Berry, go here.

Steve will speak at 11:45 am on July 31, 2021, at the FAPAcon2021 conference at the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace. To register for the conference, go to here. Masks will be required and strict social distancing will be maintained. FAPAcon2021 will be held on July 30 & 31, 2021, at the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace in Orlando, Florida. FAPA will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary as well so expect a party! Attendees can choose from six 75-minute workshops on Friday afternoon—some for beginners to the publishing industry and some for those who are more experienced. These workshops will deal with specific topics and are priced separately, allowing you to customize your conference experience and focus on what is most important to you.

Saturday’s sessions will feature four topics: growing your book business, pre-launch strategies, understanding legal issues, and exploring out-of-the-box marketing strategies. Sponsors and vendors will also be available to answer questions about their products and services.

Steve Barry will speak at 11:45 am on July 31, at the FAPAcon2021 conference at the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace.

1:00 pm Workshop speakers are:

Brenda M. Spalding will present "Choice for the Independent Author." She is a prolific author with children’s books and several adult novels, based in Bradenton. She has won awards from the Florida Authors and Publishers Association and the National League of American Pen Women. She’s a member of SFW and co-found of ABC Writers.

Michael L. Joy brings us "Catching an agent’s attention 101." He a board member of the Florida Chapter of the Mystery Writers of America, where he is the co-chair of their annual mystery writing conference, SleuthFest.

2:30 pm Workshop speakers are:

Tieshena Davis will present "Think Like a Bookpreneur: Ways to Monetize Your Book Beyond Traditional Sales." Tieshena is the bestselling author of Think Like a Bookpreneur, creator of the Indie Author Legacy Awards (IALA), and the founding publisher of Purposely Created Publishing Group, an international award-winning firm specializing in author branding and development.

Brian Jud presents "How to Sell More Books More Profitably (with no returns)." He is the Executive Director of APSS, formerly SPAN. He is also the author of How to Make Real Money Selling Books.

Check back to see more workshop speakers!

To register for the conference, go to this site.

Members: Log in to get your discount!

Masks are NO LONGER required for those fully vaccinated.     

Short takes

How Literary Adaptations Fared at the Oscars | Kirkus Reviews

Shop Talk: Eli Cranor Goes Down to the Basement, Looks out at True Grit Country, and Dreams of Elmore Leonard here.

Vince Vaughn is in Miami shooting a TV adaptation of Carl Hiaasen's novel Bad Monkey. 

Amazon is working on an Amazon Prime documentary about fave Key West bookseller, Judy Blume.

Rick Bragg on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71TBr2l0em0

Jennifer Egan wants to save literary fiction from itself. The Los Angeles Times.

Kurt Vonnegut’s Greatest Advice for Writers

Today, if you can believe it, makes nearly two decades since we lost one of the greatest American writers—and, no matter how he tried to deny it, one of the greatest writing teachers, writes Emily Temple for Lit Hub. Certainly one of the greatest writing advice list-makers, at any rate. Vonnegut’s many thoughts on writing have been widely shared, taught, studied and adapted (designer Maya Eilam’s infographic-ized version of his “shapes of stories” lecture springs vividly to mind) because his advice tends to be straightforward, generous, and (most importantly) right. Plus, it’s no-nonsense advice with a little bit of nonsense. Like his books, really. Find some of Vonnegut’s greatest writing advice, plucked from interviews, essays, and elsewhere, below—but first, find some of Vonnegut’s greatest life advice right here: “I tell you, we are here on Earth to fart around, and don’t let anybody tell you different.” Okay, proceed.

Slaughterhouse-Five: Revisiting Vonnegut's four-dimensional masterpiece. Tor Publishing.

The origin of the red herring and its place in literature. Lit Hub.

Brenda Spalding to Present ‘Choices for Self-Published Author’ at FAPA July 31

Brenda Spalding will be hosting a workshop on Friday, July 31 at the Florida Authors and Publishers Association conference in Orlando. The title of her presentation will be “Choices for the Self-Published Author.” A PowerPoint describing the differences in the top publishing platforms, the pros and cons, so that authors can make an informed decision on which is best for them. Brenda has published many adult and childrens books. The latest: The Alligator Dance, an adult thriller involving alligator egg poaching at Myakka River State Park and Louisiana, edited by Mark Mathes. “My new passion is adult mystery novels” she says. “I recently received the President's Award from the Florida Authors and Publishers Association at an event in Orlando Florida for my novel Honey Tree Farm - For the Love of the Beekeeper's Daughter. My book Broken Branches recently received an award from Authors Talk about it. Sailing away to Nod received a silver award in 2018 from the Florida Authors and Publishers. I'm thrilled that others are enjoying my books.”

Brenda Spalding Launches New Detective Harlow Series

SFW member and ABC-Books Founder Brenda Spalding has launched her new Detective Harlow Mystery Series Oct. 1. What could be so interesting in a chair found in a consignment shop that someone is willing to kill for? Detective Harlow is on the case again in Sarasota. A new and lethal drug hits. The street name is bath salts, but you would not want to take a bath in this mix of meth and heroin. Harlow and his partner, Detective Sergeant Makowski, team up with medical examiner Dr. Clair Murphy to put a stop to the deaths. Harlow, divorced, looks for companionship in Dr. Murphy, but soon realizes that maybe there could be more to their relationship. Brenda’s Deadly Bargain launched Oct. 1 on Amazon Kindle for $2.99.

Mark Mathes edited Deadly Bargain.

Sarasota Debut Author Peter Murphy Meets Pompeo with Book on Trump, Biden

Sarasota businessman Peter Murphy has published a debut book of political commentary about Donald Trump and Joe Biden and presented an early copy of the book to former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo recently in Sarasota. Business or Political President: You Choose: Trump or Biden was published by Murphy’s Sandbar Publishing imprint. “We look at Donald Trump, a famous business tycoon through the lens of a citizen providing some insights into the background of America’s Business President. We look at Trump’s struggles, successes, and areas that could have been better for him and the country. We look at Joe Biden, Political President, and his background and where he is taking the country. What are the differences between these two men and their politics? Are they very different in their styles and politics? And who will go into the history books as the president who did most for our country and our people? And what’s ahead for 2024?”

An early review: “Murphy’s no-nonsense, practical approach to analyzing and breaking down the two different presidential styles, their pros and cons, and what potential ultimate outcomes might look like, is presented in lay man’s terms, is a great easy read, and a book people from all sides should read. I highly recommend this book.”

Peter says: “This book is informative, educational, and fun to read.” To encourage grassroots contacts with members of Congress, he compiled a handy list of every representative and senator.

The book was edited by Mark Mathes. Interior design by Nancy Koucky of NRK Designs, Bokeelia, FL. Cover by Rae Merrit Design.

Marine, Journalist Broihier Debuts Idiot Wind Thriller. Two More on the Runway.

Idiot Wind is the first novel by debut writer Michael Broihier, who has family in Sarasota. The book introduces “Mac” McGuire, a US veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan who has fallen into the job of a lifetime. McGuire delivers food and fuel to the colorful residents of England’s Oxford Canal aboard his 60-foot narrowboat, Idiot Wind. His idyllic life is disrupted when bodies start popping up in the canal and fingers start pointing at him. Join Mac and his unlikely colleagues as they uncover a series of gristly murders spanning a decade and race to stop the accelerating body count.

Broihier is a retired Marine and award-winning rural journalist and editor. He ran against US Sen. Mitch McConnell in 2020. Broihier and his wife Lynn, also a retired Marine, have recently traded in their farm of 16-years for life on the road as fulltime travelers and writers.

Broihier’s next novel, Call Me, Mac, the second book in the McGuire Mystery series, will be available in the fall of 2022.

Broihier’s third novel, The Nicest People You’ll Ever Meet, a contemporary Southern Gothic, will be available in 2023.

The book was edited by Mark Mathes. Interior design by Nancy Koucky of NRK Designs, Bokeelia, FL.

Dennis Cathcart of Bradenton Debuts Koulev, about His Life with Snakes

Dennis Cathcart of Bradenton has published his debut book Koulèv: Adventures of an American Snake Hunter, Book One. A young man who grew up during the 1950s in South Florida, fed his imagination by reading books about the exploits of explorers and animal collectors that fueled his dreams of adventure, becomes an explorer of the wild American tropics. Danger and excitement are all in a day's work as he seeks to capture deadly pit vipers, giant poisonous frogs, land iguanas and boas, in deserts, on uninhabited islands, and steamy jungles. Those fond of travel to Florida, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and South America will appreciate his stories of the land, people, history, and wildlife in a recent past era. For fans of true-life adventure, the trials, and tribulations of seat-of-the-pants, solo travel, of dealing with unexpected dangers with only grit and determination, of being saved by angels too often to be just chance, will keep you hooked. Lovers of wildlife, especially reptiles, and the wild places where they live, will find hundreds of species mentioned in the text. Herpetologists, especially, will enjoy a nostalgic, factual look back at "how it was" in the wild world of herping in the 1960s and early '70s. Koulèv - Book One includes over 150 photos, clippings, tables, maps, suggested reading and cross-references. Approximately 110,000 words, with annotated table of contents, glossary, and detailed index. “It’s out, at last, my first book! Many of my friends, my oldest friends, will not be surprised that I wrote a book about snake hunting adventures. Others however, those that I have met in the past 40+ years in the plant world, might be surprised. They know me from my plant business, Tropiflora, which I started in 1976 and retired from a couple of years ago to write,” Dennis says.

The book was edited by Mark Mathes. Interior design by Nancy Koucky of NRK Designs, Bokeelia, FL.

Back in June 1897, New York Papers Exaggerated Author Mark Twain’s Death

You have almost certainly heard the famous quote attributed to Mark Twain (and referenced widely in pop culture): “Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.” What a flex! Except, that isn't what he said, according to historian W. Joseph Campbell. On June 1, 1897, the New York Herald reported that Mark Twain, famous writer and inventor of the bra clasp, was “grievously ill and possibly dying. Worse still, we are told that his brilliant intellect is shattered and that he is sorely in need of money.” The next day, the New York Journal ran an item with the headline “Mark Twain Amused,” which began: “Mark Twain was undecided whether to be more amused or annoyed when a Journal representative informed him today of the report in New York that he was dying in poverty in London.

Solving the Mystery of Hemingway’s Big Two-Hearted River. Mountain Journal.

Former FBI Director James Comey has a new title: crime novelist. NPR.

The making of a Cuban-American detective novel. CrimeReads.

Slaughterhouse-Five: Revisiting Vonnegut's four-dimensional masterpiece. Tor Publishing.

Florida Author Retraces the Paths of Black Resistance

Author—and Florida native—Alvin Hall is an award-winning television and radio broadcaster, financial educator and the creator and host of the Ambie-winning podcast series called Driving the Green Book, which was named one of the “10 Transformative Podcasts to Listen to During Your Next Road Trip” by Time magazine. Driving the Green Book: A Road Trip Through the Living History of Black Resistance Now, Hall has turned his podcast into a new book: Driving the Green Book: A Road Trip Through the Living History of Black Resistance. In its pages, Hall shares a deeply researched journey inspired by the historical Green Book traveler’s guide for Black Americans during the Jim Crow era. Sarasota magazine.

Novelist Sebold Apologizes, Publisher Pulls Book after Accused Mani Is Exonerated

In 1981, Alice Sebold was brutally raped while a freshman in college. The man she accused, Anthony Broadwater, served 16 years in prison. She wrote about the crime and the conviction, based on her identification of Broadwater, in her 1999 memoir, “Lucky.” Sebold went on to become a blockbuster novelist with “The Lovely Bones.” Broadwater, meanwhile, had always proclaimed his innocence. Now, 40 years later, evidence has exonerated him, and he has been cleared of all charges. On Nov. 30, eight days after the conviction was overturned, Sebold issued a statement on Medium about the case. (Her publisher, Scribner, announced the same day that it was pulling “Lucky” from distribution pending revisions.) Broadwater said through his attorney that he was “relieved that she has apologized.” But to me, her statement read more like a classic apologia, a self-absolving explanation — one vetted, no doubt, by an attorney to avoid admitting liability for Sebold’s pointing to the wrong man in court, writes Lorraine Berry in the Los Angeles Times.

Buzzfeed: Reconsidering Alice Sebold's Lucky.

Groveland Four Exonerated as Later Described in Book Devil in the Grove

A judge restored the constitutional right to “presumption of innocence” for the Groveland Four, granting on Nov. 22 the prosecutor’s motion to throw out indictments and convictions that ruined the lives of the four Black men accused seven decades ago of raping a 17-year-old white girl. Calling it an “unimaginable privilege,” Circuit Judge Heidi Davis cleared the names of Charles Greenlee, Walter Irvin, Samuel Shepherd and Ernest Thomas, all now dead, to correct one of Florida’s greatest miscarriages of justice from the Jim Crow era. The book, Devil in the Grove by Gilbert King merited the Pulitzer Prize and described future Supreme Court justice Thurgood Marshall’s leadership role.

Author Vicki Hendricks Creates Fresh Miami Characters

Florida author, podcaster and journalist Craig Pittman asks: Has there ever been a literary heroine like Sherri Parlay of Miami? A stripper in her mid-30s with a weakness for men, dogs and peppermint schnapps, she starts her story by confessing to manslaughter in the first paragraph:

“Hank was drunk and he slugged me—it wasn’t the first time—and I picked up the radio and caught him across the forehead with it. It was one of those big boom boxes with the cassette player and recorder, but I didn’t think it would kill him.”

That’s it for Hank. Released from jail, Sherri announces her determination to “get myself out of the dark bars and into the daylight.” She lands a job at a dry-cleaning establishment named Miami Purity. There she meets, and begins a torrid affair with, the owner’s son, Payne.

“He was wearing the cleanest shirt I ever saw,” she explains. “Clean men. I hadn’t had many of those.”

What the Series Treme Taught Me to Write about New Orleans

The first time I nestled into a comfy corner of the sofa to watch the television show, Treme, I have to admit, I didn’t get it. I didn’t connect with the show or the characters. And I’m not proud of the fact. But then all that changed one windy, still very chilly March when I visited the city of New Orleans for the first time, writes Veronica G. Henry in CrimeReads. As authors, we invest a significant amount of time into our research and I’m no exception. Books, interviews with locals, movies – all of these resources provide invaluable information that we use to construct our fictional worlds. But I’m of the mind that says when you have an opportunity to visit a location in person, take it. Because in my case, being there made all the difference.

Why so many journalists turn to careers in crime fiction. Commentary on CrimeReads.

The Life and Legacy of James Ellroy. CrimeReads.

What books hate most in readers. Lit Hub.

How audiobooks enable the shared experience of listening to a good story. NPR news.

How to turn your PDF into an audiobook online. Tips from Make Use Of.

Why isn't Brandon Sanderson releasing his new books on Audible? Collider.com

The secrets to making money self-publishing your books. Jeff Bullas.

How to make the most of Pinpoint, part of Google’s tool kit for journalists. Fast Company.

How Zibby Owens built a DIY podcast into a book empire. Bustle magazine.

According to Bowker, more than two million new ISBNs have been issued for indie books each year since 2019. Publisher's Weekly.

Michael Connelly, with Tampa Bay roots, talks about 2 new Bosch spinoff series, 1 new book. TampaBay.com

Will Shortz’s Life in Crosswords. The New Yorker.

Florida Crime Thrillers from the Bizarre to Hilarious

Interstate 75 cuts across southern Florida, through the Everglades, going from the beaches of Fort Lauderdale to the beaches of Naples. It has another name. It’s called “Alligator Alley” for the obvious reason that the knobby-headed reptiles thrive in the swamp on both sides of the eighty-mile roadway, writes crime writer Mike Lawson in CrimeReads. And traveling down this highway, as I have done, it’s not hard to imagine two killers on a dark night dragging a body into the swamp knowing the gators will dispose of the corpse—which is pretty much how my new Joe DeMarco thriller, Alligator Alley, begins. Yes, I saw all these places and when I wrote Alligator Alley, I felt comfortable using some of them as settings in my book, but I also knew that I saw Florida as a tourist and not as someone who’d lived there for many years and knew the state and its people intimately. Fortunately, I was able to compensate for my lack of time on the ground in Florida because so many other books have been set there, books written by truly talented authors, and I’d read many of those authors’ books. Some books you’ll recognize.

Camonghne Felix on the Gentle Balance of Writing About Trauma

Trauma is a sneaky beast. She shows up in our lives unexpectedly, and no one can evade her. Some of us spend most of our lives believing that we are safe, considered and valued — then trauma shows up (the death of a parent, an intense break up), and those things no longer seem true. It is disruptive, defining, and universal. So it makes sense that so many writers and artists make art about trauma, personal and fictionalized — we write about universal themes because we want to be able to relate to our audiences. Few topics are as relatable as trauma, writes Camonghne Felix in Lit Hub.

The accidental culinary cozy author. CrimeReads.