Cross Creek: Still Enchanted Land, 70 Years After Author Rawlings’ Death?

In 1928, writer Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings and her husband, Charles, bought a small house and orange grove in Cross Creek, a swampy backwoods south of Gainesville, in search of a life of leisure that would fund their creative careers. “They thought the oranges were going to be liquid gold,” said Leslie Poole, an environmental studies professor at Rollins College who has researched Rawlings, according to a story on WUFT.

The challenge of rehabilitating the neglected grove and maintaining the trees proved otherwise. Still, citrus became central not only to Rawlings’ life in Cross Creek but also to her writing. The rest of the story, on WUFT Public Media.

Much has changed since Rawlings’ death 70 years ago, in December 1953 at the age of 57. Florida’s population has grown from 3.3 million to 22 million. Oceans have risen around South Florida’s cities and climate-change fueled hurricanes now barrel the coasts. Yet Rawlings’ house always remained a haven, tucked away behind canopies of magnolia, live oak and her beloved citrus trees.

Today, citrus groves all over the state face threats from disease and more extreme weather. Florida’s 1953-1954 citrus season brought in over 91 million boxes of oranges, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This season, the expected harvest is only 20.5 million boxes. 

Leslie Kemp Poole is an award-winning writer and historian. A fourth-generation Floridian, Poole has long been interested in the role of women in the state’s environmental movement and how they were saving the state’s important natural resources even before they were able to vote.Poole is Associate Professor of Environmental Studies at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. She received her PhD in History from the University of Florida in 2012. rior to working in academia, Poole was a reporter for several newspapers, including The Ledger in Lakeland, where Mark Mathes was managing editor in the early 1980s.

Then at Orlando Sentinel, she helped pen a series of articles about Florida's lack of growth management that won a national award.

More than 200 years after he toured Florida, America's first great environmentalist William Bartram is inspiring locals to reconnect with nature. Smithsonian.

Author, Podcaster Pittman Is a Florida Guide: The State You’re In.

Florida grows wackier by the week, so we are blessed with Tampa Bay journalist, author and now podcaster Craig Pittman who has reported milestones and newsmakers for over 30 years. His latest: The State You're In: Florida Men, Florida Women and Other Wildlife. Some of these stories are fresh and others are vintage reports, interviews and profiles that longtime newspaper readers will recognize. As crazy politicians argue about what should or should not be taught, I suggest this book be required reading in Florida high schools. This book is so important, it should be required reading by new residents, snowbirds, condo commandos and amusement park junkies. This is the latest reason why #JournalismMatters and Pittman is a superb storyteller. Review in Tampa Bay Times. Review on Pittman's Goodreads page.

The Heritage of YA Author Walter Farley in Venice

From Craig Pittman Feb. 6: I thought I knew all the big-name authors who made their homes here full- or part-time -- Jack Kerouac and Elizabeth Bishop to name two -- but this was a new one on me. I gave a book talk at the Venice public library last week and learned that Walter Farley, author of a series of horse-centered YA novels beginning with The Black Stallion, lived in Venice part-time. With his wife Rosemary, he even helped launch that particular library. Farley owned a four-bedroom beachfront home designed by two prominent members of the Sarasota School of Architecture. Farley's children inherited the home and sold it just last year for $1.7 million. They donated Farley's book collection to the library, which has a great display for the public (photo above). However, it is NOT true that he had a lengthy celebrity feud with Mr. Ed.

Perversion of Justice: The Jeffrey Epstein Story by Miami Herald Reporter Julie Brown

Recent guest is author and Miami Herald investigative reporter Julie Brown. Brown's book "Perversion of Justice: The Jeffrey Epstein Story" helped bring some measure of accountability to Palm Beach resident Jeffrey Epstein following his years' long, worldwide sex trafficking ring which saw him rape dozens of underage girls. Brown continues to report on the case and ongoing legal proceedings for the Herald. Find her writing and insights on Twitter at @jkbjournalist. 43:0 minutes. Book excerpt.

Another recent guest is Andrew Ross who's followed up his 1999 book about Celebration, Florida, "The Celebration Chronicles: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Property Value in Disney's New Town," with a look at central Florida's homelessness crisis, "Sunbelt Blues: Failure of American Housing." 49:0.

This episode begins with more reasons to support the removal of Kirkpatrick Dam and a return to a free-flowing Ocklawaha River.

This episode begins with Craig taking listeners to South Florida where Ron DeSantis has contradicted himself on the subject of Everglades restoration.

Guest is Jennifer Carr, president of Florida Defenders of the Environment, and granddaughter of Marjorie Harris Carr and Archie Carr, two of Florida's greatest conservationists. Marjorie stopped the Cross Florida Barge Canal while Archie was a powerful advocate for sea turtles. 40:0.

Jennifer joins them to discuss the movement to remove the Kirkpatrick Dam and free the Ocklawaha River, an effort her grandmother led for many years. Now is a critical time in this quest as the St. John's River Water Management District which controls the dam has opened a brief public comment period through October 22, 2021, where citizens can voice their opinion in support of removing the dam and freeing the river.

The Free the Ocklawaha coalition has put together this simple, step-by-step set of instructions which allows you to tell the state to remove the dam and free the river.

“We also want to welcome our newest sponsor, Visit Sarasota, to the podcast. Whether you're looking for outdoor recreation like camping at Myakka River State Park, arts and culture at the Ringling Museum or Sarasota Art Museum, beach life at Longboat and Siesta Key, dining, shopping or education at Mote Marine Lab and Marie Selby Gardens, Sarasota offers an experience for everyone.” Learn more at VisitSarasota.com.

Join Florida Authors in Donating to Florida First Amendment Foundation

Florida authors are donating their time and their books to a good cause: An auction to raise money for the First Amendment Foundation, a Tallahassee-based organization that fights for citizen access and open government, says journalist, author and podcaster Craig Pittman. Want author and journalist Carl Hiaasen to visit your book club? How about a signed copy of Lauren Groff's latest novel, Matrix? Or a virtual chat with Pulitzer-winner Gilbert King? These are all up for bid right now. Play your cards right and you could even get an autographed copy of Craig Pittman's book Cat Tale.  How's that for a holiday gift? Better hurry, though -- the auctioneer bangs his gavel for the final time on Dec. 6! Join the auction here.

From Mark Mathes: In my previous life as a Florida editor, publisher and journalist, our staff members and news organizations received help from the First Amendment Foundation. Sometimes it was an emergency lifeline to get access to public meeting, public court hearings and public records. In every case, the Florida public had a right to know. And in many cases, a local or state politician, police officer or judge wanted to keep the public out. Other times, the First Amendment Foundation brought together journalists and public servants to educate everyone on how Government in the Sunshine Laws should work. Whether we needed legal help at the New York Times Company, Tribune of Chicago or my own independent Tampa Bay company, the First Amendment Foundation was there.

Mystery Writer Corcoran on How He Wrote and Shot Buffett’s Early Days

“Essentially, I took decent pictures and I was cheap. And I knew how to sail a sailboat. So, I was good to have around."

-- Tom Corcoran, now a Lakeland resident and a mystery author, reminiscing for Howard Cohen of the Miami Herald about how he wound up photographing Jimmy Buffett's early days in Key West 50 years ago. Corcoran's photos were used as the covers for several classic Buffett albums. He also co-wrote the lyrics to “Cuban Crime of Passion” and "Fins.”

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

Tampa Bay Author Merits Awards for YA Fantasy Novel Inspired by His Pet

Ryan Wakefield always had a dream of writing a fantasy novel for young readers. Since he was young, he envisioned creating a fantasy world filled with colorful, hybrid animals. He loved the idea of blending two or three animals together to create a magnificent new species and dreamt about breathing life into a world filled with those creatures. That dream recently became a reality with the publication of his award-winning debut novel titled Journey to Jumbalot for young readers aged 11-14. Journey to Jumbalot is the recent recipient of multiple literary awards including the following:

Mom’s Choice Award (Gold Recipient) for honoring excellence in family-friendly media, products, and services.

Florida Writers Association (FWA) Royal Palm Literary Awards (Gold Award) for published fantasy.

Global Book Awards (Silver Medal) for children’s action and adventure category.

Purple Dragonfly Book Awards (Honorable Mention) for new author: fiction category.

View book trailers and an author interview here. Author website.

Southern Storyteller Rick Bragg Started with a Simple Book about a Stray Dog. Then…

Rick Bragg thought he had a simple book to write. The rambunctious stray dog who terrorized livestock and ate everything in its warpath practically did all legwork for the author. But then, as Bragg puts it, “real life intruded.” “The Speckled Beauty,” available now wherever books are sold, tells “the warm hearted and hilarious story of how his life was transformed by his love for a poorly behaved, half-blind stray dog.” About Rick Bragg.

Rick Bragg is a regular at literary conferences, especially the Tennessee Williams New Orleans Literary Festival, where editor Mark Mathes heard his stories at the conference and later in the Hotel Monteleone Carousel Bar.

Craig Pittman on Cypress Gardens and Founder Dick Pope

Craig Pittman: I join author Lu Vickers as our guest this episode. She joined us back on Episode 100 along with an original Weeki Wachee mermaid. This time, we’re talking about Dick Pope, founder of Cypress Gardens. Welcome to Florida podcast.

FLORIDA MAN

How the Florida Man Trend Started, Where and Why Readers Like It

Author, podcaster and journalist Craig Pittman: Daniel Parris, who writes a Substack report called Stat Significant, tried to tackle the "Florida Man" phenomenon last week and repeatedly stumbled over his own assumptions. "I presumed that the Florida Man phenomenon emerged from sociopolitical tensions in the U.S., with left-leaning media stereotyping an entire state as a form of retribution," he admitted. But then he discovered that most of the Florida Man headlines were being generated by Florida-based media outlets. He wrote that he then assumed "these publications document the humiliations of their populace for the enjoyment of readers in other states." But when he checked further, he learned that "the biggest consumer of Florida Man content is, in fact, Florida. Surprisingly, Google searches for 'Florida Man' and 'Florida Man Meme' are highest in the Sunshine State." He admitted he found that "perplexing" until he remembered talking to a woman from Florida. She explained that she liked passing along these stories because they're funny. He commented, "This was something I never considered." Feel free to roll your eyes now.

Her writing was admired by Hemingway. Then her books—and body—disappeared. NPR.

The true story of Ernest Hemingway's boat, Pilar, financed by Esquire Magazine. Esquire.

How Lauren Groff of Gainesville, one of “our finest living writers,” does her work. Kottke.org.

Lauren Groff is in awe with The Vaster Wilds. Straight.com

Eight Sarasota conspiracy theories that range from politics to newsmakers. Sarasota Magazine.

Book Review – La Florida: Catholics, Conquistadores, and Other American Origin Stories. Boca Raton Tribune.

The Reformatory tells a story in Florida of ghosts, abuse, racism—and sibling love. NPR.

This book uses horror to explore Florida’s overlooked civil rights movement. Capital B News.

Best-selling author Nicholas Harvey shapes his story around the Florida Keys & a local dive shop. Keys Weekly.

Mermaids at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, south of Homosassa.

Podcaster Pittman Reports from Weeki Wachee and Sarasota

Author Podcaster Craig Pittman: For our 100th episode of "Welcome to Florida" we finally discuss perhaps the most Florida thing of all, the Weeki Wachee Springs mermaids. Now a state park, Weeki Wachee Springs has a colorful history we learn all about from one of the very first class of mermaids at the park, Mary Fletcher, and mermaid historian and author Lu Vickers. Episode 39:51. Welcome to Sarasota episode: Summer may be the off season for tourists in Sarasota, but that doesn't mean there isn't a great deal to see and do. The Summer season in Sarasota begins with Savor Sarasota restaurant week were the county's best restaurants showcase their most adventurous items at deeply discounted prices. All of the restaurants, attractions, activities and events mentioned in this episode can be found at VisitSarasota.com, the best place to start planning your next getaway.

Mathes Presents to Sisters In Crime. What Chapter Is Doing.

SFW president Mark Mathes presented a talk, I've Finished My Manuscript. Now What? He spoke to nearly two dozen members of the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of Sisters in Crime June 4 in Sarasota at the Fruitville Library in person and via Zoom.

Who Killed the Circus Queen, a 90 minute Murder Mystery Trolley Tour in Sarasota, we had a great response to. Tickets are $49.99 per person, and we have a $2.00 discount per person coupon, and we have complimentary beer and wine, according to president Martha Reed.  It is air-conditioned in an enclosed trolley. We may go in June or July, and are looking for more participants.

The group invites members to participate in the Cedar Key Arts and Seafood Festival, where they’ve had excellent sales last year as the only author booth.

Florida Gulf Coast SinC T-Shirts: Linda Russo Royal Tees is putting together our V-neck and also loose fitting t-shirts with our logo on the back and our chapter on the front. An update will be submitted to discuss when she gets a sample.

Anthology Update. Teresa Michael: The committee met and reviewed our national guidelines. The anthology must be submitted to National and approved. The short stories have a maximum of 5,000 words, and only one submitted per person, who must be a member of National SinC and the Florida Chapter of SinC in good standing. There will be another meeting in two weeks, and we should have an idea of the timeline. If you’re approved and accepted, the writer cannot publish their story for Page 1 one year afterwards. You will be under contract, and any royalties will go to the Chapter. It will be outlined by the Committee.

Membership Report: Marty Ambrose We have a steady stream of new members. We presently have a total of 50 members. July - No meeting. August 6th speaker is Cindy Smith Martin, My 20 Years Producing America’s Most Wanted. Location: Venice Library. September 10 speaker is Penny Sansivieri on Book Marketing. Location: To be announced. October 1st Harold Emmanuel. November 5th speaker is Mark Brewer, They Would Have Gotten Away With It Except For…Location: Braden River Library. December 3 to be announced. Meet Up Site Report: Harold Emmanuel Harold reported that eight people recently joined Meet Up.

Linda Schell: Read Your Work on Radio with Writers on the Air

Your Sarasota Fiction Writers group has been kind to Writers on the Air over the years. We survived Covid by turning to Zoom meetings; now we are back at a new time and day at Common Grounds Meeting Hall. Our group was instrumental in helping 97.5 FM 501C-3 radio obtain a $15,000 grant. I believe real community radio is an important cog in the wheel for keeping our democracy humming, writes Linda Schell, marketing volunteer.

Open Mic: Every Tuesday WKDW 97.5 FM 501C-3 radio invites writers, poets, and comedians to perform or read their poem, story, or skit on its weekly program, Writers on the Air. (3 to 4 minutes is suggested per round). Wanted: funny or family-friendly content.  Sign-up: 5:30. Show starts at 6:00. Airs on 97.5 FM on Sundays at 3:04.

Location: Common Grounds Meeting Hall, 12735 US-41, North Port next door to WKDW 97.5 FM radio station in the Springs Plaza south of Caddy Carts if heading south from Venice. Relax in our family-friendly BYOB Listening Room, which offers comfortable seating.

The public is welcome. Readers need not be published. Info: Linda Schell, Lschell2@verizon.net, 941-223-1262. Please visit our Facebook page: “Writers on the Air.”

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.

How the Florida Man Trend Started, Where and Why Readers Like It

Craig Pittman: Daniel Parris, who writes a Substack report called Stat Significant, tried to tackle the "Florida Man" phenomenon last week and repeatedly stumbled over his own assumptions. "I presumed that the Florida Man phenomenon emerged from sociopolitical tensions in the U.S., with left-leaning media stereotyping an entire state as a form of retribution," he admitted. But then he discovered that most of the Florida Man headlines were being generated by Florida-based media outlets. He wrote that he then assumed "these publications document the humiliations of their populace for the enjoyment of readers in other states." But when he checked further, he learned that "the biggest consumer of Florida Man content is, in fact, Florida. Surprisingly, Google searches for 'Florida Man' and 'Florida Man Meme' are highest in the Sunshine State." He admitted he found that "perplexing" until he remembered talking to a woman from Florida. She explained that she liked passing along these stories because they're funny. He commented, "This was something I never considered." Feel free to roll your eyes now.

Her writing was admired by Hemingway. Then her books—and body—disappeared. NPR.

The true story of Ernest Hemingway's boat, Pilar, financed by Esquire Magazine. Esquire.

How Lauren Groff of Gainesville, one of “our finest living writers,” does her work. Kottke.org.

Lauren Groff is in awe with The Vaster Wilds. Straight.com

Eight Sarasota conspiracy theories that range from politics to newsmakers. Sarasota Magazine.

Book Review – La Florida: Catholics, Conquistadores, and Other American Origin Stories. Boca Raton Tribune.

The Reformatory tells a story in Florida of ghosts, abuse, racism—and sibling love. NPR.

This book uses horror to explore Florida’s overlooked civil rights movement. Capital B News.

Jimmy Buffett taught me the magic of Heinz 57 Sauce. The Takeout.

Best-selling author Nicholas Harvey shapes his story around the Florida Keys & a local dive shop. Keys Weekly.

Podcaster Craig Pittman: A Timely Look at Jim Clark’s History Lover’s Guide to Florida

March is named for Mars, the Roman god of war, so this is a good month to talk about Florida's historic military forts, writes Florida author, journalist and podcaster Craig Pittman. There's a great rundown on them in James Clark's book A History Lover's Guide to Florida. "The sprawling Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States and the best known," Clark writes of the St. Augustine landmark. Its dramatic story involves British attackers, bloodthirsty pirates and doomed Chief Osceola. But my favorite detail from Clark's book is about how at the start of the Civil War, Union soldiers withdrew, leaving only a single man as caretaker: "When the Florida militia showed up to take the fort, the soldier demanded a receipt."

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

How Gainesville's Harry Crews Endures as a Unique Southern Writer

I was initially drawn to Harry Crews because he had a mohawk and a tattoo of a skull, and I was twenty years old and had neither, writes Kevin Wilson in Lit Hub. I read Harry Crews because I wanted to figure out how, if you were a Southern writer, you didn’t simply cover the same terrain that writers like Faulkner and Welty and O’Connor and McCullers had already exhausted. I wanted to know how you leaned into what it meant to be Southern when you weren’t even sure what that meant, exactly. And I came away from Harry Crews knowing, on some level, that I wouldn’t ever write like him, could never open the wounds with the kind of ferocity that came only from knowing you’d survive it, because you’d survived much worse. And I remain a fan of Harry Crews because I still don’t know that I’ve read anyone quite like him.

61 Years After His Death, Idaho Community Reveres Hemingway

The news of Ernest Hemingway’s death came as a shock to the world when it was announced on a Sunday morning in the summer 61 years ago. The beloved author of such titles as “The Sun Also Rises,” “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” and “A Farewell to Arms,” was 19 days shy of his 62nd birthday when he shot himself at his Ketchum home on July 2, 1961, at 7:30 a.m.

In a conversation with EastIdahoNews.com, Mark Cirino, the host of a podcast and author of multiple books about the 20th-century writer, explains what occurred in the final moments of Hemingway’s life. “The night before the suicide, he and his wife had a night together where Hemingway serenaded her with an old Italian folk song. They danced a little bit, went to bed, and the next morning, Hemingway killed himself,” Cirino says.

BOOK BANS

Amanda Gorman's book sales soar amid Florida bans of her work | Essence magazine.

PolitiFact FL: DeSantis said not ‘a single book’ was banned. Districts have removed dozens. WJCT.org.

Florida lawsuit seeks to overturn the state's wide-sweeping book bans. CBR.

“Smart people are falling for stupid lies”: how one Florida county (Hernando) has become ground zero for the far-right’s education blitz including book bans. Vanity Fair.

Neil Gaiman speaks at the alternative graduation held at New College, resisting Ron DeSantis’ hostile takeover. Open Culture.

Neil Gaiman delivers powerful message at alt-graduation for DeSantis-threatened New College of Florida. BoingBoing.net.

Two Florida moms are at the center of the fight against book banning in America. Yahoo News.

Salman Rushdie says “attack on books” in Florida “has never been more dangerous.” CNN.

Same fears, new tactics: How efforts to ban 'bad books' reached a record high in 2022. News Daytona Beach.

Having my book banned by Ron DeSantis was bad. So was what happened next. MSNBC Opinion.

How can we resist book bans? This banned author has ideas. TruthOut.org.

Penguin Random House and 5 authors are suing a Florida school board over book bans. NPR.

Opinion: Books are not landmines. NPR.

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 Robert Lewis Heron [left] Richard East, store manager, launch the competition.

From the newspaper Fife Free Press/Fife Today.

Sarasota Author Robert Lewis Heron Joins Magic Golf Ball Competition

A St Andrews business is launching a fun competition to tap into the magic of The Open ahead of the 150th anniversary championship.

Ryman Stationery is running a children's art competition in conjunction with the Hamish Foundation to bring “Morris The Magic Golf Ball” to life.

Youngsters are urged to design their own magic golf ball, and the overall winner will see their design brought to life in 3D.

There are also gift card prizes for the runners-up.

The competition was launched recently with Robert Lewis Heron, the award-winning author of the Hamish children’s books, who was in town on a visit from the United States.

In a New Memoir, a Sarasota Author Shares Story of Surviving Domestic Violence

In The Third Return, Monica Medina details growing up in an abusive household. Now, she is devoted to helping women in similar circumstances. As a child, Sarasota author and life coach Monica Medina witnessed her mother live in an abusive relationship. For 15 years, Medina says, she endured violence, aggression and mental health crises at the hands of her stepfather, her mother’s abuser. She recalls several occasions when police were called by worried neighbors in her Chicago neighborhood. The hard part—her stepfather was a Chicago police officer. Story in Sarasota Magazine.

Member Brenda Spalding to Speak July 21: Going Beyond the Book

Member Brenda Spalding will be presenting a program at the Braden River Library in Bradenton on SR 70, July 21 at 6:30 pm. She will be “Going Beyond the Book” with her novel Blood Orange.

Set in the 80s when the cartels were dropping cocaine into the orange groves by plane Brenda talked to the DEA in Washington, DC to get her facts right.

While doing her research she learned of Florida's connections to smuggling, prohibition and the Chicago mob bosses like Al Capone. An interesting PowerPoint presentation about Florida's criminal past.

Brenda Spalding is releasing The Forger's Palette - Book five in the Green Lady Inn mystery series. This will be the last book in the cozy mystery set in Salem Massachusetts. It's murder and mystery with a touch of spooky.

Brenda's website.

Brenda's Amazon author site.

The Coffee Lover’s Mysteries by Tara Lush of St. Pete Area

Tampa Bay cozy mystery writer Tara Lush is among seven authors spotlighted recently in a roundup of Cozies set in the Southeast US in CrimeReads.. Welcome to Perkatory, a bustling coffee joint in the Gulf Coast town of Devil’s Beach, Florida. Barista Lana Lewis is a former reporter whose investigative skills come in handy when trouble brews. Fun sidekicks include her hippie dad; a shih tzu named Stanley; and her punky coworker, Erica. Three books make up this tasty series: Grounds For Murder, Cold Brew Corpse, and the forthcoming Live and Let Grind. A spinoff novella, Give Me Chills, about a New Hampshirite who opens an artisan ice cream truck in Devil’s Beach, is expected in July 2022.

In Cozy Mysteries, Why Protagonists Are on the Move So Often

Cozy mysteries often feature small towns because they’re, well, so cozy. An intimate setting offers something comforting with its predetermined town layout and its recurring cast of characters, writes Jennifer J. Chow in Crime Reads. It’s like visiting a safe, known community every time you flip through the pages of a cozy mystery. Even in a series like my own Sassy Cat Mysteries, which is set in urban Los Angeles, there is a sense of community. I achieve this in my books by highlighting fun neighborhood enclaves and featuring quirky but loveable side characters. Also, I try to keep the suspects list narrow, so that the mystery can be feasibly solved by the star sleuth. 

Dave Barry Built His Column the Way Authors Sell Books

From Mark Mathes: And that brings us to the perennial favorite, Dave Barry's 2021 Holiday Gift Guide in the Miami Herald this week. This topical, silly series or one-shot grew popular in the 1980s after Dave Barry landed at the Miami Herald from a small Pennsylvania paper. He grew his column in national newspaper syndication the way authors sell books. The personal touch. The chicken dinner circuit. Talks to the Florida Press Club. That’s when some of my staff came back to The Ledger newsroom in Lakeland and said: “You gotta get this guy in the paper.” We were hooked. So were our readers. I bought his column from Tribune Company’s syndicate for New York Times Co. newspapers I edited in Lakeland, Ocala and encouraged colleagues among the then 35-newspaper group. In addition to his once-weekly column, Barry launched his Holiday Gift Guide and special series like Dave Barry Goes to the Olympics, Dave Barry Turns 40 [etc.]

The legendary Jeff MacNelly, three-time Pulitzer Prize winner, illustrated his weekly column and many of his series. Serendipity in my career led me to join Tribune in Chicago as editor of international syndication. I would edit and represent Dave Barry, Jeff MacNelly among 200 columnists, cartoonists, puzzlers, news services, gamers and more. How do you edit big egos and bigger egos in the largest family of newspaper creators?  The rest of the story.

Stephen King Releases Finn Short Story Exclusively on Scribd

A brand new Stephen King short story was just released today, but you won’t be able to read it in the traditional ways. That’s because King’s latest, Finn, is a Scribd Original. What the hell does that mean, you might be wondering? Scribd is a paid subscription platform that gives you access to millions of audiobooks and ebooks in one app, along with unlimited podcasts, magazines, news, and much more. The service currently costs $11.99 per month, but the good news is that you can sign up and get 60 days free right now – allowing you to read Stephen King’s Finn free of charge. More here.

Stephen King Compares the Squid Game to 2 of His Novels

Stephen King is royalty in the world of horror for good reason. His countless best-selling novels have offered chills and frights for many years and so many have been adapted into incredible movies, reports the website WeGotThisCovered.com. Now he’s taken to commenting on the latest piece of scary media to become a worldwide phenomenon — Squid Game. But then, when a fan asked if the show reminded King of his novel The Running Man, he compared Squid Game to two of his novels. The Running Man also features a game show where people play a game of sorts for their lives with prisoners racing to avoid a brutal death and achieve freedom. The Long Walk, written under King’s pseudonym Richard Bachman, also revolves around a brutal contest.

Excerpt: Stephen King’s New Novel Fairy Tale About Charlie Reade, 17

In Stephen King's new novel Fairy Tale, a 17-year-old boy named Charlie Reade who inherits the keys to a parallel world where good and evil are at war. "What could you write that would make you happy?" said King in a statement. "As if my imagination had been waiting for the question to be asked, I saw a vast deserted city — deserted but alive. I saw the empty streets, the haunted buildings, a gargoyle head lying overturned in the street. I saw smashed statues (of what I didn't know, but I eventually found out). I saw a huge, sprawling palace with glass towers so high their tips pierced the clouds. Those images released the story I wanted to tell."  Excerpt here in Entertainment Weekly.

Stephen King Teams with Charity for Name-Your-Price Short Story

Stephen King has teamed with the charity website Humble Bundle to sell his new short story Red Screen. Fans are allowed to name their own price, and all of the proceeds are going to the ACLU. The story was only available for one week beginning Sept. 9, reports Rolling Stone.

“In this unsettling short story, a cop interrogates a deranged plumber who just murdered his wife,” reads a short description of the short story, “only to discover something far more insidious.” This is not the first time that Stephen King has released one of his works in an unconventional manner. His 1996 book The Green Mile was originally parceled out in six individual volumes over the course of six months.

In 2000, his novella Riding the Bullet was released online as the world’s first mass-market e-book. Later that year, he offered The Plant directly to fans on his website. The work wasn’t encrypted, but he said future volumes of the story would only come if at least 75% of readers paid a dollar for it. He ultimately abandoned the experiment when interest waned after the early volumes.

Tampa Bay's Lisa Unger: Queen of Psychological Suspense

She’s hit every bestseller list, been published in thirty-one languages, and sold millions of copies worldwide, all while maintaining her own, distinctive style, a concoction of literary writing and page-turning action that simply screams “Unger.”  If it comes as a surprise to hear words like “literary” and “style” used to describe a bestselling author, then you don’t know Lisa, writes Eli Cranor in CrimeReads. Lisa lives in Tampa Bay and has presented at SFW.

Capers Jones on Ms. Potter Palmer, Chicago & Sarasota, Florida Cattle Ranching

Bertha Potter was one of the most important early settlers in Sarasota, Florida.  She was also a brilliant business woman and was in the top tier of society in Chicago before she moved to Florida, writes Capers Jones, historian, author, and IT developer. Capers spoke to SFW recently.

Bertha Matilde Honore was born in Louisville, Kentucky on May 22, 1849.  She died on July 25, 1918 in Osprey, Florida.  While growing up she had a reputation as a gifted musician and a brilliant writer. She is cited in this book on Florida inventions because she pioneered a method of protecting Florida cattle from tick -borne diseases.  Interestingly she is also credited with inventing chocolate brownie cookies. Her life before she moved to Florida is fascinating and would probably make a great movie. Her father moved the family from Louisville to Chicago  when she was six in 1855. Her father was quite wealthy and she grew up in Chicago high society. 

When Should a Novelist Add an Epilogue? Ask Carl Hiaasen about Squeeze Me.

Should an author add an epilogue to his novel for a second printing? Ask novelist Carl Hiaasen about his latest Squeeze Me, set in Palm Beach involving boa constrictors, society matrons and a president. He writes on his Goodreads author page: “Squeeze Me is the first novel to which I’ve ever added an epilogue for the paperback editions. It seemed clear to me that the bizarre and menacing real-life events following the recent national election required some satirical attention–an updated coda for the characters in the book, as well as for the readers. I promise it will be the last time I pay a visit to Casa Bellicosa.” The paperback edition with the epilogue published May 11.

-30- Journalist Carl Hiaasen Retires His Column. He’ll Continue Writing Books.

“This is my last column for the Miami Herald. I didn’t plan to write about that because there’s actual news to be covered, but my dear friend Dave Barry told me I’d look like a jerk if I didn’t say some sort of goodbye. So here goes. I grew up reading the Herald and what was then the Fort Lauderdale News, my parents holding this radical notion that being factually informed would help us develop into conscientious, fully functioning citizens. Thanks to all of you who buy enough of my gonzo novels that I don’t have to depend on a pauperizing newspaper pension. Thanks also for the heaps of mail, including the letters with prison postmarks,” writes Carl Hiaasen.

SFW president Mark Mathes edited and represented Hiaasen, Dave Barry, Mike Royko, Bob Greene and other leading commentators in his previous life as editor of international syndication at Tribune in Chicago.

Why Carl Hiaasen’s Retirement Is Good News for Sleazeballs

Carl Hiaasen is retiring. This is good news, writes colleague and friend Dave Barry.

“It’s good news for sleazeballs, charlatans, buffoons, blowhards and fools. It’s good news for the powerful, the pompous, the entitled, the smug and the slimy. It’s good news for those who view the Everglades as a useless swamp, or look at mangroves and see only a bunch of smelly trees blocking the view.”

Venice Author Carol McCloud Helps 8,200 Young Students Read in Sarasota, Manatee

The “Bucket Fillers” series of books, written by the nationally acclaimed author and Venice resident, Carol McCloud, teach children the value of kindness. More than 8,200 students read McCloud’s books in 455 pre-kindergarten to third grade classes in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

On Tuesday, November 16, through a partnership with Sarasota County Schools, the School District of Manatee County and the Early Learning Coalitions of Sarasota County and Manatee County with generous support from the Manatee Education Foundation, Embracing Our Differences coordinated virtual read-along programs of “Bucket Fillers” books with 8,200 students in 455 pre-kindergartens through third grade classes. Story here.

This year, the initiative was offered via interactive, pre-recorded webisodes featuring read-alongs with the Asolo Rep, CreArte Latino Cultural Center, Venice Theatre, and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe and activities with author Carol McCloud. Each participating student and teacher received their own copy of one of McCloud’s books.

Since her first book, “Have You Filled a Bucket Today? A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids,” was published in 2006, Carol McCloud, a nationally acclaimed author and Venice, FL., resident, has inspired millions of people of all ages to become daily “bucket fillers” through her books, seminars, and other publications. Her nine children’s books have sold three million copies worldwide and are used in schools around the world as their primary character development program. As an author, speaker, and early childhood specialist, McCloud says her goal is to help all ages and occupations grow in kindness, self-control, resilience, and forgiveness.

OLLI at Ringling College Hosts Florida’s Wild Wonders with Authors, Experts March 11

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Ringling College (OLLI at Ringling College) presents “Celebrating Florida’s Wild Wonders,” a one-day event inspired by the book, The Wilder Heart of Florida, and featuring eight celebrated writers, poets, educators, environmentalists, architects, and artists. The event is Friday, March 11, 2022 9 am-5 pm at the Ringling College Museum Campus, 1000 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. General admission is $125; registration opens on December 7. The registration fee includes lunch and a complimentary reception. For more information and to register, call 941-309-5111, or visit www.OLLIatRinglingCollege.org.

Julie Cotton, a member of OLLI’s Advisory Council’s Strategic Program Committee, is the creative spark for “Celebrating Florida’s Natural Wonders.” She says that participants will “expand their emotional connection to Florida’s natural treasures and learn about places they never knew existed.” Cotton adds that audience members will have the opportunity to offer their own perspectives and interact with the guest speaker. The day will also include book signings and interactions with local environmental and art groups at display tables. Cotton encourages audience members to prepare for the event by reading The Wilder Heart of Florida, edited by Jack E. Davis and Leslie Kemp Poole, and The Palmetto Book by Jono Miller.

Hermitage Artist Retreat to Host January Programs Jan. 14, 21

The Hermitage Artist Retreat’s Andy Sandberg announced that the Hermitage will present new public programs in January with acclaimed theater artists and Hermitage Fellows Gavin Creel and Michael R. Jackson.

On Friday, January 14 at 5 pm on the Hermitage Beach, Tony and Olivier Award-winning performer Gavin Creel (Hello, Dolly!, The Book of Mormon, Hair) will share excerpts from his latest passion project. “Walk on Through” is a work in progress inspired by a commission from the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Limor Tomer, General Manager of Live Arts). This new piece, still in development, features Creel’s original songs inspired by the sights, sounds, and sense of wonder experienced at the Met. Pulitzer Prize-winning writer-composer Michael R. Jackson (A Strange Loop, White Girl in Danger) returns to the Hermitage following his beachfront program last season. This time, Jackson puts his unique twist on the popular Hermitage Sunsets @ Selby Gardens series with “The Work,” offering candid conversation and samplings of his latest work. This event will be on Friday, January 21 at 5:30 pm, presented at Selby Gardens’ Downtown Sarasota campus. These outdoor programs are open to the public with a $5/person registration fee. Due to capacity limitations and social distancing, registration is required at HermitageArtistRetreat.org.