Featured Books
New author Manish Chary’s book on India
Manish Chary’s new book India: Nation on the Move presents illuminating insights into India, 
which is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Once dismissed as a slumbering elephant for its slow economic growth, India has now emerged as the darling of the West. India is a regional power, nuclear power, space power, military power, and, now, a major economic power. This book is an all-in-one reference manual with facts, figures, and a practical introduction to India’s people, culture, history, economy, foreign relations, and myriad of other topics. Topics covered include India’s unique caste and marriage systems, transition from a government-controlled economy to a market-oriented economy, India’s emergence as an information technology superpower, and emergence of Indian American community as one of the most successful immigrant groups of America.
Read the preview of the book on Google Books: http://books.google.com/books?id=vjI6IZt8tuwC
The book is available for purchase on Amazon.com (ISBN: 9781440116353) http://www.amazon.com/India-Overview-Culture-History-Industry/dp/1440116350/
Manish Chary obtained his MBA from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He currently lives in Melbourne, FL with his wife and two children. You can contact Manish Chary at Ph: 321-426-4663 or manish_chary100@yahoo.com
Pat McDonough has a new book
From Rough to Ready, an Editor's Tips for Writers by Pat McDonough gives tips for manuscript style, grammar, and formatting. It's a must have for the serious writer. Even published authors will find worthwhile information. It's published by Terra Sancta Press. It's offered for $10.00 and can be ordered by contacting Terra Sancta Press at books4you@clf.rr.com or calling 321-254-9672.
Pat McDonough is a professional copyeditor at McDonough Consulting since 1986. She is also owner of Terra Sancta Press. Her book Without Keys, My 15 Weeks with the Street People is a comprehensive assessment of homelessness and has been instrumental in bringing about legislative and policy changes. The book was a semi finalist in the 1996 Pulitzer Prize competition. With Kazimierz J. Kasperek, Pat co-authored Kazik's Polish Navy a Pulitzer Prize contender in 2009, along with Strangers Brothers which she co-authored with Raymond F. Flaherty. Pat was copyeditor on Ray's first novel, He Didn't Say Good-Bye, and of Mary Robsman's book What Made Us Who We Are Today, World War II Oral History.
Now, Pat has added From Rough to Ready, an Editor's Tips for Writers to her list of books. This one is sure to help writers on style, grammar and formatting.
To obtain a copy of her newest book, contact her at Terra Sancta Press at books4you@clf.rr.com or calling 321-254-9672.
Rabbi Ed Weinsberg of Sarasota has a new book out
Designed to be an inspiring physical, emotional, and spiritual guide for prostate cancer patients, survivors, and their loved ones, Conquer Prostate Cancer: How Medicine, Faith, Love and Sex Can Renew Your Life, empowers boomer and senior men to face diagnosis with dignity, explore their options realistically, and tackle recovery with optimism and determination.
The book is also an insightful resource for their wives or partners, family, friends, doctors, and other healthcare providers. As the author and his wife share the most intimate details of their prostate cancer journey, readers learn how to become an active member of their medical team, reduce pain and stress and renew vitality, overcome impotence and incontinence, enhance intimate relationships, and draw strength from faith, family, and friends.
The first book to emphasize robotic surgery for prostate cancer from the perspective of an informed prostate cancer survivor and healthcare educator, Conquer Prostate Cancer discusses the latest research and advances in treatment, and profiles twenty patients who chose various treatment options.
Prominent robotic surgeon Dr. Robert Carey discusses medical and patient-care concerns and the author's wife shares her thoughts about how she and her family coped with the disease and its effects.
Conquer Prostate Cancer was recently granted the 2009 Nautilus Silver Book Award for its innovative approach to health, healing, medicine and energy. This highly competitive award recognizes new leading edge books that underscore conscious living and positive social change, combining new ideas with religion and spirituality.
The author, Rabbi Ed Weinsberg of Sarasota, started writing his book just days after his successful prostate cancer surgery. Conquer Prostate Cancer is available at http://www.amazon.com/ and http://www.conquerprostatecancer.com/. Rabbi Ed's website also offers a wealth of information and resources for prostate cancer patients, survivors, and their loved ones.
Here's a book you might want to check out
I have just heard from Francine Silverman that her book, Talk Radio Wants You: An Intimate Guide to 700 Shows and How to Get Invited (McFarland & Co, 2009), is about to be published. She'll be in Wellington in N. Palm Beach the first part of her trip to Florida between February 24 and March 7 and in Hollywood during the second half of that week.
The book isn't available yet, but should be by the time she visits Florida. Here's a blurb about the book:
Talk Radio Wants You: An Intimate Guide to 700 Shows and How to Get invited (McFarland & Co. 2009) seeks to bridge the gap between show hosts and prospective guests, providing a reference guide to roughly 700-talk radio shows from the U.S. and around the world. Entries are organized under categories of show themes, including religion, travel, addiction and recovery, sports, entertainment, and many more. The book also includes information on many of Talkers Magazine's Top 250-Radio Talk Shows, interview tips for radio guests, and tips for conducting a radio interview over the phone.
Author Francine Silverman is an on-line publicist and radio host who lives in Riverdale, New York. Her book is available for pre-publication ordering at http://www.amazon.com/. And she has a website at http://www.bookpromotionnewsletter.com/ that may be of interest to authors and artists attempting to market their work. There are articles available there.
Rainbows, Cutthroats and the Prince of Bhutan, Fly Fishing Adventures Around the World
252 pages, 66 color photographs, $25.00.
Bill Sargent, Retired Outdoors Editor of Florida Today, wrote about Perkins' new book. "Those of us who call ourselves fishermen often dream about adventurous and far away places of the world where we'd give just about anything to fish and explore. Costa Rica, Australia, Belize, new Zealand, maybe even the Seychelles are at the top of many lists.
"Unfortunately few of us ever get the chance to so much as wet a line at such distant destinations. But we keep dreaming.
"Frank Perkins is an exception. He's a quiet, friendly, small-statured man with a passion for fly fishing who made up his mind years ago that he would travel and fish the world.
"A career as an electronic engineer with assignments in many countries - and helped by the fact that he was an Earthwatch Institute volunteer - took Frank to many of the world's most beautiful and exotic places.
"Frank made it a point to never leave home without his fly rod. Come to thin of it maybe a half dozen fly rods! Needless to say he fished a lot.
"Over a period of 23 years he traveled to 25 countries on all seven continents and caught practically every fish in the book, from the black waters of the Amazon to the waterfalls of Iceland....
"The 'fishing stories' never stop in this one-man's travelogue. It goes without saying that Frank's book is a must read for us dreamers."
You can get a copy from http://www.frankperkins.com/, or by contacting Frank at fap1217@cs.com or 321-676-0863. It's also available at Harry Goode's in Melbourne and The Backcountry in Vero Beach.
243 and Other Short Stories by C.W. Love is a combination of four different genres: mystery thriller, sci-fi, horror, and a young adult story. It contains:
"243" a mystery thriller about a Vietnam era hit man who is charged with eliminating his death squad members to prevent incriminating papers from naming a presidential hopeful as a traitor.
"Journey" is a sci-fi story. A research doctor and a computer wizard develop the ability to locate and trace inherited genes and project video and audio onto a monitor. Complications develop and an evil is released in the community.
"Jack-in-the-Box" is a horror story. Kip's Bar becomes the focal point for local friends in a backwoods community. The bar talk centers around a strange wolf-like man who distributes the toy-like Jack-in-the-Box. People suddenly are missing as Kip calls Plant City for a police investigation only to have the policeman turn up missing.
"The Wanting Tree" is a young adult story. At a tribal ceremony, young Magway states that he will become the greatest of the braves and will be the one to find the legendary Wanting Tree. The legend of Magway carries on through time with the help of the Indian Affairs agent.
About the author: Born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, Charlie Love graduated from Norristown High in 1948. He married Elizabeth Differ in 1953 after serving five years in an Army Regimental Combat Team. He is the father of seven children and nineteen grandchildren. He entered the contracting business in Pennsylvania and later moved to South Jersey as general contractor for construction from Altlantic City to Cape May, New Jersey.
Charlie now lives in Cocoa, Florida, with his wife. His first book, Trilogy In Fear, was published in 2005. His second book, 243 and Other Short Stories, is now in print. Charlie has a children's book that will be released soon. He also writes poems and humorous articles. He is working on several additional fictional stories. Watch for them.
Copies of the book may be purchased by emailing the author at clove72531@aol.com, through the publisher at http://www.publishamerica.com/, or through Barnes and Noble and various book stores. ISBN: 1-60672-031-7
Joyce Henderson and Heather Tomasello go International
John Wiley and Sons, Inc. recently released a Thai translation of So You Have to Do A Science Fair Project, (ISBN 0-471-20256-8) by Joyce Henderson and Heather Tomasello. The book is also available in Basura, the language of Indonesia, and English.
The book is uniquely geared to the 1st through 6th grade students to help navigate the process of doing a science fair project from start to finish. It does not have cookie cutter experiments for the student to perform, instead it challenges students to select a project based upon the child’s interests. The book includes:
¨ Brainstorming activities for the student
¨ Examples of grade-appropriate experiments
¨ Tips for making a winning backboard
¨ Helpful hints for writing the final paper
¨ A discussion of what judges expect and how to prepare a presentation
For more information, contact Joyce Henderson at jehwriter@cfl.rr.com Books to Inspire and Uplift
Positive Reflections: Inspiring Thoughts & Photographs From Around The World is a 128-page gift book with a special twist that is meant to encourage a positive outlook that will help you live life to it’s fullest. "As a cancer survivor, I truly believe in living every day to the fullest and doing the things that make us happy. This book helps remind me to do that." Catherine Schweinsberg/Brevard County Library Services Director
"Beautiful! Not everyone is able to travel around the world but, with this book, you can imagine yourself there and start your day with a positive mindset." Nancy Robinson/Talk Of The Town Travel Agency.
The best of Hometown Heroes florida includes ten chapters of heartwarming and inspiring stories about people of all ages and backgrounds who are changing their communities, their state, and their world through their unique personalities and their desire to help others.
"They are great!" U.S. Senator Bill Nelson said.
"I wish you great success with the book -- you deserve it!" said Patrick D. Smith.
"The authors tell remarkable stories," said Gary Roen of Midwest Book Review.
Check out their website at http://www.sunnyharborpublishing.org/ for these inspiring books by Tom Routzong and Steven Skelley.
In these days when we need positive message so much more than what we hear in the news, Steven and Tom are meeting a need in all of us to be positive and to spread some positive thoughts of our own.
Peter Panda helps children
Author Marc O’Brien, a New Jersey native who now lives in Las Vegas, Nevada. This year is the 
20th anniversary of his graduation from college. His parents, Barbara and John O’Brien, live half the year in Indialantic, Florida. Marc is an adult who was born with, and deals daily with, cerebral palsy. He knows a great deal about dealing as a child with medical and surgical experiences, doctors, nurses and hospitals. He is also the author now of his first children’s book, Peter the Peteeatrick Panda’s TM Playground. It is a blend of fiction and nonfiction.
Like many children, Peter Panda, the book’s hero character, has fascinating and fun life experiences with friends, nurses, doctors, and occasionally, as in real life, medical procedures in the hospital. Children can laugh and learn from him about medical and life experiences and realities.
Nurses hold a special place in this author’s heart. He says, “Peter Panda and his story came to life thanks to the rich and positive experiences I’ve had over the years with nursing professionals. So I dedicated my first book to all caring nurses who enhance the lives of those in their care, especially children.”
Peter the Peeteeatrick Panda’s Playground is a book for children ages 5 and up, where Marc shares with them the antics and experiences of his whimsical Panda Bear “Pandystriper” volunteer at the children’s wing of a hospital.
Marc often has a live Peter Panda character with him when he does programs and signings for children at libraries, clinics and hospitals, as he did recently at the Satellite Beach library when he and Peter Panda presented a lively reading program for kids and their parents there. He has also appeared at schools, civic groups, and hospitals with Peter Panda in tow.
The book teaches children about nurses, doctors, and hospital experiences through Peter’s often amusing antics on the pediatric ward. Children can laugh and learn with Peter and his friends Hoppy the Bunny and Jeffrey the Long-Necked Giraffe. As parents and medical professionals know, every kid may one day end up needing medical attention, diagnostic tests, or even a stitch or two, or a cast. Peter Panda removes the fear of the unknown for them, and helps parents explain various medical terms to their children.
For many children with more challenging long-term disabilities or diseases, like Marc’s, the kinds of experiences Peter and his friends deal with are more than just a passing event of their childhood. For children above 3, there is a Peter Panda finger puppet. For kids over 3, there’s a squeezable Peter Panda stuffed animal, as well as a Panda Pencil, which can add to the book’s appeal and help comfort and amuse sick kids. Some fun and easy learning exercises and puzzles are included as an educational part of each chapter.
Peter the Peteeatrick Panda’s Playground is divided into four interesting, easy to read chapter stories, a total of 50 pages in all, and is delightfully illustrated in full color throughout by professional, Paris-trained artist Catherine Wicks of Melbourne, a lifelong friend of Marc’s family.
RN Ellen Walsh lauds Peter Panda: “This book is informative as well as entertaining for children of all ages,” (Walsh is a nurse with MPA, RNC, Neo-Natal Intensive Care and Information Technology credentials.)
Eleanor Gaffney, a retired teacher says that Peter Panda “…will help reduce anxiety and reassure [children] in a delightfully innovative way. Bravo Peter, and Marc O’Brien, Peter’s creator!”
RN/MSN Joanne Affinito calls this book, “A unique way to teach children about a hospital experience in a fun, non-threatening way.”
O’Brien hopes that businesses, civic organizations, and folks without children may wish to purchase this book for donation to special needs children, pediatric wards in hospitals, or for children with special needs whose families cannot buy them books. Marc and his family have donated books to several libraries and special children’s care charities. For example, cystic fibrosis kids each need their own book, because they cannot share items that others have handled. The O’Briens offer a substantial discount to those who purchase books as a donation to a non-profit charity organization for sick or disabled children.
Peter the Peteeatrick Panda’s Playground is available from the Publisher, Blue Note Books of Cocoa Beach, FL. ISBN 978-1-878398-78-9; Telephone 321-799-2583 or go to http://www.bluenotebooks.com/; it is online at amazon.com, or from the author (see below). Marc O’Brien is available for interviews or personal appearances. A wipeable laminate hardcover book with charming color Illustrations throughout; 50 pages, priced at retail: $19.95 plus tax and shipping. To learn more about Marc, and his friend Peter the Peeteeatrick Panda, or to order the book or the accompaniments,go to: http://www.marcobrienauthor.com/
Mary Doerfler Dall, Children Discover the Mass
Mary Doerfler Dall's book, Children Discover the Mass, continues to garnish a great deal of enthusiasm. Although the book has been out for a while, the resurgence of it's popularity speaks to the desire for parents and teachers of Catholic education to have a clear, concise and fun way to approach liturgical teaching. Mary's ability to make learning fun is evident in this book.
Children Discover the Mass provides wonderful hands-on learning of what Catholics say at Mass and why they say it. The parental references for each activity provide the instructor with a mini-overview of historical and liturgical background. Each activity, from constructing an altar and dressing the acolyte cut outs to making the completely illustrated children's coloring book type missal at the back of the book, is designed for maximum child-centered instruction.
While Children Discover the Mass can be used to teach the systematic order of the Mass, each activity stands on its own as a distinct activity allowing for complete flexibility. After several printings and strong recent sales to Australia, it is evident that this book is destined to become a classic. This is the perfect gift for a child preparing for First Communion and for a religious education teacher working with young children.
The book can be ordered directly from the publisher, Ave Maria Press and is available on Amazon. com and many Catholic education websites. Mary's website is mddall.com
Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach & Florida's Space Coast:
Brevard county, stretching along 76 miles of Florida's Atlantic coast, is a recreational and cultural jewel -- one of those rare spots that is as much fun for residents as it is for visitors. This entertaining and informational travel guide showcases the best of Brevard. Author and resident Dianne Marcum shares firsthand knowledge of the finest lodging, dining, shopping, and recreation, with special attention to the best beaches and surf spots.
Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach & Florida's Space Coast is published by The Countryman Press, an imprint of international publishing house W. W. Norton, as part of their Great Destinations series. You'll find detailed information about lodging, dining, shopping, recreational activities, a calendar of events, local history and more than 100 up-to-date maps and photos.
Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach & Florida's Space coast is available at Barnes & Noble Booksellers and at DianneMarcum.com
About the author: Author Dianne Marcum is a member of the Cocoa Beach Writer's Workshop and Space Coast Writer's Guild, and a contributor to Space Coast Business and local anthologies. She lives in Cape Canaveral and serves as a member of the Cape Canaveral Business & Cultural Development Board. Dianne is a CPA, AARP Tax Aide associate, and the former Vice President of strategic and human resources planning for Walt Disney World.
Dianne is available to speak to groups on Brevard County Travel and Tourism, the history of Florida's Space Coast, and a variety of writing and business topics. Presentations are tailored to meet the interest of the audience. Contact her at DianneMarcum.com
News from Terra Sancta Press
Patricia A. McDonough and Terra Sancta Press have two titles accepted into the Pulitzer Prize Competition (April 2009) this year. They are:
Kazik's Polish Navy by Kazimierz J. Kasperek with Pat McDonough entered in the Letters Category of Biography, Autobiography, Memoir. Strangers Brothers by MSG. Raymond F. Flaherty and Pat McDonough entered in the Letters Category of American Life (fiction of a historical nature).
In Strangers Brothers, two brothers from different cultures, raised separately by the same father, come together in the US Army Airborne Rangers in the invasion of Grenada. A secret is revealed and their lives unravel. Living in the same Georgia Town, how can two disparate families come to grips with one man's "other life."
This October is the 25th Anniversary of the Operation Urgent Fury, the invasion of Grenada to rescue American medical students and their families.
Stranger's Brothers is the sequel to Flaherty's first novel He Didn't Say Good-Bye.
Kazik's Polish Navy is an eye-witness account of the action in major sea battles of WWII from the day that Hitler invaded. It reveals secrets how the deal was cut to allocate countries after the war. Kazik's story is of heroism, love, heartbreak, and beginning life anew in America. Even with ships being blown out from under him, with privations in a German POW internment camp and his escape, the betrayal of Poland, Kazik never lets go of his uplifting spirit and positive view of life. He was the most decorated Polish NCO in WWII, awarded 18 medals by 5 countries. After the war, his promotion came through as Lieutenant Commander.
You can obtain more information by sending an email to books4you@cfl.rr.com and can purchase it by going to http://www.terrasanctapress.com/
Wanton Woman: Sue Logue, Strom Thurmond, and the Bloody Logue-Timmerman Feud by Anna Flowers
Wanton Woman is a true crime saga of the 1930-1940s era in a small, virtually lawless town in the deep south. It's the story of vivacious Sue Stidam who married into a violent Logue-Tiommerman family feud in Edgefield, SC ,when she married one of the Logue boys. She immediately learned how to manipulate her new family connections, to achieve her ambition of becoming a teacher, and in her social-climbing fervor, she became the favorite lover of political icon Strom Thurmond. The stormy relationship continues right up to Sue Logue's eventual, and final destiny. She becomes the first woman ever electrocuted in the state of South Carolina, and it is her former lover Strom who will escort her to the Death House.
The incredible string of events and murders leading up to her tragic fate are detailed by Flowers in this true narrative about the lawless swath these prominent families cut.
Steve Glassman in a review states, "Anna Flowers has produced a historical true crime book that is Southern Gothic in tenor and content. It is the sort of thing that Poe as well as a long line of Southern writers would look on with favor. Good going."
Maynard Allington, author of the critically acclaimed The Court of Blue Shadows, wrote: "In Wanton Woman, Anna Flowers is at the top of her game in the true crime genre. The case history of murder, which made headlines in the 1940s, has it all: human intrigue, wanton sex, and an ending that will hit the reader with the impact of a bullet. The attention to historical detail, coupled with the skill to tell a compelling, fast-paced story, make Flowers' account of murder and mayhem read like a novel."
The book is available at Barnes and Noble or at amazon.com.
Morning’s Light by JoAnna O’Keefe
An inspirational collection of poems integrated with spirituality and the journey to wholeness, reflecting the author’s education from the Pecos Benedictine Monastery Spiritual Directors School and Syracuse University. Vivid images and lyrical language describe and create the many emotions we all experience: love, despair, fear, courage, exaltation, joy and gratitude.
Cynthia Guarjado-Paul of the Space Coast Chronicle said of JoAnna's new book: "More than a collection of poems, Morning's Light is a glimpse into the journey of JoAnna O'Keefe, the author of the beautiful inspirational books Come to the Garden and The Path Less Taken.
"In the remarkable book of poems, JoAnna O'Keefe caputres, in strong images and precise lyrical language, the emotions we all experience: love, despair, fear, courage, exaltation, joy, and gratitude.
"These poems of love, transcendence and transformation reflect the solitary and difficult labors of the spirit on the journey to wholeness. The book is not only comforting to read, it encourages you to embrace the absolute joy of being who you are."
For more information, go to http://www.joannaokeefe.com/
Behold, An Ashen Horse, second in the Clash-of-Civilizations triology, is out. It won the Military Writers Society 
of America's 2008 Gold Medal. The first was The Rings of Allah (winner of the Military Writers Society of America's 2007 Silver Medal).
The Rings of Allah by Lee Boyland. Can terroists detonate a nuclear device in the U.S.? Lee 
Boyland answers this question in his award-winning novel. The plan and attack are told through the terroist's eyes. Simple gun-type atomic devices are obtained and planted in American cities. The terrorists wait for the opportunity to simultaneously detonate them. Can America survive? The answer is found in the sequel -- Behold, an Ashen Horse.
"Lee Boyland's story of a nuclear terrorist attack on the U.S. hit the nail on the head. A plot that can happen today," says a retired brigadier general whose last post was the National Security Agency.
"A chilling techno-thriller. Accurate technical details and well drawn characters," Frank Perkins author of Travel Adventures on the Campany's Nickel and Whales, Termites and Dragons" Adventures on Volunteer Expeditions.
Behold, an Ashen Horse by Lee and Vista Boyland (Winner of the Military Writers Society of America's 2008 Gold Medal)
Blindsided by a sneak nuclear attack, America's central government is destroyed and its economy's spinning toward collapse. A world-wide jihad rages, and the Islamic Empire is formed. America must find the right leader in order to survive. George Alexander is that man. Thrust into the presidency, a job he didn't want, Alexander sets about saving the nation and then dispenses the retribution his angry nation demands.
This is the author's second novel in the Clash-of-Civilizations trilogy. The final novel, American Reborn, is under way.
Joe Weber, New York Times best-selling author of eight novels says, "Behold, an Ashen Horse is a stunning, riveting story plausible enough to be tomorrow's headlines. Buckle your seat belts...this is a nail-biting ride."
"Forget about Patterson, King, Grisham and company. If you want at long last to read a work that is intelligent, gripping, and truly terrifying, pick up a copy of Lee Boyland's Behold, an Ashen Horse. Mr. Boyland, who has an extensive background in nuclear engineering and national defense, is the rightful heir in American fiction to Tom Clancy," says Paul Williams, author of The Day of Islam, Osama's Revenge, The Al Qaeda Connection, Dunces of Doomsday, and The Complete Idiot's Guild to the Crusades.
About the Author: Lee Boyland, U. S. Army bomb disposal officer, nuclear weapons expert, special weapons designer, businessman, and author, and his wife and co-author, Vista, have written two award-winning novels of their Clash-of-Civilizations trilogy. He is a frequent contributor to The New Media Journal.us (http://www.newmedia journal.us). Links to his articles are posted on the author page of his website along with lots of other interesting information. For ordering information and more go to http://www.leeboylandbooks.com/.
Apache Warrior by Carol Ann Didier.
A white woman and an Apache brave meet in the untamed West...
Apache Warrior is the debut novel of Carol Ann Didier. It's the story of an Eastern Baltimore belle and and an Apache brave caught up in a taboo love that has the power to heal or harm a broken people. Set in historical Arizona in the 1860's, Apache Warrior proves love knows no color, creed or race. It happens in the heart, when and where you least expect it, and if allowed to grow, can conquer differences in culture, hatred and personal loss. Cassie Edwards, New York Times bestselling author said, "A compelling story! Wonderfully authentic!"
Carol Ann Didier has been published in Charisma and Literary Lift Off magazines. She also writes inspirational vignettes, verses for greeting cards, and stories for her grandchildren. She now lives on the east coast of Florida.
For more information, visit her website at http://www.carolanndidier.com/. You can purchase the book at her website or through http://www.amazon.com/.
Valerie Allen has just published Summer School for Smarties, a children's book for grades 
three to six. In Summer School for Smarties, the main character, Jennifer, suddenly finds her long awaited summer vacation interrupted due to an end-of-the-year low grade in reading. She knows there has been a BIG mistake. Jennifer plans to be miserable throughout her summer school ordeal, but finds that remedial learning and new life experiences can sneak up on you when you least expect them. Valerie Allen has also published:
Sins of the Father
Suffer the Little Children
Bad Hair, Good Hat, Best Friends
Write, Publish, Sell!
Check them all out by going to her website at http://www.valerieallenwriter.com/ or email her at VAllenWriter@cs.com for more information.
Kee Briggs has spent decades filling his experiential warehouses for the time when 
he could use that material to create storylines. He has done that and more. He's the author of 12 books. The Silver Scepter and The Rhodium Dragon are two of his newest additions to The Usher Orlop Mystery Series. Start at the beginning of the series and follow the exploits of sculptor Usher Orlop and Anasette. In The Silver Scepter, Usher travels to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico to execute a silver scepter for an unusual client. Usher finds his creation is used to bash in the skull of a woman. Usher rescues her tiny son and must find a way to get the tyke out of harm's way. In The Rhodium Dragon, Usher is provided with a magnificent jade box on which to mount a silver mask of a client's grandson. The surfacing of the lidless box precipitates multiple burglaries and murders, plus the involvement of a powerful Chinese tong and the Chicoms. Usher must sort through international intrigues to protect the lone survivor.
For more information about these intriguing books or to purchase any of Kee's books visit his website at http://www.keescapes.com/.
You Are Not Forgotten: A Family's Quest for Truth and the Founding of the
National League of Families of POW/MIA by Evelyn Grubb and Carol Jose with a Foreword by Henry Kissinger. This true story of enduring love and tragic loss, set in a deep and moving time of war and extreme socio-political upheaval, is an inspiring account of remarkable individuals, citizens, celebrities and politicians. Together they would create history. Each of them is a true American hero and they will never be forgotten.
In his review of the book Maj. Gen. Don Shepperd USAF (ret.) states, "You Are Not Forgotten should be read by every American citizen, politician, government bureaucrat, military family, and by every person who wears a U.S. military uniform, from the recruits to the top. The photos are riveting. The story is true, well-documented, superbly told. It should be in every American history class because the Vietnam War as a subject has been woefully neglected. Full of important national, military and strongly illustrated civic and moral human lessons, You Are Not Forgotten should become a classic.
"Authors Evelyn 'Evie' Grubb and Carol Jose collaborate to tell the story of 'Newk' Grubb, an American fighter pilot shot down on a reconnaissance mission early in the war....
"The story is told from Evie's heart, through her eyes. You won't forget You Are Not Forgotten. Don't miss it. I'd like to have known Evie. She says, in the Preface, '...the roughest experiences of life do toughen us up... but they do not make us immortal...'"
For more information about You Are Not Forgotten contact publicist, Mike Daly at md@csicreativesolutions or by phone at 1-877-843-8877. You can order the book online at http://www.yanfbook.com/ (Hardcover, 360 pp, illustrations, index; $24.95 + shipping) ISBN 13-978-0918339-71-3
Friends Forever New Trails is the third in a series of books by Marilyn Martin. If you've read the other two, you will catch up with your favorite characters as they continue their journey of life along new trails. You'll meet Alenxandra Tanner and her Navajo classmate, Skylyn Eaglefeather, young teens who have been pals from first grade. Their ranch life in Colorado is one of outdoor exploration. Marilyn was a teacher for eleven years. Her writing draws upon a deep love of the West, and her own American Indian ancestral background has led her to investigate the life and culture of the ancient Amerinds upon which she bases much of her writing. Friends Forever New Trails is published by Four Seasons Publishers and is now available at bookstores across the country and over the Internet at Barnes and Noble, Borders, and Amazon.com. ISBN: 1-932497-06-4; $12.95. For more information about books by Marilyn Martin go to http://www.mmartinbooks.com/.
Alpha Rising by G.L. Douglas is receiving high praise and positive reviews and recently earned
two Honorable Mentions at the Hollywood Book Festival, an Honorable Mention at the DIY Book Festival, and scored a perfect 20 out of 20 in plot, grammar, character development and cover design categories at the Writers' Digest International Book Festival. (Read more at http://www.alpharising.net/)
This thought-provoking work of speculative fiction opens at Kennedy Space Center in the year 2020 with a rescue mission beyond Earth's solar system. The effort only partially succeeds, landing six astronauts in a beleaguered future world where history repeats itself, future events cast shadows, few can be trusted, and the earthlings' DNA is of prime interest. By the merest stroke of luck, one astronaut escapes evil captors, and soon an epiphany on a mountain top sends him on a mission that fulfills prophecy.
From Violins to Violence: Memoirs of a Virtuoso Homicide Detective was named one of the best books of 2007 by Cathy Mathias of Florida Today.
Author Marshall Frank bares all about his transition from a classical violinist to an illustrious career as a premier homicide detective. In this compelling autobiography, Frank shares many personal and professional experiences. He looks at the power over corrupt officials by a family mobster; the struggles faced by homicide investigators; true murder cases and other criminal investigations; the arrest of five police officers for murder; the truth behind Miami's race riots of 1980; crushed marriages, alcoholism and drug addiction; and the influence of music in a life of turmoil.
For more information, visit Marshall's website at http://www.marshallfrank.com/.
When Judith Mammay retired from teaching elementary special education, she started her second career as an author of children's books. She has written Knowing Joseph, a mid-grade novel, and It's Time, an early reader/picture book, both of which address issues of autism. She currently lives in Melbourne, Florida, with her husband and is an active member of the Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and is the president of the Space Coast Writers' Guild (SCWG). Besides writing, she also enjoys nature photography, playing golf, and spending time with her grandchildren.
Knowing Joseph ... Brian would give anything to have a normal six-year-old brother -- one who doesn't scream, that normals sounds are not too loud for, or just a brother who would play with other kids. But no matter how often he pretends not to know him, Brian has to face that he doesn't have a normal brother. He has Joseph, who is autistic.
Life with Joseph isn't easy. Joseph needs order and structure, which is something other kids find weird. Brian constantly finds himself defending Joseph from kids who understand Joseph even less than Brian does. It takes a new friend and a school project before Brain can begin to truly know and accept Joseph. 
It's Time... Tommy knew he was different. His doctor told him and his mom he had autism. He didn't know what autism was, but he knew some things were hard for him.
It was hard for Tommy to understand what people meant when they talked. It was hard for him to use words that would help others to understand him, too. Sometimes that made him scream.
Tommy liked things to be the same. He liked to do everything in the same order each day. It upset Tommy if the schedule changed.
Sometimes Tommy didn't like people to be close to him. And he didn't like loud noises and bright, flashing lights.
Even when Tommy tried his best, some days were hard. Some days he had problems.
Judy has presented in several venues, including schools, college classes, and at community meetings. She is available to do school visits on the topics of writing, conflict resolution, and disability awareness. Contact her at jmammaywrites@cfl.rr.com or through her website, www.judithmammay.com/.
Stone Haven: Murder Along the River by Holly Fox Vellekoop. Holly is a former clinical instructor in psychiatric and mental health nursing for Pen State University.
Stone Haven: Murder Along the River is a murder mystery set in the small town of Danville, Pennsylvania. Follow state policeman Thomas Sheski and his partner as they attempt to solve the murder of the wife of a well-known psychologist who provides treatment for wealthy clients at his private mental hospital.
Stone Haven: Murder Along the River is available at http://www.amazon.com/ or by emailing the author at hvellekoop@cfl.rr.com
Organizations and Meetings
Note: I know this is a partial list of organizations, and I know I haven't included all the information about meetings. I would love to list information about your group. Please send in the information you would like listed about your group to Lou@LouBelcher.com. Thanks.
Cape Canaveral Pen Women
website: http://www.capecanaveralpenwomen.org/. The goal of this group is to conduct and promote creative and educational activities in art, letters, and music.
Florida Writers Association
website: http://www.floridawriters.net.
Brevard group: There is a regional group called Poets, Authors and Writers Share (PAWS). This group meets the third Wednesday of the month at Melbourne Public Library on Fee Avenue in Melbourne, Florida.
Scribblers
website: http://www.geocities/brevardscribblers/index.htm. This group meets the 2nd and 4th Saturdays from February through October. During November, December and January, they meet the 2nd Saturday of the month. All meetings start at 9:30 a.m. at the Eau Gallie Library.
SCBWI Florida
website: http://www.scbwiflorida.com/. This is the state chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.
A local SCBWI critique group meets the second Monday of the month at Melbourne Library on Fee Avenue at 7:00p.m. Contact Judy Mammay at jmammaywrites@cfl.rr.com for more information. You can also go to http://www.scbwiflorida.com/
Space Coast Writers' Guild
Website: http://www.scwg.org/ The monthly meeting of the Space Coast Writers' Guild is on the third Saturday of the month at the West Melbourne Library at 2755 Wingate Blvd (on the corner of Minton and Wingate). It starts at 1:00 p.m. For more information, go to http://www.scwg.org/ .
2nd Saturday with the Space Coast Writers' Guild is (obviously) on the 2nd Saturday of each month. This meeting is at the Merritt Island Public Library, 1195 N. Courtenay Parkway. The meeting starts at 1:00 p.m. and is open to the public and members.
SpacecoasT Authors of Romance (STAR)
STAR's purpose is to promote excellence in romantic fiction and advance the professional interests of career-focused writers. They do this in many ways but basically through the meetings. They open with a critique hour where two writers bring 12 pages of their manuscript and read aloud (they mush have taken part in this for a while before being allowed to read). Once finished, the reader remains mum, while those at the meeting offer editorial comments.
They then have their business meeting followed by lunch where they share their writing news, check their word count progress, and talk about industry stuff while they eat. The main program starts after lunch with a speaker of writing exercise or activity. On occasion, they have Super Saturdays with special writers or editors or agents who come in to meet with their members and allow them to pitch their material.
The meetings are on the 4th Saturday of each month at Piccadilly Cafeteria meeting room, Melbourne Square Mall (except for Super Saturdays when they frequently have another meeting place). Their meetings begin at 10:00 a.m. and usually last till 2:00 or 3:00 p.m.
Guests are invited to attend two meetings before joining STAR. Their annual dues are $20.00. Sometimes there is a charge for special activities. Because they are a recognized chapter of the Romance Writers of America (RWA) all STARs must also be members of the national RWA organization ($75). Members must also be 18 years of age. Contact them through the website at http://www.authorsofromance.com/.
This and That including services
Florida Today: Chris Kridler put out valuable information for authors on the Space Coast. In an article in the paper she said, "Local authors have a new way to trumpet their new books. Space Coast authors can go to www.floridatoday.com/authors and fill out the form there." The information will go to their writers. This is the way to get into the Sunday column on local authors. She goes on to say that authors should fill out the form two weeks in advance or as soon as you can when you have a new book. For more information, contact Kridler at 242-3533 or by email at ckridler@floridatoday.com.
Submissions to Florida Book News: Send your news to Lou@LouBelcher.com . Thanks.
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Labels: books, fiction, Florida, non-fiction, writers
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