On Saturday, I decided to actually get out and go somewhere instead of just passively blogging about local happenings. I went to Centennial Park in Ybor City for the Authors in the Park event. I got there about 1:30 p.m. but there everyone had gone home. Color me disappointed.
The trip wasn't a total waste, though. I was able to talk to the manager for a few minutes. She said seven of the ten expected authors had shown up, but everyone had gone home early because of the weather. I don't know if she meant the heat or the threat of rain. I was sweating profusely after being outside for only a few minutes, so I certainly understand not wanting to sit broiling in the sun for hours. She said the next Authors in the Park event will be in November. I asked her if she could post the names of the participating authors on the website next time and she said she would. Being able to chat with her made me a little less disappointed.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Saturday, August 27, 2005
tampa author kendall smith-sullivan has new book
According to EWorldWire, Tampa author Kendall Smith-Sullivan has published a new book called Soulmate Logic:How Any Woman Can Find Her Perfect Partner Now. Learn more at www.soulmatelogic.com.
winter park author bryan davis has new book
According to the Agape Press website, Winter Park author Bryan Davis has published Raising Dragons, the fourth book in his Christian fantasy Dragons in Our Midst series.
the tampa review's prize for poetry
The University of Tampa's Tampa Review is accepting submissions for its Prize for Poetry until December 31, 2005. Check their website for submission guidelines.
text and academic authors association unhappy with google's library print project
The St. Petersburg-based Text and Academic Authors Association has announced its stance on Google's Library Print Project, which involves scanning a significant portion of five major libraries and placing them on searchable servers around the world.
vote in the quill awards
According to the Award Winners Blog, the Quill Award is a new national book award that allows consumers to vote for the winners. The five nominees in each of the 19 categories were selected by a national panel of booksellers and librarians. The first Quill Awards will be announced on October 11 at a ceremony hosted by NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams, with appearances by Jon Stewart, Robert Klein and others.
The winners will be determined by consumer voting online at quillsvote.com, which will begin on August 15 and continue through September 15, 2005. Readers can cast their ballots for their favorites among the nominees shortlisted for each category and choose from the finalists in all genres for the Book of the Year.
According to the Quill Awards webpage, the awards ceremony will not be aired on NBC until October 22.
Speak (vote) now, or forever hold your peace.
The winners will be determined by consumer voting online at quillsvote.com, which will begin on August 15 and continue through September 15, 2005. Readers can cast their ballots for their favorites among the nominees shortlisted for each category and choose from the finalists in all genres for the Book of the Year.
According to the Quill Awards webpage, the awards ceremony will not be aired on NBC until October 22.
Speak (vote) now, or forever hold your peace.
Thursday, August 25, 2005
usf st. pete searching for alumni who have published books or cds
USF St. Petersburg is gearing up to celebrate its 40th anniversary this fall and is looking for any alumni who have published books or musical CDs to include in an upcoming library exhibit. Visit their website for more information.
fun at inkwood books this fall
Inkwood Books has updated their website with this fall's events:
September 8 -- local author Frank Urso will read and sign his book A Stranger in the Barrio:Memoir of a Tampa Sicilian.
October 6 -- Book Group Night. Bring the members of your book group -- or come alone to find one -- to share recommendations, likes and dislikes. There will be door prizes and free books.
October 24 -- Stuart Woods will read and sign his book Iron Orchid, the latest in the best-selling Holly Barker series.
October 25 -- Winter Park author Bob Morris will sign Jamaica Me Dead, his second madcap mystery set in the Caribbean and Florida.
October 29 -- Inkwood Books is celebrating its 14th birthday party with a 20% off sale (see website for details).
November 3 -- Betsy Carter will read and sign her debut novel The Orange Blossom Special.
November 10 -- Stephanie Kallos will read and sign her debut novel Broken For You.
November 17 -- Jose Latour will read and sign his book Comrades in Miami.
September 8 -- local author Frank Urso will read and sign his book A Stranger in the Barrio:Memoir of a Tampa Sicilian.
October 6 -- Book Group Night. Bring the members of your book group -- or come alone to find one -- to share recommendations, likes and dislikes. There will be door prizes and free books.
October 24 -- Stuart Woods will read and sign his book Iron Orchid, the latest in the best-selling Holly Barker series.
October 25 -- Winter Park author Bob Morris will sign Jamaica Me Dead, his second madcap mystery set in the Caribbean and Florida.
October 29 -- Inkwood Books is celebrating its 14th birthday party with a 20% off sale (see website for details).
November 3 -- Betsy Carter will read and sign her debut novel The Orange Blossom Special.
November 10 -- Stephanie Kallos will read and sign her debut novel Broken For You.
November 17 -- Jose Latour will read and sign his book Comrades in Miami.
why authors should blog
Random House publisher Jonathan Karp has written about why he thinks authors need to blog.
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
grammar geek alert: article from writersweekly.com
Here's a great article from WritersWeekly. com called "Who Cares If It's Spelled Right?"
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
authors in the park at ybor city fresh market august 27
The Ybor City Fresh Market is having something called Authors in the Park this Saturday, August 27. Their website says they're still looking for authors to participate. I wish they'd list the names of the "more than 10 authors" who are participating, but for some reason they don't.
quote of the day
Show me the books he loves and I shall know the man far better than through mortal friends. -- Dawn Adams
Sunday, August 21, 2005
grammar geek alert: local woman fights for correct street name
I'm an absolute, unashamed grammar geek. It bothers me to see grammatical errors on signs and menus or in emails or books. I visited a website earlier today that had a "link's" button and I wanted to email them about it because it annoyed me so. (It should be "links" without an apostrophe.) I'm reading a wonderful, hilarious book about grammar called Eats, Shoots and Leaves.
Yesterday's St. Pete Times had an article about a Pasco County woman who is fighting to have her street's grammatical error corrected. I don't know anything about Spanish, so I would never have noticed the error. More power to her! I hope she wins.
Yesterday's St. Pete Times had an article about a Pasco County woman who is fighting to have her street's grammatical error corrected. I don't know anything about Spanish, so I would never have noticed the error. More power to her! I hope she wins.
how i accidentally snubbed bruce campbell at his recent book signing
When I arrived at the Tampa Theatre last Thursday, it was 5:40 p.m. Twenty minutes until Bruce Campbell would walk out on stage and start signing copies of his book. Twenty minutes until the first batch of numbers would be called to stand in line. Would I get a good number or a sucky one? Would I have to wait around for forever, or would I get my book signed early in the evening and have time to eat dinner before the 10 p.m. film screening? These were The Important Questions weighing heavily on my mind that evening.
I was assigned number....get ready for it...are you sitting down?...number 2. Yep, out of around 400 book buyers that evening, I was randomly assigned number 2. Needless to say, I spent the next few minutes chuckling to myself.
Sitting in the theater with everyone else, I listened to the Tampa Theatre staff member explain the rules that I had seen posted on their website: you must purchase a book to have something signed; and, in the interest of time, no posed photographs. You could take photos of Bruce, but he is unable to pose with you for a personal photo. I asked the woman next to me (she had number 112) to take my picture while I was on stage and she agreed, if I'd do the same for her.
At about 6:02 p.m., the Tampa Theatre staff member came out and said "Guess what? Bruce has agreed to pose for pictures!" The audience erupted in screams and cheers. We were told that when we lined up, we'd be given a post-it note to write our name (if we wanted the book personalized) and we could give our camera to the staff member who would take our picture with Bruce. Time to line up. Number 1 was a no-show, so I was first in line. First in line!!
First in line, in front of a few hundred people, in a room crackling with excitement and anticipation. I was thrilled and terrified. Those of you who know me that I am a total wallflower -- the shy, nervous, stand-in-the-corner-and-observe type. Having to stand up there with people looking at me (which probably wasn't the case, but we social phobics feel like everyone is looking at us and judging) was brutal. Dear God, what if I tripped or dropped my book? Little did I know that it would be far worse...
I gave my camera to the staff person and got my post-it with my name on it. The book cover was flipped open and was half hanging off the book. Ok, Bruce is ready. Oh wait, he needs to talk to a staff member. Ok, he's ready, c'mon up the steps. Oh, wait, he needs to arrange his Sharpie markers. I'm not exaggerating -- it really was advance a few steps, wait a moment, then repeat. Finally I was up on the stage and had rehearsed the whole taking-a-picture thing with the staff member several times. Ok, he's finally ready...
Across the stage I walked (without tripping, I'm happy to report). I gave Bruce my book and he took the cover off and tossed it on the table. He called back the staff member to let him know that all the book covers need to be removed completely from the books ("they get sticky" he said). He began to sign my book, but then stopped and called back a different staff member to tell her he needed a copy of his book to prop on (didn't quite know what that meant, but whatever). While he signed my book, I made some stupid comment about how I had recently seen his X-Files episode and had really enjoyed it. He seemed surprised by that and kind of mumbled "oh thanks" or something like that.
When he handed my book to me, I looked at the staff member at the end of the table (who had my camera) and smiled, waiting for him to take the photo. Bruce Campbell barked "No posing. Take the picture." How embarrassing -- had I misunderstood what was previously announced? I turned back towards the end of the table, smiled fakely, and silently willed the staff member to take the damn picture already. Then I grabbed my camera back and got the heck off the stage.
What a disappointment. He was rushed, he was still getting settled in and set up, and he was snappy and rude. As I made my way up the theater aisle, someone asked me how it went. After I told them, they said "he tried to shake your hand." What??? After he snapped "no posing; take the picture" I turned to look at the camera guy at the end of the table and didn't see Bruce stick out his hand. Knowing my luck, I figured that when I got my pictures developed I would have photographic evidence of my accidental snubbing of Bruce Campbell.
Sure enough, I did. In the picture I look dazed and sweaty (it was very hot in the theater) with a huge fake smile on my face. Bruce Campbell is in mid-blink with his hand extended. I accidentally snubbed Bruce Campbell in front of an audience! The picture is so horrible that I can't bring myself to post it here.
Throughout the evening, he was chatting up the fans, shaking hands, even hugging a fan or two. Oh, and posing for photographs! I paid $25 bucks for ... what? Well, I did get a copy of his book (which is very entertaining so far), and I did get his autograph. I also got sympathy from several people throughout the evening who had seen what happened (I was slightly famous myself that night as the "hey, weren't you the first one up there?" girl). And I got a true story to post on my blog. Money well spent, I suppose.
(Note to self: don't be the first one in line for anything. Stick to the middle where it's safer.)
I was assigned number....get ready for it...are you sitting down?...number 2. Yep, out of around 400 book buyers that evening, I was randomly assigned number 2. Needless to say, I spent the next few minutes chuckling to myself.
Sitting in the theater with everyone else, I listened to the Tampa Theatre staff member explain the rules that I had seen posted on their website: you must purchase a book to have something signed; and, in the interest of time, no posed photographs. You could take photos of Bruce, but he is unable to pose with you for a personal photo. I asked the woman next to me (she had number 112) to take my picture while I was on stage and she agreed, if I'd do the same for her.
At about 6:02 p.m., the Tampa Theatre staff member came out and said "Guess what? Bruce has agreed to pose for pictures!" The audience erupted in screams and cheers. We were told that when we lined up, we'd be given a post-it note to write our name (if we wanted the book personalized) and we could give our camera to the staff member who would take our picture with Bruce. Time to line up. Number 1 was a no-show, so I was first in line. First in line!!
First in line, in front of a few hundred people, in a room crackling with excitement and anticipation. I was thrilled and terrified. Those of you who know me that I am a total wallflower -- the shy, nervous, stand-in-the-corner-and-observe type. Having to stand up there with people looking at me (which probably wasn't the case, but we social phobics feel like everyone is looking at us and judging) was brutal. Dear God, what if I tripped or dropped my book? Little did I know that it would be far worse...
I gave my camera to the staff person and got my post-it with my name on it. The book cover was flipped open and was half hanging off the book. Ok, Bruce is ready. Oh wait, he needs to talk to a staff member. Ok, he's ready, c'mon up the steps. Oh, wait, he needs to arrange his Sharpie markers. I'm not exaggerating -- it really was advance a few steps, wait a moment, then repeat. Finally I was up on the stage and had rehearsed the whole taking-a-picture thing with the staff member several times. Ok, he's finally ready...
Across the stage I walked (without tripping, I'm happy to report). I gave Bruce my book and he took the cover off and tossed it on the table. He called back the staff member to let him know that all the book covers need to be removed completely from the books ("they get sticky" he said). He began to sign my book, but then stopped and called back a different staff member to tell her he needed a copy of his book to prop on (didn't quite know what that meant, but whatever). While he signed my book, I made some stupid comment about how I had recently seen his X-Files episode and had really enjoyed it. He seemed surprised by that and kind of mumbled "oh thanks" or something like that.
When he handed my book to me, I looked at the staff member at the end of the table (who had my camera) and smiled, waiting for him to take the photo. Bruce Campbell barked "No posing. Take the picture." How embarrassing -- had I misunderstood what was previously announced? I turned back towards the end of the table, smiled fakely, and silently willed the staff member to take the damn picture already. Then I grabbed my camera back and got the heck off the stage.
What a disappointment. He was rushed, he was still getting settled in and set up, and he was snappy and rude. As I made my way up the theater aisle, someone asked me how it went. After I told them, they said "he tried to shake your hand." What??? After he snapped "no posing; take the picture" I turned to look at the camera guy at the end of the table and didn't see Bruce stick out his hand. Knowing my luck, I figured that when I got my pictures developed I would have photographic evidence of my accidental snubbing of Bruce Campbell.
Sure enough, I did. In the picture I look dazed and sweaty (it was very hot in the theater) with a huge fake smile on my face. Bruce Campbell is in mid-blink with his hand extended. I accidentally snubbed Bruce Campbell in front of an audience! The picture is so horrible that I can't bring myself to post it here.
Throughout the evening, he was chatting up the fans, shaking hands, even hugging a fan or two. Oh, and posing for photographs! I paid $25 bucks for ... what? Well, I did get a copy of his book (which is very entertaining so far), and I did get his autograph. I also got sympathy from several people throughout the evening who had seen what happened (I was slightly famous myself that night as the "hey, weren't you the first one up there?" girl). And I got a true story to post on my blog. Money well spent, I suppose.
(Note to self: don't be the first one in line for anything. Stick to the middle where it's safer.)
Local Author Skip Allen Signing His Book "Out of the Ashes"
Local author Skip Allen has two upcoming book signings for his book Out of the Ashes:
September 10, 10 a.m. -- 2 p.m., Army & Air Force Exchange Service Store, MacDill Air Force Base
September 17, 2 -- 5 p.m., Barnes & Noble in Brandon
I started reading Out of the Ashes yesterday and will post a review here when I'm finished. I didn't get very far, only because The Husband wants to read it too, so I ended up reading it out loud (for him), which, as you know, takes longer than when you read silently to yourself. (But I plan to read it today while he's at work, hee hee hee).
Out of the Ashes is a thriller full of political and terrorist intrigue that brings al Qaida's destruction to the American midwest. The first chapter is available online.
September 10, 10 a.m. -- 2 p.m., Army & Air Force Exchange Service Store, MacDill Air Force Base
September 17, 2 -- 5 p.m., Barnes & Noble in Brandon
I started reading Out of the Ashes yesterday and will post a review here when I'm finished. I didn't get very far, only because The Husband wants to read it too, so I ended up reading it out loud (for him), which, as you know, takes longer than when you read silently to yourself. (But I plan to read it today while he's at work, hee hee hee).
Out of the Ashes is a thriller full of political and terrorist intrigue that brings al Qaida's destruction to the American midwest. The first chapter is available online.
Local Author Marc Giller at Borders September 17
Local author Marc Giller will be signing copies of his book Hammerjack at the South Tampa Borders on September 17.
What America's Reading (According to Barnes & Noble)
Here's the latest "What America's Reading" update from Barnes & Noble. I'm so excited about Patricia Cornwell's new Kay Scarpetta novel Predator that I can't think straight.
Books-A-Million Stores in Florida, After All
I've just discovered that there are Books-A-Million stores in Florida. There's one in my hometown that The Husband and I visit every time we visit my family, but I had never seen one around here, so I assumed that they weren't in Florida. Well, there's one in Palm Harbor, one in Port Richey, one in Lakeland, one in Bradenton and one in Sarasota. It will probably be months before I ever make it to one of those stores (if I ever do), but I like just knowing that they're around.
Citrus Springs Library Runs on Love (and Hard Work)
The St. Pete Times had an inspiring article last week about the Citrus Springs Public Library, which has been sustained almost totally by donations and volunteers for the past twenty years. They're finally get some much-needed funding.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Quote of the Day
I read my eyes out and can't read half enough...
The more one reads the more one sees we have to read.
-----John Adams
The more one reads the more one sees we have to read.
-----John Adams
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Favorite Books of Famous People
The Pinellas Park Public Library has two great lists on their website. In 1997 they started writing celebrities, politicians, sports figures, authors and other famous people to ask what their favorite books are. They've listed the responses they received, plus all the "too busy" responses or the celebrities who sent signed photos instead.
Favorite Books of Famous People List, part I
Favorite Books of Famous People List, part II
Favorite Books of Famous People List, part I
Favorite Books of Famous People List, part II
Book Sale at Pinellas Park Public Library August 20
The Pinellas Park Public Library is having a book sale on August 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Take a Test at the St. Pete Beach Public Library
St. Pete Beach Public Library patrons now have free and unlimited access to online practice tests. Learn-a-Test, by Learning Express Library, is their brand-new interactive online service featuring more than 300 practice tests. Each is based on an actual, official academic and occupational exam---including ACT, SAT, GED, ASVAB, Firefighter, Police Officer, EMT Basic, U. S. Citizenship, Postal Worker, Cosmetology and Real Estate Agent & Broker. It’s available from any location with a World Wide Web location, such as your home or office or one of the library’s in-house public Internet terminals.
St. Petersburg Public Library Offering Wi-Fi August 29
The St. Petersburg Public Library will be a wireless internet "hot spot" as of August 29.
Hillsborough Literacy Council
The Hillsborough Literacy Council, a nonprofit affiliate of Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Libraries, teaches functionally and marginally illiterate adults to read and write through its Adult Basic Literacy program. They also have an English for Speakers of Other Languages program to help people read, write and communicate in English.
Individual memberships start at $25. The HLC is always looking for members, tutors, administrative volunteers and funding partners. Call 813-273-3650 or visit www.hillsboroughliteracy.org.
Individual memberships start at $25. The HLC is always looking for members, tutors, administrative volunteers and funding partners. Call 813-273-3650 or visit www.hillsboroughliteracy.org.
Hillsborough County/John F. Germany Public Library Events
I visited the library in Riverview yesterday and left with an armful of pamphlets and fliers of events to blog about. I can't find the following events on their website, but I have fliers in front of me advertising:
August 26 from 9:30 a.m. -- 5 p.m. -- one-day sale of thousands of new music CDs at the John F. Germany Public Library Auditorium. For more info, call 813-273-3616.
August 28 from 1 - 4 p.m. -- "a cool back-to-school family event" at the John F. Germany Library. Magic show (magician Erick Olson) at 2 p.m.; Discovering World Rhythms (audience participation to the unique rhytms of Nery Arevalo) at 3 p.m. Family Fun activities (1 - 4 p.m.) include: Computer 411, Ask a Librarian, live computer demonstrations of the Just for Kids section of the website, poetry, pre-school programs, storytelling, fairytale Jeopardy, bingo, create your own bookmark, make your own slime, and more. Light refreshments. For more information, call 813-273-3652, ext. 2.
I want to go just to make my own slime...ah, to be a kid again...
August 26 from 9:30 a.m. -- 5 p.m. -- one-day sale of thousands of new music CDs at the John F. Germany Public Library Auditorium. For more info, call 813-273-3616.
August 28 from 1 - 4 p.m. -- "a cool back-to-school family event" at the John F. Germany Library. Magic show (magician Erick Olson) at 2 p.m.; Discovering World Rhythms (audience participation to the unique rhytms of Nery Arevalo) at 3 p.m. Family Fun activities (1 - 4 p.m.) include: Computer 411, Ask a Librarian, live computer demonstrations of the Just for Kids section of the website, poetry, pre-school programs, storytelling, fairytale Jeopardy, bingo, create your own bookmark, make your own slime, and more. Light refreshments. For more information, call 813-273-3652, ext. 2.
I want to go just to make my own slime...ah, to be a kid again...
Hernando County Public Library's Wish List
The Hernando County Public Library is opening two replacement branches this fall. They have a wish list posted on Amazon.com.
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Sneak Peek at Christopher Paolini's New Book "Eldest"
According to the Tampa Tribune, the publishers of Christopher Paolini's Eragon have released a free CD of Paolini reading the first chapter of his new book Eldest. The CD is available at area bookstores.
Former Tampa Resident Now Author of New Book "12 Hours of Sebring 1970"
Harry Hurst, who was born and raised in Tampa, has published a photo documentary book called 12 Hours of Sebring 1970.
Book Standard's Tampa-St. Pete Top 3 Best Sellers List
Here's a link to Book Standard's list of this week's top 3 sellers in the Tampa-St. Pete area.
Local Author Wendy Boucher Signing Her New Book September 11
Local author, travel writer, and all around good gal Wendy Boucher will be at the South Tampa Borders (909 N. Dale Mabry) at 2 p.m. on September 11 to sign copies of her new book Parvenue Throws A Party.
Name Change
I've changed the name of this blog to Tampa Book Buzz. I knew when I started it that I wanted something similar to the name of my other blog Tampa Film Fan. But I couldn't think of anything and was in too much of a hurry to start this blog to wait. It's been annoying me, in that gnat-flying-around-your-face sort of way. Plus, I say "the Tampa Film Fan blog" but I can't say "the Tampa Book Blog blog" without being redundant and sounding stupid. Sort of like that TV show Navy:NCIS or when people say "ATM machine."
The URL is the same, so if you've bookmarked this site, nothing will change. If you've linked to this blog, if you could change the name the next time you're updating your links, I would greatly appreciate it. Sorry for the trouble, but unfortunately I've never been known for my strategic planning skills. But I do make a mean apple pie (just ask The Husband).
The URL is the same, so if you've bookmarked this site, nothing will change. If you've linked to this blog, if you could change the name the next time you're updating your links, I would greatly appreciate it. Sorry for the trouble, but unfortunately I've never been known for my strategic planning skills. But I do make a mean apple pie (just ask The Husband).
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Book Buzz:"Parvenue Throws A Party" by Wendy Boucher
Parvenue Throws A Party by Wendy Boucher (Hoyden Press, $12.00, ISBN 0-9766766-0-5)
Remember the pretty, popular girls from school? The ones who had a lot of friends, always got asked out on dates, and who set the tone of what to wear and where to go? Well, Janice Darcy of Parvenue Throws A Party remembers them well, because they're the ones she fawns over, worships, and so desperately wants to be.
Janice's desperate struggle for acceptance and popularity intensifies after she and her family move from Carrollwood to South Tampa. Competing against her well-manicured, wealthy, tanned, polished and stylish neighbors, she sets off on one project -- make that mishap -- after another. Like the main character in TV's I Love Lucy (minus the extreme wackiness and willing sidekick), her childish need for acceptance and attention prompt her into situations that quickly get out of hand.
As I began reading this book, I started to worry: what if I didn't like it? I want so much to promote and support local authors, but at the same time, I'm compelled to give my honest opinion here. I'm thrilled to report that I like Parvenue Throws A Party and enjoyed it a great deal. It's a light, breezy, fun read; great for when you need a break from life and want to relax and enjoy a laugh or two.
Boucher gives us a touching prologue that helps to explain Janice's need for acceptance, so you sympathize and identify with Janice instantly. Then you feel sorry for her, and laugh at her, then get annoyed at her, and are confused by her, and laugh at her some more, and then get angry at her, and then you want to strangle her and slap her across the face...Boucher takes this character to the far edge of likeability in a skillful way that is true to the book and believable to the reader.
Having the book set in Tampa added to the fun for me. The stereotypical "rich bitch" character exists in every city in the world. Somehow, though, having Tampa's landmarks, stores and eccentricities woven throughout the story made those characters seem more realistic and Janice's struggle more endearing. I work in South Tampa and I know about the lines of demarcation (stay between Kennedy and Gandy) and I've seen the trim, blonde soccer moms in their tennis whites dropping off their kids at private school and been a tad envious as I rush by them in my never-gonna-be-paid-off small car, late for work. Perhaps there's a little Janice Darcy in me. Or in all of us.
Read Parvenue Throws A Party (available August 15th) and find out. Now, I've got to get started on those party invitations...
Tuesday, August 9, 2005
Local Author Julie Elizabeth Leto
I came across a mention of Tampa's own Julie Elizabeth Leto in an article in the Gwinnett (Georgia) Daily Post. It's always fun to unexpectedly stumble across a mention of local talent.
Make Love* *the Bruce Campbell Way
Yesterday I ordered my copy of Bruce Campbell's new book, in anticipation of his book signing at Tampa Theatre on August 18th. According to Book Standard, his recent stops in Dallas and Dayton have helped his book sales. Tampa's book sales have already gone up by at least one, because I would not have bought his book (at least right now, possibly not ever) if it weren't for the upcoming signing.
Books That Would Make Good Films
Book Standard has a good article about three books that might make good film adaptations.
Monday, August 8, 2005
unseen hands:women printers, designers and book binders
The Pasco County Public Library has Princeton's exhibition Unseen Hands:Women Printers, Designers and Book Binders featured on their website this week. I haven't had a chance to look at it yet, but I plan to once things settle down this week and I have some time.
local author michael riso in st. pete on august 15
Local author Michael Riso will be at the St. Petersburg Public Library on August 15th at 7 p.m. reading from his book Centering Our Lives:Poems and Essays. This event is free and open to the public. A book signing will follow the reading and copies of his book will be available for purchase.
st. pete beach public library online book club
(I'm checking for library updates today; can you tell?)
The St. Petersburg Beach Public Library has on online book club. Each day they'll email you a 5-minute portion of a book. During the week you can read 2-3 chapters and decide if you want to check the book out of the library. There are eleven different book clubs to choose from and new books start every Monday.
**this is the St. Pete Beach Library -- I forgot the "Beach" when I originally published this**
The St. Petersburg Beach Public Library has on online book club. Each day they'll email you a 5-minute portion of a book. During the week you can read 2-3 chapters and decide if you want to check the book out of the library. There are eleven different book clubs to choose from and new books start every Monday.
**this is the St. Pete Beach Library -- I forgot the "Beach" when I originally published this**
pinellas county student reading lists
The Clearwater Public Library has posted student reading lists from 11 schools in Pinellas County.
author mary ann evans in tampa on august 25
Author Mary Ann Evans will be at Inkwood Books in Tampa on August 25th at 7 p.m. Evans' new book Relics is the second installment in her suspense series featuring Floridian Faye Longchamp.
Sunday, August 7, 2005
bloggers who get book deals...
...are lucky bloggers indeed. The Book Standard has an interesting article about the current rash of bloggers who are getting book deals. Investment banker blogger Dana "D-Nasty" Vachon just signed a two-book deal, as did Greek Tragedy blogger Stephanie Klein. Blogger Wendy McClure's new book I'm Not the New Me is already out.
To me, blogs (some of them, anyway) are worth reading because of the very nature of what blogs are -- relatively short and frequent posts, with comments by others. I enjoy reading the comments posted on various blogs, and quite honestly, there are a few blogs that I only skim because the posts are entirely too long to stay interested in. I'm not familar with the bloggers mentioned above; perhaps they're all talented writers whose books will be great reads.
If any publishers are interested in giving a book deal to a slightly frumpy, happily married, boring, shy woman whose butt is too big because all she does is sit around and read, watch movies, and blog, then email me and I'm sure we can work something out.
To me, blogs (some of them, anyway) are worth reading because of the very nature of what blogs are -- relatively short and frequent posts, with comments by others. I enjoy reading the comments posted on various blogs, and quite honestly, there are a few blogs that I only skim because the posts are entirely too long to stay interested in. I'm not familar with the bloggers mentioned above; perhaps they're all talented writers whose books will be great reads.
If any publishers are interested in giving a book deal to a slightly frumpy, happily married, boring, shy woman whose butt is too big because all she does is sit around and read, watch movies, and blog, then email me and I'm sure we can work something out.
Friday, August 5, 2005
great opening lines:r is for ricochet by sue grafton
From R is for Ricochet by Sue Grafton:
The basic question is this: given human nature, are any of us really capable of change? The mistakes other people make are usually patently obvious. Our own are tougher to recognize. In most cases, our path through life reflects a fundamental truth about who we are now and who we've been since birth. We're optimists or pessimists, joyful or depressed, gullible or cynical, inclined to seek adventure or to avoid all risks. Therapy might strengthen our assets or offset our liabilities, but in the main we do what we do because we've always done it that way, even when the outcome is bad...perhaps especially when the outcome is bad.
This is a story about romance -- love gone right, love gone wrong, and matters somewhere in between.
The basic question is this: given human nature, are any of us really capable of change? The mistakes other people make are usually patently obvious. Our own are tougher to recognize. In most cases, our path through life reflects a fundamental truth about who we are now and who we've been since birth. We're optimists or pessimists, joyful or depressed, gullible or cynical, inclined to seek adventure or to avoid all risks. Therapy might strengthen our assets or offset our liabilities, but in the main we do what we do because we've always done it that way, even when the outcome is bad...perhaps especially when the outcome is bad.
This is a story about romance -- love gone right, love gone wrong, and matters somewhere in between.
Wednesday, August 3, 2005
dean koontz and horror fiction
Someone recently posted a comment asking me about my Dean Koontz recommendations and if I've read much of his work. I have about 18 Koontz paperbacks sitting on my bookshelf right now. It all started with the movie Watchers that I saw in the late 80's. I enjoyed that movie and decided to check out the book it was based upon. I was hooked.
I read most of what Koontz published up until the late 90's and tried to track down as much of his earlier work as possible. I preferred him to Stephen King, who I always thought was too wordy. I don't know why I stopped reading his stuff; I think I reached the point where I was waiting on a new book to come out, and then moved on and got hooked on another author and forgot to go back to Koontz.
The most recent Koontz book that I've read is Fear Nothing, which was published in 1998. I'd have to pick that as one of my favorites. The hero has a disease that makes him extremely sensitive to light, so he only goes out at night. Of course, the people who are out at night are often unusual, eccentric or criminals. Throw in a government conspiracy and bizarre experiments, and you've got yourself one entertaining book.
I was also asked about non-vampiric horror fiction recommendations. Hmmmm...I loved John Saul's books (another author I stopped reading for no good reason) and I've read several of Douglas Clegg's books. I've always heard about Poppy Z. Brite, but haven't read any of her work, so I can't personally recommend her.
Anyone else have any horror fiction recommendations?
I read most of what Koontz published up until the late 90's and tried to track down as much of his earlier work as possible. I preferred him to Stephen King, who I always thought was too wordy. I don't know why I stopped reading his stuff; I think I reached the point where I was waiting on a new book to come out, and then moved on and got hooked on another author and forgot to go back to Koontz.
The most recent Koontz book that I've read is Fear Nothing, which was published in 1998. I'd have to pick that as one of my favorites. The hero has a disease that makes him extremely sensitive to light, so he only goes out at night. Of course, the people who are out at night are often unusual, eccentric or criminals. Throw in a government conspiracy and bizarre experiments, and you've got yourself one entertaining book.
I was also asked about non-vampiric horror fiction recommendations. Hmmmm...I loved John Saul's books (another author I stopped reading for no good reason) and I've read several of Douglas Clegg's books. I've always heard about Poppy Z. Brite, but haven't read any of her work, so I can't personally recommend her.
Anyone else have any horror fiction recommendations?
2004 bram stoker award winners announced
The Horror Writers' Association has announced the 2004 Bram Stoker Award winners (although they've got the wrong year listed on their site, methinks). This award is named after Bram Stoker, author of Dracula.
author eric kraft in tampa august 12
Eric Kraft, author of the continuing serial novel The Personal History, Adventures, Experiences and Observations of Peter Leroy, will be at a ticketed luncheon at the University Club on August 12th. Visit his site for more information.
turner classic movies' monthly book giveaway
Visit the TCM site to enter the sweepstakes to try to win a copy of Howard Keel's autobiography Only Make Believe: My Life in Show Business.
