Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Local Author Lary Crews
St. Pete author/speaker/photographer/blogger Lary Crews wrote to say hello. This author of the Veronica Slate mysteries (Kill Cue, Extreme Close Up) has a new book coming out in January 2007, titled The Baby Boom Writer. Visit www.larycrews.org to learn more about this local author.
Book Covers Website
Thanks to my favorite magazine of all time (a.k.a. Entertainment Weekly), I discovered this online display of book jacket designs: www.covers.fwis.com. What did we do before the Internet?
Joan Didion on Beliefnet.com
I clicked onto www.beliefnet.com this weekend and discovered an audio interview with author Joan Didion about grief and "magical thinking."
You can read parts of the interview, listen to it or read an excerpt of her book here.
(Didion's The Year of Magical Thinking is this month's pick for the Tampa Book Buzz Online Book Club. I'll post my review at the end of the month.)
You can read parts of the interview, listen to it or read an excerpt of her book here.
(Didion's The Year of Magical Thinking is this month's pick for the Tampa Book Buzz Online Book Club. I'll post my review at the end of the month.)
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Florida Bibliophile Society on Summer Break
Speaking of the Florida Bibliophile Society, they have adjourned for the summer (more time to sit by the pool and read). Their next meeting will be September 17th. Mark your calendars.
Since joining the FBS in January, I've only attended a couple of meetings, due to time constraints and a hectic, busy life. Hopefully in the fall I'll be able to attend their monthly meetings on a regular basis. The Florida Bibliophile Society is for any and all book lovers. A lot of the members are book collectors and dealers who know about how to determine a book's condition and value and who have introduced me to book terminology that I didn't even know existed.
Some of the FBS members are collectors like me, who collect based on interest or sentimental value as opposed to rarity, age, and value. Some members just love to read and are interested in all things bookish.
No matter what kind of bibliophile you are, I encourage you to come to the September 17th meeting to give this group a try.
Since joining the FBS in January, I've only attended a couple of meetings, due to time constraints and a hectic, busy life. Hopefully in the fall I'll be able to attend their monthly meetings on a regular basis. The Florida Bibliophile Society is for any and all book lovers. A lot of the members are book collectors and dealers who know about how to determine a book's condition and value and who have introduced me to book terminology that I didn't even know existed.
Some of the FBS members are collectors like me, who collect based on interest or sentimental value as opposed to rarity, age, and value. Some members just love to read and are interested in all things bookish.
No matter what kind of bibliophile you are, I encourage you to come to the September 17th meeting to give this group a try.
Just Books Is Closing
The owners of Just Books (2002 E. Fletcher Ave. Suite G) are retiring and are having a huge sale to get rid of their existing stock. I talked to one of the owners yesterday and found out that they will close their doors on June 15th.
Ready, set, shop! (And then go home and mourn this store's closing.)
(Thanks go to the Florida Bibliophile Society for including this info in the minutes from their April meeting and to Eric Sturm for telling me when I met him two weeks ago. The delay in passing this info on to you is totally my own fault.)
Ready, set, shop! (And then go home and mourn this store's closing.)
(Thanks go to the Florida Bibliophile Society for including this info in the minutes from their April meeting and to Eric Sturm for telling me when I met him two weeks ago. The delay in passing this info on to you is totally my own fault.)
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Book Buzz:The Independent Woman's Guide to Life by Gabi Lorino
All the world's a stage, and the women merely players. We have our exits and our entrances, and one woman in her time plays many parts. Her stages of life are the seven ages of modern life.
(Aside) But if all the world's a stage, then she'll be needing better costumes, and more costume changes as well. A large budget for shoes is advisable.
Gabi Lorino is Tampa's version of Candace Bushnell. In The Independent Woman's Guide to Life, Lorino uses the ups and downs of everyday life as fodder for her one-woman stage show and uses her book to recount both the real-life and stage versions of her adventures.
A first date becomes a riff on creating a formal dating resume and application process. A painful breakup sparks the Six Stages of Heartbreak. Years of working and dating are mined for -- my favorite -- Certain Truths That Apply to Both Working and Dating (such as: The audition process is demeaning and The more desirable it seems to the outside world, the more high-maintenance it is for you).
Lorino briefly -- in only 127 pages -- recounts her speed-dating, bridesmaid-enduring, job-hating, world-traveling, boy-crazy, celebrity-stalking adventures in a conversational, breezy tone. Her witty, astute observations are presented as parts of a monologue for her one-woman show, dispersed throughout the book and presented together at the end.
This is a one-woman show worth seeing (and reading).
TCM Book Giveaway
There's still time to enter the online sweepstakes at Turner Classic Movies for a chance to win a copy of the book Leading Ladies:The 50 Most Unforgettable Actresses of the Studio Era. Click here to learn more about the book or to enter the giveaway contest.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Local Author Ann Baker
I had a chance to meet local author Ann Baker last week and am eagerly awaiting delivery of her book No Coincidence. (Books and catalogs are the only fun part of opening my mailbox anymore because everything else is bills, junk mail and pizza coupons, it seems).
According to her website, No Coincidence is the first in a series of novels that are mystery/romance stories of a young woman's journey into the profession of law enforcement. Baker writes from experience, being a law enforcement officer specializing in traffic homicide investigation.
Learn more about No Coincidence (and read an excerpt) here, read Baker's short stories here and here, or read this article about her from the Tampa Tribune. (Or visit www.authorsden.com/annbaker yourself and jump from link to link in any order you choose.)
According to her website, No Coincidence is the first in a series of novels that are mystery/romance stories of a young woman's journey into the profession of law enforcement. Baker writes from experience, being a law enforcement officer specializing in traffic homicide investigation.
Learn more about No Coincidence (and read an excerpt) here, read Baker's short stories here and here, or read this article about her from the Tampa Tribune. (Or visit www.authorsden.com/annbaker yourself and jump from link to link in any order you choose.)
Joan Didion on NPR
NPR has links to several interviews with author Joan Didion, as well as an excerpt from The Year of Magical Thinking, on its website.
The Year of Magical Thinking is the TBB Online Book Club pick for May.
The Year of Magical Thinking is the TBB Online Book Club pick for May.
Monday, May 22, 2006
Local Author Afsaneh Noori
Local author/engineer/artist Afsaneh Noori's book Change Thrivers -- Your Resource Guide for Making Change Work has just been published. Her book is a combination of change theories woven with personal stories and sprinkled with quotes. Every chapter has exercises for the reader to guide her/him towards becoming a Change Thriver.
As an Iranian-American woman working in the traditionally male field of engineering, Noori has experienced many transitions in her life. She's used her experience as a cornerstone for personal growth. As her website states, "It's All About Empowerment."
Visit www.changethrivers.com to learn more about Noori and her new book.
As an Iranian-American woman working in the traditionally male field of engineering, Noori has experienced many transitions in her life. She's used her experience as a cornerstone for personal growth. As her website states, "It's All About Empowerment."
Visit www.changethrivers.com to learn more about Noori and her new book.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Back to Blogging Soon
Between computer problems and a nasty stomach bug, I haven't been following the blogging rules about regular posting this week. But I'll work on catching up on my email and my blogging this weekend, I promise. Don't give up on me!
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Update on Florida Author Gary Williams
Jacksonville, Florida author Gary Williams wrote to let me know that his third Florida-based novel The God Tools is now available. Visit www.thegodtools.com for more info.
Monday, May 15, 2006
"Just Between Girlfriends" Author Chrisena Coleman in Tampa May 19
The JBG (Just Between Girlfriends) Girls Night Out tour is stopping in Tampa on May 19th.
Chrisena Coleman, an award-winning New York Daily News journalist who covers the Bronx Supreme Courthouse beat, is the author of Mama Knows Best and Just Between Girlfriends. She formed the JGB Girls Night Out tour to draw attention to the issue of domestic violence and to encourage women to take a stand and break the cycle. Coleman says
"Domestic violence is that dirty little secret that our grandmothers, mothers, sisters, aunts, nieces, daughters, girlfriends, neighbors and co-workers have dealt with in private, but it's time to break the cycle of silence and take action against those who abuse."
Acknowledging that domestic violence is nothing to laugh about, Coleman says her tour will focus on friendship, philanthropy and fun. The four-hour girls-only Tampa party will include a silent auction, raffle, denim & diamonds fashion parade, domestic violence survivors and speakers, musical and comedy performances, line dancing, giveaways and interactive games that require audience participation.
JBG will donate a portion of the proceeds to The Alpha House of Tampa. Girls Night Out Tampa will be held on Friday, May 19th, at the Sheraton Suites Tampa Airport and tickets may be purchased online.
The following morning, JBG will host Breakfast With A Tampa Ball Player and Girls Day Out: Shop Til Ya Drop Mall Party and International Plaza. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.justbetweengirlfriends.com.
Chrisena Coleman, an award-winning New York Daily News journalist who covers the Bronx Supreme Courthouse beat, is the author of Mama Knows Best and Just Between Girlfriends. She formed the JGB Girls Night Out tour to draw attention to the issue of domestic violence and to encourage women to take a stand and break the cycle. Coleman says
"Domestic violence is that dirty little secret that our grandmothers, mothers, sisters, aunts, nieces, daughters, girlfriends, neighbors and co-workers have dealt with in private, but it's time to break the cycle of silence and take action against those who abuse."
Acknowledging that domestic violence is nothing to laugh about, Coleman says her tour will focus on friendship, philanthropy and fun. The four-hour girls-only Tampa party will include a silent auction, raffle, denim & diamonds fashion parade, domestic violence survivors and speakers, musical and comedy performances, line dancing, giveaways and interactive games that require audience participation.
JBG will donate a portion of the proceeds to The Alpha House of Tampa. Girls Night Out Tampa will be held on Friday, May 19th, at the Sheraton Suites Tampa Airport and tickets may be purchased online.
The following morning, JBG will host Breakfast With A Tampa Ball Player and Girls Day Out: Shop Til Ya Drop Mall Party and International Plaza. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.justbetweengirlfriends.com.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Update on Local Author Ersula Knox Odom
Local author Ersula Knox Odum has lots of personal appearances coming up:
Saturday, May 13 -- 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
The City of Tampa Black History Committee presents
Festival in the Park
Perry Harvey Park 1200 N. Orange Ave. (corner of Jefferson & Scott) featuring: Health Fair & Health Walk;Twist Contest;Art Exhibition; Basketball Tournament;Talent Competition;Games, Food, Live Music, & More….
For more information please call (813) 274-5835
All proceeds to benefit the City of Tampa Black History Committee Scholarship Fund.
Festival in the Park presents a unique opportunity to combine art, history, music, dance, and food while remembering a piece of Tampa’s past…Historic Central Avenue. Central Avenue was
Tampa’s first multi-cultural entertainment & business district. Although the Central Avenue district no longer exists, Festival in the Park will ensure its memories are never forgotten.
***************************
May 14 -- Mother’s Day Service
New Grace Chapel CME Church
with Pastor Margaret Wade1214 Laura St EPlant City, FL 33566
*******************************************
6/9/06 Mother-Daughter Retreat
Duckling to Diva presents
Young Women’s Empowerment Retreat 2006
“In Her Shoes”
Iselyn Lundy 813.385.0425
*********************************
June 17 -- Tampa Writers Alliance
********************************
June 16 and 17 -- Plant City Juneteenth Festival
*********************************
June 24 -- book signing at Haslam’s Book Store
2025 Central Avenue
St Petersburg, FL 33713
727.822.8616
Saturday, May 13 -- 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
The City of Tampa Black History Committee presents
Festival in the Park
Perry Harvey Park 1200 N. Orange Ave. (corner of Jefferson & Scott) featuring: Health Fair & Health Walk;Twist Contest;Art Exhibition; Basketball Tournament;Talent Competition;Games, Food, Live Music, & More….
For more information please call (813) 274-5835
All proceeds to benefit the City of Tampa Black History Committee Scholarship Fund.
Festival in the Park presents a unique opportunity to combine art, history, music, dance, and food while remembering a piece of Tampa’s past…Historic Central Avenue. Central Avenue was
Tampa’s first multi-cultural entertainment & business district. Although the Central Avenue district no longer exists, Festival in the Park will ensure its memories are never forgotten.
***************************
May 14 -- Mother’s Day Service
New Grace Chapel CME Church
with Pastor Margaret Wade1214 Laura St EPlant City, FL 33566
*******************************************
6/9/06 Mother-Daughter Retreat
Duckling to Diva presents
Young Women’s Empowerment Retreat 2006
“In Her Shoes”
Iselyn Lundy 813.385.0425
*********************************
June 17 -- Tampa Writers Alliance
********************************
June 16 and 17 -- Plant City Juneteenth Festival
*********************************
June 24 -- book signing at Haslam’s Book Store
2025 Central Avenue
St Petersburg, FL 33713
727.822.8616
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Former Tampa Native Ace Atkins In The News
Kevin Walker from the Tampa Tribune recently published a very interesting and thorough article about author Ace Atkins' new mystery White Shadow, including details about his book party tonight (May 10).
(Thanks go to fellow blogger and book lover Kim from Kim's Point of View for sending me the link.)
(Thanks go to fellow blogger and book lover Kim from Kim's Point of View for sending me the link.)
Tuesday, May 9, 2006
Aren't Book Blogs The Best?
ForeWord Magazine recently had an interesting article about book blogs, their relationship to smaller, independent presses and their impact on both sales and publicity. Publishers are aware of how important word of mouth can be to book sales, but they're just beginning to see the potential of online "word of mouth." The article contains links to some good book blogs (besides TBB, I mean), so take a look.
(A big thank you goes to Joy from Joy's Journal for sending me the link and letting me know about the wonderful ForeWord Magazine, which I had not heard of before.)
(A big thank you goes to Joy from Joy's Journal for sending me the link and letting me know about the wonderful ForeWord Magazine, which I had not heard of before.)
Local Authors -- Mark Your Calendars For May 16th!
Attention, local authors!
Next Tuesday, May 16th, at 7 p.m. the South Tampa Barnes & Noble is having a panel discussion about book publishing and promoting. Here's the description from the store newsletter:
Panel members will include local authors Debbie Happy Cohen and Wendy Boucher, blogger Lisa Ciurro from the Tampa Book Buzz, and others. Sign up for an incoming in-store book signing for local authors.
B&N Community Relations Manager Jennifer Smith will also be a panel member. She will discuss publishing do's and dont's for getting your book in chain bookstores like Barnes & Noble. It's a Big Deal that she is letting local authors sign up for an in-store book signing. It's the only time this year (and perhaps ever) that local authors will have this chance.
I haven't met Debbie Cohen yet, but she leads the monthly B&N business book group and I hear that she's very positive and motivational. I know Wendy Boucher and know that she's a great speaker with lots of useful and practical experience to share. I hear that blogger Lisa Ciurro is absolutely terrified at the thought of speaking in public, but promises to do her best.
Mark your calendars! (And the person who catches me that night when I faint from nervousness will earn extra bonus points.)
Next Tuesday, May 16th, at 7 p.m. the South Tampa Barnes & Noble is having a panel discussion about book publishing and promoting. Here's the description from the store newsletter:
Panel members will include local authors Debbie Happy Cohen and Wendy Boucher, blogger Lisa Ciurro from the Tampa Book Buzz, and others. Sign up for an incoming in-store book signing for local authors.
B&N Community Relations Manager Jennifer Smith will also be a panel member. She will discuss publishing do's and dont's for getting your book in chain bookstores like Barnes & Noble. It's a Big Deal that she is letting local authors sign up for an in-store book signing. It's the only time this year (and perhaps ever) that local authors will have this chance.
I haven't met Debbie Cohen yet, but she leads the monthly B&N business book group and I hear that she's very positive and motivational. I know Wendy Boucher and know that she's a great speaker with lots of useful and practical experience to share. I hear that blogger Lisa Ciurro is absolutely terrified at the thought of speaking in public, but promises to do her best.
Mark your calendars! (And the person who catches me that night when I faint from nervousness will earn extra bonus points.)
Friday, May 5, 2006
Local Author Eric Sturm Has A New Book
Local e-zine publisher and creative community leader Eric Sturm has a new book out titled Access Tampa Bay. Here's the description from his press release:
Eric Sturm is offering a treasure trove of social connectivity data with Access Tampa Bay, a book steeped in his knowledge of social, professional and community involvement in Tampa Bay. Within, you will find several hundred resources to connect and inform you of the varied and exciting life in the Tampa Bay area. This book is for new-comers as well as the up-and-comers.
Access Tampa Bay is the most comprehensive guide available for how to access the personal and professional rewards in our community through connectivity. You will be given a synopsis of and how to find groups, organizations, associations, information on events and happenings, as well as advice on how to connect to the people you meet.
Available online at www.lulu.com/Tampa
About the Author:
Eric Sturm co-founded the Downtown After-Six events in Tampa, promotes networking mixers at the Tampa Club, sits on the advisory board of Creative Tampa Bay, authored the Young and Involved survey that was detailed in The Tampa Bay Business Journal, and publishes a weekly e-zine of arts and cultural events in the area. His experience and dedication to improving our community were the cornerstones of this book.
Congratulations Eric!
Eric Sturm is offering a treasure trove of social connectivity data with Access Tampa Bay, a book steeped in his knowledge of social, professional and community involvement in Tampa Bay. Within, you will find several hundred resources to connect and inform you of the varied and exciting life in the Tampa Bay area. This book is for new-comers as well as the up-and-comers.
Access Tampa Bay is the most comprehensive guide available for how to access the personal and professional rewards in our community through connectivity. You will be given a synopsis of and how to find groups, organizations, associations, information on events and happenings, as well as advice on how to connect to the people you meet.
Available online at www.lulu.com/Tampa
About the Author:
Eric Sturm co-founded the Downtown After-Six events in Tampa, promotes networking mixers at the Tampa Club, sits on the advisory board of Creative Tampa Bay, authored the Young and Involved survey that was detailed in The Tampa Bay Business Journal, and publishes a weekly e-zine of arts and cultural events in the area. His experience and dedication to improving our community were the cornerstones of this book.
Congratulations Eric!
Local Author Frank Lastra In The News
Someone from the University of Tampa's student publication The Minaret sent me the link to a recent story about local author Frank Lastra's new book Ybor City:The Making of a Landmark Town (thank you, mysterious emailer).
Lastra's book sounds very interesting. Not only does it cover Ybor's history, but it includes photographs and lists of restaurants and local personalities. I asked a co-worker of mine whose last name is Lastra if she is related to the author. She said that she's met him and thinks they might be distant relatives. She also said that he's a nice guy and a very interesting person. No wonder his book sounds so interesting.
Lastra's book sounds very interesting. Not only does it cover Ybor's history, but it includes photographs and lists of restaurants and local personalities. I asked a co-worker of mine whose last name is Lastra if she is related to the author. She said that she's met him and thinks they might be distant relatives. She also said that he's a nice guy and a very interesting person. No wonder his book sounds so interesting.
Tuesday, May 2, 2006
Tim Dorsey at South Tampa Barnes & Noble May 3rd
Breaking news, fresh from my email in-box:
Barnes & Noble South Tampa is thrilled to welcome bestselling author Tim Dorsey this Wednesday at 7:00 p.m., as we help him celebrate the release of his new book The Big Bamboo.
Barnes & Noble South Tampa is thrilled to welcome bestselling author Tim Dorsey this Wednesday at 7:00 p.m., as we help him celebrate the release of his new book The Big Bamboo.
Local Author Wendy Boucher Speaking to Tampa Writers Alliance Tomorrow Night
Tomorrow night's Tampa Writers Alliance meeting will feature local author Wendy Boucher as their speaker. Boucher will discuss...
...self-promotion on the internet with some basic instructions for starting a blog. She will also answer any questions that you might have about book promotion in general.
Their monthly general meeting is free and open to the public. The May 3rd Tampa Writers Alliance meeting will be at 7 p.m. at the John F. Germany Public Library in downtown Tampa.
...self-promotion on the internet with some basic instructions for starting a blog. She will also answer any questions that you might have about book promotion in general.
Their monthly general meeting is free and open to the public. The May 3rd Tampa Writers Alliance meeting will be at 7 p.m. at the John F. Germany Public Library in downtown Tampa.
"The Year of Magical Thinking" by Joan Didion...
...is this month's Tampa Book Buzz Online Book Club selection. Throughout the month I'll post various tidbits about the book and/or the author. Then on the last day of the month, I'll let you know what I thought about the book and hopefully you'll share your thoughts also.
Happy reading!
Happy reading!
