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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20190601T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20190601T153000
DTSTAMP:20260514T185422
CREATED:20190517T005409Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190518T175927Z
UID:22284-1559399400-1559403000@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Author Gary G. Steele to speak at the Alachua County Library Headquarters
DESCRIPTION:Gary G. Steele will discuss his book\, The Gypsy Family Circus of 1933: Stories from a Long-Gone Era on Saturday\, June 1\, at 2:30 p.m. in the Foundation Room of the Alachua County Library Headquarters in downtown Gainesville. \nWeaving together a vast and varied tapestry of people\, places\, animals\, and events selected from stories heard in childhood\, the author will rely on his “Gypsy story-telling gene” to bring back to life a different world\, a world of his Gypsy family\, their circus life\, and the struggle they and all Americans faced in the Great Depression. \nHis presentation will illustrate interactively some themes of the book\, explain cultural and ethnic perceptions\, and respond to questions and interests of those attending. It will be a sort of “coming-out” event\, in that it has never really been beneficial to admit being Gypsy. The usual result has been either prejudice or peculiar questions and comments. But maybe it’s time. \nCare to have your fortune told or learn how to spin cotton candy the fast and easy way? How about some insider tips on riding jumping horses under the big top\, or maybe handling a spooked elephant in a parade? Even free pony rides for all with a fertile enough imagination. We’ll see what old family secrets are of greatest interest. \nSteele uses historical fiction to recreate the life his older relatives lived during the Great Depression. He feels fortunate to have a Gypsy heritage\, to have grown up on circuses (when not in boarding school)\, and to have the chance to interpret that life to a wider world.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/author-gary-g-steele-to-speak-at-the-alachua-county-library-headquarters/
LOCATION:Alachua County Library Headquarters\, Foundation Room
CATEGORIES:Book Signing,Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/AuthorrPic-e1558039192974.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20190519T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20190519T153000
DTSTAMP:20260514T185422
CREATED:20190324T225941Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190325T172022Z
UID:20536-1558276200-1558279800@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Author Richard Gartee to Speak at Millhopper Library
DESCRIPTION:Richard Gartee will present his award-winning novel\, Ragtime Dudes in a Thin Place\, on Sunday\, May 19\, in Meeting Room A of the Millhopper Library from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The reading is free and open to the public. \nPrepublication\, the book won the Royal Palm Literary Award First Place in the fiction category of humor. Set in 1904\, it tells the story of three New York dandies\, who\, promising to bring metropolitan culture and the latest wonders from the St. Louis World’s Fair\, introduce ragtime music and new century ideas to the nascent art colony of Taos\, New Mexico. \nRichard Gartee\, a member of Writers Alliance of Gainesville\, has also authored seven college textbooks\, five collections of poetry\, and a biography\, Skating on Skim Ice. His previous novels include Lancelot’s Grail and Lancelot’s Disciple.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/author-richard-gartee-to-speak-at-millhopper-library/
LOCATION:Millhopper Library\, Meeting Room A\, 3145 NW 43rd St\,\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Book Signing,Readings,Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Richard_Gartee-photo-e1518734308294.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20190518T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20190518T153000
DTSTAMP:20260514T185422
CREATED:20190418T114517Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190420T013219Z
UID:22087-1558189800-1558193400@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Author D. A. Belmont to Speak at Library
DESCRIPTION:Author D. A. Belmont will discuss and read from his book Diamondacious! at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday\, May 18\, at the Alachua County Library District Headquarters in downtown Gainesville. \nDiamondacious! sparkles like a bodacious diamond. It’s the funny\, sexy\, gossipy\, tongue-in-cheek saga of Debbie DeVore\, who begins her journey as a plain brunette from the wrong side of town and rises to wealth as an icy\, blonde accounting wiz. Was it so bad she cut a few corners to get there?  \nThis frothy beach read begins in Fort Lauderdale but sweeps to New York\, Las Vegas\, and the capitals of South America. It will make you laugh\, make you cry\, and make you jealous. You’ll recognize some of the characters from the boldface names of newspapers if you read gossip\, the financial pages\, and even the political news. But you have never heard these stories with the spin D. A. Belmont gives them in this tautly rendered and remarkably nuanced page-turner. It’s an atmospheric and propulsive chronicle of a time\, a place\, and a way of life. \nDebbie’s friends are fascinating. Beautiful Arden Sloane lives a life of glamor and success but hides the saddest childhood a poor little rich girl could possibly know. Handsome\, brilliant\, ambitious Peter Pelligrino is both highly educated and accomplished. But his heritage holds him back from happiness with Arden. Karal\, a fabulous high-end hairdresser to the rich and infamous of Fort Lauderdale\, is the true friend who helps Debbie become a swan. \nDiamondacious! is a crazy\, sexy\, laugh-out-loud satire. It’s in turn shocking\, poignant\, and uproarious—written with an eye for detail\, an ear for dialogue\, and a knack for comic timing. It’s full of the straight story and the other one too. At the same time\, it’s never graphic\, and the good guys always come out on top—financially at least. Debbie is a woman who loves life and who reaches out to help herself (and her true friends) to all the world has to offer. \nD. A. Belmont knows Fort Lauderdale intimately\, what goes on undercover as well as under the covers. Belmont’s wisely squandered youth was spent in Florida’s “Venice of America” and wildly in other enthralling fleshpots north and south of the equator.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/author-d-a-belmont-to-speak-at-library/
LOCATION:Alachua County Library Headquarters\, Meeting Room A\, 4th Floor\, Rm. A\, 401 E Univ. Ave.\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32601
CATEGORIES:Book Discussion,Book Signing
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/DABelmont-new-headshot-e1555587115893.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20190511T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20190511T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T185422
CREATED:20181027T143409Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190501T135314Z
UID:11063-1557576000-1557590400@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:I ♥ Books  -  A Book-Signing Event
DESCRIPTION:The Florida Writers Association (FWA) is sponsoring a multi-genre book-signing event in Gainesville to bring readers and authors together. This is the FWA’s fourth annual I ♥ Books but the first time in Gainesville. \nCome meet more than forty authors including some new-to-you writers and perhaps a few favorites! \nCheck out the I ♥ Books page of the FWA website for the schedule. \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/i-%e2%99%a5-books-a-book-signing-event/
LOCATION:Alachua County Library Headquarters Downtown\, 401 E. University Ave.\, 4th Floor\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32601\, United States
CATEGORIES:Book Signing
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/fwa-logo.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20190505T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20190505T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T185422
CREATED:20190331T024230Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190516T201245Z
UID:21743-1557066600-1557072000@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:The Courage to Tell Your Story
DESCRIPTION:Our appreciation to Kimberley Mullins for writing this summary of Kandra Albury’s talk.\nKandra Albury\, president and founder of Kids ‘n Capes\,* said to Writers Alliance members and guests\, “You must have the courage to tell your story\,” emphasizing how sharing one’s story empowers others. \nShe grew up in a single-parent household\, one of five children. Her mother’s goal for them all was to graduate from high school and go to college or into the military. \nShe chose college and\, after graduating\, started her career in journalism. However\, that wasn’t her love. She asked herself\, “Why write other people’s stories\, when I can write my own?“ Hence her first book\, From Food Stamps to Favor\, a memoir of her journey as a child in a single-parent home and a victim of sexual abuse. \nAfter the publication of her memoir\, she turned her attention to marketing the book. With a background in journalism\, she reached out to many channels. She went out on a limb\, proposing her book to the Christian Broadcast Network (CBN) because she felt the book would inspire others in the church setting\, mainly because it is a place where victims and predators co-exist. Unfortunately\, CBN was not interested. But a month or so later\, they called her and asked for an interview. \nNext\, Albury ventured into writing children’s books to make youngsters aware of sexual predators. First in The Feisty Four Children’s Book Series is Don’t You Dare Touch Me There. This book makes kids aware of predators and how to get the courage to fight back. At her presentations in schools\, she gives each child a cape for the new superpower\, Courage. The other two books in the series\, Leave Us Alone You Mean ‘Ole Bully!! and No! address bullying and drugs. The later book was dear to her heart\, she said\, since her older sister became addicted to drugs. \nPassionate about writing\, Albury teaches a class at Santa Fe College\, “Let’s Write Your Book Now.” And during her talk\, she highlighted ten important tips for writing: \n\n\n\nSchedule time to write. Don’t just make time.\nSet a deadline.\nHave an accountability partner.\nEnjoy the process and all that comes with it.\nList all of your chapter titles or at least seven\, so if you have writer’s block later\, you can move on to another chapter.\nWrite about what makes you\, you — your passion.\nTell your story unapologetically.\nInclude humor\, pain\, fear\, and shame.\nInvest in your project: you must be the first investor.\nDon’t forget marketing: Business cards/Flyers/Promo cards/Social Media – It’s up to you to get your name out there.\n\n\n\nAlbury serves as Training Facilitator for Darkness to Light\, a non-profit organization committed to empowering adults to prevent child sexual abuse. Her literary and children’s advocacy work has been featured in numerous print publications and on television networks such as WCJB-TV-20 and WUFT\, \n_____________________ \n* Kids’n Capes\, Inc.\, is a sustainable non-profit whose mission is to prevent and raise community awareness of child sexual abuse\, bullying\, and illegal drug use. \n  \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/the-courage-to-tell-your-story/
LOCATION:Millhopper Library\, Meeting Room A\, 3145 NW 43rd St\,\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Book Signing,Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Kassandra.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20190323T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20190323T153000
DTSTAMP:20260514T185422
CREATED:20190223T170622Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190108T170713Z
UID:11417-1553351400-1553355000@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Author Dwight Bennett (aka Sam Berretti) to Speak at Library Headquarters
DESCRIPTION:Dwight Bennett\, who writes under the pen name Sam Berretti\, will present the second in his Seekers Mystery Series\, Good Girl Gone at the Alachua County Headquarters on Saturday\, March 23\, at 2:30 p.m. \nDoris Watson works as engineer\, designing kitchen appliances such as microwave ovens. Ex-military\, she appears to lead a solitary life in Maryland\, surrounded by books\, a few close friends and her cat. When she gets an emergency late night message\, her mundane existence takes a decided turn into the bizarre and deadly realm of human trafficking as her secret\, second job summons. She is an on-call agent for a firm named Seekers Worldwide\, a front for a loose group of high-tech mercenaries\, managed by Della Jamay Charboneau and run by NSA agent Sam Namath. \nSomeone made the truly epic mistake of kidnapping Della Jamay Carboneau’s niece\, and Della is no ordinary aunt. She is an assassin with a very short temper and a very large arsenal. Doris Watson’s assignment from Sam: to handle her handler and keep Della’s body count low. Plagued by prophetic dreams and embroiled in Della’s most private matters\, rookie Doris finds herself in way over her head. Together they fight for their lives against ruthless New Orleans criminals and a mysterious Voodoo priestess claiming to be stealing souls with fire in this non-stop action story of family love versus true evil. \nDwight Bennett\, who writes under the pen name Sam Berretti\, was born and raised in the High Plains city of Lubbock\, Texas. Cotton was king\, and oil wells and cattle were close by. The land was as flat as his mother’s tattered ironing board\, and spring was always ushered in with dust storms\, tumble weeds and tornadoes. Dwight moved to Florida to attend the University of Florida\, met a woman who he says was gracious enough to allow him to marry her\, and raised two amazing children. Dwight is an avid naturalist and photographer as well as an author. Although writing started at an early age and took many forms\, mystery fiction has always been a favorite.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/author-dwight-bennett-aka-sam-berretti-to-speak-at-library-headquarters/
LOCATION:Alachua County Library Headquarters\, Meeting Room A\, 4th Floor\, Rm. A\, 401 E Univ. Ave.\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32601
CATEGORIES:Book Discussion,Book Signing
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/bennett_photo-e1546966998796.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20190223T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20190223T153000
DTSTAMP:20260514T185422
CREATED:20190126T155831Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190108T160645Z
UID:11407-1550932200-1550935800@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Author Kassandra Lamb to Speak at Library Headquarters
DESCRIPTION:Author Kassandra Lamb will discuss To Kill A Labrador (no\, the dog does NOT die) at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday\, February 23\, at the Alachua County Library Headquarters. \nThe book is the first of her cozy mystery series about Marcia Banks\, who has both an unusual name (Marcia is pronounced Mar-see-a\, not Marsha) and an unusual vocation. She trains service dogs for veterans with PTSD. \nWhen a former Marine\, the new owner of Marcia’s first trainee dog\, Buddy\, is accused of murdering his wife\, Marcia gets sucked into an even more abnormal avocation—amateur sleuth. Called in to dog-sit Buddy\, a Labrador\, she’s outraged that his veteran owner is being presumed guilty until proven innocent. With Buddy’s help\, she tries to uncover the real killer. Even after the hunky local sheriff politely tells her to butt out\, Marcia keeps poking around. Until the killer finally pokes back. \nKassandra Lamb is a retired psychotherapist and college professor turned mystery writer. She spends most of her time with her characters in an alternate universe\, the magic portal to which (i.e.\, her computer) is located in North Central Florida\, where her husband and dog catch occasional glimpses of her. In addition to her Marcia Banks and Buddy cozy mysteries\, Lamb is the author of the Kate Huntington mystery series and a guidebook for novice writers\, Someday Is Here! She also writes romantic suspense under the pen name Jessica Dale.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/author-kassandra-lamb-to-speak-at-library-headquarters/
LOCATION:Alachua County Library Headquarters\, Meeting Room A\, 4th Floor\, Rm. A\, 401 E Univ. Ave.\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32601
CATEGORIES:Book Discussion,Book Signing
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/1-Kass-Lamb-lighter-reduced.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20190126T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20190126T153000
DTSTAMP:20260514T185422
CREATED:20190108T042206Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190121T192147Z
UID:11394-1548513000-1548516600@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Author K.E. Mullins to Speak at Downtown Library
DESCRIPTION:“Please join The Opinionated Ladies Book Club and The Friends of the Library\,” says Cynthia Chestnut\, “as we present Gainesville author K.E. Mullins\, on January 26\, 2:30 p.m. at the downtown library. \nMullins\, immediate past president of the Writers Alliance of Gainesville\, will discuss her books\, Thinking Aloud: Dimensions of Free-Verse\, and her novels: The Friends and Family Connection: Get Unplugged\, In the Company of Strangers\, and Murder: Another Name for Revenge.  \nMullins began her writing career while in the Navy by venturing into poetry. Her first piece\, “My One Last Cent\,” was published in the literary journal\, Amistad. She currently works as a Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) Instructor in Gainesville.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/author-k-e-mullins-to-speak-at-downtown-library/
LOCATION:Alachua County Library Headquarters\, Meeting Room A\, 4th Floor\, Rm. A\, 401 E Univ. Ave.\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32601
CATEGORIES:Book Discussion,Book Signing
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Kim-Mullins.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20190126T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20190126T150000
DTSTAMP:20260514T185422
CREATED:20190108T020341Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190122T174000Z
UID:11384-1548511200-1548514800@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Author Vrinda Sheth to Speak at Downtown Library
DESCRIPTION:Join Author Vrinda Sheth on Saturday\, January 26\, at 2 p.m. in the Foundation Room of the Alachua County Library Headquarters downtown. She will discuss her latest book for young readers\, Shadows of the Sun Dynasty\, An Illustrated Series Based on the Ramayana\, \nAmazon describes the book as “A truly original reimagining of the classic Indian epic\, the Ramayana\, as told primarily through the eyes of the women behind the throne. Shadows of the Sun Dynasty reveals an entirely new perspective on an ancient story.”\n \nFrom Kirkus Review: “Sheth offers young readers a Ramayana with all the grandeur of myth but also with rounded\, relatable human characters who give the story some needed emotional weight. An impressive recounting of an ancient South Asian legend.” \nA graduate of the University of Florida\, Sheth was born in Sweden and raised on stories from ancient India. She began writing while studying classical dance in Kalakshetra\, South India. \nThe book is heavily illustrated\, thanks to Anna Johansson\, Sheth’s mother\, a watercolor artist. Johansson’s artwork is inspired by the mystical yoga tradition of ancient India. \nThe mother-daughter team has worked together on the Sita’s Fire trilogy for over a decade. Their first book won an Independent Publisher Book Award\, received an honorable mention at the New York Book Show\, and was a finalist in the USA Best Book Awards.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/author-vrinda-sheth-to-speak-at-downtown-library/
LOCATION:Alachua County Library Headquarters\, Foundation Room
CATEGORIES:Book Discussion,Book Signing
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/VrindaSheth-Sign-8.5x11-1-e1546911519781.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20190119T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20190119T153000
DTSTAMP:20260514T185422
CREATED:20181208T214723Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20181208T215518Z
UID:11260-1547908200-1547911800@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Author Jay Hamilton's Talk & Book Signing
DESCRIPTION:As part of the continuing Local Author Series\, Jay Hamilton will discuss his book How To Buy a Car Without Losing Your Shirt at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday\, January 19. The talk\, at the Alachua County Library headquarters\, is free and open to the public. \n“When you walk into a car dealership to look for a car\, who do you think has the advantage?” Hamilton asks. This book will tell you what to watch out for\, and how the salesperson is trained to control the customer. \nHamilton was a freelance photojournalist specializing in motorsports through most of the 1970s. His work was published in national magazines\, such as Cycle Guide and Modern Cycle\, and in smaller publications. \nHe got into motorsports when his father gave him a Travis motorized bicycle after he obtained his driver’s license. That old Iver Johnson frame had been brazed several times because it could not stand the vibration of the Travis motor\, which mounted on the front fork and drove the front wheel with a “stone” held against the tire by the weight of the motor. He had to climb a mile-high mountain to get to school\, so he got a lot of exercise pushing the pedals fast enough to maintain 20-25 mph up that hill. \nHe then got a Honda CL360\, which he still owns\, along with a 1983 Honda Shadow 750 that he will proudly tell you is the bike which made Harley-Davidson cry “uncle.” They asked Uncle Sam to put a tariff on Japanese motorcycles over 700cc. A few years ago\, Hamilton rode the Shadow 750 over 3000 miles to a class reunion. \nHe is also a geek — has a Samsung Tab S 8.4 (wifi only)\, an old Gateway wide-screen laptop\, and a P4 Desktop he built from parts found online. He has several Calico cats\, and he misses his Chocolate Lab pup that was stolen a few years ago. He had a color photo lab in his home back in the day\, but now uses digital cameras and seriously wants one of those new Microsoft Lumia 950 phones from AT&T. He has an old Chrysler Town and Country van for general transportation and occasional sleeping quarters\, and he still has an old Honda Wagovan. He says his home is “wherever I happen to be.” He stays in touch mostly over the Internet. He has a small travel trailer which stays in a campground\, and the other vehicles are kept in a rented storage unit near his parents’ home.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/author-jay-hamilton-to-speak-at-the-alachua-county-library-headquarters/
LOCATION:Alachua County Library Headquarters\, Meeting Room A\, 4th Floor\, Rm. A\, 401 E Univ. Ave.\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32601
CATEGORIES:Book Signing,Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/51TNUYAEprL.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20181202T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20181202T153000
DTSTAMP:20260514T185422
CREATED:20181112T043230Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20181112T043230Z
UID:11131-1543761000-1543764600@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Author Cassie Dandridge Selleck to Speak
DESCRIPTION:The Local Author Series presents Cassie Dandridge Selleck.\n \nSelleck is the author of three novels\, including Amazon best seller The Pecan Man\, its sequel The Truth About Grace\, and the first in her Beanie Bradsher Series\, What Matters in Mayhew. A native Floridian\, originally from Leesburg\, Selleck is an avid reader\, storyteller and photographer. She and her husband Perry now live on the Suwannee River near Mayo. \nThe Pecan Man is a work of Southern fiction set in the 1970s in what locals recognize as Leesburg. Its protagonist Ora Lee Beckworth narrates the story of why an innocent black man dies in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. In the retelling Ora learns much about herself and what it means to be a family. The novel has sold over 200\,000 copies on Amazon\, has been chosen by book clubs across the country\, and has been optioned for film rights by BCDF Pictures. \nIn the summer of 1976\, recently widowed Ora Lee Beckworth hires a homeless black man to mow her lawn. The neighborhood children call him the Pee-can Man; their mothers call them inside whenever he appears. When he is arrested for murder\, only Ora knows what really happened in the woods where Eddie lived. But truth is a fickle thing\, and a lie is self-perpetuating. Ora and her housekeeper Blanche soon find themselves in a web of lies that send an innocent man to prison for the rest of his life. Twenty-five years later\, Ora sets out to tell the truth about The Pecan Man.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/author-cassie-dandridge-selleck-to-speak/
LOCATION:Alachua County Library Headquarters\, Meeting Room A\, 4th Floor\, Rm. A\, 401 E Univ. Ave.\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32601
CATEGORIES:Book Signing,Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Headshot-HD-Selleck-e1541995250421.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20181118T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20181118T153000
DTSTAMP:20260514T185422
CREATED:20181106T030128Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20181106T030250Z
UID:10977-1542551400-1542555000@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Author Frank Fiordalisi to Speak at Library
DESCRIPTION:Frank Fiordalisi will read from and discuss his novel Ichabod Wolfe\, a page-turner filled with surprise and a deep understanding of the human condition\, on Sunday\, November 18\, 2018\, at the Alachua County Library Headquarters. \nIchabod Wolfe\, a thirteen year old boy\, is orphaned when his parents and siblings are murdered in the months preceding the War Between the States. While trying to avenge the death of his family\, Ichabod makes powerful enemies that vow to kill him. He journeys to a remote town on the Colorado frontier\, where he is mentored by the town’s sheriff and becomes a deputy. \nMatured and at the top of his craft\, Ichabod becomes the Chief Deputy Sheriff of Iron Horse\, a Wyoming cow town. Long a bachelor\, he falls in love with a green-eyed beauty married to another man. His longing for the love of his life and his thirst for justice\, mixed with romance\, humor and murder\, lead him into the modern era of law enforcement. \nFiordalisi was born in NYC and received a B.S. from St. John’s University. After teaching high school and a brief stint as a retail pharmacist\, he moved to Miami\, Florida\, where he joined the Miami-Dade County Police Department. He participated in a number of assignments\, retiring as a Detective Sergeant after twenty-nine years of service. He has a daughter Jacqueline\, and a son\, Francis. He currently lives with his wife\, Christine\, in Gainesville\, Florida. \n  \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/author-frank-fiordalisi-to-speak-at-library/
LOCATION:Alachua County Library Headquarters\, Meeting Room A\, 4th Floor\, Rm. A\, 401 E Univ. Ave.\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32601
CATEGORIES:Book Signing,Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Ichabod-Wolfe-e1538922178653.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20181109T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20181109T193000
DTSTAMP:20260514T185422
CREATED:20181007T140124Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20181007T234052Z
UID:10967-1541781000-1541791800@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Matheson Museum Sponsors Book Launch for Mallory O'Connor
DESCRIPTION:The Matheson History Museum is sponsoring a book launch for Mallory M. O’Connor\, the author of “The American River Trilogy” (Archway Publishing) on Friday\, November 9\, beginning at 4:30 p.m. (‘60s attire is optional!) \n American River: Confluence\, book three of O’Connor’s American River Trilogy\, is the culmination of a compelling historical drama about the lives\, loves\, triumphs and sacrifices of the descendants of three immigrant families who settled along California’s American River\, and who are called upon to put aside a decade full of grievances and betrayals to save the history and legacy of their ancestral home\, Mockingbird Valley Ranch. \nAward-winning author Mallory O’Connor is a writer\, an art historian\, and a musician. Raised on a ranch on the American River in Northern California\, she spent her childhood exploring the land along the river\, and the diverse cultures that were drawn to this beautiful and historic place. \nA book signing will follow her presentation.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/matheson-museum-sponsors-book-launch-for-mallory-oconnor/
LOCATION:Matheson History Museum\, 513 E University Avenue\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32601\, United States
CATEGORIES:Book Signing,Party
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Screen-Shot-2018-06-16-at-4.41.53-PM-e1538955493420.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20181028T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20181028T153000
DTSTAMP:20260514T185422
CREATED:20180811T144425Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220306T164352Z
UID:10682-1540737000-1540740600@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:J. Elliott to Read at Downtown Library
DESCRIPTION:Just in time for Halloween\, author J. Elliott will read from and discuss her latest book of paranormal stories. \nTales From Kensington & Other Macabre & Unsettling Offerings is a collection of spooky stories\, sometimes amusing\, assuredly disquieting. Join a group of college kids telling ghost stories on Halloween night. Follow a famous photographer to an NPR-like radio interview. Why won’t he answer the big question: Why did he give up photography? A long-vacant home in a historic district is finally purchased. The owners plan to open a candy store. How sweet. What could be better?  Nurses in a hospital notice some unusual qualities about some of the patients—haunted people\, haunted houses. \n \nElliott is an artist and author living in Alachua\, Florida. Tales From Kensington is her second collection of ghost stories\, following Ghost Lite. She is working on a humorous women’s fiction series\, the “Haint Blue\, Adventures Along the Way\,” books set in High Springs\, Florida. \nThe author notes that Tales From Kensington is adult fiction and suggests the appropriate age is 17+.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/j-elliott-to-read-at-downtown-library/
LOCATION:Millhopper Library\, Meeting Room A\, 3145 NW 43rd St\,\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Book Sale,Book Signing,Readings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Tales-from-Kensington-e1533997532573.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20180930T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20180930T153000
DTSTAMP:20260514T185422
CREATED:20180805T122525Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180811T171804Z
UID:10601-1538317800-1538321400@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Author and Musician Arthur Crummer
DESCRIPTION:  \nArthur Crummer will entertain the audience when he discusses his new book\, Floating Island\, on Sunday September 30\, 2018\, at 2:30 p.m.\, at the Alachua County Library headquarters\, meeting room A. He will read passages and poetry and perform songs written by characters in the new novel\, a metafictional mystery set in an area similar to Paynes Prairie. \nIn Floating Island\, Paul Bradley’s life is adrift. Disturbing rumors compel him to canoe onto his beloved Lake Lacuna. He capsizes near a floating island and sleeps free of mosquitoes under a layer of sand beside a misty Florida swamp. At dawn the island is gone. \nTwo weeks later his wife disappears. Blood-soaked parts of her shredded clothes float in Lacuna’s tannic\, gator-infested waters. But things aren’t as they seem: strange encounters . . . under surveillance . . .  disappearing journals . . . and then the phone rings. \nCrummer\, who holds a Ph.D. in mathematics and a BS in Mechanical Engineering\, has won numerous blue ribbons from music competitions. He performs with his band at folk festivals\, has authored instructional music booklets\, and since 1995\, has led music workshops in Dobro\, slide guitar\, Flat-pick and Finger-style guitar\, and gospel singing. He writes songs and poetry chapbooks\, and he won the Edward Lee Flemming\, Jr. Florida Old Time Music Championship Award in 2008\, presented by the Friends of Florida Folk. \nHe served as the second president of the Writers Alliance of Gainesville\, was published in the first edition of Bacopa Literary Review\, and was twice selected in the Hippodrome Theater’s monologue competitions. His first novel\, Wrestling God\, was published in 2013.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/author-musician-arthur-crummer/
LOCATION:Alachua County Library Headquarters\, Meeting Room A\, 4th Floor\, Rm. A\, 401 E Univ. Ave.\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32601
CATEGORIES:Book Signing,Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/ArtCrummer-e1533466987208.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20180923T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20180923T153000
DTSTAMP:20260514T185422
CREATED:20180729T220557Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180811T145045Z
UID:10587-1537713000-1537716600@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Karen Porter\, Local Author Series
DESCRIPTION:WAG’s 2018-2019 Local Author Series\, in partnership with the Alachua County District Library\, kicks off its new season on Sunday September 23\, 2018\, at 2:30 PM in the Story Woods room in the Children’s Department of the Alachua County Library Headquarters. \nChildren’s book author Karen Porter will read from the latest book in her Emotatude series\, designed to help children understand and deal with their emotions. So\, bring your children and grandchildren. \nAnne and Amy’s Anger is an imaginative tale that shows how two children honor their feelings and decide what to do with the anger they feel. You will see Anne and Amy allow their emotions to guide their actions\, while they give themselves time to decide what to do. Dr. Kich\, an imaginary doctor\, helps these children do this. \nKaren White Porter M.Ed. NBCT is a Director of Loga Springs Academy Homeschool Cooperative and a Nationally Board Certified Teacher. After graduating from Rutgers University with a Masters Degree in language education\, she started teaching children. It was then that she realized the importance of emotional intelligence among her students. From teaching around the world\, she gained insight into the importance of  emotional underpinnings of how people learn. She taught at East China Normal University in Shanghai\, P.R. China\, Hofstra University in Hempstead N.Y.\, Hillside Public Schools in New Jersey\, Saint Andrews University in Saint Andrews Scotland\, Belcher Elementary in Clearwater Florida\, The University of South Florida\, and The State University of Florida. She started her own school Loga Springs Academy Homeschool Cooperative in Gainesville\, Florida\, because she wanted to establish her own curriculum aimed at building children’s emotional intelligence.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/karen-porter-local-author-series/
LOCATION:Alachua County Library Headquarters\, Meeting Room A\, 4th Floor\, Rm. A\, 401 E Univ. Ave.\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32601
CATEGORIES:Book Signing,Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/KarenPorterPhoto-e1532900880235.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20180901T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20180901T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T185422
CREATED:20180813T111226Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180813T111226Z
UID:10693-1535814000-1535817600@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Author Debra Segal to Speak in Melrose
DESCRIPTION:Author Debra Segal and the authentic Idylwild Cowgirls will give an entertaining book presentation at the Melrose Bay Art Gallery on Saturday\, September 1\, at 3:00 p.m. \nRefreshments and a book signing will follow.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/author-debra-segal-to-speak-in-melrose/
LOCATION:FL
CATEGORIES:Book Signing,Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Debra-Segal.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20180512T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20180512T153000
DTSTAMP:20260514T185422
CREATED:20180501T150837Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180501T150837Z
UID:8960-1526135400-1526139000@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Author K. E. Mullins to speak
DESCRIPTION:K. E. Mullins will discuss her book\, In the Company of Strangers in the ongoing Local Author Series at the Alachua County headquarters library in downtown Gainesville. \nIn the book\, Detective Anita Johnson along with her partner Chloe and boss\, Tseudo\, are close to capturing suspect\, Gabrielle\, the alleged mastermind of a criminal operation\, and her team of ruthless prospects. They will take you on the ride of your life as they weave in and out of scenarios in their attempt to avoid the DEA\, FBI\, and the local police. \n \nMullins began writing during her 20-year career in the Navy. She has published a book of poetry\, Thinking Aloud: Dimensions of Free-Verse\, and two novels: The Friends and Family Connection: Get Unplugged\, and In the Company of Strangers. She is a graduate of National University with a MBA from the University of Central Florida\, and currently works as a Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) Instructor in Gainesville\, Florida. \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/author-k-e-mullins-to-speak/
LOCATION:Alachua County Library Headquarters\, Meeting Room A\, 4th Floor\, Rm. A\, 401 E Univ. Ave.\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32601
CATEGORIES:Book Signing
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/KE_Mullins-photo.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20180421T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20180421T153000
DTSTAMP:20260514T185422
CREATED:20180322T202851Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180322T211409Z
UID:8958-1524321000-1524324600@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Author Daniel Blumberg to speak at Alachua County library headquarters
DESCRIPTION:Daniel Blumberg\, the author of The Rise & Fall of MechaniKalle will discuss and read from the book at the library on Saturday\, April 21\, at 2:30 p.m.\n \nKalle Talbot has always wanted to be a superhero. When her sixteenth birthday passes without her developing any powers\, she decides to create her own power armor suit. Follow Kalle as she grows as a hero\, all while attempting to keep things from blowing up around her. \n \n“Daniel Blumberg is incredibly imaginative and original\,” writes one reviewer. “Great premise. Refreshing to see a self-made superhero.” \nBlumberg has lived in the Gainesville\, Florida\, area since 1980 and enjoys fantasy and sci-fi. This is his second published book. Two to three times a month\, he works to save the world in weekly pen and paper superhero games. \nHis talk is part of the ongoing Local Author Series\, sponsored by the Alachua County Library and Writers Alliance. Join Blumberg at the downtown library in Meeting Room A\, fourth floor. \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/author-daniel-blumberg-speak-alachua-county-library-headquarters/
LOCATION:Alachua County Library Headquarters\, Meeting Room A\, 4th Floor\, Rm. A\, 401 E Univ. Ave.\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32601
CATEGORIES:Book Discussion,Book Signing
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Daniel_Blumberg-photo-e1518532171507.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20180408T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20180408T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T185422
CREATED:20170724T173737Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180410T164809Z
UID:7455-1523197800-1523203200@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Florida Book Awards Program by Drs. Noll and Gallman
DESCRIPTION:Summary of the April 8 program by Mallory M. O’Connor \nThe Florida Book Awards is an annual awards program that honors\, recognizes\, and celebrates literature by Florida authors and books about Florida that were published in the previous year. Established in 2006\, the program now gives awards in eleven categories with bronze\, silver and gold medals. According to Dr. Steven Noll\, one of two presenters on April 8\, it is the nation’s most comprehensive state book awards program. \nThe awards program is coordinated by the Florida State University Libraries and has a number of co-sponsors including the Florida Center for the Book\, the State Library and Archives\, the Florida Humanities Council\, and the Florida Writers Association. Submissions are read by juries of three members for each of eleven categories: Younger Children’s Literature\, Older Children’s Literature\, Cooking\, Florida Nonfiction\, General Fiction\, General Nonfiction\, Popular Fiction\, Spanish Language\, Visual Arts\, Young Adult\, and Poetry. \nThe jurors are nominated by the co-sponsoring organizations from across the state. Jurors are authorized to select up to three medalists in each category (one gold\, one silver\, and one bronze). The jurors are also authorized to make no selections in any given year. Winning authors from across the state are honored at an annual awards banquet in Tallahassee. Previous winners include such well-known authors as Cynthia Barnett whose book Rain: A Natural and Cultural History was a 2015 gold medal winner. \nAnother 2015 winner was J. Matthew Gallman. His book\, Defining Duty in the Civil War\, was a silver-medal winner for nonfictiion. Dr. Gallman spoke about how his book progressed from intended satire to a more nuanced account of the concept of “duty” among Northerners during the Civil War period. \nHe pointed out the problems faced by men and women as they grappled with the unprecedented decision associated with taking sides in a divided nation. He also discussed the issues of gender and ethnicity as women and African-Americans struggled to understand their role in the conflict. Dr. Gallman used a number of visual images in the form of political cartoons to support and augment his discussion. \nA juror in the non-fiction category\, Steven Noll\, PhD\, University of Florida\, is a master lecturer and author of three books including co-author of Ditch of Dreams\, a history of the ill-fated cross-Florida barge canal project. Dr. Noll was named one of the 300 best professors in the US by the Princeton Review in 2012. His writing interests include many topics of Florida history including sports history and the environment. \nJ. Matthew Gallman earned his PhD in American History from Brandeis University and taught at Loyola College\, Gettysburg College\, and Occidental College before joining the Department of History at the University of Florida in 2003\, where he teaches\, reads\, and writes about the American Civil War. \n  \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/nollgallman-florida-book-awards/
LOCATION:Millhopper Library\, Meeting Room A\, 3145 NW 43rd St\,\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Book Discussion,Book Signing
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Doc1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20180317T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20180317T153000
DTSTAMP:20260514T185422
CREATED:20180218T152525Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180318T113223Z
UID:8956-1521297000-1521300600@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Wendy Thornton Discussed Her Latest Book: Sounding the Depths
DESCRIPTION:Author Wendy Thornton discussed her latest book\, Sounding The Depths\, as part of the ongoing Local Author Series at the Alachua County Library headquarters on Saturday\, March 17. \n“Music creates memories\,” Thornton said\, “even for those who are on the verge of losing theirs forever. You hear an old song and it transports you back into the past.” \nThrough humorous essays and remembrances in Sounding the Depths\, Thornton has explored the past fifty years of music\, the way it has changed\, and the many ways it has remained the same. \n  Thornton\, signing a book for Mallory O’Connor\nNear the end of her talk\, Thornton said her all-time favorite musician is Gainesville’s beloved Tom Petty\, who died on October 2\, 2017\, at age 66. She mentioned the city’s plan to honor Petty and the possible options: rename a city street\, park\, or facility; add a statue to a city park or facility; host an annual concert or music festival; proclaim his birthday\, Oct. 20\, as Tom Petty Day; dedicate the month of October to his legacy. Want to vote? Go to www.surveymonkey.com/r/TomPettyMemorial. The survey ends April 16. \nA book signing followed Thornton’s talk and included her other books: Dear Oprah Or How I Beat Cancer and Learned to Love Daytime TV (2013) and a  mystery\, Bear-Trapped: In a Trashy Hollywood Novel (2015). She also had a number of journals on exhibit to show the opportunities that exist for writers. \nThornton’s stories and essays have been published in a variety of journals and books including Riverteeth\, Epiphany\, and MacGuffin. She was nominated for a Pushcart Prize\, has been Editor’s Pick on Salon.com multiple times\, and has received numerous awards. Her works have been published in England\, Ireland\, Scotland\, Australia and India. \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/wendy-thornton-speak-alachua-county-library-headquarters/
LOCATION:Alachua County Library Headquarters\, Meeting Room A\, 4th Floor\, Rm. A\, 401 E Univ. Ave.\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32601
CATEGORIES:Book Discussion,Book Signing
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/WendyThornton-e1518533204443.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20180218T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20180218T153000
DTSTAMP:20260514T185422
CREATED:20180121T150248Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180218T151915Z
UID:8954-1518964200-1518967800@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Book Talk by Robert Crow: Nudge and Boost for Better Living
DESCRIPTION:Robert Crow will discuss and read from his book\, Nudge & Boost for Better Living\, A Semi-Autobiographical Novel on Using the ABCs of Human Behavior.  \nIn the book\, Frasier and friends explore uses of principles of human behavior to improve people’s lives. Their discussions of successes for better living and tools called nudge and boost are described in engaging stories. \n \nCrow has a PhD in behavioral science and 35 years’ experience in systems of education\, community development and higher education where he applied principles of science and life-lessons to promote the development of human potential.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/book-talk-robert-crow-nudge-boost-better-living/
LOCATION:Alachua County Library Headquarters\, Meeting Room A\, 4th Floor\, Rm. A\, 401 E Univ. Ave.\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32601
CATEGORIES:Book Signing
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Bob-Crow-e1503836134786.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20180121T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20180121T153000
DTSTAMP:20260514T185422
CREATED:20171214T011645Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180201T000025Z
UID:8952-1516545000-1516548600@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Award-Winning Author Darlene Marshall: The Bride and the Buccaneer
DESCRIPTION:Darlene Marshall writes award winning historical romance\, mostly about pirates\, privateers\, smugglers\, and the occasional possum. \nOn Sunday\, January 21\, she discussed her book\, The Bride and the Buccaneer\, winner of the First Coast Romance Writers Award for historical romance. Two adversaries squabble their way across Florida Territory following the clues on their pirate treasure map. They know that before they’re through they’re either going to kiss each other\, kill each other\, or both. \nMarshall lives in North Central Florida\, perfect for hopping into the convertible\, driving to the beach\, drinking mojitos and calling it research. \nThis program was part of the ongoing Local Author Series. \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/author-darlene-marshall-speak-about-romance-novel/
LOCATION:Alachua County Library Headquarters\, Meeting Room A\, 4th Floor\, Rm. A\, 401 E Univ. Ave.\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32601
CATEGORIES:Book Signing,Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/DarleneMarshall-photo-e1513212695489.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20171209T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20171209T153000
DTSTAMP:20260514T185422
CREATED:20171129T182214Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220306T164352Z
UID:8787-1512829800-1512833400@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Children Books . . . Readings at Local Author Series
DESCRIPTION:On Saturday\, December 9\, authors Bonnie T. Ogle and Judith A. Barrett discussed their new children’s books in the Story Woods room of the Alachua County Library Headquarters. \n \nBonnie Ogle reading from Arthur the Arthropod\nArthur the Arthropod by Ogle. Feeling quite vulnerable when his shell comes off\, the young centipede Arthur tries to overcome his feelings of inferiority by bragging. Along the way\, he discovers he is part of a very large family that includes his neighbors\, a mosquito\, a dragonfly\, and even a crawfish. He receives delightfully repetitive advice from his wise Mama\, and ultimately realizes that he has everything he needs! \nThe Sounds and Smells of Christmas by Ogle. Would a king be born in a dark\, moldy cave\, surrounded by smelly animals? Would shabby\, dirty people be allowed near a king? Only a king who loves His people\, young or old\, pretty or ugly\, rich or poor. Enter the stable and experience the real sounds and smells of the Nativity and discover that Jesus didn’t come to sit on a fancy throne. He came to be with ordinary people like me. \nOgle is a retired first grade teacher\, now teaching children at a natural history museum. She is a huge fan of lepidoptera (butterflies) and herptiles\, especially frogs. \nJudith Barrett reads from Pink Baby Alligator\nJudith Barrett’s first book\, Pink Baby Alligator\, is a story she told her young granddaughter\, who then requested the story be written down so she could read it for herself. Soon\, the story passed through many grandchildren\, proving particularly meaningful for her autistic grandchild. \nPink Baby Alligator by Barrett. Pink in a world of green. From the very beginning\, it’s obvious that Rose is different. As a lone pink alligator in a family of green ones\, she stands out when all she wants to do is blend in. With the support of Mama Alligator and her friends\, Rose sets off on an adventure to discover how to use her special gift to create a place where everyone is included! \n  \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/book-talks-new-books-children/
LOCATION:Story Woods Room\, Children’s Department\, Alachua County Library Headquarters\, 401 East University Avenue\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32601
CATEGORIES:Book Sale,Book Signing,Readings,Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/IMG_1876-e1512855392377.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20171203T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20171203T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T185422
CREATED:20171129T161002Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220306T164352Z
UID:8774-1512311400-1512316800@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Book talk: Lancelot's Disciple
DESCRIPTION:On Sunday\, December 3\, as part of the Local Author Series\, Richard Gartee discussed his latest book\, Lancelot’s Disciple. \nFrith\, a student of Sir Lancelot\, leaves the Christian abbey he has always called home\, to join a caravan on the ancient Silk Road. While staying with a Sultan in Central Asia\, he is tutored by a Taoist\, a Buddhist\, and a Hindu Swami. Confounded by their strange philosophies\, he becomes catatonic during the journey home. Once back in Britain\, he must sort out his confusion\, attain the Holy Grail\, and find the sister he left waiting at the abbey. \nGartee is a novelist\, poet\, and author of seven college textbooks. In addition to his novels\, he has had five collections of his poetry published as well as numerous chap books. His third novel\, Ragtime Dudes In a Thin Place won the first place 2016 Royal Palm Literary Award for unpublished book-length fiction.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/book-talk-lancelots-disciple/
LOCATION:Alachua County Library Headquarters\, Meeting Room A\, 4th Floor\, Rm. A\, 401 E Univ. Ave.\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32601
CATEGORIES:Book Sale,Book Signing,Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Richard_Gartee-photo-e1518734308294.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20171119T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20171119T153000
DTSTAMP:20260514T185422
CREATED:20171024T140813Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20171209T211530Z
UID:8563-1511101800-1511105400@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Susie H. Baxter\, Local Author Series
DESCRIPTION:On Sunday\, November 19\, Susie H. Baxter was the featured speaker in the Alachua County Library’s Local Author Series. She discussed her recently published book\, Pumping Sunshine. Believing that everyone has a story to tell\, Baxter also encouraged those in the audience to write about their own lives. \nAn Alachua County resident\, Baxter has deep roots in Suwannee County where she grew up on a farm near the Suwannee River\, and where she was known as Susanette Howell. \nAfter a career in health-science publishing as an acquisitions editor\, she now serves as creative nonfiction editor for Bacopa Literary Review and teaches memoir writing in the community education program at Santa Fe College. She is also the author of Write Your Memoir\, One Story at a Time and C.G. & Ethel\, A Family History. \nThe November 19 program was held at the Headquarters Library. Refreshments (homemade cookies made from a family recipe in the book) and a book signing followed the program.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/susie-h-baxter-local-author-series/
LOCATION:Alachua County Library Headquarters\, Meeting Room A\, 4th Floor\, Rm. A\, 401 E Univ. Ave.\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32601
CATEGORIES:Book Signing,Readings,Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Susie-at-ACL-book-talk.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20171022T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20171022T153000
DTSTAMP:20260514T185422
CREATED:20170922T231431Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20171208T205641Z
UID:8275-1508682600-1508686200@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Gene Cowell\, Local Author Series
DESCRIPTION:On Sunday\, October 22\, Gene Cowell was the featured speaker in the Alachua County Library’s Local Author Series. \nCowell discussed the evolution of popular crime fiction from its Nineteenth-Century roots through classic British “cozy” mysteries of the early Twentieth-Century\, and the enduring noir novels of famous American authors from Raymond Chandler and James M. Cain to Elmore Leonard and Dennis Lehane. \nHe also read from his second recently-published novel\, Bring Me the Gypsy\, inspired by true events; it follows American Gypsy Dix Arcos as he struggles to escape the lethal wrath of his gangster boss. \nAn Alachua resident\, Cowell touched on lessons learned over a 45-year career as an advertising copywriter\, ad agency owner and subscription newsletter publisher that he claims helped him in his fiction writing. He paid homage to Elmore Leonard’s immortal “Ten Rules for Good Writing\,” including the one rule he broke. \nThe program was held at the Headquarters Library\, 401 E. University Ave.\, Gainesville FL. \nThe Local Author Series features a new author each month. \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/gene-cowell-local-author-series/
LOCATION:Alachua County Library Headquarters\, Meeting Room A\, 4th Floor\, Rm. A\, 401 E Univ. Ave.\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32601
CATEGORIES:Book Signing,Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/GeneCowell-photo-1.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20171008T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20171008T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T185422
CREATED:20170724T184824Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20171208T210330Z
UID:7541-1507473000-1507478400@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:M. W. Gordon - Ask Not for Whom the Pen Writes . . .
DESCRIPTION:Summary of M. W. Gordon’s talk by Penny Church-Pupke. \nRetired UF law professor turned mystery writer Michael Gordon (pen name M.W. Gordon) presented a program entitled “Ask not for whom the pen writes\, it writes for me.” A published author of nonfiction and fiction\, Gordon’s debut novel Deadly Drifts\, the first of nine in his  McDuff Brooks mystery series\, won the 2014 Royal Palm Literary Award for Published Book of the Year. \nThroughout his talk\, Gordon used anecdotes from his life and gave writing advice gained through publishing his book series. Gordon said his writing grew out of his examination of his life’s interests including law\, sports\, boating and fly fishing. After his retirement at age 73\, he sifted through his work experiences of teaching\, lecturing\, consulting\, and writing in international law as well as civil law. At the same time\, he assessed his other interests—he was a boat builder\, a certified fly-fishing guide\, an oboe and English horn player\, and an owner of Shetland Sheepdogs. At leisure\, with no thought of writing\, he began reading fiction. Eventually\, he wondered whether he could write dialogue and if he knew enough to write a book\, using the knowledge he had gained during his life. \nTwo years later\, Deadly Drifts was complete. Now\, he wondered what he should do with his 300-page manuscript. He tried traditional publishing\, but the publishing agent he contacted wanted a contract of five years to search for a publisher. Gordon didn’t want to wait that long. On his own\, he tried the Big Five Publishing Houses—Penguin Random House\, HarperCollins\, Simon & Schuster\, Hachette Book Group\, and MacMillan—but they weren’t interested. Going to a subsidiary of the Big Five\, what Gordon called a “sub of a sub of a sub” wasn’t satisfactory. His alternative was DIY publishing (Do-It-Yourself). He suggested authors use the term Do-It-Yourself rather than self-published. Gordon confessed he had made lots of mistakes as he learned the ins and outs of publishing. In addition\, he said DIY publishing took lots of his time\, and required him to make lots of choices. \nHere are some of his recommendations. \nGordon suggested that authors not edit their works themselves; he added that it is important to know what kind of editing is being contracted (grammar\, punctuation\, content). Referring to DIY books\, he said writers should make use of templates—5.5 x 8.5 is a good size. Once a template it used\, it can be reused through copy and paste. Use 1.5 line spacing for your final submission since double-spacing makes it look like a draft. He advised forming your own publishing entity LLC (Limited Liability Company) or create a fictitious name so you can say you are “published by a small publishing firm in (location).” Also purchase your own ISBN (International Standard Book Number) so the number belongs to the writer not the publisher—it is\, he emphasized\, a matter of control. \nGordon discussed the differences between print-on-demand (POD) publishers like IngramSpark and Amazon’s CreateSpace. CreateSpace publishes only softcover (paperbound) books sold by Amazon or by the author.  One positive is that a Kindle e-book can be made with just a click of a mouse. However\, some bookstores do not like to work with Amazon since they take a 25% cut\, and books are not generally returnable. Gordon recommends not using Amazon Kindle’s special programs—Kindle Select/Kindle Unlimited—because this may require an exclusive agreement with Amazon and may lower royalties by 20%. In contrast\, IngramSpark will publish a softcover or hardcover and the company distributes to bookstores and makes the books available to libraries. For ease of use\, Gordon suggested going to IngramSpark first\, then CreateSpace. \nWhen writing a series\, Gordon said\, it is essential to have a timeline; the timeline he created for his series is about 25-pages long. Equally important is to have a list of characters. He found that characters are easier to write if they come from a dysfunctional family. In a similar vein\, he said children grow up fast—in other words\, how long can a child be credibly enrolled in high school or college? He said adults age much better. Gordon suggested it is a good idea for the main character to have a pet; that pet can be a minor figure\, or it can be another character\, but it should have some quirks. He added that his dog character\, Wuff\, has appeared in all his books and was even shot. In a series\, if the main characters are married or are a couple\, one spouse/partner can be killed. Likewise\, if a character isn’t working out\, or if the author is worried that the readers are getting bored\, characters can be killed. However\, he added\, don’t bring back a character who was killed. Gordon said\, it is good to have a sinister character appear throughout the series\, much as Professor Moriarty served as a nemesis to Sherlock Holmes. \nGordon’s book display at October 8 WAG program\nAs for marketing suggestions\, Gordon said book tours and lectures are usually not arranged by publishers. He found book tours did not give him a reasonable return; he sold only 2 copies the first time\, 12 the second\, and 25 the next month. The most he sold was 62\, this past year. In contrast\, he has sold 2\,000 e-book copies. He said\, book sales come after radio and TV interviews. Another marketing tip (good for bookstores) is to create a one-page handout\, with a photo of the book cover on one side and a description and contact information on the other. \nGordon provided a handout\, which said “Enjoy what you are doing.” If you don’t enjoy writing\, do something else. His final recommendation\, written in bold letters was Write for yourself. \nWhen not writing\, Gordon has been involved in Project Healing Waters in Montana\, where fly-fishing is taught to former military personnel who were combat wounded. Next summer\, he hopes to become involved in Casting for Recovery in Vermont\, where fly-fishing is taught to women cancer survivors. According to his handout\, he sailed in the America’s Cup on America’s contender “American Eagle” in 1967. \nGordon has degrees from the U.S.\, France\, and Mexico\, and except for a case of malaria\, he would have had another degree from the Netherlands. He consulted and lectured at U.S. Embassies in a dozen or more foreign nations and was consulted on cross border issues by the Departments of State\, Commerce\, and Justice. He primarily fishes in the U.S. and Canada and is on pro-boards in fly-fishing in Simms  in Montana and Orvis in Vermont. He has never kept a fish he caught; his first trout was caught in 1944 and was immediately released because he said\, he was struck by its beauty. And fittingly\, he uses barbless hooks whenever he fishes.
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/m-w-gordon-writer-mysteries/
LOCATION:Millhopper Library\, Meeting Room A\, 3145 NW 43rd St\,\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Book Discussion,Book Signing,Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Gordon2.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20170916T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20170916T153000
DTSTAMP:20260514T185422
CREATED:20170826T210237Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220306T164426Z
UID:7728-1505572200-1505575800@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Mallory M. O'Connor\, first author to present in new "Local Author Series"
DESCRIPTION:Mallory M. O’Connor is first on the program for the Alachua County Library’s new Local Author Series. \nOn September 16\, O’Connor will discuss her debut novel\, American River: Tributaries\, which follows the entwined lives of three immigrant families as they settle along this river in Northern California during the turbulent 1960s. \nO’Connor\, who grew up in Northern California\, has degrees in art\, art history\, and American history and taught art history at the University of Florida and Santa Fe College. \nShe is also the author of the non-fiction book\, Lost Cities of the Ancient Southeast\, and she and Gary Monroe coauthored Florida’s American Heritage River: Images from the St. Johns Region.  \nO’Connor resides in Micanopy and currently serves as vice president of the Writers Alliance of Gainesville. \nThis program will be held in Meeting Room A\, Fourth Floor\, of the Headquarters library\, 401 E. Univ. Ave.\, Gainesville\, FL. \nThe Local Author Series will feature a new author each month. \n  \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/alachua-county-librarys-local-author-series-feature-mallory-m-oconnor/
LOCATION:Alachua County Library Headquarters\, Meeting Room A\, 4th Floor\, Rm. A\, 401 E Univ. Ave.\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32601
CATEGORIES:Book Discussion,Book Sale,Book Signing,Readings,Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Headshot-5.2-e1503839035552.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20170813T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20170813T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T185423
CREATED:20170703T190321Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170819T023404Z
UID:7258-1502634600-1502640000@writersalliance.org
SUMMARY:Use Your Family Stories to Write a Historical Novel
DESCRIPTION:Nick West’s presentation\n\n– Summarized by Bonnie Ogle –  \nOn August 13\, novelist and local businessman Nick West spoke to the general meeting of the Writers Alliance of Gainesville about using family stories to create a historical novel. A fifth generation Floridian\, West has a plethora of family stories\, which he has used as the basis for his four novels. Raised by grandparents with no television\, West was entertained by his grandmother’s recounting stories about a family that traveled with the circus and weathered the American Civil War. \nAudience members chat with author Nick West.\nWith that kernel of information\, and inspiration from circus posters\, West sought out other descendants of circus members to hear their stories. Learning of his great grandfather’s circus friend Master Duffy\, he sought and found Duffy’s family. Duffy was a former slave who ran away when his sister was sold and their mother died of a broken heart. He became the “African Prince\,” riding a horse in the show\, using the job as a cover to search for his sister. \nPithy incidents retold to successive generations show up in West’s books. He had heard from his grandfather that the circus people split between north and south when war broke out. The circus owner’s parting words to the troops landed in one of West’s novels: “I hope the next time we meet\, it’s not at the end of a barrel.” \nAs a child living in Archer\, West frequently found arrowheads in the yard\, amassing a large collection. He wondered\, Who was the last human to touch this? Taking several pieces to the Florida Museum of Natural History for carbon dating\, he was surprised to learn they were 6\,000 years old. At the museum\, he met anthropologists who were familiar with the first people\, the Potanos\, who lived in the area. \nThis sparked enough interest that he created a Potano couple for his main characters. Studying ancient peoples of Florida gave West many ideas. He incorporated the people’s customs such as marrying outside their tribe and trading with coastal tribes. When his hero traveled to the coast he saw a “great ship.” This event evolved from historical accounts West found while studying first encounters with Europeans. \nNick West speaks to a packed house at the Millhopper Library.\nThe author advised fellow writers\, “The internet is a wonderful resource for you to get information about the locale\, daily life\, and current events of the time in which you set your story.” He cautioned writers\, however\, to use two or three sources to verify information. He reported spending half his time on research and twenty-five percent on editing. He recommended getting everyone you know to beta read your material\, particularly if you are self-publishing. \nWest’s presentation\, laden with anecdotal adventures and self-deprecating humor (“I am a non-profit organization – a self-published author”) piqued the audience’s interest in his four books\, all available on Amazon. They include The Great Southern Circus\, The Long Ride Home\, The Sandspur Special\, and To Light a New Fire. \n The Great Southern Circus (2010) entertains with stories of Orton and Older’s Great Southern Circus\, which performed in eighteen states from Wisconsin to Florida\, just before the Civil War. The author weaves together the tales passed down from his great-great-great-grandmother\, Miranda Madderra\, one of the circus performers. \n  \nHis most recent book\, To Light a New Fire\, chronicles the lives of a young Timucua native Floridian during the period of first European contact in the mid 1500’s. The book is based on the Potano village that existed for over 12\,000 years on the edge of Paynes Prairie. \n  \n 
URL:https://writersalliance.org/event/nick-west-writing-historical-novels/
LOCATION:Millhopper Library\, Meeting Room A\, 3145 NW 43rd St\,\, Gainesville\, FL\, 32606\, United States
CATEGORIES:Book Signing,Speaker
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://writersalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/IMG_3037-e1503109148129.jpg
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