Book 'Em, Danno!

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." 
– Groucho Marx

 

If you're a fan of the original Hawaii Five-0 series you know the line spoken by Steve McGarrett, played by Jack Lord, became a classic catchphrase. As writers, we can use our literary license to use the phrase as motivation to keep writing our book, or if it's already published go ahead and Book a speaking engagement or book signing. We know that progress is made by taking the initial step and continuing to move forward. So, hat's off to McGarrett and Danno.

And a special salute to Groucho for his loyalty to books and dogs, and for always finding a way to make people laugh. All of this (except the dogs) will be addressed in upcoming meetings, so read on.

• The River City Writers will use their Tuesday, March 8 meeting to critique works in progress. If you're interested in participating, contact group leader Kathy Bain, kathrynbain@comcast.net.
• The Ancient City Writers have been allowed to return to their meeting room at the St. Augustine Mian Library and will host an entertaining speaker on Saturday, March 19 at 10:00 a.m. Romance author and former TV producer/host Sandra Madden presents "Lighten Up: Gatting Serious about Humor." She will address when it's appropriate to use humor and the different ways humor can be incorporated into most novels. All are welcome, the only requirement is a sense of humor.
• The quarterly meeting of the Amelia Island Writers is scheduled for Tuesday, March 22, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Story & Song Bookstore in Fernandina Beach. The special guest speaker is Dr. Terry Maple, a behavioral research scientist and former President/CEO of Zoo Atlanta. Maple wrote Atlanta's Iconic Ape: The Life of Willie B. Willie B. was a silverback ape and his story is a metaphor for the transformation of Zoo Atlanta into one of America's most innovative zoological parks. Dr. Maple, who has retired on Amelia Island, will discuss his book and the transformation of Zoo Atlanta.
• Contact Clay County Writers group leader Melanie Pronia for information on upcoming meetings.
• 
  Listen up, introverted writers, this one's for you. Noted author, editor, and speaker Nancy Quatrano will address "Transforming Writers into Speakers" at the Saturday, March 26 meeting of the Ponte Vedra Writers. As we know, writing is an activity that requires solitude and most of us thrive in that environment. But when it comes to getting out in public and marketing their books, the introverted writer needs to know how to hold and sell an audience. Nancy tells us that “one of the most powerful ways to build fans and credibility is by speaking face-to-face with people. Whether you’re holding a book signing event or speaking on a topic related to your book, public speaking can improve your value by fifty-percent.” The meeting begins at 10:00 a.m. at the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library.

But wait, there's more!

• The NE Florida chapter of Florida Sisters in Crime meets this Saturday, March 5 at 10:00 a.m. at the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library to hear noted author Parker Francis—Yep, that's me—discuss how
  
  to keep your reader in a constant state of anticipation. During my talk, "The Suspense is Killing Me," I'll share some of the secrets bestselling authors and the late, great Master of Suspense, Alfred Hitchcock use to ramp up the suspense. Learn how to involve the reader and make them care about your character while putting them in jeopardy. You don't have to be a "Sister" or a crime writer to attend, but bring your sense of anticipation.
• A Gathering of Poets, Hope at Hand and the North Florida Poetry Hub are sponsoring a poetry contest for high school students (9-12 grade). Video, audio, or email submissions are welcome, accompanied by a print version of the poem with a 40 line limit. Awards are First prize, $200; Second prize, $150; Third prize, $75. The deadline for submissions is March 15 with festive public event and award presentations on April 10. Inquire further or send entry materials to accidentals@comcast.net.
• The Florida Authors & Publishers Association (FAPA) presents writer and YouTube blogger Shaelin Bishop on "Marketing Your Book." To register, emailRichard.Ballo@myfapa.org and indicate you will be attending.
• Noted poet and author Shutta Crum presents a free Zoom workshop on "Getting Published by Using Duotrope" on Tuesday, March 29 at 7:30 p..m. It's hosted by the North Florida Poetry Hub, and you must register to participate. Go to either Meetup or Facebook Events to RSVP.
• Celebrate St. Patrick's Day at the Mocama Brewery in Fernandina Beach with a fun-forward program hosted by Nancy Blanton and Jim Ramage. Learn some Irish vocabulary, read a limerick or share an Irish poem. Music and more merriment follow.
• Remember that both the RPLA and Collections 14 are open for submissions. Visit floridawriters.org for details. 

And if you've ever received a poor review on Amazon or elsewhere, take heart. I'll leave you with reviews of a few noteworthy books.

The Saturday Review of Literature on F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby: "What has never been alive cannot very well go on living. So this is a book of the season only."

The NY Times on The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway: "…leaves one with the feeling that the people it describes really do not matter; one is left in the end with nothing to digest."

The New York Times on Catch 22 by Joseph Heller: "…it gasps for want of craft and sensibility…the book is an emotional hodgepodge; no mood is sustained long enough to register for more than a chapter."

Cheers,
Vic

Vic DiGenti
FWA Regional Director