Writers of the Future Announces 2022 Winners

 [Los Angeles, CA, Summer 2022 by Joni Labaqui]

The 38th Annual L. Ron Hubbard Achievement Awards Gala for Writers and Illustrators of the Future Contests was held in April.

The event celebrated the winners of this year’s international competition for the new authors and illustrators of science fiction and fantasy. It was a black-tie invitation only function at the Hollywood Taglyan Complex. It was streamed live via the website (www.writersofthefuture.com). Publisher John Goodwin noted: “According to United Public Radio Network, this year’s awards show reached over 3.7 million people in 100 countries around the world.”

L. Ron Hubbard created the Writers of the Future Contest to discover and nurture aspiring writers of speculative fiction. The Contest provides a way for their works to be seen and acknowledged in this highly competitive industry.

Much like what reality-singing shows like American Idol do for performers, the Writers of the Future gives that much-needed boost to new authors and artists.  

The grand-prize winners, the Golden Pen and Golden Brush Awards, were presented to Desmond Astaire (author) and Zaine Lodhi (illustrator). In addition to the beautiful trophy, each was presented with an additional $5,000.

Desmond Astaire said: “Short story anthologies are such a beautiful piece of speculative fiction culture, and for L. Ron Hubbard’s estate to continue nurturing emerging writers is a truly special gift. My intent with this Golden Pen Award is to someday join your ranks and be able to touch minds and influence lives the way you’ve influenced mine in this wondrous venture of written storytelling.”

Zaine Lodhi said: “I don’t think I would have made it this far if it hadn?t been for my girlfriend, Haley Burton, whom I’d like to thank. She would tell me: ?You need to get better at managing your time. Just do it.? Thank you for encouraging me to stick with it. It means so much to me. From now on, I will continue to do what I do.”

The winning authors and illustrators were presented with their trophies. Here are the winners this year and their stories:
“Agatha’s Monster” by Azure Arther, illustrated by Zaine Lodhi; “The Magic Book of Accidental City Destruction: A Book Wizard’s Guide” by Z. T. Bright, illustrated by Ari Zaritsky; “The Squid is My Brother” by Mike Jack Stoumbos, illustrated by Natalia Salvador; “Gallows” by Desmond Astaire, illustrated by Nick Jizba; “Lilt of a Lark” by Michael Panter, illustrated by Brett Stump; “The Mystical Farrago” by N. V. Haskell, illustrated by Annalee Wu, “Tsuu, Tsuu, Kasva Suuremasse” by Rebecca E. Treasure, illustrated by Natalia Salvador; “The Island on the Lake” by John Coming, illustrated by Majid Saberinejad; “The Phantom Carnival” by M. Elizabeth Ticknor, illustrated by Xiaomeng Zhang; “The Last Dying Season” by Brittany Rainsdon, illustrated by Jerome Tieh; “The Greater Good” by Em Dupre, illustrated by Jim Zaccaria; “For the Federation” by J. A. Becker, illustrated by Arthur M. Doweyko; “Psychic Poker” by Lazarus Black, illustrated by Tenzin Rangdol.

Release of "A Coat Dyed Black" by Don Pugnetti Jr.

 [Los Angeles, CA, February 2022] "A Coat Dyed Black" book release Announced by Don Pugnetti.

The book which was a finalist in the Pacific Northwest Writers Association’s Literary Contest, was published by Legacy House Press with the help of Girl Friday Productions of Seattle.  Nicolas Nelson of Wordsmith Writing Coaches provided the structural edit.

Set in Nazi-occupied Norway during World War II, the book transforms a young farmer into a courageous resistance fighter against brutal oppression and tyranny.

As the story unfolds, Bjørn Erliksen lives a peaceful life on Norway’s west coast and has never considered himself anything but a farmer. But when Nazi Germany invades, and his country’s ill-equipped military collapses in less than two months, it falls on him and other ordinary Norwegians to fight back.

Filled with thrilling historical details about a corner of Europe often forgotten in the story of WWII, A Coat Dyed Black illuminates the struggles and sacrifices of ordinary people compelled to do the extraordinary.

Don Pugnetti Jr. has had a career of more than 40 years in journalism, public relations and public affairs in Washington State, including 18 years as a reporter and editor for The News Tribune in Tacoma, WA.  During the latter half of his career, he served as chief policy advisor, speech writer and strategist for a state elected official.  Pugnetti also taught newswriting and other communications courses as a visiting professor at the University of North Florida and adjunct instructor at Pacific Lutheran University. Now retired, he and his wife, Wendy, live in Gig Harbor, WA, where he continues his passion for writing.    

GLAWS Member is Prize Winner

 [Los Angeles, CA, June 2021] Katherine Friedman Prize Winner in Owl Canyon Press’s 2021 Hackathon contest.

Congratulations to GLAWS member Katherine Friedman, who has just had her first paid publication! Katherine’s short story, “Ex Post Facto,” won third place in Owl Canyon Press’s 2021 Hackathon contest, and will be featured in the resulting anthology of short fiction, From the Corner of My Eyes (available for purchase here).

The Hackathon requires writers to write a story of exactly twenty paragraphs, with the first and thirteenth paragraphs provided by the contest creators. Katherine’s concern about climate change inspired her to set the tale in a dark, post-climate change future in which a former fossil fuels marketing executive struggles against the consequences of her actions.

As the leader and a long-time member of the GLAWS Westside Literary Fiction Critique Group, she’s grateful to her group members for their insightful feedback. With their help, she was able to  revise and improve her story to the point where it placed in the top three. 

George Galdorisi Announces Release of "Fire And Ice"

[Los Angeles, CA, April 2021]

Fire and Ice is a thriller focused on the political-military tensions created by a modern-day Russia at its vindictive worst. Vladimir Putin emerges as the central character who uses the fulcrum of Belarus to threaten western Europe through a series of lethal and effective attacks on US and European energy sources. Fire and Ice poses the plausible and highly realistic question: Can Putin and his rogue nation be thwarted through the combined efforts of EU and US and political and military might?

Rick Holden and Laura Peters, reunited after several years of being assigned to commands half a world apart, find themselves thrown together by their parent agencies—the CIA and the DoD’s European Command, respectively. Their mission to rescue a captured American is successful, but then they must turn on a dime and race against time to thwart the transfer of weapons of mass destruction to vengeful terrorists.

Fire and Ice is a new entry in the increasingly popular genre commonly known as “FICINT”—imaging future warfare scenarios based on the realities of high-end combat and real-world intelligence, not fantasy. It leaves the reader wondering not if, but when, such a cataclysmic scenario might play out in our lifetimes. Drawing on the cutting-edge military technology he discusses in his recent non-fiction work: AI at War: How Big Data, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Are Changing Naval Warfare, George Galdorisi injects a new level of future warfare reality into Fire and Ice.

George Galdorisi is a career naval aviator and writer, specializing in “FICINT,” combining fiction writing with current intelligence to envision future warfare. He began this journey almost a decade ago with the New York Times best seller, Tom Clancy Presents: Act of Valor (Penguin), the novelization of the Relativity Media number-one rated movie. This was followed in rapid succession by three more New York Times best sellers in the rebooted Tom Clancy’s Op-Center series: Out of the Ashes, Into the Fire, and Scorched Earth (St. Martins). Continuing in the FICINT tradition, his three most recent thrillers are The Coronado Conspiracy, For Duty and Honor and the just-released (March 2021) Fire and Ice (Braveship Books).

His FININT work—imaging future warfare scenarios based on the realities of high-end combat and real-world intelligence, not fantasy—is supported by his thirty years as a naval aviator, including four command tours and five years as a carrier strike group chief of staff, culminating in two combat tours in the Arabian Gulf.  During this final tour he also led the U.S. delegation for military-to-military talks with China’s People’s Liberation Army, Navy. Adding to his ability to harness all-source, open-source, intelligence to support these FICINT efforts, he is currently the Director of Strategic Assessments and Technical Futures at the Navy Information Warfare Center Pacific in San Diego, California.  

Other than writing thrillers, George likes nothing more than connecting with readers. You can follow him on Facebook and Twitter, and learn more about his books, blogs and other writing on his website: http://www.georgegaldorisi.com/—especially his “Writing Tips,”—which offer useful advice for all writers from established authors to future best-selling writers.

New Star Wars Memories Book by the Man Who was There

Star Wars Memories - My Time in the (Death Star) Trenches by Craig Miller.

 [Los Angeles, CA,] Revealing anecdotes from the making and selling of Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back, Craig Miller’s engaging memoir STAR WARS Memories shares various behind-the-scenes stories, giving fans a new perspective on the classic films. Miller talks about Mark Hamill barbecuing him a burger in London, having lunch in a Sunset Strip restaurant with Harrison Ford while he rolled and smoked a joint, and watching Carrie Fisher introduce The Empire Strikes Back’s British production crew to tacos. 

Craig Miller was the original Director of Fan Relations at Lucasfilm, working on Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back. As part of that, he was deeply engaged with the efforts to bring the film to audiences in various ways. He created and ran the Official Star Wars Fan Club, worked with licensees on various products based on the characters from the films, and even created a telephone publicity stunt that accidentally shut down the state of Illinois’ phone system. He was also the producer on projects ranging from episodes of Sesame Street to commercials for Underoos (“underwear that’s fun to wear”), operated R2-D2, and spent weeks hanging out on the set of The Empire Strikes Back.

In the foreword to STAR WARS MEMORIES,Gary Kurtz, producer of Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back, gives a look at the original Star Wars films from Craig Miller’s unique perspective, “This isn’t another ‘making of’ book with the same stories that have appeared in other books and countless magazine articles. It’s a book of stories you haven’t heard before; an insider’s look from someone who, himself, is a fan and found the whole experience joyful and exciting. These stories are told in a way that brings you in and makes you feel like you were there.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Craig Miller has been a Hollywood insider for several decades, working on various movies beloved by fans, including The Dark Crystal, Return to Oz,Santa Claus: The Movie, Real Genius, The Black Cauldron, The Last Starfighter, The Muppets Take Manhattan, Iceman, Splash, Krull,The Thing, Heavy Metal, Excalibur, Superman II,and The Wicker Man. He also has written for various TV shows, including The Smurfs, The Real Ghostbusters, G.I Joe,and PBS’ Curious George, among others.

He lives in Los Angeles with his wife.

STAR WARS MEMORIES By Craig Miller Publisher: Independently Published: November 2019 Price $24.99; ISBN: 9781696218702; 436 page

Robin Morris with New Book Deal

 [Los Angeles, CA, 2019] Third Street Press announces the release of this debut thriller by exciting new writer, Robin Morris.

In Play the Game, John Benton’s hit rock bottom. He’s lost his job and his home, he’s barely making enough as a temp to afford a sweltering one-room pit in downtown Los Angeles. He’s got nothing left to lose—and then he finds out his wife is pregnant.
When he hears about a game where the players are making thousands of dollars, he thinks this could be their ticket out to a better life—a life in which they can afford to raise a baby.
But he didn’t count on the guns.

Or the danger.

Or that he’d be going up against players who will do anything, double- or triple-cross anyone, to win a game with no rules.

And now, the game is out to destroy him.

Benton has to play for the lives of his wife and unborn child in a game where the deck is stacked against him, and the house always wins.

Play the Game is an exciting, fast-paced thriller by Robin Morris, where nothing is as it seems, and trust is an illusion.

While Robin is new to Third Street Press, she is not new to writing. She has been a long-time member of HWA and has published books as both Robin Morris and Robin Reed. A Chicago native, Robin moved to Southern California where she lives with the requisite number of writer's cats. Robin writes humor, science fiction, horror and thrillers. 

Chrome Oxide has New Book Deal

We are pleased to announce that GLAWS member Chrome Oxide has reached a deal with Superversive Press of Australia for the publication of a collection of satirical sci-fi and fantasy stories titled TWENTY-EIGHT MINUTES INTO THE FUTURE.

Chrome met his editor, Elaine Ash, at the WC2 Writers Conference. They worked together for six months, polishing each story before pitching the project. A deal was reached within eleven days of the original query. Chrome  Oxide is a Published Finalist of the 2013 Writers of the Future contest and winner of an Honorable Mention. The moniker "Chrome Oxide" is a pen name.

The poems in Odessa Cleveland’s new poetry book touches hearts, makes one realize how peace in the world and in one’s life is relevant to existing.  Her voice resonates with spiritual depth, metaphysical qualities marked by unconventional imagery, and she presents occurrences in life as being “serrated edges.”

She speaks boldly how life’s “traps, weeds and secrets” shape us as human beings: “Closed doors conceal spaces. Guilt, mindful of pain, attempts escape. Gray matter sits between right and left hemispheres suffocated by years of denial.” Of Age and Edges provokes thought on dealing with age, celebrating love, death and truth in the political arena—“We the People.”

Poet, artist, educator, actress, and author, Odessa Cleveland, share some intriguing imageries—pencil drawings on uncharted skin, the Potter’s mold, and Pharaoh ants. In her American contemporary style, these poems open up a world of understanding life, love, demise and delectation. Cleveland is off the beaten path with language and wit.

Cleveland is the author of Water Colored Soul, Thank You, In the Zone of Changes, $ave-Depo$it-Inve$t, an app and CD.

Dan Lambert to Participate in 3rd Annual Inglewood Literary Arts Festival

Inglewood, CA, 8 April, 2017:  GLAWS member Dan Lambert and his wife (author and poet Anhthao Bui) will sign and discuss their books at the annual Inglewood Literary Arts Festival, which will take place from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday, April 15 at the Inglewood Main Library. The address is 101 West Manchester Boulevard, Inglewood, California 90301. Daniel’s latest book is Mere Anarchy. Anhthao’s latest book is Fish Sauce. Both are short story collections. Admission to this event is free. Please call (310) 412-5380 or visit library.cityofinglewood.org for more information.

Dan Lambert teaches English at California State University Los Angeles and East Los Angeles College. He also teaches Online Literature courses for Colorado Technical University. His writing appears in Silver Apples, Easy Reader, Other Worlds, Wrapped in Plastic and The Daily Breeze. His work also appears in the anthologies When Words Collide, Flash It, Daily Flash 2012, Daily Frights 2012, An Island of Egrets and Timeless Voices. He lives in Southern California with his wife, poet and author Anhthao Bui. Mere Anarchy is Dan’s collection of science fiction, fantasy, and mystery tales. Love and Other Diversions is his collection of poetry. http://dan_lambert.homestead.com Click here to preview Mere Anarchy

Anhthao Bui inherits the artistic germ and educational desire from her family. In the re-education camp, her father held an English dictionary and a guitar (and a poetry notebook hidden in his pocket) as he exhaled his last breath. In the United States, her mother took a bus to attend Adult School to learn English, although she was over 70 years old. Anhthao earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 2004 from San Jose State University. She is pursuing her Master of Arts in English. Fish Sauce is Anhthao’s collection of realistic fiction. Yellow Flower is her poetry collection. http://VietnameseBlueSky.blogspot.com

Eleanor Taylor Bland grant

Sisters in Crime’s Eleanor Taylor Bland Crime Fiction Writers of Color Award is an annual grant of $1,500 for an emerging writer of color. Applications are now being accepted until July 1. For details, go to this link -- http://www.sistersincrime.org/page/EleanorTaylorBland

Literary Agent Seeking Qualified Interns

Ken Sherman & Associates (www.kenshermanassociates.com ) is an internationally established literary agency with clients who include David Guterson ("Snow Falling on Cedars"), Anne Perry (82 books in print, a feature and two separate TV series in development), Starhawk, Ed Khmara (screenplays for "Ladyhawke" and "Enemy Mine" and two new film projects in development), Tawni O'Dell (Oprah Book Club Selection for her novel, "Back Roads", which is currently scheduled to shoot in May with Adrian Lyne to direct), and the estates of Simon Wiesenthal, H. L. Mencken, Willa Cather, Franz Kafka and Luis Bunuel to name just a few.

We're based in Los Angeles and are seeking qualified students who are interested in the film, television, and book industries. Bright, motivated and organized self-starters with a passionate interest in any of these fields are encouraged to apply. Duties include reading of scripts and books of all sorts, writing coverage and some general office duties. This is a good entry-level opportunity to learn the inner workings of the writing and producing sides of film, television and book worlds.

A couple of past interns who have gone on to great success are Steve Kloves - writer of all but one of the "Harry Potter" films - and Michael Aguilar, who produced "The Departed" and now has his own production offices at Fox Studios.

The internship is a “for credit only” part-time internship. Proof of official college credit is required. Please send a cover letter and resume in PDF format with the heading "Internships" in the email to: kenshermanassociates@gmail.com

December 2015

BANDERSNATCH: C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, and the Creative Collaboration of the Inklings

Diana Pavlac Glyer (author) James A. Owen (illustrator)
Black Squirrel Books 2016

NEW: Inspiration for Writers; A Must for Writers Groups

What if you could listen in as two of the greatest writers of the twentieth century discussed their latest books? What if you could learn their secrets and get clear step-by-step directions on how to follow their example? Bandersnatch takes you inside the creative process of C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien. But it is more than a riveting literary biography: Bandersnatch is a writer’s practical guidebook on how to do what the Inklings did.

Written by award-winning author Diana Pavlac Glyer, Bandersnatch offers an inside look at the Inklings of Oxford, a seat at their table at the Eagle and Child pub. It shows how encouragement and criticism made all the difference to The Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, and dozens of other books written by the members of their circle. You'll learn what made these writers tick, and more: inspired by their example, you'll discover how collaboration can help your own creative process and lead to genius breakthroughs in whatever work you do.

And a bonus to all this are the lavish illustrations by James A. Owen, genre illustrator and author of the Chronicles of Imaginarium Geographica series. Ten full-page illustrations were commissioned for this book. They look like turn-of-the-century etchings. Each one is magic! And there is a bandersnatch hidden in each scene. As one reviewer observed, “The illustrations have a unique quality of lending a sense of imaginative mystery to the text and serve as portals into the circle of friendship among the Inklings themselves.”

Bandersnatch released in the #1 slot on Amazon’s Hot New Releases in Science Fiction & Fantasy Criticism. It is must reading for writers. Find out why. Available in paperback and eBook.

October 09, 2015

Announcing A Free Webinar on "The Three Huge Mistakes New Writers Make "

Author and teacher Steven Barnes is having a free webinar on the “Three Massive Mistakes New Writers Make” on Friday October 9th. Learn more Here: http://app.webinarjam.net/register/19618/703b19542b

And you can get Steve’s free mini-course on applying Joseph Campbell’s model of the Hero’s Journey to your writing at: WWW.LIFEWRITE.COM

WEBINARJAM | Three Huge Mistakes New Writers Make
An exploration of tactics to turbocharge a career.

Summer 2015

Announcing The New GLAWS Hollywood Screenwriting Critique Group (HOLLSCRIT)

HOLLSCRIT is a critique group comprised of screenwriters committed to giving and receiving supportive and helpful feedback on fellow members’ completed scripts or works in progress.

We also set aside time during our meetings for pitch practice and discussion on making the best presentation of ourselves and our ideas in those all-important meetings with producers and studio executives.

HOLLSCRIT is a safe and welcoming place for those with stories to tell and scripts to go with them!

Meetings: The second and fourth Tuesday of each month, starting on September 8, 2015

Future dates for 2015: 9/22, 10/6, 10/20, 11/3, 11/17, 12/1, 12/15.

Location:  7051 Hollywood Boulevard, Ground Floor (Structure Parking is Free, via the entrance on Sycamore Ln - Show the security guard your GLAWS Membership badge for free parking)

Summer 2015

Gemini Adams has a New Program to Get Your Book Noticed!

As a self-published author you’re no doubt wondering: How do I get my book noticed by the public, the media, agents, TV and radio producers, bookstore buyers and librarians? The answer: With Online reviews from the leading Amazon, YouTube and Blog book reviewers.

That’s why the Finish Your Book team created the "Get Your Book Noticed Kit” – the easiest and most cost effective way to get your book noticed by everyone.

The kit contains the exclusive contact info and detailed submission requirements for 550 of the most coveted Top Amazon, Blog and YouTube book reviewers so you can submit your book to them directly. It also includes a step-by-step guide on "How to Get Reviewers on Your Side" with sample outreach emails, follow up emails and guidance on what to include in your submission, ensuring you won't waste precious time and money.

Click the link to learn more and use the exclusive GLAWS discount code GLAWS002 to save $700 (normal price $999, you get it for $299): http://getyourbooknoticedkit.com

Fall 2014

AWARD-WINNING COOKBOOK PUBLISHER OFFERS SELF-PUBLISHING SOLUTIONS FOR THE CULINARY INDUSTRY

(Los Angeles, CA) As the publishing world evolves, chefs, restaurants and food industry leaders are changing the way they approach publishing. Gone are the days when landing a deal with an established publisher was the only way to get your voice, your recipes, in print.

Cookbook authors are turning to alternate publishing options at a startling rate—but not without a laundry list of questions and apprehensions. When your business is recipes, you don’t need to take on the challenge of learning an entirely new industry to get your cookbook published. That’s why Life of Reiley, an award-winning cookbook publisher with a track record in successful sales, is giving would-be cookbook authors another alternative.

Instead of fighting for an increasingly hard-to-get publishing deal or having to go it completely Do-It-Yourself, cookbook authors can turn to Life of Reiley Independent. A creative solution for transforming recipes from a collection to a nationally distributed book, Life of Reiley Independent is created by cookbook authors for cookbook authors. Whether an author is ready to self publish but need someone to show them the ropes or simply needs a good recipe editor, marketing plan or conversion to an eBook, Life of Reiley offers a solution based in a decade of work in a fast-evolving publishing market.

What is most revolutionary about Life of Reiley’s services is the Your Book Your Way program. This utterly unique program walks authors through the cookbook publishing process from concept to full distribution across the US and Canada, offering a full team of professionals to support each step of the process. Although there are many package programs to help authors publish a book, the market lacks a program to specifically address the needs of cookbook authors. And no other program offers cookbook authors the support they need as well as distribution—for both print and eBooks—through the second largest independent book publisher in the United States.

The move to create a program to assist chefs and authors comes out of a desire to support the dreams of colleagues and the cookbook industry at a time when big publishers are struggling. Explains founder Amy Reiley, “Self publishing my first cookbook was one of the greatest challenges I’ve ever undertaken but it was also one of the most rewarding. Now, after a decade of experience as a cookbook publisher, I look forward to introducing other authors to my world and help their books achieve the greatest success possible.”

Details about Life of Reiley Independent, including a list of services and information about the publishing team can be found on the Life of Reiley website at http://www.lifeofreiley.com/wp/life-reiley-independent-self-publishing-solutions

June 2014

Koehler Books Launches Latino Imprint

“WhenI first launched Savvy Literary Services in January of 2007, I never imagined that I would be instrumental in the creation of a sorely needed Latino imprint,” said Gomez, “much less be in the driver’s seat of this brand new vehicle that is sure to transport worthy Latino authors more quickly through the overcrowded and highly complex highway that leads to publication.”   

The Life of Ximena Godoy, the latest novel to come from the writing desk of critically acclaimed and award-winning Chicana/Latina author Graciela Limón, shall be the first book to be published by CCL. Limón is the author of several novels, including The Madness of Mamá Carlota (2012); The River Flows North (2009); Erased Faces (2001), which was awarded the 2002 Gustavus Myers Outstanding Book Award; The Day of the Moon (1999); Song of the Hummingbird (1996); The Memories of Ana Calderón (1994, 2001); and In Search of Bernabé (1993), which as a finalist for the Art Seidenbaum First Novel Award and was named a “Notable Book of the Year” by The New York Times Book Review.  “In my heart and mind, there is no better way to launch Café con Leche than with the publication of this high-quality literary novel about revenge and murder penned by one of today’s greatest Latina contemporary voices.” Gomez said she also has several other high profile authors and projects she is considering for publication.

Gomez will run CCL with Harris Kern, published author of more than forty books. Kern is recognized nationally as an organization mentor, personal life coach, and motivational speaker. From 1994 to 2004, Kern ran and operated his own imprint of IT books for Prentice Hall/Pearson, an imprint of Penguin. He, Gomez and the Koehler Books editorial board will select works to be published by CCL.

“Leticia and Harris will provide a literary venue for America’s fast-growing demographic community,” said Köehler Books Publisher John Koehler.  “Leticia and Harris have a great eye for talent and know how to market authors and their books.’’

For more information, or to make a submission, go to www.cafeconlechebooks.com

May 2014

Karl Alexander announces his new novel "TWO" has been released

"TWO" is the story of Emerson and Parker Leigh, wonder girl twins, who are battling with reigning prep school queen, Portia Flowers, over the right to be themselves and Parker’s “thing” for Randall Hamner—by day, a tennis star, by night, a car thief.

Enter, Tim Raines, a handsome young writer with a Harley who interviews the twins for his first novel. Sparks fly between Tim and Emerson, but Portia hooks up with Randall, momentarily wrecking Parker’s life, but Portia’s video gets her tossed out of school.

In Tim’s book, the twins time-travel to Edwardian England and befriend H.G. Wells, but Tim does them no favors by bringing Portia and Randall along as adversaries. Alas, the time machine stops working, and at a young Fabians weekend in the country, Emerson is murdered.
Back in present-day Calabasas, Portia seeks revenge. She frames the twins and Tim for kidnapping. With high-powered attorneys as parents, Emerson and Parker stay out of jail, but not Tim. 

So, the book remains unfinished. As Emerson tries to solve the kidnapping, Parker tries to finish writing the book, solve her sister’s murder in the past—with a little help from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle—and bring them both back home.

Learn more at: http://www.karlalexander.net |

April 2014

Cindy Tanisin announces a new book for managers who have lost their spark.

Los Angeles, CA, March 2014  — Author and business executive, Cindy Tansin, announces the release of her new book on leadership and management, LEAD WITH YOUR HEART and the Rest Will Follow.  The target audience is middle managers.  There are over 10 million middle managers in America, and most of them are unhappy.  While there are many books that focus on the actions and activities of leaders, few offer guidance on both a personal and professional level.  Middle managers are craving information that will give them back their passion for a job they once loved.

As quoted in the Wall Street Journal, “It’s easy for the middle manager to resemble a rat on a wheel, working hard but not actually advancing.” Even the best manager often reaches a point where they ask, “Is this all there is?” and that’s when the work begins.  This book guides managers on how to deal with their feelings of dissatisfaction and self-imposed limitations.  It teaches that our thoughts dictate our beliefs, actions, and ultimately our success.

Cindy Tansin is an executive, author, speaker and writer with over 35 years of experience managing managers.  She has dedicated her career to helping people find their peace, find their voice, and, in some cases, reinvent themselves. 

For more information, you can contact her at:  
www.cindytansin.com
or call 818-429-7521.

Please join us at the upcoming book launch:
When:  Wed., April 2, 2014
Where:  11:11 Art Gallery
            18640 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana, CA
Time:  6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

March 2014

Catherine Cruzan announces that her debut novel, ELFKIND, is now available from Hunt Press, Los Angeles.  

A young woman's quest to avenge her family and save the Elves. Lariel has lived a life of privilege as the daughter of King Tallen, and heir to the Tallen throne, until the captain of the King's Guard betrays the Tallen family, murders the king and takes possession of his lands.  On the run and in exile, Lariel finds refuge in the distant north at the heart of the Elvin kingdom, where she discovers her secret heritage.  She is Elfkind, not fully human, blessed with the gifts that come with Elvin bloodlines.  But will her new skills be enough to overcome the dark powers waiting for her as she endeavors to reclaim all that was taken?     

"An intriguing fantasy adventure."

 ~Tim Powers, author of On Stranger Tides & Hide Me Among the Graves  

"In ELFKIND, Catherine Cruzan crafts a vibrant new world filled with adventure and magic from an exciting feminine perspective. The deft storytelling, engaging characters and poignant prose combine to create an exceptional debut that not only satisfies, but leaves readers eager for the next installment in this epic fantasy series."
~DeAnna Cameron, author of The Belly Dancer & Dancing at the Chance    

"ELFKIND is a fluid, well-paced tale by a bright new voice in the genre."      
~Tony N. Todaro, author of the Lightriders Saga and Xander Hunt novels.

Learn more at: catherinecruzan.com | Buy your print copy here |  Buy your Ebook here

March 2014

Hugh Leonard announces three-month workshop on Interiority for writers and trainers

Hugh Leonard is conducting a three-month workshop on Interiority for writers and trainers from May 3 through July 19, at a yet-to-be decided location, on the Westside.  The goal of the workshop, is to enhance the abilities of writers and trainers by increasing access to one’s inner energies, (becoming Interiority Powered) for the work in which one is engaged.  

The number of participants is limited to 8. Since compatibility with the other group members is vital to the effectiveness of group interactions, a preparatory meeting of the potential members is required prior to settling on the makeup of the group.  

The cost of the program is $300. For this price, the participants receive:

• The Interiority Powered resource book
• The 150 page, in total, workbooks
• Guidance in writing one’s story in three different contexts 
• Participation in the three workshops, (8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.)
• Location fee
• Lunches during the workshops and other refreshments
•  Opportunity to become a facilitator of these workshops
• Opportunity to belong to the Interiority Powered community.

If you are interested, please contact:
Hugh Leonard at hleonard@msn.com Ph: 323 299-3224

February 2014

The Palms-Rancho Park Branch Library invites you to a panel discussion on The Legacy of Abolitionism

Join us for a panel discussion on the lessons which can be drawn from the Abolitionist movement in the United States.  This movement, which fought for the emancipation of millions of African Americans at a time when slavery was one of the most powerful economic and political forces in the U.S., became the precursor for the first wave of American feminism and the labor movement.

January 2014

Join attorney Jennifer Kennedy for an in-depth workshop that guides writers through the contracts involved with the book and publishing industry. During the hour and a half workshop, we will explore author-publisher, author-agent, and writer collaboration agreements, along with strategies for navigating a publishing deal.  Key contractual provisions, such as dramatic rights, royalty rates, and warranties will be explained, with information on what you can expect and what you can negotiate without losing the deal.  

Sample agreements will be provided, as will answers to the most popular questions - how to get your book published and what kind of advance can you expect to receive. We will also briefly discuss the self-publishing marketplace and the many digital options for self-publishing.

Speaker Jennifer M. Kennedy's legal career began in litigation, where she served as trial counsel for some of the world's largest companies for over a decade.  Her appreciation for the arts, which began at an early age, eventually led her to start Kennedy Law LLP, when she re-directed her practice to providing high quality legal counseling to transactional clients. With her long history of litigating the interpretation of contracts, Jennifer is uniquely suited to provide insight and guidance on the myriad of contracts her clients encounter in the entertainment industry.  

Jennifer received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Florida, then graduated Cum Laude from the University of Miami School of Law. While in law school, Jennifer served as the Articles & Comments Editor for the Entertainment & Sports Law Review and Executive Editor of the Business Law Review.  Her "Stay Out of (Legal) Trouble" workshops for independent filmmakers, musicians and writers will run throughout 2014.

O'Neils Announce "Coastal Inspirations: Drawing Beauty and Meaning From the Sea"

Join us on Wednesday May 8th for the launch of Marissa and Peter O'Neil's new book  Coastal Inspirations: Drawing Beauty and Meaning From the Sea. Visit the website and purchase a book at: http://marissaoneil.com/

Your purchase will act as a vote towards their dream of becoming Best Sellers and empower them to spread the message of inspiration and healing to the world! In return for your support, you will not only receive their book for a mere $19.95, but they have also partnered with some Best Selling Authors, Social Media Experts, Marketing Experts, and Transformational Specialists to offer bonus gifts valuing over $2,000! These gifts can be instrumental to you as a writer and entrepreneur looking to build or enhance your platform.

More about the book: For this father and daughter collaboration, being on the coast is a time to explore how the serenity, wisdom, and healing power of the sea expands their world. This book highlights how the insights of thoughtful people can guide others along their path through life. Grateful to share this success with the GLAWS Community, where an idea was born and brought to life thanks to all of you!

Visit their website here and purchase a book: http://marissaoneil.com/

GLAWS Author Mike Robinson Releases His Third Book,  The Prince of Earth

CQ Press has released Mike Robinison's psychological / existential horror novel The Prince of Earth. As with prior books, it's available digitally, with the print debuting imminently. Check it out here.

Mike told us, "I know you're not supposed to have a favorite child (or brainchild?) and honestly I don't. But if I had to choose this would be a high contender. And for those wondering, "Didn't he just have a book release?", this one and The Green-Eyed Monster, accepted within a month of each other, followed parallel production schedules, and near-releases are also part of the marketing strategy."