Saturday, December 27, 2014

Friends of North Port Library Book Fair

The friends of North Port library will hold a book fair on March 8th, from 11:00 to 4:00, at the library 13800 s.Tamiami Trail. Snacks will be provided.

 

Tables are available as follows. 

Two authors sharing a 6 ft table is $25 each person.

A 6 ft table for one author is $60.

You can bring your own table 4ft or smaller and pay $25 (Please mention this when applying for space.)

 

Please email info@folofnorthport.com to register for the event or for more information.

 

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

From our Friends at Charlotte Harbor Writers

Myakka River Elementary School Literacy Week
 
I am looking for volunteers to read to our school children on Jan 29th.

 
Choose a 20 minute time slot throughout Thursday, January 29, to visit a classroom of children. Choose a time that works best for you.
You may bring your favorite childhood book or we will supply a book for you to read.
Please supply me with your name, times of day you would like to read (half hour), and grade level, will you bring your own book, or your favorite childhood book, or do we need to supply a book.
You may email me directly.
Thank you,
Sally M. Lutz
Assistant Principal
Myakka River Elementary School
12650 Willmington Blvd.
Port Charlotte, FL 33981
sally.lutz@yourcharlotteschools.net
941-697-7111 (Office)
941-697-6326  (Fax)

"We Believe, We Lead, We Achieve"

Monday, December 1, 2014

Rules for Dearborn St. Writing Contest

  “WRITE-ON-ENGLEWOOD” CONTEST 

  Short Story &Poetry Competition

  * Official  Instructions*

The 2015 Dearborn Street Book Festival committee is proud to announce our 6th annual writers competition.

HERE’S WHAT YOU  NEED TO KNOW TO ENTER  

*Short stories must be at least 500 words, no more than  800 words in length of unpublished work.Poetry must be at least 50 words, no more than 250 words in length of unpublished work.

*Handwritten copies will  not be accepted.

*You may  submit as many entries as you like.

*We request three printed copies of each entry, each copy with a cover page with the title of your entry, your name, address, phone and e-mail.

*Entry fee is $5. per entry, to be included with the mailed entry, checks only, payable to:

              “DEARBORN STREET BOOK FESTIVAL”

*Prizes in each category, poetry or short story, are: 1st Place-$75., 2-Place-$50., 3-Place $25.

Judges are professional writers.

*Send entries and checks after December 1, 2014 to: CONTEST, 11 Pebble Beach Rd.,  Rotonda West, Fla., 33947.  No entries postmarked after January 21, 2015 will be accepted.

*Winners will be announced at the Book Festival, Saturday February 21, 2015, in Pioneer Park on W. Dearborn St. in Englewood. You do not have to be present to win.


   FOR MORE INFORMATION E-MAIL DIANA HARRIS   diharris@comcast .net

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

6TH ANNUAL DEARBORN STREET BOOK FESTIVAL

ENGLEWOOD BOOK FESTIVAL 2015

We wanted to let you know we are in the planning stages of our annual book festival. We wish to thank all of you who have participated in the past for helping us make them so successful. Last year we had over 60 authors who attended and sold their books.

            6TH ANNUAL DEARBORN STREET BOOK FESTIVAL

It will be held  Saturday, February 21, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Pioneer Park on W. Dearborn Street, Englewood.
The fee will be $25 per space.

 This is an outdoor event. We ask you bring your own table and chairs. Tents are welcome but not required.

We will once again be sponsoring a writing contest named

“Write-On-Englewood”.  It is a short story and  poetry competition. No more than 250 words for a poem, no less than 500 words for a short story, no more that 800. There is no theme and we ask for unpublished work. A $5. entry fee is requested for each entry and you may submit as many entries as you like.  There will be cash prizes, so start writing. We will furnish a mailing address later for entries.

There is nothing for you to do now but to mark  your calendar. You are on our mailing list so closer to the Festival you will receive more detailed information. Looking forward to seeing you all in February. Any questions e-mail Diana.

diharris@comcast.net   phone (941) 786-8204

Thursday, October 9, 2014

National Novel Writing Month

This information came from EA Jacaranda group with good information about a National writing month. Sign up is Oct 15th see the information below.


Saturday, October 4, 2014

Volunteer Readers - Call for Help

As you know we have created a list of volunteer readers willing to read to the elderly, we are however having trouble getting the word out to the assisted living communities.
 
If any of you have friends or relatives who live in one of these old folks homes, or if you know anyone who works in one of these places, would you please tell them about our volunteers and how we are waiting to come and entertain the elderly in their care.
I ask them to find out who is in charge of entertainment and if possible their email address. If that is not possible a name and telephone number will do fine.
 
So let's see if we can't get this great idea off to a good start.
 
Paul Holmes

Charlotte Harbor Book Festival

Hi.
 
Serena of Copperfish books, has very kindly created a website for the upcoming Charlotte Harbor Book Festival in February.
We are going to create a list of all the local authors who will be selling their books at the Festival, and post it on this website.
 
We will allow a few days for those that have not yet registered to do so, before we add the names to the website.
 
Everything you need to know to register is on the website which is at http://charlotteharborbookfestival.weebly.com/
 
So if you haven't already registered please do so now as we want the list of participants to be large enough, to encourage potential customers to come in and buy our books.
 
Thanks go to the to fine ladies at Copperfish books who were amongst the first to sign up for the festival and are now working hard to make sure that it's a success.
 
So now it's up to you to help make it a success.
 
Paul Holmes

__._,_.___

Friday, October 3, 2014

3rd Annual Sarasota Book Fair

Date: 10/02/14 19:19:16

3rd Annual Sarasota Book Fair
Oct 25, 2014 , 10am - 3pm
Art Center Sarasota
707 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota FL 34203
Local Independent authors and illustrators

For more information e mail Brenda at  brendaspalding@abcbooks4children.com

__._,_.___

Monday, July 28, 2014

Los Angeles Book Festival


LOS ANGELES BOOK FESTIVAL - CALL FOR ENTRIES

LOS ANGELES (July 28, 2014) _ The 2015 Los Angeles Book Festival has issued a call for entries to its annual celebration of books deserving more attention from the world publishing community. The Los Angeles Book Festival will consider entries in general non-fiction, fiction, biography/autobiography, children’s books, young adult, how-to, cookbooks, science fiction, business, wild card (anything goes!), compilations/anthologies, sequels (for books that are part of a series), photography/art, poetry, romance, and regional literature published on or after January 1, 2011. Entries can be in English, French, Spanish, German or Portuguese and can be from major publishers, self-published or issued by an independent publishing house. Our grand prize for the Los Angeles Book Festival is $1500 cash and a flight to Los Angeles for our gala awards ceremony in March, 2015, exact date TBD. Submitted works will be judged by a panel of publishing industry experts using the following criteria: 1) General excellence and the author's passion for telling a good story. 2) The potential of the work to gain a wider audience in the worldwide market. TO ENTER: Entry forms are available online at LosAngelesBookFestival.com or may be faxed/e-mailed to you. Deadline for regular registration entry is February 14, 2015. # # # LosAngelesBookFest@sbcglobal.net

Fort Meyers Book Fair

From: Judy Loose

Date: 7/28/2014 11:58:09 AM
 
Sign up for a table (before August 4) at Fall For the Arts at Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers, FL, October 18, 2014, 10AM - 3PM.
Contact Alice Oldford, aoldford@yahoo.com, for a table. Alice must have your commitment by Aug. 4, 2014.  We must reserve well in advance to be included in their promotional material.
 Full table is $45; half table is $22.50 
6' table + tent and 2 chairs.
Emphasis is on children's authors.

Book Review Opportunity thanks to Paul Holmes

I had the pleasure of meeting Kathy Grey, editor of the Florida Weekly newspaper.
 
I discovered that the Florida Weekly  has a column for book reviews, written by Phil Jason, known as Florida Writers Column.
 
In this column they review books by local authors.  I did not know this, so that is why I am sharing this information with you all.
 
If you would like to get a book reviewed, send a copy to Phil Jason, at 1205,Elizabeth Street, Punta Gorda, FL.33950.
 
Please note books will not be returned, and there is no guarantee, you book will be reviewed.
 
Hope this helps. At least we will all start reading the Florida Weekly, to see if we get lucky.
 
 

Saturday, July 19, 2014

2014 FLORIDA BOOK AWARDS COMPETITION

2014 FLORIDA BOOK AWARDS COMPETITION OPENS WITH CALL FOR ENTRIESDeadline for Submissions is Dec. 1, 2014

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. ¾ The Florida Book Awards has kicked off its ninth annual competition with a call for entries in nine categories.

 

Established in 2006 and now the most comprehensive state book awards program in the nation, the contest recognizes and celebrates the year’s best books penned by full-time residents of the Sunshine State (with the exception of submissions to the Florida Nonfiction and Visual Arts categories, whose authors may live elsewhere.)

 

The Florida Book Awards competition is coordinated through the Florida State University Libraries, with the support of partner organizations from across the state. 

 

All entries must be received no later than 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, 2014 (this is not a postmark deadline).

 

The contest categories include General Fiction, Young Adult Literature, Children’s Literature, Florida Nonfiction, Poetry, Popular Fiction, Visual Arts, Spanish Language Book and the recently added category for General Nonfiction. Entries, which can be submitted by anyone (e.g. publisher, author or literary agent), must have both a copyright date between Jan. 1, 2014, and Dec. 1, 2014, and an International Standard Book Number (ISBN).

 

Last year the Spanish language category was expanded to consider bilingual books. Bilingual submissions may include books that are published simultaneously in Spanish and English. Both the Spanish and English must be original works. Translations are not acceptable.

 

Applicants are encouraged to submit their books into competition any time after the competition is launched, and as soon as possible after books are officially published.

 

Three-person juries –– including members of co-sponsoring organizations, subject experts from the faculties of Florida colleges and universities, and previous Florida Book Award winners –– will choose up to three finalists in each of nine categories. In each category, the jury may award one Gold, Silver and Bronze medal.

 

 

"Florida's unique history coupled with fascinating natural and cultural landscapes provides a variety of rich resources for both resident and nonresident writers. The Florida Book Awards honors the best Florida literature and books about Florida," said Florida State University Libraries Dean Julia Zimmerman.

 

Co-sponsors of the competition include humanities organizations from across the state such as the Florida Center for the Book; the State Library and Archives of Florida; the Florida Historical Society; the Florida Humanities Council; the Florida Literary Arts Coalition; the Florida Library Association; the Florida Association for Media in Education; the Center for Literature and Theatre @ Miami Dade College; the Florida Chapter of the Mystery Writers of America; Friends of FSU Libraries; the Florida Writers Association; the Florida Literacy Coalition; and “Just Read, Florida!”

 

The 2014 winners will be announced in early February 2015. All award winners will be recognized at a banquet and Gold Medal Award winners will be acknowledged in March 2015 at the Historic and Cultural Awards Ceremony sponsored by the state of Florida’s Division of Cultural Affairs.

 

Winning books and their authors will be showcased in the summer 2015 issue of FORUM, the statewide magazine of the Florida Humanities Council, and will be featured at book festivals and association conferences and on The Florida Channel throughout the year. In addition, copies of all award-winning books will be put on permanent public display in the Florida Governor’s Mansion library and in Florida State University’s Strozier Library.

 

For general information and the entry form, requirements, and more detailed instructions for the 2014 Florida Book Awards, visit http://floridabookawards.lib.fsu.edu

 

CONTACT: Lucia Fishburne, Executive Director, Florida Book Awards

(850) 644-5211; lfishburne@fsu.edu

or

Gloria Colvin, Chair, Advisory Board, Florida Book Awards

(850) 645-1680; gcolvin@fsu.edu



Catherine Gardner
Communications Director - Florida Book Awards
floridabookawards.lib.fsu.edu
http://www.facebook.com/FLBookAwards


Florida SouthWestern State College

Please note: Due to Florida's broad open records law, most written communication to or from College employees is public record, available to the public and the media upon request. Therefore, this e-mail communication may be subject to public disclosure.
You are the Key to Information Security. Click Here to Learn More.   ­­  

 

Saturday, July 12, 2014

3rd Annual Sarasota Book Fair

Date: 07/09/14 15:52:46
 
Subject: 3rd Annual Sarasota Book Fair

Hello to my fellow authors,

The 3rd Annual Sarasota Book Fair is coming

October 25, 2014 from 10am - 3pm

Art Center Sarasota,

707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

941-365-2032


for independent local authors

for application or any questions

contact - Brenda Spalding


 $35 for one 6' table or $20 for half table.

 Organized with the help of ABCBooks4Children&Adults

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Pat Patterson-New Book Release

 

Pat Patterson releases "The Takers"

 
Congratulations to member Pat Patterson, who regularly makes the long trip to our meetings from Punta Gorda, on the publication of his new book, "The Takers." The historical fiction novel is available from both Create Space and Amazon. Great work, and many thanks to Pat for the kind acknowledgment of the Sarasota Writers Group.

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

From Linda Schell

Tonight I went to a workshop on "Point of View" for fiction writers.  The moderator digressed a little and told us that if a writer self-publishes on Create Space and sells 8,000 books on Create Space, mainstream publishers will take notice and the writer can expect a call from the publisher.
 
The moderator also told us that she is impressed with a Marketing company that she found through the Florida Writer's Association's quarterly magazine.  She said she's so busy she doesn't have time to take their advice, but she believes the company is very good.  The moderator threw out the figures of between $500 and $1,000 for marketing is money well spent.
 
The name of the marketing firm is Writerswin
 
 


Marketing, Websites, Training and Tools for Emerging Authors


Writing is an art, but writing is also a business. Your book and your brand requires professional author marketing services, marketing specific to AUTHORS to build your readership.

We help you by “shrinking the web” – offering a go-to place to discover:

  • strategic, custom-crafted author websites
  • author website training
  • author-specific social media
  • professional media training
  • video book trailers
  • vetted book review directories
  • book club sourcing
  • access to indie bookstores and indie publishers
  • press release distribution to book editors
  • regular news and advice on all aspects of author marketing

Winner Circle Login: Look to the lower left of any page!

Winner Circle Offerings Put Our Author Marketing Team in Your Corner!

The Winner Circle is a subscription based portal built exclusively for today’s emerging author. Menu items in the Winner Circle to augment your author marketing efforts include:
  • Best Book Review Sites, vetted and rated and organized in a huge directory by genre
  • An interactive map of live book clubs
  • Links to independent and chain book stores from coast to coast
  • Upcoming competitions, writers conferences and book festivals
  • Links to indie and hybrid publishers
  • Online Tools for Authors
  • Templates and Tutorials
  • Discounts and deals on publishing services and events
  • New, exclusive content added each week!

Build recognition for yourself as an author. 
We’re here for you…

  • When you need to promote your upcoming book release
  • When you’re ready for an author website to engage your audience or establish your platform
  • When you want to better wield the power of the site you have, or would enjoy insights that will quickly build your readership and media appeal.
  • When you need to grow your readership with influencers including reviewers and book clubs.
  • When you’re looking to widen your circle of influence with targeted author social media.
  • When you’re ready to blaze a trail with advice from a professional media trainer.
  • When it’s time to build a video trailer to announce your new book release.
Email info@writerswin.com to set up a free private consultation or visit our SERVICES page to learn more, including service pricing.

We’re ready to work with YOU!

Writer's Workshop - FGCU

From: Coventry, Doug
 

 We thought we might be able to let the members of the Charlotte Harbor Writers group know about an exciting writing class we have available.
 MEMORY  MOTIVE AND METHOD: A WORKSHOP ON WRITING
July 10, 17, 24, 31 
1pm-3pm 
Cost: $48
 Sharon Whitehill is the  instructor.
 Thank you so much!
 -          Douglas  dcoventry@fgcu.edu
 Douglas Coventry
Florida Gulf Coast University
Programming Assistant
#941-505-0130

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Copperfish Books - Wine and Words Event

Date: 7/1/2014 12:56:29 PM
Subject: Join Us for "A Summer Evening of Wine & Words" at Copperfish Books on July 15!

 

Copperfish Books and
The Orange House Wine Bar
 
Invite You to
A Summer Evening of
Wine & Words
We’ll sample delicious light summer wines and bites from and pair them with great books to take to the beach, on a plane, or to the backyard. 

Tuesday, July 15 at 6 pm
at
Copperfish Books
Cost: $15 pp
Please remember that this is a fundraiser for The Yah Yah Girls BackPack Kidz programBackPack Kidz bridges the weekend hunger gap by stocking colorful back packs with a weekend's worth of nutritious, kid-friendly food and delivering them to over 1,300 students weekly.

To purchase tickets, call or visit Copperfish Books (941) 205-2560
Space is limited, so get your tickets early!

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Possible Supplier to Members

From: Nancy Buscher
Date: 6/28/2014 12:35:24 PM
 
SO YOU WANT TO WRITE DIALOGUE GENRE
 
   Nancy Tancey Buscher councils authors of screenplays, audio plays, and theatrical plays. She was a Writer's Guild of America Signatory for seven years, representing screenwriters to the film industry.
 
   Her own works include:
                The Christmas Cat-Astrophe that placed second as a 1-act play in a National League of American
                Pen Women National Competition.
                The Cat-Astrophe (revised as a 2-act musical, she wrote lyrics for fourteen that were added) was
                produced for Piccolo-Spoleto, Charleston, South Carolina's annual cultural festival.
                The Raggedy Balloon Man was the first children's play to be selected in the Annual South
                Carolina Playwright’s Conference. Several of her plays were chosen for inclusion in anthologies
                of plays for children.
                The Snowflake, a musical screenplay, was a finalist in the WorldFest-Charleston International
                Film Festival, and she was invited to join the WorldFest staff as their Information Specialist two
                years in a row.
 
   Her fees are fair and reasonable. For more information contact her at Buscher511@gmail.com.
 
Nancy
 
Note: By placing this information on our blog, we do not represent this is a good or bad supplier of information for our members. The information is included for each member to make their own decision as to the qualifications of the supplier.

Friday, June 27, 2014

From Linda Schell

Hi gang,

I did an interview for the authors show on June 10 and it’s on the air now.

http://www.wnbnetworkwest.com/WnbAuthorsShow.html


Sarasota Writers Group Meeting

From: Sarasota Writers Group
Date: Jun 27, 2014 2:11:43 AMSubject: FWA Sarasota Writers GroupTo: Lschell2@verizon.net


FWA Sarasota Writers Group


Posted: 26 Jun 2014 08:24 AM PDT

The free presentation will be at 6 PM, Monday, July 14, at the Mid-County Library in Port Charlotte. Here's an overview:

GREAT DANGER: Building Suspense in Fiction

Some books just make you say, "I couldn't put it down!" What makes some stories grab you, while others plod drearily to the finish line? Learn the tactics, tricks, and techniques of building and maintaining suspense in a story, from big picture issues down to line-by-line details.

 

Here's a bio:

 

Ken's debut novel, BRIGANDS KEY, a first-place winner of the Royal Palm Literary Award, was published in hardcover in 2012 by Gale Cengage/Five Star Mystery. 
The Florida Weekly describes the novel as "breathtaking" and "a perfect storm of menace." The prequel, PLACE of FEAR, a first-place winner of the Royal Palm in 2012, was published in ebook in 2013 and paperback in 2014.
 

Ken has written and published numerous short stories and non-fiction articles. Two of his short stories--"The Light Keeper" and "The Wreck of the
Edinburgh Kate"--have been selected as finalists for Best Published Short Story in this year's Royal Palms.
 

A member of Florida Writers Association and International Thriller Writers, Ken lives in Maitland, and dabbles in cycling, scuba diving, and fishing, to varying degrees of success. 
 
I hope you can join me!
 
Ken Pelham
Maitland, FL

Monday, June 23, 2014

3rd Annual Sarasota Book Fair

Hello to all you authors out there. The 3rd Annual Sarasota Book Fair will be held at Art Center Sarasota, Fl on October 25, 2014 from 10am - 3pm. If you are interested in participating contact me

www.brendaspalding@abcbooks4children.com
We are accepting books for all ages and genre.

Sunday, June 1, 2014

The 2015 Charlotte Harbor Book Festival

Breaking News.

 The 2015 Charlotte Harbor Book Festival is a go!

The Charlotte Harbor Writers, with the support of The Arts and Humanities of Charlotte County will hold the first ‘Charlotte Harbor Book Festival’ on February 22nd 2015.  Cost $25.00 per person to exhibit.

Festival will be open from 9.00 to 2.00pm, Set up starts at 7:30 am.

Spaces will be allocated as money is received, first come, first served.

You should bring your own table and if you have one your own tent.

You can share tables; unfortunately we will still have to charge $25.00 per person.

The ‘Charlotte Harbor Book Festival’ will highlight works by the areas writers.

We are expecting that approximately 25 local authors will have signed copies of their books available for sale.

There will be children’s books, books for young adults and books for adults.

Please make checks out to the ‘Arts & Humanities Council of Charlotte County’,

And send to:

 Arts & Humanities Council of Charlotte County

2702 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte FL 33952

Please help make this the first of many book festivals in our area.

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Memoir Writing Class-Information

Edwin Ellis of Englewood Authors will be teaching a course on Memoir writing at Edison State College - Punta Gorda campus.

Course dates

Session 1 - Monday 10/27/14 at 1:00 PM to 2:50 PM
Session 2 - Monday 11/03/14 at 1:00 PM to 2:50 PM
Session 3 - Monday 11/10/14 at 1:00 PM to 2:50 PM
Session 4 - Monday 11/17/14 at 1:00 PM to 2:50 PM

Support for Paul Holmes

Last year several Charlotte Harbor Writers members attended the 2013 Charlie Awards to support me. It was a fun evening. If any of your are interested, this years awards will take place at Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club, 4400 Lister Street, Port Charlotte. At 5:30.

The cost is $40.00 per person and can be paid by check made out and mailed to Arts & Humanities Council, or by calling the office between 8am-3pm with a credit card, or stop by their office with cash, check or credit card.  If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to give them a call. 

Paul Holmes
 Arts & Humanities Council of Charlotte County

2702 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL.  33952
Ph: 941-764-8100
Fx: 941-764-8101

Monday, May 19, 2014

Creative Writing Award

Facebook/ Website/ E-newsletter:

The Aesthetica Creative Writing Award is open for entries, presenting a fantastic opportunity for established and emerging writers to showcase their poetry and short fiction to an international audience. 

Prizes include publication in the Aesthetica Creative Writing Annual, a compelling anthology of new writing loved by audiences internationally; £500 prize money for each category winner; editorial coverage for a selection of finalists on the Aesthetica Blog and a selection of books.

Entry is £10 and the deadline to submit is 31 August 2014. One entry permits the submission of two works into any one category. Fiction entries should be no more than 2,000 words each and poetry entries should be no more than 40 lines each. Both short fiction and poetry entries should be written in English. Submissions previously published elsewhere are accepted

For more information and to enter visit www.aestheticamagazine.com/creativewriting.

Looking for literary inspiration? CLICK HERE to pick up a copy of the latest Aesthetica Creative Writing Annual.

 Twitter:

 The @AestheticaMag Creative Writing Award Call for Entries: Submit your #poetry #shortfiction win publication & more! tinyurl.com/ckktess

 

Best wishes,

Alexandra

 

Alexandra Beresford

Marketing Coordinator

Aesthetica Magazine

PO Box 371

York

YO23 1WL

0044 (0)1904 629 137

01144 1904 629 137 from USA and Canada


Sunday, May 18, 2014

Thanks to Paul Holmes - Great Information for Writers

 
View Source
 
I thought perhaps members of this list would be interested in this website from author Hope Clark  Hope compiles info on grants, contests, and other publicity for authors. Lot's of good ideas here.


Nancy J. Tobin
Author, "BACKYARDS & BELLY LAUGHS"
Web: www.vintagekidspublishing.com
Email: vintagekidsimages@gmail.com
Facebook: Vintage Kids Images

Friday, May 2, 2014

Call for Help - Charlotte Harbor Writers

Hi Fellow writers.

 
Do you know how much the Arts & Humanities Council help the Charlotte Harbor Writers?
 
Do you remember when we were going to have to cancel our annual picnic because there was a $200 insurance policy to pay for?
 
Well it was the Arts & Humanities Council who took us under their wing and covered us with their insurance. We owe them!
 
You probably wont remember how long we tried to start 'Writer's Read', but again the libraries needed us to be insured.  Again the Arts & Humanities Council
Came to our rescue. Now we have a twelve month contract with Punta Gorda library.  We owe them!
 
Next February, with their help we will stage the Charlotte Harbor Book Festival.  Trust me I can't do it on my own. 
 
So how can you help.
 
Well for the twenty four hours starting at Noon on the 6th May until Noon on the 7th May we have a simple chance to show our gratitude and help them .
 
It is called the 2014 Giving Challenge
 
Local foundations in Southwest Florida are contributing $675,000 in matching dollars and grant incentives to help Not For Profits in the same area.
 
Many local Not For Profits will work hard during the twenty four hour period to receive some of this money.
 
The  2014 Giving Challenge will match all donations given by people like us to each Not For Profits during the 24 hour challenge, ( until the money .runs out).  There is also extra money for things like, 'who gets the greatest number of donations', and other fun stuff.
 
Promptly at Noon on the 6th May! (not before) go to  www.givingpartnerchallenge.org select the box in the top right hand corner of the home page, and search for Arts & Humanities Council of Charlotte County, then follow instructions to make a donation.  Show them that we thank them for all that they do, mostly behind the scenes and often without a thank you!
 
If you have friends who appreciate or take part in the local arts, post this message on your face book page. Every little counts.
 
Lets show them that we appreciate what they do and are grateful.
 
Paul Holmes. The volunteer who brings you the Charlotte Harbor Writers every day, thanks to the  Arts & Humanities Council.

Monday, April 21, 2014

Call for Community Support for Writers

There are many among the 228 members of this group who enjoy volunteering to read, in both schools, retirement homes, and to other groups.
Conversely there are many schools and retirement homes that would love to have people come and read to the children and the old folks.
Charlotte Harbor Writers would like to make it easier for the two groups to communicate with each other. We propose to start a register of those amongst us are willing to share their passion for reading and writing. We have established a contact in the Charlotte County public school system that is willing and eager to share such a register with the teachers and librarians concerned with arranging this type of program.

If you are willing to be one of these volunteers then I would appreciate it if you would send me the following information.

Your name? - Your e-mail address? - Your telephone number? - Which geographic area you would be willing to volunteer to read in? - Are there any times of the year when you're not available?

If you would like to volunteer to read to schoolchildren, will you read to all children or just certain grades?  Will you read your own books or do you prefer to read the books chosen by the teachers?

Are you willing to read to other organized groups such as Condominium Associations, Retirement Homes, and Book Clubs etc.? The organizers of these groups would probably be interested in the type of books you intend to read simply to make sure they would be interesting to the members of their group, so please add that information.
Given the opportunity would you like to sell your books?

When the register has details of sufficient volunteer authors/readers, it will be distributed to Charlotte County public school system, and I'm sure the Sun Herald newspaper would be delighted to pass the information on to the community at large.

This project is being carried out by the members of Charlotte Harbor Writers Yahoo List with help and guidance from the Arts and Humanities Council of Charlotte County.

Please send the information to pgholmes@comcast.net and I look forward to adding your name to the list.
 
Paul Holmes

Friday, February 28, 2014

Writer's Contest

Please note a new page has been added to our blog for writer's contest. You can find the link to the right under "PAGES".

Book Festival 2014 - Thanks Diana Harris and her team


Charlotte Harbor Writers Picnic - March 30th

Fellow writers.

They say that writing is a lonely occupation and the Charlotte Harbor Writers annual picnic is a unique opportunity to meet other local authors from Sanibel down to Naples and from Arcadia across Englewood.
The picnic is open to all those who are on the Charlotte Harbor Writers list, and you are welcome to bring a guest, there is no charge, although we will ask for donations to cover the cost of renting the Pavilion and the picnic supplies.

This year's annual picnic will be on March 30 at Bayshore live Oaks Park on the north bank of the Peace River in Port Charlotte. It will be from two o'clock until five.

As before, we will provide plates, glasses, cutlery and soft drinks. We just ask you to bring some finger food suitable for a picnic, to share. You should also bring a copy of your latest books to share with other authors, and hold up as we take a photograph of all our writers with their books.

We have to thank the Arts and and Humanities Council of Charlotte County for hosting the picnic, without their help we would not have been able to hold it this year.

We need to have a rough head count, so that we can buy the right amount of soft drink etc. so please RSVP to pgholmes@comcast.net  and let me know how many people will be in your party.

Looking forward to meeting my old friends again, and making the acquaintance of many new ones.
Paul Holmes
 
Some of you may get this message twice as I'm having to send it to both the new and the old list until everyone switches from the old one to the new one.

Friday, February 21, 2014

Venice Book Fair

The Venice Book Fair and Writers Festival takes place in Centennial Park in the 200 block of West Tampa Avenue in downtown Venice, Saturday, April 5 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. There will be talks about writing and publishing in the Venice Center Mall Community Room and at Luna Ristorante, both located within a block of the book fair. For more information, see www.venicebookfair.com.

Or contact Pam   PJohnson@Venicegov.com

Kim Weitkamp - How to write and tell personal stories

The Tamiami Tale Tellers of Fort Myers are proud to present two storytelling events featuring Kim Weitkamp:


 
 
SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2014, STORYTELLING WORKSHOP
 
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KIM WEITKAMP
 
HOW TO WRITE AND TELL PERSONAL STORIES
 
Kim Weitkamp will be returning to Fort Myers in 2014 to present a second Story U Workshop on How to Write and Tell Personal Stories. This past year, her workshop met with such great reception that the Tamiami Tale Tellers of Fort Myers, who produced the event, decided to have her back again by popular demand.
In her upcoming workshop, Kim will delve deeper into the Memory Mapping and “StoryBox” concepts she developed in her first Story U workshop. Using these techniques, Kim will show a fun, easy was to pull numerous story ideas out of personal experiences and turn any one of them into a well-rounded tale. Participants will leave the workshop with one new piece that will contain all the bones of a good story. Whether a story lover, a family storyteller, a performing teller, a writer or a public speaker - this workshop will help the participant build his or her repertoire, enhance any presentation and transform life experiences into spellbinding narratives
 
Kim is a nationally known storyteller and a gifted workshop leader who has performed her own personal stories at festivals throughout the country and at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, TN. For more information about Kim, visit her website at www.kimweitkamp.com.
Seating is limited so make your reservations now by clicking on this link:
This Story U workshop is a Florida Storytelling Associaion event produced by the Tamiami Tale Tellers. It will be held at the Covenant Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall, 2439 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33901, on Saturday, March 22, 2014, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Admission is $15 at the door, in cash. For more information, please call Mary Lou Williams at (239) 267-6480 or email mwfortmyers@aol.com.

Northport Poetry Group

Only for Feb.  The North Port Poetry Workshop meeting will be on Tuesday Feb. 25 at 1:30 pm at The Garden of the Five Senses Park at 4299 Pan American Blvd. North Port, FL 34287.  That is just a couple of blocks off US 41 N.  NP Poetry Workshop is primarily poets reading, with some writing discussion.  Listeners are very welcome.  There are no dues or joining requirements, no reservations required.  Only requirement is that you have an interest in writing, reading or listening to poetry.  The normal meeting place is at the North Port Library on US 41, in the Juliano Room.  Just for Feb, the meeting will be at Five Senses Park, a beautiful setting.  I will be leading this month's meeting.  Monthly meetings are always the fourth Tuesday of the month at 1:30, normally at the NP Library.  Welcome all.  Dobie Pasco 

Charlotte Harbor Writers Meeting

Hi.
 
Writer's Read the only Charlotte Harbor Writers group activity (Apart from our annual picnic). The third meeting will take place on Tuesday the 4th March from 11:00 to 1:00. At the Punta Gorda Library.  Bring your 'best stuff' and show us how good it is.
If you wish you can join us after for lunch in a local restaurant.
 
Paul Holmes

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A Night in the Spotlight with Local Authors

Date: 02/20/14 12:48:46
Subject: “A Night in the Spotlight with Local Authors” Tuesday March 4


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Come meet some of our terrific local writing talent at “A Night in the Spotlight for Local Authors” on Tuesday, March 4 at 5:30 pm. Ten authors will talk about and read from their book(s). Each author will have 3 minutes – yes, they will be timed! – to introduce you to their work. Think of it as “speed dating with authors.” Afterwards, we’ll enjoy wine and nibbles, and you can purchase any books and have them signed.

Participating authors:

Tom Cappiello
Virginia (Crane) Czaja
Melissa Goodwin
Leah Griffith
Josephine Qualls
Thomas Noel Smith
Valorie Stackpole
Albert Tiseo
Bob Taylor
Tom Williams

We hope you can join us for this fun, innovative event! To RSVP, click the button below or call the bookstore at (941) 205-2560.

A second event is scheduled for April 7 at 5:30 pm with a different slate of authors (see who's coming>>>).


Copperfish Books logo
1205 Elizabeth Street, Suite A
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 205-2560
www.copperfishbooks.com
copperfishbooks@comcast.net

1205 Elizabeth Street Suite A, Punta Gorda, FL 33950, United States
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