Hi, Supporters of the SDWF/Warwick's Book Club! We're so excited about our next book club event with author Joshua Henkin and his AMAZING book, Morningside Heights. The book club will be on Facebook Live on Monday, August 16, from 5 to 6 p.m. PT. If you would like to be part of the Zoom audience where you have an opportunity to ask our author questions, RSVP to tjjones1@gmail.com,  There's still time to order your copy from our sponsor, Warwick's, at this link: https://www.warwicks.com/book/9781524748357 There's a building buzz around this book: #1 Indie Next Pick for June The New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice Book Good Morning America 27 Books for June The Millions June Most Anticipated One of 2021’s Most Highly Anticipated New Books —Newsweek 38 Novels You Need to Read this Summer —Lit Hub One of Alma’s Favorite Books for Summer 2021 Thank you for supporting the SDWF/Warwick's book club. We hope you'll join us on Zoom on August 16!

Ameya Pandit has released Impressions: Short Letters, a non-fiction collection on nature, art, and childhood. You can find the book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or at local bookstores like Bay Books Coronado and DIESEL.

The short letters in this book are the narration of many things felt. All the letters curated here are an extension of all those things that were naturally felt. In today’s time and age, as the world divides itself, these letters attempt to unify it, portray the commonality in each of us, and provides any thoughtful reader, an elevation, an escape into a world of ideas—one of objectivity, of purity, and of individuality.

This is Pandit’s first book, a selection of letters from the remains of his file, his inquiry, his study in the magnificence that lives in and around us, of those in plain sight—in the child, the nature, or the art. The short letters in this book endeavor to highlight the brilliance of these most basic forms. It’s a quest, so it’s by no means finished.

Review

"'The simplicity of life paradoxically makes its comprehension difficult.' This passage from Impressions applies generally to these 'short letters' from Ameya Pandit, because while they often touch on seemingly simple and quotidian matters, they reveal an underlying and often unseen depth, and reward extended consideration. Pandit combines his training and profession in science with a passion for art and philosophy, right and left brain joined with heart, all connected to eyes that see the world with exquisite clarity. He begins with meditations 'On Childhood' and the way that young children are natural artists and scientists, and throughout the following sections 'On Nature' and 'On Art' he models how to maintain a child-like sense of wonder and imagination. He extols music in particular as 'a language the world fully grasps,' and along with its literary equivalent of poetry he suggests they offer the prospect of a 'universal philosophy' and a peek into our 'inner nature.' Life is simultaneously 'a mathematical equation' and 'a musical melody,' he asserts, and 'where art ends, science begins.' In Pandit’s vision, and in his life practice, they form a continuum, each informing the other, together revealing 'the universe is a work of art.' This book is now a contribution to that work, and that art."

-- Larry W. Moore, Publisher, Broadstone Books.

Join The San Diego Union-Tribune for the fifth annual Festival of Books on Saturday, Aug. 21 starting at 10 a.m. PDT. Enjoy live panel sessions, author Q&A’s, children’s storytime,  Spanish-language programming and much more!  Click Here for more Info.

The debut novel “Down Under” by  Georgia Faye launched on Amazon in July.  This  romantic  summer read is set in Australia, where a free spirited girl finds herself in a love triangle between two suitors. 

Amazon is offering it free on Kindle on Wednesday, July 21 only.

Bio: I had an extremely satisfying and productive 35-year career as a university professor. During 24 of those years I also held the position of public information officer for my local fire department.  My significant writing accomplishments have included four college textbooks, 39 refereed journal articles, and 20 workbooks and learning kits for high school students. Until now all my publications have been nonfiction. My husband and I love living in San Diego. We enjoy the weather, our friends, the cultural opportunities, and the awesome beaches—especially clothing-optional Blacks Beach. Travel is always high on our to-do list. In addition to writing I do a significant amount of volunteer work in our community.

Contact:  stuauthor@gmail.com.  

 Link to Amazon: There's a direct link on each page of my website as well.

 What aspect of writing are you involved in? 

My current writing involves two projects:  my next novel and writing a monthly column.  The working title of the novel I'm now working on is I’ll be Naked at Six.  This is fully outlined and much of it is in draft form.  The story follows Eddie Saul, the main character in my first novel, Lights On – Clothes Off, from graduate school to present day, as he reveals all his exhibitionist adventures. The column is called “Sans Clothing” and it appears in Diversity Rules Magazine.  I’m hoping to find other homes for my column and currently I’m in discussions with two other monthly publications.

 What first attracted you to writing? 

As a professor at a publish or perish university, writing and being published was a requirement. However, that wasn’t a chore for me as I enjoyed research and sharing my results in professional publications. All my university writing was quite satisfying as I always felt I was sharing information that would help college and high school students with their careers. And I must admit that much of my professional writing was quite lucrative.

How long have you been writing?

As a child I liked writing for fun.  I became serious about my writing when I was a college student in the late 60s. 

As a writer, what kind of books do you write? Any published?

All the following have been published:  Four college textbooks, 39 refereed journal articles, and 20 educational materials for high school students.

What are you working on now?

I have a couple of writing ideas brewing but I’m not ready to share those. 

How long have you been a member of SDWEG and why did you join?

I’ve been a member since 2017.  I joined because I was embarking on a new writing adventure, a first for me, a novel. I had a lot to learn and an author friend of mine suggested that I would benefit from the classes and workshops offered by the Guild.

What benefits have you gained as a member? 

At just about every formal presentation and at every marketing program I’ve learned techniques for writing and marketing. In addition, I’ve met quite a few accomplished authors who’ve been willing to answer my questions and give me advice.  That’s always greatly appreciated.

What’s something unique or special about you, that you’d like others to know? 

Because of the topic of my current writing I’m often asked if I’m an exhibitionist. I let everyone know that my first college job in 1964 was posing for art classes.  Those were the days when male models were in high demand and those who were willing to pose nude were paid at a significantly higher rate than those who posed in underwear or a bathing suit. I needed the money and became instantly comfortable standing sans clothing in a room full of artists. In fact, I still pose for art classes. So, when I’m asked, I share my posing experience and remind everyone that the rest of my book’s story is a novel. They have to decide what’s fact and what’s fiction.

What request do you have of other members? (joint venture promotions, launch team, referrals, reviews, advance readers…)

My only request is to continue with the valuable programming. I still have lots to learn. And, of course, I’m hoping members offer suggestions to help me improve my writing and that they post reviews on Amazon.

This year’s event features an amazing line-up of authors and speakers. Headlining the first day of the 2-day festival (July 17th) will be former SNL original cast member, Laraine Newman, to talk about her recent memoir, May You Live in Interesting Times. Also featured that day will be world’s bestselling author James Patterson with co-writer First Sergeant (ret) Matt Eversmann discussing their new book, Walk in My Combat Boots: True Stories from America’s Bravest Warriors. A member of 75th Ranger Regiment, Eversmann was immortalized in the epic film Black Hawk Down. Featured on the second day of the festival (July 31st) will be Award-winning NYT bestselling author, Tayari Jones, to talk about the craft of writing and in a later program, her most recent book, An American Marriage. Also featured will be multi-award winning and bestselling author of the Jack Reacher series [that have been adapted for film starring Tom Cruise], Lee Child, discussing the art of mystery writing. In addition will be bestselling author, Rabbi Steve Leder, discussing his book The Beauty of What Remains in conversation with Dean Nelson about life, death, and grief.

WE WILL BE LIVE STREAMING THE ENTIRE FESTIVAL ON FACEBOOK FROM ONE CONVENIENT LINK:  You don’t need to have a fb account to watch - just click on the link below. Facebook Live Link (SDWF): https://www.facebook.com/sandiegowritersfestival/live/

Join us this Thursday, July 8 at 11 a.m. PDT for a reading of “Pokko and the Drum” on Facebook.  Children’s storytime with professional surfer, Rob Machado.    About the book:  "Pokko and the Drum" is written and illustrated by Carrie Hasler and illustrated by Jan Smith. Pokko takes the drum gifted by her parents into the deep quiet forest to play. Before she knows it, she is joined by a band of animals. Soon the entire forest is following her. Will Pokko hear her father’s voice when he calls her home? For more info, visit sdfestivalofbooks.com. Photo courtesy of Todd Glaser. Upcoming Virtual Events    July 15 at 12:30 p.m. PDT - Author Q&A with Kelly Senyei, “The Secret Ingredient Cookbook” and Sam Zien, “Sam the Cooking Guy: Recipes with Intentional Leftovers” July 22 at 11 a.m. PDT – Children’s storytime with Taylor Knox July 29 at 11 a.m. PDT - Children’s storytime with Kristina Audencial Aug. 5 at 12:30 p.m. PDT - Author Q&A with Viet Thanh Nguyen, “The Committed” For more info, click here.  SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR FIFTH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF BOOKS! AUG. 21, 2021

San Diego Writer's Guild Life Member and Odin Award Winner Richard Lederer announces that his new book Richard Lederer's Ultimate Book of Literary Trivia (Waterside Productions) will be published on July 15. 

• What fictional detective survived an attempted murder by his creator? 
• Whose gravestone bears the inscription "The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated"?
• Who was the single mother, living on state benefits, whose series of fantastic novels made her the richest writer in England?

Richard Lederer's Ultimate Book of Literary Trivia lives up to its title by offering a treasure chest of amazing facts, curiosities, and quizzes about your favorite authors and their works. Looking back at the Bible, mythology, and Shakespeare and moving up to a library of contemporary writers. Literary Trivia promises bright days of entertainment and enlightenment for the  passionate book lover.

Answers: Sherlock Holmes, Mark Twain, J.K. Rowling.

Richard Lederer - in his own words

Not long ago, I visited a nearby progressive elementary school and chatted for about forty-five minutes with the sixth graders about the joys of language and the writing life. One of the boys in the class asked me, “Dr. Lederer, where do you get your ideas for your books?”

Ever since I became a writer, I had found that question the most difficult to answer and had only recently come up with an analogy that I thought would satisfy both my audience and me. Pouncing on the opportunity to unveil my spanking new explanation, I countered with, “Where does the spider get its web?”

 

The idea, of course, was that the spider is not aware how it spins out its intricate and beautiful patterns with the silky material that is simply a natural part of itself. Asking a writer to account for the genesis of his or her ideas is as futile as asking a spider the source of its web and method of its construction. The young man, in response to my question, appeared thoughtful for a moment. Then he looked me squarely in the eye and shot right back, “The spider gets its web from its butt!”

I checked out the boy’s assertion, and, sure enough, spiders do produce their silk from glands located in their posteriors. The glands open through tiny spinnerets located at the hind end of the abdomen. Well, it may be that for lo these many years I’ve been talking and writing through my butt, but that doesn’t stop me from being an unrepentant verbivore.

 I was the kind of child who, almost as soon as he could talk, saw a butterfly and cooed, “Oh, goody. A butterfly will flutter by.” Even as a high-school student, I knew that Elvis Presley, born three years before me, would become immortal because I saw that “Elvis Lives” is a two-word anagram.Still, I entered Haverford College as a pre-medical student but soon found that I was reading the chemistry books for their literary value. I became an English major and then attended Harvard Law School, where I found that I read the law cases for their literary value. So rather than fighting my verbivorous instincts, I switched into a Masters of Arts and Teaching program at Harvard. That led to a position at St. Paul’s School, in Concord, NH, where I taught English and media for 27 wonderful years. I would have gladly served them all their days, but my earning a Ph.D. in English and Linguistics from the University of New Hampshire inspired me to write my books on language. The enthusiastic popular response to these books, beginning with Anguished English, gave me the opportunity to leave the St. Paul’s community to extend my mission of teachership.

That’s what I do now, as a fly-by-the-roof-of-the-mouth user- friendly English teacher, Wizard of Idiom, Attila the Pun, and Conan the Grammarian.

More than a million of my books have been sold, most with Pocket Books, Bantam Doubleday Dell, St. Martin’s Press, Gibbs Smith, and Marion Street Press. My books have been Book-of-the-Month Club and Literary Guild alternate selections, and my work has appeared in  the New York Times, Sports Illustrated, AARP, National Review, and Reader’s Digest. I have appeared in the likes of Plexus,  The Toastmaster, Farmers’ Almanac, Mensa Bulletin, Language, Annals of Improbable Research, Word Ways: The Journal of Recreational Linguistics, and Journal of Court Reporters.

As a San Diegan, I am button-burstingly proud to announce that my column, “Lederer on Language,” appears weekly in the San Diego Union-Tribune.

I have broadcast regularly on a number of major market public and clear-channel commercial radio stations, including KPBS in San Diego and KSFO in San Francisco. I have appeared a number of times on just about every major radio station in the U.S., including Larry King radio, the Osgood Files, G. Gordon Liddy, Tom Snyder, Roy Leonard, Dave Maynard, David Brudnoy, and Jordan Rich, and television shows, such as the Today Show, and CNN Prime Time. I have been elected International Punster of the Year and Toastmasters International’s Golden Gavel by Toastmasters International winner.

For those organizations that need a brief biography about me for an introduction, please go to the statement I have prepared under the Public Speaking tab.

Visit Richard's website at verbivore.com

Most important—Don’t be fooled into thinking there is only one way.

There is no single guaranteed path to producing a best selling book. Asking yourself a few questions before you start, after you start, once you finish your first draft, after your book is published, and in the years that follow may help you find the right starting point for you at that moment in time. You might even find more than one place to start.

Here I offer 16 questions to get you to start thinking, with links to more information. All of them are suggestions, not ingredients in a book-making recipe.

Caveat: I list resources here that I know of, but including a resource is not an endorsement. Do your own research into writing coaches, for example, by checking their references before making a commitment.

Sixteen questions to ask and answer if you want to be a writer. Subsequent posts on the dates indicated below will provide links to resources based on your answers to these questions.

Questions requiring research to answer

1. Do you have a story or idea in mind? July 2
2. Do you know who your audience is? July 5
3. Does your audience want books? July 6
4. Is your book idea fiction, memoir, or creative nonfiction based on history? July 8

Questions regarding writing

5. Do you have an outline, summary, or synopsis for your story? July 9
6. Have your written a first draft? July 12
7. Have you had your draft edited by a developmental editor? July 13
8. Have you had your draft reviewed by beta readers or manuscript reviewers? July 15

Questions regarding book production

9. Do you want to publish your book through a traditional publisher? July 16
10. Do you know what indie authors must do for themselves? July 19
11. Do you have an agent? July 20

Questions regarding marketing and publicity

12. Has your agent sold the publishing rights for your book? July 22
13. Do you have a marketing plan for the lead up to the launch of your book? July 23
14. Has the book been published? July 26
15. Do you have a marketing plan for the continued promotion of the book? July 27

Nonfiction research

16. Do others consider you an expert on the topic of your nonfiction book? July 29

Sandra Yeaman retired from the US Department of State in 2007 after 23 years as a Foreign Service Officer. As a management officer, she served at US embassies in Qatar, Barbados, Moldova, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Madagascar, Zambia, and Eritrea. In addition, she served in consular positions in Germany and Barbados and previously taught English as a Foreign Language in Iran and Romania.

She is familiar with Arabic, Farsi, German, Romanian, Russian, and Spanish. Her experiences overseas brought her in touch with underserved minorities and religious groups out of favor with the current government. These experiences provide her with a sensitivity in her writing and editing not easily attained by others.

These changes in environment and cultures challenged her notion of what success is. What made it possible for her to thrive in the midst of the change is the solid foundation she received in her childhood years in northern Minnesota.

Since retirement, Sandra has been writing her story and her journey from a young woman seeking adventure to a mature woman who found her mission. She hopes to complete her novel in 2021 and looks forward to gaining the expertise in the full range of pre-publication book preparation and marketing.

Published Mystery/Suspense Fiction
Ballast Point Breakdown: A Rolly Waters Mystery
Corey Lynn Fayman