Fair and Festival Update

Englewood’s Dearborn Street Book Festival is almost here!

DATE: February 18/2012 PLACE: Pioneer Park, W. Dearborn St.

We hope you are planning to participate. Here’s how to reserve a spot:

1. Make your check of $25 to: SUNCOAST WRITERS/BOOK FESTIVAL

2. Send your check to:

DIANA HARRIS

1760 PARKER DRIVE

ENGLEWOOD, FLA. 34223

We are really excited about our book festival drawing near. We feel there is great interest being generated in it. We have gotten good PR so far and will be getting more. This year we will have a large banner across SR # 776 for several days before the festival, thanks to our main sponsor The Englewood SUN. Englewood’s two libraries, Elsie Quirk and Englewood Charlotte, also sponsors, have printed fliers and they have been distributed around town. The Suncoast Writers Guild is sponsoring the Writers Contest. There will be music by “SAX on the Beach.” Cafes are nearby for food take out.

SET UP TIME for the Authors will start at 9 am. The Festival will go from 10 am to 3 pm. Authors will be furnishing their own table/chairs and are free to decorate their tables or space as they wish. Tents are acceptable as we have plenty of room. There will be Porti-Potties in the Park. Leashed dogs are permitted as long as they are picked up after.

LOCATION: PIONEER PARK, is on W. Dearborn Street in the 300 block located between Mango Bistro and the Amherst Train Station shop. You will see a sign saying Book Festival at the front of the Park but please circle the block and enter the rear of the Park from the next street over, GREEN STREET. There will be a volunteer there to direct you. There is ample parking at the rear of the Park. Look for the check-in table and you will be guided to your spot.

If you have any questions don’t hesitate to e-mail me (diharris@comcast.net) or call me at (941) 474-5837. See you all soon.

Diana Harris

Venice Book Fair Date Changed

The Venice International Book Fair and Writers Festival has been changed from Feb. 11 to April 7. More information to come.

Chilly Night, Warm Gathering

Despite the chilly weather this past Wednesday night, we had a great turnout for our "reading meeting" and the atmosphere (and camaraderie) inside the firehouse was definitely warmer than outside.

We had three visitors--Steve, Brenda and Judith--who shared with us a bit of their background as well as their writing goals. Steve also shared with us the opening chapter of his work-in-progress mystery novel which definitely generated a good jolt of opening suspense. We do hope all three of them will continue to join us at future meetings.

We also had a lot of regulars among the 20+ attendees and nearly all of them brought something to read. A few folks showed up whom we haven't seen for awhile. Bart Stamper and Linda Malloy have been out of town doing other things.

Bart gave us a special treat this time. In addition to another one of his sensitive and powerful pieces related to the Vietnam War, he also shared with us a very funny piece about his current employment at a nuclear power plant. Doesn't sound like a funny topic but his treatment definitely was.

Weslynn McCallister read the opening chapters of her latest novel, which is definitely off to an intriguing start. Joe Porter gave us a few more of his powerful poems about the people of Appalachia. Joanne read a heart rending story from her new book, SHORT TAKES ON LIFE. Peter read some new poetry and a few short "experimental" pieces; all done with his usual delicate touch and vivid imagery. Sharon read another one of her hilarious poems, this time about a city girl who moves to the hillbilly mountains. Dewey read another boating-related story, plus an account of the Normandy landing during WWII.

I know I've forgotten some others who also read so we'll try to give you folks a double recognition next time.

Overall, it was a very productive meeting, one that everyone seemed to enjoy. Thanks again to all of you, for braving the frigid weather and for enduring the not-as-warm-as-it-should-have-been meeting room.

Our next meeting will be on the 20th; same time, same place. Keep in mind, too, that we'll be taking a collection at that time. We are suggesting a $5.00 contribution from everyone. This money will go directly to the Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department for generously allowing us to use their room for another year.

Posted by
Russ Heitz
www.russheitz.com