PLEASE SEND YOUR NEWS ITEMS TO: editor@SDWriteWay.org

Amazon and Macmillan at War

     As of March Amazon will no longer stock or sell any titles published
by Macmillan publishers, it has been revealed. Amazon decided to
stop stocking Macmillan books after it was issued with a new terms
of sale for e-books. Macmillan wanted to sell the books through an
agency model, which would have meant that Amazon would have had to
charge between $5.99 and $14.99 for the e-books. At the moment,
Amazon charges whatever it likes. For more on this story visit:
http://tinyurl.com/yd8bva7.

     And Amazon Has Also Had Some Problems With Booklocker
Booklocker, run by Writers-Weekly editor Angela Hoy, has reached an
agreement with Amazon in the antitrust class action lawsuit it filed
against the online retailer in 2008. Amazon wanted to force all
print-on-demand publishers to use BookSurge, or, in other words, pay
Amazon to print their books. Amazon also threatened to remove the
'buy-it-now' buttons from these publishers if they didn't comply.
Amazon has backed down from this and also paid $300,000 towards
Booklocker's legal fees. For more on this story visit:
http://tinyurl.com/yaj98ca.

School Bans Dictionary

     A California school district pulled all copies of Merriam-Webster's
Collegiate Dictionary from its libraries after a parent complained
that the dictionary was being used to look up "age-inappropriate"
words by pupils at Oak Meadows Elementary School. At this school,
however, the dictionary will be available to children whose parents
have signed consent forms. For more on this story visit:
http://tinyurl.com/yzt4uhu

CHILDREN'S WRITER

Read by most of the children's book and magazine
editors in North America, this monthly newsletter can be your own
personal source of editors' wants and needs, market tips, and
professional insights to help you sell more manuscripts to
publishers in this growing market segment. Get 2 FREE issues.
http://www.thechildrenswriter.com/M8445

The One Book Campaign,

Sponsored with KPBS, it is designed to encourage all San Diegans to read the same book at the same time, and to educate and enlighten on topics and themes of concern to the community. This year’s selection is Outcasts United by New York Times journalist Warren St. John.
     Throughout the year the San Diego Public Library, KPBS and other partner organizations will present workshops, lectures, discussion groups and TV and radio programming. For a calendar of events, visit the library catalog at www.sandiegolibrary.org and click One Book, One San Diego.
     Learn about other events at the San Diego Public Library’s Central Library and 35 branches, find links to numerous additional resources, or search for materials in the Library’s catalog online at www.sandiegolibrary.org.

Seeking Fantasy Authors

     JoRi Publications is a new traditional publishing house. Our first
publication will be an anthology of fifteen to seventeen short
stories in the Fantasy genre. If you would like your Fantasy tale
considered for our new publication, read the following guidelines
and submit your entry by March 1st 2010.

- All submissions must be in the Fantasy genre
- Stories must not have been previously published
- Your story must be 5000 words or less in length
- Stories cannot contain erotic content or hard core
profanity
- All work must be edited prior to submission.
- Electronic submissions should be made in .doc,.wpd or
.txt format
- Hard copy submissions must be typed and double spaced
with 1" margins
- Each submission must have a cover page with the title of
the story, the author's name and contact information.
- Subsequent pages should only have the page number and
title of the story in the header
Stories that fail to meet the above criteria will not be considered
for publication.

Mail Submissions to:
JoRi Publications
850 S. Boulder Hwy., Suite 436
Henderson, NV 89015-7564

or submit electronically to: JoRi@joripublications.com

JoRi Publications will pay $25.00 USD for each short
story (1 story per author) selected for publication in
the anthology.

Nickelodeon Writer's Script Review

The Nickelodeon Writer’s Script Review is a two-day, by invitation only event designed to prepare applicants for submission to the Nickelodeon Writing Fellowship.

Writing for television is a rewarding and creative outlet and a lucrative career path that enables writers to continually develop and fine-tune their written skills.

Script Review applicants will be asked to submit a spec script based on any ½-hour comedic television series currently in production on primetime network or cable by 5pm February 12, 2010.

Spec scripts will be reviewed by Nickelodeon Executives and up to fifteen candidates will be selected to participate in one-on-one script reviews in San Diego, Saturday & Sunday, March 13th and 14th, 2010.

Selected candidates will have one-on-one time with Nick Executives, will receive feedback on their scripts during the script review and in addition will then be required to submit to the 2011 Nickelodeon Writing Fellowship program. For more info, visit www.mediaartscenter.org/writeit or email Patric Stillman at patric@mediaartscenter.org.
...
Add to Contacts

Nautilus Awards

The Closing Date has been extended to February 28th. Enter Here. Winners receive excellent recognition; awesome media coverage; outstanding marketing opportunities; prestige and industry exposure; and SALES! A Priceless package of benefits for winners. Is your book or audio book a 2010 Nautilus Winner? Enter Here - You'll be glad you did. For more information on the Nautilus Awards, contact marilyn@nautilusbookawards.com.

THOUSANDS OF WRITERS USE FANSTORY.COM

* Feedback. Get feedback for every poem and story that you write.
* Contests. Over 40 contests are always open and free to enter.
* Rankings. Statistics will show you how your writing is doing.
http://www.fanstory.com/index1.jsp?at=38

Want Your Book Reviewed
in The Light Connection?

The Light Connection likes to show support for local authors. Have you written a book dealing with a new age, metaphysical, spiritual, environmental or health topic that you would like to submit it for a possible review in The Light Connection? I can't guarantee publication or an exact publication month, but I write most of the book reviews and nearly all my reviews are published. Send a review copy to Chiwah Carol Slater, 324 Los Arbolitos Blvd., Oceanside, CA 92058.

Writers Welcome

We are a established Writer’s Critique Group that meets every Tuesday’s from 6 to 7:45 pm in Encinitas or Carlsbad. There is no fee. All types of writing and writers welcome. For more info please email Prpii@hotmail.com.

Are You a Poet and Don't Know it?

St. Mark's United Methodist Church invites all poets to submit up to 3 poems on the theme "Surprised by Joy." An entry fee of $5 is due with each submission, and cash prizes will be first place, $100; second place, $75; and third place, $50. For each entry, please submit one signed copy for display and one unsigned copy for judging. Entries may be mailed to the church at 3512 Clairemont Drive, San Diego CA 92117; they must arrive before Saturday, February 20, as judging occurs that afternoon. Entries may also be hand delivered Friday evening, February 19, 6-8 p.m. or Saturday morning, 9 a.m.-noon. For complete rules and details go to the church website, www.stmarksumcsd.org or call the church office at 858-278-0255 and specify that you need entry information for poetry. This contest is part of a larger 2D and 3D art media contest.

Play and Restaurant Reviewers Wanted

So you call yourself a writer – prove it! Contact Peggy Lipscomb-Kazwara at pslips@cox.net. So many plays, so many restaurants, so few reviewers.

RETURN to the TOP ^

ATTENTION

If you want to stay current on writing events and news, you need to check the eZine more than once a month. We get new listings all the time which we did not receive in time for the first of the month eMail.

* * *

San Diego Library

For a Complete listing of all San Diego Library functions including book clubs, authors book signings and discussions, book sales, children programs, films, music, etc.

CLUB MEETINGS     CLASES & SEMINARS     AUTHOR READINGS

FEBRUARY           RETURN to the TOP ^

Every Tuesday — (6:00 to 7:45 pm) The Writer’s Critique Group meets every Tuesday in Encinitas or Carlsbad. There is no fee. All types of writing and writers welcome. For more info please email Prpii@hotmail.com.

Mon. Feb. 8- 21 — Adding Those Memorable Characters and Creatures to Your Book. Online workshop.Fee: $20.Presenter: Linda Wisdom-FMI: http://www.rwasd.com/training/
Creating Those Memorable Character.The best part about having an imagination is the ability to come up with anything. And I do mean anything! We’ll talk about what makes an unforgettable character or creature. How you can even use them for branding. Even if a reader might forget the title of your book they will remember the fun characters you’ve created.We’ll coax your imagination to come up with characters and creatures that your readers won’t soon forget by searching for something unusual and giving it a personality and characteristics including a bit of a back story to partner with your main character. We’ll take the unbelievable and make it believable, so you’ll have those special unforgettable characters and creatures. After all, who knew fangy bunny slippers would become so popular?

Mon. Feb. 8 — (7:00 pm) Warwick’s Bookstore, will host 2010 Caldecott Honor artist Marla Frazee, who will read and sign All the World. Joining Marla will be her acclaimed editor, Allyn Johnston, who will make a presentation about children’s book editing. For more information, please call Warwick’s at (858) 454-0347.
     Background: Warwick’s is pleased to host 2010 Caldecott Honor Artist Marla Frazee who, along with notable children’s book editor Allyn Johnston, will be reading from All the World, the book for which Ms. Frazee received the Caldecott Honor. Included will be a presentation by Allyn on the process of editing a children’s book.
     About the Book: Following a circle of family and friends through the course of a day from morning till night, this book affirms the importance of all things great and small in our world, from the tiniest shell on the beach, to warm family connections, to the widest sunset sky.
     About the Author: Marla Frazee has illustrated many picture books, including Everywhere Babies by Susan Meyers; Harriet, You’ll Drive Me Wild! by Mem Fox; and her own Roller Coaster. She lives in Pasadena, California.
     About the Editor: Allyn Johnson, former editorial director at Harcourt in San Diego for 22 years, is now working at Simon & Schuster, where her editing skills have contributed to this successful new book by Marla Frazee.

Tue. Feb. 9 - Mar. 30 — (7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, 8 mtgs.) Join Rob Williams, co-editor of the Lambda Literary-nominated anthology, From Boys to Men: Gay Men Write About Growing Up for Crafting Short Fiction. In this class we will experiment with short story/short fiction forms – from short-shorts to longer short stories. At the Ink Spot. For more information, check the San Diego Writers, Ink website at www.sandiegowriters.org

Tues. Feb. 9 — (7:30 pm) Warwick’s, 7812 Girard Avenue, La Jolla, will host author, teacher, and Grand Canyon river and hiking guide Margaret Erhart, who will discuss and sign The Butterflies of Grand Canyon. This event is free and open to the public, although in order to be signed, books must be purchased from Warwick’s.  Event includes a butterfly and moth exhibit courtesy of the San Diego Natural History Museum.  For more information, please call Warwick’s at (858) 454-0347.
     Background:  When Jane Merkle arrives in the tiny town of Flagstaff, Arizona, with her much older husband on a summer day in 1951, she hasn’t any idea that her life is about to change forever. After all, one of Jane’s favorite sayings is “When in Rome, remember that you’re from St . Louis.” But over a summer spent with her sister-in-law, Dotty, and Dotty’s lepidopterist husband, Oliver, in a village perched on the rim of the Grand Canyon, Jane discovers her latent ability with a butterfly net and her attraction to a handsome young ranger. Meanwhile, an unidentified skeleton is found on the premises of one of the village’s most cantankerous citizens. With the help-and hindrance-of a colorful cast of historical characters, including an eccentric botanist who moonlights as an amateur sleuth, the murder mystery that has haunted the town for years is solved.
     About the author:  Margaret Erhart is a river and hiking guide in the Grand Canyon and southern Utah.  Her essays have appeared in The New York Times, The Christian Science Monitor, and in several anthologies, and her commentaries have aired on NPR.

Wed. Feb. 10 — (6:00 pm) WriterPalooza: 50 Tips in 50 Minutes to Boost Your Writing Business. The San Diego Press Club is full of writers, reporters, freelance writers, editors, news directors, ghost writers and other scallywags. Join us for an enlightening presentation of 50 ideas for advancing your writing career. A panel of experienced communicators will whip you through a list of ideas, and you’re bound to hear a few that you haven’t thought of before.
     Panelists include:
Dennis Morgigno is Station Manager and Programming Host, Cox Channel 4, and a former recipient of the Press Club’s Harold Keen Award for Career Achievement in Journalism. He began his career as a newspaper reporter.
Kimberly Edwards is a spokeswoman for the UC San Diego Medical Center. If her face looks familiar, it’s from her years as a field reporter for Channel 10.
Lee Swanson, is the Public Information Officer for the San Diego Fire Rescue Department, and a former broadcaster. He served as a freelance producer for KPBS and executive producer for Channel 10.
Jan Rieger is President of the San Diego Press Club and of public relations firm McLane Rieger Communications. She has written for both editorial and corporate publications.
     Free to Press Club members. $10 to non-members (which is waived if you join the Club that evening). RSVP to sdpressclub.org or sdpressclub@cox.net. KGTV, 4600 Air Way, For directions, go to http:www.10news.com. Light refreshments served.

Wed. Feb. 10 — (7:30 pm) Warwick’s, 7812 Girard Avenue, will host acclaimed debut novelist Beth Hoffman, who will discuss and sign Saving CeeCee Honeycutt. This event is free and open to the public, although in order to be signed, the author’s books must be purchased from Warwick’s.  For more information, please call Warwick’s at (858) 454-0347.
     Background:  Twelve-year-old CeeCee Honeycutt is in trouble. For years, she has been the caretaker of her psychotic mother, Camille-the tiara-toting, lipstick-smeared laughingstock of an entire town-a woman trapped in her long-ago moment of glory as the 1951 Vidalia Onion Queen. But when Camille is hit by a truck and killed, CeeCee is left to fend for herself. To the rescue comes her previously unknown great-aunt, Tootie Caldwell.
     In her vintage Packard convertible, Tootie whisks CeeCee away to Savannah’s perfumed world of prosperity and Southern eccentricity, a world that seems to be run entirely by women. From the exotic Miz Thelma Rae Goodpepper, who bathes in her backyard bathtub and uses garden slugs as her secret weapons, to Tootie’s all-knowing housekeeper, Oletta Jones, to Violene Hobbs, who entertains a local police officer in her canary-yellow peignoir, the women of Gaston Street keep CeeCee entertained and enthralled for an entire summer.
Laugh-out-loud funny and deeply touching, Beth Hoffman’s sparkling debut is a novel that explores the indomitable strengths of female friendship and gives us the story of a young girl who loses one mother and finds many others.

Wed. Feb. 11 — (6:00 pm) Warwick’s will host a Valentine’s Day Romantic Dinner Event with esteemed food and wine writer Maria Hunt and chocolatier Susie Norris. This ticketed offsite will be held at Isabel’s Cantina, 966 Felspar Street, Pacific Beach. For more information, please call Warwick’s at (858) 454-0347.
     Background:  Looking for a unique way to spend Valentine’s Day this year?  Why not celebrate a few days early and surprise your romantic partner with a dinner event sure to please.  We do all the work and you score all the points!  The evening starts with a sparkling cocktail presentation by renowned food and wine writer Maria Hunt, who will also share stories about champagne and romance.  Local esteemed chef Isabel Cruz will follow with delectable appetizers (jumbo shrimp with tomato saffron sauce and romaine salad with cilantro ranch and avocado) and a mouthwatering dinner (whitefish with roasted tomatoes and coconut chile oil, or marinated grilled flat iron steak with cilantro mojo and roasted sweet and red potatoes). 
     Of course, no romantic dinner would be complete without decadent desserts  (chocolate fondue with strawberries, fruit slices and gourmet cookies, and individual heart-shaped chocolate mousse cakes with raspberry chantilly cream), presented by chocolatier Susie Norris.  The dinner package also includes an autographed copy of Susie Norris’ Chocolate Bliss and Maria Hunt’s The Bubbly Bar (one set per couple).  *And if you are a Warwick’s Cooking Club member, you will receive a bonus gift, a $25 store gift certificate which may be used on a personal Valentine’s gift  (one per couple). Tickets available at Warwick’s for only $150 per couple.

Thur. Feb. 11 — (6:00 pm) The next Fallbrook Writers Read is featuring T. Jefferson Parker reading from his new novel, Iron River, at the Café des Artistes, 103 S. Main Street, in Fallbrook. Entrance to the Café is from the rear parking lot behind the Fallbrook Art Center on Main Street. For more information, contact K-B Gressitt at 760-522-1064 or kbgressitt@aol.com, or visit www.kbgressitt.com/fallbrooks-writers-read.

Weekend Feb. 12-15 — The 24th Annual Southern California Writers' Conference San Diego takes place Presidents’ Day Weekend and given the quality of material we’re seeing come through, we’re setting up for yet another sensational event. For all the latest news visit http://www.WritersConference.com.
     New York Times best-selling author Drusilla Campbell returns to conduct her
popular stand-alone weekend workshop track, “NovelCram: Building the Better
Book.” NC is a total immersion track that runs Saturday and Sunday.

Fri. Feb. 12 — (6:00 pm) Come for Linda Thomas-Sundstrom's Booksigning! She'll be chatting about and signing her new Nocturne book Red Wolf at Barnes and Noble Books - Mira Mesa, 10775 Westview Parkway. Don't miss it!!! :)

Fri. Feb. 12 — (1:00 pm) Nelson Copp, author of Cycling San Diego and Cycling the Palm Springs Region, will sign copies of his books at the Palm Desert Barnes and Noble. (Barnes & Noble Palm Desert - 72-840 Hwy 111, Suite. 425 Palm Desert, CA 92260 (760) 779-0637).

Sat. Feb. 13 — (10:00 am – 4:00 pm, 1 mtg.) Join Emmy award-winning writer and producer Christopher Canaan for Heart of the Art: Writing the Personal Story. In this workshop, you will work on exercises that will explore sense memories that touch our most vital experiences, helping us to tap into our feelings and broaden our perceptions. We will explore how character affects story, and how story impacts character. Designed for screenwriters as well as novelists and others who want to enrich their work. At the Ink Spot. For more information, check the San Diego Writers, Ink website at http://www.sandiegowriters.org.

Sun. Feb. 14 — (1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, 1 mtg.) Whether your entire short story takes place in a kitchen or whether your memoir spans three continents, join writer and creative writing teacher Midge Raymond for Setting the Scene. This three-hour workshop for prose writers will help you get a sense of the memoir. At the Ink Spot. For more information, check the San Diego Writers, Ink website at http://www.sandiegowriters.org.

Sun. Feb. 14 — (3:00 pm) will be the Second Sunday Reading at Open Door Books in Pacific Beach, hosted by Terry Hertzler.

Sun. Feb. 14 — (1:00 - 3:00 pm) Come join Joan Brady, author of The Ghost of Mt. Soledad, at the Mysterious Galaxy bookstore on Valentine’s Day. She will be discussing and signing copies of her new book. (Mysterious Galaxy – 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd Suite#302 , San Diego , CA 92111 (858)268-4747)

Sun. Feb. 14 — Setting the Scene with Midge Raymond. More info to come. Check the San Diego Writers, Ink website at www.sandiegowriters.org.

Mon. Feb. 15 — SAVE THE DATE! A Year in Ink, Vol. 3, edited by Roger Aplon and Jennifer Silva Redmond will be released at a Publication Party and reading at the Old Town Theatre. We'll unveil the new cover design soon. We think you're going to like it. For more information, check the San Diego Writers, Ink website at www.sandiegowriters.org.

Tue. Feb. 16 – Mar. 16 — (6:30 pm - 9:30pm, 5 mtgs.) Writers Workshop: A Sense of Place: From the vivid descriptions of Steinbeck's sunshine-filled California farm fields to the foreboding jungle in Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness, it is clear that a sense of place is vital to effective storytelling. A clearly described setting adds authenticity to your writing, defines the reader's sense of reality, and is the key to many author's success. Find out how to take advantage or your familiarity with a particular place in your writing. Be it past, present, or future, a little practice observing the world around you enables you to create your own vibrant and confidently portrayed sense of place. For more information contact ahl@ucsd.edu. Register online at http://www.extension.ucsd.edu/writing or by calling (858) 534-3400.

Thu. Feb. 18 – Mar. 25 — (7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, 6 mtgs.) Do you want to speak confidently about your work and perform readings in front of live audiences? Join founders Justin Hudnell and Jake Arky of Writers in Performance – So Say We All for Writers in Performance, a class designed to help writers learn to present their work to an audience and to the marketplace. At the Ink Spot. For more information, check the San Diego Writers, Ink website at www.sandiegowriters.org.

Thur., Feb. 18 — (6:00 pm) Tour local independent booksellers will host a special One Book One San Diego event with Warren St. John, who will discuss and sign Outcasts United, the 2010 One Book One San Diego pick.  This is a ticketed event to be held at Isabel’s Cantina, 966 Felspar St., Pacific Beach..  For more information, please call Warwick’s at (858) 454-0347.
     Background:  Your San Diego independent booksellers invite you to attend this very special event with the author of the 2010 One Book One San Diego selection, Warren St. John.  Your $25 ticket includes a small donation to the One Book One San Diego program, as well as a glass of wine and hors d’ouevres for you to enjoy while meeting with some of the refugees who have relocated to San Diego.  Learn from them, and representatives from the International Rescue Center, about life as a refugee and the assimilation process.  Warren St. John will then discuss and sign his book.  The book may be ordered with your tickets and will also be available at the event for sale.
     About the book:  The extraordinary tale of a refugee youth soccer team and the transformation of a small American town.  Clarkston, Georgia, was a typical Southern town until it was designated a refugee settlement center in the 1990s, becoming the first American home for scores of families in flight from the world’s war zones. The town also became home to Luma Mufleh, who founded a youth soccer team to unify Clarkston’s refugee children and keep them off the streets. These kids named themselves the Fugees. Set against the backdrop of an American town that without its consent had become a vast social experiment, Outcasts United follows a pivotal season in the life of the Fugees and their charismatic coach.

Thur. Feb. 18 — (6:30 pm) Upstart Crow Bookstore & Coffee House presents their THIRD THURSDAY LOCAL AUTHORS NIGHT with The Ghost of Mt. Soledad, A Love Story by Joan Brady. Jointly sponsored by Sunbelt Publications and Upstart Crow, we are happy to present Joan Brady speaking and signing her new historical novel. Ms. Brady is also the author of God on a Harley. Located at 835 West Harbor Drive. For additional information, call (619) 232-4855 or go to www.upstartcrowtrading.com.

Thur. Feb. 18 — (12:30 pm) Warwick’s will host the next in its series of popular Books & Bites “Dine with an Author” luncheons, featuring award-winning author Chris Cleave, who will discuss and sign Little Bee at a ticketed offsite luncheon event to be held at Burgundy Restaurant, 830 Kline Street, La Jolla. For more information, please call Warwick’s at (858) 454-0347.
     Background:  Warwick’s is pleased to continue our exciting program, Books & Bites.  How many times have you wanted to have a book discussion directly with the author of an intriguing book? Now is your opportunity to do just that.  You are invited to have lunch with award-winning author Chris Cleave, who will discuss Little Bee.  When you purchase his book at Warwick’s, you can make a lunch reservation for only $20.*  Call or visit our book department today for further details, but don’t delay.  Seats for this special event are limited.  Note:  You are encouraged to read the book prior to the lunch so you can have some good discussion questions ready! 
     About the book: The publishers of Cleave’s new novel don’t want to spoil the story by revealing too much about it. They will say that the beach scene is brutal, and that it braids the fates of a 16-year-old Nigerian orphan and a well-off British couple.
     *If you wish to attend as a couple and share one book, you may purchase one additional lunch ticket for $25 (with each book purchased).

Thurs. Feb. 18 – Feb. 25 — (6:30 pm - 9:30 pm, 2mtgs.) Imagining Dynamic Characters and Writing Effective Dialogue: Sherlock Holmes, Emma Bovary, Humbert Humbert, Scarlett O'Hara, Holden Caulfield, Celie, Sam Spade, Clarissa Dalloway -- unforgettable, each and every one. Larger than life and yet true to life, what is it that makes these literary hall-of-famers loom large in our imaginations and reverberate in our memories? Robust characters amount to more than calabash pipes and green curtain dresses. Really, they are all about action – what they do and how they do it. Explore strategies for creating circumstances, intentions, and actions for building unforgettable, dynamic characters, and discover key techniques for giving them voice through effective dialogue. For more information contact ahl@ucsd.edu. Register online at http://www.extension.ucsd.edu/writing or by calling (858) 534-3400.

Thu. Feb. 18 – Mar. 25 — Writers in Performance with So Say We All principles Justin Hudnell and Jake Arky. More info to come. Check the San Diego Writers, Ink website at www.sandiegowriters.org.

Thu. Feb. 18 – (7:00 pm) From Eternity to Here, by Sean Carroll, a theoretical physicist, hE explores the elusive and perplexing direction of time and also explains how our universe could be part of a multiverse with many different directions of time. Mr. Carroll received his Ph.D. from Harvard and worked at MIT and the University of Chicago. He is currently a theoretical physicist at the California Institute of Technology. 
     The Book Works, 2670 Via de la Valle suite A230, Del Mar; tele. (858) 755-3735. www.book-works.com.

Thu. Feb. 18 – (7:00 pm) Sean Carroll discusses and signs From Eternity to Here: The Quest for the Ultimate Theory of Time at The Book Works,.Sean Carroll, a theoretical physicist who's been dubbed "the great science communicator" (Ted.com), combines accessible language with fascinating new ideas to explore the elusive arrow of time. On Thursday, Feb 18th, at 7pm, Sean Carroll will discuss and sign his book "From Eternity to Here". There will be time for Q&A and a book signing will follow. This event is free to the public.
     Author: Sean Carroll is a theoretical physicist at the California Institute of Technology. He received his Ph.D. from Harvard in 1993, and worked at MIT, The Institute for Theoretical Physics at UC Santa Barbara, and The University of Chicago, before coming to Caltech. For more information about the author, please visit: http://preposterousuniverse.com/
    Location: The Book Works is located just east of I-5 at Via de la Valle: in the Flower Hill Mall, on the second level, next to the Pannikin coffee place. 2670 Via de la Valle, Suite A230, Del Mar, CA 92014. Ph: 858.755.3735. if you have anyy questions about this event, don't hesitate to contact Jet ("Yet") Hopster: jet@book-works.com.

Sat. Feb. 20 — RWASD Chapter Meeting with Deb Werksman, Editor from Sourcebooks. Do you want to know how to get an editor to want to publish your book? Of course you do! And Deb Werksman from Sourcebooks is going to tell you how! Sign up here: http://rwasd. com/chapterMeeti ngs.html.
      Morning Session: How to Get an Editor to Want to Publish You What magic recipe makes an editor choose you over the thousands of other writers who send in submissions? What would you have to do to make your submission stand out? Find out what that magic is this February, when Deb Werksman, aquiring editor for Sourcebooks, a full-on publishing house owned and run by women, visits San Diego in order to provide that very information. .. and is even
taking a limited number of pitches.
     Afternoon Session: Author - Editor Magic Deb Werksman is joined by one of her successful authors, Linda Wisdom, (http://www.lindawis dom.com/), in speaking about author-editor relationships after that contract is signed - how to cultivate a good relationship, do's and don'ts, and what makes an author-editor team successful. Q and A session.
     Our Speaker: Deb Werksman (http://www.sourcebo oks.com/) is CEO and Executive Editor for Sourcebooks. She acquires historical fiction and innovative women's fiction for their Landmark imprint, as well as single title romance fiction in all subgenres for their relationship/ romance imprint Sourcebooks Casablanca. She's been wildly successful with Jane Austen sequels and is seeking what's next in that area, as well as innovative women's fiction,
international authors and historical fiction.

Sat. Feb. 20 — (3:30 pm) Dr. Victor J. Stenger, a prominent author and lecturer, will speak on What Can Science Say About God and the Afterlife? at the UCSD Student Services Center Multipurpose Room. The UCSD bookstore will be selling two of Dr. Stenger’s books, God: The Failed Hypothesis; How Science Shows that God Does Not Exist, and The New Atheism: Taking a Stand for Science and Reason. Book sales will begin at 3:00 pm. Come a little early to buy and mingle.
     The Multipurpose room (first floor) is located on Matthews Quad at the corner of Rupertus Way and Myers Drive (southeast of the Price Center). Public parking is nearby at the Gilman Parking Structure (intersection of Gilman Drive and Villa La Jolla Drive).

Sun. Feb. 21 — (3:00 pm) Sunset Poets is waking up from a short, winter’s nap. Our next reading will be featuring San Diego poet Chris Vannoy. We’ll try yet another new venue, Pizarro’s Pizza, 2216 S. El Camino Real, #123 in Oceanside. This place is just a few blocks north of Highway 78 on the East side of El Camino Real. It has a nice, big room with a great view (I love places with views), and I’ll have my portable PA system to drown out any rowdy basketball fans who might be watching a game in another room. POETS RULE!

Mon. Feb. 22 — (6:30 pm to 8:30 pm) The San Diego Writers/Editors Guild announces their speaker will be Penny C. Sansevieri, whose topic will be Internet Marketing and Social Media. Penny is the CEO and founder of Author Marketing Experts, Inc. (AME), is a best-selling author and internationally recognized book marketing and media relations expert.
      All meetings are on the 4th Monday of the month at the County Health Facility located at 3851 Rosecrans Street in the Sports Arena area. See the web site for directions. www.sdwritersguild.org.

Tues. Feb. 23 — (7:30 pm), Warwick’s will host spiritual leader, author, and speaker Wendy Craig-Purcell who will discuss and sign Ask Yourself This. This event is free and open to the public, although in order to be signed, author’s book must be purchased from Warwick’s. For more information, please call Warwick’s at (858) 454-0347.
     Background:  The circumstances many of us are facing today require us to re-think various aspects of our lives ranging from spirituality and life purpose to careers and relationships. As we allow these questions to settle deeply within ourselves, the answers we receive will be uniquely our own and open us up to possibilities we had never considered before. The essence of Ask Yourself This is that living a spiritually vibrant life is not only personally powerful; it is absolutely relevant in today’s world.  For countless numbers of people, the religions of our childhood have fallen short in answering many of our most important questions.  It is from our own innate spirituality that new answers arise, leading us to personal transformation and the integration of higher levels of consciousness in our day-to-day living.
     About the author: As a leader in conscious living and practical spirituality, Wendy Craig-Purcell is a guiding light in this new millennium of change and possibility.  Craig-Purcell is an author, speaker, radio host, spiritual leader, world peace activist, New Thought teacher and evolutionary guide.  These are only some of the designations and accolades attributed to Wendy Craig-Purcell.  Craig-Purcell embodies a truly rare blending of absolute integrity, passion, joy and kindness.  She is a dynamic renaissance woman.

Thur. Feb. 25 — (7:00 pm) the Casa Romantica Reading Series in San Clemente features poet Rae Armantrout and novelist Michele Latiolais. Casa Romantica is a wonderful venue, and this is an excellent series, not too far away. For more info see http://www.casaromanticareadingseries.org/calendar.html.

Thur. Feb. 25 — (6:30 pm) MYSTERY BOOK GROUP will discuss Messenger of Truth, by Jacqueline Winspear. The mystery book group is facilitated by Jill Shure, author, mystery lover, and Book Works friend. Jill has written several award-winning novels and screenplays, and is currently active in Sisters-In-Crime, Scripteasers, and Romance Writers of America. The Book Works, 2670 Via de la Valle suite A230, Del Mar; tele. (858) 755-3735. www.book-works.com.

Thur. Feb. 25 — (11:30 am) LGBT Creative Writing Workshop: Tell Your Story! Do you have a great story to tell but need some inspiration to get your writing project going? Join LGBT Senior Services Coordinator Abby Schwartz for an interactive lunchtime workshop on getting your creative juices flowing! This workshop will include personal writing time, tips on how to stay motivated, and a quick guide to how you can begin publishing your work immediately. Feel free to bring a brown-bag lunch to enjoy during the presentation. “Creative Writing Workshop: Tell Your Story!” is a free workshop and will take place in The Center’s library.
     For information, please contact Abby Schwartz, Senior Services Coordinator, at (619) 692-2077, ext. 212, or seniors@thecentersd.org.

Sat. Feb. 27 — (9:30-12:30 pm) Living Well In San Diego On Any Income In Tough Times. This class by local author, Sally Gary is like a pay raise and your own personal economic stimulus package! Sally Gary has researched the area unearthing amazing bargains in apparel, household, insurance, food, cars and parts, plus the underground world of shopping (think outside the box), tons of fabulous free things to do locally, quick ways to raise extra cash, get paid for your opinion, free rent, job hotlines, medical care, free money for college, free veterinary exams, free airline tickets, spas for less, birthday freebies, 2 for 1's, and much more. $44 class Fee includes copy of the 9th Edition of Best Freebies Bargains, Deals & Steals in San Diego ($22.95 retail value!) by Sally Gary plus other materials. Grossmont College (GC) Room 53-554 New this semester: Register online at the bottom of the page of this link: http://www.cuyamaca.edu/preview/financialplanning.asp Also, you can call the office at (619) 660-4350 for help or more information, or contact Sally Gary at Sallygary@aol.com.

Sat. Feb. 27 — (1 - 4 pm) Attn Writers: Who Wants to be a Published Author? This nuts and bolts workshop covers publishing via a publisher, agent, self-publishing, vantage press, E-publishing, and Print-On-Demand. Whether you have an idea for a national best seller or want to produce your family's history, this workshop contains practical information about the publishing business from targeting your audience to successfully marketing your book.      Instructor: Sally Gary, local author
     Located at Grossmont College (GC) Room53-554. New this semester: you can register online at the bottom of the page of this link http://www.cuyamaca.edu/preview/writing.asp. Also, you can call the office at (619) 660-4350 for help or more information, or contact Sally Gary at Sallygary@aol.com.

Sun. Feb. 28 — (1:00 pm) Local author Gary Winters will read from his new book The Deer Dancer at this publication party at the Ink Spot. For more information, check the San Diego Writers, Ink website at www.sandiegowriters.org.

Sun. Feb. 28 — (2:00 pm) Magee Park Poets,poetry reading. Save the date for a reading featuring Brandon Cesmat. Also at Georgina Cole Library (see above, Jan 24 workshop). An open reading follows the feature reader.

Sun. Feb. 28 — (6:00 pm) The Winter 2010 Full Moon Poets Poetry Slam at the historic La Paloma Theatre on Coast Highway in downtown Encinitas. FREE! Poets Call 5:15 - 5:30 pm at the front door of the theater.

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Every Tuesday — (6:00 to 7:45 pm) We are a established Writer’s Critique Group that meets every Tuesday’s from in Encinitas or Carlsbad. There is no fee. All types of writing and writers welcome. For more info please email Prpii@hotmail.com.

Tue. Mar. 2 — (7:00 pm) UC San Diego Professor Dr. Larry Goldstein will discuss his new book Stem Cells for Dummies", a practical, plain-English guide to this politically charged topic, one that cuts away the hype and clearly presents the facts on stem cells, free from debate. It explains what stem cells are and what they do, the legalities of harvesting them and using them in research, the latest research findings from the United States and abroad, and the prospects for medical stem cell therapies in the short and long term. Q&A and a book signing will follow. With our famous wine and cheese! This event is free to the public.
     Dr. Larry Goldstein, is a Professor of Cellular & Molecular Medicine at UC San Diego School of Medicine, and the Director of UC San Diego Stem Cell Program, as well as Investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. For more information, please visit: http://cmm.ucsd.edu/Lab_Pages/goldstein/. For more information about book, please visit: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0470259280.html.
     The Book Works is located just east of I-5 at Via de la Valle: in the Flower Hill Mall, on the second level, next to the Pannikin coffee place. 2670 Via de la Valle, Suite A230, Del Mar, CA 92014. Ph: 858.755.3735.

Thurs., Mar. 4 – Mar. 18— (6:30 pm - 9:30 pm, 3 mtgs.) Advanced Screenwriting Workshop: Read and Critique: The opportunity to have your peers read and discuss each others' work in a supportive environment is a cornerstone of the writing community, and is the first, crucial step on the path to getting your work to the marketplace. Take the time to focus on a current project, as well as provide constructive feedback to your fellow screenwriters, in this advanced screenwriting workshop. There will be a short discussion and some examples in the beginning of class on genre, plot, dialogue subtext, and business, but the majority of class time is devoted to getting your story working and your script closer to finished, or your finished script polished for the marketplace. You are expected to bring copies for the class of new or rewritten pages to share each week. For more information contact ahl@ucsd.edu. Register online at http://www.extension.ucsd.edu/writing or by calling (858) 534-3400.

Sat. Mar. 6 — (2:00 pm) Escondido Public Library Presents Book Publishing 1-2-3: From the Writer's Fingers to the Reader’s Hands. Join Laurie Gibson, long-time book editor and proofreader, for a lively, popular lecture/workshop in the Turrentine Room at the Escondido Public Library. “Book Publishing 1-2-3” is designed to educate and inspire writers of all stripes.
     This 90-minute session will be sprinkled throughout with helpful tips from a professional editor:
     - l Learn how to find literary agents.
     - Take a behind-the-scenes journey of a manuscript as it becomes a printed book.
     - Check out the increasingly popular and viable option of self-publishing.l View a snapshot of the book industry (including children's literature).
     - Talk about how authors can market and sell their work.
Other segments include creativity exercises for authors and the “Editor’s Tips on Craft” segment. Bring a pen and paper and your questions about writing and publishing.
     Laurie Gibson’s projects have included the novel “The Color Purple” and the short-story collection “Tales from Margaritaville” as well as dozens of manuscripts by first-time authors. Laurie has also served as an editing instructor at UCSD and UCLA.
     Escondido Public Library is located at 239 S.Kalmia Street in downtown Escondido . This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Escondido Public Library. Reservations are not required but early arrival is encouraged. For further information, contact the Escondido Public Library at 760.839.4601 or http://www.escondido.org/library.

Sat. Mar. 6 – Mar. 20 — (10:00 am - 1:00 pm, 3mtgs.) First Steps to Publishing: Get a fundamental understanding of the A-to-Z's of getting published. Discover the tools and techniques for increasing the marketability of your work, and become empowered as an author to take a proactive role in the publishing and promotional process. No "get published quick" schemes will be discussed, only reputable publishing options. Plan to leave the course with a personalized publishing method evaluation, a 9-month publishing and marketing timeline, content for a personalized media one-sheet, insider guidance regarding effective public relations and marketing strategies, and a practical understanding of all aspects of the business of publishing. For more information contact ahl@ucsd.edu. Register online at http://www.extension.ucsd.edu/writing or by calling (858) 534-3400.

Tue. Mar. 9 – Mar. 16 — (6:30 pm - 9:30 pm), 2mtgs.) The Business of Writing: Have you always wanted to write, but weren't sure how to transform your passion into a career? Or do you seek freelance options in these difficult economic times? The good news is that there are more opportunities than ever to make a living as a professional writer. Get paid for your words -- as a journalist, editor, author, copywriter or marketer. Learn ways to break into the exciting world of print media, gather tips on leveraging your successes and discover how to market and create buzz in this entertaining and informative workshop. You'll leave class with sample queries, articles, pricing guides and resource materials. Learn from an experienced writer and develop the confidence needed to get out there and start a writing business. For more information contact ahl@ucsd.edu. Register online at http://www.extension.ucsd.edu/writing or by calling (858) 534-3400.

Wed. Mar. 10 — Creative Nonfiction with Ted Gideonse. More info to come. Check the San Diego Writers, Ink website at www.sandiegowriters.org.

Wed. Mar. 10 — (7:00 pm) In keeping with its philosophy of living a life of passion, compassion and action, San Diego-based website StyleSubstanceSoul.com will host a special evening with author Masha Hamilton at The Book Works in the Flower Hill Promenade in Del Mar.
     Hamilton, the author of four acclaimed novels, will be reading from and signing her new book, 31 Hours, a Washington Post selection for one of the best books of the year and an IndieNext Pick by independent booksellers. The eerily-timely story follows the 31 hours before a young American man is scheduled to commit an act of terrorism.
     Masha Hamilton has worked as a foreign correspondent in the Middle East for The Associated Press, in Moscow, as a correspondent for the Los Angeles Times and NBC/Mutual Radio, and as a reporter in Afghanistan in 2004. She recently founded the Afghan Women's Writing Project, which helps young Afghan women learn about writing, find their voices, and share their work in a safe forum. Hamilton is the author of three previous novels: Staircase of a Thousand Steps; The Distance Between Us, and The Camel Bookmobile. She lives in Brooklyn.
     "We have been long-time fans of Masha's work," said Lois Alter Mark, creative director of StyleSubstanceSoul.com. "Her books resonate so strongly with our readers that when we featured The Camel Bookmobile in one of our first newsletters, the response was astounding, with women writing in from all over the world to ask how they could send literary care packages to the people of Kenya."
     The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.stylesubstancesoul.com/masha.

Thurs. Mar. 11 – Mar. 18 — (6:30 pm - 9:30 pm, 2 mtgs.) Healing Through Writing: Since ancient days humans have written or sung of their sorrows, their yearnings, their losses, their disappointments, grief, and unrequited love. Through this expression they often have found healing, comfort or meaning. From Rumi to Emily Dickenson, Charlotte Bronte, William Butler Yeats, Mary Oliver and Frank O'Hara, all great writers have written of painful times. Perhaps Shakespeare said it best -- "Give Sorrow Words." In class, you will read and discuss poems and essays by a selection of writers, and have a chance to express some of your own experiences through journal writing, narrative poetry letters, and written dialogue. For more information contact ahl@ucsd.edu. Register online at http://www.extension.ucsd.edu/writing or by calling (858) 534-3400.

Sat. Mar. 13 – Mar. 20 — (2 mtgs.) Two novel workshops (plot & character) with Lisa Shapiro. More info to come. Check the San Diego Writers, Ink website at www.sandiegowriters.org.

Mon. Mar. 22 — (6:30 pm to 8:30 pm) The San Diego Writers/Editors Guild announces their speaker will be John Wolf, author and the editor of The Fox and Quill eZine. Check back for more info.
      All meetings are on the 4th Monday of the month at the County Health Facility located at 3851 Rosecrans Street in the Sports Arena area. See the web site for directions. www.sdwritersguild.org.

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Mon. Apr. 26 — (6:30 pm to 8:30 pm) The San Diego Writers/Editors Guild will have their monthly meeting with JOHN WOLF - Writer and Web Weaver. He has written five suspenseful novels for the adventurous soul and lover of fanciful tales. A retired aerospace engineer, he spends a lot of time immersed in technology. He is the editor and publisher of an e-publication called the Fox&Quill, established as a place authors can network with other authors to further their Internet presence and express their talent to their peers. He teaches at National University on occasion and has a series called The Writer's Loft that airs on public access television. You can find out about his written works at JohnWolfBooks.com and FoxandQuill.com.
     The presentation this month is titled THE INTERNET AND THE WIRED AUTHOR, and will provide a plethora of information on how to get involved with the wired world without getting electrocuted. An Internet presence is initial to the modern author, but can be a daunting subject to navigate. Come listen to one that spends a lot of time in the white water of the wired world.
      All meetings are on the 4th Monday of the month at the County Health Facility located at 3851 Rosecrans Street in the Sports Arena area. See the web site for directions. www.sdwritersguild.org.

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Mon. Sept. 27 — (6:30 pm to 8:30 pm) The San Diego Writers/Editors Guild will have their monthly meeting with Barbara Field whoes lecture will be Making a Living as a Writer.
     Do you want to expand your writing/editing/marketing business? Do you seek more freelance options in these difficult economic times? Our guest speaker wrote fashion copy, promoted Star Wars movies, wrote and edited scientific materials, penned a novel, developed children's books and launched a successful marketing campaign using Facebook to reach more than 22,000 college students. Learn about different career paths and a variety of ways to market yourself.
     Bio: Since graduating from Barnard College/Columbia University, Barbara Field has made her living as a communications specialist, writer/editor, consultant and marketer. She has worked on staff for CBS (NY), Harcourt Brace Children's Books, and Scripps Research Institute. She is currently Communications Manager at UC San Diego. She has freelanced for ad agencies and published in newspapers, magazines and online. Her novel, The Deeper, the Bluer, won 1st Place for Mainstream Fiction in the 14th Annual Writer's Digest International Self-Published Book Awards.
      All meetings are on the 4th Monday of the month at the County Health Facility located at 3851 Rosecrans Street in the Sports Arena area. See the web site for directions. www.sdwritersguild.org.

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Directory of San Diego Theaters with their Links

Check out our latest Dramatic Reviews by our own drama queens (I mean queens of drama).

Theatre Review Editor, Peggy Lipscomb-Kazwara is accepting applications from qualified persons for inclusion on our review staff. We are especially looking for someone to cover North County. Please contact her at pslips@cox.net.

   I Do I Do   

Reviewed by Kathy Carpenter

The Lawrence Welk theatre presents I Do I Do through March 7. Matinees 1:00pm Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Evening shows 8:00pm Thursdays and Saturdays. www.welktheatressandiego.com.

Have you ever wondered what . . . MORE

LOST IN YONKERS

The Old Globe Theater, now through February 28, 2010.
Contact 619-23-GLOBE or www.TheOldGlobe.org

Review by Peggy Lips-Kaz

Hold on to your seats and break out your wallet. This is THE show to . . . MORE

Postmortem

Reviewed by Kathy Carpenter

presented by New Vision Theatre Company
At the Sunshine Brooks Theatre 217 Coast Highway, Oceanside
www.nvtheatre.org or www.sunshinebrookstheatre.com
Now playing through February 14, 2010.

Do you like to play Sherlock? It always fun to solve a mystery
. . . MORE

– presented by Triad Productions, playing at the Tenth Avenue Performance Annex, 930 Tenth Ave, San Diego. Contact www.triadprod.com for tickets. It is playing now through January 30, 2010.

Review by Peggy Lips-Kaz

There is some good talent showcasing in this play . . . MORE

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BOOK REVIEW:
POLICE AND PUBLIC
SECURITY IN MEXICO

Edited by Robert A. Donnelly and David A. Shirk

Book Review by: Dennis Moore

January 13, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)--Yajaira Mota Orozco,a San Diego mother of two children, lost her life while eating at a restaurant in Tijuana. During December, she became the . . . MORE

LOCAL AUTHOR OFFERS TREASURIES
FOR DOG AND CAT LOVERS

Written by Richard Lederer

Review by Dennis Moore

If you're looking for last-minute holiday gifts for the pet lovers on your list, I heartily recommend Richard Lederer's newest books. Most of us are either a cat lover or a dog lover--though Lederer, author of A Treasury for Cat Lovers and A Treasury for Dog Lovers, seems to be . . . MORE

The Straight-Up Truth About the Down Low

By Joy Marie

Book Review by Dennis Moore

December 9, 2009 (San Diego) -- While having dinner at a friend’s home this past Thanksgiving, my friend told me that her friend’s husband had left her after more than 30 years of marriage for a man that he had been having a homosexual relationship with for years. This occurrence, which seems to be more commonplace than previously thought, is the topic profiled in The Straight-Up Truth About The Down-Low, a book written two co-authors using the pseudonym Joy Marie.

The topic of this book seems to be our dirty little secret, at least in the black community, mostly because . . . MORE

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of your favorite book or restaurant

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