CONTACT: Eric D. Goodman, Public Relations Director
DATE: Wednesday, April 09, 2008
EMAIL: edgewriter@gmail.com
Lit and Art in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor
Tax season may be upon us, but April does not have to be the cruelest month.
On Sunday, April 20 at 2 p.m., the Watermark Gallery in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor will continue its popular Lit and Art series. Eight local authors will present their fiction and poetry. An original collection of art by local artist Manzar will be on display.
Returning writers include Caryn Coyle, Lauren Beth Eisenberg, Eric D. Goodman, Nitin Jagdish, Eric Kestler, Cliff Lynn, and Deanna Nikaido. Making her Lit and Art debut will be Nancy O. Greene.
A collection of surreal artwork by Manzar will be on display.
Started in October 2007, the Lit and Art series provides a unique opportunity to sample a variety of artistic sensibilities. Like previous events in this series, it is free and open to the public. Complimentary wine and refreshments will be served.
The Watermark Gallery is located in the Bank of America Center, Skywalk Level, right across from the Inner Harbor, at 100 S. Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland. The phone number is (410) 547-0452.
Learn more about the Watermark at their online gallery.
CONTACT: Eric D. Goodman, MWA Public Relations Director
DATE: April 7, 2007
EMAIL: edgewriter@gmail.com
The CityLit Project’s Fifth Annual Celebration of Literature
Poet Afaa Michael Weaver joins authors Lippman, Fesperman, Suri, Carson, and others at the CityLit Festival V.
The fifth edition of the festival takes place on Saturday, April 19, 2008, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Enoch Pratt Free Library. The event is free and open to the public.
Weaver wrote and published poetry while working factory jobs at Procter & Gamble and Bethlehem Steel. He founded 7th Son Press and published the journal “Blind Alleys,” which featured Andrei Codrescu, Frank Marshall Davis, and Lucille Clifton among others. As a freelancer, he has written for the Baltimore Sun, the Boston Globe, the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Chicago Tribune, and the Baltimore Afro-American. He began his teaching career as an adjunct in 1987, teaching at New York University, the City University of New York, Seton Hall Law School, and Essex County College. In 1990, he began at Rutgers Camden and received tenure with distinction there as an early candidate. In 1998, Weaver joined the English Department at Simmons College, where he founded the Zora Neale Hurston Literary Center.
Deputy Mayor Salima Siler Marriott, Pratt Library Executive Director Dr. Carla Hayden, and CityLit Project Executive Director Gregg Wilhelm join the poet at 10:30 to declare April 19 “Afaa Michael Weaver Day.”Weaver reads from The Plum Flower Dance at 2:00.
The Maryland Writers’ Association will be present all day at the Festival—find out more about the MWA and learn how you can become a part of the organization by stopping by the booth.
Meanwhile, three of Baltimore’s most prominent literati share their brand new books at 1:00 in Pratt Library’s Wheeler Auditorium. Tom Hall, Culture Editor for WYPR’s “Maryland Morning,” talks with Dan Fesperman, The Amateur Spy; Laura Lippman, Another Thing to Fall; and Manil Suri, The Age of Shiva.
Dr. Ben Carson, world-renowned pediatric neurosurgeon, shares his insight and advice from Take the Risk: Learning to Identify, Choose, and Live with Acceptable Risk. Dr. Carson presents at 3:00. The Maryland Humanities Council’s Maryland Center for the Book honors its “Letters About Literature” contest winners from around the state at 11:00 with special guest children’s chapter book author Margaret Meacham. S. James Guitard and Victoria Christopher Murray read from and discuss their latest novels, and sports writer John Eisenberg revisits the Barbaro story in his new book. Michael Olesker, Tonight at Six; Diane Scharper, Reading Lips; and contributors to Freshly Squeezed, a new anthology based on writing from the popular “Write Here, Write Now” workshops, all present special pre-publication previews of their new books. Featured authors reading their work from the anthology include Rick Connor, Fernando Quijano III, Nicole Walton, Tamara Keurejian, Barbara Friedland, Holly Myers, Mare Cromwell, Eric D. Goodman, Nancy O. Greene, and Leo Horrigan. For families, Caldecott Honoree and New York Times bestselling children’s book author Carole Boston Weatherford shares her latest book, Freedom on the Menu: The Greensboro Sit-Ins.
Poetry is never in short supply at CityLit Festival. Reggie Harris returns to host “Poetry by Place,” a spoken word tour de force featuring poets who appear at various venues around Baltimore. Poets Ink is back again conducting a workshop and reading.
Attendees are also encouraged to browse and buy at the Literary Marketplace, featuring more than fifty authors, editors, literary journals, presses and organizations.
CityLit Festival is made possible with the support of the Maryland State Arts Council and the Baltimore Office of Promotion and The Arts.
Programs take place throughout the library. A complete schedule of times and locations is available at CityLit’s website below.
Today is the paperback release of The Liar’s Diary by Patry Francis, which has accumulated a number of spectacular reviews, been translated into several languages, and eagerly read by many. And today, over 300 writers will blog about the book which was released by Dutton (hard cover), Plume (paperback), and Brilliance Audio. Patry Francis was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, and while the mother of four employs her grandfather’s motto of “No Kick” and continues to blog and to write, she can not yet take on the traditional amount of extensive promotion required of an author, so a large number of people are chipping in to help out.
The Patry Francis Blog Day is the brainchild of Laura Benedict and was put into motion by her; Patry’s editor, Julie Doughty; her agent, Alice Tasman; her publicist, Laurie Connors; Karen Dionne of Backspace; Susan Henderson of Litpark; Dan Conaway of Writers House; Jessica Keener of Agni; and Brilliance Audio. They’ve put in the legwork to bring together as many people as possible to help Patry and promote the book in almost any fashion, from blogging about today to reviewing The Liar’s Diary.
I haven’t read The Liar’s Diary yet, but will be getting the book soon. Having read excerpts of the work and listened to the audio excerpt provided by Brilliance Audio, I think it is certainly not one to miss.
But because of that fact, when Karen Dionne asked fellow Backspacers to participate, I contemplated joining in on the Blog Day for just a little bit. What would I blog about? I’ve never met her. I haven’t read the book. Sure, I’ve read her blog and excerpts of the work, but what would I say? Ultimately, it was a very simple decision. Like so many others, I wanted to help, plain and simple. Patry Francis has shown an amazing fighting spirit that most of us hope for in such times of pain and crisis, and her situation and the generous support from her family and friends has no doubt inspired us all. Now–for those of us that haven’t yet–it’s time to take it to the bank, further support a fellow writer and human being and purchase a copy of The Liar’s Diary. Without further ado:
In support of Patry Francis and this remarkable blog initiative, Penguin Group USA would like to offer 15% off the paperback edition of The Liar’s Diary when purchased online from us.penguingroup.com until 2/15/2008. On the shopping cart page, enter PATRY in the ‘coupon code’ field and click ‘update cart’ to activate it.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Laurie Connors
A Plume Paperback Plume Publicity
212-366-2222
laurie.connors @ us.penguingroup.com
THE LIAR’S DIARY
A Novel
By Patry Francis
“The new questions and revelations just keep coming…Readers will be heartily rewarded.”—Ladies’ Home Journal
When new music teacher Ali Mather enters Jeanne Cross’s quiet suburban life, she brings a jolt of energy that Jeanne never expected. Ali has a magnetic personality and looks to match, drawing attention from all quarters. Nonetheless, Jeanne and Ali develop a friendship based on their mutual vulnerabilities THE LIAR’S DIARY (Plume / February 2008 / ISBN 978-0-452-28915-4 / $14.00) is the story of Ali and Jeanne’s friendship, and the secrets they both keep.
Jeanne’s secrets are kept to herself; like her son’s poor report card and husband’s lack of interest in their marriage. Ali’s secrets are kept in her diary, which holds the key to something dark: her fear that someone has been entering her house when she is not at home. While their secrets bring Jeanne and Ali together, it is this secret that will drive them apart. Jeanne finds herself torn between her family and her dear friend in order to protect the people she loves.
A chilling tour of troubled minds, THE LIAR’S DIARY questions just how far you’ll go for your family and what dark truths you’d be willing to admit—even to yourself.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Patry Francis is a three-time nominee for the Pushcart Prize whose work has appeared in the Tampa Review, Colorado Review, Ontario Review, and the American Poetry Review. She is also the author of the popular blogs, simplywait.blogspot.com and waitresspoems.blogspot.com. This is her first novel. Please visit her website at www.patryfrancis.com.
Praise for THE LIAR’S DIARY:
“Twists and turns but never lets go.”—Jacquelyn Mitchard, bestselling author of The Deep End of the Ocean
“A quirky, well-written and well-constructed mystery with an edge.”—Publishers Weekly
“Outright chilling.”—New York Daily News
“Genuinely creepy…The unlikely friendship between a small-town school secretary and a flamboyant teacher proves deadly in this psychological murder mystery.”—Kirkus Reviews
“A twisting ride full of dangerous curves and jaw-dropping surprises. This is one of my favorite reads of the year!”—Tess Gerristen, bestselling author of The Mephisto Club
“Francis draws and tense and moody picture of the perfect home and family being peeled back secret by secret…Four Stars.”—Romantic Times
THE LIAR’S DIARY
By Patry Francis
Plume Paperbacks / February 2008 / $14.00
ISBN: 978-0-452-28915-4
Readers Guide available at www.penguin.com
For more information or to schedule an interview with Patry Francis, please contact Laurie Connors, Plume Publicity
212-366-2222 / laurie.connors @ us.penguingroup.com
###
The list of writers, editors, agents, and publishers participating in The Patry Francis Blog Day (from LITPARK):
MARYLAND WRITERS’ ASSOCIATION PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Eric D. Goodman, MWA Public Relations Director
DATE: January 11, 2007
EMAIL: edgewriter@gmail.com
Your Chance to Steer Baltimore Writers
The year’s first monthly meeting of the Maryland Writers’ Association’s Baltimore Chapter is your chance to join in the discussion of what the organization will do in 2008. The event takes place at Ukazoo Books in on Monday, January 28 from 7-9 pm and is free and open to the public.
We’re not having a guest speaker this time — instead, we’re inaugurating what may become an annual tradition, a roundtable member discussion to map out where we’d like the organization to go in the coming year. Topics up for discussion will include meeting dates, venues, topics, guest speakers, activities, the financing of signs for the organization, and more. We will also discuss ways in which to reach out to other writers in the community, how to get more involved with the community and other organizations, and what sorts of activities the MWAB should initiate or participate in during the coming years.
If you are a writer in Baltimore or the surrounding area, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to make your voice heard.
MARYLAND WRITERS’ ASSOCIATION PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Eric D. Goodman, MWA Public Relations Director
EMAIL: edgewriter@gmail.com
Gluckman Brings Espionage and Conspiracy to Baltimore Writers
At the November meeting of the Maryland Writers’ Association Baltimore Chapter, author Geoffrey M. Gluckman brings espionage and conspiracy to Baltimore as he talks about how to use research to add authenticity to fiction, including where to find resources and how to cultivate them. The name of his presentation is Authenticity: Facts in Fiction.
Gluckman is the author of the spy thriller Deadly Exchange, an exciting novel of espionage and conspiracy. To write the thriller, he drew on his experience as a federal agent and recruitment by the CIA, as well as his experience as an exercise physiologist and international lecturer.
*The event takes place in the Barnes and Noble at the Inner Harbor. November 26, 2007 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Looks like another great author is lined up for the MWA 20th Anniversary Conference!
MARYLAND WRITERS’ ASSOCIATION PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Eric D. Goodman, MWA Public Relations Director
DATE: November 2, 2007
EMAIL: edgewriter @ gmail.com
MONTELEONE KEYNOTES MARYLAND WRITERS’ CONFERENCE
Maryland author Thomas F. Monteleone is confirmed as the keynote speaker for the Maryland Writers’ Association 20th Anniversary Conference.
The Conference, which draws writers from across the state of Maryland and beyond, takes place on Saturday, May 3, 2008 from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Maritime Institute of Technology conference center. The address is 692 Maritime Boulevard, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090.
Thomas F. Monteleone has been a professional writer since 1972, and is four-time winner of the Bram Stoker Award. He has published more than 100 short stories in numerous magazines and anthologies. His stories have been nominated for many awards, and have appeared in a number of best-of-the-year compilations.
He has written thirty-six books, including The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Writing a Novel.
Monteleone is one of many successful authors presenting an array of literary topics at the day-long conference.
Join local experts and established writers for an opportunity to hone your craft in sessions led by established authors, instructors, and experts. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, there’s plenty for you at the conference. Come explore the many worlds of writing.
Register now to take advantage of our EARLY BIRD SPECIAL — now through December 31!
To register, or for more information, visit the conference website.
Note to Editors: Thomas F. Monteleone is available for interview. If you would like to write a story about the conference and set up an interview with Mr. Monteleone, please contact the Conference Coordinator, Denise Camacho, at dbcamacho@hotmail.com.
Are you going to be in the Barnes&Noble at the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, MD tomorrow? Why not give to a good cause while you’re at it. When you make your purchases, present a special voucher and a portion will go to The CityLit Project, a non-profit organization that helps to expand the culture of literature in Maryland.
Passing along this press release for what is sure to be an excellent event!
Celebrate 800 years of Persian poet, teacher, and philosopher Rumi at “A Rumi-esque Reading.”
The event takes place at the Watermark Gallery in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor on Sunday, October 21 at 2 p.m. and includes readings of Rumi’s work as well as Rumi-inspired fiction, poetry, artwork, and music. Wine and refreshments will be served.
The Maryland Writers Association (MWA) will be well represented at the event; all three fiction-readers and one of the two poetry-readers are members of the MWA.
Hightlights of “A Rumi-esque Reading” include readings of Rumi’s work as well as Rumi-inspired work from poets Deanna Nikaido and Cliff Lynn.
Three local fiction writers will share their work.
Caryn Coyle will read her story, “She Walks in Beauty,” about a Native American ancestor guiding a twentieth century woman on a spiritual journey
Nitin Jagdish will read “Lines: A Portrait Contemplates Its Audience” and “Fragments from a Backyard Melodrama.”
Eric D. Goodman will read excerpts from Womb, a novel written from the point of view of an unborn child.
“Diverse Expressions,” a collection of surreal artwork by Manza Rassouli-Taylorr, will be on display.
Eastern, Rumi-inspired music will be performed to enhance the mood.
During the intermission as well as after the readings, members will have the opportunity to mingle with the authors, artists, and each other to talk about Rumi’s work and how his spirit lives on in the works of new artists today.
The Watermark Gallery is located in the Bank of America Center Skywalk Level, right across from the Inner Harbor, at 100 S. Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland. The phone number is (410) 547-0452.
Learn more about the Watermark at their online gallery.
I received this e-mail and thought I’d pass it along:
MARYLAND WRITERS’ ASSOCIATION PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Eric D. Goodman, MWA Public Relations Director
DATE: October 3, 2007
EMAIL: edgewriter@gmail.com
PERFECT PLACE FOR MARYLAND WRITERS
A popular location has been set for writers from all across Maryland and the surrounding states to join together.
The Maryland Writers’ Association 20th Anniversary Conference will take place at the Maritime Institute of Technology , in the conference center. The address is 692 Maritime Boulevard, Linthicum Heights, Maryland 21090.
This was the setting for last year’s MWA contest, and the writers in the crowd seemed to agree — this is the perfect place for Maryland Writers to come together and hone their crafts.
The Conference takes place on Saturday, May 3, 2008 from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m..
Join local experts and established writers at the 20th annual Maryland Writers’ Association’s conference. You’ll have the opportunity to hone your craft in sessions led by established authors, instructors, and experts. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, there’s plenty for you at the conference. Come explore the many worlds of writing.
Register now to take advantage of our EARLY BIRD SPECIAL — now through December 31!
To register, or for more information, visit the conference website.
We have received THE MANGO TREE CAFE for entry in the 2008 Pulitzer Prize competition.
The entry is complete with books, entry form, entry fee, bio and photo.
Thank you for your entry.
Sincerely,Claudia Weissberg
— Claudia Stone Weissberg
Website Manager
The Pulitzer Prizes
Columbia University
2950 BroadwayMail Code 3865
New York, NY 10027 USA
212-854-3841 http://www.pulitzer.org
**************************
And, 36 words later…my life is changed.
Taryn Simpson is a freelance ghostwriter who recently completed a novel, “The Mango Tree Cafe, Loi Kroh Road” with her co-author who resides in Beijing, China. The novel is currently competing for a Pulitzer Prize for Best Fiction Novel. Read more about the book here: http://www.MangoTreeCafe-LoiKrohRoad.blogspot.com
Welcome! This blog is an experiment to see if a diverse group of writers--many that have not met in person--coming from different backgrounds, and writing in different genres, can come together to form something worthwhile.
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