Picayune Writers Group 8th Annual Free Writers Symposium lineup: Melinda Taliancich Falgoust

     Author and speaker Melinda Taliancich Falgoust bears a strong resemblance to a steam roller, although a delightful one. She speaks, teaches, encourages, acts, operates puppets and generally performs at high speed as she careens through life. One of the stops on her path will be the 8^th Annual Picayune Writers Group Free Symposium on Saturday, September 24. 

Melinda Taliancich Falgoust speaks in pirate regalia

     Falgoust, author of award-winning children’s literature, brings energy and information into her presentations. She has appeared across the country at library events, book store events, writing events and educator events. Wherever she goes, she brings interactive learning to the group. 

     She has spoken at past PWG Symposium’s and been a crowd favorite with her techniques of drawing the entire audience into her presentation. Both children and adults respond to her fast-paced demonstrations and experiments. 

     Some of her presentations include puppets, while others include props such as treasure chests and pirate costumes. She utilizes her acting background as well as her writing skills to enliven her subjects and share her wisdom. When Falgoust arrives, the fun begins.

     Check out her book titles:

·                * Her Royal Majesty, The Superhero Bride of Frankenstein

·               *  The Gubbins Club: The Legend of Charlie’s Gold

·               *  Lousy Liver

·               *   The Eye of the Storm: A.R.I.E.S. Files #1

·               *   Footprints

     She’s also appeared in many periodicals. Her award-winning work makes her a favorite at conferences such as the Fay B. Kaigler Children’s Book Festival, held at USM, Hattiesburg.

     In addition to her writing and speaking, Falgoust has added the hat of publisher with the introduction of Wagging Tales Press. Visit Falgoust’s website for more on this amazing lady.

     Meet Melinda Taliancich Falgoust at the 8^th Annual Picayune Writers Group Free Writers Symposium. This year’s theme - Priming the Pump Getting the Words to Flow - promises an inspiring and fun-filled day. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. with a complimentary continental breakfast. The presentations begin at 9 a.m. The group provides a substantial lunch for attendees and a Parade of Prizes.

     Attendees can sign up for a slot to read an excerpt from their own work (on a space available basis). The conference ends at 4 p.m. Throughout the day, guests will have the opportunity to chat with the speakers and local authors, as well as purchase their books. 

     The Symposium takes place in Holland Hall at Margaret Reed Crosby Memorial Library, 900 Goodyear Blvd., Picayune, MS. Writers and prospective writers in all genres are welcome. Please feel free to share this post with anyone you feel may be interested.

Murdered by Country Music by Dianne Harman

     When a group of friends agree to help staff a food truck for a country music festival, they have no idea they will be next door to murder. The Red Pony food truck offers a delicious menu of food, but will the entrée be overshadowed by deadly events? Dianne Harman brings her High Desert Cozy Mystery crew back for a third adventure, this one filled with food, art, music and nefarious dealings. 

     Psychic Laura James owns the compound where the six friends hatch their plans for the festival. Her artist-boyfriend Les Anderson has joined the festivities. Laura’s sister Marty Morgan is engaged to Detective Jeff Combs of the Palm Springs Police Department. Marty’s background in art and antiques appraisal ties in nicely with Laura’s work for an insurance company. John Anderson, owner of The Red Pony food truck, is always trying out his new recipes on the little group. He and his assistant Max Samuel brought samples of the planned menu for the upcoming music festival to reward the volunteers.

     While the six seem well suited to work together for the few days of the High Desert Country Music Festival, a problem soon develops: Jacque Ruchon, John’s main rival will be part of the Festival, too. All of the ingredients are present for cooking up a recipe of trouble.

     Harman’s core characters are adults, well-established along career tracks. Watching them deal with the youth factor at a music festival brings a light element to the story, while Marty’s involvement with an art appraisal for the owner of the ranch housing the festival lends a warm family touch. Woven throughout the story are the intrigues of a competitive business and people with addiction issues.

     As befits a cozy mystery, the violence takes place off-page, the language is mild and sexual innuendo is kept to a minimum. Harman’s deft handling of the multitude of work roles involved makes for an enjoyable jaunt into a dangerous world. Are you brave enough to visit the High Desert world she describes?

     This book will appeal to readers who like mysteries without grim bloody descriptions. The art aspects of Marty’s appraisal work will delight art enthusiasts. The volume includes recipes for many of the dishes served in the story, making it a treat for cooks.

Murdered by Country Music: A High Desert Cozy Mystery

By Dianne Harman

Available in both print and ebook formats

Disclaimer: This review is based on a review copy provided by the author or publisher with no constraints as to content. All opinions are my own.

Frank Ladner offers free video short on YouTube

Indie filmmaker Frank Ladner

Poplarville, Mississippi offers many interesting characters and surprising amenities. One of the most delightful has proven to be indie filmmaker Frank Ladner. His first full length movie, a Southern mockumentary entitled "Hickory Never Bleeds," won several awards at area film festivals following its premiere in 2012. It's available on DVD.

"Max Peril," his second mockumentary, released in 2015 and is still making the rounds of film festivals, garnering multiple awards. It should be available for purchase in early 2016.

Both films have video trailers on YouTube for your pleasure. Don't miss the blooper reels, as well. 

While you're waiting for Max to collect his trophies, you can enjoy a free short video on YouTube. Unlike the movies, "Almost Mine - Post-Apocalyptic Romantic Comedy Short Film" offers a scripted story with two charming stars as survivors of an apocalypse, struggling to scrape out a living.

You can check out my Examiner.com article on the video here.

Let me know what you think of "Almost Mine."

Book Review: "High Society Down" by C. R. Moore

When a well-to-do couple retires to a small town in Mississippi, they connect with others who have the same concerns: society is crumbling and those who are wise must prepare for the fall of everything. Using this premise as a starting point, author C.R. Moore has written ‘High Society Down,’ a debut novel filled with parties and preparations. Consider the theme as “Surviving with a Flair.”

Read the review in its entirety here.

Sharing an insightful post by Elizabeth Hunter

This image and others related to the writing world are available on products in the BOTR Press store at Cafe Press.

 From time to time, I come across an article or blog post of interest to those in the writing world. When I can, I share the information. Today I opened my email to a regular message from "The Passive Voice," a newsletter I love. As always, there were a number of intriguing subjects covered. (If you don't already get this free newsletter, you can sign up at ThePassiveVoice.com.)

The newsletter highlighted a post about the business of writing by Elizabeth Hunter.  "Ten Things I Learned about Publishing in 2015" provides a great overview of many of the issues we face on the business side of writing. Take a few minutes to read her thoughts and let me know if you agree or disagree with her perspectives. I look forward to your feedback.

And here's wishing you a great 2016, gang.

Writers need reviewers and here are ways to find them

Every author needs reviews of her work to help future readers make the decision to read her book. The big question becomes, where can an author find reviewers to write those reviews? Here are some ideas of where to track down reviewers.

Even before the book is published, check review sites online. An internet search for “book reviews of [genre]” will provide a strong starting point. Sites already publishing those types of reviews will be likely resources to find reviewers. Some sites, such as RT Book Reviews, specialize in providing reviews in a genre. Approach the review writers listed there and ask if they are available and interested in reviewing your book. Read the fine print on the site; some sites charge to review your book.

Are you member of a writing group or book club? Ask fellow members to read and review your book for you. People you know will be more likely to follow through for you than strangers.

Donate a copy of your book to the local library and ask the staff to review the book for you. How about your local independent bookseller?

Have you met fellow writers at a writing conference? Contact them as potential reviewers.

Check your social media connections for people who will be likely candidates. A blanket post requesting reviewers may get names of interested readers, but evaluate them as to appropriateness before handing over your manuscript. Just because a reader is willing doesn’t mean he’s a good match. Is the book in his area of interest or expertise? Have you seen other reviews he has written?

Look for bloggers in your genre. The blogger may be interested in reviewing your book for the blog. Read the content for several posts to make sure the blogger’s tastes and views parallel your own. If the two of you have dramatic differences of perspective, your book may not get a fair consideration.

Don’t overlook print media. Your local newspaper may provide a venue for book reviews. Regional magazines, newsletters in related industries and organizational magazines can all provide potential reviewers. Choose outlets with an interest in your genre for best results.

Does your publisher have a place for reviews on the company website? Check there for names of potential reviewers. Ask your editor or publicist for names. They have a stake in getting reviews for your book and should be able to provide at least a few names.

Is your book on online sites? Make sure your author information there lets readers know you appreciate their reviews. Tell them how important their reviews are to you and ASK for the review.

Check with other authors in your genre. A mention from someone in the field can carry a lot of weight. Who do you respect in your genre? Who do you read? Contact those writers and ask if they would be interested in reviewing your book. If they say yes, great. If not, thank them nicely and ask if they can suggest someone.

If you sell the book in person, be sure to ask each purchaser to leave a review at his site of choice. Explain how precious his opinion is to you.

People willing to give you a review may not know where to put it. Remind them of the bookseller sites and various book-oriented sites such as GoodReads and Shelfari. If they aren’t willing to post on those sites, offer to post it on your own website or social media page, with their permission. 

Always ask for the review. In every interview you give, article you write and presentation you give, remind people how important reviews are to writers.

Above all, make sure to acknowledge the people who provide you with a review. A comment on an online review or a thank you note or email will let the reviewer know you saw the review and appreciated the time invested there.