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Scottsdale Society of Women Writers welcomes Hayley Rose, award winning children’s author as speaker

June 8, 2016 by pbrooks

SCOTTSDALE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS

 

Welcomes Hayley Rose

Award Winning Children’s Book Author

 hayley rose headshot-2

WHAT:          Monthly Speaker/Dinner Meeting

Camaraderie for writers and speaker/member book signings

 

WHEN:          WED June 29th at 5:30-7:30 pm

 

WHERE:       Franciscan Renewal Center

5802 E. Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale

Piper Hall, Serra Room (see directions below)

 

HOW:             Please – RSVP now to Patricia L. Brooks, president/founder

Cell 480-250-5556 or patricia@plbrooks.com

WHY:             The Scottsdale Society of Women Writers gives members access to events of interest, a format for exchanging ideas, an opportunity to network with other women writers and authors, an alliance with businesses relating to writing and publishing, and camaraderie and support.

 

SPEAKER: Hayley Rose – award winning children’s book author

Hayley Rose is a #1 best-selling, award-winning author, dedicated to bringing fun, educational and inspiring books to kids through her brand Books by Hayley Rose.

In 2012 Hayley was selected as one of “The Top 50 Writers You Should Be Reading” by the AuthorsShow.com.   Hayley’s children’s books have won numerous literary awards, including the prestigious Mom’s Choice Awards®,  KART Kids Book List Award®, Creative Child Magazine’s Preferred Choice® and five Reader’s Favorite International Book Awards®, an honor she shares alongside actor Jim Carrey and author Sheri Fink.

 

Expand your presence and get noticed! Are you about to publish your book? Join Hayley as she shares her secrets to becoming a #1 best-selling, award-winning author, discussing everything from Amazon category listings, Goodreads giveaways to school visits and more. “It’s not a competition, it’s a community.”

 

Website: www.hayleyrose.com Hayley Rose

Multi-Award-Winning & Best-Selling Amazon Author

Fifo the Bear book series and The Do’s and Don’ts have been honored by:

Readers Favorite Awards, Mom’s Choice Awards,

Purple Dragonfly Book Awards, USA Best Book Awards

National Indie Excellence Awards, Kids Kart Foundation Selection

International Book Awards & Creative Child Magazine’s Creative Child Awards

Visit my website: www.booksbyhayleyrose.com * www.facebook.com/booksbyhayleyrose

See notes below for dinner fees, meeting format and location directions.  Thank you.

 

BUFFET MENU:  Deli Tray (meats), Cheeses, Bread/Butter, Garden Salad, Pasta Salad, Vegetable Salad, Fruit Display, Dessert, Coffee, Tea, Tax and Gratuity.  Self Service.

 

PRICES: $25 for members and $30 guests.  Cash or check at the door.

 

RSVP Please RSVP by Friday, prior to the meeting.  The FRC needs to order food and I must give an estimate to the FRC at that time, and a guarantee by Sunday! That is the deadline for an RSVP – Sunday morning at the latest!

 

CANCELLATION: If you do not attend the meeting, and do not cancel before noon on Sunday, you will be billed for the dinner. Thank you for your understanding of the situation with the new host and my contract with the FRC

 

CHECKS or cash:  Please make your check payable to (SSWW) Scottsdale Society of Women Writers prior to coming to the meeting to save time at the check-in.  Thank you.

 

CHECK-IN:  Please check-in between 5:00 and 5:30 to begin the buffet that is available at 5:15. The meeting starts promptly at 6:00.  All those attending the meeting must pay for the dinner/room/speaker – cost noted above.  Pick up your name badge up at the front table and ENJOY a wonderful night!

 

AGENDA:  The agendas will be on the dinner table – always a lot of wonderful information for you – including the schedule of upcoming meeting speakers.

 

DIRECTIONS: From the 101 freeway exit McDonald to Scottsdale Road (go north to Lincoln) or exit from the 101 on Indian Bend to Scottsdale Road (go south to Lincoln) then west to the FCR.  There is construction at the FCR, take a LEFT follow the arrows and circle around to the back right.  Piper Hall is straight to the back, to the left or west of the church.  You can also enter to the right and park to the east of the church, a longer walk.  Note – additional lighting has been added, along with more signage.  We are in the Serra Room/Piper Hall.

 

Goals of the Group

 

  • Value all the professional women writers seeking to share their expertise
  • Honor all genres and all forms of professional writing
  • Attend monthly meetings to move the group and its members forward
  • Learn and share in the experiences of monthly professional speakers
  • Grow the group to a membership of active and contributing women
  • Encourage participation by members as presenters, mentors, judges and volunteers
  • Support and challenge each other to always be writing
  • Help members to stretch as writers and reach lofty personal goals
  • Have fun, meet trustworthy women writers, share dreams

Filed Under: Blogroll, Featured post, SCOTTSDALE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS Tagged With: authors, books, children's books, hayley rose, publishing, SCOTTSDALE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS, women writers, writer, writing

Scottsdale Society of Women Writers welcomes Anna Questerly

June 4, 2015 by patricia

SCOTTSDALE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS

 

 Mel Promo color

WHO:             Scottsdale Society of Women Writers

 

WHAT:          Monthly Speaker/Dinner Meeting

Camaraderie for writers and speaker/member book signings

 

WHEN:          WED June 24th 2015 at 5:30-7:30 pm

 

WHERE:        Chaparral Suites Resort, 5001 N, Scottsdale Rd., at the 4th Floor Grille

 

HOW:             Please – RSVP now to Patricia L. Brooks, president/founder

Cell 480-250-5556 or patricia@plbrooks.com

 

WHY:             The Scottsdale Society of Women Writers gives members access to events of interest, a format for exchanging ideas, an opportunity to network with other women writers and authors, an alliance with businesses relating to writing and publishing, and camaraderie and support.

 

SPEAKER/Presentation:  Writing is a journey and we’re always learning, but Point of View is one of those skills I wish I had known when I first began writing. Point of View is so much more than simply first, second, or third person, omniscient or limited. Learn the secrets of how to effectively use POV to tell your best story and deepen your connection with your readers. Understanding Point of View unlocks the next level in novel writing.

 

Anna Questerly is a bookseller at Dog-Eared Pages bookstore in Phoenix, AZ and author of The Minstrel’s Tale I, II, & III and Pangaea: A Utopian Fantasy for adults written as AJ Questerly. www.annaquesterly.com

 

 

www.annaquesterly.com or find Anna Questerly on Facebook and Twitter

Anna’s books are available in bookstores and online:

The Minstrel’s Tale Trilogy

Strategic Rewriting

The Book People and Other Tales

Pangaea

 

 

See notes below for dinner fees, meeting format and location directions.  Thank you.

 

MENU:  A light dinner – salad or sandwich and soup, dessert, beverage and roll with tax and gratuity included – make your choice the night of the meeting.

 

COST:  Members $28 (effective Feb, 2015) and Guests $30

 

RSVP   Please RSVP by noon Monday – prior to the meeting.  If you cannot attend after RSVP, please resend before noon the Tuesday before.  Thank you.

 

CHECKS or cash:  Please make your check payable to (SSWW) Scottsdale Society of Women Writers prior to coming to the meeting to save time at the check-in.  Thank you.

 

CHECK-IN:  Please check-in between 5:00 and 5:45.  The meeting starts promptly at 6:00.  All those attending the meeting must pay to attend the dinner/room/speaker – cost noted above.  Pick up your name badge at the front table and ENJOY a wonderful night!

 

CANCELLATION:  If you are unable to attend the meeting, please cancel by the Monday prior to the meeting – and by noon.  Thank you.

 

AGENDA:  The agendas will be on the dinner table – always a lot of good information for you and the schedule of the upcoming speakers.

 

DIRECTIONS:  Located in Scottsdale Rd at Chaparral Rd just north of Old Town.  Chaparral Rd has a light.  Parking is to the rear – two large lots.  Note: Best to enter from the side elevator at the 4th Floor Grille – not the main lobby.

 

From the 101 freeway exit Chaparral Rd and go west.  Just prior to Scottsdale Rd enter the side drive at the 4th Floor Grille – take that elevator.  Note awning marked 4th Floor Grille on the Chaparral side.  This is the easiest way – Not through the main lobby.  Welcome!

 

Goals of the Group

 

  • Value all the professional women writers seeking to share their expertise
  • Honor all genres and all forms of professional writing
  • Attend monthly meetings to move the group and its members forward
  • Learn and share in the experiences of monthly professional speakers
  • Grow the group to a membership of active and contributing women
  • Encourage participation by members as presenters, mentors, judges and volunteers
  • Support and challenge each other to always be writing
  • Help members to stretch as writers and reach lofty personal goals
  • Have fun, meet trustworthy women writers, share dreams

Filed Under: Blogroll, Featured post, SCOTTSDALE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS Tagged With: Anna Questerly, books, Dog Earred Pages Bookstore, editing, fiction, Memoir, publish, SCOTTSDALE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS, women writers, writer, writing

Holly Parsons – soulful poet to speak to Scottsdale Society of Women Writers on December 19th!

December 4, 2012 by patricia

SCOTTSDALE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS
CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS
With us and Poet and Author Holly Parsons
A special meeting is planned – welcome!
WHO:   Scottsdale Society of Women Writers
WHAT: Monthly Speaker/Dinner Meeting
WHERE: Chaparral Suites Resort, 5001 N, Scottsdale Rd. NE corner – Enter off Chaparral Rd – 4th Floor Grill entrance, then left to the Cactus Room
WHEN: DEC 19th, 2012 – Wed. 5:30-7:30

HOW:
PLEASE – RSVP
See Details Below

Patricia L. Brooks, president/founderCell 480-250-5556 or patricia@plbrooks.com
WHY: The Scottsdale Society of Women Writers gives members access to events of interest, a format for exchanging ideas, an opportunity to network with other women writers and authors, an alliance with businesses relating to writing, publishing, camaraderie and support.
SPEAKER HOLLY PARSONS
Bio – Holly Parsons studied journalism at San Diego State University.  She subsequently held the position of sub-editor for the Fiji Sun and feature writer for 5 years. As Editorial Assistant she edited  “The Journal” at the University of the South Pacific; she also acted as founding editor of Prime Times Magazine. She is author of “Soul of a Woman A Poetic Journey in Love and Life” her poetry is published in the Arizona Centennial Poetry Anthology 2012.  She has been honored by the President of Ireland for her poem honoring the life of Deirdre O’Connell and her poetry graces the pages of numerous corporate and community websites.  www.Holly@HollyParsons.com
Talk – In the spring of 2010, a week of thoughtful contemplation produced the ultimate
question “what is mine to do?” The writing of 45 poems in 3 ½ days provided the
answer.  These free form poems formed the foundation for a hundred poems during the following 18 months; written in Haiku, Iambic and Greek meter.  A lifetime of inspiration informs women’s literary influence on community cultures and society at large.  When imagination blends with integrity of intention, provocative power rests at the core of our interpretive. This poet will explore female authors’ potential impact for personal and social transformation.
See notes below
dinner fees, format and location directions. Thank you.
MENU
A light dinner – salad or sandwich and soup, dessert, beverage and roll with tax and gratuity included – make your choice the night of the meeting.
COST $22 for members – $25.00 for guests
CHECKS or cash Please make check payable to Scottsdale Society of Women Writers prior to coming to the meeting to save time at the check-in table. Thank you.
CHECK-IN
Please check-in between 5:15 and 5:45. The meeting starts promptly at 6:00. All those attending the meeting must pay for the dinner/room/speaker. Pick up your name badge and ENJOY!
AGENDAThe agendas will be on the dinner table – always a lot of good INFO for you.
DIRECTIONS:Chaparral Suites is in Scottsdale at Chaparral Rd just north of Old Town. Chaparral Rd has a light. Parking is in the rear – two large parking lots.
Note: best to enter from the middle elevator for the 4th Floor Grille.
From the 101 freeway exit Chaparral Rd and go west. Just prior to Scottsdale Rd enter the side drive at 4th Floor Grille – take that elevator. Note awning marked 4th Floor Grille. This is the easiest way in – NOT through the main lobby.
Goals of the Group
  • Honor all genres and all forms of professional writing
  • Attend monthly meetings to move the group and its members forward
    Learn and share in the experiences of monthly professional speakers
    Grow the group to a membership of active and contributing women
    Encourage participation by members as presenters, mentors, judges and volunteers
    Support and challenge each other to always be writing
    Help members to stretch as writers and reach lofty personal goals
    Have fun, meet trustworthy women writers, share dreams

Filed Under: AZ Authors Association, AZ BOOK PUBLISHERS ASSOC, business consultation, PUBLISHING PICKS, SCOTTSDALE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS Tagged With: author, books, editing, holly parsons, poems, poet, poetry, poets, publishing, reading, SCOTTSDALE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS, women writers, writer

Scottsdale Society of Women Writers invites Jan Holmes Frost to speak Feb 19th

February 20, 2012 by patricia

SCOTTSDALE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS

Welcomes editor/author/speaker to Feb “Leap” Meeting!

WHO: Scottsdale Society of Women Writers and Jan Holmes Frost

WHAT: Monthly Speaker/Dinner Meeting

WHERE: Chaparral Suites Resort, 5001 N, Scottsdale Rd. at Chaparral Rd light, NE corner – Enter off Chaparral Rd – 4th Floor Grill entrance, take elevator, exit 4th floor, left to the Cactus Room

WHEN: Feb 29th Wed 5:30-7:30 – Celebrate your “Leap” with us!

WHY: The Scottsdale Society of Women Writers gives members access to events of interest, a format for exchanging ideas, an opportunity to network with other women writers and authors, an alliance with businesses relating to writing and publishing, and camaraderie and support.

HOW:             PLEASE – RSVP now to Patricia L. Brooks, president/founder

Cell 480-250-5556 or patricia@plbrooks.com See Details Below

SPEAKER:  Jan Holmes Frost janholmesfrost@gmail.com and

www.janholmesfrost.com

How Important Are Your First 100 Words?

They are your sales pitch, your resume, they welcome the reader into the story, or they are a dismal disappointment.

What elements are key to grabbing a reader, or agent or publisher’s attention?

How can you develop an enticing through-line in one or two sentences?

What does your first sentence reveal?

In this Workshop/Discussion you’ll learn the answers, and more.

Jan Holmes Frost received her education in Boston, MA. She is the author of EightThings You Need to Know to Write a Novel and has taught workshops in Texas, Arizona and Colorado, and at the Central California Writer’s Conference.  She works as a managing editor for Fireship Press of Tucson, and also does freelance editing. Her novel, Without Sanctions, a
techno-thriller, is due to be released in early 2012.

notes below for dinner fees, format and location directions.  Thank you.

MENU:  Salad, dessert, beverage and roll or a sandwich/soup, dessert, beverage and roll – both with tax and gratuity included – make your choice the night of the meeting.

COST: $22.00 for members – $25.00 for guests (able to visit twice before joining)

CHECKS:  Please make check payable to Scottsdale Society of Women Writers prior to coming to the meeting to save time at the check-in table.  Thank you.

CHECK-IN:  Please check-in between 5:15 and 5:45 at the table at the door, the meeting starts promptly at 6:00 – thank you.

(1) Leave your check made payable to SSWW

(2) All those attending the meeting must pay for the dinner/room/speaker

(3)Have your name checked off the RSVP list and Pick-up your name badge

AGENDA:  The agendas will be on the dinner table and the format remains the same.

DIRECTIONS: Chaparral Suites is in Scottsdale at Chaparral Rd just north of Fashion Square Mall – Chaparral Rd has a light.  Parking is in the rear – two large parking lots Note: best to enter from the middle elevator for the 4th Floor Grille.  From the 101 freeway exit Chaparral Rd and go west.  Just prior to Scottsdale Rd enter the side drive at 4th Floor Grille and come up that levator.  There is an awning marked 4th Floor Grille.  This is the easiest way
– not through the lobby.  The parking lots are in the back of the complex.

Goals of the Group

Value all the professional women writers seeking to
share their expertise

  • Honor all genres and all forms of professional
    writing
  • Attend monthly meetings  to move the group and its members
    forward
  • Learn and share in the experiences of monthly
    professional speakers
  • Grow the group to a membership of active and
    contributing women
  • Encourage participation by members as presenters,
    mentors, judges and volunteers
  • Support and challenge each other to always be
    writing
  • Help members to stretch as writers and reach lofty
    personal goals
  • Have fun,  meet trustworthy women writers, share dreams

 

THANK YOU for
your interest in our group!

Filed Under: AZ Authors Association, AZ BOOK PUBLISHERS ASSOC, Blogroll, business consultation, new fiction, SCOTTSDALE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS, Uncategorized, WRITING TIPS FOR YOU Tagged With: articles, authors, books, books and manuscripts, editing, first draft, Jan Holms Frost, manuscript, publish, SCOTTSDALE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS, women writers, writer, writing, writing club, WRITING TIPS FOR YOU

SCOTTSDALE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS – Marcia Fine – Speaker Feb 23rd

February 1, 2011 by patricia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Patricia L. Brooks, president, founder  

SCOTTSDALE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS

480-250-5556 or patricia@plbrooks.com

SCOTTSDALE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS

Wishes you a happy Valentine’s Day!!

MARCIA FINE www.marciafine.com

Every Woman has a Story

Speaker for

Scottsdale Society of Women Writers

 

WHO:             Scottsdale Society of Women Writers

 

WHAT:           Monthly Guest Speaker/Dinner Meeting

 

WHERE:        NEW LOCATION The Chaparral Suites Resort, 5001 N, Scottsdale Rd at Chaparral Rd light, NE corner – enter off Chaparral at 4th Floor Grill entrance, take elevator to the 4th floor, exit and turn left to the Cactus Room

 

WHEN:           5:30 to 7:30, Wed. February 23rd , 2011  

 

WHY: The Scottsdale Society of Women Writers gives members access to events of interest, a format for exchanging ideas, an opportunity to network with other women writers and authors, an alliance with businesses relating to writing and publishing, and camaraderie and support.  

 

HOW:             PLEASE – RSVP now to Patricia L. Brooks, president/founder

Cell 480-250-5556 or patricia@plbrooks.com

 

NOTE:  *See notes below for dinner fees, new format and new location, thank you.

 

SPEAKER:     Marcia Fine: www.marciafine.com blog: http://jeanrubinblog.com

Spending her formative years in South Florida, the only child of New York expatriates with a penchant for the Bohemian lifestyle, Marcia’s best friend was a good book.
  
At Florida State University she majored in English and then taught high school for five years while working toward a Masters degree in English Education and a Certificate of Concentration in Women’s Studies. Marcia also taught freshman composition at Arizona State University.
In 2000 Marcia began to pursue her dream of writing. Having written two satires about the upscale Scottsdale crowd, she then took a different direction and completed two more books.
Marcia’s fifth novel, Stressed in Scottsdale, expands her satirical series about Jean Rubin into the arena of politics and the environment. With her unique eye she pokes fun at the denizens of an upscale community while tackling serious issues of corruption and air quality issues.
 
Marcia states her motivation quite simply…
 

MARCIA FINE   “Every Woman has A Story!”

Marcia is going to share how she has formatted a writing career in two different genres to become a prize-winning author.  Eleven years ago she had the desire to write, stories to tell and nothing written down. The journey of lessons learned, her encouragement and suggestions will inspire you!

“I love the written word.  I have stories to tell.”

 

 

*There are changes to the menu and the cost of the meeting, and the way you pay for your meal at the meeting.  Please note all our changes below.

 

MENU:  Salad and dessert, beverage and roll or a sandwich and dessert, beverage and roll – both with tax and gratuity included – make a CHOICE the night of the meeting.

 

COST:  The $22.00 is the cost for members.  Guests will pay $25.00 and will again be able to visit two times before being asked to join us. 

 

CHECKS:  Please make your check out to Scottsdale Society of Women Writers PRIOR to coming to the meeting to save time at the check-in table.  Thank you.

 

CHECK-IN:  Please check-in between 5:00 and 5:45 at the table at the door so we can start the meeting promptly at 6:00. 

(1) Leave your check made payable to Scottsdale Society of Women Writers

(2) Have your name checked off the RSVP list

(3) Pick-up your name badge – your receipt for the food server to identify you as paid 

 

AGENDA:  The agendas will be on the dinner table and the format remains the same. 

 

ROOM:  Cactus Room – fourth floor of Chaparral Suites just off the center elevator, immediately to the left of the 4th Floor Grille.  See directions below for this elevator and parking. Facing the 4th Floor Grille exiting this elevator, do not enter the Grille, take an immediate left.  We are in the Cactus Room, a banquet room just a few yards away.

 

DIRECTIONS: Chaparral Suites is in Scottsdale at Chaparral Road and Scottsdale Road on the north/east corner and just north of Fashion Square Mall – Chaparral Road has a light.  Parking is in the rear – two large parking lots – best to enter from the middle elevator for the 4th Floor Grille.

 

From the 101 freeway exit Chaparral Road and go west.  Just prior to Scottsdale Road enter the side drive where it says 4th Floor Grille and come up that elevator – it is in the center of the hotel complex.  There is an awning marked 4th Floor Grille.  This is the easiest way in – not through the lobby.  The parking lots are in the back on the north end of the complex. 

 

 

THANK YOU

 

Patricia L. Brooks

President and founder

Scottsdale Society of Women Writers

patricia@plbrooks.com

480-250-5556 cell

 

Filed Under: AZ Authors Association, AZ BOOK PUBLISHERS ASSOC, Blogroll, new fiction, PUBLISHING PICKS, SCOTTSDALE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS, WRITING TIPS FOR YOU Tagged With: author, books, chaparral suites resort, every woman has a story, fiction, genres, humor, jean rubin, marcia fine, prize winning author, publishing, satire, SCOTTSDALE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS, speaker, stories, stressed in scottsdale, women writers, writer, writing, written word

Book Review – Remnants/ready for new life by our author Kiki Swanson – congrats Kiki

December 9, 2009 by patricia

 

BOOK REVIEW

 

Remnants – Ready for New Life

 

Kiki Swanson (Brooks Goldmann, $19.95)

This captivating volume will appeal to lovers of warm climates, active retirement communities, volunteerism, paying it forward and living life to the fullest in retirement.

In early 2004, Daisy Mac Duff moved into the active and well-appointed retirement community of La Ventura located in Scottsdale, AZ.  She left behind many friends over the years when she moved with her husband on many transfers, eventually moving to the desert of AZ.

Her children also live in AZ and, on occasion, keep her busy with their lives.  But Daisy needs the camaraderie of “soul” mates, friends her age who share happy memories of her past and her current pursuit of happiness.

Her grief for her husband had consumed several years of her life and now it is time to share her future with friends, new and old.  She seeks the companionship of her women friends from all parts of the country by writing and asking them to join her in Scottsdale. 

Soon a strong and steady flow of letters begin to appear in her mailbox.  Both the flamboyant red-head pianist Clarissa and the demure preacher’s wife Beth write immediately.  Others come in as quickly as you can say “out west”, such as Martha, the one seeking a new AA recovery group.

Daisy accumulates the letters, which often stretch into reminiscing of old places that bring back memories, such as with Mary Ann, Martha’s sister.  While some were meant to just read and smile or listen to what was really being said.  Beth is one of those with her quiet tone and gentle way.

From the window of Daisy’s retirement life at La Ventura you sense her yearning for the friendships she knew in the past with each of these women responding.  You will visualize Daisy with her friends enjoying their later years being productive in community while dealing with what life gives out. Practicing her mother’s philosophy, Daisy learns again how to accept life without losing her own character as some say yes and some say no to her suggestion to community life with her and the others.

You imagine the startling effects of a group of women coming together by one woman’s will to make them a family.  This joining of creative, active, senior women together in a new life with a fresh start from a divorce or widowhood, retirement alone or loneliness of any kind, gives them “wind at their backs”.  They go into the unknown of “later in life” friendships in a commune environment.  With Daisy behind them, pushing them with a force in the direction of giving back, serving God and enjoying every moment as if it were their destiny is their new life.

This is the story of a community formed and developed by a bunch of well educated, interesting, creative and productive caring women who with no real plans for their later years take a “leap of faith” and let a long time friend bring them together.  Because of this, they later will write their recipes for success, their ideas for mentoring, their last wishes, their obituaries and their insights and feelings about things they hold dear in their Tuesdays at Three writing group.

Some still have strong feelings and reservations about the success of the idea, such as the couple of men Daisy befriends early in the story.  But at the onset, the five of nine women who say yes “let’s just do it” are more than happy to reach out to others and not isolate elsewhere.  The men in turn become vital to the women’s friendships.

Here you will learn about many things, from loss and grief (incurred by all of them) to alcoholism (the elements of AA) to the medical issues too familiar to all of us.  The spring writing group for life’s philosophies gives many insights into all of them, and surely in to you too.

It is a satisfying and rewarding read and you get the feeling they are having a really wonderful time living out their lives together in a “village.” Being grateful for everyday, their mantra is to rise above the past, adjust to change and hear the music.  If humor and good taste can be a contradiction in terms, Remnants defies the idea and makes you smile as you look for the sunshine in life.

Kiki Swanson is fearless as she addresses real issues for all seniors (Baby Boomer types too) such as divorce, widowhood, alcoholism, dating, health restraints and life’s disappointments while believing resiliency is the key.  There is a lot of good old fashioned fun here that anyone considering a retirement community or living in one now can relate to on many levels.  Maybe the putting of these things in writing, including their last wishes, is more entertainment than any part of sadness and is what endears them to us.

One of my favorite parts of the story is the thread that weaves their leader Daisy and her perseverance in making things happen, sharing conversation with her dog Curly and learning late in life of her husband’s “secret life” and her son’s need for “care and understanding.” The mystery and unveiling is part of the intrigue.

Remnants-ready for new life acknowledges that it is not above the fray of recognizing the human frailty in all of us.  Everyone has moments of despair and sadness, coupled with anger.  Realizing in this read that it is in fact the ride of taking us “home” to our friends and faith in our “golden years” that sustains us, Kiki Swanson shows us it is possible to succeed to the end.

We have all spiraled out of the darkness of grief and divorce or alcoholism or life’s disappointments and up into something beautiful because someone listened.  We have all known love because someone cared, someone was there when we prayed about it and God answered.

Surely Remnants-ready for new life will be that kind of eye opening, heartwarming book you want with the memory of your life.  This work and these stories will help you put the past right where it belongs and your life ready for the surprises that lay ahead.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Patricia L. Brooks, MAOM

Publishing Consultant, Author, Speaker

BROOKS GOLDMANN PUBLISHING, LLC

 www.blog.brooksgoldmannpublishing.com

Cell 480-250-5556

 

Kikiswan@cox.net or www.kikiswansonbooks.com for more information or books

Filed Under: AZ Authors Association, AZ BOOK PUBLISHERS ASSOC, Blogroll, brooks goldmann publishing, libraries, new fiction, PUBLISHING PICKS Tagged With: alcoholism, author, book review, brooks goldmann publishing, divorce, family, fiction, friends, golden years, heartwarming book, KIKI SWANSON, later in life, new fiction, novel, obituaries, publish, PUBLISHING PICKS, publishing your vook, relationships for seniors, reminiscing, remnants-ready for new life, retirees, retirement community, retirement in Scottsdale, seret life, success in life, writer, writing, writng group

Book/Peer Review – Live Life to the Max for Robin Reynolds

March 25, 2009 by patricia

Book/Peer Review – Life to the Max

for Robin Reynolds, author

by Patricia L. Brooks, author

Robin Reynolds is hardly the first woman to write the self-help, feel good book for adults or children on life’s lessons, but this creative soul chose an unusual route to what appears to be publishing success.  She has taken the “traditional” self-help, life lessons concept and written it from the voice of her late pet Max who has personality to “the max” and keeps you turning pages.

By passing clichés she writes clear and concise messages with one-liners on lessons for all ages along with the story and experience of this lovable dog that could have only been in Robin’s household.  She has taken the children’s book genre to a new level by including the “big kids” like you and me.  With the reminders we love to remember and the lessons we hold dear, Life to the Max is a journey back in time and you should not miss it.

Originally awarded the “gift award” by the AZ Book Publishers Association this past year, this book has transcended that arena and catapulted itself into self-help.  By gently taking us on a path only a well-bred, sophisticated pooch like Max could take us, we travel all the way to his most critical lessons in life.

Many books about dogs are sappy, and I like dogs, many books for children are not educational, and I am a demanding teacher.  Many books in the self-help genre are insulting and I read about one a month, but this book Robin has written takes all of that to task and shines through a different view – that of a lovable family pet.

Robin has found her niche in children’s books by utilizing the voice of an animal to tell “big kids” and children about life.  Her work should be lauded for its fine writing, graceful lessons, good humor, beautiful illustrations, and fun photos and of course the philosophy behind it all.

I commend Robin and Max for doing an outstanding job, along with the other characters she developed to make this a family we would want to know and have as neighbors.   I recommend this book to any of you as a gift giving idea for any “big kid” or smaller child on your list – self-help genre is a natural for gift giving. 

We are in challenging times and many are seeking quiet and spiritual moments.  I was moved to tears while reading this beautiful book and all the issues it addresses and all the lessons it reminded me were possible to revisit and love again. 

Thank you Robin www.nicecreative.blogspot.com for rolling the dice and taking a shot at a new type of writing for you, we are all the better for it.  We appreciate your courage in telling this very personal and heartfelt story that needed to be out there to be useful to many readers young and “forever young.”

Patricia L. Brooks, author/publishing consultant info@brooksgoldmannpublishing.com 480-250-5556

Filed Under: AZ Authors Association, AZ BOOK PUBLISHERS ASSOC, Blogroll, Memoir, PUBLISHING PICKS Tagged With: animal wisdom, author, AZ Authors Association, AZ Book Publishers, book review, dog's life, life's lessons, Live life to the Max, memoir, Patricia L. Brooks, peer review, publisher, Robin Reynolds, self-help genre, writer

Scottsdale Society of Women Writers welcomes Dr. Beverly Browning

December 5, 2008 by patricia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Contact:          Patricia L. Brooks

Title:                President, Founder

SCOTTSDALE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS

Address:          7970 E. Camelback Rd., 710, Scottsdale, AZ  85251

Cell                  (480-250-5556) anytime

Email:              patricia@plbrooks.com and Web Site: www.plbrooks.com

Blog                https://brooksgoldmannpublishing.com

 

SCOTTSDALE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS

                        Welcomes prolific author Dr. Beverly Browning

The Queen of Self-reinvention as speaker

 

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona, December 2, 2008  Dr.Bev Browning, the bestselling author with Wiley, McGraw –Hill and Harper Collins Audio will share her guerilla survival tips for writers at the Scottsdale Society of Women Writers dinner meeting on Wednesday the 17th of December.  Dr. Browning is scheduled to release her 26th book in 2009, Grant Writing for Dummies – the Third Edition.

 

Women writers are urged to attend and take away Dr. Browning’s tips on how to diversify your revenue streams and stay visible worldwide!   Dr. Browning has ridden the self-employment cycle for nearly 23 years and is the Queen of self-reinvention.  Learn how to create staying power in any economy and build your book business. Glean tips on how to value your professional worth as a writer while considering the possibilities of a partnership for success.  Remember, it’s the artists who are “starving”, not the writers!

 

SSWW meets 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Café Carumba restaurant, 7303 E. Indian School Rd., Old Scottsdale.  Please RSVP if you plan to attend this special event by contacting Patricia at patricia@plbrooks.com or 480-250-5556 cell.

 

Dr. Browning www.grantsconsulting.com has hosted a 13 week radio talk show on the Voice America network and teaches grant-related courses online worldwide.  Bev is a Michigan native and has resided intermittently in Arizona since 1995.  She designs customized grant writing workshops and facilitates training U.S. wide.  In 2009, she is heading to 28 states with her well known two day Grant Writing Boot Camp training program.

 

The Scottsdale Society of Women Writers gives members access to events of interest, a format for exchanging ideas, an opportunity to network with other women authors, an alliance with businesses relating to writing and publishing and camaraderie and support found in no other group.   For more information, see www.plbrooks.com for the SSWW logo and then the Goals and Purpose page.  All guests are invited to attend two meetings before joining this impressive group of women.

 

Filed Under: Blogroll, SCOTTSDALE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS, Uncategorized Tagged With: Bev Browning, Dr. Beverly Browning, goal setting, Grant Writing for Dummies, grantconsulting, inspiration, motivation, planning for 2009, SCOTTSDALE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS, speaker, women writers, writer

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CUT-OFF Noon Friday before – March 21!

MEETING MARCH 25th, 2020

SCOTTSDALE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS

SSWW monthly dinner/speaker meeting

Speaker: VIJAYA SCHARTZ

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Location:  Starfire Golf Club, 11500 North Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ


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Brooks Goldmann
Publishing Company, LLC
7970 E Camelback Rd, #710
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

480-250-5556

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Earl L. Goldmann

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