Book & Author Festival
August 13, 2005 - 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Celebrate books and reading with us at our Annual Book & Author Festival every August in the Village - presenting the Central Coast Authors Showcase! Located on the Oldhan Promenade Park (the parking lot behind Gina's Italian Restaurant, west of the Gazebo).
An impressive lineup of authors is on tap for the annual Arroyo Grande Village Book and Author Festival. Free to the public, the occasion is a notable opportunity for readers of all ages to meet and speak with local writers whose works represent a wide array of genres.
The Festival, sponsored by the Arroyo Grande Village Improvement Association and the Authors Marketing Coalition, is billed as The Central Coast Authors’ Showcase and offers a wide variety of activities for young and old. Included are readings by the authors from their works of fiction, workshops on non-fiction subjects, an appearance of "Mother Goose," and a children’s story-telling section with special readings.
Authors Attending
Featured will be well-known local authors (some have appeared at prior Festivals and are now presenting new works) as well as writers new to the event, eager to share their recently published exciting, entertaining, and informative works.
Mary Moses is a long-time resident of the County who is well known in both Artists and Writers circles. She writes both fiction and non-fiction, using her family name of Jane Dennison for her fiction works, and Mary Moses for non-fiction. Several non-fiction books were co-authored, all of which center on financial and retirement planning for women. (The first titled "No More Bag Lady Fears; a Woman’s Guide to Retirement Planning"), A recent best sellers in her non-fiction class is a third volume of "Morro Bay Remembered." This series records memories of well-known personalities of the town during the years following WWII. Her fiction titles include "Stella’s Search," a ghostly mystery, and "Ship of Secrets, " an exploration of devious minds.
JoAnn Heintz is the dynamo who currently leads the Authors Marketing Coalition. She currently resides in Santa Maria after several years in Arroyo Grande where she is well-known in the business community. She has produced a "Second Marriage Album" that is both attractive and useful, filling a need for the bride who marries a second time. She also works with individuals in writing their autobiographies, and has several of these valued productions to her credit.
Evelyn Cole, MA, MFA, The Whole-mind Writer, writes essays on the unconscious mind, as well as novels and poetry. Her current adult fiction works include "For the Sake of All Others," and "A Tough Journey." Her latest book of poetry is whimsically titled "Holy Crow."
Currently at home with her husband John in rural Arroyo Grande, Evelyn finds time for daily ping-pong sessions as well as regular visits to her daughter living in Australia. She doesn’t need to travel far to see her second daughter. She lives just next door!
M.J. Munro now lives in Arroyo Grande, where she was born, following many years in a variety of places within San Luis Obispo County. Munro’s ancestors were among the earliest settlers to recognize the bountiful potential of the Arroyo Grande Valley and in many cases their family tales form the basis for her work. Her writings are classed as historical fiction and center on the homelier aspects of pioneer life and those individuals who laid the foundation for the more grand epics of history. Her two current books are "O’Halloran Land" and "Tracks on the Big Sur," and are a look at pioneer life on the North Coast of SLO County. She is currently at work on a novel centered on the life of a Pacific Coast deep-water commercial fisherman.
Catherine (Rena) Wallace lives in Nipomo, CA, where she has put together a collection of authentic recipes handed down from relatives in her native Scotland. The cookbook, titled "Special Recipes from Scotland," includes information about the traditions and special holidays of the country, as well as a section of recipes suitable for children to prepare. It will also give the proper rituals for preparing and serving afternoon tea! The book is clothed in the colorful McDonald tartan, McDonald being the middle name of the author, the middle name of her father, and the maiden name of her grandmother.
Over 150 recipes are offered, complete with adjustments from her Scottish ancestors’ "teacup" measurements to the American standard.
"Pam" Taylor Copeland writes easy, simple verse from the heart. She lives happily with her husband Tom in San Luis Obispo. Pam's a mom, step-mom, mother-in-law, aunt, sister, daughter and most importantly - a grandmother. In her first book, "I Liked You at Ten… I'll Like You Again" Pam writes for her children. She writes of cherished memories, insightful perception and times gone by. Inspired by her first grandchild and the success of her first book, she developed her publishing company -- Grammy Time Books.
As publisher and author, Pam now writes with a bigger heart. She writes of "Grammy Time" moments and catching memories to share. Her first children's book, "Just You And Me" was released in May 2002; her second children's book, "Let's Make-Believe" was released in October 2002. In addition to writing, Pam enjoys family, friends, skiing, reading, interior decorating, coordinating fundraising events and the best of the best - her time with grandchildren, Oliver and August.
Dave Diaz, author of The White Tortilla says it is "the story of growing up as a ‘pocho’ in Oxnard, California. It details the hardships of juggling two (or more) ethnic cultures and the lessons on how to succeed. The (book) is a lifelong dream come true. I have always wanted to write a book about my family and cultural background that explains the way that I think about life and diversity and why I believe what I believe. The lessons of The White Tortilla are derived from the stories of my life and the lives of my parents—through the rich cultural traditions, the characters and experiences of my youth. This is a story I wrote for my children, their children and others interested in the challenges of a diverse America."
Dave currently lives in San Luis Obispo, where he is an instructor at Cuesta College. The book is available in both English and Spanish.
Lori Paris is author of "Follow Your Heart," a work of fiction that follows the trials and triumphs of an adoptee who was not told of her past, and whose adoptive parents are both killed. The book was inspired by the author’s own history, about which she says, "As an adopted child, I grew up in Southern California. As a young adult, I searched for and successfully found both of my birth parents and continue to share a unique relationship with them. My experience compelled me to write, fictionalizing characters and events."
Paris has written many articles on the subject of adoption and locating birth parents that were published in a variety of newspapers and magazines. She now lives in Paso Robles, where she is hard at work on a second novel.
Thordis Seager has authored a cookbook titled "Simply Delicious Wheat and Gluten Free Cooking." The author admits that she has always been passionate about food and cooking and, as young as eleven years old, started making her own recipes. When in 1995, after suffering through many unexplained illnesses, she was diagnosed with Celiac Disease and learned that in a gluten-free diet there was a cure.
At the time, gluten-free products were very limited and expensive. So, with great determination, Thordis attacked the job of research, eventually finding blended mixes that in cooking act like wheat products. When she had finally accumulated enough recipes, instructions, and other information to share, she compiled this easy to use cookbook for wheat and gluten restricted diets. She describes the recipes as "mouth-watering, simple to use, and easy on the budget!" Thordis resides in Morro Bay, California and has three grown sons and their families living nearby.
Linda Chimenti has written a novel titled "The Kiss." Modern fiction, the author tells us "This the story of a kiss, a sweet kiss, a magical kiss, a vicious kiss. This is also a story of addiction, obsession, and denial. This is a story about innocence, pain, and triumph. This is a story about giving a soul away one piece at a time. This is a story of loneliness, despair and not being enough."
Chimenti is currently living in Paso Robles, California.
Barbara Hodges is a well-known writer in the realm of paranormal, futuristic, and romantic fantasy genres. Among her current offerings are such titles as "Stargazer’s Children", "The Emerald Dagger", "The Blue Flame", and "The Silver Angel", several of which fall within her Daradawn series.
Hodges lives in Nipomo where she recently celebrated her 33rd wedding anniversary. A prolific writer, she is also a decorative painter belonging to several related organizations, as well as being a devoted Bassett Hound afficionado.
Joel Pullen is the author of a novel titled "It Always Works Sometimes." The story offers an honest, often-amusing look at a dysfunctional family that achieves success of sorts. "A paradox, an enigma and a mystery" are uncovered and the poorest kids ever to leave Little Rock are left with the axioms "It always works sometimes," and from Jimmy Durante, "Them’s the conditions that exist."
Pullen is not only an author, but also a University of California Irvine Medical School graduate. When not practicing medicine, he spends time with his family on a ranch in rural San Luis Obispo County, California, growing Pineapple Guava and working on a new novel.
Michael Corob, writer and artist, is author of "Story Paintings in our Hearts: Playful Fables and Pictures. In this book of his original paintings, poems and discussion guides, animals and nature forms share, grow and celebrate life. Michael believes that when we express what is in our hearts we add love to the world.
Michael lives in Santa Maria where he teaches art and special education, and he exhibits his paintings in central coast galleries and festivals.
B. J. Scott, author the historical novel "Angel of the Gold Rush," will be on hand with its sequel, "Angel’s Daughter." Second in his promised "Angel" trilogy, the new book takes the reader further into the lives of the seel-spined women introduced in "Angel of the Gold Rush."
Bill lives and writes in Nipomo, California.
Barbara Wray Wayland has three published works, including a novel set on the Central Coast and the just-released memoir of American master sculptor and Central Coast resident John Olt. She also writes and produces educational videos for Concept Media, a medical media company in Irvine, California.
Wayland’s works include "The Drum Maker," "Landing on My Feet; Memoir of John Olt," and "Annotated History of Me" which is a workbook for recording your life.
South County Friends of the Library, will be on hand to offer a wide variety of "gently-used" books for sale. Proceeds will benefit the Library and its borrowers.
Sisters In Crime, Central Coast Chapter, is a coalition of mystery writers that will bring the work of several local writers to the Festival. Readers will enjoy meeting and speaking with a variety of talented local writers. The group has chapters nation-wide, and has been a key element in the discovery and encouragement of writers within the genre.
Waldenbooks of Santa Maria will be represented by Lauri Bean, who promises "Bargain books for adults and children." Available books will be offered at $5.00 to $10.00. Subjects include gardening, cooking, self-help, sports, history, and fiction. Waldenbooks will also present readings for children throughout the day.
Friends of the Santa Maria Public Library and Friends of the Nipomo Library will each have a booth where "gently used" books with subjects to interest everyone will be offered. Books in all genres, including fiction, non-fiction, special interest, and Children’s titles will be available. The discerning reader or book collector is sure to find a treasure at one of these booths while knowing that the proceeds from all sales are used for the betterment of local public libraries.
Author Registration
Mail check and application form to AMC, P.O. Box 4848, Paso Robles, CA 93447. Make checks payable to the A.G.V.I.A. Please print clearly in order to assure accuracy in your listing!
Printable Booth Registration Form is available here.
Contact us to obtain additional information... or send e-mail to mjmoses@tcsn.net.
Rules and Regulations
Festival organizers reserve the right to deny space to any exhibitor whose merchandise does not serve this end. No more that two exhibitors may share a space. Exhibitors must carry insurance to protect their property. The Arroyo Grande Village Book and Author Festival does not assume responsibility for any merchandise that may become lost, stolen, or damaged.
Authors may lease as many spaces as they'd like. Exhibitors will be responsible for paying local, state and federal taxes on revenues received the day of the Festival.
Note: spaces are located on grass, which may be uneven. One space includes an 8-ft. by 3-ft. table, 2 chairs and 1 umbrella.
For the comfort of Festival participants, we ask that you not smoke in the Festival Area.
Cancellations
Notification of booth cancellation and requests for refund must be submitted in writing before August 5, 2005. If the booth can be replaced by another exhibitor, a refund of 50% of the booth payment will be processed after the Festival.
Electricity
There are a limited number of electrical outlets available at an extra charge of $25 per booth.
Publicity
Application form must be received by July 25 to guarantee being included in publicity.
