Mother's Day Family Book Extravaganza

Mother's Day Family Book Extravaganza Join Local Authors for a Celebration of Literature!

Ladies from the South Jersey Women Authors Group and members of the New Jersey Authors Network invite Moms, Dads, Kids, Families, Young, Old, and Young at Heart to Enjoy Readings from Area Authors, Dine on Sweets and Spring Refreshments, and Take Home a Good Book – all in celebration of Mother’s Day!

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday May 18 at the Novel Idea Chapter II Bookstore in the Landis Marketplace, 631 Landis Avenue, Vineland, 08360.

Confirmed Authors: Kristin Battestella, Jeanne Buesser, Nicole Caruso, Jennifer Eaton, Jon Gibbs, Laura Kaighn, Christine Norris, Katherine Pollio, Jane and Caitlen Rubino, Christy Sloat, C. Jovan Williams.

Reserve authors are Emily Guido and Alice Dinizo.

Authors should arrive before 11 a.m. to be set up before the early lunch crowd. Since this isn’t a huge table and display set up, between 10:30 and 10:45 is acceptable. As this is a family day, each author is welcome to bring a family member, friend, or book pal or two. Mom and Dads can bring their child with them if you so desire as your Mini Me book helper or an adult representing in a t- shirt with your book’s cover front and center. Who can refuse a dressed up little girl with a basket of candy and bookmarks, am I right?

Since we have so many authors and the Marketplace is making more eating and sitting space, each author is being asked to bring a refreshment of their choice. Please message me to confirm what you are bringing. Beverages will be available, but something easy for children to grab is preferred aka cookies, pretzels, candies, crackers, cupcakes, etc. No pressure in this, feel free to bake or get something premade. Authors may at times also have a tray or delectables or a pitcher and offer refreshment to the patrons and encourage them to the bookstore for more. Some food will be at each location with the authors, with the majority inside at the bookstore hub. Depending on weather and type of food, the treats will be divided accordingly as to what goes where.

Speaking of locations, this will be a mobile set up as table and display space is limited within the Marketplace. Authors should be prepared to carry their book stock as needed and leave some further quantities at the bookstore counter or handy in your vehicle. The bookstore will take a percent of sales, generally 10% or $1-2 per book depending on your prices. Authors should have a rolling bag or tote or handy basket with one or two preview copy books or a handful to sell, bookmarks, stickers, postcards, and other handouts ready to keep with them at all times as you move inside, outside, and around the marketplace. Remember, you can always go back and resupply. One or two tables will be set up at the front entrance of the marketplace, inside the bookstore, and at the second back entrance of the marketplace. These tables will be for both book display and refreshment, so think in terms of your book easel and handouts as presentation. There is no need for your full on tents, animatronics, or my infamous skulls, for example, hehe. Perhaps balloons make a simple, affordable, moveable statement. Authors should be prepared to rotate every hour between each station with their materials during the day. I’m more inclined to go with the flow of the day and place people as they want to go, but a formal coverage schedule can be drawn up if needed or desired. With 12 authors, we should be able to have 3 in front, 3 in the store, 3 at the lower entrance, and 3 circulating thru the marketplace as town criers. It is also better if we have authors of different genres and classifications together mixing it up as needed that way the widest reader audience is met with every spot.

Authors should also have something other their carry to identify themselves. From something as simple as a Hi My Name Is sticker to a hat, t-shirt, pin, button, or bag with your name and books on it. We are there to attract patrons to our event, so we should be noticeable! Since this is a family event, if you or any of your guests desire to dress up in theme to match your story or be in character at some point during the day, that is fine as well. (I’m unsure if I am dressing as ‘Mother Nature’ or not. I think even a tame Mama Vamp is just a bit much!) Just email us as to what sort of costume or accessory you had in mind. Even pets with your book may be acceptable, but message for approval, naturally. Of course, rest rooms are available should you wish to change throughout the day. Due to family needs as well, authors may also be able to come or go if need be during the day, but of course, we wish everyone to be on time and remain for the day’s duration. Clientele may wind down after 3, with a full wrap by 4 p.m.

Speaking of being in character, our young adult and children’s authors should prepare readings for their rotating time within the bookstore’s children's section. We have 10 ya/kids authors, so there is time for about twenty minutes each in the children’s area. Your reading itself should be about half that time, with time for questions and comments and kids in awe after, hee. Authors should have something to offer the crowd at that moment, something safe and in theme with your book, bookmarks or stickers for the kids, pencils, etc, or refer the listeners to the refreshments. Please send your reading excerpt ahead of time just to make sure it is something appropriate. (I, horror and sex galore, am obviously not doing a public reading in a Amish marketplace!) If you do not wish to read, authors should still have a moment thru out the day where they will be in the spotlight so to speak and available to sign or answer any questions about your books or writing.

Anyone else interested is more than welcome to attend and enjoy the day with your family and friends. As this is a more female centric line up from the South Jersey Women Authors for Mother’s Day, a companion Father's Day event at the Bookstore is in the works for June 15 thus far with Jon Gibbs and Artie Bennett penciled to attend. Local media and officials will be on hand, so bring your camera!

Biographies and Blurbs for Our Authors

Kristin Battestella

Kristin Battestella writes for her hometown newspaper The Cumberland County Reminder and has been writing non fiction, speculative fiction, dark fantasy, paranormal, and horror for over fifteen years. She enjoys being at home with her family, collecting records, and creating web pages in her spare time. Along with numerous sports articles, online reviews, and fiction work, Kristin's first eBook was published in 2005. She is a member of EPIC, the Friends of the Mount Laurel Library, South Jersey Women Authors, and the New Jersey Authors Network and has her eyes set on joining the Online Film Critics Society. Kristin's first full-length work The Vampire Family has been re-released with Eternal Press and the follow up series Fate and Fangs: Tales from the Vampire Family is available now with Muse It Up Publishing.

http://jsnouff.com/kristin http://vampfam.blogspot.com/ http://www.facebook.com/kristin.battestella

Fate and Fangs: Tales from the Vampire Family

Revel in the vampire lust and long lasting torment. In this haunting world, two things bind a vampire: FATE and FANGS!

The Vampire Family has a long and torrid past, present, and future. In FATE and FANGS, the family's Occult scholar Professor A. James shares vampire vignettes of Love, Punishment, Struggle, Debauchery, Lust, Humanity, and Resurrection. We share in the pain, suffering, and torment of the Welshire Vampire Family’s beautiful but deadly rival Lilith as Antonio’s daughter Victoria is forced to face her own mortality and scorned vampire mistress Ann travels across Britain with her Nordic lover. Can unloved wife Elizabeth face the vampire truths she sought to escape and will her son James hold onto his vampire lover Catrina or lose her to new temptations? Should his pregnant sister Samantha risk the lives of her unborn children- to save what’s left of The Vampire Family? Should former Lilithan vampire Stephanie accept Mestiphles’ dark opportunities?

Which would you choose… FATE or FANGS?

Jeanne Buesser

All the children eventually reach the top of their mountain but each has a different way of getting there.” Jeanne Buesser is President of the nonprofit grassroots organization, Apraxia Network of Bergen County (New Jersey) and is a parent of two special needs children. She also has a few articles published in the Exceptional Parent Magazine “Dealing with a Parents Worst Nightmare” Feb 2002 Issue. Parentguide Magazine, “The Quiet Child”, August 2008 Issue. The Parentpaper.com, “Going From Darkness To Light” Feb 2008 issue, and supplemental insert, Special Child, “Climbing The Mountain”, August 2008. Ms.Buesser has also been interviewed on alltalkradio.com, and by wfme.com, radio and tv. She also has a public service announcement on youtube.com on apraxia, and has spoken at conferences, including Learning Disability Association Of New Jersey. Furthermore, in 2005, Ms.Buesser was presented the “Outstanding Volunteer Achievement Award” by the Volunteers of Morris County. In 2009, she was nominated for “Volunteer of the Year” from the Learning Disabilities Association of New Jersey. Many of the articles and interviews mentioned above can be found on the the Links page.

President, Apraxia Network Author,Poet, He Talks Funny Journey From Darkness To Light Moonlight Till Dawn. https://www.createspace.com/3729684 https://www.createspace.com/3706672 http://JeanneBuesser.com www.ApraxiaNetwork.org [email protected] http://parentsptofview.blogspot.com/

Nicole Caruso LaBrocca Book: Eat Your Vegetables! Here is the info about me and my book (if you don't mind and have time could I get your opinion about them- this is my first book and I would love feedback): Author: Nicole Caruso LaBrocca grew up in Forest Grove, NJ outside of Vineland. Eat Your Vegetables! is Nicole's first book, and she is planning to publish more in the "Next Time" series. Nicole is also working on a young adult series involving magic and mystery. A graduate from The Richard Stockton College of NJ, Nicole currently lives in NJ with her husband and daughter. She is active in sports and has done Capoera and Roller Derby in the past and is currently playing soccer. She is passionate about the food that her family eats and encourages her daughter to eat healthy and be active. Book: You're upset when you find vegetables packed by your Mom for lunch when everyone else is eating pizza, cookies and other junk food. But what happens when you try to get rid of your vegetables? This beautifully illustrated picture book shows you a humorously absurd reason why you should always Eat Your Vegetables! With its comical situations, Eat Your Vegetables! has the potential as a toddler favorite. or This beautifully illustrated picture book has the reader going through comical mishaps showing them why they should Eat Their Vegetables! With its humorously absurd situations, Eat Your Vegetables! has the potential as a toddler favorite.

Jennifer M. Eaton is a contemporary blender of Science Fiction, Dystopian, and Romance. Her work ranges from the sweet Contemporary Romances of Jack and Jill, to the Dystopian society of Last Winter Red, and beyond in upcoming Paranormal and Science Fiction adventures. While not off visiting other worlds, Jennifer calls the East Coast of the USA home, where she lives with her wonderfully supportive husband, three energetic boys, and a pepped up poodle. Full time team leader, full time mom, and full time novelist... what more can you ask for? Writing help did you say? Well, sure! Jennifer hosts an informational blog: “A Reference of Writing Rants for Writers (or Learn from My Mistakes)” aimed at helping all writers be the best they can be. Stop on by and chat. She loves to hear from fans! http://www.jennifermeaton.com/

Jack and Jill, Volume One

Jill stumbles back into the dating world after twelve years of motherhood. But things have changed a lot since the last time she dated. Jack and Jill stories follow the challenges of a woman holding on to traditional values in a world that has evolved without her. Now that she has found the man of her dreams, will Jill be able to hold on to him without compromising what she believes in?

Jon Gibbs About Jon Gibbs

Born in England, Jon Gibbs now lives in New Jersey, where he gives writing presentations and workshops in schools and libraries around the Garden State. His humorous talk, GETTING PUBLISHED: 10 Things Every Writer Should Know, was broadcast on local television in 2012.

Jon is the founder of The New Jersey Authors’ Network (www.njauthorsnetwork.com) and FindAWritingGroup.com. His middle grade fantasy, Fur-Face (Echelon Press), was nominated for a Crystal Kite Award. The sequel, Barnum’s Revenge (also from Echelon Press), came out in March, 2013. When he's not chasing around after his three children, Jon can usually be found hunched over the computer in his basement office. One day he hopes to figure out how to switch it on.

Website: www.acatofninetales.com Blog: http://jongibbs.livejournal.com. Upcoming events: http://bitly.com/Jontalks

Books by Jon Gibbs

Fur-Face (Echelon Press)

Publication Date: Oct 18 2011 ISBN/EAN13: 1590806891 / 9781590806890 Page Count: 220 Binding Type: US Trade Paper Language: English Trim Size: 5" x 8" Color: Black and White Related Categories: Juvenile Fiction / Science Fiction, Fantasy, Magic

READ CHAPTER ONE ONLINE AT AMAZON.COM: http://tinyurl.com/ang9o5g

Barnum’s Revenge (Echelon Press)

Publication Date: Mar 02 2013 ISBN/EAN13: 1590807227 / 9781590807224 Page Count: 246 Binding Type: US Trade Paper Language: English Trim Size: 5" x 8" Color: Black and White Related Categories: Juvenile Fiction / Science Fiction, Fantasy, Magic

READ CHAPTER ONE ONLINE AT AMAZON.COM: http://tinyurl.com/aj7ssrg

Laura Kaighn

Laura J. Kaighn, Lady Hawke Storytelling

Laura J. Kaighn, of Lady Hawke Storytelling, has been performing professionally since 1995, but her love of story dates back to her childhood and her hometown’s tiny library. Having written her own stories since age 10, Laura furthered her ties to storytelling’s ancient art form by first working as a preschool teacher and private tutor. She then earned a BA in Elementary Education and Communication and an MLS in Library Science from Glassboro State College, later Rowan University. During her Masters internship Laura Kaighn met Emily Cummins, Storyteller-in-Residence at the Gloucester County Library. There, Laura discovered her true craft and natural ability to combine story, performance, culture and props for programs which run the gamut of sensorial experiences. As Lady Hawke Storytelling Laura's been invited to various venues, and has conducted workshops on related subjects throughout southern New Jersey. Laura Kaighn most enjoys Native American stories, Celtic and dragon lore, scary stories, and anything funny, furry, fancy, and fabulous. "Stories link us to our cultures, our past," she says. "They tell us where we came from and enlighten us to our future." Her debut young adult fantasy novel, Earth Child: The E.D. Piper Chronicles, melds her love of nature, animals and language to tell the story of a young shape-shifter traveling the continent in search of her true destiny. “Make the Connection. Become an Earth Child!” Earth Child: The E.D. Piper Chronicles is available through Amazon at http://amzn.com/ 1481986031. You can learn more of Laura Kaighn’s storytelling and writing endeavors at http://ladyhawkestorytelling.com.

Laura J. Kaighn, Lady Hawke Storytelling

Laura J. Kaighn, of Lady Hawke Storytelling, has melded her loves of nature, stories and language in her young adult novel, Earth Child: The E.D. Piper Chronicles, to create a tapestry of environmental ideas and adventures. A writer since age ten and an educator since her teens, Laura Kaighn holds degrees in Elementary Education, Communication and Library Science. Of her writing, favorite genres include science fiction, animal and nature stories and por-quoi tales. In 1995 Laura became a professional storyteller so that she might share her passions for global legends and myths. Her favorites include those from Native American Indian and Celtic lore. Through her folklore studies, Laura Kaighn has discovered the commonalities in culture. Of this humanitarian mix she says, "No matter what the packaging, we all hold gifts within us." You can learn more about Laura J. Kaighn’s stories, writing projects, and storytelling programs and workshops by visiting her website: http://ladyhawkestorytelling.com.

Earth Child: The E.D. Piper Chronicles

“I am human. I am animal. I am Earth Child. My fate – and that of the Earth – is in your hands.” E.D. Piper. A young, runaway shape-shifter has much to consider for survival: There’s the acquisition of food, shelter and clothing. One must contend with extreme weather. Cohabiting with wildlife can be a challenge too. But mostly Ehlora Dawn Piper must avoid the mad scientist who wants to replicate her extraordinary abilities, to make an army of super soldiers! Dr. Kraven’s pursuit is obsessive and unrelenting. Ehlora is in a race for her very life! Along the way, she must discover humanity’s and her true destiny on Mother Earth.

Christine Norris

Christine Norris has always thought of Friday the 13th as her lucky day and often hides her identity as author in the guise of a mild-mannered Media Specialist at a Pre-K and Kindergarten school. She wishes she could say that she has been writing since she was small or something profound like that, but it’s just not true. She played around with writing on and off since high school, but didn’t pick up a pen and write seriously until 2001. Three years later, The Talisman of Zandria was finished. Her favorite authors are Tamora Pierce, JK Rowling, JRR Tolkien, Jane Yolen, Eoin Colfer, and Steven King, to name a few. She loves to read, sew, scrapbook, crochet, sculpt with clay, and even makes her own candles. Christine grew up in the small town of Sewell, in southern New Jersey, where she still lives today.

http://www.christine-norris.com/

The Crown of Zeus

Which is worse: having to start your life over, or being eaten by a Minotaur?

Thirteen-year-old Megan Montgomery's world is falling apart. Her father's promotion means leaving her whole life in New York behind. She finds herself transplanted to a huge house in the English countryside, with no one for company but the distant staff. Her new school only adds to her misery; neither the girls nor the teachers seem to like her. Then Megan meets three girls who actually talk to her instead of about her, and at first she thinks things are getting better. The girls seem more interested in the strange rumors that the house is haunted. Megan invites them to sleep over for the weekend.

The discovery of a cryptic poem, a key and a diary written by the builder of the manor, an eccentric archaeologist, turns the sleepover into a treasure hunt. Clues lead the girls to believe the Parthenon holds a great secret, and suddenly they find themselves sucked into one man's version of Ancient Greece. The only way home is to find an object thought to be mere legend. If they survive that long.

Katherine Pollio

Michelle Cross is an average, seventeen year old girl growing up in a small town in New Jersey. Up until her senior year, her life has consisted of a rather unglamorous existence. Her closet friend Cami has been by her side since kindergarten, she has a loving if somewhat absente father, and a mother who is unique to say the least. Michelle’s mother was diagnosed with schizophrenia when she was twelve years old, and ever since then she has had delusions of angels and demons battling over her only child. Michelle accepts her mother’s delusions as schizophrenic ramblings, until a handsome new boy finds her at school. Little by little Michelle’s world is turned upside down. The new boy claims to be the Archangel Gabriel cast from heaven, her best friend falls for the Antichrist, and come to find out Michelle’s mother has seen it coming all along. So instead of being consumed with prom and graduation, Michelle finds herself battling the evils of Hell in her small town. The four horsemen of the apocalypses have descended on her high school and with the help of Gabriel, her very own angel; she must stop the events leading to the apocalypse. What surprises Michelle even more than her role in saving humanity is the love that develops between Gabriel and herself. Can their love bridge the world between heaven and earth? Can Michelle stop the powers of Hell in time? Michelle and Gabriel find themselves the pawns in a very dangerous game between an ancient power with a mysterious message and Satan himself.

Katherine Polillo originally planned to grow-up and run away with the circus, but after realizing that she had a debilitating fear of heights that squashed her dreams of being a tight ropewalker, she instead pursued a career in education. She currently teaches high school history and fabricates fictional stories in her free time. She never really out grew her imaginary friends stage, and instead has created lives and stories for the creations of her imagination to live in. When she is present in reality and not off on an adventure with her imaginary friends, she lives in a small, New Jersey town with her husband and their two spoiled rotten, ungrateful cats. Website: www.destine-watcherstrilogy.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/KPolillo Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/WatchersTrilogy/info Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15792303-destine Blog: http://freebiefriedaydestine.blogspot.com/

Jane and Caitlen Rubino Caitlen Rubino-Bradway has worked in the agenting side of publishing and as a reader for literary agencies and television production. She is currently an agent with LKG Literary in New York City, specializing in the representation of prescriptive non-fiction - fashion, parenting, health, beauty - narrative non-fiction, memoirs. They have recently opened submissions to middle grade and young adult fiction. Caitlen is the author of the middle grade fantasy, "Ordinary Magic" (Bloomsbury Childrens) and the co-author, with her mother, Jane Rubino, of "Lady Vernon and Her Daughter" (Random House) a novel-length adaptation of Jane Austen's early work, "Lady Susan", and the short story "What Would Austen Do?" in the Austen-centric anthology "Jane Austen Made Me Do It"(Ballantine Books).

Jane Rubino is the author of a contemporary mystery series set at the Jersey Shore; the first three were recently released as a single-volume Kindle edition. She is also the author of "Knight Errant", a volume of Sherlockian novellas, and the co-author, with her daughter of the novel "Lady Vernon and Her Daughter" and the short story "What Would Austen Do?"/

Jane and Caitlen also maintain a web site at: janetility.com

Christy Sloat is a SoCal born girl who resides in New Jersey currently with her husband, two daughters and Sophie her Chihuahua. Christy has embraced the love of reading and writing since her youth and was inspired by her grandmother’s loving support. Christy passes that love of reading, writing, and creativity to her daughters, family, and friends. When you do not find Christy within the pages of a book you can find her being mommy, wife, crafter, and dear friend. She loves adventurous journeys with her friends and can be known to get lost inside a bookstore. Be sure to venture into her Past Lives Series, The Visitor’s Series, and watch for many more exciting things to come.

Check out her website www.christysloat.com Blog http://christysloat.blogspot.com/, Facebook: Christy Sloat Author www.facebook.com/christysloatauthor.

The Many Lives of Avery Snow (Book One)

Avery Snow led a boring, no thrills life. But all of that changes when she receives a haunting message from a dying woman that claims a man from Avery’s past life is looking for her and will stop at nothing to claim her as his own. Now Avery’s past lives are revealing themselves to her in her dreams. She vividly recalls the man she shared her life with and the dire consequences their love once had. In the wake of these startling revelations she seeks solace in the arms of the man she has already given her heart to. However destiny will not be silenced so easily. With the help of her Spirit Guide, Ianni, Avery must make choices she never imagined and avoid the Dark Guides that are hungry to claim her. This once lonely girl finds herself surrounded by beautiful angels, psychics, demonic entities and two men fighting for her love. Do you believe in reincarnation and a love that can last lifetimes?

C. Jovan Williams Veggie’s Bully

By C. JoVan Williams

Filled with colorful illustrations, this book follows Veggie's relationship with her friends Carb Monkey and his Uncle Bear. Throughout the book, 'Carb' wants to get even with the bully that is bothering Veggie, whereas 'Uncle Bear' wants her to take a different approach. This book encourages readers to be the best person they can be, regardless of how people may act around them. The author, Mrs. Williams states, "Instilling self-confidence and promoting humility are hard characteristics to balance. I think this will be a great conversation starter about not letting the bad words of a few, destroy the positive image you want to have of yourself."

"This is a book I thoroughly enjoyed and I recommend it to anyone who has small children. The bully situation has always been and always will be, and having a book like this one will surely help children love themselves more and have more confidence in what they do. And I can't leave out the illustrations; they are awesome and wonderful and fit so well with the story. The vivid colors and adorable people will capture your children's hearts and keep them choosing this book over and over." - Reviewed by Joy Hannabass for Readers' Favorite

Clarice Williams whose pen name is C. JoVan Williams, was born and raised in Chicago, IL, but now resides in New Jersey as an Air Force spouse, with a blended family of six. She credits her writing inspirations from her experiences as a military spouse, mother, college graduate, Government worker, silly daughter, and an overbearing older sister to many. A freelance writer as seen in Military Spouse Magazine, with a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, she tries to find cost effective family friendly ways to cook, dine, and entertain. Her books are available on Amazon. To contact the author, please visit:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/iwrite_2 Facebook: www.facebook.com/chefreceejay Website: www.carbmonkey.com Emails and Links http://groups.yahoo.com/group/southjerseywomenauthors/ http://www.njauthorsnetwork.com/

Kristin [email protected] Jeanne [email protected] Nicole [email protected] Jennifer [email protected] Jon [email protected] Laura [email protected] Christine [email protected] Katherine Jane [email protected] Christy [email protected] Jovan [email protected]