I'm excited to be attending my first 

  Picture Book Summit.  

Rob Sanders's Book of Poetry: Queer and Fearless

                                                         

 Tombolo Books, Equality Florida  and Allendale United Methodist Church 
Present: QUEER and FEARLESS, by and with Rob Sanders

                          

Rob reads a poem from his book that honors the lives of 17 brave LGBTQ+  Heros.

An Interview with Colette Bancroft

How wonderful that my husband and I were able to be a part of this incredible evening. Rob and local poets read some poems from his book, QUEER and FEARLESS. Each reading brought the heroic stories to life for those of us lucky enough to be at Allendale United Methodist Church in person. Thanks to Tombolo Books and Equality Florida for an uplifting event. Colette Bancroft, Book Editor of the Tampa Bay Times held an engaging interview with Rob and brought some of the hardships he's endured throughout his life and career to the forefront. He knows of what he writes. 

It has been a gift to watch Rob blossom as an author over the years and to follow his publishing success. Rob's books, like the man himself, have changed the world for the better.

Carry on bravely my friend. You truly are one of the LGBTQ+ Heroes. 

Aimee Reid has written another lovely book complete with gorgeous art by Christopher Lyles. This illustrated cover exudes tenderness and makes me want to buy the book and maybe keep it for myself, but it's too special not to share. Buy it today and share the joy of this book with little ones in your life. 

 A World of Love -  Order now:  https://a.co/d/bHAYZLJ

A Basket of Bay Area Authors' Books to Support Our Teachers 

I was asked to donate Answering the Call: Nurses of Post 122 to be included in a basket full of local authors' books. Of course, I said  yes. Our teachers need our support. 

Shuffle up for Teachers, was a fundraiser including dinner, dancing silent auctions and shuffleboard. The event was held at the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club on July 15th. All proceeds went to classroom learning environments for the 2023/2024 school year. 

                                             Thank you teachers everywhere!

    Oh What A Night at Coastal Creative  

                                       with Rob Sanders                                                           

Rob Sanders reads from his new middle grade fiction novel, BLOOD BROTHERS. The event also launched STITCH By STITCH, his newest nonfiction picture book on an historic person from the LGTBQ+. The event was presented by Tombolo Books, Florida Humanities and the Florida Freedom to Read Project.

Dr. Nashid Madyun, Executive Director of Florida Humanities speaks at Rob Sander's book launch on September 6, 2022.

 Authors JC Kato and JC2 pose with Denny Kato

 at the Oxford Exchange Book Fair 

showcasing 

Finding Moon Rabbit

It’s spring, 1943. Koko’s ill mother and older sister have survived their first harsh winter behind barbed wire. Spring offers renewed hope that her father will be joining them soon from Camp Santa Fe in New Mexico. When Koko learns she could greet his train as a Girl Scout, she signs up.

   But a Girl Scout is expected to follow rules.

For more info on the book check out: https://findingmoonrabbit.com/

Interested in buying the book?

 https://www.chbbooks.com/publisher-direct/

From the right: Author JC Kato, Susan Banghart and me, at the Oxford Exchange Book Fair in Tampa on Saturday, June 5th, 2022. 

 

The dynamic and effervescent Janet McLaughlin passed away two evenings ago, March 29, 2022 after a three-year battle with cancer. How lucky and blessed we were to spend years with her and to share special moments as writers and as friends.  

Janet McLaughlin, the redhead, was the first writer to join what remained of a critique group started in 2004 that would become The Skywriters. Augusta Scattergood, Melissa Buhler and I attempted to save a dwindling membership by bringing members from south of Pinellas County into the mix. Janet was Augusta's friend and after I met her for lunch, she became mine too. Janet agreed to drive every two weeks to meet us at 4th Street Panera in St. Petersburg. We, in turn, would drive to Peaches in Ellenton to meet her for the next meeting. Together we created a multi-county critique group that met in person. We all braved the Skyway Bridge to meet whether there was sunshine, rain or thick fog. Eventually we voted to name the group Skyway Writers, which soon was shortened to Skywriters. 

What a gem of a find Janet was too. We all appreciated what she brought to our meetings and especially her unique gift of finding logic issues in our manuscripts. Janet had an infectious laugh and a fantastic sense of humor. She exuded a positive energy and a loyalty and love for her husband and family. 

 
We lost a friend and fellow writer two days ago, but the memories of many happy days and the essence of Janet will stay with us always.