festival of reading event guide · 11 a.m. a celebration in images lady lake public library, 225 w....

March 25-28, 2009

Festival of Reading6th Annual Festival of Reading

Fantastic Florida 6th Annual Festival of Reading

EVENT GUIDE

1 • Fantastic Florida 6th Annual Festival of Reading • 2

Special ExhibitsThe Art of the Book Exhibit February 2 to March 27, 2009 Lake County Historical Museum 317 W. Main St., TavaresAward-winning author and illustrator Janeen Mason will be the featured artist for the 2009 Festival of Reading “Fantastic Florida.” The “The Art of the Book” exhibit is a collaboration with the Lake County Historical Museum and the Lake County Library System.

Mason’s paintings are a kaleidoscopic array of the aquatic and the astronomical from popular children’s books, including “Ocean Commotion: Sea Turtles” and “Going around the Sun: Some Planetary Fun.” In all, Mason is the illustrator or author and illustrator of eight children’s picture books with two more titles due for release in 2009. She was appointed by State Sen. President Ken Pruitt to serve as a member of the Florida Arts Council, a 15-member council that advises the Secretary of State on matters pertaining to arts and culture in Florida. In 2007, she received two major awards: The U.S. Maritime Literature Award for her book titled “Ocean Commotion: Sea Turtles!” and a Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Award. (For more information, log on to www.JaneenMason.com.)

Janeen Mason will appear at the Leesburg Public Library on Saturday, March 28 at 10:30 a.m. where she will speak on her work and present the awards for the 10th Annual Bookmark Design Contest.

Art of the Women of Lake County March 2 to April 4, 2009 Opening Reception Tuesday, March 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. W.T. Bland Public Library 1995 N. Donnelly St., Mount DoraThe exhibit includes 24 women from Lake County whose work was juried to hang in a special exhibit at the Deltona Arts and Historical Center. Artists include Evelyn Albanese, Dorothy Blondin, Kathy Bowden, Joyce Brady, Diane Brannon, Jean Briggs, Alice Dressler, Charlene Edwards, Michelle K. Hall, Lynne Herrick, Jeanine Jones, Jennifer Kirton, Carol Lucas, Eiko Magner, Donna Miller, Susan Mulholland, Jennie Myers, Barbara Perry, Marlene Timensberger, Kathleen Ryan, Linda Spencer, Marion Strahle, Barbary Vey and Marty Yokowonis.

Wednesday, March 2510 a.m. to 1 p.m. Local Authors Day Umatilla Public Library, 412 Hatfield Drive “Local Authors Day” offers an opportunity to meet and speak with Central Florida authors, including Eddie Lucas, Annette Bruce, Jeffrey lamb, Colleen Avelli, Michael Suib, Nancy Butler-Ross, Bill Pearce, Joan Jacquart and Mark Miller.

11 a.m. A Celebration in Images Lady Lake Public Library, 225 W. Guava St. “A Celebration in Images” features freelance writer, photographer and author Bruce Hunt. He won the 2007 Florida Book Awards Silver Medal for Nonfiction for Florida Then and Now. Hunt re-photographed the original locations of 130 historic Florida photographs spanning a 100 years. To accompany the then and now comparison images, he chronicles the histories of the places and the changes that have occurred there. The exhibit will include winners of the Lady Lake Library Photography Contest.

2 p.m. Lake County History with Author Bob Grenier East Lake County Library, 31340 County Road 437, SorrentoBob Grenier, author of The Gallant Captain Melton Haynes and Woodlea Life on the Lake of the Dancing Sunbeams, will present Lake County’s history. This event will include a special presentation by the East Lake Historical Society.

3 p.m. Sprawl & Our Natural Landscape with Bill Belleville Tavares Civic Center, 100 E. Caroline St. In Losing It All to Sprawl, Belleville accounts for the impacts — social, political, natural and personal — that a community in the crosshairs of unsustainable growth ultimately must bear, but he also offers hope in the rediscovery and appreciation of the natural landscape. This event is hosted by the City of Tavares Public Library.

7 p.m. Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Cagan Crossings Community Library, 16729 Cagan Oaks, ClermontBill Belleville will speak on his newly released PBS film on Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings titled In Marjorie’s Wake: Rediscovering Rawlings, a River and Time. In the film, he recreates a river journey that the Pulitzer prize-winning author once made on the St. Johns River in 1933. As an award-winning nonfiction writer specializing in nature and conservation, Belleville has authored five books, contributed to eight national anthologies, written more than 1,000 articles and essays, scripted and coproduced seven films. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Cagan Crossings Community Library.

Youth events are listed on page 9


Thursday, March 262 p.m. Let’s Make A Scene with Vic DiGenti W.T. Bland Public Library, 1995 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora Learn to write compelling scenes with Vic DiGenti, author of the Windrusher series. He will explain the importance of scenes and demonstrates how the use of three important elements will bring a scene to life and keep the reader turning pages. Participants will have the opportunity to write their own scenes.

4:30 p.m. Windrusher and the Trail of Fire Fruitland Park Library, 205 W. Berckman St.Teens are welcome to find out about this secret feline world from author Vic DiGenti. Separated from his caretakers and relocated to a rural cat rescue agency called Precious Friends Cat Sanctuary, Windrusher learns his destiny is linked to a mythical cat from legendary times. Can this dream-link protect him and the other cats standing in the way of a ruthless developer?

5:30 p.m. Author Elise VanCise Astor County Library, 54905 Alco RoadAuthor Elise VanCise will give a reading and discuss writing and her newest book, Don’t Touch. Her novels will be available for purchase and signing. Refreshments will be provided by the Astor County Library.

7 p.m. Can You Dig It? with Mary Anna Evans Tavares Civic Center, 100 E. Caroline St. Findings takes Faye and Joe back to their Florida island home, and it brings back many favorite characters from the first three books, Artifacts, Relics, and Effigies. Mary Anna Evans’ latest award-winning archaeological mystery is one of Amazon’s best-sellers. This event is hosted by the City of Tavares Public Library

7 p.m. Mixing Laughs with Murder with Bob Morris, James O. Born and Elaine Viets Cagan Crossings Community Library, 16729 Cagan Oaks, ClermontBe entertained by three of Florida’s best-selling, award-winning mystery writers. In Burn Zone, James O. Born’s focus returns to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as he continues the story of agent Alex Duarte. A Deadly Silver Sea, the latest Zack Chasteen thriller from Bob Morris, takes the reader on The Royal Star, the most exclusive cruise ship in the world for a very rough ride. Elaine Viets’ sixth Dead-End Job mystery, Murder with Reservations, features Helen Hawthorne, the woman on the run as a hotel maid. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Cagan Crossings Community Library.

Karen Hawkins: Brunch with the Goddess Thursday, March 26 at 10:30 a.m.

Leesburg Public Library, 100 E. Main St. Enjoy a delectable brunch with Karen Hawkins (aka The Goddess). Hawkins is a USA Today and New York Times bestselling author of several sexy and sassy romances for Avon Book including three series, MacLean Curse, Ask Reeves and Talisman Ring.

Hawkins won multiple pre-published awards for The Abduction of Julia, including the prestigious Maggie Award from the Georgia Romance Writers. Karen Hawkins also contributed the novella Two Hearts that was published in the anthology The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown.

Tickets are $15 and are available for purchase at any Lake County Library.

For more information, call the Leesburg Public Library at (352) 728-9790.


Brunch MenuHam & Swiss and Salmon QuichesBlueberry MuffinsCheddar BiscuitsFruit SaladFresh VegetablesBrownie BitsMimosaCoffeeTeaJuice


Kristin Congdon

Authors’ Reception Friday, March 27 at 7 p.m. W.T. Bland Public Library 1995 N. Donnelly St., Mount DoraThe first annual reception to highlight the accomplishments of Florida’s outstanding authors is presented free to the public. Join authors and readers for a relaxed happy hour, with coffee bar and gourmet hors d’ oeuvres provided by the American Culinary Federation, Gulf to Lakes Chefs and Cooks Association. The following authors will be present during the reception:

James O. Born

Victor DiGenti

Stephen G. Craft

Elaine Viets

Tim Dorsey

Mary Anna Evans

Bob Morris

Bill Belleville

This event is free but tickets are required. Tickets are available at all the Lake County Libraries. Book-signing will run concurrently, and Raintree Books will have books available for sale on site.

Friday, March 2710:30 a.m. Tim Dorsey & Nuclear Jellyfish W.T. Bland Public Library, 1995 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora New York Times bestselling author Tim Dorsey returns with his 11th book in the Serge Storms series. Chat with Tim about Serge and Coleman on their Nuclear Jellyfish reign of terror, trivia and souvenirs!

2 p.m. Florida Folk Art and History with Dr. Kristin Congdon Clermont Woman’s Club, 655 Broome St. Dr. Kristin Congdon’s work is largely based in the preservation of folk arts, feminist criticism and the role of arts education in the community. Members of the Quilting Sisters Guild will be displaying quilts at the event. This event is hosted by Cooper Memorial Library.

Florida Masters of Mystery Friday, March 27 at 2 p.m. Leesburg Public Library 100 E. Main St., Leesburg James O. Born, Tim Dorsey, Mary Anna Evans, Bob Morris & Elaine Viets will make up this panel of five Florida mystery writers. Explore intriguing stories, stunning environments, unique investigative tools and cunning puzzles while each author shares their secrets of success.

James O. Born has become the go-to-guy for action-packed procedurals brimming with well-developed components of the thriller and the adventure novel.

Tim Dorsey returns with his latest, Nuclear Jellyfish and along with the lovable character, Serge.

Mary Anna Evans’ archeologist heroine Faye Longchamp is back with Findings, the fourth book of her award winning series. Evans has given us insights into little known aspects of America ’s past.

To research her novels for her Dead End Job mysteries, Elaine Viets has been everything from a salesclerk to a survey taker.

Former newspaper columnist and magazine editor, Bob Morris is the author of the Zack Chasteen series of mysteries set in Florida and the Carribean.



Bluegrass Festival Saturday, March 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. East Lake County Library

The Annual Bluegrass Festival will offer music and free activities for children including Happy Faces face painters. In addition, the Friends of the East Lake County Library will have their Spring Book & Bake Sale, raffle and yard sale. Entertainers will include:

October Mountain Washboard Band•

Blue Mountain Grass•

Mountain Dulcimers of Lake County•

Irish Fiddler Jonathan Hodge•

Sunshine Gospel Travelers•

For more information, call the East Lake County Library at (352) 383-9980 or e-mail [email protected]

Blue Mountain Grass

Saturday, March 2810 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Second Annual Fiction Writing Seminar Clermont Woman’s Club, 655 Broome St.Author Cynthia Thomason joins Literary Agent Lucienne Diver (The Knight Agency) and Helen Rosburg, Editor of Medallion Press for a workshop on the business and the joy of novel writing. These experts will discuss the joys and pitfalls of producing a full-length manuscript, starting with that first germ of an idea and following through with the writing the novel, procuring an agent, and celebrating the sale. Reservations requested 352-394-4265. This event is hosted by the Cooper Memorial Library.

10:30 a.m. Author Cynthia Barnett The Blackwater Inn, 55716 Front St., Astor Mirage: Florida and the Vanishing Water of the Eastern U.S. won the Gold medal for best non-fiction in the Florida Book Awards. Join the Astor County Library for complimentary coffee and refreshments at this fine restaurant overlooking the beautiful St. Johns River.

10:30 a.m. Author and Illustrator Janeen Mason Leesburg Public Library, 100 E. Main St.Special guest Janeen Mason will speak about her work and present awards to winners of the 10th Annual Bookmark Design Contest. Mason is an illustrator, or author & illustrator, of eight children’s picture books with two more titles due for release in 2009. Winning bookmark designs will be available at the event.

11 a.m. Author Stephen G. Craft Paisley County Library, 24954 County Road 42Embry-Riddle at War is the first study of a civilian aviation school during World War II. Stephen G. Craft examines the components of aeronautical training, the evolution of a civilian company contributing to the war effort, the experiences and lives of those who participated in the school and the crucial part Florida played in the war.

2 p.m. Author Dr. Gary Mormino Leesburg Public Library, 100 E. Main St., LeesburgDr. Gary Mormino will expand on his book, Land of Sunshine, State of Dreams: A Social History of Modern Florida, in which he explains the explosive growth in Florida and its impact. Mormino traces the themes of Florida’s transformation from the state capital of Tallahassee to Miami. The book is the winner of the 2006 Charlton Tebeau Book Award and 2007 Choice Outstanding Academic Book. Mormino is author of several award-winning books about Florida, including The Immigrant World of Ybor City.



Showcase AuthorsCynthia BarnettCynthia Barnett has been a reporter and editor at newspapers and magazines for 20 years. Since 1998, she’s written for Florida Trend magazine, where she covers investigative, environmental, public policy and business stories. Her numerous journalism awards include seven Green Eyeshades, which recognize outstanding journalism in 11 southeastern states. Her first book, Mirage: Florida and the Vanishing Water of the Eastern U.S., won the Gold medal for best nonfiction in the Florida Book Awards. (www.cynthiabarnett.net)

Bill BellevilleAuthor and documentary filmmaker Bill Belleville specializes in environmental issues. His River of Lakes: A Journey on Florida’s St. Johns River won the Michael J. Shaara Award for Excellence in Writing. His book Losing it all to Sprawl was named one of “Best Books of 2006” by the Library Journal; was given the 1000 Friends of Florida’s Al Burt Award for Excellence in Journalism; and was a Bronze Medal winner in the 2007 Florida Book Awards. His filmmaking credits include an Emmy award for “Wekiva: Legacy or Loss.” (www.billbelleville.com)

Marianne BerkesMarianne Berkes has spent much of her life as a teacher, children’s theater director and children’s librarian. She is listed in the most recent volume of “Something About the Author” and also in “Who’s Who in American Education (2007).” Her first book, Marsh Music, was published in 2000. Music, theater and writing have been a constant in her life and she puts all this to good use in her “interactive” children’s picture books.

James O. BornLake Worth-author James O. Born is a Special Agent with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. He has been involved in investigations with organized crime, violent crimes, economic crimes, drug cartels and public corruption. Born draws on his insider’s view of police work to create a realistic story. His first three novels featured agent Bill Tasker. Escape Clause, the third novel in that series, won the 2007 Florida Book Award. (www.jamesoborn.com)

Guests and AuthorsYouth EventsWednesday, March 25

8:30 a.m. Dr. Kevin Kremer DayAstatula Elementary School, 13925 Florida Ave. Kevin Kremer will present and discuss his work to the children in grades 3, 4 and 5. Dr. Kremer is the author of A Kremer Christmas Miracle Santa’s our Substitute Teacher, When it Snows in Sarasota, The Knight, the Wizard & the Lady Pig.

3 p.m. Snow in Sarasota with Dr. Kevin KremerLeesburg Public Library, 100 E. Main St. Kevin Kremer is the author of A Kremer Christmas Miracle Santa’s our Substitute Teacher, When it Snows in Sarasota, The Knight, the Wizard & the Lady Pig.

Thursday, March 264:30 p.m. Windrusher and the Trail of Fire Fruitland Park Library, 205 W. Berckman St.Teens are welcome to find out about this secret feline world from author Vic DiGenti. Separated from

his caretakers and relocated to a rural cat rescue agency called Precious Friends Cat Sanctuary, Windrusher learns his destiny is linked to a mythical cat from

legendary times. Can this dream-link protect him and the other cats standing in the way of a ruthless developer?

Friday, March 2710:30 a.m. Pre-K Storytime with Marianne Berkes W.T. Bland Public Library, 1995 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora Children’s author and storyteller, Marianne Berkes will visit for pre-K storytime featuring her book Going around the Sun: Some Planetary Fun. The book received an iParenting Media Award 2008; Moonbeam Children’s Book Award 2008 and Mom’s Choice Award 2009. A book signing will follow the storytime.

Teen Event

Children’s Event

Children’s Event

Children’s Event


Kristin CongdonDr. Kristin Congdon has published extensively on the study of folk arts, visual cultural, feminist criticism and community arts. She recently published Uncle Monday and Other Florida Tales, which won the Carolyn Washbon Award for best popular book in Florida history and the Dorothy Howard Prize from the American Folklore Society. Her recent books include Just Above the Water: Florida Folk Art, coauthored with Tina Bucuvalas, and Twentieth Century Photographers from the United States, coauthored with Kara Hallmark. (http://philosophy.ucf.edu/congdon.php)

Victor DiGenti Victor DiGenti spent more than 35 years working in public broadcasting, public affairs, corporate communications and special events production. After his retirement, DiGenti found inspiration in his cats and wrote three adventure-fantasies with a feline protagonist. His first two novels, Windrusher and Windrusher and the Cave of Tho-hoth, have won multiple awards and attracted readers of all ages. His third in the series, Windrusher and the Trail of Fire, was released in 2008. (www.windrusher.com)

Lucienne Diver Joining the Festival of Reading is Lucienne Diver, Literary Agent from The Knight Agency. Diver is a literary agent with more than 15 years experience and an author with her debut young adult novel Vamped available May 2009. She represents more than 40 authors of commercial fiction, primarily in the areas of fantasy, romance, mystery and suspense. Her authors include such best-sellers as Marjorie M. Liu, Susan Krinard, Roberta Gellis and Rachel Caine. (www.luciennediver.com)

Stephen G. CraftStephen G. Craft is an associate professor in the Humanities/Social Sciences Department at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach. Craft mines archival sources and a treasure trove of personal memoirs produced by men who fought the greatest air war in history for his book Embry-Riddle at War: Aviation Training During World War II. Additionally, interviews with men and women who instructed at or graduated from wartime Embry-Riddle bring the story to life with rich details.

Tim DorseyFormer newspaperman Tim Dorsey has published 10 novels in several languages, including Florida Roadkill, Hammerhead Ranch Motel, Orange Crush, Triggerfish Twist, The Stingray Shuffle, Cadillac Beach, Torpedo Juice, The Big Bamboo, Hurricane Punch and Atomic Lobster. (timdorsey.com)

Mary Anna EvansMary Anna Evans’ series character, Faye Longchamp, lives the exciting life of an archaeologist. The first novel, Artifacts, won the Benjamin Franklin award for the best mystery novel published by a small press and the Florida Historical Society’s Patrick D. Smith Florida Literature Award. The fourth archeological mystery in the series, Findings, combines Florida history with a whodunit and a bit of romance. (www.maryannaevans.com)

Bob GrenierBob Grenier is actively involved in the historical community and belongs to several organizations including the North Lake County Civil War Roundtable, Lake County Historical Society, Historical Society of Tavares, 17th Connecticut Reenactors and the Sons of Confederate Veterans. He is involved in many historical preservation and restoration projects, including the saving of the Capt. Haynes Woodlea house. He is the author of The Gallant Captain Melton Haynes and Woodlea: Life on the Lake of the Dancing Sunbeams. (http://nlcfcwrtonline.tripod.com)

Karen HawkinsKaren Hawkins is the USA Today and New York Times bestselling author of several sexy and sassy romances for Avon Book including three series, MacLean Curse, Ask Reeves and Talisman Ring. Hawkins won multiple pre-published awards for The Abduction of Julia, including the prestigious Maggie Award from the Georgia Romance Writers. Karen Hawkins also contributed the novella Two Hearts that was published in the anthology The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown. (www.karenhawkins.com )


Bruce HuntBruce Hunt is a native Floridian author, photographer and illustrator living in Tampa. He has authored six books about Florida, including his latest Florida Then & Now, which won the 2007 Florida Book Awards Silver Medal for Nonfiction. He has also worked for various newspapers and magazines, including the past five years as a regular feature writer and photographer for DuPont Registry Tampa Bay Magazine. Currently, he is working on the fourth edition of Visiting Small-Town Florida. (www.brucehuntimages.com)

Kevin Kremer Kevin Kremer’s first book, A Kremer Christmas Miracle, contains many of his favorite Christmas memories. Kremer has recently started a writing and publishing company to help people with any aspect of their own book projects.

Dr. Gary MorminoDr. Gary Mormino holds the Frank E. Duckwell Professorship in Florida Studies at the University of South Florida in St. Petersburg, where he also co-directs the Florida Studies Program. He is author of several award-winning books, including The Immigrant World of Ybor City, coauthored with George Pozzetta, and Land of Sunshine, State of Dreams: A Social History of Modern Florida, winner of the Charlton Tebeau Book Award in 2006 and the Choice Outstanding Academic Book in 2007.

Bob MorrisBob Morris’ travels have inspired a series of mystery novels with a Caribbean setting. Bahamarama was a finalist for the Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best First Mystery Novel and chosen by the Library Journal as one the year’s Top Five Mysteries. His second novel, Jamaica Me Dead, was a BookSense Pick by the American Booksellers Association. His latest book, Bermuda Schwartz, won a 2007 Florida Book Award, a Bronze Medal for Popular Fiction. A Deadly Silver Sea will be released in December. (www.bobmorris.net)

Helen A RosburgHelen A. Rosburg is owner, President, and Executive Editor of Medallion Press, Inc., a non-fiction and genre fiction publishing company based in St. Charles, IL. Helen is also an award-winning author and a sponsor of Triple Threat Mentoring, a not-for-profit organization devoted to helping underprivileged urban youth gain confidence and life skills. She lives on a slightly dusty farm in Florida with her husband James, her daughter Ali, and zoo’s-worth of rescued or retired critters including horses, rabbits, dogs, cats, pigs, and chickens. When not running Medallion Press, writing, or showing horses and dogs Helen enjoys traveling to exotic locations across the world. (www.helenrosburg.com)

Cynthia ThomasonRomance and mystery author Cynthia Thomason’s first book, River Song, was published in 1998, and since then she has published five historical romances, one time travel anthology, seven contemporary romances and two historical mysteries. The historical mystery series is The Jubilee Showboat Mysteries with amateur sleuth Gwen Barlow and a colorful cast of showboat actors. The first book, Stagestruck, is now available in trade paperback. The second book, Grave Review, was released in September 2005. (www.cynthiathomason.com)

Elaine VietsElaine Viets writes two national bestselling mystery series. She has won the Agatha, Anthony and Lefty Awards. Her Dead-End Job series is a satiric look at minimum-wage jobs. The series looks at a different low-paying job each book, from telemarketer to hotel maid. Clubbed to Death, set at a South Florida country club, is her seventh in the series. Viet’s second series features St. Louis mystery shopper Josie Marcus in Accessory to Murder. The debut, Dying in Style, tied with Stephen King on the Independent Mystery Booksellers bestseller list. (www.elaineviets.com)

Guest AuthorsThe following authors will also be part of this year’s Festival of Reading during Local Authors’ Day on Wednesday, March 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.:

Colleen Avelli Annette Bruce Nancy Butler-RossJoan Jacquart Jeffrey Lamb

Eddie LucasMark MillerBill Pearce Michael SuibElise VanCise*

* This author will be at Astor County Library at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 26.

Presenting Sponsors

Event DonorsFriends of the Library

Mount Dora Library AssociationPublix

Sumter Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SECO)VolunteerLAKE

Clermont Woman’s Club

Carrabba’s Italian GrillChili’s

Cracker BarrelFirst National Bank of Mount Dora

The Fresh Market

Outback SteakhousePerkins

StarbucksWinn-Dixie

Media SponsorLake and Sumter Style

Program Contributors

festival of reading event guide · 11 a.m. a celebration in images lady lake public library, 225 w....

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