Visit with 17 Michigan authors this weekend to find your next favorite read at the West Michigan Women’s Expo in Grand Rapids through Sunday, March 20 inside DeVos Place at 303 Monroe Ave, NW. Most genres will be represented. The Great Lakes Writers are located inside booth 111 close to the Main Stage and restrooms.
The participating authors are Jean Davis, Janet Vormittag, Tracy Brogan, Norma Lewis, Sherry A. Burton, Melanie Hooyenga, Wendy Sara Thompson, Bob Muladore, Andrew Smith, Angela Rodgers, and Tina Derusha.
The Expo is back after a two-year hiatus due to Covid-19. The West Michigan Women’s Expo features hundreds of exhibits, seminars, shopping, and fun that aim to provide a weekend of entertainment, education, and enjoyment tailored to women and their families.
The hours are Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Unfortunately, I missed out on this event due to sickness, but I am recovering. Watch “For the Love of Books Podcast” episodes with authors Mikel Classen, Michael Carrier, Sharon Kennedy, Robin Marvel, Chris Stark, Phil Bellfy, Deborah Frontiera, and Joanna Walitalo as we move into spring.
I am excited to have these fine authors, many of them from the Upper Peninsula, on the podcast.
Make sure you find us at our different events scattered throughout the state of Michigan and beyond.
Tracy BroganBob MuladoreWendy Sara ThompsonJanet VormittagAndrew SmithMelanie HooyengaNorma LewisJean DavisSherry A. Burton
Copyright (c) 2022. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.
After a two-year hiatus due to Covid-19, I’ve returned to my annual winter writer’s retreat on the island of Venice in Florida.
I missed everything; from the turquoise waters, tropical flowers to Mahi Mahi and Mango Bango at Sharky’s.
This year’s stay was very special because we had an unplanned family reunion that just happened when Doc Chavent and Ludek decided to join us in “Paradise.”
Since it was sort of a reunion, mom Ella slaved in the kitchen and made some tropical goodies like open-faced sandwiches with mango chutney and blue cheese spread. We bought cold cuts at the International Food deli in nearby Northport owned by Ukraine owners.
I admire these Ukrainian women who have been running the store sine 1989 with little knowledge of English, but with a lot of gusto for life and preserving the old country traditions by carrying foods such as sproty, smoked mackerels, Russian champagne, Alexander II black tea and loose tea packed in Russian nesting dolls.
Venice on the island with sandy beaches and pelicans is better known as “Paradise.” The temperature in the winter months is around mid 70F. We lucked out it was in the 80s all week long, and sunny.
We all met on Sunday, Feb. 20 by the beach at Sharky’s, the only restaurant on the beach in Venice. Ludek waited for us by the picnic bench and surprised Doc Emma and the grandkids, as well as Vincent by his unexpected presence. Our daughter didn’t recognize him in his beach attire and hat, and her new friend Vincent didn’t stand a chance, since they’ve never met.
However, the grands eventually realized that it was their own grandpa sitting underneath the palms drinking beer, even though they were jet-lagged after the long flight from Paris.
We all enjoyed the sunny tropical afternoon on the beach in February. Usually, we spend Sunday afternoons at home shopping after the Sunday mass.
This was a much-needed break from the winter drill of taking care of the house and our new business. But I also had to somewhat break away from my usual retreat routine except for the morning yoga on the beach with Elin.
My dad Vaclav gave me a ride every day for the 9 am yoga session on Venice Beach. The class is always well attended by close to 200 participants from all over the USA. But most of us are from either the Midwest or from New England.
I enjoyed the morning conversations about how many inches of snow was the northeast getting and how many flights have been canceled. The last yoga class before my departure was dedicated to Dotty of Michigan who was celebrating her 100th birthday and until two years ago did yoga with Elin on the beach, a definite testimonial to the overall benefits of yoga.
“Dotty wouldn’t want us to do any balances today,” said Elin holding a poster of Dotty. “ So we’re not going to do them.”
Elin offers plenty of tips on how to maintain balance, good posture, and fall correctly, if necessary. We often do executive stretches and airplane balances. Plus there’s a lot to do in town including Farmers Markets on Saturdays.
I love downtown Venice with palm-lined streets, boutiques, Ciao Gelato shop, Coffee and Wine Co., and restaurants. This year, colorful sculptures of mermaids and seahorses adorned the street corners and storefronts.
We only made it once to town for coffee with mom, and a few times to Jetty’s Jack for ice brewed latte with Ludek. However, we indulged in a fancy tropical lunch at Finn’s on an unlimited budget sponsored by the Docs from France.
You should never tell a Czech person that he or she can order whatever they want from the menu. Because they will. LOL
Mom ordered filet mignon, while dad went cheap and ordered fish and chips. We all shared octopus for appetizers. I have yet to acquire a taste for that.
The North and South Jetty located on the north side of Venice are wharves with marinas, kayaks, and boat rentals such as sailvenice.com and the Freedom Boat Club.
We enjoyed a sunset cruise with Captain Paul Aquaholic Charters starting at the Venice Marina by the Old Salt Dog. Marine patrol officer Paul for Sarasota County during the day turns into Captain Paul at night. Barefoot Paul took us out to sea via the Venice waterways past the dockside restaurants on the waterways.
We saw dolphins playing by the docks. They chased our small boat in the waterway and Paul even lent the Captain’s bridge to the grandkids to steer us toward the setting sun.
The journey into the sun that lit the gold and orange waters on fire to see the Gulf sunset lasted more than an hour, and created memories for a lifetime.
Copyright (c) 2022. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.
One of my favorite songs is “Time for me to Fly” by REO Speedwagon.
I like the lyrics and everything about the song. But I really feel that now is the time to fly with everything we have started in the previous years.
Leaving icy Grand Rapids behind, I am headed into paradise with beaches, sun, shells, dolphins and cocktails. After 90 minutes in air the clouds have cleared and I see a green patchwork of fields and forests below. We’re making a sharp turn right, and the sun is shining on the left wing and flooding the cabin with warmth.
For me that means getting my newest book in the Shifting Sands series on the summer market starting with the Lakeshore Art Festival in Muskegon at the end of June.
Our Moravian Sons Distilling is a go after many years of dreaming, planning and finally realization and production. I don’t think I need to hold my breath anymore. It has been a huge team effort across two continents.
I am stoked with my podcast show “For the Love of Books” which is approaching it’s one-year anniversary fast with 50 episodes in March as I’ve expanded it to include Motown Writers and UP Authors in 2022. YAY!
Inspired by author Diana Ploppa’s Pages Promotions virtual festivals, I launched the podcast show featuring Indie and small press authors and their events on March 17, 2021.
With the support of authors Ploppa, Jean Davis, Ingar Rudholm, Andrew Smith and many others in the pilot first season, the show flew into its second season in the fall.
We always have a blast while sharing our insights from the writing world, publishing industry and our author experiences along with the presentation of our newest books.
Not only do you gain from the knowledge of all the authors but you also have a chance to win a signed copy of authors’ books. I call the content “edutainment” combining both entertainment with publishing tips.
I added special episodes prior to multi-author events such as Expos, art fairs and festivals. Right from the get go, the podcast has been a win win situation for all of us.
I am grateful for all the positive responses I have received from guest authors and listeners, as I continue my search for sponsors. Currently, the major sponsor Doc Chavent makes this show possible. Her incredible philanthropy pays for the podbean fees where the podcast episodes live.
From the podbean hub, the episodes are distributed to major podcasting apps such as iHeart, Stitcher, Google and Apple podcasts, Spotify and many more for your enjoyment.
My upcoming author line-up:
Virginia Johnson Feb. 18
Caroline Topperman Feb. 25
Norma Lewis March 2
GR Expo special March 3
Michael Carrier March 1o
Open March 24
Mikel Classen March 31
Bob Tarte April TBA
If you would like to be a guest or a sponsor email Emma at emmapalova123@gmail.com or comment below. If you would like to be on the production team contact me as well.
The recordings are on Thursdays at 5 pm on Zoom. All recordings are organic with limited editing. The episodes go live within two weeks on podbean and major podcasting apps.
First fill out the jot form on For The Love of Books page on this website, and you’re on your way to fly with us.
I am looking forward to chatting with you on the show or working with you as a sponsor or partner.
Melinda Clark is a licensed veterinary technician by day, fantasy and paranormal romance writer by night. She loves singing, reading, outdoor activities, and relaxing in the hot tub.
About Love and Bloodlust: The Sacred Objects
Avery Langdon is a self-taught demon hunter with a vendetta. Talon is a 300-year-old, blood-bag-drinking vampire with a fascination for her, and clearly death itself, as he persists in following the slayer on every hunt and pestering her with his advances. Despite their differences, and regardless of Avery nearly putting a stake in his heart, the two will find themselves joining forces to try and stop an ancient evil from awakening and wreaking havoc: the first vampire, Cain. Avery is adamant, despite Talon’s pursuit of her, that this collaboration remains geared toward accomplishing the greater good only. But as the two grow closer to each other, will she be able to resist the temptation he presents her with? Will Avery be able to do what’s right in the end, despite her newly developed feelings?
Coming soon podcast episode with romance author Virginia Johnson.
Check out the podcast episode with romance author Sylvia Hubbard.
If you would like to purchase the garnets or order desserts click on the images of the cake and garnets.
Copyright (c) 2022. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.
A now-derelict building where Czech martyr Palach and victim of communism Toufar spent their final hours will be transformed into a memorial to both men.
Featured photo is from FB Praha 2 page.
— Read on www.expats.cz/
Rosette Nebula aka NGC 2237 with the Unicorn Constellation.
Starting strong in February
It’s 5:59 am. It’s Groundhog Day and National Wear Red Day aka Heart Health Day for Women. We’re supposed to wear red and post all sorts of numbers like blood pressure and cholesterol.
Well, I have yet to wash my only red sweater that I wear in December for podcasting, and my blood sometimes boils. I don’t like red. I prefer the earth colors. My cholesterol should be good because I deprive myself of steaks, eggs and cheese on regular basis. I don’t eat pasta because of A1C, but I know it’s under 7, and I don’t take Trulicity or Ozempic. I eat plenty of broccoli and salads even in winter.
I walked to the gauges by our French door this morning. The temperature outside was exactly zero. Yesterday, I finally got out, and it was like walking into an ice cube, after breaking the door in the garage open. Everything was frozen to the bone. The only thing warm at the Hong Kong Buffet were the koi fish swimming in the lovely pool. So, I threw them a penny that I didn’t have in my pocket and had to borrow from my husband.
After streamlining my podcast show “For the Love of Books Podcast,” the stats are booming, the episodes are exploding with fun, and laughter is ringing in my writing studio. I love my colleague fellow authors who are my featured guests on the weekly podcast show because I have a passion for the indie writing business. We put our hearts into what we do best on daily basis with its ups and downs.
I’ve been privileged to meet some of the amazing authors in person at festivals and art shows. And that season is coming up starting in February with the Women’s Expo in Lansing.
I wanted to let you know about some of our products and services that can help you get a jump start on your writing, publishing and marketing goals!It doesn’t just have to be at the beginning of the year for you to make a new beginning. It just has to be NOW! RIGHT NOW
It’s a new DAY which means new beginnings!
These products can help you on your journey to be the best author you can be.
After a rocky start-up of shows in 2021, this year looks promising for in-person author shows in Michigan. Last year, some shows were canceled again due to Covid, but some were a go or a hybrid, depending on the organizers and their boards. It was like playing the roulette or opening a box of chocolates because you never knew what you were going to get.
One of the first shows of the season is the upcoming Mid Michigan Women’s Expo in Lansing set for February 18 through February 20 at the Lansing Center.
The 22nd annual Mid-Michigan Women’s Expo features hundreds of exhibits, seminars, shopping, and fun that aim to provide a weekend of entertainment, education, and enjoyment tailored to women and their families.
Michigan Authors Area – signing and selling books
Meet and Greet Authors! Various local Michigan Authors at the expo! Find your next book to read and relax with, both fiction and non-fiction books to purchase. Speak to the Author onsite and discover their inspiration for writing their book.
Pictured below are a few participating authors at the Mid Michigan Women’s Expo in Lansing.
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Eleven Michigan authors will be signing and selling their books at this premier Expo with hundreds of exhibits, seminars, shopping, and fun.
The participating authors for the Mid Michigan Expo are Jean Davis, Judith Wade, G.S. Scott, Norma Lewis, Melinda Clark, Mikel Classen, Sylvia Hubbard, Kristine Brickey, Jules Nelson, Rod Sadler, and Sara Shanning.
Their genres range from fantasy to historical fiction. You can listen to some of them on my podcast show “For the Love of Books Podcast.”
Click on the link below to listen to your favorite episode.
West Michigan Women’s Expo is set for March 18 through March 20 at DeVos Place. Indie authors will have their own Great Lakes Authors booth with close to 20 participating authors.
Stay tuned for the upcoming podcast episodes with authors Sylvia Hubbard, Jean Davis, Judith Wade, and Melinda Clark on podbean and major podcasting apps
This was today’s second reading from the First Letter of Saint Paul to Corinthians mostly used at weddings. It was made even more famous by the blockbuster movie “Wedding Crashers ” with Owen Wilson, Vince Vaughn, and Rachel McAdams.
It’s my second favorite comedy for a myriad of reasons.
It has inspired me to the point where I wish I could write comedies if life wasn’t full of them.
All is Vanity from the Belding Museum Belrockton.
But I like Seinfeld too, and Schitt’s Creek in all its 58 episodes. We watched them four times.
Why can’t I write comedies?
Like I stated before life takes on its Shakespearean version of a tragic comedy where we become the actors on daily basis in various scenes with or without costumes.
All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts, His acts being seven ages.
Fellow author Xander Cross aka Ayakashi Fox who does cosplay as his protagonist stated it well in one of his recent shared Fb posts about the comic stages in life as we evolve from the initial omg what a talented kid, to f….disappointment and end as a weirdo who dresses up in a costume.
I assured him those were just various scenes in life that I can relate to even though I don’t do cosplay.
He was a guest on my For the Love of Books Podcast last year in June, so let’s listen to him again.
Inspired by Japanese folklore, author Xander Cross creates a dark, forbidding future and a demon in peril in “The Origin of the White Wind.” Welcome to The Atlas Dystopia Apocalyptica, the memoirs of a former Divine Messenger turned yakuza assassin! This gritty action thriller will take you into the shadowy world of dragons and yōkai in the 22nd Century New Toky and beyond!
authoremmapalova 