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Learning
About Writing the Best Way of All--In Italy!
Rome! And it's a
low-cost (Frugal!), cooperative effort!
The Roman Writers' Retreat
From our Roman Retreat of
2010 Book of Memories: l. to r. Eve Caram,
Carolyn Howard-Johnson, Catherine Yesayan.
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Writers' Resources Pages a la
Carte
(Scroll Down
for Rome Retreat Information on This Page)
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For
media release disseminators
content providers, and sites that accept book and author
information at no cost.
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For
how-to books for writers, reference books and books of inspiration for writers only! Any one will
make a great companion to The Frugal Book Promoter and The
Frugal Editor! It includes a list of helpful free e-books and
some CDs you can learn tons from, too!
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For the FREE Muse
Online Writers Conference.
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For
a list of writers' conferences.
The Big and the Cozy. A
list of book
fairs, tradeshows, conferences and conventions. Your aid to planning
ahead.
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For contests
you can count on, and articles on how to promote using contests.
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For a list of book fairs, tradeshows, conferences and conventions.
Your aid to planning ahead.
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For a
list of small publishers.
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For a list of book publicists.
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For a list of major review journals
--including
some that review POD-published books--and an article with suggestions
for getting reviews.
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For a list of writers' programs at US universities.
(There
is a new Master of Science in Publishing listed!)
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For
Writing Oriented Organizations,
Promotion Services, Agents, Legal Help, Illustrators, Indexers, Writing
Help, Editing, Event Planning, Author Friendly Radio, TV, Publishers,
Author-Oriented Newsletters, Author-Related Charities, Author-Friendly
Reviewers and Websites and More!
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Roman Writers'
Retreat Information
October 23-30, 2010
The Roman Writers' Retreat was imagined as a casual
writers' conference where authors could follow their dreams by
two UCLA Writers' Program instructors Eve LaSalle Caram and
Carolyn Howard-Johnson on their
cross-town foray to Eve's Novel I class on campus. (The drive in traffic
is a long one!). Eve had just taken a Villa in Italy and it seemed as if
doing something similar and sharing expenses with other writers would be
a great way to explore and be inspired by Rome, the city of dreams.
We found our Italian villa, after some ups and downs. The initial steps
have been taken and we have places available in a beautiful apartment
for only ten authors. We have room for only three more.
CHANGE IN PROPERTY. CHANGE IN LOCATION.
NO CHANGE IN AMENITIES OTHER THAN WE GET MORE FOR THE SAME PRICE.
This is the picture of the villa. It is located in Rome, across from a
park, near a hotel with restaurants, within a 10-15 minute walk to
public transit, with plenty of parking for anyone who would like to rent
a car.
There is free access to a Wi-Fi network in the ample
living room for those who bring their laptops, a considerable savings
over internet cafes or most hotel business centers. Heat,
electricity and more importantly the air conditioning are
included in the price along with a maid service and a driver with van
to take us into the heart of Rome or other places in and around Rome
each day and then pick us up and bring us back to our palatial villa.
If weather allows we will conduct some of our seminars around the pool
(an amenity the downtown location didn't have).
Otherwise there is a spacious "tavern" (like a family room) and a couple
of living rooms for us to use for that purpose! There is also a
terrace with a barbecue.
Inside there are 6 suites supplied with en suite bathrooms, air
conditioning, Satellite TV LCD and Sky decoder, WIFI flat connection,
safe, personal courtesy kit, hairdryer, bed linen and bath..
 On
the main floor there is a big living room, a modern kitchen, a studio
with fax, printer and PC and a terrace with barbecue.
Meals are the responsibility of each of us and we'll have a plan
to share
costs for those who prefer to share a good dish of pasta or
quick breakfasts. There is a hotel with
restaurants across the street and we are located near a park as well.
There will be no change from the original price quoted you.
These rooms are $1500 for the week (along with all the amenities of
the townhouse!); that is about $214 per night, much less than a simple
hotel room in New York (or Rome, for that matter).
The flat is easily found from TransAntlantic flights into Leonardo di
Vinci at Fiumicino. Unlike the prior location, there is parking
available for cars if you should choose to rent one, but there is no need
to do so.
Here are some of the bedrooms. There are ample bathrooms facilities
located throughout the home, many as part of the bedroom suites.
Here are some snaps of the living rooms (note the plural! (-: ) The
blue living room is on the left. The red living room on the right.
Other views including laundry room, staircase, pool, grounds, example
of the bathroom in the "Augusta" bedroom and the one in the "Domina"
bedroom (all the rooms are named! I kid you not!).
This is the "tavern." Look! a fireplace in case we have a chilly
evening!
I think we will have a grand time. Remember, this is a casual
retreat. Eve and I and our guest speaker Jo Linsdell have planned
several seminars but are open to ideas as needs arise. We will also
arrange critique groups for those who want to work that way. Please note
the special arrangements Jo has made for us at a restaurant in Rome
below.
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Early Planning Bulleting Board |
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Plan to carry a cell phone of your own in Rome. To arrange for
reservations, taxis, etc., on your own. Remember, this is a shared
experience. Eve and I do the seminars, but the sightseeing, food,
transportation, etc. are on your own or shared experiences with other
participants you want to work with or be with. -----
July 06: It is lovely to
have Jo Linsdell with us. Though she is a guest lecturer, it is like
having a personal host and guide! I mentioned the tour busses available
in Rome. Here is her insider's advice:
"The special tour buses really aren't necessary as Rome public
transport will take you anywhere and tickets are much cheaper (€1 for 75
minutes, €4 for a whole day unlimited use. Week passes are also
available).
I'll put together a short handout for everyone with some Rome tips. A
kind of welcome pack."
Wowee! Thank you, Jo! ----- September 10, 2010. As you can see,
we have a change of venue. Details above. Think you'll love the changes!
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Register NOW for best and easiest air
arrangements.
Your Instructors:
Eve LaSalle Caram, MA, is a
longtime and popular instructor for UCLA Extension
Writers' Progam where she won their Outstanding
 Instructor
Award in Creative Writing. She is a novelist, essayist,
and poet whose latest novel, The Blue Geography, was a
finalist in the Texas Review novel contest. Ms. Caram's
other novels are Dear Corpus Christi; Wintershine; and
Rena, A Late Journey. She edited Palm Readings, a
multicultural anthology of fiction by Southern
California women.
Carolyn Howard-Johnson has been an
instructor for UCLA Extension Writers Program for several years. She is
a multi-award winning author of This is the Place, and
Harkening:
A Collection of Stories Remember and her fiction, nonfiction and
 poems
have appeared in national magazines, anthologies and review journals
both online and in print. She is a popular seminar leader at conferences
like Dayton University's Erma Bombeck Writers Workshop, San Diego
State's world renowned Writers' Conference and Call to Arts! EXPO. She
also appears in national TV commercials. Her HowToDoItFrugally series of
books for writers have become staples in the libraries of many writers.
You can learn more about her on about any page on this site. (-:
Photo by
Randy Detroit.
These two instructors are donating
their time to this retreat. Jo Linsdell, founder of the free
online conference PromoDay will also be presenting. They are planning seminars (but not so many
as to interfere with inspiration time!) on the craft of writing, the
building of platforms and the marketing of fiction and poetry as well as
less structured opportunities where attendees can share and learn from
one another. Seminar topics will be announced at a later date.
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Reservations and Terms
Do know that this is not a full-blow
writers conference, though the essential qualities of seminars taught by
professionals certainly exists. Rather this is a heart-of-Rome
Retreat--very small (only eight beds and possibly invited guests for the
seminar portions. Further it is a
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Tip
Choose retreats, classes
and conferences featuring well-qualified instructors. In
these times of fast information, probably the best way to do
that is to find instructors vetted by major universities.
Find at least one tip on writing,
promotion or tech on every page .
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cooperative
effort. We (eight!) share costs of the gorgeous
townhouse Eve and I found and the two of us (possibly
others, too) are donating our expertise with our fellow
authors. Seminar topics will be announced later but will
include a session on dialogue and one on book marketing
with me and sessions on the craft of writing with UCLA
Writers' Program award-winner Eve.
This is the way we want it to work:
PAYMENTS/RESERVATIONS
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We have two prices for the
townhouse accommodations. $1500 and $1300. The lesser price is for a
downstairs room that is less elaborately (though certainly
adequately!) appointed. That is for one week. Beds are queens so
must be shared. This is someone's home, not a hotel. Each room has a
bathroom. See above for details on this gorgeous property in the
center of historical Rome.
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If someone prefers a room or
his/her own (no sharing of bed), that price will be double.
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Because we have so few spots
available and because or planning is volunteer, 1/2 is due upon
committing to this program and is nonrefundable. This policy
reflects the one we committed to in renting the townhouse.
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On April 1 the rest of your
payment will be due. After August 1 that portion will also be
nonrefundable unless we find someone to take your place. We will
keep a waiting list.
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You will make arrangements with
Eve
or
Carolyn and your checks will be sent to Carolyn at Carolyn
Howard-Johnson, PO Box 1101, LaCanada-Flintridge, CA 91012-1101.
EXPENSES
NOT
INCLUDED
Participants are responsible for their
own touring/entertainment outside of the seminars, their own air flight,
their own food, their taxi to and from Rome's airport (40 minutes--I've
taken it and it one beautiful ride that can go past the coliseum).
Expenses incurred as a group (say a pasta night if we have a willing
cook among us or light breakfasts to save dollars--er, euros) will be
shared.
PROGRAM
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Seminars taught by Eve Caram and
Carolyn Howard-Johnson.
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If there is enough interest I may
use the knowledge gleaned in my not-so-formal education in
anthropology to lead a group to a nearby museum of Etruscan
artifacts . We may do some writing exercises based on the day's
experiences.
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Informal evening rooftop chats,
weather permitting.
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Dinner and seminar at a well-known
Roman restaurant, Ristorante La Romantica, planned for us by Jo
Lindell (additional charge). We will display and sell our books to
patrons of the restaurant interested in them.
Note: This is not school, but a
retreat. Nothing (other than prompt payments and caring for the
property) will be expected of anyone.
If you bring a laptop, WiFi is
included.
OTHER (Tentative) PLANS
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Seminar topics will be announced but
will include both craft and marketing.
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We may have a fireside chat program
led by invited speakers including participants, again a volunteer
effort.
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We may extend the program (either
before or after) to a villa on the Amalfi coast. The plan will be
similar to the one above. Please let us know if you are interested.
Eve or
Carolyn.
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Jo Linsell-Feliciano is a writer
living in Rome and founder of the online conference PROMO Day
who has agreed to speak to our group. (Ahhhh, the wonders of the
Web). There is a chance she can arrange for a get together at a
restaurant she is connected with. (http://www.ristorantelaromantica.it).
Wait until you see the pictures! Just click on the link. There will
be more on this, of course.
Note: Do know that October is considered shoulder season in Rome. There
will be relatively few tourists but we may run into chilly weather. Plan
to pack warm jackets, sweaters, umbrellas and hats, just in case. But
also pack lighter clothes. Rome does have a Mediterranean climate (similar to Los Angeles'
weather), after all. Having said that, this came from Eve's Living
Language Daily Phrase and Culture calendar (Andrews-McMeel):
"Rome (Roma), the eternal city and the capital of Italy,
enjoys the typical
Mediterranean climate. The weather conditions in Rome are at their most
comfortable from April through June, and from mid-September to October.
However, it is probably in October that one can enjoy Rome at its best:
during the season of the so-called Ottobrate. The word ottobrate can be
roughly translated as "beautiful October day" and identifies a
particularly
sunny and warm day. During the ottobrate Rome is immersed in a magic
glow,
and the sunsets are absolutely amazing; the sky is filled with thousands
of
colors and the clouds shine like gold. While visiting Rome in October,
one
can also enjoy the Festa Internazionale del Cinema di Roma ("Roman Film
Fest"): a great festival, or perhaps a better translation--a great feast
for
movie lovers and for all the people who work in the movie industry."
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Tentative
Seminar/Activity Schedule:
Subject to change. All classes/events are voluntary.
Saturday October 23.
ARRIVE Welcome from our hosts at 5 pm, discuss house, rules, etc.
Set up a table at the house for us to share our books, services,
etc. with one another. Bring bookmarks, fliers, books to give away
or for sale. Open evening to do as you wish, unpack or sleep.
Sunday October 24 Day:
Open during the day (on your own) for church/temple/etc for those
who need that. Explore environs of nearby park, route to public
transit (more to come on this along with our available driver), take
tours or whatever you wish. Early dinner on your own.
Evening of Sunday Oct. 24:
Two options:
7 pm group get together to talk writing, share
our works in progress, with Eve Or
7 pm to 10 pm individual consultations, by advance
reservation.
Some of you have said you'd like individual help. Individual
Consultations on publishing, writing. or promotion with Carolyn
1/2 hour increments. (We can spend more time on each session if
few of you utilize this option.) Openings from 7 pm am to 10 pm. No
charge but I will charge a cancellation fee if I set aside time and
you decide not to come. $25. seems fair. Also, if you want to talk
marketing or editing, it would be helpful if you've read The Frugal
Book Promoter ( www.budurl.com/FrugalBkPromoter)
or The Frugal Editor ( www.budurl.com/TheFrugalEditor).
We can get lots more covered in a short time and easily narrow
options down to what is best for you.
Monday October 25: 10 am.
to noon. Eve Caram's Class on voice with a discussion of what
makes a strong voice and a particular voice and a handout of
examples, followed by four or five class exercises (just short
10 to 15 minute writing promps people would do on the spot.)
Afternoon free.
Monday October 25 Evening: Dinner
early (about 5 pm) with
 Jo
Linsdell speaking later. This restaurant evening
is planned by Jo Lindsell, founder of the internationally known
free (online) Promoday for authors. Plan on 20 to 30 Euros for
dinners. Wine or drinks may cost more. You may display and sell
your books. You bring books for sale (suggest 3 to five), 25 or
so bookmarks, fliers, or business cards. After dinner Jo will
speak on the wonders of online marketing and online learning
opportunities. See more on the restaurant on this page. See more
on PromoDay at
www.promoday.com.
Tuesday, Oct 26:
Eve Caram: 9:30 am. One hour. More Voice:
voice as it is possibly altered by travel--the traveler's
voice--how perceptions change with travel, particularly
perceptions about home and about belonging.
Carolyn:10:30 AM: Secrets to Great
Dialogue
Afternoon free.
Carolyn 7 pm. Elements of memoir. Ways to
use life experiences in your memoir or other writing--from
poetry to nonfiction. Includes some on journaling. Bring
your travel journals.
Wednesday, October 27
9:30 am: Eve Caram. 2 hours. In the garden
weather allowing. Participants do some short writes that
involve mythical or historical figures--or for that matter
anything that has affected them in Rome during our time
there. Eve will bring copies of two stories; people can
read them (or not)--both set in Rome on the Spanish steps
but with central characters that have opposite reactions to
being there.
Evening Evening 8 pm. 2 Hours.
Carolyn. Essentials for selling your book. Building a
platform and your query letter. Participants may use The
Frugal Editor ( www.budurl.com/TheFrugalEditor)
to learn to write a query and we will critique it. Bring 10
copies for the critique process. Remember queries should be
only one page.
Thursday, Friday October 28 & 29.
Open for overnight travel to nearby spots that may require
more time.
Evening of Friday the 29th:
Goodbye dinner. To be decided. If we have someone who wants to try
their hand at cooking for the group, that would be fun. We can go
out. Whatever we decide to do, it will be Dutch. Please have enough
cash (meaning easy change to reimburse the person who pays the
entire bill on the time they do that) in Euros to pay for your
own meal, drinks, tips. Eve suggests: "maybe in the restaurant of
the hotel across the street (if it's any good.) Or--and this is just
an idea--at a lovely little restaurant I know about a block and a
half from the Trevi Fountain--we'd have to share expenses for a taxi
to town and back of course. But we could all throw our good-bye
coins in and know we would return to Rome.
Saturday, October 30: Leaving.
Some will be leaving too early for us to give them hugs. Those
who don't leave early, (including Lance and me), could have a
simple breakfast--rolls, coffee or whatever--around the pool or
in the kitchen. Just hang out, talk writing until it is time for
us to go. Lance and I will need to check out of our villa.
Note: Please remember we have kitchen
facilities. If you bring food, we will share it. Track your
expenses. We'll probably divide expenses for staples like
cereal, milk, bread, coffee, tea--the stuff we'll eat in the
mornings and for lunch to keep expenses down. People may opt out
of this plan if they wish.
Click here for other
resources for writers.
Your aid to planning ahead:
A list of book fairs,
tradeshows, conferences and conventions.
For lots
more links for reading and writing stuff, visit Carolyn Howard-Johnson's
Sharing with
Writers and Readers
blog.
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Tip
One of the most
frequently mistakes writers make is switching genres without
taking a class or thoroughly researching new techniques and
structure required by that genre.
Find at least one tip on writing, promotion or
tech on every page of this Web site.
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(For resources and links
galore, grab yourself copies of the
Frugal Book Promoter
and
The Frugal Editor.)
Click here for Carolyn's first
person essay, "Beating Time at Its Own Game."
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Important
Resources
Book Proposal
Help
Former book
acquisitions editor Terry Whalin says, "editors and publishers
don't read manuscripts. They read book proposals. In
Book
Proposals That Sell: 21 Secrets to Speed Your Success, you
learn the inside scoop to achieve your dreams." I highly
recommend it.
~~~
Promotion Services
You'll find
direction in the Frugal Book Promoter for building your own media
kit; if you choose not to build your own, the information there will
make you a better partner for a publicist you might hire to help you. I
recommend PressKit 24/7, the brainchild of publicists with over forty
years' experience. We know the speed at which you need to work, and we
know what it takes to get the media's attention. It was critical for us
to be able to create professional online press kits for our own clients.
So we understand what you need for yours.
Learn more about the classes offered by
UCLA Extension
Writers' Program,
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Subscribe to the
Carolyn Howard-Johnson Newsletter
and get a FREE copy of
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Click Here
for a list of book
fairs, tradeshows, conferences and conventions. Your aid to planning
ahead.
You will find at least one promotion, writing
or tech tip on every page on this site. Sometimes you'll find, two or
three! Happy browsing and collecting!
"Your
book on frugal Publicity is a 'classic.' I have it, I've read it, I've
recommended it, I believe in it, & I've met you... and I can easily
talk about it." ~Deborah
Granger, radio
host
and publisher
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Presenter at These Conferences and Book Fairs (A Sampling)
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Presenter at
These Conferences and Book Fairs (A Sampling)
Presenter 2009
Presenter, 2008, 09, 10
Presenter, 2007
National Span College, 2002
Fellows presenter, 2007, 08
Co-sponsor and presenter, 2007, 08, 09,
10
Erma Bombeck Writers' Conference, 2006,
2008
Sisters in Crime,
Pasadena, 2009
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Tip
Studies have shown that
business people who travel increase their income by doing
so; writers who travel find inspiration and networks to
further their careers (though I know of no studies to that
effect!)
Find tips on writing, promotion or
tech on every page of this Web site.
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Carolyn's Blogs |
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Sharing with Writers
All things publishing with
an emphasis on book
promotion. Named to
Writer's Digest
101 Best Website list.
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The New Book Review
Great way for readers, authors, reviewers and publicists to get more
mileage out of
a great review.
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The Frugal Editor Blog
This is the Frugal, Smart
and Tuned-In Editor blog.
Covers editing, grammar, formatting and more.
Get the answers you need.
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Carolyn's Shopping Plaza |
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Please visit Carolyn's
Shopping Plaza
for autographed copies and occasional special offers.
Order two or more books and get Great Little Last-Minute Editing Tips for Writers free!
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Carolyn's Awards |
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Awards for Carolyn's Books, Blogs and More
The New Book Review
Named to
Online Universities'
101 Book Blogs
You Need to Read
Writer's Digest 101 Best Websites
for Sharing with Writers blog.
Best Book Award for The Frugal Book Promoter (2004) and The Frugal Editor (2008).
Reader Views Literary Award for The Frugal Editor
New Generation Award for Marketing and Finalist for The Frugal Editor
Book Publicists of Southern California's Irwin Award
Military Writers Award of Excellence for
Tracings, A Chapbook of Poetry.
A Retailer's Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotion wins author Military
Writers Society of America's Author of the Month award for March 2010
And more than a dozen other awards for Carolyn's novel, short story collection and poetry.
See the awards page on this site.
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