June 3, 2006: Sharing with Writers:
From the Desks
Of Carolyn Howard-Johnson and Authors' Coalition Friends
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If you prefer to see this letter all its colourful glory, please go to:

http://www.authorsden.com/adstorage/1713/Newsletter_June_FirstWeek_2006.doc

You will find the 'Best of Sharing with Writers' at Apollos Lyre

www.ApollosLyre.com

Sharing with Writers is the official newsletter of Authors' Coalition

http://authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com

an organization of writers who help writers.
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Note from Carolyn:

Dear Authors' Coalition Members and
Subscribers:

I just about have a new book written. No,
not that novel that keeps nudging at my
subconscious. Another how-to book that
should interest almost all subscribers.
But that's not what I want to talk to you
about. I want to address how this one
came about because that process may help
some of you others assess or finish
your next writing project.

Joyce Faulkner, publisher of Red Engine
Press (http://redenginepress.com) asked
me to write a chapter on editing for the
next book in her "The Complete Writer
Series. At about the same time, I had talked
to Linda Venis, director of UCLA Extension's
Writers' Program about teaching a class
this summer on polishing a manuscript.
As I started working on a syllabus and
handout for the class and then the
chapter for Joyce I kept borrowing from
one for the other. I kept writing and
writing. Suddenly it dawned on me I had
a book in progress, and that the subject
was too vast to do a really complete job
in a chapter or a handout.

Thus, "Best Book Forward: How to Edit
for a Spotless First Impression" was born.
Surprisingly, I don't think it will be long
before it's ready to go to press. I
already have an editor lined up (remember
my theory that only a fool acts as her own
editor--and I know this because I have
been a fool before)! I probably have
a publisher as well. And yes, it will
be the second in "The Frugal Book
Promoter Series."

In the meantime -- for those of you
in a hurry -- there is always the
class on August 4 and because it is a
one-day seminar, those of you from out
of town could come for a summer weekend
in LA. What better way to spend a weekend
than at that beautiful Westwood campus
and Santa Monica Beach! You can sign up
for the class by calling Marcus Hennessey
at (310) 825 9415.

Best,
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
HoJoNews@aol.com
http://www.tlt.com/authors/carolynhowardjohnson.htm
http://authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com

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If you enjoy "Sharing with Writers" please
nominate it for Writer's Digest's 101 Best
Newsletters for Writers. We aren't big,
we aren't old. So it would take a huge
outpouring from subscribers to make a dent.
Send an email to writersdig@fwpubs.com
with subject line, "101 Best Newsletters
for Authors" and let them know what this
newsletter does for you!
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Letters to the Editor:
(This is a letter from someone I didn't recognize as a subscriber. I am always pleased to hear from someone who has not contributed before):

Just wanted to thank you for all the newsletters and all your hard work helping so many writers and authors. We appreciate it!
Bill McDonald
President Military Writer's Society of America
www.militarywriters.com
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I'll want you to know, I used a little bit of your marketing advice tonight at the reading. I had bought a little golden book stand, and when I went up to read, I put a copy of the book on the bookstand for people to look at as I read. A number of the other readers later commented that it was a good idea and they wished they'd done it.
Christopher Meeks,
Author of "The Middle-Aged Man and the Sea," www.chrismeeks.com .

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Authors' Coalition members! Use the AC log
on your promotional materials for credibility.
Ask for it by sending an e-mail to
HoJoNews@aol.com or download it with a click
from the AC site http://authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com.
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Tip: Anyone interested in posting information on events and/or keeping current with what's going on around the country will want to subscribe to Sylvia McClain's Calendar by sending a blank e-mail to sylmcclain@juno.com with “subscribe Scribal News” in subject line.

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New members will help Authors'Coalition
serve all its members better! Ask your
writing friends to join at http://authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com.

Tell them to visit our blog, too, where
they'll learn how to spark generally
insipid book fairs by using value-added
promotions: http://redeneginepress.com/chjohnson .


http://authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com
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Thank yous:

To A-pos-tro-phe: http://www.a-pos-tro-phe.com/v2n3/thelecture.html for publishing my poem "The Lecture: Incomplete and Considerately Abridged.

To Steve Laidlaw, editor at "Riley Dog" for liking the above poem well enough to ask to publish an excerpt from it. Find the page and his highly artistic and original site at: http://blueplane.textdrive.com/06052805.html

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When was the last time you bought a
book from an author you know? "Tracings"
my new chapbook of poetry,
www.finishinglinepress.com,
is available for that honor at
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/qid=1141623936/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/002-4692447-2218401?s=books&v=glance&n=283155
but any book mentioned in any one of
your "Sharing with Writers" newsletters
would be a nice gesture, including a
Memorial Day gift of the books mentioned
in the opening notes. If all of us
directed more of our reading to newer
authors who write in genres we love or
genres we need to stretch into, we
would do ourselves and the publishing
industry a great favor.
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Reciprocal Links:

Book Exclusives! Find insider news from authors, publishers, agents, editors and others involved in the book biz. Read excerpts, interviews and get in on the latest in promotions, sales and contests. http://pubproauthors.bravehost.com/

The Shy Writer: An Introvert's Guide to Writing Success - Author C. Hope Clark advises you how to "sell your words, not your soul" when you promote your work. http://www.theshywriter.com/
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The Reading Tub is a charity that promotes family and children's literacy. They read every children's book that is sent to them to be reviewed. The books are then donated to community organizations. Go to www.thereadingtub.com.
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Walter Brasch's America's Unpatriotic Acts: The Federal Government's Violation of Constitutional and Civil Rights. ) is a look at the history and effects of the USA Patriot Act upon the erosion of our civil liberties and violations of at least five of the Bill of Rights. It has been endorsed by liberals and conservatives.
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The Scribal Press News Calendar. The news calendar of writer events around the world, no matter where you live. Find it at: http://www.scribalpress.com/thisnthat.html?
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Star Publish offers near self-publish profits on your paperback; it is an alternative to unapproachable publishers. http://starpublish.com.
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Do you want to hone your skills? Writer to Writer features tips on writing, marketing, submitting, selling and more. Regular no-f e e contests.
www.writer2writer.com
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Authors' Coalition is for writers. Find support for authors--both emotional and material--at
http://authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com.
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Gather at QueenPower.com where women promote, support and encourage women. Start living your best life now! http://www.queenpower.com/
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Check Out:
My new entry to my Authors Den site. I rarely add my work to it for many publishers don't want to publish work that has appeared elsewhere, including one's own sites. I figure few will want to publish recipes set up like poetry anyway and I thought you all would like the poem, if not the recipe for "Mazatlán Shrimp a la Maria." Here's the URL: http://authorsden.com/visit/viewpoetry.asp?id=160746
While you're there, leave a review or a message. (-: Include your own URL and it will help both of our Google footprints!
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Tip: Read a review on Esther Leiper's Book, "Win! Poetry Contests: With the Patterns and Forms to Get You There"
at Annette Gisby's site, http://community.livejournal.com/tt_book_news/3138.html. While you're there poke around. Annette has lots of content on her site of interest to writers.
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Patrika's Tips:

Getting into B&N stores:

Start locally. Once you're getting good sales in your own area, widen your horizons, telling managers, "It's selling very well in...." Ask if the manager would consider putting 'a couple of copies on your shelves.' Important, because when they order two copies, it goes into their computer system and the computer will automatically reorder the book once those two copies are sold, doubling the order to four; next time eight! (Snowball effect.)

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Patrika Vaughn
Write Better-Get Published with your Author's Advocate, A Cappela Publishing http://www.acappela.com/

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Please pass this letter on to others.
Unlike many others, I do not mind if you
use only portions of it as long as you
credit the writers and include this subscribe information. "To subscribe to 'Sharing
with Writers' send an e-mail to
HoJoNews@aol.com with 'subscribe'
in the subject line."
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In the News:

Big-Time Promotion Coup #1

One day this might not be out of reach for some of us: John Updike (or his publisher) arranged with Time to post his first chapter as an exclusive excerpt at: http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1198851,00.html
What a way to snag readers! Can you think of an alternative way to do the same thing -- maybe one that doesn't take so much clout?

Big-Time Promotion Coup #2

This is a big-time coup in the vein of the shock-jock's debut at Sirius because Bill Maher doesn't have a book to sell (well, not a new one) and he is on the run from the cancellation of his "Politically Incorrect." At any rate he will be appearing on Amazon. That's right, appearing. Like TV, but not quite. He says "…the Amazon audience is my audience -- it's a big bookstore, after all." Meaning, I suppose, that people who are smart enough to read are his audience. He also says he "never really catered [to a specific audience] on TV. I don't know why I should start on the computer." Which means he not only can be seen (and heard) at "Amazon Fishbowl with Bill Maher," he will also, presumably, be paid and have an audience right where he wants them -- where they can buy books?

Double Dragon Publishing Introduces Large Type Books

With the population aging and more awareness of handicaps, some publishers are introducing books printed with large type. I think this a business move that will only benefit us all in the future and one that even self-publishers should consider. Even if you don't sell many of your large-print edition, the service it offers is important and the promotion opportunities inherent in doing it are huge.
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Reciprocal Links:

Need a promotional breakthrough?
Subscribe to the PR Diva Queen's
Author's Companion PR Postcard at
http://www.authorscompanion.com/
for snappy marketing tips and a f~r~e~e report
"How to Obtain Book Reviews."
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Spirited Woman, an inspired woman's community, launches the Spirited Woman Circle, a new monthly phone conversation series with bestselling authors. Learn more at http://www.TheSpiritedWoman.com/spirited_woman_circle/
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Cynthia Brian, Media Coach, Writer, Author, Speaker, TV/Radio Personality, Spokesperson. www.star-style.com , www.goddessgals.com , and www.starstyleproductions.com
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Francine Silverman, publisher of Book Promotion Newsletter, serves authors by e-mailing Expert Sheets to the media. This low-cost service has proven results. Contact Fran at franalive@optonline.net for more information. www.bookpromotionnewsletter.com
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Read author interviews, market information, and more in WriterAdvice, www.writeradvice.com. To subscribe or to submit material for consideration, E-mail LGood67334@comcast.net . Put "subscribe" in the subject box.
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The Y&W newsletter sponsored by Red Engine Press brings authors, bookstores, publishers and reviewers together. Subscribers can write a short article of interest to this group and we'll try to publish it. To subscribe send an email to nate@redenginepress.com with "Y&W Newsletter" in the subject line.
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Sun Signs for Writers: Learn how astrology can benefit (and entertain!) writers with a new Writers' Digest book: http://www.writersigns.info
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Judith Woolcock Colombo: Author of The Fablesinger and Night Crimes: Learn more at: http://odin.prohosting.com/~night01
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Discover a novel by Cynthianna Appel and receive your choice of another e-book at no cost. Go to http://pages.sbcglobal.net/cynthianna/promo.html today!
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Read Joyce Faulkner's Celebrity Cafe.com column to learn about anything from aging feet to her favorite books on writing: http://thecelebritycafe.com/features/Columnists/The_Weekly_Shriek/
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Fr * * Publicity Resource: Let this site send your media release to book trade professionals including Associated Press, Reuters, and more. http://press.heliographica.com/
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Has writing lost its spontaneity? Find remedies in Milli Thornton's online writing course at: http://www.fearofwriting.com/creative-writing-course.htm
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Discover a true-life philosophy about making marriages last a lifetime in Choose Love For Life, by Joe and Edwina Roady (http://www.chooseloveforlife.com/.)
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The AA Independent Press Guide is a f * * *, database which details over 2,000 literary and genre magazines and publishers. Find it on the website of Dee Rimbaud, at http://www.thunderburst.co.uk/
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The Complete Writer offers advice on writing, editing, proofreading, publishing and design. Published by Red Engine Press, a traditional press.
http://www.redenginepress.com/

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Carolyn's Appearances and Teaching Gigs:

UCLA Class: Carolyn is teaching a one-day class at UCLA on Saturday, August 5th (summer quarter). Circle it on your calendar! Enroll to learn all you need to know about preparing a professional manuscript for submission to agents, publishers or to ready it for alternative presses. To enroll or to receive a free copy of UCLA's "Writers' Program Quarterly," contact Marcus Hennessey at writers@uclaextension.edu or (310) 825-9415.
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Audio Classes: Allyn Evans, Joyce Faulkner, Kathe Gogolewski, Marilyn Peake and Carolyn, have produced audio classes covering writing skills, book promotion, and technology for writers. Access new audio classes regularly in MP3 or CDRom at

http://www.double-dragon-ebooks.com/audio.asp.

Learn more about the instructors and find a list of the coming classes at our Authors' Coalition site at:

http://tri-studio.com/AUDIOCLASSESALL.html

To get a fr ^ ^ sample class called "Radio: A Do-It-Yourself Guide to Promoting Easy and Cheap!" go to the Double Dragon Publishing (DDP) Website: Download at:
http://www.double-dragon-ebooks.com/single.asp?isbn=DDP00000001QP&genre=
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The Muse Online Writing Conference: Lea Schizas, editor of "The Muse on Writing," and Carolyn Howard-Johnson are sponsoring this first annual virtual writers' conference October 9 - 13. This conference lets writers -- published or not -- mingle with some of the publishing world's personalities. Come choose from a huge selection of free online workshops.
Bookmark this site

http://www.freewebs.com/themuseonlinewritersconference/

Go back often to see the newest presenters and workshops. Agents, Michael Larsen and Elizabeth Pomada have just accepted invitations and we have dozens of others. Carolyn will be presenting on both book promotion and the craft of writing, specifically "Writing Sparkling Dialogue in 10 Easy Steps."

To check on the growing faculty and workshop session, go to:

http://www.freewebs.com/themuseonlinewritersconference/agenda.htm -----
Reach for You Dream: Publish Your Book Your Way is coming to the Glendale Central Library on June 10th at 10 am. Refreshments. Fun. Easy no-c^st parking. Learn more at: http://www.glendalepubliclibrary.org/writers_support_group.asp

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Reciprocal Links: Many subscribers are
in a position to cross-promote. Let me
know if you would like to trade some
recommendation or promotion for a permanent
spot (or as my list grows, semi-permanent)
spot in this newsletter. I use only
links that benefit writers
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Reciprocal Links:

One of my favorite groups for meeting "Publishing and Promoting" peers is moderated by award-winning suspense novelist Diane J. Newton, http://dianejnewton.bravehost.com/
To subscribe go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/publishingandpromoting/ .
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Dr. Bob Rich, freelance editor, finds the good things in your book and makes suggestions for improving it. His clients include independent publishers, and a long list of writers. Find him at http://bobswriting.com/editing.html
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Success Literary Services offers complete book manuscript services. They were honored with twelve awards. They do not accept funding from literary agencies or production companies. References. http://www.successliterary.com / suc-srv@pacbell.net
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HUGS, HOPE, and Peanut Butter: Finding Light Behind Life's Storm Clouds is a book of humorous, inspirational essays illustrated by critically ill children. www.hugsandhope.org/pb.htm
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The Compulsive Reader reviews books by some of the hottest writers working today. Find interviews, literary news, criticism, a no - cost e-zine, g I v e a w a y s, and more. http://www.compulsivereader.com/html.
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Do bookstores owe you money? Michelle Dunn's books including Become the Squeaky Wheel, A Credit and Collections Guide for Everyone helps you get your checks in full and on time. http://www.michelledunn.com/
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Erica Miner, queenpower.com's Queen of Journaling, has a monthly e-mail newsletter with an emphasis on journaling. Subscribe at: http://www.ericaminer.com/newsletter.php
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Need help with your writing? With getting it published? Contact your Author's Advocate, Patrika Vaughn, at www.acappela.com for whatever help you need.
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Dreams of Grandeur, a book of poetry by Amber A. Whitman is available at http://homebody2001-ivil.tripod.com/. A reader says "I'm impressed…a great deal of talent."

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No part of this newsletter is paid advertising.
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Top 10 Signs You're Becoming a Grammar Snob
(And Great Promo Idea!)

By June Casagrande

10. You'd rather get in line behind a woman with a $250 grocery order than stand in a lane marked "10 Items or Less."

9. Your best friend's e-mails now arrive through a third-party proofreading service.

8. Somewhere out there is a grammar book that doesn't condone splitting infinitives, and you're going to find it, dammit!

7. You are, at this very moment, looking up the word "dammit."

6. Your English teacher's psychotherapist knows your name, but refers to you as "The Rage Trigger."

5. You find something highly erotic about the image of Lynne Truss holding a magic marker.

4. The editor of your local newspaper has taken out a restraining order.

3. When other people talk about sex you figure they must mean gender.

2. You've nicknamed your private parts "Strunk" and "White."

1. You’re the only lifelong Republican in your entire Red State with an "Impeach Bush" bumper sticker on your car.

Forward this list to someone you love who may be in danger of becoming a grammar snob!

Brought to you by June Casagrande, author of the book, "Grammar Snobs Are Great Big Meanies: A Guide to Language for Fun and Spite," www.GrammarSnobs.com .


(This is an excellent way to con your friends into helping you get some f r e e publicity on the web.

CAVEAT: If you worry about sending something like this to promote your book because of the S P A M Meanies, then ask yourself:

1. Are you sending it to people you know and whose addresses you have collected legitimately?
2. Are they people you send a variety of cute (and stupid) stuff, to?

If so, then it isn't REAL spam but you will always find some so uptight (your boyfriend?) about
S P A M that they're looking for a reason to turn you into the S P A M cops. Sooo...if you add a disclaimer at the bottom, you protect yourself from some of THOSE GUYS!!
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Come "Reach for Your Dream: Publish Your Book Your Way,"

I'm offering a f^r^e^e seminar on how to publish no matter what your goal. It's at the main Glendale City Library on June 10th at 10 am. Chuck Wikes, events director, has featured it on the GPL site
http://www.glendalepubliclibrary.org/writers_support_group.asp
where you'll find all the essential info including parking instructions. If you scroll down a bit, you'll get more info on the critique group I facilitate -- also at no charge. Or e-mail me at HoJoNews@aol.com.

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Essential Book and Record Keeping:

This letter is an entity of Authors' Coalition

http://authorscoalitionandredenginepress.com.

Edited and distributed by Carolyn Howard-Johnson,

http://www.tlt.com/authors/carolynhowardjohnson.htm

author of "This is the Place," "Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remembered," "Tracings," and "The Frugal Book Promoter: How to Do What Your Publisher Won't," this newsletter lets authors share with each other.

To submit information for consideration, e-mail Carolyn at

HoJoNews@aol.com

If you do not care to receive this letter, unsubscribe at

HoJoNews@aol.com.

Include "Unsubscribe" in the subject line but please, please don't tell me you've given up writing or promoting!

To subscribe to Sharing with Writers send an e-mail with "Subscribe" in the subject line to: HoJoNews@aol.com.

Please pass this newsletter on to friends or e-groups. It needn't be pasted in its complete form, but please credit this newsletter, Authors' Coalition and the individual contributors with anything you snip and paste.

Order "The Frugal Book Promoter: How to Do What Your Publisher Won't"
at stores like UCLA, Dayton University and San Diego State University's bookstores. Order it as an e-book or paperback at Amazon where it is discounted:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-form/002-0672916-9668863 .

Tracings, a chapbook of poetry, may be ordered at

http://finishinglinepress.com

and at,

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/qid=1139084827/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/103-7824821-4156653?s=books&v=glance&n=283155

Carolyn's novel, "This is the Place," and book of creative nonfiction, "Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remembered," may be ordered at Amazon.com.