Hispanic Heritage Month Event

I would like to let you know about a unique opportunity being presented to the Society of Latino and Hispanic Writers of San Antonio by Barnes and Noble, San Pedro Crossing, during Hispanic Heritage Month.

Debra Castanon, our Community Relations Manager at Barnes and Noble, would like to feature 8 to 10 of our writers/members who have published a book an opportunity to talk about their book via an author panel discussion.

The event would be held on a date to be determined (please provide input on the best date to hold this event with exception of Sept 17-21) between Sept. 15 and October 15--although we would like to host the event in September.

What is unique about this event is that if you're selected to be one of the authors, and you are self-published, Barnes and Noble will sell your book at the event on consignment. As you're aware, Barnes and Noble has not allowed consignment sales for quite a while so this would be a wonderful opportunity to not only talk about yourself and your book, but to sell it as well in the store at this event!

This event is not limited to self-published writers. If you have a book published by a small press or a large publishing house and are looking for an opportunity to promote your book in the store, this could be the opportunity you have been looking for. If selected, Barnes and Noble will order your book if it doesn't already have it in stock.

As I mentioned, we're looking for about 8 to 10 authors who will have about 5 to 8 minutes to present their book via a panel discussion. Since this event is in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, I would like to strongly encourage Hispanic authors or authors of books dealing with Hispanic culture, to consider being a part of this event.

If you are interested in being a part of this wonderful opportunity, please email me at Vincent_bosquez@yahoo.com and bring a copy of your book to our Monday, June 8, meeting. I will collect all the books and turn them over to Debra who will consult with the store manager and possibly the corporate folks for the final selection. Barnes and Noble will publicize this event with in-store posters and mentions in their store newsletter.

I know we have had several members publish books this year, or have appeared in an anthology, or know of authors who have published books who would like the opportunity to present at Barnes and Noble--please forward them this email.

As I mentioned, I believe this is a wonderful opportunity and encourage everyone to consider participating in this event and help me pass the word. Remember, June 8 is the deadline. Bring your book to the June 8 meeting at 7:30 p.m.

If you have any questions, please email or call me at (210) 845-4582. Please remember, not everyone that applies will be selected.

Spanish Group Meeting June 1

The following post is from Martha Curcio regarding Monday's Spanish Group Meeting:

Hola a todos,

Les recuerdo que tendremos nuestra próxima junta del grupo de español el día 1o. de Junio, 2009 a las 7:00 pm en Barnes & Noble de La Cantera, 15900 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 3340, San Antonio, Tx. 78256 teléfono 210-641-1613

El facilitador para esta junta es Daniel Weinfeld y a continuación les envio unos ejercicios que el comparte con todos nosotros. ¡Mil Gracias Daniel! Gracias a ti y a todos los facilitadores por su tiempo, dedicación y buena voluntad de compartir con el resto del grupo.

Así que vamos a sacar el máximo provecho que estos ejercicios están ¡Buenísimos!
Para no perder la costumbre envio una fotografía.

Y recuerden ¡LO IMPORTANTE ES SOLTAR LA IMAGINACION Y A DISFRUTAR ESCRIBIENDO!
¡Nos vemos en la junta!
¡Escríbelo o se pierde!
Martha Curcio

Tarea para Lunes 1o. de Junio, 2009 – Barnes and Noble La Cantera

CONVERSACIÓN CON UN PERSONAJE HISTORICO

A) Entre el relator y el personaje, o
B) Entre el personaje principal y otro personaje de otra época.

“Me llama la atención que ambos aún co cumplíamos veinte años cuando tomamos comando del ejército,” Dijo Alexandro.
“Estudié tus estrategias, y me sorprende que después de tantos siglos, aún funcionen.” Dijo Napoleón.

La conversación versa principalmente sobre sentimientos, no descripción de cosas ni lugares:

En caso necesario, UNA SOLA DESCRIPCIÓN DE LUGAR, no mayor de diez palabras, de preferencia para llenar algún silencio.

“Tienes tres días de vida.” Dije.
Se apoyó sobre la mesa de la cárcel.
“Yo quería ir a Bora Bora,” Escupió contra la ventana.

El cielo se despedazaba en Afganistán.
“Ayer una mina me voló la pierna derecha. Quizá me den una medalla para que me sirva de lastre y no me vaya de lado.”

Evite saludos o comentarios cotidianos
a) “¿Cómo estás?
b) “Hace tiempo que no te veo.”

Evite adjetivos calificativos del lenguaje:
a) “Aquí esta lo que te debo.” Dijo alegremente al cortarle la yugular.
b) “Te quiero.” Dijo con mirada de venado atolondrado.

La identificación de los personajes es únicamente en la primera frase, a menos que pueda haber confusión.

“¿Crees que van a pagar el rescate por ti?” Dijo Leopoldo de Austria.
“Vale.” Dijo Ricardo Corazón de León.
“Ni siquiera hablas inglés, vato.”
“Oui. Pero me adoran.”
“¿De veras? Tu hermanito que está manejando el negocio quizá pague para que no te suelte.”
“No manches.”

Longitud:
MAXIMO dos páginas a doble espacio.

Principio o final no son necesarios, pero el punto de vista de casa personaje debe ser claro.

Algunas ideas posibles para temas a desarrollar:
Política
Tracción
Fidelidad
Aborto
Inmigración
Escritura
Eutanasia
Pena de muerte
Arte
Costumbres
Creencias
Fetiches
Etc…

Graduating Seniors--Neat Way to Earn Money this Summer

PACES PROGRAM GIVES FIRST-TIME COLLEGE STUDENTS
HEAD START TO FALL SEMESTER, CASH

SAN ANTONIO—Palo Alto College is launching a new summer program aimed at helping first-time college students get started on the right foot while putting some extra cash in their pockets.

The Palo Alto College Early Start (PACES) Program is intended for first-time college students who are on the threshold of being able to enroll in college-level math courses. Students selected for the program will attend two classes, along with receiving mentoring, tutoring and support services designed to assist them into their transition into college.

Tuition, textbooks and project supplies are free for participants. Students will also be given $400 upon completion of the program with a grade of a “C” or better and a 90 percent class attendance rate.

New high school graduates who scored at pre-college math levels on college placement tests and have finished high school or a high school equivalency program but who have never been to college are eligible for this program. Other requirements include being between the ages of 18-22, having an admissions application on file at PAC and have a FAFSA 2008-2009 application on file by June 4.

The program runs from June 8 to July 9 at the PAC campus, Mondays through Thursdays from 8:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. The deadline to register for the program is June 4. Students will be selected through a lottery-like process to participate in the PACES Program.

For orientation times and dates or more information on the program, please call Claudia Castillo at (210) 486-3300.

PALABRA

The following message is sent by elena at PALABRA:

Saludos --

PALABRA (Issue 4) has been reviewed in NewPages.com. Here's the web address: http://www.newpages.com. Click on "Literary Magazine Reviews" link.

elena

Note from Lupe Gonzalez

Below is message sent by our Vice President, Lupe Gonzalez, that I would like to share with you:

Here are some pics from Bertha's booksigning and reading. Her story, "A Broken String of Lace" is part of the mystery short story anthology HIT LIST: THE BEST OF LATINO MYSTERY edited by Sarah Cortez and Liz Martinez. Bertha also read a "teaser" from Arthur Munoz' story (who was unable to attend) "Made in China". Other short excerpts she read were from Carlos Hernandez' "Los Simpaticos" and Manuel Ramos' "The Skull of Pancho Villa". The book is published by Arte Publico Press.

Also pic #3673-2 is of me, Bertha and Rebeca. We took the picture because we'd started a critique group in 2006. None of us were published and we were all writing a romance novel. I published TOO LATE FOR ROMANCE in December 2007. Now, Bertha has published her short story and Rebeca has published her own short story collection, HABITANTES DE MI TIEMPO.

We thought it was a great achievement and worth mentioning.

Marcela is Coming to San Antonio!

Photo from http://www.marcelalandres.com/

The following note is from Marcela Landres--a true friend of the Society of Latino and Hispanic Writers of San Antonio

Hi--I’ll be in San Antonio in July presenting a workshop for Gemini Ink. Below is more info; please share with friends and colleagues. Hope to see you there! Warmly, Marcela

WHAT: Before You Send It Out Workshop
Agents and editors don't have time to read entire manuscripts. So
how do they choose which writers they want to work with? Proposals.
Regardless of whether you have a book for adults or children, in
fiction or nonfiction, you need a strong proposal. But while many
writers invest a significant amount of time, energy and money in
crafting their manuscripts, few know how to compose a proper
proposal. In this class, you will learn:
1. • Why 90% of submissions are rejected based on the cover
letter alone
2. • The single most reliable—and free!—resource for finding
a good agent
3. • Three common, yet easily avoidable, mistakes writers make
4. • A proposal's true purpose (hint: it's not to demonstrate talent)
Note: The first 20 writers to register and send a manuscript will each
receive a 20-minute private consultation with Editorial Consultant Marcela
Landres, who will offer professional suggestions and advice for each writer.

WHEN: Saturday, July 25; workshop from 9 a.m. to noon, private
appointments from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

WHERE: Gemini Ink, 513 S. Presa, San Antonio, TX 78205

WHO: Marcela Landres is the author of the e-book How Editors Think: The Real Reason They Rejected You, and is the publisher of the award-winning e-zine Latinidad. An Editorial onsultant who helps writers get published by editing their work and educating them on the business side of publishing, she was formerly an editor with Simon & Schuster

REGISTER: Visit http://geminiink.gdcblogs.com/ then click on Classes
and download PDF of Summer 2009 catalogue

QUESTIONS?: E-mail info@geminiink.org or call 877.734.WORD
***********************************************************
For a list of all my upcoming workshops, visit
http://www.marcelalandres.com/
***********************************************************Marcela LandresEditorial Consultant718-208-5810marcelalandres@yahoo.comWeb Site: http://www.marcelalandres.com/ Free e-zine: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/marcelalandres/

Facebook: http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=567699306&ref=profile

Author of the e-book How Editors Think: The Real Reason They Rejected You

Marcotte Study Abroad Report

THE FOLLOWING EMAIL IS SENT ON BEHALF OF KAREN MARCOTTE, WHO IS HEADING A TEAM OF 36 STUDENTS AND FACULTY MEMBERS ON A TWO WEEK STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM FOCUSING ON THE HOLOCAUST:


The PAC Study Abroad program on the Holocaust is off to a fantastic start. The 36 faculty and students have embraked on a two week study of the Holocaust in Europe in Berlin and Munich, Germany; Warsaw and Krakow in Poland and Prague in the Czech Republic. We have been in Europe for four days and this is my first chance to write. We flew in two different groups through Chicago to Berlin, Germany where we spent our first three days. After that first day of being tired from jet lag, the group began to focus on various aspects of the Holocaust in earnest.

Among our study points were the Jewish Museum, an orientation to the city of Berlin both past and present and a stop at the remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall. Students were impressed and in some cases highly moved by the sites. Our stop at a Jewish cemetery which had been desecrated brought into sharp focus the extent of the human suffering. We also spent time at the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe which is very near the Brandenburg gate. Again it was a somber group that boarded our bus.

A special visit to the Wannsee Conefernce House complete with a tour and presentation by a Professor of History was a sobering experience. The Wannsee Conference was where the Nazis decided on the Final Solution to the Jewish problem - they would be eliminated.

We have balanced the difficult topic of the Holocaust with visits to museums and other cultural sites. It was so good to see the statue of the Egyptian Queen Nefertiti as she awaits the completion of her new museum. She still looks good after 3500 years.

We all enjoyed a panel discussion by professors of history on the East/West division of both Berlin and Germany. Two of the professors were born and raised in East Germany and one in West Germany. Our students are now more knowledgeable on this topic and understand the value of primary resources.

Today, May 21, we took the train from Berlin to Warsaw, Poland. This is my first trip to Poland. We watched the landscape change throughout our journey and enjoyed a walking orientation of the city center. Tomorrow we will vist the site of the Warsaw Ghetto and Uprising as well as the Jewish Synagogue. We will also have an orientation to the city as a whole.

For more information on the program and to read about some of the student impressions so far, look for an email from Rob Hines, History Professor.

This is Karen Marcotte, Professor of History and Humanities, Palo Alto College

Rob Hines' Study Abroad Update

THE FOLLOWING IS SENT ON BEHALF OF ROB HINES, WHO IS ALSO ON THE STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM IN EUROPE:

"Reporting" from Warsaw, Poland, this is Rob Hines, History department, sharing some observations and experiences here in Europe this spring.

Most of the students and faculty on the trip this spring have had little or no practical experience with the holocaust or the history of Europe. Everything we are hearing and seeing is new. I am a history teacher, and I have taught my students about World War II and the Holocaust for decades. I thought I knew something about this difficult subject. Simply put: there is absolutely nothing like being there. And we are here.

Presently, we are now in Warsaw, Poland, having completed our stay in Berlin Germany this morning. After a light dinner this evening at our hotel, the faculty asked students to participate in a discussion: Share with the group some of your impressions about the trip so far - something you leanrned or were surprised by.

A student of Dr. Dorothy Haeker and Karen Marcotte's, Kevin James, spoke about our visit to the Wannese Villa outside of Berlin . It was here that the Nazi regime in Germany made their plans for the so called "final sollution" - the mass murder of perhaps millions of European Jews. The information shared, the rooms toured, the pictures and transcripts we saw from this crucial meeting of Nazi leaders, all made a huge impression on Kevin. When he spoke, it was clear to me he had been changed by the experience. I was too. In a couple of days, we will visit the result of this crucial meeting of Nazi leaders - the killing center of Aushwitz, outside the Polish city of Cracow. After this tour, I will report back to the PAC community.

On a more personal note:

Despite some misgivings expressed by my wife Kimberly, I brought our 13 year-old student to Europe with me . The trip is changing him every day. He has been struck by the vast differences in economic activity (Eastern Europe is not wealthy by the standards of south central Texas). Internet service is slow; cars are smaller and slower. People live in apartments, for the most part. Polish kids don't talk on cell phones, because they don't have one. It's not a question of shock. Kids his age know the world isn't the same everywhere. It is more a matter of awareness: this is how it is here. And people live their lives as happily as "richer" Americans.
He grew up learning about the Holocaust, and has not been shocked by the information so far. I am wondering how he will react to our visit to the killing centers the day after tomorrow.

Thanks.

Rob Hines

Documentary Film Preview

Please consider attending this free event on Tuesday, May 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Guadalupe Theater:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

At 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26th, a preview screening at the documentary film As Long As I Remember: American Veteranos, by Laura Varela and Fernando Cano, and panel discussion will be offered at the Guadalupe Theater, 1300 Guadalupe Street; Sponsored by American Indians in Texas at the Spanish Colonial Missions.

Produced and Directed by San Antonio filmmaker Laura Varela, the documentary chronicles the experiences of three South Texas Vietnam-era veterans who are also artists: visual artist Juan Farías, author Michael Rodríguez and poet/performance artist Eduardo Garza. The film takes the audience through the lives of the artists and their families: growing up in the Mexican American community, their military service in Vietnam , and their lives after the war. Through their stories the film examines the role of art in memory, post-traumatic stress syndrome, activism, and the current conflict in Iraq.

The film will be preceded by a reception and followed by a panel discussion with the filmmakers, Michael Rodriguez, Eduardo Garza and Dr. Norma Cantu who are featured in the film. The panel discussion will explore what the legacy of war means to an individual and to a community.
The documentary As Long As I Remember:American Veteranos was funded by grants from Humanities Texas, Latino Public Broadcasting (a part of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting Minority Consortia) and the San Antonio Office of Cultural Affairs.

Much of the documentary was filmed in the West Side of San Antonio and features poet and performance artist Eduardo Garza and the Circulo de Hombres, a men’s support group sponsored by AIT. The filmmakers are honored to bring this film to the community.
This event is sponsored by the City of San Antonio Office of Cultural Affairs. It is FREE and open to the public. For more information please call (210) 227-4940 or visit www.texasmissionindians.com.

About Laura Varela (www.varelafilm.org) San Antonio-based media artist, activist and educator, Laura Varela, is originally from El Paso . She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Radio, Television and Film from the University of Texas and has attended the Sundance filmmaker’s lab, the NALIP/UCLA Producers Academy, the CPB/PBS Producer’s Academy at WGBH Boston, and the NALAC Leadership Institute. Her projects are community-based and focus on issues of social justice and cultural preservation. Her current project raúlrsalinas and the Poetry of Liberation is funded by Humanities Texas, ITVS, The NALAC Fund for the Arts, The Ford Foundation and JP Morgan Chase. In 2005 she co-produced Pan de Vida/Bread of Life with Guillermina Zabala, and in 2004 joined Anne Lewis and Heather Courtney to produce Texas Majority Minority for the Voting in America project. Her film A Slight Discomfort: Echoes from the Clinic won the 2002 Premio Mesquite Award for Best Experimental Work at the San Antonio Cine Festival.

In San Antonio , Ms. Varela’s work has been exhibited at the Blue Star Art Center for Contemporary Art, The Museo Alamdea, the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center , Gallista Gallery, and the UTSA Downtown Art Gallery . Artist residencies include Swarthmore College and Art For Change in 2006 and Hoschule Niederrhein and Faust Academy , Germany in 2007.

About Norma Cantu Norma E. Cantú, born in Nuevo Laredo , Tamaulipas , Mexico , grew up in Laredo , Texas and currently serves as Professor of English and U.S. Latina/o Literatures at the University of Texas at San Antonio . She received her Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska -- Lincoln . She is the editor of the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo book series , at Texas A&M University Press. Author of the award-winning Canícula Snapshots of a Girlhood en la Frontera, and co-editor of Chicana Traditions: Continuity and Change,Telling to Live:Latina Feminist Testimonios and Dancing Across Borders: Danzas y Bailes Mexicanos she has just finished a novel, Cabañuelas and is currently working on another novel tentatively titled: Champú, or Hair Matters, and an ethnography of the Matachines de la Santa Cruz, a religious dance drama from Laredo, Texas. She is known internationally as a poet, fiction writer, folklorist and scholar of Chicana cultural production. She has received many awards including the Américo Paredes Prize from the American Folklore Society, the Modern Languages Association Division of Chicana/o Literature Scholar of the Year, and the National Association of Chicana and Chicano Studies Scholar of the Year Award.

About Michael Rodriguez (www.lonestar.texas.net/~mikerod/hmindex.html) Michael W. Rodriguez is a published author of short stories, essays, and a play. His work has been published by the University of California Press , Oxford University Press, and Scribner. He is a 1995 graduate of Incarnate Word College , where he majored in Communication Arts. He is also a 2005 graduate of the Master of Fine Arts program in Creative Writing at Texas State University-San Marcos, San Marcos , Texas . Michael's first book, Humidity Moon, was published by Pecan Grove Press in the summer of 1998. Michael lives in San Antonio , where he continues to work on his first novel.

About AITThe American Indians in Texas at the Spanish Colonial Missions (AIT-SCM) is a nonprofit organization established by the Tap Pilam Coahuiltecan Nation, descendants of the aboriginal people who populated South Texas and Northeast Mexico . The organization works for the preservation and protection of the culture and traditions of the Native American tribes and other indigenous people who resided in the Spanish colonial missions. AIT-SCM provides a wide array of programs that address the social needs and cultural aspirations of the diverse indigenous communities in San Antonio , Texas .

News from Bihl Haus Arts

Dear Friends of Bihl Haus Arts,

Please join us in celebration of our fabulous Docents and Golden Artists at Bihl Haus Arts on SATURDAY, MAY 23RD, 2-6 PM.

The "GOLDENS LEGACY" exhibit opens on Saturday, May 23. On display will be more than 100 paintings, drawings, and other artworks, most available for purchase, created over the past year by the "Goldens", senior residents of Primrose at Monticello Park Senior Apartments enrolled in our "Goldens Opportunity Art Program. The Goldens take painting and drawing classes at Bihl Haus under the direction of professional artist-teachers Terry Lopez de Castilla and Kim Bishop. In honor of the event, we've published a beautiful 20-page color booklet that includes one work by each Golden artist plus works by Golden writers enrolled in a special workshop we've offered this spring in collaboration with Gemini Ink.

The opening reception for the exhibit, between 4 and 6 pm on Saturday, May 23, will be preceded by the "Goldens Legacy Symposium," which begins at 1 pm. Guest speakers Dr. Jill Fluriet, Dept. of Anthropology, and Dr. Adelita Cantu, UTHSC School of Nursing, will present preliminary findings from the “Arts and Aging in an Urban Environment Study,” which they have been conducting exclusively at Bihl Haus Arts over the past year. Their first-of-its- kind interdisciplinary, community-based participatory research project measures the impact of a professionally taught painting class on the health and well-being of senior affordable community dwelling at Primrose. And what they are finding out will amaze you! We're seeing significant improvements in heath--physical, mental, emotional, spiritual--of the Goldens. They're engaging more positively with their families who show support by gifting art supplies for Christmas and birthdays. Goldens are not only making art in the classroom, but their making it at home, too. And they've become part of a new community, a new "family," through participation in the program.

Please join us for this very special event in honor of some very special people--our Goldens and Docents who make Bihl Haus Arts possible.

Kellen

Bertha Jacobson Reads at The Twig Book Shop

Event Reminder:
Reading from Hit List, The Best of Latino Mystery
Edited by Sarah Cortez and Liz Martinez
Published by Arte Publico

Thursday, May 21, 5 p.m.

The Twig Book Shop

5005 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78209

Meet contributors

Bertha Jacobson

and

Arthur Muñoz

Goldbach Publishes First Novel

Here's a book for the teen market and the young at heart by Veronica Goldbach. Her book is "Deep in the Heart of High School," published by Farrar Straus Giroux in New York. The text on the inside dustcover flap notes that Goldbach grew up in San Antonio and went to school at Trinity University. She has taught English as a second language in inner-city elementary and middle scools, both in SA and LA. This is her first book.

Catching up with Jackie

The following update if from fellow member Jackie Mendez:


Hi Everyone,
I just wanted to share my latest writing contribution to Hangproud. As some of you know, I'm one of their featured writers to their site and this month's article is titled: KRAV MAGA, Anyone? Why Every Woman needs to learn some sort of self-defense. To read the article simply go to: http://www.hangproud.com/Home/ProudWomen and click on the two pink ladies talking to each other on the right-hand side. If you are not a member, a simple and non-timeconsuming login is required after that. Then look for the title of the article to read. I'd love to get your feedback on the site.

As for everything else, I'm working on polishing up chapter 4 to my second novel, but that's still a very slow process. I'm also making plans to attend the Agents and Editors conference in Austin, Texas for the month of June, so we'll see how that goes. I'll keep you posted. Take care and God bless!
JAX, author of Heartofthejaguar.com

Congratulations Becky and Sandy

Congratulations to Rebeca Gomez! She was recently interviewed by Amparo Ortiz for her show "Desde San Antonio."

Please tune in Saturday, May 23 at 9 AM to Channel 41, Univision, to watch it.

Congratulations also go out to Sandy Garcia! The 3rd anthology from Our Lady of The Lake University is hot off the press and it features 3 of her stories and a poem.

One of her paintings was also used for the cover! The book's unveiling will be in early June at the Lake.

Milagro Lane

Thank you to everyone who sent me kind words regarding my book review in yesterday's Express-News. In case you missed it, here it is: Milagro Lane

Monday's Meeting

Just a quick reminder that the monthly meeting of the Society of Latino and Hispanic Writers of San Antonio is this Monday, May 11 at the Barnes and Noble, San Pedro Crossing at 7:30 p.m.

This month we are featuring:

Monday, May 11
7:30 p.m.
Maria Gabriela Madrid
Guest Speaker
Monthly Meeting of the Society of
Latino and Hispanic Writers of San Antonio
Barnes and Noble, San Pedro Crossing

Maria Gabriela Madrid (Caracas-Venezuela) studied Education at Metropolitan University of Caracas-Venezuela; English as a second language and Creative writing at Harvard University, Boston University, and Columbia University.

She received a Diploma and Mention of Honor for participating in the “XVII Poetry and Narrative contest” held by “Instituto Cultural Peruano,” Miami-Florida. She moved to the United States a while ago, and now live in San Antonio where she belongs to different literary groups and writer workshops.

Her book “Entre Los Surcos del Recuerdo” came out this year in Caracas, Venezuela, as well as short stories in different antologies such as “Poetas y Narradores 2008 supported by “El Instituto Cultural Peruano” in Miami; and Women Voice’s/Voces de Mujeres supported by “Mujeres Writing Group” at Our Lady of the Lake University.

Her Book “Entre los surcos del recuerdo” is part of the syllabus for the advance Spanish classes at Saint Mary´s Hall (a private school in San Antonio) and other university libraries across the USA.

For more information,the author´s e-mail is: mariagmadrid@yahoo.com

Books in Paperback

I spent the afternoon at the Barnes and Noble at Bandera and 1604 and was pleased to see that James Brady's book "Why Marines Fight" was out in paperback. In case you don't remember, I wrote a book review on it that appeared in the San Antonio Express-News in December 2007. What was special to me was that on the top of the book's back cover was a "pull quote" from my review credited to the Express-News. Even after all these book reviews, seeing a "pull quote" on a book never gets old!

I also saw that Geraldo's Rivera's book "His Panic" is also out in paperback. Although it didn't feature a "pull quote," I reviewed it and urged people to read it. If you haven't picked up a copy of it, I strongly encourage you to buy it and read it soon.

Susan Wittig-Albert Appearance at SARA

AUTHOR APPEARANCE AT SARA

Join San Antonio Romance Authors Wednesday, May 20th, 2009 for our monthly meeting featuring Susan Wittig-Albert, Texas mystery writer and author of the China Bayles series. Meeting place is Wah Kee Chinese restaurant @ 18360 Blanco Road. SARA business meeting starts @ 6:30 pm., presentation will began @ 7pm.

Visit www.sararwa.net for more details.

Milagro Lane

From The Twig Book Shop website:

Store Events - May 14, 5:00 p.m.

Time: Thursday, May 14, 2009 5:00 p.m.
Location: The Twig Book Shop
Title of Event: Jay Brandon, Milagro Lane: A (Mystery) Novel of San Antonio

Writers have always been fascinated by San Antonio - Stephen Crane, Frederick Law Olmstead, O. Henry, Oscar Wilde, Jack Kerouac. In Jay Brandon's San Antonio, races and ethnic groups blend easily, but someone from wealthy Olmos Park can spend a lifetime without ever visiting the city's poor west side. Estela Valenzuela bridges all areas of the city. Estela, whom one critic called a "mystic warrior princess," holds many answers but is looking for more. Her search unveils whole worlds within one city.

Jay Brandon is a successful attorney and an award-winning mystery novelist. He holds an MA in writing from Johns Hopkins University and a law degree from the university of Texas. All of his novels are set in San Antonio and South Texas. His extensive experience as an attorney with the DA's office in Bexar County and with the Fourth Court of Appeals has provided him with plenty of insights into the workings of the legal system, local politics, and the multicultural realities of the region. A native Texan, Brandon lives in San Antonio with his wife and three children - but not on Milagro Lane.

Upcoming Events

Thanks to James Stewart for sending me the following lists of events:

Wednesday May 6
Barnes and Noble Ingram Park, Loop 410 and Ingram Park Road, Hosts Josie Mixon and Tom Emrick, Featured Tom Keene, 7:00 PM , 210-682-7793

Thursday May 7
SAVA, Visual Arts San Antonio Visual Arts Gallery River Center Mall, "Art of the Family" The show is honor of mother's day. Shirlene Harris, 6-8:00 pm, shirleneharris@yahoo.com

Thursday May 7
South Presa Grill, 6:30-9:30 pm Host Andi

Thursday May 7
Poetry Workshop, Banes and Noble, Loop 410 and San Pedro 7:00 pm

Friday May 8
High Wire Art Gallery, 329 Josephine Street, 6-9:00 pm "Savage Marks", 210-320-5702, Principles Cindi Palmer, Bryson Brooks, Cody Stewart highwirearts@yahoo.com

Saturday May 9
La Gallista Art Gallery, 1913 South Flores, Host Tom Emrick, 210-682-7793

Monday May 12
La Tazza HWY 281 and Bitters, 7:00 pm Host Doc

Tuesday May 13
Guadalupe Street Coffee, 1320 Guadalupe Street, Host Eduardo Garza, "Jazz Poetry Society" 7:00-9:00 pm, 210-573-5115 eduardo_cavazos_garza@yahoo.com

Tuesday May 13
Barnes and Noble, Loop 410 and San Pedro, Rod Stryker, Sun Poets Society, 7:00 pm

Tuesday May 13
San Antonio Main Library (Downtown), Poetry Picante, Gabriel Anthony Garza, 7:00 pm

Tuesday May 13
Barios Slam, The Heights, Broadway and Loop 410 9:30 pm

Congratulations Lupe Gonzalez!

Please join me in congratulating Lupe Gonzalez on having her book featured at Barnes and Noble--La Cantera!

Another dream, achieved through hard work and perseverance, comes true!

Spanish Meeting Tonight

Hola a todos,
Recuerden que el día de mañana Lunes 4 de Mayo a las 7:00 pm tendremos nuestra junta del grupo de español en Barnes & Noble de LA CANTERA en el 15900 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 3340, San Antonio, Tx. 78256 teléfono 210-641-1613

¡AHI NOS VEMOS!

¡Escríbelo o se pierde!
Martha Curcio
La Sociedad de Escritores Latinos e Hispanos de San Antonio

Bertha's Book Promotion

Hi Everybody,

Please mark your calendar and get ready to help support fellow Society member Bertha Jacobson as she promotes the anthology, Hit List: The Best of Latino Mystery, in San Antonio and Houston--which features one of her stories!

She will be at The Twig Book Shop 5005 Broadway, On Thursday, May 21 at 5 p.m. with Arthur Muñoz.

Another publishing dream come true! And if I may add, "Bertha, I'm very proud of you!"

4,000 Pound Sculpture

From Bihl Haus Arts

Dear Friends of Bihl Haus Arts,

Some very exciting news! Bihl Haus Arts has been gifted an astounding 4000 pound sculpture!

And we want to share the excitement with YOU! Please join us at Bihl Haus Arts on Saturday, May 2nd, 2-4 pm, for the ribbon cutting and unveiling of "Highway," a brand new monumental sculpture (and yes, it does weigh 4000 pounds!) by James Hetherington (www.JHetherington.com). There will also be a talk by the artist--his work is on exhibit inside and outside the gallery.

Highway is being permanently installed this week on the Primrose property. It is made possible by the generous gift of art patrons Anthony C. and Melissa Pearson. We'll cut the ribbon--some local dignitaries will be on hand to help us with those pesky scissors--at 2:30 pm and then enjoy BBQ, beer, and highway (!) cake.

We look forward to seeing you at this marvelous event and singular addition to both our ‘hood and to the Old Spanish Trail Auto Highway. See you at Bihl Haus on Saturday!

Kellen
Kellen Kee McIntyre, PhD
Executive Director
Bihl Haus Arts