Every book tells a story, and every writer’s story of his or her path to publication is unique. This November, three of Tri-Valley’s own published book authors, Sarah Wilson, Nancy O’Connell, and Annette Langer, will share what it took for them to become published, and how you can benefit from their experience. Expect some intriguing breakthrough stories and a wealth of advice on how to tip the odds in your favor, and turn your dream of selling a book, into a dream come true.
Nancy O’Connell is a talented musician, artist and author, and a Stanford University graduate with degrees in Humanities, Music, English and Education. Her two books, a non-fiction travel book, Take a Camel to Lunch and Other Adventures, and a forthcoming picture book, Looking for Maji, set in Kenya, reflect her lifetime of travel, and remarkable background and interests. A longtime, lauded, writing instructor at Chabot College, Nancy has helped launch numerous students’ careers, some of whom have become award winning authors, too. Nancy, who recently retired from teaching, has also written three adult mystery novels. She’s currently focusing on middle grade fiction and illustrating children’s books.
Sarah Elizabeth Wilson is the author and/or illustrator of more than thirty books for children, including, George Hogglesberry: Grade School Alien, which won the prestigious Golden Kite Award, and Big Day on the River, a Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year, plus two non-fiction books for adults, two newspaper comic panels and a children’s newsletter, “The Letter Bear.” Sarah is a popular speaker and workshop leader, whose previous career pursuits include freelance artist, medical social worker and children’s art instructor. “Books are a joy,” Sarah says, “and I feel fortunate to be doing the same kind of happy folding, stapling, gluing and drawing which I loved at the age of five.” To learn more about Sarah, visit her website: www.SarahWilsonBooks.com
Annette Langer‘s debut book, Healing Through Humor: Change Your Focus, Change Your Life chronicles the numerous, serious health challenges Annette overcame via doctor’s orders and a healthy dose of humor. Packed with sage advice and witty, personal anecdotes, Annette’s book is a must read for anyone facing health or life challenges. Her new book, A Funny Thing Happened on My Way to the World: Diary of a Fearless Travel Agent, due in late 2009, was inspired by Annette’s years of experience as a travel planner, and her own travels to all seven continents. A Writers Digest national writing competition finalist, Annette has also been published in several anthologies, including Livermore Wine Country Literary Harvest. When not writing or speaking, Annette keeps busy as a volunteer for her local police department. Visit her online at www.AnnetteLanger.com