What is JacketFlap

  • JacketFlap connects you to the work of more than 200,000 authors, illustrators, publishers and other creators of books for Children and Young Adults. The site is updated daily with information about every book, author, illustrator, and publisher in the children's / young adult book industry. Members include published authors and illustrators, librarians, agents, editors, publicists, booksellers, publishers and fans.
    Join now (it's free).

Sort Blog Posts

Sort Posts by:

  • in
    from   

Suggest a Blog

Enter a Blog's Feed URL below and click Submit:

Most Commented Posts

In the past 7 days

Recent Posts

(tagged with 'mount dora')

Recent Comments

Recently Viewed

JacketFlap Sponsors

Spread the word about books.
Put this Widget on your blog!
  • Powered by JacketFlap.com

Are you a book Publisher?
Learn about Widgets now!

Advertise on JacketFlap

MyJacketFlap Blogs

  • Login or Register for free to create your own customized page of blog posts from your favorite blogs. You can also add blogs by clicking the "Add to MyJacketFlap" links next to the blog name in each post.

Blog Posts by Tag

In the past 7 days

Blog Posts by Date

Click days in this calendar to see posts by day or month
new posts in all blogs
Viewing: Blog Posts Tagged with: mount dora, Most Recent at Top [Help]
Results 1 - 11 of 11
1. Christmas Already?

It's never too early to start planning for the holidays, right?

I had to get a head start on this one. December 10, 2016 will be the 5th anniversary of Authors in the Park and we will be celebrating in style with the "Christmas Book-tacular"



What is Authors in the Park (AIP)?

It's a local event for local authors. Basically, its a way to promote the little guys (like me). Past events have featured local authors, new break-out writers, regional favorites, international best-sellers and even a rock-and-roll legend. It's a great way to be involved in the community with raffles donated by local businesses, art strolls, wine tastings. We have done quite a lot.

That's why we wanted to go big this year to celebrate. The upcoming event will host 40 authors - who can register here:



Check out the link to see the schedule for the day. I will give you a hint: there will be an author reception, two guest speakers and a huge public expo for authors to sell and sign their works.


Jaimie M. Engleis an award-winning author from Brevard County, Florida. She has written professionally since 2003 with publications in Space Coast Living Magazineand Florida Today Newspaper along with Writer’s Digest and the Dr. Laura Program. She independently published her anti-bullying children’s book Clifton Chase and the Arrow of Light in 2013, which won a BRAG Medallion in 2015 and was listed as a Top 10 Book in 2014 by Kid Lit Reviews. She published The Dredge in 2014, an L. Ron Hubbard Writer’s of the Future honorable mentions. Engle ran the Marketing Dept for an independent publishing house and lectures regularly at colleges, conferences, schools, and libraries. She runs her own editing & marketing firm to educate authors on marketing and publicity. Follow her at www.jaimiengle.com and hire her atwww.awriterforlife.com.

Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of 16 novels including The Unfinished Gift, The Discovery and When Night Comes. He has won 3 Carol Awards (finalist 6 times), 3 Selah Awards and 3 of his books have been finalists for RT Review’s Inspirational Book of the Year. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Word Weavers International, Dan writes fulltime in the Daytona Beach area. He and his wife Cindi have been married 39 years. You can find out more about his books or follow him on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads or Pinterest from his website at http://www.danwalshbooks.com.


There is only one thing missing - YOU!

AIP is extending an open invitation to you, the author, the independent, the self-published, the regional celeb. Registration is open now and space is limited. As of this writing, there are less than 30 tables still available. Early registration ends May 31st and the fee goes up after that. So, don't wait!

Register now and celebrate with us!



0 Comments on Christmas Already? as of 4/20/2016 2:54:00 PM
Add a Comment
2. 3rd Annual Christmas Spectacular


Authors in the Park, the long-running showcase for local authors, is coming back to downtown Mount Dora with the 3rd Annual Christmas Spectacular set for December 20th.


This year’s event will feature Steve Boone of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band The Lovin’ Spoonful. Boone will be on hand to promote his memoir, Hotter Than a Match Head.


Authors in the Park is an author event series which supports local authors and community literacy. The event is sponsored by MillerWords.com and Arts for the Community, Inc. (a local non-profit).

“It is great to have Steve at this year’s event. Not only is he a rock legend, but also a Florida author,” Mark Miller, founder of Authors in the Park, said.

In addition to Boone and Miller, other local authors will be on hand including: Sharon Coady, Illustrator Victor Donahue, De Miller, Olivia Miller, Theresa Oliver, D.G. Stern, C. Kevin Thompson and Colleen Wait.

“Another great thing about these authors is their commitment to their community,” Miller said. “This year’s line-up features educators, inspirational speakers and more.”

The Christmas Spectacular will take place Saturday, December 20th from 5p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Donnelly Building at Fifth Avenue and Donnelly Street in the center of festive downtown Mount Dora. It is free to attend and the authors will be available for photos and autographs. The city will be showing off its holiday light display and local shops will be open.


0 Comments on 3rd Annual Christmas Spectacular as of 12/6/2014 10:29:00 AM
Add a Comment
3. Spring Into Art 2014

Here is the official press release for the upcoming event. (That guy, Mark Miller, sure talks a lot, sheesh...)


The Mount Dora event series Authors in the Park continues with its Second Annual “Spring into Art” festival, Saturday, March 29 at Long and Scott’s Farm in Mount Dora, FL., event chairman Mark Miller announced today. The Authors in the Park group celebrates literacy while promoting local and independent authors from Lake County, Central Florida and beyond. (www.authorsinthepark.com)

The event, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., will be the first time the group has held an event at Long and Scott’s Farm at 26216 County Road 448A, Mount Dora, Miller said.

“We are extremely excited, not only to be at Long and Scott’s, but because this year’s event will feature both authors and artists,” Miller said. “Long and Scott’s is known for Zellwood Sweet Corn and their fall corn maze as well as being a great supporter of their community.” (www.longandscottfarms.com)

Spring into Art will feature over twenty authors and artists. A wide variety of books will be for sale in all genres and ages, as well as exclusive artwork. Some of the paintings are slated to be sold for charity.

In addition to great books and art, representatives for Team Jay will be on hand, Miller, an author himself, said. Team Jay is a project of the Lake County Firefighters Charity to benefit young Jay, the son of a firefighter currently battling Leukemia. (www.lakefirefightercharity.org)


The outdoor event is free to attend, Miller pointed out. Authors and artists alike will be available to discuss their writing, sign autographs and enjoy a day on the farm. Some author proceeds will be donated to Team Jay and other worthy organizations, he said. Scott’s Country Café will be open for lunch.

Visit www.Facebook.com/AuthorsInThePark for details on participating authors, artists and event updates. Join the FB event here: www.facebook.com/events/622986207772066





0 Comments on Spring Into Art 2014 as of 3/12/2014 2:10:00 PM
Add a Comment
4. Less Than 30 Days

Authors in the Park returns to picturesque Mount Dora on Saturday, March 30th for the “Spring Into Art” event featuring twelve authors from the Central Florida area. The event will feature a casual author meet and greet from 2:30 to 4 p.m. and an exclusive gallery walk from 6 to 8 p.m. featuring the artwork of Amy Sellers. The event will be held rain or shine inside the Renaissance Building at 411 North Donnelly Street in downtown Mount Dora. 




Mark Miller, co-founder of Authors in the Park, said, “We are excited to be back in Mount Dora. It’s my adopted home town. The people are great and the downtown is unique with fabulous dining and delightful shops.” His website is www.MillerWords.com



In addition to Amy Sellers artwork, she will have her children’s picture books available. The other participating authors include: Janet Beasley, president of JLB Creatives (The Hidden Earth Series); Valerie Hart, a member of the Association of Food Journalist and weekly food writer for the Leesburg Daily Commercial (The Bounty of Central Florida); Jean E. Lane, young adult science fiction (Lill and Mewe and the Secrets of Mars); Gary Larson, local businessman (HighFive Your Life); De Miller, local Christian filmmaker (Murder in Mount Dora); Jeanne Selander Miller, London International Book Festival award winner for Best Spiritual Book of 2012 (A Breath Away); Mark Miller, young adult fantasy and inspirational (The Empyrical Tales); Theresa Oliver, writer and independent publisher (Angels Among Us); Keith Rommel, psychological thriller (The Cursed Man); C. Kevin Thompson, Christian suspense (The Serpent’s Grasp); and Elise VanCise, photojournalist and award-winning author (Don’t Touch). 



“Since our debut event last December, Authors in the Park has grown beyond our wildest dreams,” Janet Beasley, one of the three co-founders of the event along with Mark Miller and Jean E. Lane, said. “Our long term goal is to help promote and support the many talented authors we have in Lake County, and throughout Central Florida.” 


During the meet-and-greet, readers and fans are encouraged to come speak to the authors, get autographs and discover some incredible new books, which will be for sale during both the afternoon and evening sessions. For the gallery walk, expect to hear live entertainment and taste complimentary appetizers provided by event sponsor One Flight Up Café (www.oneflightupmtdora.com). Amy Sellers art will be presented at each of the authors’ tables and she may even have a few surprises, Miller said. 



Authors in the Park can be found on Facebook at www.FB.com/AuthorsInThePark and on Twitter (@AuthorsPark, #AIP). Follow them for upcoming events and special announcements. According to JLB Creatives executive Jean E. Lane, “Authors in the Park plans to have at least four author events each year and plenty of opportunities to showcase local and independent authors.” 

The March 30th event starts at 2:30 p.m. and after a brief intermission, the gallery walk begins at 6 p.m. It all happens in downtown Mount Dora at the Renaissance Building, 411 North Donnelly St.

2 Comments on Less Than 30 Days, last added: 3/1/2013
Display Comments Add a Comment
5. Authors in the Park

In five days, the authors are going to be loose! That's right, local authors from around Central Florida are going to be signing books and meeting fans in downtown Mount Dora.


Authors in the Park will take place Sunday, Dec 16th from 2PM to 6PM at the Mount Dora Community Bldg Green Room (520 N. Baker, Mt. Dora, FL).

Why is it called Authors in the Park if they are in a building? Well, this is our first event and we did not want to take a chance on the weather. We are literally across the street from well-known Donnelly Park and we will have a Welcome Booth set up outside, along with live music performed by the Round Lake Christian Church Youth Band.

Inside, we will have 9 authors representing a huge variety of genres for all ages. There is absolutely something for everyone.

We will also be an official Baby DJ drop off location, as heard on XL 106.7 FM. Who knows, maybe one of your favorite on-air personalities will put in an appearance!

Here is the amazing part: Local Mount Dora businesses, supporting the arts, have donated close to $1000 in gift certificates and merchandise to be used in our gift basket raffle. That means we will have 10 baskets with almost $100 worth of gifts in each. Winning is simple, but you have to attend to win. For every $5 you spend with one of the Authors in the Park, you get one raffle entry. Even if you don't win a basket, you still win with a great book!

Check out the authors scheduled for Sunday:

Janet Beasley

Julie Compton




Jean E. Lane

Amy I. Long

Mark Miller

Theresa Oliver

Amy Sellers

C. Kevin Thompson

Rebecca Wilson-Shore

Can you believe that talent? Who would have thought so many gifted authors live right next door?

Here's some of the fine print. The event is presented by JLB Creatives and MillerWords.com. It is sponsored by the Mount Dora Library Association (www.MountDoraLibrary.org). We would like to thank the City of Mount Dora Parks & Rec Department for their excellent cooperation. We would also like to thank all of the local businesses that have generously donated to our gift basket raffle:

Amy Sellers Art Gallery, Barrel of Books and Games, Copacabana Cuban Cafe, Cupcake Delights, Debbie's Dog Treats, The Frog and Monkey, Gold in Art Jewelers, High Five Frozen Yogurt, Home & Garden Treasures, KaDee Kay Gourmet Kitchen Products, Ken's Place, Long & Scott's Farm, The Lost Parrot, Maggie's Attic, Merrill's Market, Mt. Dora Veterinary Clinic, Mt. Plymouth IGA, Oakwood Smokehouse, The Olde Clock Shoppe, One Flight Up, Permanent Solution Hair Salon, Race Car Diner, Stoneybrooke Publix, Whispering Winds, The Windsor Rose Tea Room

Please visit 
to learn more about the authors and our supporters.

Check out the Facebook event page
and let us know you're coming!

What more can I say? We hope to see you there!

Merry Christmas
and Happy Holidays!





0 Comments on Authors in the Park as of 12/11/2012 6:39:00 PM
Add a Comment
6. Upcoming Appearances

Hopefully folks in Mount Dora and Central Florida can stop by and see me! I love hearing from readers!

I will be signing my latest release, Book III of The Empyrical Tales: The Secret Queen, and I will have a few surprises.

First stop, Barrel of Books and Games in downtown Mount Dora. Today (June 2) from 4pm to 6pm, come check out this amazing store. They have a huge selection of new and used books. Plus, their collectibles are amazing. They have everything from Angry Birds to Big Bang Theory Bobbleheads to Star Wars. AT 144 W 5th Ave in Downtown Mt. Dora about 45 minutes from Orlando.

On June 9th, I will be at HighFive Frozen Yogurt in the Loch Leven Landing shopping center. This one is for a good cause. Both the author and HighFive will be donating a portion of the proceeds to our local elementary school PTO. I will be there from 1pm to 4pm. I want to see somebody come challenge the HighFive Titan! The store is at 18977 US Hwy 441, in between Five Guys Burgers and Publix.

This is only the first wave. I am working on events with some author friends and at least one of the public libraries. If you can't make it in person, I recently updated my website where you can order autographed copies at a new, special price - www.MillerWords.com

For all you Kindle readers, I have the privilege of being one of the first to use Kindlegraph Live! Kindlegraph.com is a site where authors can personalize autographs for their digital readers. With KG Live, when you see me at an event, you can buy one of my eBooks on your eReader or smart phone. Then I can send you an autograph. All you need is an email address, and it doesn't even have to be a Kindle address.

Keep following my blog or follow on Facebook.com/EmpyricalTales to stay informed of the latest appearances.

0 Comments on Upcoming Appearances as of 1/1/1900
Add a Comment
7. I Do Birthday Parties, Too!

Not really.


At least, not yet.


With mega-book chains closing their doors (Borders) and online booksellers battling for eBook domination, authors are faced with the daunting task of connecting with their readers. How do we get our print books out there? How do we connect with our digital readers?




Here's the thing: I love to write. 


Along with that, I truly enjoy meeting fans and aspiring authors. So, I will take every opportunity to get out there and meet some great people. One of my favorite activities is visiting classrooms. I have found that teachers these days do an incredible job of motivating kids to read. When an author walks into the classroom, that is a springboard for their hungry little minds!


Teachers: Please send me emails, I would love to come to your class, at any grade level. If I can't drive to you, then I can use Skype or Google video chat.


Another fun suggestion is that my books can be used for fund raisers. I've done it before. It's unique and leaves a lasting impression.


Take a look at what I've got coming up:


April 18 - Lake County Library System: Local Authors DayThe Lake County Library System is proud to announce the second program celebrating local authors and their books. The Spring Local Authors’ Day will be held in the Lady Lake Public Library on Wednesday, April 18th from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. In addition to meeting some of the best authors from around Florida, participants can enter for a prize drawing sponsored by the Friends of the Lady Lake Public Library. http://tinyurl.com/btkfhvf


May 7 & 8 - Great Wolf Lodge (Charlotte, NC): Home School Week - Comfort Publishing is once again parterning with  0 Comments on I Do Birthday Parties, Too! as of 1/1/1900
Add a Comment
8. Sons and Daughter

Writing is fun. It really is, I enjoy almost everything about it, even including the hard parts like networking and promoting. One of the best experiences I've had as a writer is watching my daughter when she is writing.


Writing Sons of the King with Olivia is an incredible experience. She is very professional and has definite ideas about the story. Trestle Press has given us a great opportunity, for which we are both thankful.

Episode Two centers on the annual religious celebration known as the Nine Days of Creation. The sons of the King experience all of the food, fun and games they can handle. Unfortunately, a shocking event interrupts their festivities.

0 Comments on Sons and Daughter as of 1/1/1900
Add a Comment
9. 'Tis the Season

Hopefully, you've seen the special offer for the Stories of Queen's Day. In case you haven't, if you buy any or all of The Empyrical Tales, you get the holiday themed story for FREE.


If that's not enough, 
is really getting into the spirit of the season!



Now through December 24th, Trestle Press is doing a Buy One Get One on ALL titles. That's right! Buy any Trestle title and get one of equal or lesser price for FREE. It's simple, send your proof of purchase to anyone at Trestle Press, even the authors, and we will send you the story of your choice for free.

What does that mean? 

It means you can start Small World Global Protection Agency Issue 1 and get Issue 2 for FREE. Find out what happens when two elementary school students are recruited to an international spy organization. It's fun and education aimed at 3rd through 5th graders.

It means you can get any two stories in the One series for the price of one. These are real life stories of faith from authors around the world.

0 Comments on 'Tis the Season as of 1/1/1900
Add a Comment
10. And In Conclusion...

The conclusion to the debut story of Small World Protection Agency is now available from Trestle Press!



Josh and Madison are two elementary school students that have been recruited by a secret organization known as the Small World Global Protection Agency.

In the first issue, they headed to Australia to investigate a record producer that seemed to have some unusual plans. In the conclusion, Down Under Thunder, the junior agents confront the producer with the fate of the world in the balance.

Having the stories in this two-part format helps to not overload our young readers, but it also heightens the suspense. In my grandparents' days, they used to see cliffhanger serials in the cinemas and bookstores. Small World Global Protection Agency brings back that thrill to a new audience.

Also, at the end of Down Under Thunder is a set of questions, or Points to Ponder. This is a great opportunity for parents and teachers to interact with the kids who loved the story.


Both issues are ONLY 99 Cents each on Kindle or Nook! Click the title to get them now!

0 Comments on And In Conclusion... as of 1/1/1900
Add a Comment
11. Something Close to Home

I live in Mt. Dora, FL. I work close to home. I shop close to home. On Facebook, I have "friends" all over the world. Turns out, one of those friends is an author that also lives in Florida. Leona Bodie is the Vice President of the Florida Writers Association and she shared a touching story with me recently. It is about two other authors from Florida and I wanted to share it with you.....


Hospice of the Comforter and Florida Writers Association Join Forces to Help One Dying Man’s Final Wish Come True

A TERMINALLY ILL PATIENT’S DREAM IS REALIZED THANKS TO THE DEDICATED EFFORTS OF A VOLUNTEER WITH HOSPICE OF THE COMFORTER, DOUG DILLON.

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla… Meet Hospice of the Comforter patient Tony Mancuso. He offers you the best smile he can, given his physical situation while at theGarnet Heart group home in Altamonte Springs, Fla. And meet Doug Dillon, a volunteer with Hospice of the Comforter of Central Florida, whose patient is Tony.


During one of Doug’s visit, he learned that Tony was a writer and before he got sick, published 1,200 copies of his first novel titled, The Lie Catcherwhere he uses first names of fa

1 Comments on Something Close to Home, last added: 12/1/2011
Display Comments Add a Comment