Working Titlez

Kevin Janison has got to be one of our happiest authors. He loves getting kids excited about reading and writing and they love his zany Deputy Dorkface, star character of his trilogy of children’s books. Presenting 100+ school assemblies a year, from the left coast to the Atlantic, he teaches the kids the process of writing, illustrating, and producing a book. Each DD book focuses on something the kids like — and the parents, too! After “deputizing” his audience, they head back to their classrooms or home, and armed with their new knowledge and enthusiasm, and begin writing their own fantastical stories. Kevin’s day job (well, technically, it is a night job) is predicting the weather. He’s a meteorologist for Channel 3 News here in Las Vegas. You might think Las Vegas weather would just be reporting hot, hotter, and blazing hot, but we really do have “weather” here. Sometimes it even snows! Check out the Deputy at here. If you’d like to request Kevin make a presentation to your child’s school, just get in touch at info@stephenspress.com.

One of my favorites events, year after year, is the opening kick-off reception for the Las Vegas Writers Conference. It is just so much FUN to hang out with literary-minded folks — writers, editors, agents, publishers — who love their craft and encourage each other. Their creative spirits and determined optimism inspire me.

My Working Titlez readers know that I’ve always recommended would-be authors both join a critique or writers group and also attend a writers conference or two. You’ll learn so much. You can find out more about the LVWC here.

But wait, there’s more! All interested writers are welcome to attend the reception, even if you can’t attend the conference this year. This is a super event for getting together with other writers and networking in the publishing biz. Add it to your calendar and come on over!

A charming new bookstore, Le Book Nook, holds its grand opening on March 24th with a line-up of popular Stephens Press authors signing books throughout the day. Proprietors Rick and Tina have created a sweet little shop, designed for browsing and finding the perfect gift book or new read for your nightstand. Stop by and say hello!

When Brooke’s mom Ginger Meurer, deputy editor of the View newspapers, asked me if I could use some help for a few weeks, I was delighted. Yes, I sure could! When Brooke showed up the next day, and jumped in feet first, I was overjoyed. She was unflappable, greeting every assignment with enthusiasm. She got a really good mix of work, from writing and editing, to lots of research. Internships are a great way to gain some “real world” experience and a meaningful addition to one’s resume. If you, or a young person living in your home, could benefit from a publishing internship, please get in contact: cuber@stephenspressbooks.com. ~CHU

Winter Break Internship: Fun!

By Brooke Mikkelsen

When I came in my first day of being an intern at Stephens Press, I thought it would just be a good way for me to get out of the house over Winter break.

Upon arrival, I was given a notebook and told to start taking notes. Then Carolyn launched into all the things I would need to know and do, never repeating herself without my asking, but explaining things that needed explaining.

The scariest part to me was answering the phone. I’ve always been good at communicating with people, but somehow, when that phone starts ringing, I start to doubt myself. This internship really forced me to turn that fear into a skill that I shall probably use for the rest of my life.

The best part was how trusted I was. I got to be the face of Stephens Press for a few weeks, writing letters, returning calls, and even talking to the press!

At the end of every day, when I was about to leave, Carolyn asked me if I had had fun that day. Every day, I answered in the affirmative. Even though my tasks had been to help me grow as an intern, they were also exciting.

I’d like to thank Carolyn Uber for not only giving me this internship, but letting me become a part of Stephens Press. I hope that my positive impact lasts longer than the few short weeks that I have interned!

Vegas Seven named Stephens Press one of the best seven literary things in Las Vegas! We’re in exalted company of the Black Mountain Institute, the Vegas Valley Book Festival, and the Las Vegas Writers Conference. Local novelist Deborah Coontz (author of the sassy and sexy Lucky O’Toole mystery series) made the picks. Honored to be included!

The Vegas Valley Book Festival is sponsoring a Flash Fiction contest. Application here. Only the first twenty applicants will be accepted, and you can’t register until July 22. So set your alarms and register early to get one of the coveted spots. Flashers will show up at the appointed time and place, be given a writing prompt, ninety minutes to write a 500-word short story and will write their hearts. Winners will achieve fame and glory! Their story will published in CityLife and an audience to read it to at the Book Festival.

Betty Auchard’s newest book, The Home for the Friendless, was April’s book-of-the-month at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leafs in Las Vegas. She met with fans, held book signings, spoke to a women’s group in Henderson, and even went across town to meet readers in Red Rock. Betty made friends everywhere she went!

Tv weatherman and author Kevin Janison reads from his book, Deputy Dorkface: How Stinkville Got Cleaned Up at the recent Foster Grandparents BookFair hosted by Barnes & Noble in Las Vegas.

Do you have books piled up on your nightstand? Well, of course, if you’re a reader. An enterprising furniture designer has taken the concept to a new level. If you had to pick a dozen books to permanently embed in your nightstand, what would they be? More info.

Rejection, Smajection! Repeat the Maralys Mantra: DAMN THE REJECTIONS, FULL SPEED AHEAD. The fourteen-times published author shares her tips and tricks for not only getting those acceptances, but how to polish that manuscript so it sparkles so much an agent couldn’t possibly reject it.

Wanna Free Copy?

Post a comment about rejections (or acceptances) to this post and you’re automatically entered into our DAMN GIVEAWAY. We’ll randomly pull a winner from the proverbial hat. We’ll contact the winner for an address and ship it off to you post haste.

Meanwhile, if you can’t wait and want to read an excerpt right now, visit the Damn the Rejections website.