First Word

1. What is your book Dropped-Off Dog (A Mostly-True “Tail”) about? My book is about the real-life situation of so many abandoned animals. It is a chance for the reader to develop a sense of empathy for the animal who has relied on its humans to care for it and meet its daily needs of food, water, shelter, and love. Maslow identified these needs in human beings long ago, and we are just recognizing that domesticated animals have adapted to our world and now require them too. Dogs especially, are social animals and abandonment is difficult for them. Cesar Milan has told us to be “good pack leaders” and that’s what dogs (and some cats) expect from us. The dog in this story had been loved by someone and then, perhaps due to difficult circumstances, the humans in its life made an irresponsible decision and left it to fend for itself or become someone else’s responsibility. I am only pointing out and bringing awareness to a very real occurrence. Everywhere you go the...

When I open my presentations, I ask two questions: “How many of you throw away books in the trashcan?” I follow up that question with the next one, “How many of you throw away brochures in the nearest garbage can?” The second question provides the audience’s a-ha moment. Most people feel value when they buy or are given a book. A book has weight. It has pages. It has merit. It conveys the perception of knowledge and expertise and time and money to publish. A feeling of guilt or at least a sense of environmental responsibility overcomes the desire to toss all that time, money, expertise, and most importantly “paper” into the garbage can. On the other hand, how many flyers, tri-fold brochures or one-sheets create such a moral or ethical dilemma that you actually feel guilty to throw it away? I’ll be honest. I’ve thrown away countless brochures. I even curse when someone shoves a flyer under my car windshield wiper because now I have to find a garbage can so I’m ...

Find out from screenwriter, director, producer and publisher how to transform a story from page screen. If you would like to buy a print or eBook copy of Vengeance is Now, click here and buy from Amazon or click here and purchase off the 3L Publishing website .   RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif .—Have you ever thought, “My book would make a great movie, but I have no idea where to start?” Join Scott D. Roberts, novelist, screenwriter, producer, actor and director, as he teaches the elements of taking a story from page to screen. Roberts is presenting June 20, 2015 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. as part of the California Writers Club (Sacramento Branch) at Cattlemen’s Restaurant in Rancho Cordova (located near I-50 and Hazel Ave.). Join Roberts as he discusses: How to sell your book for acquisition Methodologies to adapt a book for screen Unique ways to write captivating and winning “log lines” that attract agents and producers Where and how to fi...

  Chapter 18             Phil had left Tess a message that he had more “stories” to tell her. He asked her to meet him at Selland’s Kitchen in El Dorado Hills for an early dinner. He said his trip paid off. Tess had also mentioned that she had something to tell him, too. She got ready that morning in her basement apartment in the back of the Victorian that had its own door to the street so Grandma Murphy didn’t always know when she came or went. But Grandma would ever keep tabs except for bigger trips. She cared about her granddaughter’s safety not her daily activities. Today though just as Tess was slipping on a pair of pink suede flats with a black bow on the toes, Grandma appeared in the doorway.             “Hey Murph,” she greeted the older lady.             Grandma walked over and inspected her ...

Chapter 17 Phil and Leron sat at the conference table waiting for the remaining brothers Tom and Ted. When they walked into the office, Phil noticed the quiet. A strange older woman with close-cropped, mannish-looking hair staffed the front desk. She seemed angry and not particularly friendly. Once Leron and Phil were alone, they were free to chat for a moment. “Bitch at the desk was a dike,” Leron observed. “What’s up with the dude-look when you like chicks? I don’t get it.” Phil frowned at him, “What do you care? You’re not fucking … it.” Leron tapped the smooth, black table with his fist, stretched, and looked around. “I don’t give a shit, man. You want to feast on the yum-yum and forget the bang, bang, I get it; but sheesh, that beast makes no sense.” Phil glanced over his partner and couldn’t help but laugh just as the door opened. Two blonde twins walked briskly into the room. They looked stern and serious. “Detectives, you here to tell us what happened to o...

Rating: ***** Singing, dancing and a strong message -- you can't go wrong. First, the music was worth the movie, but the acting and themes stole the show, especially for young women and girls. Now the graphic moments (wish they weren't there) made the movie hard to show preteens and girls, but the message about self-love was way more important that I just covered my daughter's eyes when the moments were not appropriate. As a parent, though, measure your teen's maturity before you allow viewing. Young Bessie Smith is traumatized as a child by family members. As a strong girl she manages past the absence of her mother and abusive older sister, but it haunts her entire life. She scrapes and climbs to the top of the early vaudeville circuit and 20's era, and men and sex become symbols of her pain, sense of alienation, and low self-esteem and self-regard. Early on Ma Rainey, another famous singer, recognizes her lack of self-love and tries to help her by pointing i...

Review: ***** Are you looking for something to escape the world? Do you live in the greater Sacramento Valley? Right in the Central Valley roughly 30 miles south of Sacramento in Lodi (between Hwy 99 and I-5) sits Wine and Roses , an extraordinary vineyard escape. Combining hair, nails, spa services, lodging and even some boutique shopping, this hidden treasure offers first-class luxury to vacationers and business professionals alike. An oasis unlike anything in the Central Valley, this hotel and spa's campus is a dream combination of pine and oak trees and water features. Please also visit the salon and ask for "Candace". She will lovingly and artistically cut, color and style your. For more information, call (209) 334-6988 or email info@winerose.com. Tell them Michelle Gamble sent you via the 3L Publishing blog ( www.3LPublishing.com ).

Are you in your own way of great health ... happiness ... and personal and professional success? If your answer to that question is a resounding YES, it’s time to Step Aside, Get Out of Your Own Way . Syndee Hendricks writes and outlines a system and methods, from suggestions to develop your personal values to improving self-esteem, and from writing your “Personal Mission Statement” to setting and keeping goals. In this enlightening and practical book, Syndee walks you through a process to improve your life through conscious living. She outlines, explains, and provides exercises to: • Believe in yourself and build self-esteem • Use integrity as a higher way to live • Eliminate “drama Queens and Kings” from your life • Identify your personal values and build your “tribe” • Create positive goals • Build your dream-board • Be grateful and spread your wings toward success “What a great resource! I’m so impressed with how Sy...

Find out from screenwriter, director, producer and publisher how to transform a story from page screen. RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif .—Have you ever thought, “My book would make a great movie, but I have no idea where to start?” Join Scott D. Roberts, novelist, screenwriter, producer, actor and director, as he teaches the elements of taking a story from page to screen. Roberts is presenting June 20, 2015 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. as part of the CaliforniaWriters Club (Sacramento Branch) at Cattlemen’s Restaurant in Rancho Cordova (located near I-50 and Hazel Ave.). Join Roberts as he discusses: How to sell your book for acquisition Methodologies to adapt a book for screen Unique ways to write captivating and winning “log lines” that attract agents and producers Where and how to find an agent by overcoming the Catch-22 Understanding the buying process and knowing the difference between an option or a purchase Insider tips and tricks to gettin...