First Word

Title: Passenger from Greece Category: Mainstream Fiction/Mystery/Romance/Multicultural Author: Norma Jennings Publisher: 3L Publishing, Sacramento, CA Phone: 916.300.8012 Email: info@3LPublishing.com ISBN-9780990574675 Pages: 300 pages Release Date: October 2015 Binding: Soft cover Bar Coded: Yes Retail Price: $19.95 Book design: Erin Pace-Molina This book is well-written and interesting. The story of young love and naive innocence is an accessible tale most of us can relate to. Haven't we all been embroiled in some intense love affairs that moved us in capricious ways? But that is not what this book's central theme is about. It's so much more than romance. The story revolves around nefarious and criminal behavior, and the people caught in the web of deceit. Why is this Editor's Pick ? The opening plane crash was the most well-written action sequence I've read on paper. I felt like I was right there in the blaze of the inci...

Dropped-Off Dog Catherine Lagorio Order your copy on Amazon ( click here )  Life is good for the Little Tiger-Striped Dog.He has food to eat, water to drink, a safe place to sleep and someone who loves him until one fateful day ... His world turns upside down when he is left alone in the country to fend for himself! Dropped-Off Dog (A Mostly-True Tail ) tells the fictional history of a real dog and how he came to live in rural California's San Joaquin Valley. After a journey from happiness and plenty through abandonment, hunger and fear, the Little Tiger-Striped Dog makes his way to a house with another dropped-off dog and two people who recognize his struggle. They adopt him and he really, truly lives happily ever after. Dropped-Off Dog is a children's picture book based on a real story about an animal. It is written to give children a stunning visual story with the theme of hope to raise awareness about the issue of animal abandonment and homelessness.

Insider Secrets to Successfully Writing and Marketing Sales-Worthy Screenplay: $99 Want to write a marketable screenplay? Have you already written a screenplay but can't seem to sell it? Join Scott D. Roberts as he teaches the Insider Secrets to Successfully Writing a Sales-Worthy Screenplay. In this 3-hour workshop you'll learn 10 Key Tips to Screenwriting: How to write an enticing log line What is the "acceptable" structure to Act 1, Act 2/second part of Act 2, and Act 3? Why does exciting "pacing" make or break a script? What is the value of storyboarding? The importance of writing scenes on 40 index cards How to use the "Pacing Breakdown" as your pitch guide How to utilize your storyboard to write your script Do's and Don't's and bad habits to avoid Why you're not finished when you think you're finished How to get your script read with the right people Date: August 20, 2015 Time: 6pm to 9pm L...

Insider Secrets to Successfully Writing and Marketing Sales-Worthy Screenplay: $99   Want to write a marketable screenplay? Have you already written a screenplay but can't seem to sell it? Join Scott D. Roberts as he teaches the Insider Secrets to Successfully Writing a Sales-Worthy Screenplay. In this 3-hour workshop you'll learn 10 Key Tips to Screenwriting : How to write an enticing log line What is the "acceptable" structure to Act 1, Act 2/second part of Act 2, and Act 3? Why does exciting "pacing" make or break a script? What is the value of storyboarding? The importance of writing scenes on 40 index cards How to use the "Pacing Breakdown" as your pitch guide How to utilize your storyboard to write your script Do's and Don't's and bad habits to avoid Why you're not finished when you think you're finished How to get your script read with the right people Date: August 20, 2015 Time: 6pm to 9pm Lo...

Location: Red Lion Inn, Sacramento Address: 500 Leisure Lane Date: August 20, 2015 Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Want to write a marketable screenplay? Have you already written a screenplay but can’t seem to sell it? Join Scott D. Roberts as he teaches the Insider Secrets to Successfully Writing a Sales-Worthy Screenplay. In this 3-hour workshop you’ll learn 10 Key Tips to Screenwriting: ·  How to write an enticing log line ·  What is the “acceptable” structure to Act 1, Act 2/second part of Act 2, and Act 3? ·  Why does exciting “pacing” make or break a script? ·  What is the value of storyboarding? ·  The importance of writing scenes on 40 index cards ·  How to use the “Pacing Breakdown” as your pitch guide ·  How to utilize your storyboard to write your script ·  Do’s and Don't’s and bad habits to avoid ·  Why you’re not finished when you think you’re finished ·  How to get your script read with the rig...

3L Publishing is proud to announce the signing of Stephen Marinaro , known to millions around the world as " TheSalonGuy ™," to a book deal. His yet "untitled" book will be released in the Summer of 2016 and will chronicle the rise of his empire to inspire and motivate entrepreneurs to chase their dreams. With 20-plus years of experience as a hairstylist and media personality, Stephen Marinaro, TheSalonGuy™, focuses on bringing fashion, beauty, inspiration, and entertainment to millions of people. Whether he is offering style advice or chatting with stars on the red carpet, Stephen lives by his values of professionalism, respect, and passion for his work. Stephen reaches his millions of followers through television, internet and radio. His highly viewed YouTube channel, ( www.youtube.com/TheSalonGuy ) features styling tutorials, motivational tools, and special-event coverage. His channel just broke 21 million views, and is currently ...

Passenger from Greece Norma Jennings Retail: $19.95 Pre-sale: ( Click Here ) A plane crashes ... An unexpected romance ignites and burns hot … But betrayal sears deeper in the heart. In this beautifully written and heartfelt story, the innocence of youth and first love fan the destruction of lives. Written in a classic tale of love, lust, and criminal behavior, Passenger from Greece takes readers on a sensuous, visually told epic tale of Olivia Reid. A feisty, resourceful, smart and beautiful international flight attendant, Olivia embarks on a seductive affair that spans the Caribbean, New York City, Crete and ocean voyages on the yacht The Adonis. Passenger from Greece explores the bonds and complexities of family, the relationships of children and their mothers and fathers, ill-fated romance, and criminal behavior threatening lives. It will have readers loving, hating and sympathizing with the main characters, while all at on...

3L Publishing is proud to announce the signing of Stephen Marinaro , known to millions around the world as "TheSalonGuy™," to a book deal. His yet "untitled" book will be released in the Summer of 2016 and will chronicle the rise of his empire to inspire and motivate entrepreneurs to chase their dreams. With 20-plus years of experience as a hairstylist and media personality, Stephen Marinaro, TheSalonGuy™, focuses on bringing fashion, beauty, inspiration, and entertainment to millions of people. Whether he is offering style advice or chatting with stars on the red carpet, Stephen lives by his values of professionalism, respect, and passion for his work. Stephen reaches his millions of followers through television, internet and radio. His highly viewed YouTube channel, ( www.youtube.com/ TheSalonGuy ) features styling tutorials, motivational tools, and special-event coverage. His channel just broke 8 million views, and is currently averaging 900...

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...

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...

Scott D. Roberts  Why Not Turn Your Work into TV and Film?   June 20, 11am to 1pm California Writers' Club (Sacramento Branch) Cattlemen's Restaurant (I-50/Hazel Ave.) in Rancho Cordova *Non-members may attend luncheon Why Not Turn Your Work into TV and Film? 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 writers all elements of taking a story from page to screen. Roberts is a 25-year veteran of the film and television business. He has worked in almost every role, from assistant to talent agent, to actor to writer, to producer to director. Join him 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...

Over the years, I collaborated or partnered with several people. Some partnerships are better than others. 3L President Scott D. Roberts is the best partnership I've had with anyone. The reason the partnership works so well might help others decide if they want to partner with someone. Now some people thrive on different kinds of collaborative relationships. So the gifts that Scott D. brings to the company and to my creative world are things that I found I personally thrive upon. Sense of Humor . Does that sound unimportant? Well, it's very important -- especially under stress. If you can't laugh at yourself or others than life gets far too ridiculous. Anything can be diffused with a great joke, and laughter is a tremendous stress-reliever. If anyone read the texts that go back and forth between Scott and myself it would often be like reading a great stand-up routine. Like-Mindedness with a Dash of Difference . If you have the same vision it's easier to make it happ...

When I work with writers I am reminded of things I've learned over the years that help improve my work. We had our monthly Writers Who Mean Business meeting last night, and I thought some great "reminders" came out of it to spark this blog. The Book's Opening Line : did you know some places hold contests asking for the best opening line of a book? In the 3L Publishing catalog Scott D. Roberts' book Vengeance is Now has the best opening line of the catalog: You've never really lived until you seen the life leave another human being .Your opening line should be that alluring, unique, fascinating and intriguing. The idea is that it be provocative enough to get the reader engaged and wanting to find out more. Paring down your writing : too many writers fall in love with their own words. The love affair often results in wordiness and too much exposition. A great exercise is to write 1,000 words and then cut 100 words and then 200 words. See how much easier you...

Many of my readers know that I have been a loyal user of Facebook. I do believe we attract certain energies, and my Facebook account has unceremoniously become a magnet for inappropriate posts and distracting and uninvited "come-ons". Now my relationship status did change, and that brought about a deluge of unwelcome attention. I also encountered some "haters," which is common (so don't take it personally). You should never take anything personally, and especially from someone you don't even know. Unhappy people equal unhappy and negative lives. I mutinied to Twitter. Why? Well outside of the Facebook behavior that became (how shall we say) unruly, I noticed my "reach" diminishing. Facebook restricting numbers and requiring paid "boosts". Also, I noticed the hip and in-the-know users had migrated to Twitter. My favorite TV shows ( John Oliver on HBO among them) began using hash tags strategically to promote their efforts. My business p...

Today's topic du jour is about distraction and work-life balance. Since my operations manager position has yet to be filled and won't be until I have complete trust in the person right for the job, I have the details on my plate. As an editor I am generally detail-oriented. These days between operations details, company sales and project work, I find I am driven to distraction. Then I start thinking, "I must be getting old." Well, I did celebrate a birthday yesterday so maybe ... but here are my thoughts on "too many thoughts." First, life is to be enjoyed and not bogged down. I often remind myself of this "detail" as I begin to feel like some invisible pressure from heaven is bearing down on me. I am my boss. Who exactly is going to chastise me? Oh yeah ... me! So, as my boss I give myself permission to be realistic -- there are only so many hours in the day. Don't play at your desk, of course, but don't be so hard on yourself. Second,...

I am one of those overly concerned CEOs who somewhere along the way of leadership and success in the middle of it lost her way ... a bit. Over the last couple of years, an eroding of net profit began. Under the idea that it was okay, I began getting too relaxed about collections and ensuring that 3L Publishing wasn't paying unintended costs. Then I noticed something that was eating away at my leadership skills. We'll call it "client guilt". I felt like even though not a single client made a single complaint that our work wasn't somehow measuring up (especially on the public relations side where results are very "airy-fairy"). I felt awesome about the books for sure. Our books are award-winners. But self-doubt and that "guilty" feeling despite all of the efforts going into it, were eating at me -- but MORE important EATING our bottom line and profits as I devalued my time. I devalued myself. Are you identifying with what I'm saying? I bet ...

Before I get into this book as a great Christmas gift, I'm going to give full disclosure. First, 3L Publishing acquired Vengeance is Now in 2013, and it's a part of the Tate Holloway series, which the company also owns. Second, the author is a close friend. Now that said, it doesn't diminish why this is my all-time favorite fiction book in our catalog or why I can't wait for his second book, Hidden Agenda to finish up. My first question is always, "Do you like thrillers?" James Patterson -- that type of book. If your answer is yes, read on and shop away. Now I am not a thriller reader per se. But quintessential Stephen King, including classics like The Shining , Christine , Cujo and The Stand were always winners.  Roberts (who I will call Scott because that is weird to me when he's a friend) knows how to amp up the mystery and fear to the scariest, nail-biting, suspenseful place. Yes, it's sexy, too, and the infamous chapter 8 has become an en...

I get asked all of the time about my process of writing. All writers have their own processes. My process is unlike another author's process. My close friend Scott D. Roberts , author of Vengeance is Now , describes his process like that of a police detective with index cards and notes plastered on his office wall like a shrine. My process is much more up in my head. Sometimes I write little notes here and there to ensure I don't forget. But overall my process is meditative. If I'm stuck on plot line I will lay down, close my eyes, and visualize. In my new book Body in the Trunk I had to first get a road map in my head as to where I wanted the story to go, but I also let the story tell itself. I always start with a vague sense of the overall plot line, but I have to let the story unfold. Characters define themselves in my head. Personalities come to life organically to the story-telling process. Creating the tension, intrigue and mystery is about building-blocks. You...