12/19/13

Mon & Tues, Jan. 20 &21, Manuscript Review, Groton, CT, area

I will be teaching how to get Self-Published at Unicorn Writers' Conference. I know the chairman of this conference, Jan Kardys, and am very impressed by her work as an agent and concern for authors. I highly recommend the following offer for those who live in the Groton, CT, area.
 
Subject: One-to-one sessions MANUSCRIPT PAGES 20 pages, 20 minutes, $20 January 20th and January 21st. Groton, CT area. ONLY $20!
 
Jan Kardys, Black Hawk Literary Agency will be offering writers the opportunity to submit 20 pages of the beginning of their manuscript along with a summary of the book ( for fee of $20) and meet with each writer to discuss the material for 20 minutes.  The email address is libraryeventsunicorn@gmail.com for the material to be submitted in advance in preparation for the 1-1 meetings. A summary of the book should be an additional attachment.  Jan will meet with writers on January 20th at 10 am and schedule meetings until 4 pm, and January 21st  from 10 am until 3 pm. 
 
The purpose is to really give writers at all levels the honest input they need on these early pages, and to provide practical and helpful direction on their book. The first five pages of a book are critical in hooking the reader into the book.  In addition, Jan Kardys and Jeanne Rogers are launching a new company, Unicorn for Writers that will assist writers at all levels. 
 
Meetings will be scheduled with each writer via email and submissions should be sent to libraryeventsunicorn@gmail.com
 
 
Jan L. Kardys, Literary Agent
Black Hawk Literary Agency LLC
Chairman, Unicorn Writers' Conference
17 Church Hill Road, Redding, CT 06896 http://www.jankardys.com 
PO Box 176, Redding, CT 06876
203-938-7405 
 917-280-5709

12/8/13

12/10, Mystic River Yacht Club Hosts Shipwreck Explorer and Author at Open House


Shipwreck Explorer and Author to Show Diving Footage at Mystic River Yacht Club’s Open House

 
Free and open to the public


Mystic, CT— Mystic River Yacht Club will host their annual Open House during the Mystic Stroll on Tuesday, December 10, 5-8 p.m., and feature writers autographing books including Captain Bill Palmer, shipwreck explorer and author of The Last Battle of the Atlantic: The Sinking of the U-853.

 

Tuesday, December 10, 5-8 p.m.

Mystic River Yacht Club Open House 

14 Holmes Street (next to former RiverWalk Restaurant)

The Mystic River Yacht Club invites the public to tour the clubhouse and enjoy the fire and warm cider and donuts. Authors Captain Bill Palmer and Lisa Saunders will be on hand autographing copies of their books, The Last Battle of the Atlantic: The Sinking of the U-853 and Mystic Seafarer’s Trail, respectively. In addition, Captain Palmer will show diving footage of area shipwrecks.  Other vendors will also make holiday gifts available for purchase.

 

About the authors:

 

Captain Bill Palmer of Wallingford, author of The Last Battle of the Atlantic: The Sinking of the U-853, is one of New England's leading authorities on underwater wrecks, and has videotaped dozens of submarines, U-boats, and sunken vessels that have been lost in East Coast waters.  Captain Palmer is owner operator of the Thunderfish. More info: www.thunderfishcharters.com or contact him directly at captainbillpalmer@gmail.com, 203-269-0619

 

Lisa Saunders of Mystic, author of Mystic Seafarer's Trail, is an award-winning writer, TV host and part-time history interpreter at Mystic Seaport. A graduate of Cornell University, she is the author of several books, including Ride a Horse, Not an Elevator and Ever True: A Union Private and His Wife. More info: www.authorlisasaunders.com or contact her directly at saundersbooks@aol.com
 
 

About Mystic River Yacht Club:

Mystic River Yacht Club (MRYC) is a yacht club for both sailors and power boaters and is dedicated to cruising, racing, junior sailing, maritime education and fellowship in a family-like atmosphere. MRYC features varied social and special events throughout the year. For more information about MRYC, visit www.mysticriveryachtclub.com14 Holmes Street, Mystic, CT  06355, or contact: Jay Mckernan, Commodore, at jmckernan@msn.com, or Bill Volmar,former Commodore at bvolmar@yahoo.com.

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12/4/13

Captain Bill Palmer discusses diving German U-boat

Lisa Saunders interviews Captain Bill Palmer, shipwreck explorer and author. Several artifacts discussed.

Captain Bill Palmer discusses shipwreck diving with Lisa Saunders. Includes clip of dives.
Watch the Indiana Jones of the Sea at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iE97K3xeFA4&feature=youtu.be

To purchase Palmer's book, The Last Battle of the Atlantic: The Sinking of the U-853,  or to schedule a shipwreck/fishing trip, contact Captain Bill Palmer, (203) 269-0619, captainbillpalmer@gmail.com, www.thunderfishcharters.com

More info about Lisa Saunders or her book, Mystic Seafarer's Trail, visit: www.authorlisasaunders.com or write to: saundersbooks@aol.com

10/30/13

Insurrectionist's Descendent Wins Mystic But Suffers Agonizing Defeat in Boston

Lisa Saunders at the Samuel Adams Brewery in Boston, Mass., on October 29, 2013.
 
Is Ghost of Sam Adams Still After Captain Henry Gale--through his descendant?

Watch her crushing defeat in the short videos below

 
 
Lisa Saunders of Mystic, Conn., descendant of Revolutionary War veteran Henry Gale and author of “Shays’ Rebellion: The Hanging of Co-Leader Captain Henry Gale,” had her shot at being the next Champion Stein Hoister at the Samuel Adams Brewery on Tuesday, October 29th--but it was not to be. The author will have to promote her ancestor's fight against his new government and "half hanging"  some other way.
 
Although Sam Adams couldn't convince John Hancock to follow through with Henry Gale's execution once the noose had been placed around his neck, perhaps it was his ghost who weighed heavily upon the arm of the insurrectionist's descendant, making it impossible for her to hold her stein high and long enough to win a Munich trip from the Boston beer company that named their lager after Adams. Her nephew, Dr. Bradley Saunders of Columbia, SC, a physical therapist, had given his aunt a few winning tips the day before the Boston event. When he learned of her defeat, he quickly texted her, "I'm still extremely proud of you--364 days to train for next year!" 

Lisa may indeed start training for next year. Mystic--and even the State of Connecticut-- had placed their hopes on her when she won the ladies' Beer Stein Hoist at Pizzetta hands down earlier this month (see news coverage below).* After her surprising win at the Mystic restaurant with a stein hoisting time of 5 minutes, 10 seconds, Tricia Walsh, President of the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce, e-mailed Saunders, “I wish you the best in Boston and I hope you make Mystic proud!” Unbelievably,  even United States Senator Christopher S. Murphy wrote to her from Washington D.C., saying: "Keep up the great work and best of luck at the New England Championship!" Lisa's father, Dick Avazian of Suffern, NY, imagined that Mystic's flags were set at half-mast when news of her defeat reached the tiny seacoast village.

See the following images of hopes held high--then dashed--plus two short videos of Lisa hoisting a liter-sized stein filled to the brim with beer (reported to weigh approximately five pounds):

 
Lisa (center) with two competitors outside the Samuel Adams Brewery before the event. They were friendly toward each other--at first.
 

 
Lisa Saunders in the center (wearing black) holds stein high at Boston's  Samuel Adams Brewery on October 29. Competition was stiff and some onlookers were accusing particular stein hoisters of trying to get away with cheating (beer spilling over rim or arm not out straight).

 Short Videos

 
Part I: Lisa's stein--and hopes--still held high.
 
 
 
Part II: Lisa hangs on--barely--while others drop out. When Lisa notices a drop spilling over the rim of her stein, she knows it's over. She drops out before being asked to hand in her stein.  
 
 
Lisa Saunders revised her humorous travel memoir, Mystic Seafarer's Trail, to recount her beer adventures and how beer played a life-saving role in New England's history. To read excerpts, click on Mystic Seafarer's Trail  then on the "LOOK INSIDE" feature.
 

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Lisa is seriously considering training to stein hoisting events if it will draw attention to a cause very dear to heart. See Loss and love: Author raises awareness about preventable birth defect

 
*Lisa's Stein Hoisting Win in Mystic covered by Corey Fyke, Patch Regional Editor, North Central Connecticut: http://stonington.patch.com/groups/around-town/p/mystic-woman-wins-beerhoisting-competition-stonington


*Lisa's Stein Hoist loss was covered in: The Day - Passion for history leads to stein-hoisting ...www.theday.com/article/20131114/NWS01/311149926/-1/zip06

Visit Lisa at www.authorlisasaunders.com to learn more about her books, publicity work, and availability to speak. Write her at: saundersbooks@aol.com

Photos and videos by Enrique C. Jograj, Jr. 

10/26/13

Descendent of Insurrectionist Wins Samuel Adams Steinhoisting Competition


 
 

Lisa Saunders, Samuel Adams Stein Hoist Winner and author, wouldn’t exist if the real Sam Adams had convinced the government to hang her ancestor, Captain Henry Gale Hanged for High Treason and Rebellion (he was a leader in Shays’ Rebellion)

 

Mystic, Conn.—Lisa Saunders, the descendent of a Revolutionary War veteran found guilty of treason, and author of "Shays' Rebellion: The Hanging of Co-Leader Captain Henry Gale", won the Samuel Adams Stein Hoisting competition held at Pizzetta in Mystic on October 10, 2013.

Saunders, age 52 of Mystic, held a one-liter Samuel Adams beer stein filled with water with her arm fully extended and parallel to the ground for 5 min., 10 secs. Winning several prizes at Pizzetta, she now heads to Boston to compete for the grand prize--—a trip to Munich, Germany, during Oktoberfest 2014. The New England Championship will be held on Tuesday, October 29, 2013, at the Samuel Adams Boston Brewery.

After her surprising win at the Mystic restaurant, Tricia Walsh, President of the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce, e-mailed Saunders, “I wish you the best in Boston and I hope you make Mystic proud!” Unbelievably,  even United States Senator Christopher S. Murphy wrote to her from Washington D.C., saying: "Keep up the great work and best of luck at the New England Championship!"
Saunders said, “Sam Adams, the revolutionary thinker after which the Boston lager was named, demanded that my ancestor Captain Henry Gale hang for his leadership role in Shays' Rebellion." Henry Gale of Princeton, Mass., was a Revolutionary War veteran who later used threat of force to shut down courts to stop the prosecution and imprisonment of farmers unable to pay their debts and what they felt were unreasonably high taxes. Henry was captured, found guilty of high treason and rebellion, and sentenced to hang. Sam Adams declared, "the man who dares rebel against the laws of a republic ought to suffer death."

            After Henry Gale was marched up the gallows built on the Worcester Common in Massachusetts, the noose was placed around his neck and prayers were said for his soul. Suddenly, the sheriff presented a written reprieve from Governor John Hancock. The reprieve later became a pardon. "If Sam Adams had successfully influenced Hancock to follow through with Gale’s execution on June 21, 1787, I would not exist as I descend from a child conceived after he was set free. So, I got a kick out of winning the ladies' rounds at Pizzetta. I hope I can win a free trip to Munich out of the company that named their lager after Sam Adams!” Saunders descends from Henry Gale’s daughter, Betsey (Gale) Sisson, born four years after the “half hanging” in 1791.

Shays’ Rebellion, listed among History Channel's “10 Days That Unexpectedly Changed America, led to the adoption of the U.S. Constitution because it showed the need for a stronger central government. Eventually, imprisonment for debt was outlawed.

Lisa Saunders is an award-winning writer, TV co-host, and part-time history interpreter at Mystic Seaport. A graduate of Cornell University, she is the author of several books, including the humorous travel memoir, Mystic Seafarer's TrailSecrets behind the 7 Wonders, Titanic's Shoes, Captain Sisson's Gold, and Amelia Earhart's Wedding . She is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.For more information, visit www.authorlisasaunders.com or write to her at saundersbooks@aol.com.

 

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Photo Caption: Lisa Saunders at Pizzetta in Mystic, CT, after winning ladies’ Samuel Adams Stein Hoisting competition on Thursday, October 10, 2013. Photo by Jim Saunders.


 
For more information about the New England Championship on Tuesday, October 29, 2013, call the Boston Beer Company at 617-368-5080, 617-368-5000, or visit www.samueladams.com

10/25/13

Free Ride a Horse Not an Elevator!


My children's novel, Ride a Horse Not an Elevator, featured in Cornell University's "Horse Book in a Bucket" 4-H program,  is free as an e-book today until midnight on Amazon (there is also softcover version available). You may wish to download it and/or tell others looking for a light-hearted book for all ages (there is a lot about parent/grandparent/child relationships). You don't need a Kindle to download it. Here is the e-book link for Ride a Horse Not an Elevator: http://www.amazon.com/Ride-Horse-Not-Elevator-ebook/dp/B00DV8GMNW/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=

Enjoy!
Lisa Saunders
www.authorlisasaunders.com

10/24/13

Open Mic Night for Writers!

 
Thursday, November 7, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
 
Groton Public Library, Connecticut
Sign-in begins at 6:30 p.m.
Writers from ages 13 through adult are invited to read (or sing) their work for up to three minutes. All genres are welcome, including memoirs, music, fiction, essays, poetry, screenplays, etc. (G-rated material, please). Published authors are permitted to make their books available for sale at the end of the evening. The event will be moderated by author Lisa Saunders.
This program is free, but registration is required. To register, please contact Jean Schweid at jschweid@groton-ct.gov or 860-441-6750. Please include a brief description of your material in the email.

9/24/13

Book Store Owner Seeks Authors!

I interviewed Christopher Jones, owner of Monte Cristo Bookshop in New London. He loves to promote authors and host events! If you are an author, he would like to hear from you! See my show, "Dreamers & Doers" at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnY9wx2Xhas&feature=youtu.be

More info: http://www.montecristobookshop.com

For more info about Lisa Saunders: www.authorlisasaunders.com

9/17/13

Can Still Enroll in Class: "How to Get Published"

You can still sign up for my class on

Monday, 9/23; 6:00-8:30 – One Night – New London High School.

How to Get Your Book or Short Story Published, Resident $30/Non-Resident $35

Attracting a publisher gets harder all of the time. Learn how to get your query letters or manuscripts out of the “slush pile” and in front an editor. Begin building your portfolio right now.


It's first come, first serve. The deadline is this Sunday afternoon.
 
Here is the link:
 
 
If you have any questions about the class, you can contact:
Peggy Cherrick
New London Adult & Continuing Education
New London Public Schools
Three Shaws Cove
New London, Connecticut  06320
(860) 437-2385  ext# 106
(860) 447-4025fax
(860)625-1008 cell
 
Thanks!
Lisa Saunders
 

9/13/13

Monday Class on Self-Publishing Moved

My class, How to Self-Publish on Amazon, has been moved.
Click on the New London Adult Ed for directions.
 

It would be helpful to you if you signed up in advance for a Createspace account. Either do so by clicking on the link to the right (Publish on Amazon—FREE! Click on “Get Started), which is right below my little bio, or going to createspace directly. They will want to make sure you are using your legal name, have rights to the material, understand that it's your responsibility to pay income taxes, etc. Consult a lawyer if you feel you need to before agreeing to the terms.

 
How to Self-Publish on Amazon 411 
There are several advantages to self-publishing—full control of your work and higher royalties. Learn the free steps to making your work available on Amazon.  A speaker and award-winning writer, Lisa Saunders is a graduate of Cornell University and the author of several books, including Mystic Seafarer’s Trail. She resides in Mystic, CT, works part-time at Mystic Seaport as a history interpreter, and writes professionally for several clients.  Instructor: L. Saunders 


Sessions: 1
Dates: 9/16/2013 to 9/16/2013
Meeting Time: 

Monday 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Location: New London Adult Ed
 
GETTING STARTED:
 
In my opinion, publishing the softcover first makes publishing e-book easier:

 
Have 24 pages? That is enough to create a softcover on Amazon using the tools available through Create Space. You include cover page, copyright page, more info about your other books, etc.

Why need a soft cover? Many people still prefer a paperback to an e-book (which is downloaded on a Kindle, iPad, smartphone, laptop, etc)


A paperback advertises you at public gatherings—it’s a great calling card for marketing yourself (for jobs, clients, etc).


Once softcover is formatted, makes formatting


e-book easier using Amazon’s Kindle services.




8/23/13

Free today: Ride a Horse Not Elevator

You don't need a Kindle to "buy" this children's novel as a free ebook today.  Just click on the following link to download it to your phone, computer, iPad or Kindle:


Good as a family read aloud, it includes recipes from Grandma's Kitchen and some tips for aspiring children writers and horse riders

8/20/13

Weds, Aug. 21, 6-8pm, “Writer’s Open Mic,” Mystic & Noank Library


Aug. 21, 6-8pm, “Writer’s Open Mic,” Mystic & Noank Library

The first 25 registered writers, ages 13 and up, are invited to read, sing, or speak about their work for up to three minutes. All genres are welcome including memoirs, music, fiction, essays, poetry, screenplays, etc. (G-rated material, please). Published authors are permitted to make their books available for sale at the end of the event with a percent to be donated to the library. To register, contact Lisa Saunders at: saundersbooks@aol.com.

8/3/13

Writing & Publishing Workshops


In addition to conducting private sessions, I am available to present writing and publishing workshops ranging from 1 to 8 sessions. I can present them at your facility or my office.

An example of my 6-week “Writing & Publishing Workshop”:

2-hour, 6 week sessions

Ages of Participants: 13+ (or grades 4, 5, and 6)

Class size: Max. 10

Participants Supply: Pen, pencil, paper, or laptop

Facilitator (me) Supplies: Handouts and/or her book, “Lisa’s Guide for Writers: How to Get Published & Self-Published”

Venue Supplies: Table, chairs, and if possible, PowerPoint equipment (although workshop can be done without PowerPoint).

 

Description of Program:  Writers of memoirs, fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and essays are invited to bring short pieces (G-rated, please) for presentation to the group where it will receive constructive criticism in an atmosphere of support and respect. The instructor. published author and writing consultant Lisa Saunders, will provide tips on getting published and writing exercises to get the stories flowing. The workshop will culminate with a pubic “Open Mic” reading.

Participant Outcomes: Participants of all abilities will learn how to celebrate and improve their craft, showcase their work, attract a publisher, build their portfolio, write a query letter, and how to self-publish. Through connections made with other writers, participants will be inspired to take their writing to the next level.

Program Outline:

Assuming 2-hour sessions for 6 weeks:

Week 1:

Writing exercise: Why do you like to write and what your goal?

Participants either read a piece aloud or hand out copies of prior work for reaction (group critique)

Lesson: Basic story outline and how to begin

Week 2: Group critique; Lesson: Building Your Portfolio & Copyrighting; Writing exercise.

Week 3: Group critique; Lesson: Finding a Publisher/Agent; Writing exercise.

Week 4: Group critique; Lesson: Writing a query letter and learning to summarize your book in one sentence; Writing exercise.

Week 5: Group critique; Lesson: Writing a book proposal; Writing exercise.

Week 6: Group critique; Lesson: How to self-publish an e-book and a paperback using print-on-demand services; Writing exercise.

 

My “Memoir Writing Workshop”

I also provide memoir writing and publishing help. Ways to spur memories: photos, recording data such as date, place of birth, names of parents and siblings, current events that affected growing up years and by answering some of the following questions: 

·        List your most vivid memories. Pick one and expand upon it.

·        Were you ever in an accident?

·        What major life lesson have you learned?

·        Query letter to an editor: Why should he/she publish your work?

·        Did someone ever save your life or you save theirs?

·        Were you ever afraid of something? How did you deal with it?

·        Do you know how to make something? Describe it.

·        What is the bravest thing you’ve ever done (or wish you had done)?

·        Describe one of the happiest times in your life.

·        Describe one of the saddest times in your life.

·        What is the best birthday present and/or surprise you ever received?

·        Your favorite holiday is…because?

·        Your favorite place is…?

·        Who had the biggest influence on you?

·        Name an extremely challenging experience you faced.

·        Name a time of extreme danger.

 

Instructor Qualifications: Lisa Saunders is an award-winning writer and TV co-host living in Mystic, Connecticut. She works as a part-time history interpreter at Mystic Seaport and is a columnist for In Town magazine. A graduate of Cornell University, Lisa is the author of several traditionally published and self-published books and writes professionally for several clients including National Field Service and the State University of New York at Rockland. Winner of the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations Gold Medallion, Lisa has spoken on a variety of topics at venues such as Cornell and Johns Hopkins Universities, The Washington Independent Writers Association, West Point Museum, Lincoln Depot Museum,  The Writer’s Center , and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

References: Sample dates and venues for Lisa’s workshops:

1/30/13, “Youth Writing Workshop,” Bill Library. "Lisa's manner with children is natural and encouraging, immediately putting them at ease. Her writing advice was advanced enough for adults, but simple enough for children to implement. By the end of the workshop, even the shyest students were sharing parts of their literary creations. This workshop was wonderful!" Andrea McKenzie, Bill Library, Ledyard, CT.

03/05/10, State University of New York at Rockland Community College (RCC).  Lisa organized a very successful series of Writer’s Open Mic Nights where a wide diversity of writers had a chance to read excerpts of their work. Lisa is very creative, hardworking, and a pleasure to work with.” Rich Syrek, former Dean, Center for Personal & Professional Development, RCC, Suffern, NY.

07/20/13, “How to Get Published & Self-Published," Emerging Writers Retreat. "Thank you, Lisa, for sharing your story, experience and wonderful energy! Everyone enjoyed what you brought to the program." Patricia Chaffee, Writer/Retreat Facilitator, Mystic, CT.

 

06/22/13,”How to Publish on Amazon,” Groton Library, CT. "Lisa, I just wanted to thank you for your “How to Publish on Amazon” class yesterday and pointing me in the right direction.  I really appreciated your time and knowledge.  Now to jump in...." Sue Palmer, RI.

07/11/13, “Ride a Horse Not an Elevator Youth Writing Workshop,” Riverfront Children's Center, Inc. "Dear Lisa, The children really enjoyed your presentation of your novel, Ride a Horse Not an Elevator, and receiving an autographed copy. That aspect especially did a great deal to help them feel connected on a personal level to the whole writing process." Susan R. Bailey, Development Coordinator, Riverfront Children's Center, Inc., Groton, CT.

 

11/08/09, “How to Get Published,” Tappan Free Library, Tappan, NY. YouTube video available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OjTb4sSaf8. Jill Gross, Adult Services, Tappan Free Library, Tappan, NY.