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Once Upon a Book Fair Presents the Treasure Island Book Festival October 12, 2024 at the San Marcos Community Center

Ahoy dear book readers and enthusiasts in the San Diego area! No – you don’t have to travel to an island for this amazing upcoming Treasure Island Book Festival! Now featuring over 70 authors! Plus, it’s FREE! For the entire Family too! Well, shiver me timbers!

Poster for the Treasure Island Book Festival

On Saturday, October 12, from 10 am – 5 pm (Pacific Time) at the San Marcos Community Center, (3 Civic Center Drive, San Marcos, CA), join in the fun at the “Treasure Island Book Festival”. Led by local CEO and young adult Author, Tanya Ross of “Once Upon a Book Fair” (“Where stories for all ages come to life”)
and a variety of authors and other team members. Get ready for a fun-filled day!

Once Upon a Book Fair 2024 is a literary celebration that immerses authors and readers in the adventures found at the turn of every page. Meet new authors, discover new books, get autographs.

UPDATED 10/10/2024:

Here is a podcast interview on the Spotlight on the Community Podcast with Guests “Once Upon a Book Fair” CEO Tanya Ross and Author Jolie Tunnell interviewed by Host Drew Schlosberg and Co-host Kristen Fogle:

Once Upon a Book Fair…

…encourages literacy
…showcases multiple genres, something for everyone
…inspires youth
…shines a spotlight on local writers
…provides a rare meet and greet with published authors
…draws people together and celebrates diversity
…validates San Diego’s public library programs
…creates a unique cultural community event
…supports small business
…has education, inspiration, and imagination all in one fabulous place!

More about the Treasure Island Book Fair:

The festival itself is free. There will be food vendor(s) at the event, including a taco truck (outside), a non-alcoholic “Bar” with Mocktails and soft drinks (inside), and a coffee/pancake/ice cream vendor (inside).

A festival might not be complete without a Cosplay contest too!- It’s a community dress-up party! Whether one dresses in character garb or even as a pirate – let your Cosplay character chime in!

Are you saying “ARRRR” to yourself yet? The theme of this year’s event is Treasure Island, where pirates and scavenger hunts abound!

There will be prizes given away such as books, merchandise, art and more! Plus author panels!

Q & A with Tanya Ross, Young Adult Author
and Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

Left to right: Tanya Ross, Author and Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

SJF: How did Once Upon a Book Fair get started?

TR: An author friend of mine and I put our heads together one day a couple of years ago because there were no book fairs up in the North County of San Diego. We wanted to give  local authors a chance to come together in a place outside of San Diego proper where the fees for a table would be affordable. We launched our brainchild the first year (2022) in Grape Day Park with 25 authors and the assistance of the Escondido Public Library. Once we saw we could do it, we went forward.

SJF: Is Once Upon a Book Fair a non-profit?

TR: On its own–not yet. It’s possible it will be eventually. This year for the first time it is a certified business with the city of Escondido. Right now it’s not fiscally possible to launch it as a non-profit. That being said, it is not a money-making venture for me. We will most likely break even with the expenses. It’s more of a passion project than a capital raising venture. I don’t want to make money on the backs of other authors. 

SJF: Do you do this alone?

TR: No. Even though I am the CEO, I have a wonderful committee of ten other authors who help me with ideas and implementation. We meet monthly to discuss how we’re doing with the progress of each unique assignment. I wouldn’t be able to do this without them.

SJF: Why should people attend?

TR: You should attend if you love books! We’ll have over 70 authors to discover, chat with, and celebrate. We’ll have activities for kids, a scavenger hunt, prizes, and author panels. Everyone who attends can come in costume (cosplay), and we’ll have a couple of contests for the best outfits. There will be food and beverages! Our theme is Treasure Island, so pirates will be about.

SJF: How do I find it?

TR: The fair will be at the San Marcos Community Center, right where the library and city hall are: 3 Civic Center Drive in San Marcos. It’s an all day event, from 10 until 5.

SJF: Is there a cost?

TR: The fair is FREE.

SJF: Will you be there with your own books?

TR: Yes! I can’t wait to share my award-winning dystopian Tranquility Series with those who attend. My characters are waiting in the wings for you! 

SJF: How can people get involved?

TR: We are under the non-profit umbrella of a group called Fractured Atlas, so you may donate to us through that organization. The best part is that donating to them benefits us and allows you to write off your donation while advertising your products. Write to me at tanyarossauthor@gmail.com for more information. 

SPEAKERS include:

Bryan Cantrell, an award-winning writer of novels, screenplays, and comics as well as being and executive producer of feature films is our 12:00 speaker. Bryan also is an entrepreneur owning brands in fashion, beauty and the outdoor industry. He was on ABC’s Shark Tank in 2018 with his business partner pitching their Radiate Portable Campfire securing a deal with Shark, Robert Herjavec. He now resides in California with his family pursuing a love of writing, surfing and skateboarding. He’ll be sharing amazing pirate lore and all the good stuff about his latest novel, Pirates of the Wild West, A Time Travel Sea Adventure with a Western Twist, all about the infamous pirates of the Caribbean who meet secretly on Blackbeard’s prized ship. A time vortex whisks them away to the year 1873.

and…

Bestselling author Cathy Scott, a Los Angeles Times and New York Times bestselling author, veteran crime writer, investigative journalist, will be in person for our 1 p.m. slot. She will discuss her career as a reporter for local San Diego newspapers to writing true crime books such as: The Murder of Biggie Smalls, The Killing of Tupac Shakur, Murder of a Mafia Daughter, Freeway Rick Ross, and The Millionaire’s Wife.

Update! As of September 27, 2024, the proposed Author line-up includes:

Name of AuthorWebsite
Robert Adautohttps://coyleandfang.com
Val Agnewvalagnewauthor.com
Nicolette Andrewsnicoletteandrews.com
Kayla Annhttps://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/316664/sites/79853382269928558/ymlhNq
Donna Arnoldhttps://www.djarnoldauthor.com/
Celeste Barclaywww.celestebarclay.com
Elissa Bell BarbetN/A
Marisa BillionsAuthormarisabillions.com
Karen Blackhttps://karenblack-author.com/
Barchelle “Chelly” Bolger Wathenhttps://www.shaylaandfriends.com
John Bresnikjohnbresnik.com
Helle Brissonhttp://www.hellebooks.com
Anna Bushihttps://annabushi.com
Bryan Cantrellhttps://www.bryancantrell.com/
Nora Carmannoracarman.com
Richard L. CarricoPastShadows.net
Mike Caspermcasper.com
Natalie Colburnhttps://nataliecolburnwrit.wixsite.com/nataliecolburnwrites
Krystina Coleskrystinacoles.com
Erin Courtneyhttps://linktr.ee/author.e.m.courtney
Michael Max DarrowMichaelmaxdarrow.com
Dorothy Deenehttps://dorothydeene.com/
Elizabeth Drew https://www.amazon.com/author/elizabethdrew
Jordan Fabulahttps://mjfabula.com/
Susan J. Farese- SJF Communicationshttps://sjfcommunications.com/author-shop/
Leslie Fergusonhttps://lesliefergusonauthor.com/
Donald Frillicihttp://www.smheartmusic.com/
Jan Halen (sullivan)http://authorjanhalen.com/
Jeffrey Hancockjeffreyhancock-author.com
Sienna Harlowhttps://campsite.bio/siennaharlow
Megan Haskellmeganhaskell.com
T. N. Haydenhttp://www.tnhayden.com
Vontavia J. Heardhttp://www.vontaviajheard.com
Shanti Hershensonhttps://www.shantihershenson.com/
Mary Ann Hortonhttps://maryannhorton.com/
Jacob Hubbardhttps://www.jacobhubbardauthor.com/
Clare Johnsonthefirstnoelbook.com
Isabel NtekimN/A
Journey Presshttps://journeypress.com
R. D. Kardonhttp://www.rdkardonauthor.com
Jennifer Kayhttp://www.authorjenniferkay.com
David Larsonhttps://www.davidslarson.com/
Christopher S LongN/A
Rachanee Lumaynohttps://www.rachanee.net/
Eileen Lundquisthttp://www.llundquist.com
Shari LyonStoriesAlive88.com
Alexis C. ManessN/A
Derek McCannthelongsilence.com
Mike McDevitthttps://www.mmcdevitt.com/home
Tim Millerhttps://www.timmillerauthor.com/
Nellie K. NevesN/A
Adalgisa and David Nicohttp://www.nicoauthors.com
Heather Nixhttp://www.booksbynix.com
Lee Obsidiantheobakesaga.com
Nicole I. Pacquinwww.Nic-Lit.com
Dhara Parekhhttp://www.dharaparekh.com
Stephen Prendergasthttps://www.amazon.com/stores/Stephen-J-Prendergast/author/B0CCQJCCQ3?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
Garrett Rayhttp://amazon.com/author/gkray
David W. Reedhttps://uphillandintothewind.com/
San Diego Writers, Inkhttps://writeyourstorynow.org/
Adam W Schmitzhttps://adamwschmitz.com/
H.D. Scotthttp://www.hdscott.com
Judith Wilson Shadzihttp://www.JudithWilsonShadziArtistAuthor.com
Peter Shawhttps://www.amazon.com/author/peter-t-shaw
J.A. Snowhttps://www.amazon.com/stores/J.-A.-Snow/author/B00DFK4I50?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1722356945&sr=1-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
Annette M Stephensonhttp://romancebyannette.com
Kara StevensKonstellationpress.com
Brianna Sugalskihttps://authorbriannasugalski.com/?__v=11.427.0
Bethel Swifthttp://www.BethelSwift.com
Jolie Tunnellhttps://jolietunnell.com/
Karina M. ViaudN/A
Christine Vogelsanghttps://www.bbbradford.com
Gary K Wallacegkwallacebooks.com
Penn WallacePennwallace.com
Catherine Allen Walters & Elisabeth Hartig Lentulohttps://www.nearthedanubebridge.com/
Janet F. Williams (I also have books under Zoe Amos, my pen name)http://www.gooddaymedia.com
Sara Wrighthttp://www.sarawrightbooks.com

We hope to see you at the Treasure Island Book Festival October 12, 2024 at the San Marcos Community Center, 10 am – 5 pm!

Follow Once Upon a Book Fair ( @onceuponabookfair ) on Instagram!: https://www.instagram.com/onceuponabookfair/

For more information please email: tanyarossauthor@gmail.com

Featured susanfarese

Happy National Nurses Week – May 6 -12, 2022!

Time has flown since the late 1970’s when I proudly received my Nursing “cap” and “pin” at the Nightingale Ceremony at Widener University and graduating as an RN with my BSN – flashing forward eight years later when I received my Masters in Nursing at Seton Hall University! A lifetime ago, but still in my heart.

Since it is National Nurses Week May 6-12, 2022, I would like to recognize nurses and applaud them for all they do!!!

BRAVO!!!!! A heartfelt THANK YOU!

My nursing career is quite diversified. In nursing, I have worked in a variety of military and civilian clinical nursing roles (med-surg, intensive care, emergency room, recovery room, orthopedic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery step- down) as well as in nursing education/staff development, administration, research and consulting and coaching/mentoring roles.

Although I am in public relations now, I stay licensed as an RN and update my license every two years with mandatory continuing education.

I also still utilize my “nursing process” when working with my PR clients – I assess, plan, implement and evaluate. I use my keen intuition and “knowing”. I make “rounds” whether in person, in the media, on the internet, etc. I am vigilant with each client to provide personalized “care” for their publicity plan and needs.

Nursing, though, remains in my heart!

The pandemic certainly has made nurses very stressed, overworked, anxious, depressed, suffering burnout, PTSD and more. Nurses give (and give) and yet are human as well and have a major need for validation, respect, encouragement and they also need to spend time on their own self care.

Nurses also need credible focused media attention – to educate the media, politicians, health care interdisciplinary colleagues and the general public! (This is one of my passions – to recognize as well as strengthen the inclusion of and positive image of nursing in the media)!

That’s one of the reasons why I published the 2nd edition of Poetic Expressions in Nursing: Sharing the Caring in 2021. Pouring my heart out in poetry is just one creative, therapeutic, cathartic avenue to share my stories as a seasoned nurse.

I sincerely also hope that nurses find their creative passion – whether it is a visual art, writing/journaling, cooking, exercise, comedy, photography, theatre, filmmaking, crafting, etc. – get the picture???

If you are a nurse or know a nurse in your family, circle of friends or community etc., please THANK them especially this day, week, month (and forever).

As I mention in my poem “A Formula for Success” –

“When it’s all said and done, there’s no profession as diverse,

as the ART and the SCIENCE of being a NURSE”!

Feel free to leave a comment, share this post, subscribe, and/or get in touch!

In closing, here are two poems from my book Poetic Expressions in Nursing: Sharing the Caring, originally published in 1993!:

NURSES UNITE!

Nurses Unite!
Let's show the world in all its entirety 
Our uniqueness, our strength

Let's proclaim our vision 
And lifetime mission;
To foster health and wellness 
on the reality continuum

Let's boast that it is us who can reform health!
With our own
Body of knowledge,
Identity,
Empowerment and self-governance ...

We are not the Handmaidens 
Battle-axes 
Angels of mercy 
or
Playthings
as portrayed on the latest greeting card
or daytime soap opera or evening sitcom...

I dare us to show the world
the unparalleled significant differences
we've made in leaps and bounds...
For years and years

Let's share our compassion, empathy, humor, innovation, 
how we love life and support each other


Nurses, I dare us
to unite!!!

by

Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN
in
Poetic Expressions in Nursing: Sharing the Caring (2021)

SHARING THE CARING

Let's open up our hearts and share the caring 
Merge visions, ink and syllables so daring...
Life's fragile, short and sweet, 
Grasp rhythm, pace, and beat
Catharsis of emotions we've been wearing.

We've seen it all, the panic, pain, and fears 
Of newborns to centenarians in years
From birth to life's demise 
Our "knowing" makes us wise
Yet…Prose as catalyst releases tears...

Brave and famous poets we need not be 
but writing from the heart, that sets us free 
Through poems we tell our stories
Share pain, grief, caring, glories 
Regardless of our nursing specialty.

No need to build the walls to hide 
The memories we've buried deep inside
It's good to let it go, allowing words to flow
Stand back and let the power be your guide.

by

Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN
in
Poetic Expressions in Nursing: Sharing the Caring (2021)

Over the past year, since the book was published I have been having such a wonderful time doing interviews and author events and thank everyone for their support, including purchases and reviews!

Purchase the book here, online, or at your local independent store!

Proud to be an #AlzAuthor

Happy National Nurses Week!

All the best,

Susan

Thanks for stopping by!

Feel free to subscribe, like, comment & share!

Like this post?

Contact SJF Communications for your PR/Marketing/Writing

Social Media/Photography, or Coaching Needs!

SJF Communications 

‘Creative Ideas | Dynamic Results’!

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Nurses Week 2021 ~ “Poetic Expressions in Nursing: Sharing the Caring” eBook Discount!

Happy Nurses Week 2021 to Nurses: past, present, future and those who support them!

“When it’s all said and done, there’s no profession as diverse,
as the art and the science of being a nurse” -Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN

One week of celebration, however is not enough! It has indeed been a ‘different’ year. Who would have thought that a pandemic was looming? The stress and burnout for nurses has seemed unsurmountable at times this past year. I am hopeful for nurses to feel resilient and thrive as people receive vaccinations and stay vigilant in social distancing, handwashing, being sensible, etc. We are all too important to take life (and nurses) for granted.

“Nursing is an incredibly enriching yet stressful profession and besides being a science, it is truly an art. This second edition of Poetic Expressions in Nursing: Sharing the Caring is dedicated to all nurses – past, present, and future. It is a celebration of nursing and a tribute to nurses, especially during this unexpected, unprecedented pandemic. Covid-19 took its toll on nurses during 2020 and hopefully the impact of stress and burnout will be lessened with time and the arts. Poetry can be a therapeutic and cathartic tool for nurses and other caring professions to deal with the angst, stressors or joys that accompany the profession.” – Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN

Nurses should be celebrated for all they have done for patients and their families.

Originally published in 1993, my book Poetic Expressions in Nursing: Sharing the Caring now has a 2nd edition and is available online (eBook and paperback, and soon to be available as an audiobook).

Special promotion for Nurses Week: the eBook of Poetic Expressions in Nursing: Sharing the Caring (2nd Edition) by Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN, SJF Communications ~ has a DISCOUNTED price on Kindle eBook: $0.99 for Nurses Week and might be extended!

eBook LINK ($0.99): https://amzn.com/dp/B091D2GXNN

Paperback is also available ($12.99): https://amzn.com/dp/173697761X

Here is the description of the book:

This exciting collection of freeform poetry with over 40 poems by Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN, is a sharing of both professional and personal thoughts and feelings. Susan is a strong advocate of the creative use of poetry to express the wonderment, frustration, dedication, and the love of nurses for their profession and their patients.

Included is a tribute poem to nurses by Mohan Chilukuri, MD and a bonus section of several of Susan’s Haiku Poems with her nature photography.

Susan invites you to share the passion and the traditions of nursing, and to explore the heart of the professional practice of nursing…sharing and caring.

Susan J. (Felice) Farese, MSN, RN, a native of NJ, received her Bachelor of Science (BSN) degree from Widener University and Masters of Science (MSN) from Seton Hall University. Her diversified nursing career includes military and civilian nursing within inpatient outpatient and academic settings- including experience as a clinician, educator, administrator, consultant, and nurse entrepreneur.

Susan is the owner of SJF Communications PR in San Diego. https://sjfcommunications.com.

My Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Susan-J.-Farese/e/B001K7VB6E

#poetry #nursingpoetry #nursepoet #Amazon #RNpoet #theartofnursing #poeticexpressionsinnursing #womenauthors

Thanks for stopping by!

Feel free to subscribe, like, comment & share!

Like this post?

Contact SJF Communications for your PR/Marketing/Writing

Social Media/Photography, or Coaching Needs!

SJF Communications 

‘Creative Ideas | Dynamic Results’!

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Update: Win a Family 4 Pack to “Peter Pan and Tinker Bell – A Pirates Christmas” (San Diego)!

Update: As of 12/16/17 at 4:32 p.m. p.s.t, SJF Communications has a winner for the Family 4 Pack to “Peter Pan and Tinker Bell – A Pirates Christmas” (San Diego)!

Thank you to those who responded! We will let you know if anything opens up for more complimentary tickets.

Guess who’s flying in to San Diego?

PETER PAN!

No kidding!

Plus, WENDY, CAPTAIN HOOK, TINKER BELL, SMEE AND TIGER LILY too!

So…..

Peter Pan and Tinker Bell A Pirates Christmas Logo

Want to be the winner of a Family 4 pack of tickets for Opening Night December 21 (7:30 p.m.) of Lythgoe Family Panto presents PETER PAN AND TINKER BELL – A PIRATES CHRISTMAS at the Balboa Theatre in San Diego?

YOU DO???

Read on!

There will be one lucky winner!

What’s the show all about????   Well….

PETER PAN AND TINKER BELL – A PIRATES CHRISTMAS,  is a flying, singing, and swashbuckling holiday show performed in the style of British panto. Pirates plan to kidnap Peter Pan as a Christmas present for Captain Hook. Can Peter, Wendy, and Tinkerbell foil their scheme?

And look who is starring in it!!!

ASHLEY ARGOTA OF ABC FAMILY’S “THE FOSTERS” (Tinkerbell)

RILEY COSTELLO OF NBC’S “HAIRSPRAY LIVE!” (Peter Pan)

CLARICE ORDAZ OF FOX’S “SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE”  (Tiger Lily)

MARK RYAN OF STARZ’ “BLACK SAILS” (Captain Hook)

DAVID F.M. VAUGHN OF BROADWAY’S “SHREK THE MUSICAL” (Smee)

AUDREY WHITBY OF NICKELODEON’S “THE THUNDERMANS” (Wendy)

How do I win?

Be the first person to:

1. Click on and complete our  Contact Form  ( between 9 a.m. p.s.t. Saturday, December 16th and no later than 11 a.m. p.s.t. Sunday, December 17th) to WIN a family 4 pack of tickets for Opening Night, December 21st  at The Balboa Theatre! Add name, email , phone and then comment: Peter Pan and Tinker Bell Tickets. Thank you!

The catch:

Winner must post on Social Media

that they attended the Opening!

More info below:

Peter Pan and Tinker Bell – A  Pirates Christmas is Directed by Bonnie Lythgoe and choreographed by Mario Mosley, with book by Kris Lythgoe, Michael Orland (American Idol) serving as musical arranger and supervisor, and Andy Street serving as Musical Director. Chris Wood will serve as Associate Producer and Chris Wilcox will serve as Lighting Director. Casting is by Executive Producer Becky Lythgoe.  This will be the second holiday season of Lythgoe Family Panto in San Diego, and their first in this larger venue.

PETER PAN AND TINKER BELL – A PIRATES CHRISTMAS is a flying, singing and swashbuckling holiday adventure performed in the style of a British panto. Step into the Balboa Theatre and embark on a wild quest with Tinker Bell, Wendy and Peter Pan, as they try to put a stop to the plot of some dastardly pirates who plan to kidnap Peter as a present to Captain Hook. Filled with big laughs, magic, dancers and contemporary songs by everyone from Taylor Swift to the Bee Gees, this family show has a little bit of something for everyone.

PETER PAN AND TINKER BELL – A PIRATES CHRISTMAS will play a strictly limited engagement of 12 performances from December 21 through December 31, with the official press opening on December 21, at the Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Avenue, San Diego CA 92101.

Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased in-person at San Diego Theatres Advance Sales Windows located at 1100 3rd Ave (corner of 3rd & B St) across from the Civic Theatre, via phone at (619/760/858) 570-1100 Mon-Fri 10a-6p, or anytime online at http://sandiegotheatres.org/peter-pan-tinker-bella-pirates-christmas/. Golden Tickets, which allow the ticketholder (children ages 4 – 12 only) a special on-stage experience during the production, are available for an additional $60.00 each.

“I am so excited by the great cast of Broadway and television performers we have assembled for our second San Diego production,” says Kris Lythgoe, the show’s author and President of Lythgoe Family Panto. “San Diego is a huge supporter of the Arts and we are proud to once again expand panto productions with San Diego Theatres.”

“We are thrilled to be expanding to The Balboa Theatre this season allowing even more families in San Diego and the surrounding communities to share in the magic of Panto!” says Becky Lythgoe, Producer and Co-Founder of Lythgoe Family Panto.  “Ages 3-103, children, parents, and grandparents all coming together to sing, dance and share in the joy of LIVE theatre.  This for us encapsulates the spirit and beauty reflective of the holiday season!”

Lythgoe Family Panto produces fun, musical theatre the whole family can enjoy. Known for their creativity and involvement in television hits “American Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance,” the Lythgoes are dedicated to bringing affordable theatre to families across America. Based on the Grimm fairytales and others, each story has been modernized with topical scripts for parents and well known pop songs for kids.

The Lythgoes pride themselves on creating a memorable experience a family can share together.  This December, Lythgoe Family Panto will offer their largest season yet, with 4 different productions playing concurrently in Laguna, Pasadena, San Diego and Houston.

Lythgoe Family Panto established their reputation with productions at Pasadena Playhouse including A Cinderella Christmas starring Lauren Taylor, Alex Newell and Morgan Fairchild, Peter Pan and Tinker Bell – A Pirates Christmas starring Sabrina Carpenter and John O’Hurley, Sleeping Beauty and Her Winter Knight starring Olivia Holt and Lucy Lawless, Aladdin and His Winter Wish starring Ben Vereen, Jordan Fisher, and Ashley Argota – and A Snow White Christmas (the original of this production) starring Ariana Grande and Neil Patrick Harris.

Thanks and hope to see you at PETER PAN AND TINKER BELL – A PIRATES CHRISTMAS!

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