PR

Featured susanfarese

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

Memoir by Award-Winning Journalist and Presidential Advisor Barry Jagoda

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Susan J. Farese
SJF Communications
408-398-5940
sjfcommunications@gmail.com

NEW MEMOIR FROM AWARD-WINNING JOURNALIST BARRY JAGODA:

Journeys with Jimmy Carter and Other Adventures in Media

San Diego, CA (December 1, 2020) La Jolla Author Barry Jagoda is thrilled to announce his memoir, Journeys with Jimmy Carter and Other Adventures in Media, published by Koehler Books.

The book reveals deep knowledge of elections, traditional and new media, and the importance of seeking new journeys throughout one’s life.

Assistant to Jimmy Carter, Emmy-winning producer for CBS coverage of the first man on the moon and the Watergate scandal, and public affairs expert Barry Jagoda writes of his dramatic roots and rise from Texas to New York City and Washington DC, becoming a noted authority on the powerful use of new and legacy media. According to Theodore H. White, the “secret weapon” for Jimmy Carter’s presidential campaign, “understanding the process of television news coverage was essential for winning the White House. . . . Barry Jagoda brought that dimension to the Carter campaign.”

This modern history describes effective use of media tools in politics, business development and brand promotion, and includes practical tips on the use of media to promote candidates and defeat others in 2020.

Quote from the Author: “Nearly half of this memoir takes place in the Southland, mostly happy and productive times in Los Angeles and the rest of California.  Reviewers and readers will benefit from sharing these experiences.”

 – Barry Jagoda

About the Author:

Barry Jagoda was television advisor to Governor Jimmy Carter and White House special assistant to the president. He was also an Emmy Award-winning writer and producer at NBC News and CBS News, including working with Walter Cronkite as producer for the Apollo 11 moon landing and for Watergate coverage. Jagoda is an authority on the transition from traditional media to the digital world that now challenges candidates, elected officials and international thought leaders. Barry Jagoda earned a BA in American studies at the University of Texas, Austin, and an MS from the Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University. With Texas roots, and after many years in New York and Washington DC, Jagoda now lives in San Diego and continues to be a campaign media advisor and media publicist for high technology companies. He is also a contributing writer for Times of SanDiego.com.

PRAISE FOR Journeys with Jimmy Carter and Other Adventures in Media:

“Heartfelt, beautifully written memoir about the fast lane of American journalism and politics. Highly recommended.”

– Douglas Brinkley
Katherine Tsanoff Brown Chair in Humanities
and Professor of History, Rice University,
Author of Cronkite and The Unfinished Presidency, among others

“Barry Jagoda’s memoir is timely: in the course of relating his insider’s experiences working in the White House of Jimmy Carter, it vividly reminds us that a position of high office does not have to preclude competence and principled behavior.”

-Elizabeth Blackburn, Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine;
 President Emerita, Salk Institute;
Professor Emerita, Biochemistry and Biophysics,
 University of California, San Francisco

“Presidencies all have their own unique stories.Working in the White House advising the world’s most powerful leader can be exhilarating, infuriating, addictive, troubling, useful and harmful. There are few who have experienced those episodes as an insider. Barry Jagoda is both a scholar and practitioner of media and politics. His experience and insight offer a unique view into Jimmy Carter’s presidency told like no other.”

– Cyrus Krohn, Former Publisher of Slate Magazine,
worked for Presidents George H.W. and George W. Bush

“In high school, there was one guy who also seemed to be in the action. If things were happening he knew just how to get to it. If we had the term “energizer bunny” back then, that would describe Barry Jagoda. So none of us in our graduating class of more than 1000 could have been surprised when Barry went on to be accomplished in his field of communications, including working in the Jimmy Carter White House. Barry just came out with his memoir and it’s the perfect read right now! I especially appreciated his point of view about President Carter, a president I’ve always had mixed feelings about.”

-Debbie Israel, Amazon Review

“A great read, and what a saga! From scruffy blue collar Houston to the high reaches of the White House. Along the way a history of the last half of the last century, 1950 to current times, much of that history made here. Life lived at Mach 5 speed in a constant bolstering of First Amendment free press freedoms. This story will inspire the young and give the old something new to admire. It’s a gift to the generations.”                                 

-Library Nerd,  Amazon Review

“Absolutely fabulous read for EVERYONE no matter your political persuasion! So thought provoking at this time in our history when intolerance, divisiveness and bitterness have pushed aside what should matter to us ALL. One may not entirely agree with the author’s personal views; however, there is no denying that this book is a MUST READ for us all.”                      

–Joel P. Loeffelholz,   Amazon Review

Book Details:

The book is available at Amazon and wherever books are sold:

Paperback: ISBN-10: 1646630319; ISBN-13 : 978-1646630318

Hardcover: ISBN-10: 1646630335  ISBN-13 : 978-1646630332

eBook ISBN: 978-1-64663-032-5

More information:

Barry Jagoda : barryjagoda.com Email: barry@barryjagoda.com Ph: 858-688-1025

Media Contact:

Susan J. Farese, SJFCommunications – sjfcommunications@gmail.com Ph: 408-398-5940

###

Featured susanfarese

Guest Post: Delaney Heil Interviews Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

Note from Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications: Delaney Heil is my Mentee in the Aztec Mentor Program at San Diego State University (SDSU). An Honors Program Student, Delaney is studying Public Relations, Advertising and Applied Communication and is Minoring in Biology. This interview was part of Delaney’s PR assignment and as her Mentor I wanted to give Delaney an opportunity to be published, thus, her guest interview post! Many thanks, Delaney!

SDSU Aztec Mentor Susan J. Farese, and Mentee Delaney Heil

 

Delaney Heil (Courtesy Photo)

Greatness from Small Beginnings:

How Public Relations Can Arise Anywhere

An Interview with Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

By Delaney Heil

SAN DIEGO – Most public relations practitioners begin their careers by studying the subject in school. But Susan Farese of SJF Communications had a very different introduction into PR.

Instead of Susan obtaining a degree in PR she began in Nursing and Musical Theater.

“I received my bachelors and then masters degrees in Nursing and was a military nurse for 12 years. Since 1990 (after leaving the military) I have been a consultant, with several geographical moves in between. Fast forward to circa 2005, 2006…when my  daughter was involved in professional and community productions I wrote a press release for the kids that were featured among the adults,” she said.

As the years went by, through her daughter’s participation in theater, Farese volunteered to write promotional announcements for the productions.

“In 2011, the director of ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ in San Diego was impressed with my promoting the production and recommended me to join the board for the San Diego Musical Theatre,” said Farese.

Farese created the position of Marketing/ PR on the board, which turned into a consulting and staff position. After 5 years, it  prompted her to begin freelance PR services with her business SJF Communications. She specializes in PR marketing and doubles as a social media coach, blogger  and mentor. 

Her specialty is in entertainment PR, linking back to her theater background.

“Somehow because I worked theater PR for five years, I cultivated so many contacts. I just feel comfortable in this industry.  Additionally, I have been providing PR for musicians as well.”

Becoming established in San Diego wasn’t easy for Farese. “I had to compile and/or edit a list of media contacts,  build a database, provide ongoing media relations, write and submit press releases, provide email marketing, online calendar submissions and social media posts, create a business website/blog and attend many productions and events as well as other duties. I joined organizations and networked.  “It’s a challenge, but I like it. Actually, I love it! I’m still establishing my brand.”

Farese assured that despite the challenges, there are many benefits to being a PR practitioner, such as exciting interpersonal challenges and events. “Connecting with people excites me. I enjoy getting the word out, mass communication, everything involved with it,” said Farese.

Farese believes that the most important thing for future practitioners to remember is “to be assertive and confident in themselves. And to have a positive attitude…No matter what!”

Many thanks Delaney!