Author of the freshly released Cold Barrel Zero (Mulholland Books), national best-selling thriller writer Matthew Quirk will be joining us in September. Of his latest unrelenting page-turner, in a starred boxed review Publishers Weekly concluded, “Quirk goes flat-out explosive in this superior military adventure novel … There’s plenty of cool cutting-edge technology, but in the end it comes down to action, and the riveting battle scenes are among the best in the business.” A former writer for The Atlantic magazine, where he covered crime, private military contractors, international gangs, and more, we’re absolutely chuffed to have him aboard.
Still early to be announcing the bulk of LA14 (Irvine) staff, but so many are confirmed at this hour, why not get started? On the agents’ front, joining Marisa Corvisiero and Samantha Bremekamp, Sandra Dijkstra Literary’s Jill Marr is back, along with Donaghy Literary’s own Stacey Donaghy and Valerie Noble. All, of course, will be accepting advance submissions for review and consultation. Check out the Staff page to see who else is in.
Good “Muse” Brief
Longtime SCWCer Raul Ramos y Sanchez, author of the celebrated future-history trilogy comprised of American Libre, House Divided and Pancho Land, has a new standalone novel dropping. A coming-of-age story set in Miami during the 1960s, The Skinny Years follows the quirky travails of young Victor “Skinny” Delgado and his Cuban-exile family over their first ten years in the United States.
Murder in A-Minor, ever-versatile author/workshop leader Janis Thomas’ first foray into the murder mystery genre, is out May 31st. Not surprisingly, it’s already earned 5-star reviews from Readers’ Favorites Reviews. Like every book Janis pens, it promises to be a quality ride … Another of our favorite, prolific author/workshop leaders, Maralys Wills, has a new one coming. Written with Dr. John West, Prevent, Survive, Thrive: Every Woman’s Guide to Optimal Breast Care will be published in hardcover by BenBella Publishers, October 4, 2016. Maralys returns in September with at least a couple of her essential workshops, crafted specifically for the SCWC.
Mike MacCarthy, former publisher of San Diego Writer’s Monthly, is winning hearts and minds with his latest novel. Maiden General: How a 17-year-old Joan of Arc Saved France at Orleans chronicles the rapid rise to ultimate sainthood of the legendary young woman … And finally, Cherie Kephard’s poem, “The Ride,” has been published in this year’s San Diego Poetry annual The best poems in San Diego for 2015-16 … Congratulations, everybody! Publishing is a tough business, perhaps today more than at any other time. So fantastic to see so many aiming for excellence and persevering past all obstacles to produce quality stories that entertain, inform, and ultimately impact.
More soon. $75 discounted Early “Bard” Pre-registration is now open and our interactive SCWC Facebook group is smokin’. We’re also on Twitter and Tsu. You’ve earned it. Join us!
–Michael Steven Gregory
Executive Director, SCWC
