South Florida Sun-Sentinel Palm Beach (Sunday)
A sneak peek of Meltzer’s PBS cartoon
The Diane & Barry Wilen Jewish Book Festival, sponsored by the David Posnack Jewish Community Center, continues with two events this month.
Susan Neiman, an American philosopher and cultural commentator, will discuss her book “Learning from the Germans: Race and the Memory of Evil” in a discussion with Rabbi Leon Weissberg in a free program beginning at 1 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Stirling Road Library, 3151 Stirling Road, Fort Lauderdale. For more information, 954-434-0499, ext. 336. Neiman’s book examines German efforts to atone for Nazi atrocities.
South Florida bestselling author Brad
Meltzer will bring a special treat — a free premiere screening of his new cartoon TV series “Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum” at 3 p.m. Oct. 27 in the Orlove Auditorium, 5850 S. Pine Island Road, Davie. The event is free, but reservations are required. Contact 954-434-0499, ext. 336 or dpjcc.org.
Meltzer is known for his action-packed thrillers and series of children’s books. The screening is geared for families with children ages 3 to 7 years old. “Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum” debuts in November on PBS and is based on Meltzer’s children’s book series, Ordinary People Change the World, about inspiring historical figures as children. The TV series introduces a young boy Xavier, his sister Yadina, and their best friend Brad. In each episode the trio encounter a situation, like being bullied, and go back in time to meet a real hero such as Rosa Parks.
Laugh with Dave Barry
Somehow just the name Dave Barry is sure to bring a smile, if not a laugh. And there should be plenty of laughs as Pulitzer Prize winning author and humorist David Barry visits the Boca Raton Public Library at 3 p.m. Oct. 20 at the downtown library, 400 NW Second Ave., Boca Raton, 561-393-7852, bocalibrary.org. Barry’s appearance is free but reservations are required.
Barry’s appearance is part of the Flamingo Comedy Festival. He will discuss his latest work, “Lessons from Lucy: The Simple
Joys of an Old, Happy Dog” and “A Field Guide to the Jewish People: Who They Are, Where They Come From, What to Feed Them…and Much More. Maybe Too Much More,” written with Adam Mansbach and Alan Zweibel.
It’s all a mystery
Michael Meeske, who writes as V.S. Alexander, will discuss “The Anatomy of a Best Seller” beginning at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 19 during the luncheon meeting of the Florida Chapter, Mystery Writers of America at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Boca Raton, 661 NW 53rd St., Boca Raton. Cost is $25 for MWA members; $30 for non-members. For more information, visit www.mwaflorida.org or email ray@rayflynt.com. Best sellers are in Meeske’s wheelhouse, having sold more than 200,000 novels. His latest novel, “The Irishman’s Daughter,” has been acclaimed in reviews.
The Mystery Writers chapter also presents its third annual All Write day with four mini-workshops beginning at 10 a.m. Oct. 26 in the Alvin Sherman Library, Second Floor, Cotilla Gallery, Nova Southeastern University, 3100 Ray Ferrero, Jr. Blvd., Davie. The event is free, but reservations are required; visit lib.nova.edu/authors or call 954-262-5477. Speakers are Joyce Sweeney (plot), Chris Jackson (writing), Janice Hardy (scene structure) and Miriam Auerbach (dialogue).
Got plans yet for 2020 yet? The Florida Mystery Writers have a suggestion: Sleuthfest, its annual writers’ conference featuring sessions on writing, marketing and forensics with an array of writers, editors and agents. Sleuthfest will be March 26 to 29, 2020, at the Doubletree by Hilton Deerfield Beach, 100 Fairway Drive, Deerfield Beach. Sure, March seems like a long way off but it will be here before we know it. And now is the time to plan. Those who register through Jan. 5 will save $45. The $360 fee includes sessions and some meals. More information is at sleuthfest.com. Guests of honor will be Catriona McPherson, Frankie Y. Bailey, Richie Narvaez, Chantelle Osman and Alex Segura as 2020’s workshop faculty. Agents and editors will be taking pitches and participating in round table discussions.
Writing and living in South Florida
Broward resident John Dufresne, author of six novels, is the guest at the final To Write Miami series, which explores what it means to live and work in South Florida, at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at Soyo e Pomodoro, 120 NE First St., Miami. Dufresne’s novels include “Louisiana Power & Light” and “Love Warps the Mind a Little,” both of which were New York Times Notable Books of the Year. He was a 2012–13 Guggenheim Fellow and teaches in the MFA program at Florida International University in Miami. The free program is presented by the Museum of Art and Design at Miami Dade College. Visit MDCMOAD.org/Explore for a list of authors and more information.
Poetry for high schoolers
The Palm Beach Poetry Festival launches its 16th annual high school poetry contest for high school students. The contest is open to public or private high school students who can submit one original poem, 30 lines maximum. Deadline is Dec. 1. For information or contest rules, write PBPF1@aol.com or visit palmbeachpoetryfestival.org.
Spooky stuff
Halloween always comes a day early in Delray Beach as Murder on the Beach bookstore holds is annual Day Before Halloween party with local authors beginning at 6 p.m. Oct. 30 at the store, 104 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, 561-279-7790, email murdermb@gate.net. Some authors will be in costume discussing their works and publishing. Featured authors are Alison McMahan, Fred Lichtenberg, Deborah Shlian, M.C.V. Egan, Johanna Neuman, Carla Norton, S.L. Menear, Victoria Landis, Janet Franks Little, Eliot Kleinberg, Solange Ritchie, Daphne Nikolopoulos. Refreshments will be served during the free event.
Deadline for the November column is Oct. 20. Email olinecog@aol.com.