Children’s author to speak at event
The Village Lake Writers and Poets’ March guest for the Second Saturday Author Series will be children’s author and educator Brenda Turner.
Turner is a teacher for Rogers Public Schools. She has been recognized as a distinguished teacher, and her books have been endorsed by best-selling authors and historical experts. “Cimarron Sunrise” is available in hardcover from Perma-Bound and in paperback from Amazon and Barnes & Noble. “Diamond Girl” is available in hard cover, paperback or e-print from Tate Publishing and in paperback from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Turner is a National Board Certified Teacher and a facilitator for gifted-and-talented students at two elementary schools in Rogers. She is a public speaker who also writes and publishes classroom curriculum materials. She has been recognized with several outstanding teacher awards, including Jenks Public Schools Teacher of the Year, NBA Oklahoma City Thunder Teacher of the Game and Walmart Teacher of the Year. She lives with her family in Rogers.
Her first book, “Cimarron Sunrise,” is about a 9-yearold girl named Maddy. Maddy’s world is turned upside down when Ma gets the crazy idea to race in The Land Run of 1889. Seeking free land and a new way of life in Indian Territory, Maddy, Ma and her brother, Nick, set out for the start of the race. Heading west across open prairie, they soon discover that traveling alone can be dangerous.
Her second book, “Diamond Girl,” is about a fourth-grade girl named Jenny. Jenny hears the legend of a lost diamond, hidden years ago by a German prisoner held captive in a nearby war camp. Tired of always being the new kid at school, she believes she can finally have a permanent home if she can find the diamond. Jenny convinces new friends Zack and Kate to search for the diamond using clues left behind from the World War II prisoner of war. As the trio begins their quest at the Crater of Diamonds Park, they discover they are not alone in their search. Ignoring danger and threats, Jenny, Zack and Kate determine to find the gem no matter the risk.
The Second Saturday Author Series highlights a featured author who reads from their work, talks about their journey in writing, then holds a book signing. There is an openmic session starting at 6 p.m. for those who want to a read a four-minute except from their own work before an audience. The Open-Mic Night and the Author Series will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. March 11 at the Artist Retreat Center, 13467 Lookout Drive in Old Bella Vista.
The Second Wednesday Writers Group is an informal meeting and workshop held at the Artist Retreat Center. It is free and open to the public. Writers are invited to bring their writing or on-going projects to share with other writers for feedback.
If interested in joining the local writers group or receiving information about future events, contact Joanie Roberts at bv villagewriters@gmail.com.