Peak City Book Festival Spotlight: Life Protection Skills

Life Protection Skills

• 2172 North Salem Street
• Apex, North Carolina 27523

The Peak City Book Festival is fully funded by authors, businesses and organizations.  And, every week brings new sponsors which are posted to Facebook, Pinterest and the web-site.  

Today, we are spotlighting Life Protection Skills of Apex for their generous sponsorship and program: Life Saving Skills for the young and old.

The Apex Ki Do Kwan is a family owned and operated modern self-protection school that instructs individuals of all ages and abilities in skills to help keep safer and stronger. Their staff combines over 50 years of martial arts experience with practical experience in law enforcement and weapons training to provide the best possible curriculum. The Ki Do Kwan is unique in so many ways. There are no contracts, enrollment fees or testing fees. Belt ranks are earned through dedication and training and outreach extends to all persons interested in self-protection skills, regardless of their interest in long-term training.

Program for the Peak City Book Festival

Imagine the following:  You come into your classroom at school and your teacher has fallen and has been injured. She cannot communicate with you. What do you do?  The Life Protection Skills Demonstration Team will present a scenario-based 'story' teaching you what to do in such an emergency.  You will learn how the 911 system works, how to get others to assist you, how police and EMS respond and how to make a bad situation better for every one. This is important for your Life Protection Skills!  You will also see some cool martial arts thrown in at the end to highlight what else we do at the Life Protection Skills Training Center.

Join us for a presentation by the Apex, NC based Martial Arts Training Center at the #PeakCityBookFestival for Life Protection Skills Workshop.  Get hands-on experience and build your knowledge to write in life-saving scenes from an expert.

Peak City Book Festival Spotlight: The Learning Experience of Apex

The Peak City Book Festival is fully funded by authors, businesses and organizations.  And, every week brings new sponsors which are posted to Facebook, Pinterest and the web-site.  Today, we are spotlighting The Learning Experience of Apex for their generous sponsorship of the Story Time room, dedicated to children's books and story sessions from NC authors.  See our website for the Story Time events!

The Learning Experience of Apex

http://apex.tlechildcare.com/

http://apex.tlechildcare.com/

The Learning Experience enhances the lives of children ages 6 weeks to 6 years. In each contemporary, colorful building children learn in a fun fashion starting with sign language for infants through preschool, technology, early literacy, math, sciences, music, theater, creative arts, dance, physical fitness, nutrition, etiquette and much more. Graduates of TLE are more than prepared to enter Kindergarten and first grade. All the curriculum is proprietary and has been designed, written and published especially for TLE children.

At The Learning Experience early learning is an art. We believe that knowledge is like the sky, never ending. Parents dream of the best for their children and at TLE their dreams become reality making those important first years creative, productive, happy and most importantly filled with lots of love.

560 Evening Star Dr. • Apex, NC 27502
Phone: 919-303-7475

At TLE, each staff member is a loving and nurturing individual with a genuine interest in benefiting the lives of the children they teach. Teachers and assistants must follow strict guidelines and meet all state certification requirements. Staff members are required to participate in our sponsored continuing education programs and mandatory First Aid training and CPR courses are provided annually. Consistent evaluations by superiors and parents help maintain the center’s high standard of excellence.

Connect with them on Facebook !

Meet Holly Springs, NC Author, Hugh Willard

The creator of The Goodwill Vultures Club, the 3rd to 6th Grade chapter book which focuses on the therapeutic value of our pets.  

At the event, Hugh will sign copies of both books and speak on the relevance and value of pet therapy and service animals.

Buy Now

An exponentially growing body of literature and research supports the therapeutic value of our pets. Specially trained animals, ranging from dogs and cats, to llamas and miniature horses are being used to support and improve the lives of special needs children, the elderly, and persons living with various debilitating medical conditions, such as diabetes and epilepsy.  The list of conditions for which our animal friends are helpful is quite extensive.

In Hugh’s books, he highlights these important relationships.  Specifically, in A Day of Heroes, Rob, the turkey vulture, serves a pivotal role in helping her human, Buzz, adjust to his parents’ divorce.  She also is a catalyst for Chrissy, a young non-verbal girl with autism, to grow and blossom. 
In No Time For Play, we are introduced to Sergeant Geoff Murphy, a US Army vet having returned from Afghanistan with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.  Rob remains a key player with both Sergeant Murphy and Chrissy.  Readers are also given a closer look at the direct impact of dogs who are trained for either pet therapy or to be service animals.

Buy Now

Come join us and hear more about Hugh’s passion for all animals and his message on their impact in our lives.  He will read excerpts from No Time For Play and will answer questions on the writing of The Goodwill Vulture Series.

It Doesn't Take Sight to Believe

What Michael Sees is a documentary about young Michael Macias, a fourteen year old music prodigy. He plays piano with his heart but cannot see what he plays.  A remarkable story about a young man, who lost his sight at 14 months due to Retinopathy of Prematurity.  Despite his blindness and other physical challenges associated with such an early birth, he has an indomitable spirit. 

The documentary is being produced by Brian Barnette, author of Stone Upon Stone, In the End, It's a Love Story (Peak City Publishing, LLC, 2011).  Brian has started a Kickstarter campaign to raise money to put this story on film.  

SUPPORT THIS PROJECT:

Like What Michael Sees on Facebook

Consider donating to the Kickstarter Campain

Come hear what he sees at The Peak City Book Festival on November 9th at The Halle Cultural Arts Center (237 N. Salem Street, Apex, NC 27502) from 11am-5pm).

The Peak City Book Festival in Numbers

The Peak City Book Festival is the first festival in four years in the Raleigh/Durham area.  The one day, indoor event, will feature speakers, authors, artists and family-friendly businesses in the Triangle.

The book festival is fully funded by sponsors and exhibitors, so please, visit our Festival Shop for the latest program announcements, participating authors and to support businesses and vendors who are making this event possible.

If you'd like to participate, click here to register.

Peak City Publishing's New Home - Profile for All Booked Up

A Unique Book Boutique

Owner:  Janice Monaco

Web:  http://www.AllBookedUpSalemSt.com

All Booked Up, owned by Janice Monaco of Apex, NC, is considered a staple in the historic downtown shopping area. Reminiscent of old Mayberry in the Andy Griffith Show, Apex is considered a bustling destination spot for Raleigh/Durham residents.

All Booked Up | Janice Monaco | Apex

The store front, originating around 1863, was once home to Popes Five and Dime, a town mainstay. Today, All Booked Up is not only the last independent book store in and around Apex, it is THE place to find books by local authors and illustrators. In June, the local publishing company, Peak City Publishing, moved in to the space to provide a place for writers and artists to share their stories, take classes and promote books. Ms. Monaco said, "We are strong supporters of our local community and anything we can do to help authors get their books visibility is a priority for us."

The book store, dubbed A Unique Book Boutique is certainly that! Taking a tour of the 1800 SQ FT store,

Foyer | All Booked Up  | Janice Monaco | Apex 

it is clear that the customer's comfort, the quality of books and the overall experience is the owner's priority. Upon entering, customer's are welcomed into a large front room with book shelves and displays placed along the walls. Similar to walking into an old home, the space is tastefully decorated with art, furniture and, of course, books.

Kids Corner | All Booked Up | Janice Monaco | Apex

Young Adults | All Booked Up | Janice Monaco | Apex

The Kids Corner is beautifully set in a separate room with shelves, wall pockets and books for readers of all ages. Every Wednesday, children attend a Story Time event, complete with reading and activities. 

And, the young adult section which stretches along the walls just outside of the children's room is one of the most visited and popular places to browse, read and buy the latest books. The young adults of Apex run to All Booked Up for all of their classics and required reading.

The book selection, from Mystery to Romance and the genre's in between, is of the highest quality for used books. Ms. Monaco has put strict, quality standards on all books brought into the store. A customer will never find a ripped cover, stained page or poorly handled book for sale in this store.

All Booked Up is certainly unique and stands out as a jewel in the community. Their hours and policies for buying used books are posted on their website at: http://www.AllBookedUpSalemSt.com.

ABOUT THE OWNER

Janice Monaco | All Booked Up | Apex

Janice Monaco is an Apex resident and owner of All Booked Up in Apex, NC. A natural born entrepreneur, she has owned, managed and directed her family's businesses from Florida to North Carolina. In 2010, Janice opened All Booked Up and has been pivotal in growing and strengthening the downtown community of businesses. She is also well known for her advocacy for children and animal protection.

I Love To Write Day

November 15, 2012 is the official “I Love to Write Day” to celebrate and encourage writing in all forms, by people of all ages.  Over 11,000 libraries and institutions are involved in I Love to Write Day all over the country.  Nine Governors have even proclaimed it to be an “official day”.  The founder, John Riddle, has opened the doors for many writers to get their works into libraries and schools all over the world. 

There are two options: 

·         List your book for free

·         List your book with cover and 5 lines of text

This year, Peak City Publishing will be participating in “I Love to Write Day”.  I have reserved space for each book cover and am allowed 5 lines to promote.  This is where you come in and the challenge:

·        Provide 5 NEW lines of text to promote your book to librarians, schools and other institutions.  Easy enough, right?   Your cover and new text will be sent to over 11,000 librarians.

·         Second challenge – Help me promote “I Love to Write Day” by providing writing activities to post on our website.  Here are some examples  to encourage writing for the “World’s Biggest Party for Writers”.   I will then promote these ideas at the Savannah Children’s Book Festival on November 15^th.

Looking forward to hearing from you, very soon!

200 Attendees at the Peggy Noodle Hula Hoop Book Launch and Hoopla!

The Peggy Noodle, Hula Hoop Queen Hoopla at the Halle was an absolute success.  More than 200 people joined us for the hula hooping contest, refreshments and demonstrations.  Author Dolly Dozier and illustrator Monica Wyrick, welcomed the crowd of children and adults who all joined in the fun.  The contests, presided by local celebrities:  Ira David Wood, III of the Theatre in the Park and Carol Crane, children’s book author, selected winners across the many hooping groups.

Participants received bracelets; and the winners received trophies, T-Shirts and books.  The next venue for the Tri-City Hoopla is at NOFO at the Pig in Raleigh on March 31^st.  Stay up-to-date by following Peggy Noodle on facebook  

Books and T-shirts are available for sale at:  The Peggy Noodle Web Site 

NoFo and Quail Ridge Books will also have copies available for sale next week!

Savannah Children's Book Festival

We had such a great time at the book festival.  We had the opportunity to meet Best Selling Children's Book author Michael Buckley of Sister's Grimm and so many wonderful readers.

Lots of raised eyebrows at the title, and "walk by" shoulder surfers wandering what all of the hub-bub was about!  Author, Mark Lawton Thomas, was the only author in the festival to make the top  indy paper - http://www.connectsavannah.comConnect Savannah - so, lots of readers made our table a "must-visit" on their list!

This is a place to be on the 2012 calendar for Peak City books!

Upcoming Events for Peak City Publishing Authors



NoFo Cafe, Raleigh, NC

 Now that summer is over and fall is in full swing, it's time to hit the books! 

Over the next few months, we have a variety of events coming up to bring your books to new audiences.  In October, we will have a table at the last NoFo at the Pig Farmer's market, a book signing with Roxanna Demers at Quail Ridge Books and we'll be raising funds for the Aids Alliance of the Carolina's at the Pirates of the Caribingo Drag Bingo event. 

In November, I will be travelling to Savannah to meet Peak City author, Mark Lawton Thomas, as we launch his new children's book:  "When Farts Had Colors" at the 2011 Children's Book Festival .  And, in December, we will launch Apex author, Ian Sands new children's chapter book:  "How to Milk a DinoCow". 

Remember to invite your friends and family to these events as it is always fun to have familiar faces around.  See the full event calendar at:  http://www.peakcitypublishing.com/#!vstc8=event-calendar

Peak City Publishing Calendar of Events - Meet the Author

Peak City Publishing:  2011 Calendar of Events

The following events are confirmed.  Check back regularly to see updates and new events. 

The Peak of Good Living Meeting takes place every 4th Wednesday of the Month.  Sign up at:  http://www.meetup.com/The-Peak-of-Good-Living/

Day	Date	Time	Venue	Appearing
Saturday	August 13	1:30 PM	Eva Perry Library, Apex,	RT Crowley, The Wanderer of New Hope
Tues	August 16	7PM	The Halle Cultural Arts Center, Apex	The Rusty Bucket Kids Whistle Stop – Watch the movie, - Meet the Cast - win a CD, DVD or Book
Saturday	August 20	10AM-2PM	NoFo at The Pig	Brian Barnette, author of Stone Upon Stone Tamara Ward, author of Storm Surge and Derrick M Eason, Artist for The Rusty Bucket Kids
Monday	September 12	9:30 AM	Closed Event	Tamara Ward, author of Storm Surge
Saturday	September 17	10AM-2PM	NoFo at The Pig	Brian Barnette, author of Stone Upon Stone Tamara Ward, author of Storm Surge and Derrick M Eason, Artist for The Rusty Bucket Kids
Saturday	October 15	10AM-2PM	NoFo at The Pig	Brian Barnette, author of Stone Upon Stone Tamara Ward, author of Storm Surge and Derrick M Eason, Artist for The Rusty Bucket Kids
Saturday	October 27	7PM	Chatham County Library	RT Crowley, author of The Wanderer of New Hope
Saturday	November 19	All Day	Savannah Book Festival	Meet New Peak City Publishing Author, Mark Lawton Thomas,  When Farts Had Colors

Cool Tool - Kindlegraph

Who said "E-Books couldn't be personalized?"  Well, now they can!  Check out this cool tool and register your Kindle E-Book!

http://kindlegraph.com/

Thanks, Dolly!

Notes From The Other Side of the counter....Consignment

As a bookstore owner, and now a publisher, I am beginning to see the challenges authors face when the book is published and it’s time to hit the streets to have others carry the title.  At All Booked Up, we establish terms directly with the author, go through our distributor or deal with publishers when needed.  Now, I am learning, not all stores think the same.

Some things to consider when you hit the street:

Consignment

A lot of book stores want to deal with a local author directly.  They often offer a consignment deal where the store agrees to hold an event for the author in exchange for 40-60% of the sales.  For this type of agreement, the author buys the books from the publisher at a discount and resells them at the book event, giving 40-60% to the retailer.

At Peak City Publishing, we prefer to have the book stores deal directly with the publisher and take the burden off the author; however, we have come across a few situations where the author would lose the opportunity for the event.  In that case, we support the arrangement, as the take from the event will probably exceed the author’s royalty of the book sale; plus, the author gets the visibility and exposure at the retailer.

We do not advocate selling to our authors to make sales.  But, we do not want to hurt the author’s chance of exposure and opportunity to have books for sale at other retail outlets.  Per the contract, the author does not collect royalties on books purchased directly with Peak; rather, the royalties are based on third party purchases (consumer direct, book stores, web site, amazon, etc.).  The author receives the same discounted rate as the retailer. 

Like All Booked Up, the retailer will expect authors to bring new customers to the store.  It is important for the author to promote the event to family, friends, media and others.  When no one shows, it is embarrassing to both the author and to the retailer.

·         Make a list of local publications/newspapers in the area for the event and send a press release to the editors (don’t forget your contact information)

·         Contact the local library in the area and see if you can place a hand-out or flyer for the event on the board

·         Publicize the event on your social media sites – Facebook, Linked In, Twitter, etc.

·         Set up an account on BOOKTOUR.com – if the venue does not exist – create it!

·         If you are selling books directly, tell potential customers to buy the book at the venue

·         Offer to do a raffle for a free book at the event (must be present to win)

Have more ideas?  Share them here so all of our authors can take advantage!