Village Voices in the Village of the Arts

12/14/2023

Tall Tales & Short Stories
Free event every Friday evening starting at 6pm.
This week's theme is Memoirs and we have two amazing authors featured December 15th.
First up is Melton Little discussing "This is Our Story: This is Our Song," the story of his parent's time in the Congo and their heroic actions during not one but two Revolutions.
This is followed with Ken Altergott's "Tales From the River's," a sweeping memoir of the four-year, Bicentennial journey he made recreating the role of the Captain of the keelboat following the footsteps of the original Lewis & Clark Expedition.
Join us to enjoy an evening of literary adventures. Seating is limited.

The following week, December 22nd @ 6pm, TT&SS's will share Christmas Stories from any who stop in. Quite a few Short Stories on our shelves already, and I suspect most writers have their own. We will have eggnog and cookies and whatever our guests bring as well, as we celebrate the holidays. A Literary Christmas, literally.
All are welcome--Writers AND Readers.

December 29th I am still looking for any writers who have New Beginnings or Resolution stories to be featured.
Please contact me if you have anything that will fit the theme and are available Dec 29th. [email protected]. or text 941-896-0142.

Two hundred years after the Corp of Discovery Expedition led by Lewis & Clark, a new expedition followed in their footsteps,

11/16/2023

Tall Tales & Short Stories is proud to present two local authors discussing their "cozy mysteries." Joanna Michaels will speak of her writing path and then read an excerpt from her mystery, "Nun in the Closet."
Michael Schafer will follow with his writing journey and then discuss his mystery novel, "The Body Beneath the Porch."
Those who enjoy a good mystery, join us Friday evening, November 17 @ 6:pm. for this week's writing salon. Village Voices is located at 1010 10 Avenue West, Bradenton, FL
As always the event is free, seating is limited.
Call for more information 941-748-6865 Leave a message--I screen calls.

Vows of Poverty and Chastity Shattered by Murder? Anne Hollis, the beautiful owner of a woman's bar, has been charged with manslaughter in the death of a nun. Anne insists she is inocent--run off the road by another car--and appeals to probation officer Callie Sinclair for help. The case gets int...

11/09/2023

Tall Tales & Short Stories honors our Veterans this Friday, November 10, 2023 at 6pm.
Our two guest authors are both Veterans and we are in for an interesting evening.
I do hope you join us for another evening celebrating our local literary talent. As always the event is free, we have limited seating. Sodas, water, Coffee available for purchase.
First up will be Veteran Richard Train who is working on a few novellas and a memoir. His Poem, "I Still Have Mine" was a Finalist in the VA Art Fair last Veteran's Day.
We also have Hillsborough Veteran Troy Basham discussing his path to publishing both tech books for the Military, and his novel 'based on true events,' "Rinny, The Story of a Modern-Day War Dog & His Pack."

Rinny: The Story of a Modern-Day War Dog and His Pack

10/25/2023

This Friday, October 27th, Tall Tales & Short Stories is featuring political novels and how they can shape and change the reader's beliefs. Some of our best political novelists are John D McDonald, Carl Hiaason, Alex Haley, and now David Grann. The stories are based on actual political events.
Our first speaker will be Richard Bonte discussing The Baja Redemption which is totally applicable to events in Israel this month. A Second Promised Land for the Jews--would they be welcomed?
In Memory of another political writer, Mary Manila, Dona Lee will be discussing Mary's novel Foretold, based on an Indian Prophecy of the tribes of Yucca Mountain. The first CBS on air Reporter, Mary ran across this story during the Bush2 terms. It is extremely political and indicates VP Chaney as one of the bad operatives. Dona Lee will also discuss other local novels with strong political themes and how to weave the story to sway the reader rather than lecture.
Hope to see some of you at the FREE Event this Friday, October 27th at 6pm.
Wine will now be permitted at the soirees (BYOB) and coffee and soda will be available for purchase.
Dona Lee
Plotting Success, editor
Village Voices & Eclectic Art Emporium, curator
Tall Tales & Short Stories, Host

A terrorist plot to blow up the governments high-level nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, threatens to fulfill a Hopi prophecy that this world will be destroyed by poison rain. Only the rebellious daughter of a Hopi clan leader, the maverick U.S. Army officer she once loved and l...

10/13/2023

FREE EVENT

This Week we have two local authors joining us for our weekly Salon.
Kate Levinson will be bringing us a psychological story on Friday the 13th lore. We will also have our favorite storyteller, Ivan Bridgewater, spinning us a tale or two of his custom-crafted Ghost Stories. He often incorporates fellow writers into his tales, so don't miss this Haunted Evening at Village Voices on Friday The 13th!

Village Voices & Eclectic Art Emporium
1010 10th Ave West
Bradenton, FL 34205
941 748-6865

10/06/2023

Good Evening everyone--writers, readers, bibliophiles, book lovers of the Culture Coast--Friday night's Tall Tales and Short Stories kicks off our Opening night at Village Voices; 1010 10th Avenue West, Bradenton, FL
The Village of the Arts Artwalk is from 6 till 9 pm Friday, October 6th. We will have Brenda Spalding talking about her paranormal series, The Green Lady Inn and our second author, if there is time, will be one of the Musitanos discussing their paranormal stories.
Next week on Friday October 13th we have Kate Levinson with her psychological piece on the Number 13.
Kim Cool, our second author had to take a rain check as she suffered an injury recently, so I am looking for a published writer with spooky stories for Halloween. I have someone in mind if we can manage it.
We will not host Tall Tales on October 20th as the Florida Writers Association Conference is held that weekend.
On October 27th we are hosting political writers if I can rustle them up. That should be an interesting evening. Any published writers with a political book, let me know if you are interested in a spot.
In November I plan to cover Reincarnation, Veterans, Thrillers, and Gratitude. Any writers who fit the category and want a chance to market their book, contact me.
Now on to the other important news. Village Voices has reopened. We sell books written by Florida authors. We also have Dona's Delectable Mango Chutney, water & soft drinks for sale. In the near future we are opening the gallery to Fantasy Art.
Enter the Portal to a world of Dragons and Unicorns, Fairies and Elves. In our outside garden peruse the selection of plants for indoor or outdoor environments. We have multiple species of Draconia--Dragon plants, as well as palms, bromeliads, mangos, and more.
For now our hours will be Thursday noon till four, Fridays two till eight, with Tall Tales from 6 till 8. Saturdays will be noon till four. We hope to be open in the evenings in a month or two if I find help to manage the gallery.
I hope to see many of you at the Tall Tales and visiting the galleries in the Village of the Arts. We are working to revive the art and culture crowds of our Culture Coast, so "Come on down!"

Dona Lee Gould Musitano
Village Voices
941 748-6865
[email protected]

09/15/2023

TALL TALES & SHORT STORIES

Due to a few expected and unexpected events this week, Tall Tales & Short Stories has been canceled tonight, Friday, September 15th.

I'm getting a new roof and the delay caused by the hurricane last month prevented the job being completed.
We will be back next Friday with two authors discussing their Inspirational books.

I apologize for the late cancellation, I was hoping we would be ready, but there is too much chaos to hold one this evening. Next week I will be "inspired" by my new shiny roof.

09/07/2023

FREE TALL TALES & SHORT STORIES
Our FREE Friday evening "salons" bring readers and writers together. Every Friday starting at Six pm., we host two local Florida Authors who explain how they came to writing and publishing, how their story came to be. Then they each read a Tall Tale, Short Story, or a riveting selection from their book or short story.
Friday, September 8th, we have two excellent local authors for our International Thrillers evening.
First up we have Kevin Kuhens, the author of the Amazon #1 Bestseller, "Terror’s Sword," the first in his series of espionage thrillers involving elite counterterrorism operative Kyle McEwan. Next up is Howard Hammerman, author of "Flying Blind," a story of a mild mannered accountant who is led astray by s*x and money and finds himself escaping local mobsters and international drug cartels. Howard will also discuss his publishing journey with a "Boutique Publisher" of Noir Fiction.
Starts at 6pm and usually winds down by 7:30. If you have any questions, please contact me.
Village Voices, 1010 10th Avenue West, Bradenton, 34205. 941 748-6865.
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Dan Goldberg’s marriage is already in jeopardy because of his aluminum mistress, a 30-year-old single-engine Cessna. He barely affords the plane by taking extra work teaching monthly statistics classes in Washington D.C. On this trip, everything takes a decidedly different turn when he mee...

08/24/2023

FREE TALL TALES & SHORT STORIES
Our FREE Friday evening "salons" bring readers and writers together. Every Friday starting at Six pm., we host two local Florida Authors who explain how they came to writing and publishing, how their story came to be. Then they each read a Tall Tale, Short Story, or a riveting selection from their book or short story.
Friday, August 25th is our Sci-fi evening and we have two excellent local science-fiction writers for our salon who are "out of this world."
Andrew Parker is an Amazon best selling author who writes bizzaro sci-fi. His characters can create inventions for the disabled, yet mock them to speak out loud of underlying emotions both the disabled and the mockers live with. A child chess genius with a terminal illness, Einstein's offspring, robots, cyborgs, time & space transformers, and lots of other amazing technology never before imagined come to life on the page. They are all extremely odd ducks. His books are available on Amazon in e-book or print on demand.
Ivan Bridgewater is a prolific short story spinner who calls himself illiterate. He's a long-time member of the group and an amazing person. He's led an amazing life, suffered tragic losses and achieved joy in many ways. It all comes together in his imagination. Sometimes dark, sometimes joyful, sometimes philosophical, other times mentoring, providing a glimpse into some of the bizarre things he sees and has experienced. He turned many of his experiences into situations for his characters to play out. His series of Satu Ra are downright believable and make a reader wonder...what if?
Friday evening will be a blast.
I hope those of you who enjoy sci-fi attend this writing salon at Village Voices, 1010 10 Avenue West, Bradenton starts at 6pm and usually winds down by 7:30. If you have any questions, please contact me.
Village Voices, 1010 10th Avenue West, Bradenton
[email protected] (941)748-6865

Follow Andrew Parker and explore their bibliography from Amazon.com's Andrew Parker Author Page.

08/17/2023

FREE TALL TALES & SHORT STORIES
Our FREE Friday evening "salons" bring readers and writers together in a small gallery. Every Friday starting at Six, we host two local Florida Authors who explain how they came to writing and publishing, how the story came to be. Then they each read a Tall Tale, Short Story, or a riveting selection from their book.This Friday, August 18th is Memoir week. We have Michael Schafer discussing his Life Behind the Mask a selection of tales from his decades as a Little League Umpire. His memoir was published by a University Press and then later republished by MS154 Publications.
Our second author is Jo Ann Glim, Trapped Within, her memoir of her major stroke and rehab journey to recovery.
And tonight, Jo Ann is giving away an FWA Collections 2017 "What a Character!" anthology to each attendee. The FWA Collections are the top winning sixty short-short stories that adhered to the year's theme. A great chance to read top quality shorts in multiple genres by award winning writers.
There are only ten seats available so arrive early to ensure a seat. Village Voices, 1010 10th Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34205.
941 748-6865 leave a voice mail. I will respond. Books will be available for sale by the authors at the end of this event.

Trapped Within: A True Story of Survival, Recovery, Love, and Hope

07/06/2023

Tall Tales & Short Stories has two local authors discussing Thrillers, which both have written. First up is Carolyn Angillilo discussing her front row seat of a mafia boss's office in," A Brooklyn Saga, Stories from the Stoop. She will be followed by Al Musitano discussing his "Steel Mill Mafia: The Pittsburg Connection." The Free event starts at 6 pm. Friday July 7, 2023 at Village Voices & Eclectic Art Emporium, 1010 10 Avenue West, Bradenton.
For more information call 941-748-6865.

06/16/2023

Tall Tales & Short Stories Friday evening at Village Voices, 1010 10 Avenue West, Bradenton, FL at 6pm. Free author event--tonight Dona Lee will be presenting "Find YOUR Path to Publishing in 2023."
I will discuss who needs an agent and traditional publisher and who should seek other other options and explain why.
https://www.amazon.com/Publis.../dp/B07MCRGZP8/ref=sr_1_1...
And a quick heads up--next Friday will be Poetry--two published authors will be presenting Haiku from their books. Poetry fans mark your calendar.
Still seeking additional local authors to headline our Tall Tales & Short Stories events. Gives authors a chance to meet new readers and provides readers with new options--buy local!
Message me with any questions or to schedule a Friday slot.

Published guides an author from start to finish on making a decision on the path to follow for publishing, as well as how to self-publish at no cost. We walk through the steps for Print On Demand Publishing, Audio publishing, e-Publishing, and more. We provide you choices and alert you to the man...

06/08/2023

Join us this Friday, June 9th at 6pm to enjoy Tall Tales & Short Stories, a free event at Village Voices, 1010 10th Ave West, Bradenton
This Friday we have Barbara Alpert, author of Arise My Daughter, The Games We Play with God, a few children’s picture books, numerous Devotionals, and articles sharing her knowledge of writing and publishing gathered from her experiences. As a valued contributor to multiple issues of “Chicken Soup for the Soul,” she will discuss what must be done to be accepted. She will read one of her many published entries and then be open for questions.
Michel Schafer will be celebrating his father and their shared love of baseball with a Short Story from his memoir, Life Behind the Mask. “One More Game for Buck” is a tribute to his dad. He will share his journey to publishing not only his memoir, but numerous mystery novels ala Agatha Christie style.
Seating is limited for this intimate gathering with local authors. If we fill up, there are a few other options available: Fine Dining at Arte Café or relaxing to live music in the beer garden at Motorworks. We hold the Free Literary Soiree every Friday evening at 6pm.
If you are a local author and would like an opportunity to sign up for a reading, please contact me at [email protected] or leave a voice mail at my landline 941-748-6865 and I will call you back at my earliest opportunity.

Dona Lee

06/01/2023

I am not officially opening until October 2023 but I am having free events in the evenings over the summer and into the season.

Free Weekly Literary Event: Every Friday from 6 to 7 at Village Voices, 1010 10 Avenue West, Bradenton. Meet published and aspiring authors at our Literary Soiree.
Tall Tales & Short Stories is a success for both writers and audience. A casual event where local authors tell us about their writing journey and then read a Tall Tale, Short Story or other work they've written so the audience might become fans.
Friday June 2 at 6 we have Carolyn Angillilo author of "A Brooklyn Saga Stories from the Stoop" and Ann James introducing a story from her book.
On June 9th we have Michael Schafer discussing writing his numerous novels & memoir, "Life Behind the Mask," stories from his time umpiring Little League and the many Tall Tales he encountered. He is joined by Barbara Alpert, a multi-genre author and publisher of spiritual works. Barbara has been published multiple times by Chicken Soup for the Soul as well as writing a memoir, a children's picture book, and "The Games We Play with God."
Join us Friday's at 6pm to meet and talk to local authors at Village Voices.

11/25/2021

The magic inside the branch

By Lucas Kost

08/28/2021

Our all new Free short story written by a member of Culture Coast Writers. Free August 27th thru August 29th.
This week we have a new short story from the GothMares series. “Dark Waters” by A.M. Musitano is this weekend’s free selection.
When a large number of people in a small town become sick, the local police call Angela to help figure it out. The answer, it turns out, is deeper than anyone realized.
The Gothmares series is Nancy Drew grownup with an occasional side of Ghosts and Goblins.
Grab your free copy today and share with family and friends. Rated PG. If you enjoy the story, please return to Amazon and leave a review. Indie Writers depend on reviews. And continue sharing all weekend. The more the better.

GothMares: Dark Water

07/04/2021

FREE Short Story by Local Florida Author. Click on link and download for free from Amazon Kindle. Free reading app available for use on most digital devices.
After enjoying the short read, please leave a review on Amazon. Reviews beget increased rankings. Share it with all your friends and family.
Free July 2 through Sunday, July 4.

The Pandemic Prank