Stephen to Co-Publish Anthology with Southwest Manuscripters

Through his publishing company White Lighthouse Books, Inc., Stephen will be co-publishing an anthology with the popular Southern California writers group, Southwest Manuscripters. The group has a history of hosting top writers, including a once per year visit from Ray Bradbury. Stephen has been a featured speaker each of the last four years. Founded in 1949, past speakers have included Rod Serling, Adela Rogers St. John, among many, many others.

Austen Pell will be heading up the project and other Southwest Manuscripters involved in the project include author Alan Cook and Gwen Binegar, among others.

The anthology, tentatively titled Lives of Quiet Inspiration, will consist of short stories, non-fiction stories and poetry all dealing with the subject of "dealing with life in the 'new' world."

"The obvious changes in the world affect us all in different ways," Stephen explains. "If you're a professional writer, or just someone relating how you're dealing with the dramatic changes in the world, this book tells those stories.

"The title is a take on 'living lives of quiet desperation. Throughout my life I've been inspired by how real people solve real life problems. I imagine some of the stories will be poignant, others humorous, some may just vent eloquently--or at least in an effective manner."

For more information re: contributing to this book, you may contact Austen Pell: austenp@whitelighthousebooks.com.

Stephen Talks about Personal Responsibility at Rotary Club

Stephen recently spoke at the Rotary Club at the Palos Verdes Country Club in Palos Verdes Estates, California.

He talked about why he decided to write the Bill of Responsibilities series, which now consists of four books, plus the Teen Bill of Responsibilities Course. "I was doing an interview in New York promoting one of my novels. Many of my characters deal with issues of personal responsibility and redemption. A woman called the radio show and started listing off all her rights, as a woman, as a mother, as a daughter, as a student, as a wife, as a citizen, etc. I asked her what her responsibilities for those rights were. She was silent for a moment and finally said that she received all those rights as a U.S. citizen. I guess she kind of thought responsibilities 'came with the kit.'

"I've found that whether it's a personal relationship, a business relationship or a macro relationship--like a citizen with his community or government--if you don't want to take responsibility for yourself in those relationships, someone is always willing to do so. And for the most part, those relationships usually end badly."

********

Cathedral of the Senses

Stephen was recently in Los Angeles recording with legendary singer/songwriter and producer, Barry Keenan. Stephen is working on several songs for an exciting multi-platform project,

Cathedral of the Senses is a follow-up to his well-reviewed inspirational novel, Trick of the Light . As he did with Trick of the Light, Stephen has written songs that serve as a companion to the book. This time, however, the songs will be recorded by other artists. This is an exciting project and we will keep you posted in this space.

********

California Book Signings & Readings
For The Prince of Palos Verdes
Include Trump International

Stephen's newest novel, The Prince of Palos Verdes, was featured at the Concours de Elegance's 2008 Tour d’Epicure Road Rallye in Palos Verdes, California. This year's event had a mystery motiff and each participant received a copy of The Prince of Palos Verdes. Stephen is seen below getting ready to sign books at Trump International after the rallye.

The following week Stephen signed copies of The Prince of Palos Verdes and read from the book. He also read some recent poetry and excerpts from his upcoming novel, Cathedral of the Senses. (Pictures below.)

The Prince of Palos Verdes

Justin Wright is a collector…of things and people. Nothing in his multi-billion dollar empire was more precious to him than his wife, Judy. And nothing
had ever threatened that empire…until the night he discovered Judy’s dead body in the foyer of their Palos Verdes mansion.

Sawyer Black is a retired LAPD homicide detective who now writes crime novels, some of which have been made into feature films. He leads an idyllic life in Palos Verdes and spends most evenings sipping brandy while petting fish in his koi pond and watching the sun melt into the Pacific. But his life, not unlike the lives of the characters in his novels,
is not always what it seems. His marriage is in trouble, he’s drinking too much…and his friend’s wife has just been murdered.

When Justin Wright becomes the prime suspect in his wife’s murder, and his life and freedom hang in the balance, he turns to Sawyer for help.

But Sawyer is not sure he can save his friend…until he saves himself.

TO BUY The Prince of Palos Verdes, CLICK HERE.

Quotes about The Prince of Palos Verdes

“A combination of Ross MacDonald and Stuart Woods. Murder, money and sex all wrapped up in a real page-turner by a proven master storyteller.” – John Knoerle, author of The Violin Player.

“For years I have enjoyed Stephen Smoke’s books. His latest, The Prince of Palos Verdes, keeps you turning pages. But this book also contains considerable insight not found in standard whodunits. All set against the beautiful backdrop of Palos Verdes, a city you can tell the author has grown quite fond of.” – Lili Miura, publisher of Palos Verdes Style Magazine.

“After having written major series set in Brentwood and Pasadena, this talented author adds Palos Verdes to the list of cities inhabited by his compelling and unforgettable characters.” – Stan Corwin, former publisher of Prentice-Hall, and author of Writing the Bestseller.

TO BUY The Prince of Palos Verdes, CLICK HERE.