Elva Resa Publishing

Stories Authors at MCEC NTS July 30-31, 2015
2015-07-30 - 2015-07-31
Stories Around the Table authors Janine Boldrin, Jacey Eckhart, Jeremy Hilton, Holly Scherer, and Amanda Trimillos will talk with school liaisons, military leaders, educators, and other attendees at the Military Child Education Coalition‘s 17th National Training Seminar (NTS), July 30-31, 2015, in Washington, DC.
NTS is a premier training event for anyone interested in serving and supporting military and veteran-connected children. The event provides a unique opportunity for attendees to engage with senior military, policy, corporate, and education leaders. This year’s theme is “Military and Veteran Kids: Their Story, Our Mission.” Focused on character development, systems of support, and academics and innovation, the seminar provides in-depth coverage of current issues relevant to military and veteran-connected children during a period of significant change and challenge.
Key speakers include Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter, General Martin E. Dempsey, Admiral Harry B. Harris, Jr., Dr. Ken Ginsburg of The Philadelphia Children’s Hospital, and former Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling.
Copies of Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life will be available for sale in the MCEC Bookstore throughout the training.
Meet the authors and get your book signed at the official booksigning on Thursday, July 30, 5:15–6PM in the MCEC Bookstore. Authors will also be available at Table TT20 in the Expo on Thursday and Friday.
At the Expo, authors will share ideas for Stories Experiences in school communities, as well as information about Elva Resa resources for military-connected children.
The event takes place at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park, Washington, DC. Register online at the MCEC website or call (254)953-1923.

Military Women in Business Summit, June 3-5, 2015
2015-06-03 - 2015-06-05
At the 2015 Military Women in Business Summit June 3-5, 2015, twelve of the most influential military spouse women entrepreneurs share personal success strategies as business leaders within a military lifestyle. These talented women have experience building and selling businesses. They candidly reveal their secrets to success and how the military played a role in their businesses.
Five Stories Around the Table coauthors are featured speakers for the summit.
Wed. June 3, 12 noon Eastern: Jacey Eckhart
Wed. June 3, 2 PM Eastern: Kristine Schellhaas
Wed. June 3, 4 PM Eastern: Lori Volkman
Fri. June 5, 8 AM Eastern: Tara Crooks
Fri. June 5, 12 noon Eastern: Judy Davis
This online summit covers fours areas:
PURPOSE: Reminding you of the difference you make in the world through your business.
MINDSET: How to break through the fears and worries of entrepreneurship.
MARKETING: The strategies to get leads, customers, and grow your business.
MENTORSHIP: Learn from military women entrepreneurs who have achieved success.
The event is hosted by Kristen Robinson, founder of KR Design and known as the Military Spouse Business Mentor. Kristen helps military spouses build online businesses that create flexibility and freedom within the military lifestyle. As a military spouse, she created her business to support her husband’s military career while moving from one location to the next.
Pre-register for this free summit: MilitaryWomenInBusinessSummit.com

MilitaryFamilyBooks.com Online Store Sale May 21-June 21, 2015
2015-05-21 - 2015-06-21
Shop in our NEWLY-UPGRADED online store, MilitaryFamilyBooks.com, and enjoy FREE ground shipping on all orders over $25, now through June 21, 2015.
Many items are ON SALE!
NEW GIFT CARDS: Not sure what to buy? Purchase a GIFT CARD for yourself or a friend. Available in increments of $10, $25, $50, and $100.
Shop for your book club, find popular pairs in our gift packs, or get your pen ready to write in these popular journals. You can also shop by topic, such as deployment, grief, or military life. Or shop for books for kids or grownups.
Looking for less paper on your summer travels? Check out our ebooks.
Bulk discounts are available on select cases of books. Stock up for your next event while enjoying huge savings with free case shipping during our sale!
Looking for even more of a bargain? We have shelf-worn books and closeouts as well!
Check back often as we add new inventory throughout the sale. Looking for an item from our old online store? Email us.
Sale prices and free shipping offers are good only on orders placed online at MilitaryFamilyBooks.com.

Lori Eslick Art Exhibit May 19-June 5, 2015
2015-05-19 - 2015-06-05
The Arts Council of White Lake is featuring the artwork of nationally-recognized illustrator Lori Eslick May 19- June 5, 2015 at 106 E. Colby St., Whitehall, Michigan.
Lori is a children’s book illustrator and magazine author and illustrator. Her art accompanies great poets and author’s books, and she is able to visually respond to a poem or manuscript with drawings and paintings. Lori describes her work as an illustrator as a “visual reactionary to text.” A few of the books that Lori has illustrated include: DOES GOD KNOW HOW TO TIE SHOES? (which has sold over 200,000 copies), IF JESUS CAME TO MY HOUSE, BAREFOOT (Bank Street College List of the Best Children’s books of the year) and THE GOOD FIRE HELMET (Mom’s Choice Awards Gold).
Lori is often inspired by the state park a short distance from her Michigan home. She says, “To paint just for me, in the open air is a passion. How very lucky we are to live in such a beautiful place, Western Michigan, which for me, is a four mile bike ride to Lake Michigan and even quicker in the car. For inspiration we go to the beach all seasons. Listening to the waves, walking the beach is so beautiful, you will often find me painting at the beach, while my family enjoys the waves.”
Lori’s art also appears in the May and June 2015 issues of Wyoming Wildlife Magazine, and the May/June 2015 issue of Gray’s Sporting Journal.
You may view more of Lori’s work, including her plein air paintings on her Pinterest site.

Dove Real Beauty Event for Women in Military Features Stories Around the Table Coauthors May 13, 2015
2015-05-13 11:30 - 14:30 (America/Chicago)
The Dove Real Beauty Self-Esteem Project presents: The 2nd Annual Real Beauty “Women of the Military” event featuring Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life coauthors.
The event, open to all women in the military, will be held Wednesday, May 13, 2015, 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM Eastern, at Kingsmill Resort, 1010 Kingsmill Road, Williamsburg, Virginia.
Karen Pavlicin-Fragnito will deliver a keynote on “The Moments In Between.” Briley Rossiter will share her inspirational story of how she and her family responded to her sister’s diagnosis with Infantile Neuroaxonal Dystrophy (INAD). Star Henderson will talk about feeling beautiful for her service, and how her military life lessons have translated to civilian life. Following lunch, attendees will have an opportunity to share their own stories and experience the power of Stories Around the Table in an interactive Stories workshop led by the speakers.
All attendees will receive a copy of the book Stories Around the Table, courtesy of Unilever’s Operation in Touch. All three speakers, along with coauthor and event coordinator Tara Crooks, will sign books following the luncheon.
This spectacular event also features a celebrity LPGA guest, goodie bags, t-shirts, and a gourmet lunch.
Register for the event at OperationInTouch.com. Space is limited so please register early.

Pape, Volkman Lead Stories Experience for Military Spouse of the Year Town Hall, May 7, 2015
2015-05-07
Stories Around the Table coauthors Chris Pape and Lori Volkman will lead a Stories Experience for Military Spouse of the Year (MSOY) Award recipients at the Military Spouse Magazine Town Hall on Thursday, May 7, 2015, in Crystal City, Virginia.
The Town Hall gives MSOY recipients an opportunity to learn about and discuss key issues affecting military spouses. All MSOY recipients from bases around the world are invited to attend. Each will receive a copy of the book Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life and a guide for leading Stories Experiences in their own communities.
Chris will talk about the importance of sharing personal stories and experience as a means of supporting fellow military spouses. He will share his story as a male spouse deciding to live off base.
Lori will share her story “Marriage Pig Latin” about reuniting with her husband after a long deployment.
All attendees will have an opportunity to share their MSOY story and learn more about ways to use a Stories Experience in their community to support military families.
Chris and Lori will be available at the Stories Experience booth during Town Hall breaks to sign books and collaborate with attendees in support of their individual platforms and advocacy topics.
Additional speakers at the event include Rosemary Williams, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy; Lakesha Cole, 2014 Military Spouse of the Year; Ingrid Herrera-Yee, 2014 National Guard SOY; Tammy Meyer, 2014 Navy Spouse of the Year; Rosye Cloud, VA Department; Teresa Gerton, Department of Labor; and several representatives from military family service organizations.

Eckhart Keynotes USAA's "Thank a Military Spouse Everyday" Event May 5, 2015
2015-05-05
Jacey Eckhart, coauthor of Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life, will keynote USAA‘s Thank a Military Spouse Everyday event on May 5, 2015, in honor of Military Spouse Appreciation Week. The event takes place at USAA headquarters in San Antonio, Texas.
With plenty of crowd activities, stories, and demonstrations, Jacey will teach the group about how the challenges of military life can lead you to a happily-ever-after transition. Attendees will receive a copy of Stories Around the Table and have the opportunity to talk with Jacey as she signs books following the event.
For employees who are unable to attend the event, Stories Around the Table is also available to all USAA employees through the employee store.

Army Wife Network Offers Field Exercise for Military Spouses at Ft Polk April 23-24, 2015
2015-04-23 - 2015-04-24
Stories Around The Table co-author Tara Crooks and her team at Army Wife Network are bringing their popular military spouse seminar series Field Exercises™ Battle Buddies to Fort Polk, Louisiana, April 23-24, 2015.
The event offers networking opportunities, resources and great information for military spouses, prizes, food, swag bag, and more. Giveaways include two copies of the book Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life (one for the prize winner and one for a battle buddy!).
It’s free to attend. Register at Army Wife Network.
Post-event note:

Tara Crooks of Army Wife Network says, “Being able to showcase Stories Around the Table in our Field ExerciseTM events is something for which AWN is very grateful. Our ‘Battle Buddy’ concept of this workshop is a great fit for the book as it encourages the same type of talk and sharing of stories among our guests. The lucky winners (with two books so they can gift their battle buddy with one) were thrilled to receive their books.”

Webinar for Educators Supporting Military-Connected Kids April 13, 2015
2015-04-13 18:00 - 22:00
In honor of April Month of the Military Child, the National University-NBC Teacher Leadership Center is offering a free professional development online workshop, “Strategies That Work! Supporting Military Connected Students and Families.”
The webinar is hosted by Amanda Trimillos, author of “School Choices and Changes” in Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life. Amanda is a National Board Certified Teacher, military spouse, and mother of four.
This online workshop is designed to provide a foundation and understanding of the unique challenges military-connected students face throughout their education career and offers insight on how to best support students through these unique challenges. All educators and parent stakeholders are invited to attend.
Strategies that Work! Supporting Military-Connected Students and Families
Monday, April 13, 2015
6 PM PDT / 9 PM EDT
No cost to attend, online.
Register at NBCTwave.org.

Elva Resa, Cornell, Pavlicin-Fragnito at Bloomington Writers Festival March 28, 2015
2015-03-28 09:30 - 17:00
Elva Resa Publishing will host Table 18 at the 2015 Bloomington Writers Festival and Book Fair on Saturday, March 28, 2015, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central. The writers festival connects budding and established writers with published authors and other experts in the field to share information, techniques, skills, and resources.
The festival begins at 9:30 with a keynote from Graywolf Press’s executive editor, Jeff Schotts. Graywolf Press is a Twin Cities small independent press that has produced authors who have won the Nobel Peace Prize, the Noble Prize for Literature, Pulitzer Prizes, National Book Awards, and more. The festival also includes more than twenty workshops ($15 each) that cover the business and art of writing. Visit BloomingtonWritersFestival.org for details or the Bloomington Theatre and Art Center (BTACMN.org) to register.
The book fair portion of the day will open at 10:30 following the keynote address. Elva Resa resources will be available for sale at a special event price of $10 each, tax included. Visit Table 18 in the Inspiration section.
Throughout the day, Marly Cornell will sign her award-winning books The Able Life of Cody Jane and Seeds for Change. Marly is a manuscript editor for Elva Resa and other publishers, as well as a writer, artist, and social justice advocate. Her BFA is from Moore College of Art in Philadelphia, her MA from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. For thirty years she worked in the corporate nonprofit sector in health care, mental health law, behavioral services, and physician recruitment.
In the afternoon, Karen Pavlicin-Fragnito will be available to sign books and talk with participants. Karen is an award-winning writer and dynamic international speaker known for her practicality, inspirational insight, and sense of humor. Her work is inspired by her real-life experience and desire to help others. She is the publisher of Books Make A Difference magazine and Elva Resa Publishing.
Karen’s books include Summer of Courage (middle grade novel), Life After Deployment (military/nonfiction), and Circle of Catholic Women (inspirational women’s journals). She also contributed to Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and the Strength in Military Life and Military Life: Stories and Poems for Children.
Elva Resa Publishing is an independent publisher whose mission is to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Its primary imprint specializes in books for military families. The house also has a general interest children’s imprint and inspirational imprint.
This event takes place at the Bloomington Theatre and Arts Center, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd, Bloomington, MN 55431.

Pavlicin-Fragnito Keynotes MN National Guard Family Readiness Training, March 28, 2015
2015-03-28 08:00 - 09:30
Karen Pavlicin-Fragnito is the keynote speaker at the Minnesota National Guard Family Programs’ Family Readiness Annual Training, Saturday, March 28, 2015, at Breezy Point, Minnesota.
The family readiness training weekend offers commanders and other senior service member leaders and their spouses key training to effectively support military families. Workshops range from suicide resources to supporting geographically-dispersed family readiness groups.
Karen will share ideas for supporting military families, especially during deployment, reunion, and other military life challenges. She will also talk about the value of using stories, as one of the soft qualities of leadership, to connect families and create supportive communities.
Participants will receive a copy of Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life, written by more than forty military family writers.
Karen is the award-winning author of several books, including Surviving Deployment and Life After Deployment. She regularly works with military leaders and organizations to support military families. www.KarenPavlicin.com

Pavlicin-Fragnito Kicks Off Teen Leadership Forum, March 27, 2015
2015-03-27 19:00 - 20:00
Karen Pavlicin-Fragnito will kick off a Teen Leadership Forum for military teens, sponsored by the Child & Youth Program of the Minnesota National Guard, Friday, March 27, 2015, at Breezy Point, Minnesota.
Karen’s teen leadership keynote will help teens discover their natural leadership tendencies, the soft qualities of great leaders, and how their own leadership skills can help them face tough challenges as teenagers and in military life.
Throughout the weekend in an interactive workshop setting, teens will learn about the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, based on the book by Sean Covey. The weekend program will be facilitated by service members and Child & Youth Program leaders. Registration is full.
Karen is a Twin Cities business leader, award-winning author, and mom and stepmom of three teens. www.KarenPavlicin.com

Horn Leads Stress & Forgiveness Workshops, Hearts at Home, March 13-14, 2015
2015-03-13 08:00 - 2015-03-14 16:00
Sara Horn, coauthor of Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life and author of several other books, will lead two workshops on stress and forgiveness at the Hearts at Home WOW MOM: Unleash YOUR Superpower National Conference. The conference takes place March 13-14, 2015 at Illinois State University in Normal, IL. Registration options range from $15 to $180. Some events are sold out. Visit Hearts at Home for more information and to register.
Sara’s workshops:
113 – The Proverbs 31 Guide for Stressed Out, Far-From-Perfect Moms
Do you picture the Proverbs 31 wife as Martha Stewart in robe and veil? Do you wish you could do half of what this superwoman does? Have you given up trying? In this workshop, Sara offers a different perspective based on her year-long experiment studying this biblical woman so many say is our ideal but so many of us feel incapable of becoming. What DOES it look like to follow God in our day-to-day mom and wife life? And is perfection really required? Let Sara help you:

Understand the most important lesson we miss when we talk about Proverbs 31 (and it has nothing to do with housework!)
Realize the influence God’s placed within you for your family, for better or worse, and learn three ways you can quickly become an influence for good.
Know the five warning signs you’re becoming more concerned with Pinterest-Perfect than People-Passionate.
Think about God’s call for your life as a wife and mom and develop your own set of Proverbs 31 traits.

If you’re stressed out, worn out or just giving out, come and get your encouragement bucket refilled! God doesn’t ask for our perfection, just our availability.
114 – How Can I Possibly Forgive?
Everyone experiences conflict and disappointment in life. But some hurts are harder to get over than others. Forgiveness isn’t always easy, even when it’s asked for. But refusing to forgive can impact you in ways you might not realize until years of bitterness have developed. In this workshop, Sara will walk you through seven habits of highly resentful people, as well as seven habits of highly forgiving people, and how you can begin a healing conversation with yourself and God to forgive what’s kept you from moving forward once and for all. Let Sara help you:

Identify any bad habits you’ve adopted when it comes to forgiving others, and learn the good habits you can apply today.
Learn three steps you can use to move past hurt even when the person who caused it is unable or refuses to apologize or admit responsibility.
Realize the importance of forgiveness, and what it means in your relationship with God.
Develop a deeper understanding of grace and how you can apply it in your day to day relationships, including your family members.

Sara is the founder of Wives of Faith, a ministry for military wives. Her books include My So-Called Life as a Proverbs 31 Wife, My So-Called Life as a Submissive Wife, How Can I Possibly Forgive? and Stories Around the Table. She lives with her husband Cliff, and their son Caleb near Baton Rouge, LA. Connect with Sara: www.SaraHorn.com

Davis, Scherer at Officer Women Leadership Symposium March 6-7, 2015
2015-03-06 08:00 - 2015-03-07 18:00
Two Elva Resa authors have been invited by Academy Women to this year’s Officer Women Leadership Symposium (OWLS) at the Women in Military Service for America (WIMSA) Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery March 6-7, 2015.
Judy Davis, author of Right Side Up: Find Your Way When Military Life Turns You Upside Down and “My Son’s Battle” in Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life, and Holly Scherer, coauthor of Military Spouse Journey: Discover the Possibilities & Live Your Dreams and author of “The ‘Ain’t It Awful?’ Club” in Stories Around the Table will talk with attendees throughout the two-day event.
The theme of this year’s gathering is “Learning From the Past, Leading Into the Future.” Through stimulating panel discussions, keynotes, and workshops, participants will learn insights and discuss opportunities for overcoming cultural and societal obstacles that may limit women’s ability to reach the highest levels of leadership. OWLS offers attendees the opportunity to network and interact with colleagues and leaders with a diverse range of expertise and experience from all services and veteran communities.
The Women’s Memorial Bookstore will sell copies of all three books for only $12 each during the event. Judy and Holly will be available to sign books during the session breaks.
Online registration for the event closes March 3, 2015. Various registration options and prices are available.

Eckhart to Emcee MOAA Career Event Feb. 24, 2015
2015-02-24 08:00 - 14:30
Stories Around the Table coauthor and military wife Jacey Eckhart will emcee the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Military Spouse Symposium “Keeping a Career on the Move.”®
The event takes place on Tuesday, February 24, 2015, 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM, at The Westin Virginia Beach Town Center, 4535 Commerce Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23462.
Sponsored by JP Morgan Chase & Co, the professional development conference is geared toward all military spouses.
Register via MOAA or contact Christine Gallagher MOAASpouse@moaa.org, for more information.

Green Keynotes Virginia Military Wives Dinner Feb. 19, 2015
2015-02-19 18:00 - 20:00
Award-winning author and former military spouse Jocelyn Green is the keynote guest speaker at a Military Wives Appreciation Dinner at the Regent University Library in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on Thursday, February 19, 2015, 6 – 8 pm EST.
Jocelyn will offer encouragement and hope to military wives with her presentation A Legacy of Faith and Courage: Inspiration From Yesterday’s Military Wives.
The event is free, but has limited seating. Registration is required: FirstNorfolk.org/militarywives. The event is sponsored by the Women’s Ministry and Military Ministry of First Baptist Norfolk Church and Regent University’s Office of Military & Veteran’s Affairs.
Among Jocelyn’s inspiring works: “Speaking the Same Language” in Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life.

Pavlicin Signs Books at WINE Catholic Women's Conference Feb. 14, 2015
2015-02-14 08:00 - 15:00
Karen Pavlicin-Fragnito, author of the Circle of Catholic Women journals, will sign books at the WINE: Catholic Women’s Conference 2015 on Saturday, February 14, 2015.
The conference theme is “A Heart Drawn by Love: Sent on Fire” and is sponsored by Women in the New Evangelization (WINE) and the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis Office of Evangelization and Catechesis. It will be held at The Church of the Epiphany, Coon Rapids, Minnesota.
Doors open at 7 a.m. for fellowship and caramel rolls, with the program beginning at 8 a.m. The day of inspiration, faith, fellowship, and fun features keynote speaker Patty Schneier, testimony by Nancy Jo Sullivan, music by Vicki Kueppers and Kara Klein, and emcees Kelly Wahlquist and Alyssa Bormes.
The day concludes with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Andrew Cozzens and book signings at 2 p.m. CST with several area authors. Books will be available for sale at the event courtesy of St. George Catholic Books and Gifts.

Ft Campbell Library Hosts Bushatz for 'Brunch and A Book' Jan. 20, 2015, Noon Central
2015-01-20 12:00 - 13:00 | Robert F. Sink Memorial Library, 38 Screaming Eagle Blvd, Fort Campbell, KY, 42223, United States
MWR’s Robert F. Sink Memorial Library in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, will host guest of honor Amy Bushatz, coauthor of Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life, at “Brunch and A Book” on Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at noon Central.
An army wife and mother of two, Amy is the managing editor of Military.com’s Spouse and Family blog SpouseBuzz.com, and an associate editor of Military.com. She has been featured as a military family subject matter expert on NPR and in The New York Times.
About her story, “Something’s Rank,” Amy says, “My contribution for Stories Around the Table came as I learned the power of military life to stretch me outside my comfort zone. Stepping forward and learning to be friends with people who are not like you can be the key to surviving this life of constant moves. I sincerely hope that reading my story will inspire someone else to do the same.”
Brunch and A Book is held at the library on the third Tuesday of every month at noon. Robert F. Sink Memorial Library is located at 38 Screaming Eagle Blvd, Fort Campbell. The event is free to attend and refreshments will be provided. Guests are welcome to bring a dish to share, but it’s not required.
Books will not be for sale at the event, but if you bring your copy of Stories Around the Table, Amy will be glad to sign your book after she speaks.
Thank you to sponsors Mathews Nissan and Fort Campbell Federal Credit Union for making this program possible. For more information about Brunch and A Book, please call the library at 270-798-5729.

Davis Shares 'Right Side Up' Tips on Army Wife Network Jan. 5, 2015 at 8 pm EST
2015-01-05 20:00 - 20:30
Army wife Judy Davis, author of Right Side Up: Find Your Way When Military Life Turns You Upside Down will share tips from her book as she talks with host Tara Crooks on Army Wife Network Talk Radio Monday, January 5, 2015, at 8 pm Eastern/7 pm Central.
Also known as The Direction Diva, Judy shares tips with military spouses around the world to help them calm the chaos and travel the often stressful journey of military life with poise and confidence. She is also a coauthor, along with Tara, of Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life.

Pavlicin-Fragnito Signs Summer of Courage at SCBWI PAL Event Dec. 15, 2014
2014-12-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Elmer L. Anderson Library, 222 21st Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, United States
Author Karen Pavlicin-Fragnito will sign copies of her multiple-award-winning children’s novel Summer of Courage at a celebration of Minnesota Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Published and Listed authors and illustrators (SCBWI-PAL).
The book signing, featuring several Minnesota children’s authors with recent releases, is open to the public and will take place Monday, December 15, 2014, 7-9 PM Central, in the atrium of the University of Minnesota’s Elmer L. Anderson Library, 222 21st Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55455. The event was previously scheduled for Nov. 10 but rescheduled to Dec. 15 due to winter weather.
The event is cohosted by MN SCBWI and The Kerlan Collection, Children’s Literature Research Collections, an internationally recognized resource in the field of children’s literature.
Books will be available for sale at the event, courtesy of The Red Balloon Bookshop.
#MNSCBWIBookSigning
Summer of Courage is a middle grade novel set in rural upstate New York, where ten-year-old Andy spends the summer with Grandma. His adventure of the heart includes fishing, family, friendship, rotten apples, cow dung…and a little bit of faith as he deals with recent changes in his life.
“ … an upbeat, positive story … wise, hopeful … with a subtle simplicity sure to touch hearts.” – School Library Journal
“An enjoyable adventure of discovery … ” – Midwest Book Review
“ … compelling … and woven with rich memories … ” – Stories for Children Magazine

Hilton, Scherer, Smiley Sign Stories Around the Table at Pentagon Nov. 24, 2014
2014-11-24 11:00 - 13:00
Coauthors Jeremy Hilton, Holly Scherer, and Sarah Smiley will sign copies of Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life at the Pentagon, Washington, DC, on Monday, November 24, 2014, in the Concourse Food Court, 11 AM to 1 PM ET. This event is NOT open to the general public. You must have a Pentagon badge or escort to attend.
Jeremy is a Navy veteran, Air Force spouse, and passionate advocate for inclusion of individuals with disabilities. He wrote “Rules of the Road Less Traveled” in Stories Around the Table. He is a leading advocate for both military and nonmilitary families regarding special education, medical care, and long term care issues. A highly-regarded speaker on issues involving military families with special needs, he has briefed the Congressional Military Family Caucus, numerous Congressional delegations and staffers in the Armed Services Committee, HELP Committee, in the Judiciary Committee and in the White House.
Holly is an international speaker and military life consultant. Her journey to becoming a military spouse who sees the possibilities in military life is captured in her essay “The ‘Ain’t It Awful?’ Club” in Stories Around the Table. Her work with military spouses earned her the distinguished recognition as the first-ever designated “Who’s Who in Military Spouses” by Military Spouse magazine. She has received numerous awards, including Volunteer of the Year, the Essayons Award, Department of Defense Outstanding Civilian Service Award, and the V Corps Soaring Eagle Award for her contributions and volunteer service to military families around the world. She is also coauthor of Military Spouse Journey: Discover the Possibilities & Live Your Dreams.
Sarah is the wife a Navy pilot and the daughter of a retired Navy admiral. She wrote “Taking My Medicine,” an essay about depression, and “Locations: Yours, Mine, and Ours,” about the choice she and her husband made to live in different zip codes, in Stories Around the Table. She is a syndicated newspaper columnist and has written three memoirs, including Dinner with the Smileys, for which she was awarded the 2014 American Legion Auxiliary’s prestigious national Public Spirit Award.
Stories Around the Table is a collection of personal stories from more than 40 military family writers. Military spouses, children, parents, and service members transparently share both everyday and extraordinary moments of their lives with the hope that their stories will inspire and encourage other military families. The wide menu of topics ranges from friendship and romance, to careers and finances, deployment, reunion, changing schools, and coping with combat injury, PTSD, grief, and much more. The collection first and foremost supports military families by offering a friend at the table who’s been through similar circumstances, offering perspective, ideas, and hope.
But these stories appeal to everyone, military and nonmilitary alike. So this book also can help bridge understanding within civilian communities. The best way to connect with others is by sharing stories. Stories Around the Table is a catalyst for conversation among neighbors, to find commonalities and to better understand the unique challenges of military life.
Pentagon guests are asked to please note: only 150 books will be available for sale at this event. Books sales are courtesy of Politics and Prose bookstore.
As heard in the news and on talk radio across the US, here is what others are saying about Stories Around the Table:
“Truly a heart-touching book…Fabulous.”—Phil Paleologos, WBSM
“This book is awesome. It’s like being with friends around a table!”—Leon Francis, KFYR, “What’s On Your Mind”
“Marvelous…A really important book…I can’t thank you enough for putting this book together.”—Frank Gaffney, Secure Freedom Radio
“It is amazing the breadth of experience.”—SpouseBUZZ, Military.com
“You will derive strength from it.”—The Jim Bohannon Show
Event flyer

Julia Gibbs Talks Military Life With Melanie Morgan on KSRO San Francisco Nov. 14, 2014, 7:15 AM Pacific.
2014-11-14 07:15 - 07:30
Julia Gibbs, coauthor of Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life talks about military life with radio host Melanie Morgan, KSRO, San Francisco, on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 7:15 AM Pacific/10:15 AM Eastern.
Julia is an Army wife, musician, and freelance writer. She wrote “Our Hearts Are Big Enough,” a story about the adoption of her son Moses from the Democratic Republic of Congo, in Stories Around the Table. Julia travels and speaks to churches, women’s groups, and community groups for retreats and workshops. In her Army lifetime, Julia has moved more than nineteen times to three countries and seven states, collecting a soldier husband, three children, and a dog along the way. She currently resides in Alabama.
Listen: KSRO Morning News with Melanie Morgan

Barnes Discusses Spouse Calls at St Louis Public Library, Nov 13, 2014
2014-11-13 19:00 - 20:30 | Susan Phalen
Military family journalist Terri Barnes will discuss and sign her book Spouse Calls: Messages From a Military Life at the St Louis Public Library. The library’s “Authors @ Your Library presents Terri Barnes” event will be held Thursday, November 13, 2014 at 7 PM Central in the library’s Training Room.
Terri will talk about the lives of military families in war and peacetime, read from her book, answer questions, and sign books.
There is no cost to attend and meet the author. This event is open to the public. Books will be available for purchase through Left Bank Books.
In Spouse Calls: Messages From a Military Life, Terri takes readers beyond the headlines and homecoming videos for an inside look at the day-to-day hardships, victories, and many ways military life shapes, challenges, and enriches its families.
Terri writes a weekly military family column for Stars and Stripes, called “Spouse Calls.” She’s a military daughter and wife of an active duty airman stationed at Scott Air Force Base. She has lived her entire life in the military community and as a journalist, has been recording and reporting her own experiences and those of others for many years.
She is also a contributing author and the editor of the newly-released Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life, a collection of personal essays from more than 40 military family writers, covering all aspects of military life.
Both of her books are available at www.MilitaryFamilyBooks.com or through Left Bank Books.
Please contact pr@elvaresa.com for additional information or to request an event.

Davis, Eckhart, Hilton, Pavlicin-Fragnito on Jim Bohannon Show Live Nov. 11, 2014, 11 PM Eastern
2014-11-11 23:00
Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life coauthors Judy Davis, Jacey Eckhart, Jeremy Hilton, and Karen Pavlicin-Fragnito will join host Jim Bohannon for a late-night talk about military life on The Jim Bohannon Show, live Tuesday, November 11, 2014, at 11 PM to midnight Eastern.
Judy Davis is known by military spouses around the world as The Direction Diva. She wrote the essay “My Son’s Battle” in Stories Around the Table. She became an advocate for healthy military life when she chose to share her family’s experience supporting her son when he faced a life-threatening crisis in college. Together, she and her son cofounded “Living Thru Crisis” to help families and community leaders understand the unspoken truth about teen depression, suicide ideation, PTSD, and addiction. Judy is an Army wife and the author of the book Right Side Up: Find Your Way When Military Life Turns You Upside Down.
Jacey Eckhart is a military sociologist, nationally syndicated columnist, and director of spouse and family programs for Military.com. An Air Force brat, Navy wife, and Army mom, she wrote “Smokin’ Hot Romance” in Stories Around the Table. Jacey is also the author of The Homefront Club: The Hardheaded Woman’s Guide to Raising a Military Family and a frequent speaker at military family events. She believes no one should get married until they take a road trip together, share their true credit scores, and make each other laugh like hyenas in bed.
Jeremy Hilton is a Navy veteran, Air Force spouse, and passionate advocate for inclusion of individuals with disabilities. When his daughter, Kate, was born with significant medical issues, Jeremy separated from the Navy to care for Kate full time. Since then, he has advocated for his family and for thousands of other similarly-affected military families. He wrote “Rules of the Road Less Traveled” in Stories Around the Table. In 2012, he was the first male to be selected as Military Spouse of the Year.
Karen Pavlicin-Fragnito is an author and publisher. Her experiences supporting other military families through her work at Elva Resa led to the idea behind Stories Around the Table. Karen’s experiences during her Marine husband’s many deployments inspired some of her other books, including Surviving Deployment and Life After Deployment. She wrote two essays in Stories Around the Table: “Star Light, Star Bright” gives a glimpse into the grief she and her young son experienced following the death of her Marine husband to cancer, juxtaposed with the joy and challenge of her new blended family life. “Buy More Underwear” is one of her deployment tips.
Host Jim Bohannon is one of America’s top radio personalities.
Listen live: The Jim Bohannon Show
In addition to the The Jim Bohannon Show, Jim hosts the early morning weekday news magazine, America in the Morning. Stories Around the Table will be featured on the November 12 morning show.

Phil Paleologos Hosts Terri Barnes on WBSM for Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2014, 10:30 AM Eastern
2014-11-11 10:30 - 10:45
Phil Paleologos of WBSM radio, Massachusetts, hosts author and editor Terri Barnes for a live Veterans Day discussion on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at 10:30 AM Eastern.
Terri is coauthor and editor of Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life, author of Spouse Calls: Messages From a Military Life, and special projects editor at Elva Resa Publishing. She writes a weekly military family column for Stars and Stripes, called “Spouse Calls.” She’s a military daughter and wife of an active duty airman. Terri has lived her entire life in the military. As a journalist, she has been recording and reporting her own experiences and those of others for many years.
Listen live: WBSM Radio

Janine Boldrin & Leon Francis: "What's On Your Mind with Scott Hennen" Nov. 11, 2014, 9:30 AM Eastern
2014-11-11 09:30 - 09:45
Janine Boldrin, coauthor of Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life talks with radio host Leon Francis on the “What’s On Your Mind with Scott Hennen” show, live on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2014, at 9:30 AM Eastern.
Janine is an Army wife, freelance writer, and owner of Chameleon Kids, a company that helps military kids see the bright side of their military life. She wrote “Drawn and Quartered” and “Coping With Serious Illness” in Stories Around the Table. Her husband has been deployed four times, three times to Afghanistan and once to Iraq, as an active duty Army infantry officer. He has been stationed at Fort Lewis, WA, Fort Benning, GA, Fort Drum, NY, and Fort Campbell, KY. They’ve lived on post as well as in the local communities surrounding these areas.
Listen live: WhatsOnYourMindRadio

Angela Caban Shares National Guard View With Howard Monroe Live Nov. 11, 2014, 7:15 AM Eastern
2014-11-11 07:15 - 07:30
Angela Caban, coauthor of Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life talks with radio host Howard Monroe about what it’s like to be a military family in a civilian community. The segment airs live on “Howard Monroe and The Morning Show” AM1370 WVLY in West Virginia and Ohio Valley, on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at 7:15 AM Eastern.
Angela is an Army National Guard wife, columnist, and founder of Homefront United Network. She was named 2013 New Jersey National Guard Spouse of the Year. Angela wrote “What Strength Looks Like” in Stories Around the Table.
She’ll share her views on what civilians can do to support military families in their own communities.
Listen live on AM1370 WVLY.

Sarah Smiley Live With Steve Bowers, Prime Time Drive Radio, Nov. 10, 2014, 4:15 PM Eastern
2014-11-10 16:15 - 16:30
Sarah Smiley, coauthor of Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life talks with radio host Steve Bowers on “Prime Time Drive,” WNWS-FM Jackson/Memphis, live on Monday, November 10, 2014 at 4:15 PM Eastern.
Sarah is a Navy wife, Navy daughter, and syndicated columnist. For Stories Around the Table, she wrote “Taking My Medicine,” an essay about depression, and “Locations: Yours, Mine, and Ours,” about the choice she and her husband made to live in different zip codes. Her book Dinner With the Smileys is also about the power of sharing meals, as she and her three sons invited friends, neighbors, and strangers to fill her deployed husband’s seat at the dinner table for a year.
Listen: Prime Time Drive, WNWS 101.5 FM Jackson/Memphis, Tennessee

Kristin Henderson Talks With Greg Corombos on Dateline Washington Nov. 10, 2014
2014-11-10 13:30 - 13:40
Kristin Henderson, coauthor of Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life talks with Greg Corombos on Dateline Washington on Monday, November 10, 2014 at 1:30 PM Eastern.
Kristin is a widely-published journalist and a Navy wife. She wrote “Alive Day” in Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life. Her story is about her post-deployment relationship with her husband and her work with wounded warriors and their caregivers. As a journalist, she traveled to Iraq and Afghanistan to report on the wars there. Kristin is the communications director for the Yellow Ribbon Fund, a nonprofit that assists injured service members and their families. Her life and work have positioned her to tell the stories of combat troops in the field, a spouse at home during and after deployment, and through her work for Yellow Ribbon Fund, the stories of wounded warriors and their caregivers.
Listen to Dateline Washington podcasts.

Barnes Talks About Military Life on Faith Radio Nov. 10, 2014
2014-11-10 12:00 - 13:00
What’s the real story of military life? Journalist and military spouse Terri Barnes, author of Spouse Calls: Messages From a Military Life and editor of Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life, will be a guest on Faith Radio’s “Connecting Faith” program on Nov. 10, 2014, from noon to 1 p.m. Central.
Terri will talk with host Neil Stavem about the stories of military families like her own. Listeners can call in with questions or comments on the air at 877-933-2484. Copies of both Spouse Calls and Stories Around the Table will be given away during the program.
In Spouse Calls: Messages From a Military Life, a collection of her best “Spouse Calls” Stars and Stripes columns, Terri takes readers beyond the headlines and homecoming videos for an inside look at the day-to-day hardships, victories, and many ways military life shapes, challenges, and enriches its families.
In Stories Around the Table: Laughter, Wisdom, and Strength in Military Life, more than 40 military family members share personal stories from many aspects of their military lives: friendship, romance, parenting, careers, transitions, combat injury, grief, faith, and more.
Tune in to Connecting Faith.
Did you miss this interesting talk? Listen here: MyFaithRadio.com/2014/truth-military-families
