GIVE THE GIFT OF READING
LGBTQAI+ NON-FICTION: This collection is a profound exploration into the lives of twenty-five individuals spanning ages twenty-one to eighty. It is not just a series of narratives but a chronicle of courage, resilience, and the quest for authenticity in a world that often presents challenging and hostile environments for those who deviate from social norms.
Through candid interviews, it unveils pivotal moments of realization and acts of disclosure that have marked the lives of its contributors. These stories showcase the diversity of experiences within the community, from dealing with family rejection and abandonment by religious groups to overcoming societal labels of beiing outcasts. Yet, despite these challenges, each narrative is a testament to the strength and perseverance of individuals on their journey to becoming their authentic selves.
The feedback provided by participants underscores the signifigance of this project. They express gratitude for the opportunity to share their stories, highlighting the importance of visibility and representation for queer individuals, especially in the fields where they are underrepresented, like STEM.
The collection is praised for its role in amplifying voices that are often marginalized, providing a platform for inspirational and impactful stories at a time when homophobia and transphobia are on the rise. This work is a testament to authenticity, bravery, and the power of living one's truth, serving as a valuable resource for both those within the LGBTQAI+ community and allies seeking to understand and support their journeys.
Five Star Readers' Favorite
WOMEN'S NON-FICTION: This collection unfolds the riveting stories of twenty-six remarkable women from five diverse countries, each excelling in a unique profession that spans the alphabet from A - Z. Designed to educate, empower, inspire, and support young girls transitioning into womanhood and young women embarking on their careers, it shines a light on the universal quest for acceptance and respect in a variety of fields. Throughout these narratives, readers will discover the resilience and tenacity of women who have broken barriers, challenged stereotypes, and triumphed over adversity.
Dive into the life of a creative artist and entrepreneur, who, despite her success, faces the gender biases entrenched within financial institutions.
Learn about the dental assistant, oustanding in her role, who encounters discrimination because of her sexual orientation.
The collection also shares the story of a pioneering female jockey, the only woman to have competed in all three triple crown races, who uses her initials to disguise her gender in a sport dominated by men.
Further, it highlights the journey of a trailblazing rabbi, the first second-career rabbi challenging centuries-old traditions to gain acceptance and respect in a religious community steeped in a male-only leadership.
The courage of a 5'2" undercover FBI agent is also showcased, illustrating her daring infiltrations into criminal organizations, risking her life to protect others.
The achievements of a two-time Emmy-award winning writer for the original Saturday Night Live show are celebrated, debunking the myth that "Chicks just aren't funny" and setting a precedent for women in comedy and beyond.
This collection is a tribute to the undying spirit of women who have faced down obstacles, discrimination, and societal challenges. Their stories are a potent mix of determination, bravery, and resilience, providing a beacon of hope and inspiration for the next generation.
By chronicling their journeys, the collection not only honors their individual achievements but also serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of striving for equality, aceptance, and respect in every sphere of life. These narratives encourage readers to persevere, challenge norms, and embrace their path with courage insuring that their voices are heard and their contributions valued.
Speak Up Radio Firebird Book Award
Five Star Readers' Favorite
SUSPENSE/THRILLER: An enthralling narrative of resilience, courage, and the power of the digital age in the facc of adversity.
In the heart of Arizona's serene desert, Kim and Brad Wolf, a devoted couple grappling with Kim's recent, life-altering diagnosis and early retirement, seek a fresh start. As they settle into their new life, with Brad immersing himself in a nascent collectible business and Kim finds solace in her on-line ventures and local volunteer work they encounter the charming Jack Oviatt, who oversees the volunteer program.
However, peace is short-lived. Kim's world is shattered by Harry Gellis, a menacing retiree with a hidden past, thrust into her life by chance. Despite his outward appearance as the grieving widower, under witness protection, Harry harbors dark intentions, fixating on Kim with an unyielding and predatory zeal. As his advances escalate from disturbing to dangerous, Kim's efforts to seek help are met with disbelief and dismissal.
Faced with a husband overwhelmed by his own struggles and a community that turns a blind-eye, Kim is left to fend for herself. With remarkable determination, she turns to the digital realm to unveil Harry's true identity, arming herself against the looming threat he poses. As Harry's sinister plan unfolds, a fateful twist alters their lives forever.
Years later, the past refuses to stay buried. Jack Oviatt stumbles upon new evidence tied to an unresolved case, casting shadows of suspicion towards Kim. As secrets begin to surface, the question remains: What became of Harry Gellis?
Soaring in Silence is a gripping tale of a woman's fight against darkness, her ingenious use of technology to stand her ground, and the silent battles fought behind closed doors. It is a testament to the strength found in silence and the victories that often go unsung.
Five Star Readers' Favorite
HISTORICAL FICTION/COMING OF AGE STORY: Launched into a mission under the shadow of the Bay of Pigs Invasion, a young man, untouched by the cynicism but standing on the threshold of manhood, is set on a clandestined quest to recover his family hidden treasures and relocate his family in America. This formidable task leads him to the pulsating heart of New York City during the peak of the sexual revolution, setting the stage for a journey of self-discovery and a search for freedom.
As he explores the intricate tapestry of life in this new world, he finds himself amidst a cultural awakening experiencing the acceleration of personal liberty and the complexity of love and identity.
In this vibrant, yet tumultuous setting, he forges his path earning his independince in a land brimming with opportunity and challenge. However, the arrival of his traditional parents, carrying the weight of their own prejudices and refusing to blend with the American mosaic, introduces a stark contrast to his newly found freedoms.
The clash of cultures and generations deepens the narrative, presenting obstacles that test his resilience and determination. Through trials and triumphs this young man's oddysey is a reflection on the essence of freedom, the price of loyalty and enduring strength of the human spirit. It's a vivid exploration of the immigrant experience, highlighting the relentless pursuit of the American dream against the backdrop of historical and personal upheaval.
This story not only charts the protagonist's physical journey from Cuba to the United States but also his emotional voyage from innocence to maturity, illuminating the profound truth that success isn't always measured by what one becomes, but often by what one overcomes.
Five Star Readers' Favorite
Literary Classics Seal of Approval
Speak Up Radio Firebird Book Award
Movie Play International Film Festival Winner
Hispanic International Film Festival Winner
Coming of Age/Family Drama: A naive teen sent out of Cuba on the eve of the Bay of Pigs Invasion to retrieve smuggled family jewels and settle his family in America, comes of age in New York at the height of the sexual revolution.
WINNER Best Unproduced Script Paris Lady Movie Makers Festival July 2023
WINNER Best Feature Script Florence Film Awards 2023
WINNER Best Historical Period Piece Worldfest-Houston International Film Festival 2022
WINNER Best International Writer 8 & HalFilm Awards 2021
WINNER Best Original Story Hollywood On The Tiber Film Awards 2021
WINNER Best Feature Script In Latin/Hispanic Category Accolade Global Film Competition 2021
WINNER Best Feature Script World Film Carnival - Singapore 2021
FINALIST Beaufort International Film Festival 2022
FINALIST Ediplay Iinternational Film Festival 2021
SEMI-FINALIST Miami Screenplay Awards 2021
QUARTER-FINALIST Scriptoid Feature Challenge 2011
QUARTER-FINALIST 2nd Annual StoryPros International Screenplay Contest 2008
HONORABLE MENTION Shockfest Film Festival 2022
OFFICIAL SELECTION Santa Barbara International Screenplay Awards 2021
CONCRETE WINGS a 2017 Five Star Readers' Favorite Novel has also earned 2017 Literary Classic's Seal of Approval with a recommendation for school and home libraries, 2017 New York Book Festival's Honorable Mention, 2018 Florida Book Festival's Honorable Mention and 2021 Speak Up Radio Firebird Book Award.
Comedy: While working in the Radio & TV Barter Business for two sexually active men, a self-sufficient virgin bookkeeper, aroused by a handsome neighbor, is stymied by society's changing rules as the sexual revolution engulfs Manhattan in 1965.
WINNER Golden Palm Award Best Screenplay Beverly Hills International Film Festival 2012
FINALIST California Women's Film Festival 2023
FINALIST Charlston International Film Festival 2012
FINALIST Emerging Screenwriters Screenplay Competition 2011
SEMI-FINALIST Hollywood International Golden Age Festival 2023
SEMI-FINALIST Paris Lady Movie Makers Festival 2023
SEMI-FINALIST Scriptoid Feature Challenge 2011
QUARTER-FINALIST 5th Annual StoryPros International Screenplay Contest
OFFICIAL SELECTION Santa Barbara International Screenplay Awards 2021
A drama inspired by a true story: As the AIDS Virus spread in the 1980s, New Yorkers were gripped with fear, anxiety and ignorance. Being an Administrative Assistant to a prominent attorney with AIDS was easy; being his friend, well, that was hard.
WINNER No Country For Old Films Festival 2024
WINNER Paris Lady Movie Makers Festival 2023
WINNER Silver Award Feature Script Hollywood Gold Awards 2022
FINALIST Red Movie Awards 2022
FINALIST California Women's Film Festival 2022
SEMI-FINALIST New York International Women Festival 2023
SEMI-FINALIST Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards - Diversity Initiative 2022
QUARTER-FINALIST GEMFest International Screenplay Competition 2023
WILDSOUND FESTIVAL'S TOP 100 Screenplays of the Year on the Drama Festival Site and One of the Best Scripts to Read 2017
SECOND ROUND TOP 25% Page Awards 2012
HONORABLE MENTION Shockfest Film Festival 2023
HONORABLE MENTION Paris Film Awards 2022
HONORABLE MENTION New York Movie Awards 2022
OFFICIAL SELECTION Queer Global Arts Fest 2022
OFFICIAL SELECTION New York Movie Awards 2022
OFFICIAL SELECTION New York Script Awards 2022
Drama: A prescription-addicted environmentalist on the brink of success and marriage is wrongly accused of murder as she struggles to overcome an incestuous past.
SEMI-FINALIST Paris Women Festival 2023
SEMI-FINALIST Palm Springs International Film Awards 2022
HONORABLE MENTION New York Script Awards 2022
OFFICIAL SELECTION Shockfest Film Festival 2022
OFFICIAL SELECTION Wiki Screenplay Contest 2021
Drama/Thriller: In 1994, a young wife who relocates to AZ from NY for health reasons, is subjected to relentless sexual advances by a dangerous retiree with a hidden criminal past. In a battle for survival, by her own resourcefulness and the wonders of the Internet, she derails an impending attack, positions the bully to meet his destiny and triumphs in secret.
SEMI-FINALIST 4th Annual StoryPros Awards
ROUND TWO TOP 25% Page Awards 2011
SOARING IN SILENCE, the novel inspired by UNPROTECTED WITNESS written by Beverly Gandara earned the 2019 Five Star Readers' Favorite..
A family drama inspired by a compelling true story: A financier's Asian discipline and love of music, frees his Spanish stepson from the gut-wrenching effects of ADD to become an A student and a world-class musician.
SEMI-FINALIST 4th Annual SoryPros Award 2011
ROUND TWO (Top 25%) Page Awards 2011
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