Tri-Valley Writers Release Book Worldwide

PLEASANTON, CALIF.: A collection of writings by 57 local writers was recently released worldwide on Amazon.com in paperback and e-book formats by the California Writers Club Tri-Valley Branch.

"This anthology has something for every reader," according to Eloise Hamann, one of two branch co-chairs who were in charge of producing the book, "Voices of The Valley: Journeys." It contains 88 works, including short stories, flash fiction, memoirs and poems.

"This year's offering forges fresh paths into tales of adventure, whimsy, humor, fantasy, satire, drama and family relationships," said Jordan Bernal, the other co-chair. The anthology is the fourth the Tri-Valley Branch has produced since 2011.

"The writings in this collection exemplify that life is indeed a journey," Bernal noted. "Life's journeys may be straightforward, but most are filled with twists and turns. It is the unexpected sojourns through life's challenges that often showcase not only our differences, but also our similarities."

Forty-seven branch members contributed to the volume. In addition, the book contains the work of ten local students who won first place honors in branch high school writing contests from 2016 through 2018.

The CWC Tri-Valley Branch is a professional organization dedicated to nurturing an inclusive environment that addresses the needs of both professional and aspiring writers. The branch invites writers of all genres and experience levels to learn about their craft at its monthly meetings. For more information about the CWC Tri-Valley Branch, visit http://www.trivalleywriters.org.

Local writers published in the anthology include: Alysse Adularia, Jamuna Advani, Keith Ahrbeck, Ellen Aubry, Patricia Bacon, Jordan Bernal, John G. Bluck, Patricia J. Boyle, Shannon Brown, Yvonne Carder, Paula C. Chinick, Christabel Choi, Penelope Cole, Patrick D. Coyle, George Cramer, Arleen Eagling, Guri P Essen, Jac Fitzenz, Francis Leon Guido, Brian Gunney, Eloise Hamann, Constance Hanstedt, Neva Hodges, Sally Kimball, G. Karl Kumfert, Juhi Kunde, Annette Langer, Ben Leiter, Haihong Liao, Lani Longshore, Diane Lovitt, Vickie Luo, Judy Lussie, Alexandra Manzo, Elena K. Manzo, Violet Carr Moore, Pamela Pan, Shelley Lee Riley, Julie Royce, Elaine Schmitz, Lisa Small, Diane Stephenson, Sharon (Svitak) Burgess, Art Tenbrink, Linda Todd, Ellen Turner and Kathleen Kull Urban.

High school student contest winners who have writings in the volume are: Yuwei Dou, Katelyn Hefter, Melanie Kim, Niviti Krishnamurthy, Quincy Kumfert, Nick Massie, Charlotte Miranda, Anna Nui, Kyeling Ong and Vidhima Shetty.