Thank you, Gulfport!

Our second Gulfport Youth Book Writing Workshop Series and Contest is nearly upon us. Flyers have been made and are ready for a St. Pete and Gecko Fest blitz, the T-shirts for the winners are ready to print, dates are confirmed, spirals, pencils, and folders have been purchased, a second winner's book just days from launching. Syllabuses, Guidelines, Awards Certificates, eBlasts, Blogs, all on schedule. We've almost done it again, and I wanted to thank ALL of you.

It is you, the businesses and people of Gulfport, who have made this possible. This endeavor is your success, providing a broad and intense experience of collaboration, critical thinking, communication, learning, and teaching. We are grateful for your tremendous support. If you would like to inquire about sponsorship or if you are a professional writer and/or editor who would be interested in giving a 30 minute guest presentation at one of the workshops, or if you would like more information for a child who might wish to attend, please contact me at tracetaylorpublishing@gmail.com.

Everyone remember to stop by Domain tonight on Beach Blvd between 6 and 9pm. Isabella Kontrick, the 3rd grader who earned the 2012 Gulfport Book Writer's Award in the 1st - 3rd grade category, will be signing copies of her award winning title, Barracuda's Curse. Stop by and meet this young, impressive author.

There was a 2nd grade boy on the train to Philly a few weeks back. He noisily, chattily, restlessly occupied the seat next to me for 24 hours. After the fifth hour, I needed a breath, so I pulled out Isabella's book and asked if he would read it and then give me his opinion. He read it cover to cover, quietly, for half an hour, after which he said that it was a great book and that he liked it so much, he was going to read it again, and he did.

Our 2013 Opening Day is less than four weeks away. How exciting.