STORYTELLING & MEMOIR - July 21, 2012

'Storytelling & Memoir'

with

Mariana Williams

For information on joining as a member of the SCWA Organization please visit http://www.ocwriter.com
or pick up an application at our next meeting.

The price to join this group is $30.oo/year. Non members are encouraged to attend.
RSVP needs to be received by June 12, 2012 to be valid.

Cash and check pre-payments are accepted: $30.00 Walk-in (with reservation): $30.00 Walk-in (without reservation): $35.00 A lunch at the Claim Jumper Restaurant is included in the price.

'Storytelling & Memoir'

http://www.ocwriter.com/speaker_images/2012-02-20-06-02-25_Mariana%20Williams%20photo.jpgWife of Oscar and Grammy award-winning Hall of Fame songwriter, Paul Williams, Mariana Williams has carved out her own niche. Working as a pianist/singer, she’s traveled the US, Japan and even Casa Blanca. In 2003, she traded the piano keys for alphabet keys and put her life experiences to paper, beginning the Veronica Bennett series with Happy New Year, Darling! (her pen name, Veronica Bennett) and followed up with the sequel, Stars or Stripes 4th of July, which won a 2011 National Indie Excellence Award for Chick Lit. Her life experiences as a musician and comedy promoter prepared her for writing three novels in the series. (Easter Week at Camp Obnoxious comes out in 2012.) Falling into accidental crime, always on the verge of a scheme, and ready for love, Veronica keeps the reader on the edge of her seat; however, Mariana takes on topics more poignant than are generally found in “chick lit.” An ongoing element is Veronica’s continuing struggle with her teenage son. Her problems in grappling with addiction, authority and boundaries are all woven into each plot.

Never preachy, always witty, Mariana’s observations keep the reader turning pages; each novel ends with a surprising dénouement. In March of 2010, Mariana was a Moth Grand Slam finalist in the acclaimed story-telling competition held in Los Angeles. Her life experiences have led her to pen Wince-worthy Tales—True Stuff That Happened To Me, which is recorded live and available on CD. She lives in Southern California with Paul, and fills the empty nest with two cats. Mariana says, “I draw inspiration from my husband’s lyrics and humility from my two kids’ antics. Mainly, I’m honored to be a part of all three of their lives.