Long Island Authors Group

Mid-March Updates, W.I.P’s, and More

Posted on March 12, 2022March 13, 2022 by Debbie

I hope you’re all doing well and looking forward to spring. I know I am. Although the weather’s been back and forth this month so far, it should settle into a steadier pattern soon. Don’t forget to turn your clocks forward this Sunday for Daylight Savings Time if you’re in an area that observes it.

I wanted to post some updates about my writing. Unfortunately, I don’t yet have a cover for the first book of my new cozy series, The Case of the Cat Crazy Lady, and I’m also still waiting for edits to start. However, during my wait, I’ve completed another standalone novel that I’m editing and will submit to an agent or publisher soon. It’s too early for me to share any details except that it involves time travel.

I’m also reprinting my cat book, Pet Posts: the Cat Chats, with a new cover and title. This book will also be published in hardcover, large print, paperback, audio, and eBook with wide distribution. In addition, I’m about to begin work on another Cobble Cove story, tentatively titled Sneaky’s Supernatural Mystery. I’m considering using this as the main story in a print collection of the previous five stories (the collection will also be available as eBooks and free on Kindle Unlimited), but I know some readers still prefer print and have asked for these stories in that format.

Talking about collections, I’ve also submitted a poem and an essay to Red Penguin Books for their Ukraine fundraiser, Where Flowers Bloom: Poems and Essays of Strength, Hope, and Resilience. They are still seeking stories until March 25 and also have a Kickstarter campaign. For details, see https://redpenguinbooks.com/ukraine/

I’ll also be writing something for the first Long Island Authors Group anthology.

In April, I’m planning an Easter giveaway. More on that in my April newsletter. To subscribe, complete the pop-up form at https://debbiedelouise.com, or send me your email.

Lastly, I’d like to ask a favor. If you’re on Facebook, could you please vote for my cat Hermione, who is running in America’s Favorite Pet Contest? She’s already passed through two rounds but needs votes to get into the quarter finals on March 17. You can vote every day for free and/or purchase PAWS votes that raise funds for the PAWS Foundation that helps animals. PAWS votes sometimes count double for a short time, as indicated on the voting page. I would also appreciate any shares of her campaign link: https://americasfavpet.com/2022/hermione-cf74

To read why Hermione thinks she deserves your vote, check out her post here: https://wp.me/p7XcB0-1aE

author news

September Author News: Bookstore Grand Opening, New Releases, and Poetry Readings

Posted on August 31, 2021September 1, 2021 by Debbie

I’m proud to announce that my books will be sold at the new Long Island Author’s Group Bookstore at the Westfield South Shore Mall on Long Island. The Grand Opening, originally scheduled for his Wednesday, September 1st, has been rescheduled for next Wednesday, September 8, starting at 6 p.m. The bookstore is located at the Islip Arts Council Gallery in Westfield South Shore Mall, 1701 Sunrise Highway, Bayshore, NY, next to the Dick’s Sporting Goods Store. I’ll be there with my fellow LIAG members and hope some of you will be able to attend. Refreshments will be served.

On September 3rd, my paranormal short story, “Murder in the Mirror” will be published in the Red Penguin Collection’s supernatural anthology, UNTIL DAWN, that features chilling tales by some great authors. Check out the trailer below.

I’m also happy to announce that several of my poems are being read on Diverse TV and being recorded on YouTube. Some of these poems are from my new poetry anthology, MEOWS AND PURRS: A COLLECTION OF CAT POEMS.

The following poem, “We All Lost Something During the Pandemic” was dedicated to my friend Clare who passed away from COVID.

My last announcement is that my new Cobble Cove cozy mystery, BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE, has been accepted by Solstice Publishing. This story features all the quirky characters in my series with Fido, the golden retriever, in a starring role. Of course, Sneaky, the Siamese, who is the main pet of the series, will have his share of the action.

New Year's, short stories, Television Broadcast

It’s a Wrap: My 2019 Writing and Author Appearances Recap

Posted on December 31, 2019 by Debbie

I hope you all had a nice 2019 and that 2020 is even better. Here is a recap of my writing and author appearances in 2019 with my tentative calendar for 2020.

On April 6, I attended the Long Island Local Author Fair at the Tilles Center at Long Island University’s C.W. Post Campus.

On April 24, I appeared on Between the Covers TV Show with fellow guests from the Book Fairies. Here is a link to the episode.

On May 4, I published my standalone psychological mystery, Sea Scope.

In May, I was awarded a Certificate of Excellence for my cozy mystery, Love on the Rocks.

From May 15 to 18, I attended the Cat Writers’ Association Conference in St. Louis, Missouri where I spoke on a panel with three other members who write cat mysteries: Sandy Murphy, Patricia Fry, and Mollie Hunt.

In May, I also attended the Romance Writers’ Association luncheon at the Fox Hollow Inn in Woodbury, New York.

On June 5, a front-page story appeared about me and my new release, Sea Scope, in the Hicksville News.

On August 10, I appeared at the Sip This Coffee House in Valley Stream with fellow authors, Lisa Diaz Meyer and Tracy Auerbach.

On August 15, I spoke at the Hicksville Library about Sea Scope.

On September 21, I attended the South Huntington Library’s Fall Fair with three other members of the Long Island Authors Group.

On September 29, I published a short mystery eBook, The Mistaken Mission.

On October 19, I appeared at the Kitten Kadoodle Coffee Cafe in Selden, NY with fellow authors Lisa Diaz Meyer, Elaine Donadio, and Andrea Roche.

In November, I published the article, “Keeping Your Indoor Pets Safe from Household Hazards” that appeared in its print edition and online blog.

On November 2, I appeared at Mongo’s Coffee in Syosset, New York, with fellow authors Lisa Diaz Meyer, Elaine Donadio, Andrea Roche, and Tracy Auerbach.

On November 16, I hosted, spoke, and signed books at the St. Stephen’s Fall Author Fair in Hicksville, New York with 8 other local authors including Roland Allnach, Nika Rhone, Tracy Auerbach, Catherine Mairiosi, John Krahn, Lisa Diaz Meyer, Janet Rudolph, and James Cudney IV.

On November 30, I published two short mystery eBooks: Sneaky’s Christmas Mystery and Murder Unwrapped.

So far, for 2020, I will be answering questions at the Hicksville Library’s book club discussion of my book, Sea Scope, on January 15.

On February 1, I will be appearing at Barnes and Noble in Massapequa, New York with 8 other mystery authors.

On March 28, I’ll be appearing at Starbucks in Bay Terrace, Queens with fellow NY authors, Elaine Donadio, Andrea Roche, Lisa Diaz Meyer, and Tracy Auerbach.

On April 25, I’ll be appearing at Barnes and Nobel in Selden, New York with fellow NY authors Elaine Donadio, Andrea Roche, Luisa Diaz Meyer, and Tracy Auerbach.

In July, I’ll be attending the Cat Writers’ Association Conference in New Jersey.

I also have two complete manuscripts I am hoping to publish in 2020 and am working on some short stories. I appreciate all the support of my readers and fellow authors and those who have hosted me at local author fairs and events.

local author event

Come to the St. Stephen’s Fall Author Fair – Saturday, November 16, from 2 to 5 pm

Posted on November 8, 2019November 15, 2019 by Debbie

On Saturday, November 16, I’ll be hosting the Fall Author Fair at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Hicksville on Long Island from 2 to 5 p.m. The President of the Long Island Authors Group, Roland Allnach, will be a speaker, and there will be eight authors of various genres signing books at tables. In addition, each author will talk about their writing, and there will be raffles for prizes. Admission is free, and raffle proceeds will be donated to Literacy Nassau and the church. It should be a fun day and a great opportunity to purchase some autographed books for yourself or as gifts for the upcoming holiday season. If you’re in the area, I hope you will drop by.

Here are some short bios of the authors:

Roland Allnach

Roland Allnach is a multi-award winning author of the strange and surreal. A lifetime Long Island resident, he has published numerous short stories, seven books, and is currently the president of Long Island Authors Group. He also developed the LIAG Traveling Bookstore to display the books of local authors at town fairs and has fostered an energetic expansion of the group. He has appeared on national and local television, Internet and terrestrial radio, and local libraries. His creative influences stem from classical literature, mythology, history, and his years of night shift hospital experience. For more, visit www.rolandallnach.com

Debbie De Louise

Debbie De Louise is an award-winning author and a reference librarian at a public library on Long Island. She is a member of Sisters-in-Crime, International Thriller Writers, Long Island Authors Group, and the Cat Writers’ Association. She’s the author of seven novels including the four books of her Cobble Cove cozy mystery series and her latest psychological mystery, Sea Scope. She lives on Long Island with her husband, daughter, and three cats.

Lisa Diaz Meyer

ALL ROADS HOME, ALL ROADS DESTINED and ALL ROADS SHATTERED are Long Island author, Lisa Diaz Meyer’s current works of multi-genre, dark fiction short stories, poems and plays. The author, poet, playwright uses several controversial topics and awarenesses in her collection of speculative fiction. She has received 5 Star Reviews for all three of her books from Readers Favorite and Literary Titan, including Literary Titan’s Gold Book Award for each as well as Independent Press’ Distinguished Favorite. For her book ALL ROADS DESTINED, she was nominated for a 2017 CIPA EVVY award and also received a New Apple Official Selection in Poetry 2017. ALL ROADS SHATTERED received the New Apple Literary Solo Medalist Award in Short Story Fiction She hails from Nassau County’s south shore.

James J. Cudney, IV

James is my given name; most call me Jay. I grew up on Long Island and currently live in New York City, but I spend lots of time with family in Bethpage. By day, I work in technology. I began writing in 2016 and have two stand-alone family drama novels and a mystery series about Braxton Campus murders. I run a blog and read several books each week. Literature and chatting with fellow book lovers is my world.

Tracy Auerbach

Tracy Auerbach studied English and film in college, and education in graduate school. Some of her college poetry was published in the “Penn Review” (The University of Pennsylvania’s premier literary magazine). She went on to teach and write S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) curriculum for the New York Department of Education. Tracy’s work is featured in the online literary journal “Micro-horror,” and “The Writing Disorder” fiction anthology. Her first novel, “The Human Cure,” was published in paperback in 2014. “The Sin Soldiers,” the first book in her YA Sci-fi “Fragments” trilogy, was released this summer from Parliament House Press. When she is not teaching or writing, Tracy is usually reading or playing with her own children. She lives in New York with her husband and two sons.

Nika Rhone

Nika Rhone spent her childhood wearing out library cards as she read her way through the extraordinary worlds far beyond her small hometown on Long Island, NY. By her teens, her imagination was taking her places all on its own, forcing her to learn how to type (badly) so she could get all the stories down on paper. After a long love affair with science fiction and fantasy, she finally discovered romance, fell head-over-heels, and now spends her days crafting happily-ever-afters for the characters who still tell their stories faster (and better) than she can type them.

Catherine Maiorisi

Catherine Maiorisi is the author of the NYPD Detective Chiara Corelli mystery series featuring Corelli and her reluctant partner, Detective P.J. Parker, two tough women who fight each other and the blue wall, while solving high profile murders. The first, A Matter of Blood, a 2019 Lambda Literary Award Finalist, was followed by The Blood Runs Cold. The third, A Message in Blood, is coming in 2020. Catherine has also published two romances, Matters of the Heart and No One But You. Her third romance, Ready for Love, will be published in the fall of 2019. Her three mysteries and four romance short stories are available in various anthologies.

Janet Rudolph

Janet Rudolph has written a trilogy of books on the shamanic lessons underpinning Biblical wisdom. This series of books grew out of her 25-year journey-quest to discover and experience shamanic teachings throughout the world. She has studied with many extra-ordinary shamans and has been initiated into two differing traditions. Rudolph combines practical knowledge with research capabilities to unveil secrets that have been hidden for millennia.

Dr. John H. Krahn

Dr. John H. Krahn is the best selling author of a dozen nonfiction books. He is also a sought after speaker and lecturer. His book, From Surviving to Thriving – A Practical Guide to Revitalize Your Church, has sold thousands of copies and has resulted in Dr. Krahn being asked to present workshops on the subject of church revitalization both nationally and internationally. He also is a frequent presenter at local libraries on the topic, “Living a Happier Life at Every Age.” He’s giving his latest book, Great Thoughts and Quotations for Speakers and Writers, away free. Stop by his table to obtain your free copy.

local author event

Meet Me and Other Local Authors This Fall at a Cat Cafe, Coffee House, and Church

Posted on October 11, 2019 by Debbie

If you live on or near Long Island, you might be interested in some of the upcoming author events at which I’ll be participating with other local authors.

My first event, on Saturday, October 19, is at A Kitten Kadoodle. Coffee Cafe with three other members of the Coffee House Tours from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. If you like books, cats, coffee, and/or refreshments, come on down to see me and three other authors who will be happy to chat with you and autograph a copy of our books.

In November, I’ll be attending two author events. On Saturday, November 2, I will be at Mongo’s Coffee Roastery and Lounge with four other members of the Coffee House Tours from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. If you haven’t been to this coffee house in Syosset yet, you’re missing a wonderful experience. Unlike most coffee houses, Mongo’s is a large space that hosts many literary events and roasts their coffee on the premises. Come see for yourself and treat yourself to a cup of Joe with five authors.

On Saturday, November 16, I’ll be hosting the Local Author Fair at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church from 2 to 5 p.m. The President of the Long Island Authors Group, Roland Allnach, will be a speaker, and there will be twelve authors of various genres signing books at tables. In addition, each author will talk about their writing, and there will be raffles for prizes. Admission is free, and raffle proceeds will be donated to a local charity. It should be a fun day and a great opportunity to purchase some autographed books for yourself or as gifts for the upcoming holiday season.

I hope you can join me at one or all of these events. Thanks for your support.

Authors

A Beautiful Day at Long Island’s Local Author Fair

Posted on April 8, 2019 by Debbie

Debbie De Louise at her author’s table at Long Island’s Local Author Fair. Photo by Richard Meyer

On Saturday, April 6, I joined fellow Long Island authors from three writing groups at the Tilles Center on the C.W. Post Campus for the first Long Island’s Local Author Fair. The event was hosted by Long Island Authors Group, Long Island Romance Writers, and Long Island Children’s Writers and Illustrators. Author tables were set up in the Atrium, and author presentations, panels, and readings took place in the Founders and Patriot Lounges.

Roland Allnach, President of the Long Island Authors Group Photo by Lisa Diaz Meyer

The day started with an opening address by Roland Allnach, President of LIAG (Long Island Authors Group). After Roland gave information about his group, Patty Blount from Long Island Romance Writers and Linda Maria Frank from Long Island Children’s Writers and Illustrators each spoke about their associations. The keynote speaker, author Steve Israel, a former Congressman who grew up on Long island, told of his experiences as an author and representative. He compared writing to politics, pointing out several similarities. Regarding rejection, he noted a difference between the two, saying that a writer’s rejection is much more personal than someone running for office. He also gave some humorous but true anecdotes about participating in book fairs that the authors who were present were able to identify with.

Debbie De Louise speaking in the Founders Lounge about her mysteries. Photo by Lisa Meyer

After the opening speeches, authors returned to their tables and took turns speaking in the Founder’s Lounge. Some also participated in panels and readings in the Patriot’s Lounge. My turn to talk was at 4:40 p.m. I hadn’t viewed the Founders Lounge before and expected it to be a more formal room. I was surprised and pleased to see that, instead, it was set up with comfortable chairs and provided a casual atmosphere to discuss my writing and books.

For me, attending this event was like a homecoming to Post, my alma mater, where I earned a Bachelors in English and a Masters in Library Science in 1989. It was also where I worked as a Features Editor on the Pioneer, the student newspaper. That’s why I was especially glad to meet Carolyn Schurr Levin, Assistant Journalism Professor at C. W. Post, who dropped by my table to introduce herself. Her students had interviewed Roland Allnach for a story, and she said some would come by to also meet me.

Authors Debbie De Louise, Lisa Diaz Meyer, and Rekha Valliappan Photo by Richard Meyer

Debbie De Louise by her poster at Long Island’s Local Author Fair Photo by Richard Meyer

Debbie De Louise outside the Tilles Center Photo by Lisa Diaz Meyer

It was also great to see many familiar faces of fellow LIAG members and those who I’ve met at various local book fairs and author talks. My friend Lisa Diaz Meyer was seated in back of me. We took a few breaks to step outside into the beautiful spring day to view the campus and get some fresh air. This brought back many happy memories of my time at Post.

View across the LIU/Post Campus from outside the Tilles Center Photo by Debbie De Louise

Authors Debbie De Louise and Lisa Diaz Meyer outside the Tilles Center Photo by Richard Meyer

Authors, Books, local author event

Don’t Miss Long Island’s Local Author Fair

Posted on April 5, 2019 by Debbie

This Saturday, April 6, I’ll be attending Long Island’s Local Author Fair with fellow members of LIAG (Long Island Author’s Group) and other local writing associations. This event will take place at the Tilles Center on the LIU/C.W. Post Campus. Admission is free, and it runs from 3 to 8 pm. There’ll be over 50 authors participating, keynote speaker, Steve Israel, panels, and book signings. I’m looking forward to a great day meeting and chatting with authors and readers. If you’re in the Long Island area, enjoy reading and meeting authors, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

Check out this list of author presentations that feature a wide variety of genres. I’ll be speaking about my Cobble Cove mystery series and other books as well as my upcoming psychological mystery release at 4:39 pm in the Founders Hall. Please come by to see me at that time or at my table any time during the event.

Books, Cat Writer's Association, Conference, Contest, local author event, Love on the Rocks, New Releases, pre-sale

My Spring News: Awards, Events, and New Release

Posted on March 23, 2019March 27, 2019 by Debbie

My spring calendar is bursting with writing activity.

In April, I’ll be attending Long Island’s Local Author Fair with fellow members of LIAG (Long Island Author’s Group) and other local writing associations. This event will take place on Saturday, April 6, at the Tilles Center on the LIU/C.W. Post Campus. Admission is free, and it runs from 3 to 8 pm. There’ll be over fifty authors participating, keynote speaker, Steve Israel, panels, and book signings. I’m looking forward to a great day meeting and chatting with authors and readers. If you’re in the Long Island area, I hope you can make it.

In May, I’ll be traveling to St. Louis, Missouri for the 25th anniversary conference of the Cat Writer’s Association. I recently received a Certificate of Excellence in their annual contest for my cozy mystery, Love on the Rocks, and will be up for a special award at their banquet. I’ll also be signing books at a fundraiser for the Humane Society on Friday night, May 17. This event is open to the public and will take place at the Drury Plaza Hotel at the Arch.

Also in May, my new mystery, Sea Scope, will also be released, but it’s on pre-sale now.

Sarah Collins needs an escape. Mourning her brother’s death and the impending breakup of her marriage, she accepts an invitation to return to her childhood home in South Carolina, where her family operated an inn.

She hasn’t been back to Sea Scope for twenty years; not since she and her brother Glen discovered a body by the nearby lighthouse. She never understood why her parents left Sea Scope so suddenly, or the reasons behind her father’s suicide.

After Sarah returns to the inn, she faces long-buried memories, text messages and strange clues. Something is not right in Sea Scope.

Reunited with people from her past, she tries to figure out what’s going on in her childhood home. As the past and present collide, she must face truths about her family, and what happened that summer day by the lighthouse. But will she survive to tell the tale?

Looking forward to a great season.

local author event

Don’t Miss Long Island’s Local Author Fair on April 6

Posted on March 11, 2019 by Debbie

Long Island’s Local Author Fair, the first event of this kind on Long Island, will take place on April 6, 2019 from 3 to 8 pm at the Tilles Center on the LIU/C.W. Post campus. This event will feature over fifty authors from various writing groups on the Island including the Long Island Authors Group, of which I’m a member. Other groups include Long Island Romance Writers, Long Island Children’s Writers and Illustrators, and the Global Institute. There will be author talks, panels, and book signings. The keynote speaker is author, Representative, Steve Israel.

If you live in the NY/Long Island area, this is a not-to-be-missed event. Come out and meet your local authors. I’ll be there with my Cobble Cove mystery series, my paranormal romance, and my standalone thriller.

Authors

Author Fair at St. Stephens Church

Posted on May 14, 2018 by Debbie

Jan and Rick Mosebach at the St. Stephens raffle and information table.

The first church author fair at St. Stephens Lutheran Church in Hicksville took place on Saturday, May 12. It featured nine local authors, raffles, a church table with information and giveaways, and refreshments. The raffle prizes were donated by the authors. The money raised through the ticket sales were used as a fundraiser for the Hicksville Boys and Girls Club. Throughout the afternoon, each author spoke about their writing and autographed books at their table. The authors who participated wrote a variety of genres from mystery to romance to children’s books and poetry.

Rick Mosebach, Inreach/Outreach Director opening the fair.

Since I was the one who suggested an author fair for St. Stephens, I opened the program after Rick Mosebach, the director of Inreach/Outreach ministry, gave a few words about the church and their upcoming events. I introduced myself as a librarian at the Hicksville Public Library and the author of the Cobble Cove cozy mystery series and a recent standalone mystery. I read the blurbs to the first book of my series, A Stone’s Throw, and then the blurb and prologue of my new mystery, Reason to Die.

Mike Di Leo spoke next and read an excerpt from his historical novel, Images of Broken Light, taking place in 1980 during the time of John Lennon’s murder.

Karen Harter, a children’s author from Manhasset, spoke about the first book in her series, Jeremiah Strout and the Curse of the Golden Harp and shared some excerpts from the book before a short break that allowed the audience to chat with the authors, purchase autographed books, and have refreshments.

After the break, JoAnn Krapp, a School Library Media Specialist and children’s author, spoke about her writing and books.

Jeannie Moon, a high school librarian, romance author, and member of the Romance Writers of America spoke about her books published by Penguin Random House and Tule Publishing and read an excerpt from them.

Russ Moran was the last speaker before the second break. Russ, a member of the Long Island Authors Group along with a few other authors at the event including myself, spoke about his Time Magnet time travel series and other books. He mentioned how characters can become “real” to authors and develop their own identities.

After another short break, Mike O’Keefe, a retired NYPD detective, read excerpts from his crime novel, Shot to Pieces.

The next presentation was given by Cliff Bleidner, Coordinator of the Performance Poets Association, who was fit into the program last minute after one of the authors cancelled due to an emergency. Cliff read some of his poetry to the audience and spoke about his writing. He encouraged audience members who had an interest in writing to not let their fears stop them.

Last but not least, Elaine Whitehouse, a journalist and former editor of the Fire Island Tide and the Fire Island News who currently lives in Sayville, read an excerpt from her historical novel, Hart’s Tavern.

After the speakers, the raffle winners were announced. Each author who donated an autographed copy of their books drew a ticket. The largest prize was a gift basket of books donated by Meara Platt, an author who couldn’t attend the event. Janet Muller, the winner of that prize, also won a copy of my new mystery.

The fair raised $221 for the Hicksville Boys and Girls Club and was a nice opportunity for local authors to share their work with readers. St. Stephens hopes to make this an annual event.