The following description was written by Program Director Judy Salamacha.

No matter what genre an author may prefer, love and romance will spice up fiction, haunt a poem or send one on an exploratory nonfiction mission. Join us on Valentine’s Day. Why not bring your sweetheart and a cookie or chocolate to our next general meeting while we immerse ourselves in writing that includes love and romance.

Joan Swan is a triple RWA® (Romance Writers of America) Golden Heart finalist and writes sexy romantic suspense with a paranormal twist. Agented by Paige Wheeler, founding partner of Folio Literary Management in New York, her debut novel, FEVER, will be released by publisher, Kensington Brava, almost minutes after our meeting on February 28, 2012. Her second novel, BLAZE, follows in October, 2012.

Swan will share her secrets on writing an enticing love scene and her journey as a debut author. “I write what I like to read: romantic suspense. I write for entertainment and escape--the same reasons I love to read. I prefer open-door sex, so my love scenes are typically hot and steamy. And because my stories involve suspense, you'll often find violence, mystery and an inside look at the intricate world of forensics. Occasionally, I like to dabble in the lighter side of paranormal as well.”

Swan is also a sonographer for one of the top ten medical facilities in the nation and lives in North County with her husband and two daughters.

The second half of our program will be Bob and Andrea Kamm, who plan to join us fresh from their romantic dinner somewhere in SLO. Bob is the author of multiple books on love and relationships, including Lyric Heart, The Superman Syndrome, and Real Fatherhood.
Bob says he “lives” to read poetry out loud and Andrea was willing to share him with us for just a little while on Valentine’s Day. He will focus his readings from one of his latest books, LOVE OVER 60 BURNS JUST AS BRIGHT. Prose and poetry tell the true story of Bob and Andrea’s romance - how they found each other and took big risks to be together.

Less than two years after meeting, Bob and Andrea opened The San Luis Relationship, Institute merging their talents to offer therapy, coaching and workshops for couples, singles and parents. The core readership for his book is baby boomers, but Kamm’s enduring sense of romance appeals to much younger individuals and couples as well. The book has been called lyrical, touching, funny, sassy and sexy and is available on Amazon.com.

Everyone talks romance on Valentine’s Day. Even authors like Ray Bradbury who says, “The best scientist is open to experience and begins with romance - the idea that anything is possible. Or Dr. Seuss who says, “You know you're in love when you don't want to sleep because reality is finally better than your dreams. And then there is my favorite poet, Robert Frost who says, “Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired.” Ah, so true!

Love Over 60 by Bob Kamm is an affirmation that love beyond 60 can burn even brighter than the love of youth and is far richer for its maturity. Prose and poetry weave the true story of Bob and Andrea’s meeting; how, within five months, Andrea had left a 25-year professional practice and moved 250 miles to be with Bob; when they bought a house, and why Bob embraced caring for Andrea’s ex-husband, a stroke victim.
 
Kamm’s work arises not simply from his love for his woman, but from the center of love itself. He is a voice for all of us who struggle to find words to equal the intensity of our feelings. The book blends prose and poetry that is at once highly personal and resoundingly universal.

As well, please be aware that many of our members who have published books will have those books available at the meeting for your reading -- and purchasing -- pleasure!

DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO THE PG&E CENTER:

1. Heading South on 101: Take San Luis Bay Drive exit (#196); turn right at stop sign, then the first left onto Ontario. It’s a quick left, because Ontario is a frontage road, so keep an eye out. As usual in California, signage isn’t as good as it could be. The PG&E Center is on the right about 1/4 mile from the turn.

or

2. Heading North on 101: Take San Luis Bay Drive exit (#196); turn left at the stop sign and go across the bridge over the highway. Just after bridge ends, after the southbound entrance to the 101, turn left onto Ontario, the frontage road. You’ll find PG&E on the right just a little way down the road. Huge parking lot with lots of lighting.