Members of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce join author Rossolyn Turner (center) for her book signing on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016

By Allen Payton

Antioch business owner and author, Rossolyn Turner held a book signing with the Antioch Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 for her autobiography, entitled “I’ve Got Words for You: The abuse that killed me, and the words that brought me back to life.”

The introduction to her book offers readers a hint of what to expect, as you will find out why Turner accepted abuse and molestation for years and how she finally found the courage and strength to deal with her past.

The description on Amazon.com reads: “Find out what she did to save her life and turned depression into love and success by starting her very own company. This book is perfect for junior high school age and up. Anyone who has experienced any abuse in their life will appreciate this book and will realize they are not alone.”

Turner also owns Playback Communications which provides captioning services and sign interpreting for clients with various disabilities. She shared a few thoughts during her book signing.

“Anyone can overcome abuse and become anything you want in life. It just depends on how bad you want it,” said Turner.  “I have heard from many who said they had decided to throw in the towel and after reading this book they began to fight harder to follow their dreams.  I knew then I accomplished my purpose for writing the book.”

“Once you begin reading it, you won’t want to put it down,” she added.

Purchase your copy of Turner’s book on Amazon by clicking here. She can be contacted for speaking engagements at (951) 496-8618,

Joshua Shaffer eating lunch at the secretive Club 33 at Disneyland in October, 2012. photo from his Facebook page

Antioch resident Joshua Shaffer, author of Discovering The Magic Kingdom: An Unofficial Disneyland Vacation Guide, will be at Barnes & Noble Bookstore on Lone Tree Way in Antioch for a book signing, on Saturday evening, August 20th. His Disneyland book is packed full of nearly 1,000 fun facts, trivia, history, Hidden Mickeys, money saving advice, and so much more.

The first-time published author, Shaffer, has spent his adult life frequenting Disneyland. One year while on a Disney vacation, it struck him that he should write an all inclusive book compiling every bit of information into one vacation guide that cannot be found anywhere else. It started with that simple notion and has evolved into this final work.

Joshua became fascinated with everything he learned about the park. He set out to put together a book to share with everyone the intricate details of The Happiest Place On Earth. For researching, he frequented Disneyland, read many books, interviewed Cast Members, watched interviews, read blogs, and surfed the internet for four and a half years to make sure his book had more information available inside it than any other of its kind.

As a hobby he spends much of his spare time researching and investigating to find out the facts not just the rumors on a variety of topics. Joshua has been a cartoonist and artist since the age of ten. He currently works as an Animal Center Technician with Contra Costa Animal Services.

Book cover

Since his book’s release, he has been to many book signings, was interviewed on 95.3 KUIC, Living The Dream Podcast, Magical Day Radio, and The Sweep Spot. Recently he was interviewed for a documentary DVD about the Disneyland secrets for the film company Theme Parkology.

“People who have read the book love learning all the fun facts about Disneyland and its history,” Shaffer said.

As one reviewer states; “This is very thorough, well researched book on Disneyland. As Ed MacMahon would say to Johnny Carson, ‘Everything you ever wanted to know about Disneyland is in this book.’ If you love Disneyland, you will love this book. Well done!” – George M., San Diego, CA.

Joshua Shaffer will be at Barnes & Noble, 5709 Lone Tree Way, Antioch, on Saturday August 20, 2016, at 6:00 pm.

You can follow him on social media at www.facebook.com/DiscoveringTheMagicKingdom and www.instagram.com/disneyguides. If you can’t attend Saturday’s book signing, you can order an autographed copy of his book at www.discoveringthemagickingdom.com.

Book cover for “Ava Goes to the Zoo.”

By Allen Payton

Antioch residents and co-authors Alicia Coleman-Clark and her daughter Ava J. Clark will sign their three books, “Ava Goes to the Dentist,” “ Ava Goes to the Zoo” and “Ava Goes to the Beach With Friends” at Barnes and Noble in Antioch, on Thursday, April 20th from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Ava is a nine-year-old, little girl who has autism. Released last year, “Ava Goes to the Dentist” was her first book on her personal experience. They have since released their second and third books. Autism impacts Ava’s daily life in ways that at times are unimaginable.

The event is a fundraiser to benefit Anova, a school for children with autism and behavioral needs, and which Ava attends.

Alicia and Ava hope that their books and enclosed resources will support other families in their journey. This is an awesome way to wrap up Autism Awareness Month.

Alicia and Ava are proud to share their books with everyone at Barnes and Noble.

“Ava Goes to the Dentist” is a social story from a child’s point of view. Ava was diagnosed with autism at the age of two-and-a-half. The book is the first of a series of books Alicia and Ava have planned, on various outings through the eyes of a child with autism.

Alicia’s philosophy for a life well lived is, to be present in every relationship, live with compassion and practice humility.

Barnes & Noble is located at 5709 Lone Tree Way.

Sales of “Ava Goes to the Dentist” to benefit Carmen Dragon Elementary School

Antioch residents and authors Alicia Coleman-Clark and her daughter Ava J. Clark will sign their new book, “Ava Goes to the Dentist” at Barnes and Noble, locatd at 5709 LoneTree Way on Thursday, April 30th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Goodie bags will be given to the first 50 people.

Ava is an eight-year-old, little girl who has autism. This is her first book on her personal experience. Autism impacts her daily life in ways that at times are unimaginable. Alicia and Ava hope that this book and enclosed resources will support other families in their journey. This is an awesome way to wrap up Autism Awareness Month.

Alicia and Ava are proud to share this book with everyone at Barnes and Noble for the first time. The “Ava Goes to the Dentist” book signing will also be a fundraiser for Ava’s school, Carmen Dragon Elementary in Antioch. Also, a portion of Alicia’s royalties are going toward the UC Davis MIND Institute and Stanford University for their continued research in autism.

When you use the ticket #11601267 at checkout, a portion of the proceeds go to Carmen Dragon Elementary School. This number can also be used at the check out on the Barnes and Noble website for online purchases from Thursday, April 30^th through Tuesday, May 5^th.

“Ava Goes to the Dentist” is a social story from a child’s point of view. Ava was diagnosed with autism at the age of two-and-a-half. The book is the first of a series of books Alicia and Ava have planned, on various outings through the eyes of a child with autism.

Alicia’s philosophy for a life well lived is, to be present in every relationship, live with compassion and practice humility.

Carleton Booker, owner of East County-based 911 MYNONPROFIT, announced recently that they have successfully released a book to help non-profit organizations, entitled Things You Need To Know About Non-Profit – Making Sense of Non-Profit Status. It’s available now on Amazon and Kindle.

Many people want to serve the community and some of them want to start a non-profit to fulfill their dreams. However, all the paperwork required by the government can be annoying. Plus, people need to know it’s a business and how to run a non-profit like a real business. So, he’s written the book and provides a free e–book report on thecompany’s website www.911mynonprofit.com, plus 50 fund raising ideas, articles and much more.

Booker formed the company to help other non-profit organizations and charities find their way through the IRS application and incorporation process to obtain tax-exempt charity status.

They help their clients with the tedious necessities, and those whose non-profit that has been revoked by the IRS. 911 MYNONPROFIT takes customer satisfaction seriously and their ultimate goal is to earn the trust of their valued customers through consistently exceptional service.

The company is composed of experienced and knowledgeable professionals who have the ability to process more than five to ten applications a week. Their service associates know what works with the IRS. They know the way to fill in the correct details and submit the application properly, to guarantee IRS acceptance.

For those who want to file their application and incorporation for tax-exempt status, 911 MYNONPROFIT is the best choice to rely on, with a proven, 100 percent success rate. They have streamlined the application process to offer affordable, high quality and fast service to all f their customers.

They completely understand that any organization has unique issues and needs that must be immediately addressed accurately and 911 MYNONPROFIT guarantees clients prompt, personal service to ensure their IRS applications are filed successfully.

To learn more, pleasevisitwww.911mynonprofit.com. For inquiries, please contact Carleton Booker at 1-877-865-4445 or email info@911mynonprofit.com.

Carleton Booker

About Carleton Booker

Known across America for his passion and real world techniques, Carleton has earned the nick name “Business Intervention Specialist,” as an out-of-the-box thinker, and an independent, sounding board when you want to bring structure and clarity to your business andorganization.

He can help you identify core issues and make the complex simple, and will hold the space for you to create your own solutions.

In addition, as a professional speaker, branding and online marketing expert, and personal development coach, he captivates audiences with his energy, humor, and straight-forward style of motivation. Carleton’s expertise encompasses helping business leaders churches, nonprofits and entrepreneurs create powerful brands and teach them how to market their brand in a crowded marketplace.

As a cutting-edge entrepreneur and marketing guru, Booker doesn’t just talk business, he lives it. He has 20 years experience as a CEO and President of multiple businesses and is now owner of 911 MYNONPROFIT.

Carleton is the author of two other books, including Corporate Credit Makeover, to help business owners establish corporate credit, maintain financial relationships throughout the life of their business, and how to get $50,000 of credit for their business; and Increase Profits Through Incentive Marketing, which includes tips, tactics, techniques and strategies for growing a business through travel incentives, even in the toughest of economies.

Booker believes that we all have a God-given purpose which can be found in our dreams. His motto is “A goal is a dream with a deadline.”

Picking up up where “Dear America, Do You Hear What I Hear?” left off, Glenn Willis, Ed.D., has dedicated his new book to all the middle class citizens who still yearn for the mythical American dream and believe that change is possible. “Dear America, Where Do We Go From Here?” is available now on Amazon Kindle and Barnes and Nobles (Nook books).

An adjunct professor and disabled veteran, Dr. Willis has organized his latest book as a selection of heartfelt, impassioned letters concerning a myriad of current events and social issues. Yet rather than standing on a soapbox and pronouncing an agenda, he offers questions and propositions that should give every reader pause, regardless of his or her political orientation.

“America is the color of the rainbow,” remarked Dr. Willis. “We’re a nation of many cultures and histories, though many of our representatives have developed the worst kind of tunnel vision. Today, Congress protects the interests of the few and turns a deaf ear to the voice of the many. Both parties play this game, and it’s ordinary Americans who are losing every day.”

While the entire middle class has borne the weight of government inaction or cronyism, military veterans have faced perhaps the toughest struggle of all. VA hospital scandals, needless foreign wars and low pay for troops have made it difficult for the nation to keep its promises to veterans. Dr. Willis urges elected leaders to consider the plight of those who have already sacrificed nearly everything yet received so little in return.

Dr. Willis’s vision is to share his hard-won knowledge and experience with today’s generation. He feels the principles that made this nation powerful and humane can still have a transformative effect on society.

Dr. Glenn Willis

About Glenn Willis

A retired Viet Nam era disabled veteran, Glenn Willis, Ed.D, was born in Camden, New Jersey. He dropped out of Rutgers University towards the end of the Viet Nam War and enlisted in the United States Air Force. Upon his discharge, Dr. Willis returned to Rutgers to complete his course work before moving to California to continue his education. He graduated from San Francisco State University with a BA in English and Creative Writing, and an MA in English Literature. Later, he earned his Doctorate in Education with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction. Glenn has held the positions of Dean of Students, Dean of Instructional Services, Academic Dean and Director of Academic Affairs. His love for teaching and touching the lives of students encouraged his return to the classroom.

Currently, Dr. Willis is an Adjunct English Professor at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, California. He is the author of science fiction novel “Terror in Oaktown,” and the nonfiction book, “Dear America, Do You Hear What I Hear?” and “Dear America, Where Do We Go From Here?”

To purchase Willis’ books, visit www.wtbayareapublishing.com.