Becky Pourchot Pen Meets Brush Spotlight – June 26, 2015

Posted on June 26, 2015 by Michael Ray KingJune 26, 2015

Pen Meets Brush – June 26, 2015

The Inspired Mic is teaming up with Salvo Art in Palm Coast to present “Pen Meets Brush” where 10 presenters will deliver their creative material while artist J.J. Graham paints his interpretation of their work live. The painting will then be auctioned off to help support scholarships for children in the Summer Art Camp Program at Salvo. J.J., nor anyone else, for that matter, will know the content of each presenters’ work beforehand. This event pairs at least three incredible creative mediums in one event. Click this link for tickets: Pen Meets Brush

Becky Pourchot

Becky Pourchot started her journey as a writer in 1995 when she took an online class through the University of Wisconsin with writing coach Marshall Cook. At the time she had no interest in being a writer she simply wanted to “try something new.”
The class, that focused on writing features articles, proved to be an exciting challenge for her. Becky didn’t look back. She took every class Marshall offered. In no time she was submitting articles to local papers, enjoying seeing her byline in print. Within the year she had blossomed into a professional freelance writer.
With an itch to tell her own stories, Becky began work on her first book, I Look Better in Binary, a collection of humorous short stories featuring the most embarrassing moments of her childhood. After publication she wrote a second book Forgive Me Martha—a funny dedication to Martha Stewart asking for forgiveness for her failed homemaking skills.
One day, while visiting an 8th grade class to talk about writing an idea for a book came to her—why not take the quirky troubles of being a teen and merge it with her favorite subject—ghosts. The result was the Hungry Ghost Series, a funny collection of books about a fifteen year old girl who resents her ability to talk with the dead.
Earlier this year Becky decided to delve in the dark side. Open Souls is a romantic thriller about facing, and ultimately embracing our own darkness within.
Becky now lives in Flagler Beach, Florida with her husband and three kids, and even though she’s perpetually busy, she always finds time to focus on her first love—writing.
You can find all of Becky’s books at www.beckypourchot.com

Amy Alysia – Pen Meets Brush – June 26, 2015

Posted on June 24, 2015 by Michael Ray KingJune 24, 2015

Pen Meets Brush – June 26, 2015

Amy Alysia

Vocalist Amy Alysia is a performer who works tirelessly to claim her place as one of the premier vocalists in Central Florida. Always known for her soulful, heartfelt ballads, impressive vocal range, and unique approach to a song, Amy Alysia always leaves her audience wanting more. Fans say her voice is “like sweet butter,” while others say “her voice is a gift from God”.

Amy Alysia entertains her audience with a wide variety of Smooth & Jazz Standards, R&b, & Soul, and is not afraid to diversify her song selections that easily sets her apart from other performers. some of her female vocalist that has influenced her includes Anita Baker, Aretha Franklin, Randy Crawford, Natalie Cole, Bonnie Raitt, and Sarah Vaughn. Crowds are captivated with her sound, energy, and especially her ability to incorporate them into every live performance.

This musical journey isn’t a new one. Her mother has a cassette tape recording of her singing at the age of 2. “Yes Jesus Loves Me.” Who knew that her humble beginnings in the church and the local school choirs were preparing her for a successful life in music. Amy credits her parents for a strong spiritual foundation, that built her character; junior high school music teacher Earl Thompson for developing her gifts at an early age; & college music director, Roger Sears, who helped develop her confidence.

Although she began singing in church, around the age of fifteen she began traveling with local gospel artists singing around the State of Florida. Her senior high school music teacher took interest in her and she began to sing as the vocalist for many weddings, funerals, civic events, and more. Today, She is quickly winning the hearts of local audiences who simply want more! In addition to Amy Alysia’s musical abilities, she completed her college education earning a Bachelors in Accounting, a Masters Degree in Business Administration, and an All-Lines Claims Adjuster Certification, she has decided to pursue her lifelong dreams of singing. With the management and support of her husband Phil Reed, also drummer, she is able to focus 100% on building her brand. Currently, Amy Alysia is working to release her first highly anticipated album to be released soon.

Angelica Timothy – Pen Meets Brush – June 26, 2015

Posted on June 24, 2015 by Michael Ray KingJune 24, 2015

Pen Meets Brush – June 26, 2015

Angelica Timothy

My name is Angelica Timothy. I’m 16 years old and a student at FPC. I have a wide range of interests that include writing, video games, music, and movies. My tastes are very eclectic and I’ll write about anything and everything that interests me.

Anna Zaires Pen Meets Brush Spotlight – June 26, 2015

Posted on June 22, 2015 by Michael Ray KingJune 22, 2015

Pen Meets Brush – June 26, 2015

Anna Zaires

Anna Zaires is a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of sci-fi romance and contemporary dark erotic romance. She fell in love with books at the age of five, when her grandmother taught her to read. Since then, she has always lived partially in a fantasy world where the only limits were those of her imagination. Currently residing in Florida, Anna is happily married to Dima Zales (a science fiction and fantasy author) and closely collaborates with him on all their works.

After graduating from the University of Chicago with a degree in Economics, Anna spent eight years on Wall Street analyzing stocks and writing research reports. In 2013, she became a full-time author, pursuing her lifelong dream of writing romance novels.

Dima Zales is the love of her life and a huge inspiration in all aspects of her writing. Every book Anna writes is a product of their unique collaborative process.

In addition to reading and writing, Anna enjoys drinking tea (coconut oolong, anyone?), watching addictive TV shows, and discussing book ideas during long walks with her amazing husband.

Kevin G. Cox – Pen Meets Brush Spotlight – June 26, 2015

Posted on June 20, 2015 by Michael Ray KingJune 18, 2015

Pen Meets Brush – June 26, 2015

Kevin G. Cox

Kevin G. Cox was born and grew up in the Red Hook section of Brooklyn. Less than a week after his twenty-first birthday Kevin was appointed a Police Officer. He would work in the Seven-Nine precinct (Bed-Sty), Midtown Precinct South on the Apple (Times Square) before arriving at the Eight-Three Precinct were he found a home. Kevin stayed there until he was injured and left the Department due to disability.

In his Time on the job he received numerous medals and awards and was made a member of the N.Y.P.D. Honor Legion.

After his retirement he worked for Domestic Relations in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. He is now retired and living in Florida with his wife Nancy. In his life he has made over a thousand arrests.

So in short he is a cliché. The poor kid from a tough waterfront neighborhood that would grow up to be a cop and marry a nurse. Sort of the type Pat O’Brian would play in a 1930’s movie. When he wasn’t playing a priest of course.

Richard A. Meo – Pen Meets Brush Spotlight – June 26, 2015

Posted on June 19, 2015 by Michael Ray KingJune 18, 2015

Pen Meets Brush – June 26, 2015

Richard A. Meo

Hello my name is Richard A. Meo, I am a retired Fire Captain from the FDNY.

In 1979 I graduated from Oswego College in NY with a BA in Biology. I was appointed to the FDNY in 1980 and served into 2003. I attended John Jay College for Fire Science until 1984, was promoted to Lt. in 1990 and Captain in 1998. During my years I worked all over Manhattan and the Bronx and went to hundreds of fire and emergencies. The worst two were the 1993 bombing of the World Trade center and the attacks of 9/11.

In 2009 my first book, My Turn On The Firelines, 1980-2003, was published by Trafford Publishing. It was updated and revised in 2014 with MRK Publishing.

Just two months ago my second book, Fatal Flaws Book 1, a history of what led to 9/11, was published by Xlibris Publishing. Fatal Flaws Book 2 will come out next year. My Family and I moved to Palm Coast in 2004, and I am the owner of Venetian Painting.

Pen Meets Brush Spotlight – Tim Baker – June 26, 2015

Posted on June 18, 2015 by Michael Ray KingJune 18, 2015

Pen Meets Brush – June 26, 2015

Tim Baker

Tim Baker began writing in 2006. His first novel, Living the Dream, was published in 2009 and since then he has released 7 more novels, 2 novellas and one collection of short stories. Tim was born and raised in Rhode Island where he spent the majority of his adult life working in Architectural Design.

He has also studied and taught martial arts…raised and socialized puppies to be guide dogs for the blind and owned an ice cream shop. Now he lives in Palm Coast writing books and working as a DJ on Flagler Beach’s own radio station – Surf 97.3 FM

Pen Meets Brush Spotlight – Shm’al Ellenberg June 26, 2015

Posted on June 17, 2015 by Michael Ray KingJune 18, 2015

Pen Meets Brush – June 26, 2015

Shm’al Ellenberg

After 75 years of life there’s a long list of bio special incidents.I’ll take you back in time. I left home at 19 after waking my parents and telling the I was getting a ride to Los Angeles. No previous discussion otherwise it would not have happened.

The first night, driving through Columbus, Ohio, the dirver-owner of the car got into a race on the main four lane out of town. The other driver was so angry we were beating him, he caught up with us and intentionally slamed his car into ours knocking us into a telephone pole. No one was hurt, but the driver-owner of the car begged for me to say I was the driver since he had no drivers license.

My immediate thought was if he went to jail I was stuck so since we weren’t to blame I naively told the police i was the driver. They took me to jail. As we drove in the patty wagon my 19 year-old mind wondered if this was a sign. Yes it was. Whatever the complcated inclination in me was to get on with my life I knew nothing had changed in the last 12 hours.

The driver driver-owner was a stand-up dude and bailed me out. Well, after all. He paid for a motel for a few days until the car was repaired and off I went on my magical mystery tour of a blesssed life.

Upcoming Inspired Mic Events!

Posted on June 3, 2015 by Michael Ray KingJune 3, 2015

Inspired Mic in June!

The summer is kicking off nicely. Our last event Inspired Mic in May was a colossal hit at Cypress Knoll Country Club. We got excellent video which will soon be available on our new site. As soon as we get the final edits on the videos, we will be letting you know!

Speaking of video, we will be attempting to video our BeachHouse Beanery event on June 16th. We believe we will be able to capture a quality video of the presenters as well as excellent audio. Hey, we’re brave! We’ll give it a shot! As of this writing, there are two presenter spots open for the June 16th event. If you would like to present, please email me right away. Author@MichaelRayKing.com

On June 26th, The Inspired Mic and Salvo Art will be teaming up for the Pen Meets Brush event at Salvo Art’s wonderful facility. At this event, ten presenters will read their material while J.J. Graham will interpret what he hears through paint. The canvas will be huge, the presentations huge, and the audience…HUGE!

One of the many cool aspects of this event will be the auctioning of the end product painting with the proceeds going to help with Summer Art Camp scholarships. We are excited to partner with J.J. and Petra at Salvo Art for what will be an incredible evening of entertainment.

Inspired Mic in July!

Yes, July’s Inspired Mic News is huge as well! The Inspired Mic will be holding a “War of the Words” contest where three judges and the audience vote on who presented the highest quality material. The presenter who receives the most votes will win cash! Yes, moolah!

In order to present at The Inspired Mic from July on, presenters must purchase their ticket to hold their place. There will be two ticket prices. The regular $10 ticket will be available. If a presenter wishes to enter the War of the Words Contest, the ticket price is $15. To sign up to be a July presenter, click on the “Presenters Page” above or follow this link: Inspired Mic Sign-up

We are excited about the audience participation in the voting for this and future events. The July event is already halfway filled with respect to presenters, so if you wish to participate, please reserve your spot today. I expect by the June 16th Inspired Mic, the July 21st event will be fully booked.

We are looking forward to The Inspired Mic on June 16th at The BeachHouse Beanery, the Pen Meets Brush at Salvo Art on June 26th, and The Inspired Mic again at The BeachHouse Beanery with the War of the Words Contest on July 21st! Come on out and enjoy!!!

Jim Farrell – The Inspired Mic Spotlight – May 19th

Posted on May 16, 2015 by Michael Ray KingMay 7, 2015

The Inspired Mic is now entering its third year! We began this wonderful trek at The BeachHouse Beanery in May of 2013. We will be at Leroy’s 19th Hole on this date! May the 19th is technically the official two-year mark as we began on the third Tuesday of the month way back when. The Inspired Mic boasts writers of all genres, magicians, musicians, mentalists, actors, motivational speakers, painters, just to name a few. The write-ups you will be reading on this site were all written by the presenters as a way for you to get to know them. Pick your tickets up now, because they are $10 in advance, $15 at the door! You may get tickets in person at Change Jar Books, Flagler Beach Gift Shop, and The BeachHouse Beanery.You may also purchase advance tickets at The Inspired Mic

Jim Farrell

Jim Farrell is still promoting his first novel, Brooklyn Boy, and his collection of short stories, Kiss Me, Kate and Other Stories, but he is actively involved in the final stages of preparing his new novel, The Extraordinary Banana Tree (EBT), for publication.

He will be reading one of his short stories from Kiss Me, Kate at the April and May (2) Inspired Mics: Little Max and the Hooters Girl. The story is fiction, but those who know his grandson, Max, will recognize the truth underlying the fiction. Strangely enough, Little Max’s grandmother, Paula Felici, will also be presenting in April. Paula is a well-known and quite accomplished local artist who works out of the Salvo Art Project. Jim’s son married Paula’s daughter. Jim and Paula both live in Palm Coast, and Little Max now lives in Ponte Vedra, just south of Jacksonville. Jim and Paula can often be seen on the sidelines of Max’s lacrosse games cheering him on.

Jim introduced his new novel, EBT, and the heroine, Cheryl Flynn, to the world at the March Inspired Mic at Leroy’s 19th Hole. Cheryl Flynn was aboard the C5A that left Saigon on April 4, 1975, as an escort for a group of Vietnamese-American orphans being airlifted to Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines. The plane, and this is actual history, crashed thirteen miles southeast of Saigon. The novel moves back in time to follow the career of Billy Dobson, who was Manager of Flight Operations for Air America on April 4,1975. The reader does not re-arrive at April 4, 1975, until Chapter Twenty-Eight and, even though Cheryl reappears in Chapter Five and is prominent throughout the novel, the reader does not know if Cheryl survives the crash until we reach Chapter 28. Don’t ask Jim. He won’t tell.

Jim Farrell was Manager of Flight Operations for Air America in Saigon, so the story, and it is fiction, is based on many actual experiences he had in South Vietnam and other locales in Southeast Asia. Although the novel tells the story of the fall of Saigon and of the events leading up to it, it is not a war story. It is a love story set in a time of war. I think the reader will love the relationship that develops between Cheryl Flynn and Billy Dobson that starts when they meet on the beach in Nha Trang, a piece of Heaven on Earth, in April, 1973. And although the story is based on fact, it is a novel. It is fiction.

Jim is currently working with his very attractive niece, Tara Collinson, who will be the model for Cheryl Flynn on the book’s cover. Tara’s fiancé is working to create the proper background for Tara in the cover photo: the blue and silver Air America helicopters, for example.

Jim falls in love with all his heroines: Cheryl Flynn in the Extraordinary Banana Tree, Anita Sanchez in Brooklyn Boy, Sandy Roberts in the “Mark and Sandy” stories (eight) in Kiss Me, Kate.

Jim is currently also working on a new collection of short stories, tentatively called The Committee and Other Stories which he plans to get published after EBT is out and available. The title story is about Homeowners Association self-appointed enforcers. Anyone who has lived with a HOA Agreement has met these busybodies. Other stories deal with the teenage trauma of moving just before beginning high school (Rebecca), high school problems (Fight on a School Bus), the at times unbelievable self-absorption of the elderly (Where’s My Car?), Internet sex solicitation (Adriana), and three stories about a US Army Captain who takes R&R in Perth, Western Australian, and meets the love of his life. (It All Started One Saturday in Perth; Marcus and the Schoolyard Fight; The Rhode Island Visit.) The exotic heroine of these final three stories, Sky Winters, is trying to crack the trinity of Cheryl, Anita and Sandy.

Jim’s first two books are available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble, paperback or Kindle/Nook, and at Change Jar Books in Flagler Beach. Brooklyn Boy is even available in a hard cover edition from Amazon for those who want the very best.

The Extraordinary Banana Tree will also be available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble, and also in the same formats as Brooklyn Boy: hardcover, paperback, Kindle and Nook. And, of course, at Change Jar Books. He promises to let the world know when it is available.