FORT LAUDERDALE — “Conceive, connect and create” is the theme for a workshop hosted by Toastmasters International and more than a dozen local authors who cover a spectrum of genres and tastes.

The Day with the Authors workshop will be held 10 a.m. Saturday at the African- American Research Library and Cultural Center in Fort Lauderdale. The event, which organizers say is a must see, will provide would-be authors with information about self-publishing, book launch strategies, targeting their readers and speaking to sell books.

Attendees will hear presentations from up to 30 self-published authors including Dawna St. Louis, Antoinette Smith, Lydia Harris, Kingsley Grant, Larry Benovitz, Marlene M. Bryan and other authors across the South Florida communities.

In addition, Miramar Commissioner Wayne Messam will make a presentation on the importance of the written word. Messam belongs to a Toastmasters club at the Fountain of New Life Church in Miami Gardens.

“We want to help would-be authors learn about writing, publishing and marketing their books. We also want to emphasize the value of the written word in uplifting our communities,” said Bryan, a public relations officer with Toastmasters International.

Seminole Casino Hollywood Toastmasters Club and Friends of the African American Library and Cultural Center are presenting the showcase, which will focus on the importance of oral and written word, and the organization. Toastmasters International helps men, women and children develop public speaking and leadership skills. There are more than 14,600 clubs throughout the world, including 152 in the district that covers southeast Florida and the Bahamas.

Bryan said that many Toastmasters aspire to write a book or perhaps they have written books but wondered how to get the word out about it. This event will allow would-be authors to learn about the process of writing, publishing and marketing their books. Also, it is to give exposure to Toastmasters, which helps people overcome their fears of public speaking while developing their leadership skills. Several of the authors are members of area Toastmasters clubs.

Bryan is a distinguished Toastmaster, inspirational speaker and life coach. Her self-help book is Live a Diamond Life! Live a Life of Purpose. She is one of a few black female sales engineer managers in a field dominated by men. She and about 15 other authors will provide tips to attendees. Other speakers include:

Carline Francois writes about her faith in Enough is Enough Already. Her book is a fictional account of a woman of faith who experiences tragedies that make her start to doubt her faith and leads to her fuller understanding of the meaning of faith.

Kingsley Grant has written the book Two Steps to ForGIFTness to help people get past the pain of past relationships and issues; how to learn to forgive when their heart says, no.

Tabitha Mathis has written several children’s books, including The Little Green Apples, The Princess and the Tyger and The 5 Beautiful Angels (which is based on a mother teaching her beautiful angels their ABCs and how to count and how to interact with each other.

Wima Mulcare hosts events to improve people’s image through hair design, make-up and proper nutrition. She will share her presentation, Enhance Your Personal Image through Healthy Hair and Skin Care.
Dr. Welma Palmer was raised in Jamaica and is an ordained minister who has been married to a minister for 44 years and raised a family. Her book, Untold Miracles, details her life of struggles, faith and victory.

Georgina D.N. Robinson is a mediator and peace builder as well as an elder law attorney. She is the founder of readingpaysmore.com whose mission is for every child to read above grade level. Her book is My Bright Bright Light—a children’s story about learning to share.

Not only will writers learn to hone their craft at this event, but they will also be entertained by the likes of musical artistes including Michael Emmanuel. The cost for admission to the event is $10 and includes a lunch provided by the caterers, Love at First Bite.

A Day with Authors offers the perfect opportunity to interact and collaborate and learn from authors of different backgrounds. For more information about this spectacular event visit the event’s website at: http://adaywiththeauthors.eventbrite.com.