Born in New York City in 1924, the author is the product of a broken home. From his mother and her mother before her he inherited a lack of ability to share his feelings-and his affections. Singularly aware of his attraction to men at an early age his life has been a constant battle between finding a man he could love and respect, yet turning away from those who might have brought love into his life. Achieving early success as an actor's agent, that he was open about his sexuality put him constantly on the alert against those jealous of his success. Well thought of though he was his innate lack of self-worth caused him to give up an opportunity to open his own agency. Switching careers to casting for films and television, he was well respected by his peers and served as a Governor of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for two terms. When the graying of the industry brought his career to a sudden halt, David volunteered in various organizations whose purpose was to support people with AIDS. Peppered with true accounts of his romantic escapades in a seemingly futile search for a man to love, he eventually found peace through a stud of metaphysics. It is to his two felines, Dickens and Princess whom he credits with teaching him the meaning of unconditional love! After first Dickens and then Princess had to be put to sleep he thought long and had about adopting other cats. Concerned as to whether he would be around long enough to see them through their lives, in October 2004 he adopted littermates Tommy and Cookie. They have brought further love and understanding into his life!

Second in the Florida-set series of knitting, friends, and family from the author who’s “a southern Debbie Macomber, but with a flair all her own” (Karin Gillespie, author of Girl Meets Class). In this beautifully crafted and uplifting novel, the author of the acclaimed Spinning Forward welcomes readers back to the lush Florida island of Cedar Key, where the vibrant shades of hibiscus and azaleas are the perfect backdrop to a colorful, quirky community . . . In the four years since Monica Brooks moved to Cedar Key, she’s found a home, a husband, and now a business to love. Taking over her mother’s bustling knitting shop is a welcome challenge, but Monica’s exciting plans are waylaid by unexpected news. Her husband’s ex-wife has been deemed an unfit mother, and custody of their eight-year-old daughter, Clarissa, is to be transferred to Adam. Going straight from honeymoon to motherhood—especially when she’s unsure she wants children—leaves the normally even-keeled Monica doubting herself at every turn. Yet in a place like Cedar Key, nobody goes it alone. With help from friends and relatives, Monica, Clarissa, and Adam begin to forge a close-knit family of their own—one that will need to be strong enough to withstand all the surprises set to unravel . . . Praise for Spinning Forward “Poignant, absorbing, humorous . . . a debut that tugs at the heart.” —Sophia Nash, award-winning author of Whispering in French “Captures the essence of what often lies in each of our hearts. Don’t miss it!” —Jackie Lee Miles, author of Cold Rock River “A story of secrets and loss, friendship and recovery, and rediscovered love.” —Laura Castoro, author of Icing on the Cake

From the bone-fishing flats of the Pacific nuclear weapons' proving ground, Bikini Atoll, to the taimen rivers of Outer Mongolia, anthropologist Bill Douglas is the consummate angling adventurer.

In Casting About you will discover seven chapters of poetry each with a unique theme. All together, 100 poems comprise this book speaking to John's long and full tenure here on earth. As a scientist and physician, a naturalist, a father and husband, a fisherman, a storyteller, and as a man of deep spiritual faith, John has found a way to share his memorable poetic visions with us. And he has done so during a late life stage characterized by wisdom and autonomy; this collection of poems portraying his writing efforts between the ages of 81 to 84.

When life suddenly comes apart, a widow finds a new path forward with the help of a close-knit island community in this heartwarming novel. As a native New Englander, Sydney Webster is surprised to find herself starting over on an island off the coast of Florida. Yet here she is in Cedar Key, trying to pull herself together after her husband's untimely death—and the even more untimely revelation of his gambling addiction. Bereft of her comfortable suburban life, Syd takes shelter at a college pal’s bed and breakfast. Amidst the bougainvillea blossoms and the island's gentle rhythms, she begins to plan her next chapter . . . Syd never considered the possibility of turning her passion for spinning and knitting into something more than a hobby, but when the unique composition of her wool draws attention, a new door opens. Yet even as she ventures out of her comfort zone, Syd finds herself stepping into the embrace of a community rich with love, laughter, friendship . . . and secrets. And as long-hidden truths are revealed, Syd faces a choice: spin herself a safety net--or spin decidedly forward . . .

THE TRUTH ABOUT THE ACTING INDUSTRY - CONVERSATIONS WITH A VETERAN HOLLYWOOD CASTING DIRECTOR New Second Edition of this significant book on the casting process for TV and film, told with compassion, wisdom, and brutal honesty by a veteran Hollywood casting director. Casting credits include "Frasier," "Arrested Development," and former Manager of Casting at NBC. Topics not found in any other book of it's kind include: The Different Styles of Auditioning For Each Type of TV Show, Film, Commercial, Webseries What is Sex Appeal, and How To Project It? Ten Secrets of Charisma: What We Are Drawn To and How To Enhance Your Own The Transition from Theatre to On-Camera Work. The Demystification of the Audition Process. Current Trends in Casting That Have Changed the Way We Cast. Revealing interviews with Broadway & Hollywood Actors. A Special Section for Parents of Gifted Young Actors. How to get jobs in TV and Film and Keep Them. REVIEWS FROM FIRST EDITION: Blessing to Actors!, June 12, 2012 by Great, the Alexander "This is a great education coming from a Pro, well established and fresh in the business! Why CDs think and act the way they do. Etiquette in the room, Agencies worth noting, Even hotspots in LA Night Life!! She writes so that you feel like you're actually in front of her, having a conversation. I met Cathy shortly after reading her book for the first time and can testify, there is nothing fake about her! She represents everything she teaches and thus practices what she preaches. In her book she talks about loving actors who are genuinely great people inside. She is this, in the form of a casting director and educator." "There is SO much valuable information in this book for actors with all levels of experience. I keep it with my audition materials and handy for inspiration. Read this book, re-read, and use it as a reference. It will change your life, or at least your acting career for the better!"

What to Expect When You’re Not Expected to Expect Anything Anymore Did you see the title and flame-filled cover of this book, and did your weary, sweaty, confused, and exasperated soul scream, That one! That is the book for me!!? If so, I’d first like to extend my deepest sympathies, an ice pack, and some of these very helpful edibles. If it’s three in the morning as you’re reading this, as it may well be, you likely want those more than a book. But since I can’t really give you the other stuff, I can at least offer you this book. . . . Perimenopause and menopause experiences are as unique as all of us who move through them. While there’s no one-size-fits-all, Heather Corinna tells you what can happen and what you can do to take care of yourself, all the while busting pernicious myths, offering real self-care tips—the kind that won’t break the bank or your soul—and running the gamut from hot flashes to hormone therapy. With big-tent, practical, clear information and support, and inclusive of so many who have long been left out of the discussion—people with disabilities; queer, transgender, nonbinary, and other gender-diverse people; BIPOC; working class and other folks—What Fresh Hell Is This? is the cooling pillow and empathetic best friend to help you through the fire.