Sunday, January 29, 2012
Cleveland author plans book tour
CLEVELAND
Clevelander Dan Chaon is launching a nationwide tour to promote his new book, “Stay Awake,” a collection of short stories. Two book-signing dates in Cleveland are on his schedule.
The author, a National Book Award finalist for “Among the Missing,” also won critical acclaim for his novels “Await Your Reply” and “You Remind Me of Me.”
His stories are described as haunting, suspenseful tales of characters who are lost, fragile, searching souls. The author himself says that the book was inspired by his desire to write a collection of ghost stories but that they don’t all have a supernatural basis.
Chaon, a professor of creative writing at Oberlin College, will appear for a talk and signing at 7 p.m. Feb. 9 at Barnes & Noble, 198 Crocker Park Blvd., Westlake, and at 7 p.m. March 7 at The Coventry Village branch of Heights Libraries, 1925 Coventry Road, Cleveland Heights.
The book is published by Ballantine Books and will go on sale Feb. 7 for $15. Visit www.ballantinebooks.com or www.danchaon.com.
Boardman native releases first novel
BOARDMAN
Jim Dravec, a Boardman High School graduate, has released his debut novel, “The Pinned Castle.” It’s available as an ebook on Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook.
Dravec, 24, has lived in the Toledo area the past 18 months, and he works as a reading and writing teacher at the Huntingon Learning Center.
He describes the antihero of his book as an unrecognized genius who is germaphobic, apathetic and hilariously cynical. While trying to make it as a writer and a senior at a central Ohio public university, his life is complicated by three women.
It also is available at amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.
Austintown resident shares business tips
MINERAL RIDGE
Mark Cole of Austintown, a financial-services analyst, has written his first book, “The Only Business Book You’ll Ever Need,” with a group of business experts from all over the world.
His goal is to share successful strategies that business owners can make use of in their daily lives.
Cole also is a multiple-line agent with Mark Cole Agency representing American National Insurance Co. He has more than 30 years of professional experience in creating and managing his own companies and co-owns a marketing company and an international firm.
His leadership positions include area director with Business Network International and incoming 2013 president of the Rotary Club of Austintown.
The book features advice from top entrepreneurs, business owners and marketing experts. The authors share their insights, tips and secrets to success in any kind of economy.
The business icons include Brian Tracy, Leigh Steinberg, Robert Allen, Ron LeGrand, and Chris Attwood and Janet Bray Attwood, among others.
For more about Cole, visit www.markcoleconsulting.com. The book is published by Celebrity Press and will be released this year.
Vindicator staff reports