Members

Barbara BixonBarbara Bixon, writing under the name A. R. Alan, has published fifteen books. She won awards for her short stories, and has sold comedic material to Joan Rivers. Her novels range from the hilarious in: Do I Flaunt My Fat, Or Jump Off A Bridge, and Confessions Of A Slut, to captivating mysteries like Fireflies and The Index Killer. As a screenwriter, Barbara has written seven screenplays that are ready for film and TV series.

Besides writing, she is proud that she’s helped save thousands of acres of forests in the N.Y. and N.J. Ramapo Mountains. Barbara gives book talks and writing workshops for Florida communities, charitable organizations, and libraries.

Barbara Bixon
Letters
Email: bbcarter2@aol.com
Website: www.aralanbooks.com


Lea Hope Becker is a licensed attorney and tax preparer who has been writing and publishing books since 2008.  She has six titles currently on Amazon, three memoirs and three recent full-length books, which she describes as “novels laced with humor.”  Her most recently published book is Think Yourself Young. Lea also composes poems which tell of the joys and frustrations of her various life experiences.  She holds a law degree and bachelor’s degree from De Paul University in Chicago.

Lea Hope Becker
Letters
E-mail: leabecker2@comcast.net

Website: LeaHopeBecker.com

 

 


elaine-bossikElaine Bossik is a novelist and screenwriter. Her debut novel, The Last Victim, is a literary romance about a family dominated by a mother obsessed with hoarding money. Her second novel, Body Merchants, is a thriller revolving around the worldwide trade in human organs. Elaine’s novels are available on her website, Amazon, and B&N.

As a staff writer for Scriptologist.com, Elaine writes articles for aspiring screenwriters. After receiving BA and MS degrees from Brooklyn College in NY, Elaine pursued multiple careers – teacher, advertising copywriter, magazine editor, and medical writer.

Elaine conducts book talks, book club and panel discussions, and writing workshops.

Elaine Bossik
Letters
Email: elainebossik@yahoo.com
Website: www.elainebossik.com

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    Andrea Bucher-McAdams is a columnist, film producer, poet and playwright. Her poems have appeared in two anthologies and her one act play, The Date, was featured in a showcase at the Episcopal Actors Guild. Her latest project is writing the book of a jukebox musical, Today’s Prodigal Son, featuring 30 of her nephew Drew Barrett’s songs.

Travel is Andrea’s passion and she has twice circumnavigated the globe. She currently serves on the Board of the St. Georges Society of Palm Beach and is an active member of the Brandeis National Committee, Trails Chapter.

Andrea Bucher-McAdams

Letters

Email: buchermcadams@aol.com

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Dr. Joan Cartwright is an internationally-known vocalist, composer, and author of fourteen books. She holds a BA in Music/Communications, a MA in Communications, a DBA in Business Marketing, and is professor of Speech Communications at Palm Beach State College, Lake Worth, FL.

In 2014, Joan was honored as the first Lady Jazz Master in Atlanta, GA. Legacy Magazine named her among the Top 25 Women of Color in Business and Leadership in 2016. She received the Jazz Journalists Association (JJA) Jazz Hero Award in 2019. Joan produced two CDs with her music – Feelin’ Good and In Pursuit of a Melody.

Joan is CEO of FYI Communications, Inc., a marketing company. Her non-profit, Women in Jazz South Florida, Inc. (WIJSF), promotes women musicians globally. She hosts podcasts featuring women composers, instrumentalists, and vocalists on MUSICWOMAN Radio (www.blogtalkradio.com/musicwoman). Joan owns MJTV Network with her daughter Mimi Johnson and acts in two sitcoms, Last Man and Women@Work.

Dr. Joan R. Cartwright

Music, Letters

Email: profjoancartwright@gmail.com

Websites: www.fyicomminc.com, www.joancartwright.com, www.drdivajc.com, www.wijsf.org

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Meryl Davids Landau is an award-winning book and magazine writer. Her latest novel, Warrior Won, will be published in May 2019. It is a sequel to her prior novel, Downward Dog, Upward Fog, which Foreword Reviews named a fiction-book-of-the-year finalist. Meryl is also the author of a book of essays, Enlightened Parenting. Her magazine articles have been published everywhere from O: The Oprah magazine and Reader’s Digest to Medium and Vice.

Meryl Davids Landau

Letters

Email: meryldavids2@gmail.com

Website: www.MerylDavidsLandau.com

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Marilyn Davis worked as a cporate counsel for a major insurance company, served as VP and general counsel for a national consulting company, and also for a women’s health education company. She served as chairwoman of a not-for-profit national organization focused on women’s healthcare. Marilyn now serves on the Boards of three not-for-profit organizations in Florida and participates in national philanthropic activities. She continues to support issues that impact women and families.

In the creative arts arena, Marilyn is the author of The Color of Birds, a children’s book which is available on Amazon. Her papers on public policy are published in a Brookings Institute compendium.

Marilyn Davis

Letters

Email: marilyndavis1205@gmail.com

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Brenda Dressler, PhD, a Human Sexuality and HIV/AIDs Prevention educator, is a visiting professor/consultant at Touro College in NYC. She developed seven HIV/AIDS Prevention Education curricula for grades K-6 that were published and used in schools in 48 states. As the Comprehensive Health Coordinator for the borough of Queens, NY, she implemented a HIV/AIDs prevention curriculum in high schools. She taught sexuality education to students in middle school, high school, colleges and universities in New York, Israel, and Uganda.

Brenda received ten research grants and published articles on child abuse, child sexual abuse, and curriculum development. She is the author of Sex Toys: Putting the BOOM back in boomers, published in paperback and Ebook and available from Amazon and B & N.

 

Dr. Brenda Dressler

Letters

Email: Dr_Brenda@aol.com

Website: www. brendadressler.com

 


Phyllis Elrich received a Master of Science degree in New York, and began her  professional career teaching in the New York City school system. She developed a second grade math curriculum that was included in the borough curriculum for several years. In art classes with her students, Phyllis created art murals, jungles, papier maché animals and replicas of landmark buildings. Several of her classes’ projects were displayed at the Staten Island Children’s Museum.

While serving as President of Temple Israel and Artist in Residence, Phyllis donated some of her art and raised thousands of dollars. Many of her art creations reflect her world travels. She is now concentrating on African art.

Phyllis Elrich
Art
Email: phynlady2@aol.com

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Sheila Firestone is a composer, holds a M.S. Ed degree, is the Music Chair of the Boca Raton NLAPW and president for the 2023 -2024 term.

In 2021 Sheila’s string quintet, The Forest Primeval, was awarded first place in the NLAPW  Competition. She won 2nd Place in the National Vinnie Ream Music Competition for Waters of Transformation in 2016.  Her Trio and Dance was performed at a NLAPW conference in Washington DC.   She won an Exceptional Acheivement award from the FSA  for her operetta, Miriam and the Women of the Desert, and Florida Pen Woman of the Year in 2019.

As a Delian Society member, Sheila’s orchestral works were performed in Seattle WA, France, England, and Japan. Her choral work, Abraham Lincoln, was published in the NLAPW, Happy Birthday, Mr. Lincoln Commemorative Collage.

Sheila’s music can be ordered from Sheet Music Plus, Amazon, and oY Songs.

Sheila Firestone
Music
Email: sheilasong@mac.com
Website: www.sheilafirestone.com

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Fran Mann Goodman is an abstract expressionist artist and art teacher who has been featured on national television, in women magazines and in The New York Times. She received her formal training at Chouinard Art Institute (CAL ARTS). Her work has been exhibited in galleries in Manhattan, New Jersey, and Florida.

Fran’s career includes entrepreneur, advocate for women’s rights, seminar leader, keynote speaker, screenwriter and radio host. She conducts local art workshops and demonstrations, and has won recognition for her paintings and art  classes.

Fran is the Art Education Fund Chair of the Delray Beach Art League; a member of the Art Students League, and National Association of Women Artists.

Fran Mann Goodman
Art

Email: fran.goodman7@gmail.com
Website: www.franmanngoodman.com/

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Sue Gurland’s colorful animal paintings convey the joy and wonder of the natural world. Growing up in Woodstock, NY surrounded by artists and the Catskill Mountains, she developed a love of painting and the natural world. Transformed by time and space, these childhood influences emerge in her paintings as vibrant images that reflect our connection to nature and spirituality.

Sue Gurland

Art
Email: suegboca@gmail.com
Website: https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/sue-gurland

 

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jojoromeoJo Jo Harder has worn many different hats, as a model, flight attendant, fashion designer, stylist, freelance writer, author and producer. Her fashion designs which sold in fine stores such as Nordstrom and Lord & Taylor are housed at the Goldstein Museum of Fashion in Minnesota. Jo Jo’s book, Diva Dogs: A Style Guide to Living the Fabulous Life, inspired America’s Top Dog Model ® Contest. America’s Top Dog Model ® Golden Paw Awards, which she wrote and produced, aired on WPTV and The Esquire Network in 2014. Jo Jo makes special appearances and is available for book talks and coaching.

Jo Jo Harder
Art, Letters
Email: jojostylmaker@aol.com
Website: www.americastopdogmodel.com

 


Dayle HerstikDayle Herstik has been writing since her teens. Her collection of poems, When We Were Perfect, reflects her thoughts and feelings which evolved over the years. Her collection of flash fiction, Life Happens, is based on her true life experiences. She is presently working on her next publication based on her philosophy of life as it relates to nature. It can be said that she was influenced by her mother, Ruth Grande Halle, who was a member of the Boca Raton Branch of Pen Women.

Dayle Herstik
Letters
Email: Dayle227@aol.com

 

 


Vera Ripp Hirschhorn is an educator and award-winning poet and author of the America’s Young Heroes series of books, including Teens Are Heroes Too! and I’m Somebody & So Are You!
Her educational resources have been endorsed in Palm Beach County schools and universities such as ASU and FAU. Teachers have implemented them to help students prevent bullying and promote respect for each other’s diversities through the arts. U.S. Congressman Ted Deutch has praised her work in the 112th U.S. Congressional Records.

Vera offers workshops for educators.

Vera Ripp Hirschhorn, M.S.
Letters
Email: Vera@creatingcurriculum.com

 


marleneMarlene Klotz’s writing career began in 1976 with the publication of her first poem in The American Journal of Nursing. Her next poem, A Mountain of Shoes, was accepted by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. to be included in their permanent archives.

Marlene is a poet, playwright, freelance writer and the author of eight books. Her two books of illustrated nursery rhymes, Alphabet Zoo and Animal Quackers provide early readers with a fun-filled learning experience. She recently published Another Baby to Love and I See the Rainbow, a book or poems for early readers.

Contact Marlene for speaking engagements & book orders.

Marlene Klotz
Letters
Email: marleneklotz@yahoo.com

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Penelope Love, MA, is the publisher of Citrine Publishing. A professional editor since 1997, she was the Editor of Counselor Magazine and has edited for Barnes & Noble, HCI of Chicken Soup for the Soul and dozens of authors published traditionally and independently. She has worked in all areas of publishing, including editing, proofreading, layout, cover design, ebook conversion, website management, marketing and sales as a publishing director.

Penelope was recognized as Outstanding Master’s Graduate by the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications and is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Stetson University. She resides with her family in Fort Lauderdale, where she is completing her own memoir.

Penelope Love
Art
Email: Publisher@CitrinePublishing.com
Website: www.CitrinePublishing.com.

 


As founder and director of the Center for Spiritual Living, Boca Raton, Dr. Barbara Lunde has been a spiritual leader in South Florida since 1981. She is best known for her inspiring, uplifting and life-changing lectures. She is a gifted orator and teacher. Her recognizable voice from her frequent radio broadcasts on spirituality and positive living have been heard throughout the country. Dr. Barbara has delivered thousands of lectures and inspirational messages over the years and continues to this day, empowering everyone lucky enough to hear her speak.

Dr. Barbara Lunde
Letters
Email: sombl@aol.com

 

 


Roberta Melman’s love of painting began when she was a child and was enrolled in art classes at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Her total immersion into the world of color and creation brought her joy and still does. Roberta studied at Moore College of Art and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art, where she was also a docent.

Roberta designed and hand painted clothing for boutiques, and fabrics for designers. Her oil on canvas paintings are subjective and impressionistic. She paints figures, landscapes, florals, and subjects that make her feel, “I must paint this.”

Roberta Melman
Art
Email: rjmelman9@gmail.com

 


  • Linda A. Mohr is an author, entrepreneur, and educator. She wrote the memoir, Tatianna—Tales and Teachings of My Feline Friend, honored with six awards, including Merial Human-Animal Bond. Her poetry and essays have received Cat Writers’ Muse Medallion awards and state Pen Women awards. Her essays have appeared in five anthologies, including Thin Threads—Women and Friendship and The Light Between Us. She studied under Presidential Inaugural Poet Richard Blanco at Omega Institute. Her poetry can be found in la Joie, as well as in anthologies such as The Light Within. She blogs at Catnip Connection. Visit her author page at http://amzn.to/1I10vQi

Linda Mohr
Letters
Email: lindamohr7@bellsouth.net

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Dr. Louise Parente is a certified eating disorder specialist, psychotherapist, educator, supervisor and personal coach. She was an Assistant Professor at New York University’s School of Social Work. In 2020, Dr. Parente was awarded the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. She is the author of Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow: Saying goodbye to an eating problem. She will be publishing an enhanced treatment edition to this book.

Louise conducts presentations on her specialty topics at conferences, symposiums, hospitals and other venues.  She is a native of Staten Island and now resides in Florida and New Jersey. Visit her website to read an excerpt of her book.

Louise Parente, PhD, LCSW, CEDS
Letters
Email: lparentephd@yahoo.com
Website: www.louiseparentephd.com

 


Mimi ParisMimi Paris was an advertising copywriter, editorial secretary for Newsday, and interior designer. She published two, can’t-put-down, thriller novels:  Anna’s Two Wars, optioned by Wait A Minute Productions, a NYC film company, and One Man’s Revenge.  Her third, No Choice But Murder,  is a novel in progress.  Mimi’s human interest stories, travel stories and interior design column appeared in NY newspapers and magazines. Mimi traveled the world and now is writing award-winning poetry and picking up her brush for her second passion as a watercolorist.

Mimi Paris
Letters
Email: mparis333@gmail.com

 

 


Lee RavineLee Ravine’s memoir, Riding Solo My Journey Through Love And Madness, chronicles a journey through love and lust, disillusionment and deceit, and ultimately survival. Her novel Villa Paraiso, reveals the secrets and lies hidden inside a gated, 55+ resort lifestyle community on Florida’s Gold Coast. Villa Paraiso is definitely not your garden variety revelation. When Lee is not busy writing, she offers entertaining and informative programs to clubs and organizations. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Special Education.

Lee Ravine
Letters
E-mail:profLBR@aol.com
Website: www.leeravine.com

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A graduate of Bennington College, Bunny Shulman initiated a School of Performing Arts for children and adults. Fully engaged in the world of dance, Ms. Shulman choreographed and performed with various professional companies in the New York area. After retiring from the stage, her attention turned to the written word. Themes of family, love and desire are evident in her seven published novels, her skills evident in the scope of her novels. Keira’s Story is a novel of betrayal and hope where the power of love travels an unforeseen path. After Aida, published in 2019, is a novel of change, the arts, and freedom.

Bunny Shulman

Letters

Email: BunnySH@msn.com
Website: www.bunnyshulman.com

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Dr. Pearlena Wallace is an author of several personal finance books, including Millionaire in the Mirror. She is a motivational speaker and personal financial consultant. Dr. Wallace has dedicated her career to helping women become more financially secure. Dr. Wallace is a graduate of Michigan State University and is also a professional negotiator.

Dr. Pearlena Wallace
Letters
Email: Pswallace12@aol.com

 

 

 

 


 

carol-white

 

Carol White has been a member of the Boca Raton Branch for over 20 years. She is an award-winning novelist, playwright, photographer, and freelance writer. Carol is the official photographer for the Boca Raton Branch as well as for two other organizations.
Her essays and columns have been published by The Sun Sentinel, Writers Journal, Insight for Playwrights, Working Writers, Woman’s World, The Florida Writer, and Senior Scene.

Her organizations: South Florida Theatre League, Florida Writers Association, Florida Mystery Writers, and National Women’s Book Association. She was the former Executive Producer for the Boca Raton Theatre Guild.

 

Carol White
Letters

Email: polowhite@aol.com
Website: www.carolwhitefiction.com

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Dr. Patricia Williams is a novelist and teacher. She blogs on financial issues for women at profpat.com. As Professor of Accounting at Fordham University, she published over 20 peer-reviewed articles in academic journals. She taught courses on money management for the Brandeis University Alumni Association.

In 2013, Patricia completed the Stanford University Certificate Program in Writing. Her short story, A Slippery Slope, won first place in Florida Writers Group Creative Writing Competition. Her debut novel, The Two Weddings of Zhao Ping, was inspired while teaching at the University of Beijing. It was a semi-finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest and was short-listed for the Chanticleer Somerset Novel Writing Contest. Her most recent publication, E-Vengeance, is a story of deception and revenge.

Dr. Williams holds an MA, MBA and PhD in accounting.

Dr. Patricia Williams

Letters

Email: profpatw@aol.com

Website: patriciawilliamsauthor.com