About Me

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Marlan Warren is a journalist, novelist, editor, playwright, screenwriter, blogger, website designer, and publicist. She is the author of the fictionalized memoir, Roadmaps for the Sexually Challenged: All’s Not Fair in Love or War and the AIDS memoir, Rowing on a Corner. She reviews for Midwest Book Review. Marlan is also a filmmaker.

You can check out but you can never leave...

WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?

My life, your life, our lives inside and outside of Los Angeles and its angels.

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Publicity with Soul



My Book Publicity by Marlan is now in its second year and taking off. What I offer authors is a bit out of the ordinary, as I tailor each book launch and marketing plan according to genre, target audience, budget, and do not push authors toward "e-mail blasts" which send out SPAM-like e-mails to media asking for an interview, etc. I have gotten much faster results with an e-mail that is more personal in tone, indicating that we have heard or seen a particular program, and offering valid reasons why the author would make a great guest/interview subject.

I'm always on the lookout for new ways to spread the word through book clubs, libraries, special interest groups, social networking sites, institutions, museums, bookstore events, and pass on recommendations for awards to authors whose books could win big.

I've been fortunate to receive nonfiction and fiction books with themes of "Healing." We are at that point in time that pushes us to heal or die.

As the major publishers struggle or fold, self-publishing has lost much of its former stigma. The same goes for "small press" publications which had less opportunity for "reach" as they do now, thanks to the Internet.

I think of myself more as an "artist" than a "publicist." It's important for me to approach each project as if it were a production or a blank canvas.


To check out my book publicity blog which doubles as an Author's Showcase, please visit: http://bookpublicitybymarlan.blogspot.com. And if you have any questions, please contact me at memoircity at gmail. 






Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Best Zumba Class for $5 (North Hollywood) IMO: Dennis G Fitness

Dennis Guzman (Photo  © Erica Deleon)


Dennis Guzman is an amazing Zumba instructor who teaches all over Los Angeles, but my favorite venue is $5/class (yes!) at the North Weddington Recreation Center (Mon.-Wed.-Fri. @ 12:15-1:15pm). It's difficult to find Zumba teachers with solid dance training. Too many think it's enough to shake their booty, and there's little technique supporting their moves (and yours if you are following them). Dennis is not only creative with the choreography of his Zumba (a gratifying mix of aerobics, Latin dance, and jazz), but his effervescent encouraging-self is contagious.

He calls it "Join the Party" Zumba, and it's easy to see why. You should always dance like nobody's watching, but Dennis makes you feel like you are having a great time at a fun dance party.

A huge bargain on every level. Zumba on, Dennis!

For more info, check out http://www.facebook.com/DennisGFitness

Or just search for "DennisGFitness" to get his complete schedule and updates.

North Weddington Recreation Center (Toluca Lake/North Hollywood, CA)
10844 Acama Street (Lankershim Exit off Hollywood 101 - North of the 101)
North Hollywood, CA 91602
(818) 506-1467
NorthWeddingtonRecreationalCenter@lacity.org

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