Stephen Murray, an author at Eureka’s Authorpalooza on June 22, was born in England and raised in different countries throughout Southern Africa. ‘The Chapel of Eternal Love’ and the sequel, ‘Return to the Chapel of Eternal Love,’ are his first published works of fiction. Murray has recently completed another work of fiction – a murder mystery. He makes his home in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he has lived since May 2003. Photo by Teri Nehrenz
The Authorpalooza held at the Eureka’s Town Square Buffet on June 22 included 38 self-published authors along with hundreds of books which held within their pages a variety of genres for readers.
Author David Michael, from Salt Lake City, coordinated the efforts to gather authors and their support staff from as close as Mesquite and as far as Alberta, Canada to benefit the Mesquite Reads program.
Roo Arldege, Director at the Eureka Resort Casino is a self-published childrens’ book author who contacted Michael about coordinating this event.
Michael aggressively attacked the social media pages and after eight months of planning he gathered 38 authors who completely filled the room.
One of the authors who attended the event was Stephen Murray. According to his biography, “Murray was born in England and raised in different countries throughout Southern Africa. Upon completion of his high school education, he returned to England before moving to California in 1976. He has traveled extensively throughout the world. Stephen owns a computer software company. Apart from traveling and writing, he enjoys theatre, concerts, music, reading and current affairs.
Pastor Dennis Lee is one of 38 authors who joined Eureka’s Authorpalooza to promote his book ‘From Here to There.’ Lee’s book offers readers a biblically-sound guide to familiarize readers with principles of what it’s like to be a follower of Jesus Christ, being found in His likeness. Photo by Teri Nehrenz
According to his press release, “Known for its lavish hotels and casinos, beautiful showgirls and sumptuous buffets, Las Vegas is home to an abundance of wedding chapels. Follow Rosemary, the wedding organizer, and Buster, her dachshund with a nose for matrimony, as they guide you through the fictional stories of ’The Chapel of Eternal Love.’ ‘The Chapel of Eternal Love’ and the sequel, ‘Return to the Chapel of Eternal Love’, are his first published works of fiction. Murray has recently completed another work of fiction – a murder mystery. He makes his home in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he has lived since May 2003.
After he finished The Chapel of Eternal Love many of his readers wanted to know what happened to his characters many years later so he wrote a sequel revisiting the couples and where their lives had taken them.
Many of the authors in attendance said their preferred marketing tool was social media. Through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, authors let interested parties know about their works because they feel that social media is their best and least expensive choice when it comes to advertising and it works.
Author Mareta L. Miller is one of 38 self-published authors who joined the Authorpalooza held at the Eureka Casino on June 22 to benefit the Mesquite Reads program. Miller states in her autobiography, “My writing, which only started a little over a year ago, has become a constant need. It’s been my way to deal with fear, but also a way to create hope. Hope that real love exists and can conquer.” Photo by Teri Nehrenz
There was something for everyone from children’s books to spiritual journey led by Mesquite author and Pastor, Dennis Lee. Books, book markers and goodies of all sorts to give away brought people to the tables where the self-published authors were able to give brief synopsis of their books and the inspiration they got to create them.
For more information on the Mesquite Reads program or the Eureka’s Community Initiative program, contact the Eureka Resort at www.eurekamesquite.com.
Thank you so much, Terri, for this mention. It was a pleasure chatting with you and being a participant at the Authorpalooza event. I do hope lots of funds were raised for Mesquite Reads , which was the object of the excercize.
You’re welcome Stephen. It was nice to have met and chatted with you. You’re very charming and good luck with your book. I wish you all the best, it can’t be easy to do this all on your own. Looking forward to seeing you all again at the next Authorpalooza.
No, Teri. It is not easy to do on one’s own. You’re right about that. But what makes it worthwhile is the journey one takes and the people met that make it so very worthwhile and such a pleasure. All adds to the spicy chapter of life.
Thank you Teri for covering this event. It was a blessing seeing you. Thanks again