Author Sharing Love Of Writing To Raise Money For Charities
Published: Sep 9, 2006
Much of author D'Maria Scaglione's work revolves around spiritual themes. This fiction writer of "A Unique Bunny" and "Nevaeh and Natas: A Spiritual Fantasy," as well as the new poetry collection "Pursuit of Passion: Spiritual Healing by Poetry," wants her words to inspire and encourage.
"It is my goal that, no matter what their religion, my work will inspire belief within people," the Port Richey resident said.
Her ongoing drive to help others extends beyond the written word. Scaglione is spearheading a local event that will give her and other authors the chance to give back to their community.
The Florida Fall Festival Author-Thon will be Oct. 21-22 at Gulf View Square mall in Port Richey. It will feature more than 34 writers who will sign and sell copies of their books and donate part of the proceeds to local charities. The event is sponsored by Waldenbooks in Port Richey, in association with Gulf View Square.
Nearly 20 philanthropic agencies, such as the American Cancer Society, the Salvation Army, Hernando-Pasco Hospice, St. Jude Hospital, the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the American Diabetes Association, stand to benefit from this event.
"I've always believed in giving back," Scaglione said.
This is the second Author-Thon that Scaglione has organized at Gulf View Square; the first, which was in March, drew 14 authors who generated $1,200 in book sales. Aside from being philanthropic, the Author-Thon serves as a strong promotional tool.
"I was invited last year to a book signing in Las Vegas but was unable to go," she said. "I thought it was time we had more signings in this area."
Scaglione will showcase her books, including "A Unique Bunny," the story of a physically challenged rabbit who learns about acceptance and friendship, and "Nevaeh and Natas: A Spiritual Fantasy," about an angel sent to Earth on an important mission. The books, directed primarily at young people, are available through PublishAmerica.
"I'm a child at heart, and I love writing for kids; especially stories with hope and happy endings," said Scaglione, adding that her work also attracts adult fans.
Her third book, a poetry collection titled "Pursuit of Passion: Spiritual Healing by Poetry," published through Lulu.com, is more than 60 poems that represent a kaleidoscope of life experiences and emotions. These poems, written at various stages of Scaglione's life over a 30-year period, range from "Oh Dave" (a poem written in the author's teen years and dedicated to a longtime crush) and "The Rocking Chair Song" (a lullaby composed for son Christopher, who is grown and lives in Texas).
Aside from spirituality, family is another focus of the author's work.
"My friends and family have been so supportive," she said. "They believe in me, and my mom is my biggest fan. She's always asking, 'When does your next book come out?'"
Scaglione finds, in fact, that many people are beginning to ask that question. Her work is available through Amazon.com, Waldenbooks .com, Borders.com, Barnesandnoble .com and other online booksellers.
Her work has been showcased at FaithfulReader.com , a Web site devoted to spiritually inspiring literature. And she maintains her own Web site at enlightenedangel.bravehost.com.
Aside from serving as a showcase for Scaglione's work, the site features a message board where writers can meet online and share their ideas.
"We learn from each other," she said.
Encouraging other writers is an ongoing mission for Scaglione, who started writing as a teen. She is particularly interested in inspiring a new generation of those who love the written word.
"Aside from learning the three R's, kids also should learn to express their creativity," she said. "We all have a gift to give."
AUTHOR-THON
SOME BACKGROUND: Port Richey author D'Maria Scaglione has written three books, "A Unique Bunny," "Nevaeh and Natas," and "Pursuit of Passion: Spiritual Healing by Poetry." She also is the organizer of the Author-Thon, an October event that will showcase the work of authors from across the country, most of whom represent the PublishAmerica company.
COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS: Each participating writer in the Author-Thon will donate part of their proceeds to charities and aid organizations.
A LITTLE HISTORY: Originally from New York, Scaglione started writing in her teens and is an avid painter.
WHAT'S NEXT?: The Florida Fall Festival Author-Thon is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 21 and 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 22 at Gulf View Square mall in Port Richey. Scaglione will appear at charity book signings at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 16 at Gulf View Square mall and 1 p.m. Sept. 23 at Tyrone Square Mall in St. Petersburg.
GET INVOLVED: For information about Scaglione, or to contact the author about Author-Thon sponsorship opportunities, visit enlightenedangel .bravehost.com.
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