“Talia and the Capture of Wrath,” C. J. Quinn’s newest book, is written for the middle-grade audience but, much like the Harry Potter books, adults will enjoy this adventure too.

The book starts with a list of Talian and Herewardian words with their English translation. Example: The English word “day” would be “luminary phase” in the language of these book characters. There is also a list of numbers they use: the number one is “null.” And the thing I really enjoyed seeing was the map of this world C. J. has created for us.

The story starts with three brothers whose summer residence is in the country. Out in this rural area is a mansion that has been empty for a long time. The boys like to play there, exploring all the rooms and things that were left behind when the family disappeared, but one day, something happens. One of the boys sees an image of a woman and … the adventures begin.

I enjoyed this trip to another world and its connection to where the boys were in their lives in this world. It’s available on Amazon, Liberty Bay Books (Poulsbo and Bremerton), and Eagle Harbor Books in Bainbridge Island.

Now, for all of you writers out there, here is one day event that will sell out fast — so if you are interested, act now. It is an all-day seminar with A.C. Fuller from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. March 18, in the Gamble Creek Studios (near Port Gamble). Info: http://gamblecreekstudio.com/master-your-story.

As many of you know, Fuller is the author of “The Anonymous Source” and the creator and host of the WRITER 2.0 Podcast, a weekly interview show featuring award-winning writers and publishing experts. He has taught writing around the country and internationally, including the Pacific Northwest Writers Association, the Royal City Literary Arts Society, and the Write on the Sound Conference. From 2006-08, he was an adjunct professor of journalism at NYU, and he now teaches English at Northwest Indian College. Find out more at acfuller.com.

Have you ever been to a book launch party? On Jan. 7 at Liberty Bay Books in Poulsbo, A. J. Banner presented her newest book “The Twilight Wife.” It’s about a woman who has a scuba diving accident and has a complex form of memory loss as a result. She has only brief flashes of the last few years of her life and her world has narrowed to a few close friendships on the island where she lives now with her devoted husband.

However, all is not what it seems. She starts to have visions — or are they memories? — of a rocky marriage, broken promises, and cryptic relationships with island residents, whom she now believes to be her friends. As she uncovers her past, the truth becomes a terrifying nightmare. It’s a good read and keeps you turning the pages. Several local authors were there to cheer and I would encourage you to attend an author event if you can. Fun time and full of interesting people.

Now, let me tell you about another part of the book business. Ed Smith buys and sells old books. By old, I mean those books that sat on your grandmother’s shelf all the time you were growing up and now it’s time for them to live elsewhere. He is interested in fiction and non-fiction. You can contact Ed and make an appointment. Once he sees your collection (or even just one book), he can tell you if there is a market for it — and help you find a book bindery to repair any that are a little tattered but you want to keep.

Contact Ed at www.edsbooks.com.

— Donna Lee Anderson teaches writing and is the author of two novels and a reference book for writers. Contact her at welltoldtales@aol.com.