Past Events related to the publication of Walking Fish and to Joanne’s involvement with the New Mexico State Poetry Society as Vice President

June 2013

June 14-16, 2013

The New Mexico State Poetry Society (NMSPS) hosts the National Federation of State Poetry Societies’ Convention at Hotel Albuquerque in Old Town. www.nmpoetry.com

May 2013

Joanne was in charge of setting up the NMSPS booth. New Mexico hosts the first ever Southwest Book Fiesta at the Albuquerque Convention Center on May 10-12, 2013 www.southwestbookfiesta.com. The New Mexico State Poetry Society www.nmpoetry.com will have its own booth, #531 where members will have their own published books for sale.

February 2013

February 9, 2013

Book signing at University of New Mexico Bookstore noon-2pm. Joanne Bodin, UNM Alumni hosted for book signing and author talk.

September  2012

Alaska Cruise, Holland America author book talk.

September 10, 2012

Writers to Writers at Hastings on Coors

“From Inception to Completion: A Writer’s Journey” lecture

September 8, 2012

Treasure House Book signing 1-4pm

Walking Fish and Piggybacked

July 7, 2012

University of New Mexico Mirage Magazine submission of Walking Fish and Piggybacked for Hodgins Hall Alumni library publications

July 5, 2012

Reviewed by Stephanie D. for Readers Favorite

“Walking Fish” by Joanne Bodin is gritty yet touching contemporary fiction. Artist Talia, a nonconformist by any standards, has had a difficult life. Losing custody of her daughter Sophie when she was five following an unpleasant divorce, Talia has been shut out of her child’s life. The reason – Talia is gay. She has since found happiness with her partner Renie and expression in her art but her heart aches for her daughter. A family crisis erupts involving Renie’s grandson Joshua. He is a talented musician sadly suffering from manic depression and suddenly Talia realizes that she thinks she knows why. She knew a man twenty years ago very like Joshua. Could there be a connection? In investigating this possible link, Talia has to dig up elements of her own past which prove to be both painful but cathartic. Helping to confront Renie’s family problems helps her finally deal with her own.

This is a very interesting, complex, challenging story. But it is not difficult to read. The author has an easy, flowing style that belies the sometimes difficult content. Talia is a sympathetic character whose choices we might find unconventional but we respect that she had and still has the courage to make them. The walking fish analogy comes from the fact that people need to adapt to survive as Talia has done. She has had to move out of the natural element for most other women of conventional family life to find her own way of living. It is ultimately a very inspiring book.

June 23, 2012

Title Wave Bookstore Gala Re-opening Celebration

Wordcrafters  helps host reception and reads from their poetry collections.

May 12, 2012

Tony Hillerman Library Book Signing and Poetry reading

Elizabeth Galligan, Joanne Bodin, Donald DeNoon, Billy Brown

March 4, 2012

Walking Fish accepted into the Bernalillo County Library System for check out.

March 10-11, 2012

Tucson Book Festival booth and signing

January 15, 2012

Book signing and reading at Alamosa Bookstore.

December 11, 2011

Acequia Booksellers poetry book signing for Piggybacked. Jeanne Shannon and Joanne Bodin read from and sign their new poetry books. 1-3pmwww.acequiabooksellers.com

November 2011

November 18, 19, 20, 2011

Zia Arts and Crafts Festival at the Manuel Lujan Building at the NM State Fair grounds.

November 5, 2011

Southwest Writer’s lecture: From Inception to Completion: a Writer’s Journey

www.southwestwriters.com

October 2011

October 29, 2011

Halloween Howl in the Village of Los Ranchos Barn, sponsored by the New Mexico Book Coop. Book signings, local craft fair, grower’s market.

October 2, 2011

New Mexico Women Author’s Book Fair Palace of the Governor’s, Santa Fe, NM

Presentation entitled:  From Inception to Completion: A Writer’s Journey at 2pm, then book signing.

More info on the Women Authors Festival can be found on the NM Creates website at /www.newmexicocreates.org.

June 2011

June 8, 2011

Self Publishing Author Spotlight: Award-Winning Author Joanne Bodin

On January 9, 2011, self-publishing Outskirts Press author, Joanne Bodin, held a book signing at the Albuquerque Art Museum. At the event, she was able to sell and promote her book, Walking Fish. Over 100 people attended this event. Joanne Bodin, Ph.D., is a retired teacher of the gifted in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She received her Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum Instruction and Multicultural Teacher Education. She co-authored a book, Step By Step Storytelling; A Narrative Language Curriculum, which has been used in the Albuquerque Public Schools by speech/language pathologists for language delayed learners. She plays jazz piano, is working on a book of her collected works of poetry, and loves watercolor painting. Recently, Joanne’s writing career was jump-started. She was announced as a winner in two categories of the International Book Awards — Fiction: Lesbian/Gay and Best New Fiction.

Here’s what Joanne has to say about winning the award and her Outskirts Press publishing experience: “When I got an email last week that I had WON in two categories for the International Book Awards, I almost went into shock. I meticulously scanned the list of winners to make sure it was really my name, my book, my ISBN. Then, the next thing I did, was notify Outskirts Press to thank them. Only eight months ago, the first box of ten free copies of my completed novel, WALKING FISH, arrived at my doorstep. I couldn’t wait to open the box, touch each book, and lay them out on the dining room table. I savored that moment -of seeing a seven year project turn into a reality. And now, only eight months later, who would have imagined that I’d be an International Book Award winner in not one, but two categories. I first heard about Outskirts Press a couple of years ago, through SouthWest Writers in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I have been involved with SWW for a number of years on their board of directors. Some of our members had already published through Outskirts and I noticed that the quality of Outskirts’ books outshined some of the traditional publishers. When I was ready to publish my novel, I decided on Outskirts and it was the best thing I could have done. Because they are a “full-service” publishing company, they were able to offer two components that I found invaluable: a professional editor, and a book cover designer. Outskirts has managed to maintain high standards in the world of self-publishing, and their product certainly reflects their dedication to the literary community.”

June 5, 2011

Book Signing/fundraiser at the Mark Twain Library in Redding, Connecticut

Contact:  June April

Lrobi69065@aol.com or

(203)  938-3870

(for immediate release)

 

Tea(s) and Talk: booking-signing June 5 by award-winning New Mexican novelist

Joanne Bodin, two-time winner of 2011 International Book Awards for her novel “Walking Fish,” will speak at the Redding Community Center on Sunday, June 5th from 4-6 p.m.  She will explore how a mere spark of an idea can actually become a novel, the route of self-publishing, how to avoid writer’s isolation syndrome and the importance of an editor. Admission is free, but reservations are required.  Please call  June April at  (203) 938-3870  by June 3. There will free tea(s) to taste from Brookfield’s Simpson & Vail, with a request that people bring their own mug or cup to keep in the spirit of “green-thinking.”  Bringing an appetizer related item would also be appreciated.  What that might be would be shared when making your reservation.  An added dimension to the book-signing will be musical; featuring the piano talents of Ridgefield composer-performer Joshua Cipolla.

 

Joanne Bodin’s Doctorate in Philosophy was in Curriculum Instruction and Multicultural Teacher Education.  She also co-authored “Step by Step Storytelling:  A Narrative Language Curriculum” used extensively by speech-language pathologists for language-delayed learners in the public schools of Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she taught gifted students.  Dr. Bodin is now retired, allowing more time for playing jazz piano, writing (published) poetry and caring for her many orchid plants and two dogs.  The response to her book has been explosive, with many interviews and book-signings.  Questions and discussion are welcomed and encouraged. June 5 also is an opportunity to a make tax deductible donation to Twain’s Connecticut, a website/project that former Redding resident, Brent Colley created and has been working-on for years, sans any remuneration.  This would be gratefully appreciated.  Brent has done extensive research and found over 57 Twain connections in Connecticut, especially in Redding where the iconic American author and humorist built a home and resided therein until his death.

and discussion are welcomed and encouraged  The Redding Community Center is located at 37 Lonetown Road, 06896. There is a sign by the

driveway.  It is situated behind and below Redding Elementary School.

May 2011

May 14, 2011

Radio interview on KUNM Women’s Focus, Carol Boss interviewer.

May 15, 2011

Book signing at Alamosa Books, Albuquerque, NM

2-4pm.

Joanne Bodin and Stewart Warren sign and read from their respective works.

www.alamosabooks.com

 April 2011

April 27-29, 2011

Library Association Conference at the Convention Center

New Mexico Book Association booth and book signing

February 2011

February 26, 2011

Book Signing at Sunflower Market at Coors and Alameda.  11am-3pm inside the store.

January 2011

January 9, 2011

Book Launch for WALKING FISH was held at the Albuquerque Art Museum.

Over 100 people attended the event and a jazz band played while the author signed copies of her novel.

December 2010

December 4, 2010

SouthWest Writers Mega Book Sale Book Fair

New Life Presbyterian Church- 5540 Eubank Blvd.

1-4pm.   Over 30 SWW authors displayed, signed and sold their books.

www.southwestwriters.com