Mariana Williams, author/storyteller/producer
    After working as a piano player singer, Mariana traded in the piano keys for alphabet keys. She penned three books of fiction, about those experiences. Inspired by a win at The Moth, she dedicated the last eleven years to storytelling and producing. Then her momoir-ish book, "Love, Regret and Accidental Nudity."
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     Mariana Williams Author of the
Veronica Bennett series of romance, comedy and accidental crime: Happy New Year, Darling, The Valentine State & Stars or Stripes 4th of July
                      also
    Award-winning memoir
    Love, Regret and Accidental Nudity
    author: tinyurl.com/yyoyzluq

                 Storyteller/Producer 
  Moth grandSlam finalist, storytelling workshop facilatator, Producer of Storytelling shows: Divas in Danger, Accidental Nudity & Long Beach Searches for Greatest Storyteller, (in it's tenth year, this city-wide event pays $100 a show to best tale, chosen by the audience.)
SUMMER READING  tinyurl.com/yyoyzluq the favorite is usually Stars or Stripes 4th of July
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 Audience voted for two winners--tied for first place: Larry Poricelli and Jon Sloey win $100 for top tale of the night, March 6.
Photos by Barry Kuntz
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Long Beach Searches for Greatest Storyteller crushed it at the February 6th show
​We had a strong showing of tellers, new and former winnes. L-R Back Row, John & Brandee (winner), Leonard Mike, Then, Mariana Evie, Teri and Kevan. 
Photo by Barry Kunz. We celebrated Robbin's birthday with cake for all. We love Robbin!
Author Brandee Stillwell had the audience guessing  on how to solve the DNA problem in a pesky encounter. She took home the $100. Runner- up wasDaniel Midsonshort told a tale that ended in, "Truth does not set you free!" It was ironic and a crowd pleasing tale.
MALAINEY'S GRILL...where the stories meet the Sea: ocean view on the West, storyteller stage to the         South, awesome bar is North. Bring a compass, you might get lost in the True, 6-minute tales by locals.
       Audience votes, $100 prize for top 
              tale of the night.

All shows are the first Monday of the month through   August.    

NEXT SHOW OF LB SEARCHES IS MONDAY, April 3, 2023
7-9 P.M., AT MALAINEY'S GRILL
168 N. Marina Drive, on beautiful Alamitos Bay, in Long Beach.   
Submit your true, 6-minute tale by sending about 5 lines to: marianaStoryteller@gmail.com                                                               
       
THANK YOU BELLFLOWER  FOR SHOWING UP FOR OUR FIRST SHOW at the Stand Up Comedy Club..
WE HAVE Winter, Spring, Summer and FALL FINALS planned. The next show/ Spring, SUN. APRIL 30.              L-R : Robbin, Justin & Marianne, (tied runner-ups) and Frank Traylor won the $100. Mariana on the end.
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The next show of Bellflower Searches is in the Spring, SUN., APRIL 30, 4-6 P.M. JOIN US ON STAGE 
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Get in the game. Send about 4 lines about your tale to: marianastoryteller@gmail.com

marianastoryteller@gmail.com​
Consider shortening your facinating tales to five minutes...uh? All the time.

Hovering around the chip and dip at a party, the dog park, when a your hound is gnawing another pet, and especially in the E.R., no matter how hot the nurse is.



​Be part of the show. Locals tell a true tale in 6-minutes on any topic.  Think of a memorable anecdote  and share it with a roomful of friendly strangers.
Here's a few tips to  help you organize your thoughts 
Let us know when and where. Describe the REAL WORLD, in a sentence or two. Get right to the CONFLICT,  problem or weird part. SUSPENSE is next. Use your imagination on everything that could have gone wrong to raise the stakes. SOLUTION, how it ended up. RESOLUTION, what you learned. Maybe nothing. It might be, my  Aunt Hilda was right, "Don't have porkchops in your pocket when you hug a bear." Make up anything! Silly or  poignant. 
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We were invited to Bellflower, and find out what locals out there are talkin' about. The club is perfect--like, duh? big stage, sound system, booths in the back, not a bad seat in the house. Sunday later afternoon--why not? Hey, the food is great too.
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Our last show off 2022 Season, July 11th. Stage Manager/ Robbin Fortier, Storyteller Winner/
Chosen by the audience was, Ben Rodriguez, Runner-up Carla Bardales, Producer, Mariana Williams
"Why do you end the season in July or August?"  "Because we did shows Monday nights and we had to make room for Monday Night football."
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Thank you Long Beach for supporting Long Beach Searches for Greatest Storyteller since 2011
       We will be back with more true tales by locals, keepin' it real, 6-minutes at a time.

MON., MAY 2.
JACK FRY won the audience vote with a stirring tale of teaching, his first year. He had the character voices DOWN, and told the tale with OMG moments-ending with a group, "Ahhhhh.
Mon., June 6 The sold-out crowd raved about our June 6th show. So many flavors of personalities and experiences. L-R: Mariana/Producer, Paul Williams/Guest Teller and husband of gal he is groping.Vickie Wipple/Runner-up, James Krueger, Emily Sorter/Winner, Cody Miller, David Olmos, Anita Razin and Vince Mitchell. All got many votes.

 Malaineys Grill, on scenic Alamitos Bay, in LB. 
196 n. Marina Dr., LB.  7-9 p.m., $6 at the door. or below.
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APRIL 4, 22.  LBS Storytelling Show
Kevan King enchanted the audience with his tale about ditching friends and the Federallys in Mexico,  Winning him $100.

Stage Manager, Robbin is between the runner-up, Barbara Kaufman, whose tale was about love-lost and career found.

All the tellers unite L-R
Producer, Mariana Williams, Kevan King, Evie King, Don Knight, Barbara Kaufman, Sasha Kildare, and Vince Mitchel.

​Well done guys.
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MARCH 7th

TERI KINNE WINNER, JUNE 7, 21, with a cat story with a surprising ending-the audience gasped.Runner-up, LARRY PORRICELLI had  the crowd spell-bound with his tale from beyond the grave.

JUNE 7th L-R, Dusty, Teri, Mariana, Dean, Larry, Liam and Doyle keepin' it real, 6-minutes at a time, at Malainey's packed house. The bonus, was guest teller, Debra Ehrhardt. 

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MAY 7, 21 TELLERS SHOWED UP WITH TALES OF TRAVEL, MISTAKEN IDENTITY, LOSS. SPORTS. LIBRARIES AND PETS
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 (Above)
All Star Storyteller Show--Nov. 29, 2021
all winners, chosen by attentive audience
photo by JoAnn Wintenburg
Join our mailing list to be in-the-storytelling-loop. Send an email : marianastoryteller@gmail.com
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First Storytelling show of  2022,
March 7th, had an overflow crowd, guest storyteller/comic, ANDREA ABBATE, (Surprise guests popped up on stage; Paul Williams and Attorney of the year, 2023, my sister.)
Above: L-R Mariana, Kimeyo, Tamara, RC, Steve, Catrina, Kat and Robbin/Stage Manager.
​Thanks y'all.

Local poet, Tamara Madison was runner-up, with a tale about crossing the desert in a heatwave. Local author, RC Hand won $100, with his 6-minute coming-of-age story of his first Halloween. (It's rare to have two authors)

Finals Nov. 22, 2021
Winner Vickie Wipple, Runner-up, Liam Mc Loughlin
L-R, Vicky, Robbin /Stage Manager, Wes, Laura, Liam, Teri, Doyle. Front row: Rebecca, Larry and, Producer/Mariana.


NEXT SHOW, MONDAY, June 6, 22
  Long Beach Searches for Greatest Storyteller
        "Keepin' it real, six-minutes at a time"
    Presenting 6-minute, true tales for cash, in Long Beach, CA since 2011.

               "Around the hearth stone every night,      a storyteller lives forever."  Anonymous

NOW ACCEPTING STORY IDEAS FOR OUR FIRST SHOW OF 2022.
SEND ABOUT 5 LINES TO:
marianastoryteller@gmail.com

"Keepin' it real, 6-minutes at a time" has always been our moto.  But these last two years has been a sad time warp. Yet, we need our stories to be told, and heard and that is what we did.

 In 2020, we had three shows, then a break till 2021, when Long Beach Searches for Greatest Storyteller awarded three more story slam winners.   We brought them together for an awesome night of finalists, Nov. 22, 21.
        
Monday, March 7, 2022, we start back at Malaineys Grill, on scenic Alamitos Bay, in LB.          
        Audience votes, as well as two local author/      judges, $100 to top, true, 6-minute tale        
Produced by Mariana Williams
contact: marianaStoryteller@gmail.com
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  MAY 7, 21
RICK SANCHEZ, RUNNER-UP, REBECCA & VICKIE WIPPLE (SISTERS WON)
STAGE MANAGER, ROBBIN FORTIER

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)FAQ
How often are  the storytelling shows?  First Monday of the month, till football season, 7-9 p.m., Malaineys Grill, 168 Marina Dr.
How do I get in on it?  Send 5 lines about your true tale to:  marianaStoryteller@gmail.com
What subjects should we talk about?  Drama, tragedy, glass-half-full days, triumphs of kindness and awareness, first date, most embarassing moment , OMG, WTF. Many of the stories are hilarious, but they don't have to be. We reflect, we go inside, then go really inside and search for the lessons of these pandemic days. 
Does it have to be memorized? Naw. Just have a strong opening sentence, situation you found yourself in-and the outcome.
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 DETAILS 
 Malainey's Grill, 168 N. Marina Dr., on beautiful Alamitos Bay, Long Beach, CA.   7-9 p.m., $6 at the door. $100 prize for top 6-minute true tale of the night. Audience votes.   (Also, two author judges whose votes count 5 points each.)
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 March 2, 2020             LONG BEACH SEARCHES FOR GREATEST STORYTELLER
​ DOYLE SMIENS WINS 
L-R Eliza Karagezian, runner-up & Doyle Smiens, All the tellers L-R: Mariana, Jaahan,Sasha, Ann, Marianne, Eliza (Runner-up), Doyle, Not seen Jim Dohn.
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  February 3, 2020                LONG BEACH SEARCHES FOR GREATEST STORYTELLER
    DUSTY THOMPSON  WINS, Runner-up WES WHITE.  (Wes lost by one point and will be in the finals)
    We celebrated February birthdays too--L-R: David Olmos (2019 Winner of LBS) Bonnie, Robbin, Mariana and Tamara​ ​
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 ABOVE, stand up and applaud for all nine February Tellers L-R Mariana, Rick, Winner/Dusty, Kyle, Douglas,  Vickie, Ozzie, Runner-up/Wes, Chris and Glenda 

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​JANUARY 6, 2020. First show of the year.
LIAM MC LAUGHLIN Wins, Rosalie runner-up
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L-R, Jared, Rosalie, Pam, Shophia, Janora, Liam
Our first show of the year 2020, started off with a bang.  We had special GUEST TELLERS  L-R, Paul Williams welcomes everyone, with producer and main squeeze, Mariana Williams; Winner, Liam Mc Laughlin,
Guest Teller, Laura Hayden; Pinocchio/Rick Sanchez; Megan Dolan/ Lemurmom actress/writer.  Apology to Megan's forehead.       Photos by JoAnn Wintenburg & Carolyn Yarnell.
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LIAM MC LAUGHLIN WINNER $100, audience chose. One vote apart between Rosalie and Liam. Sidebar:(Bringing back the memory of me losing the Moth in NY storyslam by one-tenth of a point. I was followed by a comic who did her act. Grrrr)
Remember to vote everyone this November, right??

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The storyteller show, MON., JULY 1st was exciting with the varied subjects that were covered. L-R,
Carolyn, Winner-David, Ina, Marianne, Isadora, Patricia, and Runner-up was Lawrence and Jessica.   
 (Photo by Adam Husted) 
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Above see the storyteller show, MON., JUNE 3 at Malainey's Grill, L-R, Sophia, Mariana, Rick, Carin, Charlene, WINNER: LAURA HAYDEN, Laurie and RUNNER UP: DAVE CLARK                                        (Photo JoAnn Wintenburg)
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Robbin Fortier, Stage Manager; Runner-up, Dave Clark; winner, Laura Hayden--seen biting the $100 bill; producer, Mariana
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Thanks to the talented photographers who capture the good times.         I stand and salute you. I'm standing right now.
              I/we all so, so... appreciate it
                             Adam Husted, Carolyn Yarnell,
                                Jo ann Witenburg and Barry Kunz

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May 6 th show was interesting and varied in the subject of true tales. Thank you L-R, Katrina, Bobby (runner-up), Carol, Sheila, Larry, Mariana & Jeff.
​                             Winner this night was Larry Porricelli, runner-up, Bobby Cochran.
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April 1st--no fools here just tight stories and a full house of listeners leanin' in.
​Robbin Fortier, STAGE MANAGER; Runner-up, Sasha Kildare;                  winner,Ben rodriguez; Mariana, producer

April $100 winner, Ben Rodriguez, runner-up sasha kildare and      the other great tellers

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March 9th winner, Ron Chick and Runner-up, Rosalie Mattern

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March 9th WE HAD A FULL STAge of tellers who surprised the full house with the OMG moments  

Mariana tells a story on how to get rid of swimmers ear in ten easy steps. On March 9th, Debra Ehrhardt and Mariana perform "Accidental Nudity" at the Aurora Theater, VIP Guest Paul Williams jumped on stage and spontaneous stories were told. Hilarious, of course.
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SEASON  9     
 $100   FOR TOP TALE 
       TO BE A PART OF THE SHOW,
                 ENTER 5 LINES AND SEND TO:   
                        MARIANASTORYTELLER@GMAIL.COM
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February 4,19 Winning tale was about trying to adopt a cat.                 It did not go well--however, it won Charla $100, because the whole room related and laughed themselves off their chairs.

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FEBRUARY 4, 19
L-R, Runner-up, Joshua and $100 Winner, Charla Howard.  Robbin & Mariana are pretty glad to start up the show after a few months off-during football. 
​(Below)
JANUARY 7, 19 we kicked off  SEASON 9  $100  WINNER, CYNTHIA NEIMAN & RUNNER-UP CHAD FULTS, Congratulations!
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                                                    2018
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AS PRODUCER OF LONG BEACH SEARCHES FOR GREATEST STORYTELLER THESE PAST EIGHT YEARS, IT'S BEEN A THRILL HEARING THE STORIES AND MEETING ALL OF YOU. 2019  BRINGS IN ANOTHER SEASON, OF KEEPIN' IT REAL, 6-MINUTES AT A TIME. THANK YOU STORYTELLERS! YOU WERE ALL AWESOME AT THE SEASON 8 FINALS AUG. 20, 2018
​ CHAD FULTS, ANNIE MOOSE, EDWARD BEGGS, EMERSON DAMERON, ZOOT VALESCO, CHARLES TENTINDO, ISADORA JOHNSON & JUDY WILLIS.

​THE WINNER IS IN! ZOOT VELASCO. HE WON THE TITLE OF LONG BEACH'S GREATEST STORYTELLER, 2018. HIS STORY, "THE ROBOT" WON OVER THE JUDGES. RUNNER-UP, JUDY WILLIS  TOLD A TALE ABOUT GETTING OUT OF HER COMFORT ZONE, WITH POLE DANCING CLASSES. PHOTO BY JOANNE WINTENBERG
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L-R, Runner-up, Judy Willis; Mariana,Producer; Robbin Fortier,Stage Manager; Winner, Zoot Valesco
On the right Robbin Fortier, co-host, Debra Ehrhardt last year's winner and co-host, and Mariana
Below, behold the local author judges whose votes count for five-points each. L-R, Kathy Porter, Darlene Quinn, Paul Williams, Harry Saltzgaver and Mariana. All have authored more than one book, except Paul who authored only one with co-writer Tracey Jackson. "Gratitude and Trust"  which was on the best seller list for a while!
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Memorial day show, MAY 28--CONGRATS WinnerS  zoot VELASCO, (SHOWING STRONG ARM) RUNNER-UP, BOB POPE

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APRIL 30 TELLERS
EMERSON DAMERON WINS AND RUNNER-UP, DENICE
          ****
MAR. 26 TELLERS,    EDWARD BEGGS WINS AND HEATHER CLISBY IS RUNNER-UP
​          **** 
FEB.26, ANNIE MOOSE WINS AND KEITH WATANABE RUNNER-UP
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   JANUARY 29, 18
First show of the season and the tellers really brought it. The audience and judges voted for CHAD FULTS as the winner, Debra Erhardt was guest teller

season 7 Finalists, August '17,
long beach searches for greatest storyteller. stand and applaud  
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Debra Ebrhardt wins
Long Beach Greatest Storyteller '17
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Long Beach Searches for Greatest Storytelling Finals...
 monday, august 28, 17
MALARKEY'S GRILL , 168 N.MARINA DRIVE ( SCENIC ALAMITOS BAY), LONG BEACH,CA
​
Finalists L-R: (Mariana Williams/Producer), Jeff Tucker, Sharmyn Mc Graw,      
​                    Angela Madsen, Jon Garcia/Runner-up, Martha Bass & Mary Jane Turner                                          Debra Ebrhardt/Winner 2017 Long Beach’s Greatest Storyteller

Stories were varied, some tellers retold their original winning tales from the monthly shows, other tellers chose to bring a different 6-minute anecdote.  With both rooms filled with avid listeners, terrific food and a buzz of excitement, Mariana and Co-host Karen Hannegan, (L.B.’s Greatest Storyteller 2016) and Musician Harold Payne filled in the gaps keeping the energy pumping. The dramatic conclusion to evening was announced by one of the judges, Paul Williams. Originally from Jamaica, DEBRA EBRHARDT blasted on to the stage with a tale of being new in the U.S. and encountering a refined gentleman on the subway. He shocked the innocent young immigrant with a lewd anatomy lesson.  It was her turn to shock him when she  exposed the pervert by announcing his lewd gesture to the entire train in a loud voice. With a spirited Jamaican dialect and animated facial expressions, the tale was hilarious, winning her the title of Long Beach’s Greatest Storyteller 2017. Along with a $200 cash prize.  Runner-up/Jon Garcia shared a stirring tale of racial profiling; proving the subject matters for this literary event is broad and deep as well as down-right funny.
Hosted by MARIANA WILLIAMS
co-host KAREN HANNEGAN, 2016 WINNER OF LB Searches
Special Musical Guest HAROLD PAYNE


Author
Turning in the piano keys for alphabet keys, she used her professional musician experiences to write four books.
Love,Regret and Accidental Nudity: a collection of OMG moments sorted into six categories, was a finalist in the Humor Category of the 2014 International Book Awards. Prior to this memoir, Mariana penned the Veronica Bennett Series of romance, comedy,and accidental crime: Happy New Year, Darling, The Valentine State--a finalist in the 2014 Chick Lit category of International Book Award, and Stars or Stripes 4th of July, which won a 2011 Indie Excellence Book Award.

Storyteller
Mariana was a Moth Grand Slam finalist in the acclaimed story-telling competition held in Los Angeles, as well as appearing
on the Moth stage in N.Y. She teaches storytelling workshops and is the Producer of Long Beach Searches for the Greatest Storyteller, now beginning its seventh season. 
amazon.com/author/marianawilliams                    Facebook:Mariana Loves Stories    (First two novels avail @ audible.com)
Get on our mailing list for storytelling buzz...send me your e-dress, woncha?    marianaStoryteller@gmail.com
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 The Veronica Bennett Series are perfect beach books, full of comedy, romance and accidental crime  Books available at Amazon, print and e
               Please click     tinyurl.com/zmwjqeo

  
Mariana's life experiences as a musician and comedy agent prepared her for writing about Veronica, a club singer who is always falling into accidental crime, and naturally ready for love.  In 2003, Mariana traded the piano keys for alphabet keys and put her life experiences to paper, beginning with Happy New Year, Darling, The Valentine State, and Stars or Stripes 4th of July.  However, Mariana takes on topics more poignant than are generally found in chic lit. Addiction, and boundaries with teens and the challenge of monogamy are woven into each plot. Never preachy, always witty, all three novels end with a surprising dénouement.
The Valentine State 2014 International Book Award Finalist, Chick Lit
Stars or Stripes 4th of July, 2011 National Indie Excellence Award

Mariana lives in So. California with her Oscar-winning, songwriter husband Paul Williams and this mother of two fills the empty nest with two calico cats.  Mariana says, "I wanted to be a ballerina, but writing suits me.   I can practice in bed with a bag of chips."  

True stuff that happened, then I told it on stage, then wrote it down. Next comes the  opera. 

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Click tiny line on left to check it out
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Why do I suppose my life is fascinating enough to write about? Love? Hmm, as for   my mom, dad and myself, we’ve racked up thirteen marriages— romantic and certainly optimistic. Regret? Well, if embarrassing, eye-squinting, throat-closing, breathless, cringing describes it…I’ve got a few tales to tell, like budget plastic surgery and herding roaches at a party. Accidental nudity? My nudity is about as spontaneous as   a space shuttle launch—even so, there’s still the unexpected. 

         Here's what people are saying about Love, Regret and Accidental Nudity.
“In many ways, reading Mariana is like living with her. You’ll find humor in the moment, joy in the memory, and you’ll be amazed at the courage and adaptability of her ‘one-talent-fits-any-skill’ approach to life. Pianist, vocalist, novelist, she’s always found a way to create. Accidental nudity? My attorneys have advised me to refrain from commenting.” 
                                                                                                                  ---Paul Williams, Oscar-winning, Hall of Fame Songwriter

"Whether it’s reading Mariana’s clever stories, or novels, I always find myself thoroughly enjoying myself, and often, laughing-out-loud. That’s right, I’m the one lying around the pool with a book propped up, chuckling, making you wish you were reading what I was reading."                                                            ---Lisa Niemi Swayze, author of Worth Fighting For                                                

"I enjoyed every minute of Love, Regret, and Accidental Nudity. You will laugh with her as she travels to exotic places, falls in love, and plays with grown-up girlfriends. A real winner!”     
                                                                                                                                          —Lee Pound, Author and Book Publisher
                
“Mariana’s latest goes straight to the heart…you’ll find yourself laughing through your tears." 
                                                                                      —Darlene Quinn, Author of the International award-winning Web series 

 "And the wit goes on: Mariana Williams disarming the reader with tilted impeccable logic!                                                
                                                                                                                       —Penelope Bernal, Elle Magazine Juror
Click below here please
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 Paul Williams' documentary  "Still Alive" is available on  Netflix & iTunes, as well as the original song he penned for the film. Filmmaker Steve Kessler followed him around for over four years. (Yes, it was annoying, thanks for asking.)  But, the doc turned out great. (Sadly, I'm portrayed as an eye-rolling, bore.  But, my friends know the truth. I rarely roll my eyes.) 

Paul co-wrote two of the songs on The 2014 Album of The Year, Daft Punk's 'Random Access Memories.' As guest artist, he also sings "Touch."  Follow him on Twitter at @IMPaulWilliams. 

www.facebook.com/MarianaLovesStories/?ref=bookmarks
​Join Mariana on Facebook: Mariana Loves Stories