Author & storyteller
Mariana Williams
- Mariana penned the Veronica Bennett series of novels, receiving “Most Humorous” Int’l Book Awards for Stars or Stripes 4th of July. As well as Love, Regret and Accidental Nudity, which also won an the same award for Humor.
As producer of Long Beach Searches for Greatest Storyteller these past eight years, it's been a thrill. While we are on hiatus, until January, my focus has been the storytelling show, now touring the Southwest, DIVAS IN DANGER. Many of you in California have come out to the show and in October we are taking our spill-the-guts-on-the-stage--to Santa Fe, Taos and Albuquerque, NM. Click on to Divas in Danger page for updates.
Below is storytelling news from Season 8. January we will blast out another season of great tales as
Long Beach Searches for Greatest Storyteller, Season 9
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Thank you STORYTELLERS! YOU WERE all AWESOME AT
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L-R, Runner-up, Judy Willis; Mariana,Producer; Robbin Fortier,Stage Manager; Winner, Zoot Valesco
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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!
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!
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
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,
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Debra Ebrhardt wins
Long Beach Greatest Storyteller '17
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."
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.
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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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.
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www.facebook.com/MarianaLovesStories/?ref=bookmarks
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