Local Christian fantasy writer to offer success tips at meeting

Kat Heckenbach will share her experiences of what works and what doesn't when writing fiction and nonfiction for magazines and anthologies at the Brandon Christian Writers group meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, in the Family Life Center Room 305 at St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, 3315 Bryan Road. She hopes to encourage everyone to write, rewrite and submit and hopes they will experience the success she has enjoyed

Heckenbach grew up in Riverview and graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of Tampa. A self-proclaimed science and math geek, she discovered a passion for writing while attending East Bay High School, class of 1988.

It wasn't until 2007, however, that this married, home-

schooling mom of two realized her heart's desire was to see her name on the spine of a book. J.K. Rowling, Cornelia Funke and Madeleine L'Engle influenced her writing, but after a while she got tired of sitting on the sidelines reading others' works. Her husband, Jeff, encouraged her to follow her dream.

She started writing her own young-adult, fantasy novel and short stories. "I decided I needed to try creating a world that would capture the imaginations of others the way those authors captured mine," she said.

In 2009, six of her stories were published, including "Eyes on the Hilltop," "Willing Blood," "Sparrows," "The Artist," "The Gift" and "A Day Better Spent."

"The Absent Willow Review," which publishes tales of horror, fantasy and science fiction, presented her with the editor's choice award and a cash prize in August for "Willing Blood."

Heckenbach hopes this award and her growing list of credits will help interest a publisher in her novel.

In the meantime, she receives much support, knowledge and encouragement from being part of the Brandon Christian Writers group, especially from Ruth Carmichael Ellinger, group president and author of the Wild Rose trilogy, and from fellow members who serve as sounding boards for ideas and offer congratulations for successes.

"Writers groups are a necessity for anyone who is serious about pursuing publication or who just wants to grow as a writer," Heckenbach said.

Heckenbach's stories are available via links at www.kat-findingangel

.blogspot.com. The first chapter of her novel can be read by following the link from her blog to her Web site.

For details about the Brandon Christian Writers group, contact Ellinger at writer@ruthellinger.com.

Motorcycle riders to help equestrians

TAMPA - Bakas Motorcycle Rally participants will ride about 50 miles from Harley Davidson/Buell of Brandon, 9841 Adamo Drive, to the Bakas Equestrian Center in Tampa, beginning with registration at 9 a.m. and kickstands up at 10 a.m. Saturday.

The rally is a fundraising event for Horses for Handicapped, a nonprofit booster organization for the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department's Bakas Equestrian Center.

The center's teachers, all certified by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, offer beginner-to-advanced horseback-riding lessons, games on horseback, trail rides, horse-and-carriage driving and preparation for Special Olympics and Challenge shows for physically and mentally challenged children and adults who live in Hillsborough County.

The cost of the fundraising motorcycle ride is $15 per person, $5 per passenger, and includes a light lunch and prizes. Registered riders will receive free admission to the Full Throttle Magazine 2010 Florida Motorcycle Expo and Bike Builder Invitational in Clearwater.

For information about participating or helping out at the equestrian center, call (813) 264-3890 or write horsebakas@yahoo

.com.

Arts league announces officers

BRANDON The Brandon League of Fine Arts recently elected new officers, including Tim Mandese, president, who has been a member since 2005.

He hopes to increase membership during his tenure, but his primary goal is increasing participation by existing members. "Participation' is my key word for the year," he said.

Mandese leads by example. In addition to serving as president, he also is a Webmaster and co-chairman of the photography committee.

He describes the league as "a great group of like-minded people who enjoy all aspects of the visual arts and promoting them in the Brandon area and beyond. It's also a great place to learn from fellow members and pass along things that might help others expand their art."

Without such a league, each artist would work and act alone. "Strength in numbers applies to the arts community," said Mandese. "It gives the individual artist outlets for expression that they might otherwise miss."

Other new officers are Minnette Webster, vice president; Melva Brevard, secretary for meetings; and Felix Velasquez, treasurer.

Committee chairs include Melinda Albritton, artists receptions; Brigitte Mailahn, Artworks Open Show; Emma Bibeau, refreshments; Doreen Donovan, immediate past president and fundraising; Stephanie Grimes, greeter; Nancy Sanchez, chairwoman of art hanging; Gunni Price and Andrea Dwight, art-hanging members; Peggy Little, historian; Sue Allen, members show; Judy Johnson and Albritton, membership; Bonnie Phillips, monthly programs; Roxanne Tobaison, newsletter; Stephanie Grimes, Paint Out; Dick Evans, photography; Alice Suarez Velazquez, publicity; Marsha Nelson, revolving exhibits; and Phillips, secretary for board meetings.

"I look forward to 2010 and helping make the BLFA a better group for not only the artists of the area but for art lovers alike. Artistic skill isn't required for membership, only an enthusiasm for the arts."

For details about the group, visit www.blfa.us or contact Mandese at

mmustangg@yahoo.com.

Send news and photos of community interest to Barbara Routen at neighbors