Local Author Wins International Award
Congratulations to Estero Bay News Columnist Debbie Noble Black for bringing home a 1st place blue ribbon and honors for her debut middle grade historical fantasy novel, “Deetjen’s Closet,” Book 1 of the Sara and the Ghost Clothes series (for ages 9-12). The annual Chanticleer International Book Awards attracts thousands of entries and attendees from all over the world. Reviews and awards are presented to published authors in twenty-six categories.
Once entered, “Deetjen’s Closet” was reviewed and passed up an arduous qualifying ladder by numerous judges. Each book had to find its way out of the “slush pile,” survive to make it onto the long and then the short list, become a semi-finalist and ultimately become a finalist. After qualifying as a finalist, the top twenty authors were invited to attend the award’s ceremony in Bellingham, WA where “Deetjen’s Closet” won its honored status in the 2024 Gertrude Warner International Middle Grade Fiction Awards.
Although finalists did not have to be present to win, Debbie was on hand to receive her coveted 1st place blue ribbon and accolades from the 250-plus attendees. Additionally, she experienced a three-day writers conference keynoted by J.D. Barker, author of multiple thriller books and co-published with Dacre Stoker and James Patterson. Additionally, more than a dozen writing craft workshops were presented by many past winners and notable international presenters.
Debbie is already booked to present a fun introductory session on writing kids’ books at the 41st annual Central Coast Writers Conference, September 26-27, at Cuesta College. It is not too late to register with early bird sign-up fees at www.centralcoastwritersconference.com.
“Deetjen’s Closet” and Book 2 in the series, “The Old Secret at Hotel Oregon,” is now available at Coalesce Press, Volumes of Pleasure, Bookshop.org, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon.
Meet the author at the book signing on Saturday June 7n from 1- 3 p.m. at Coalesce Bookstore in Morro Bay. Both books will be available and there will be drawings for unique prizes.
Want to meet your Cayucos neighbor and award-winning published author, Debbie Noble Black as well as EBN columnist for Out & About with the Bookshelf Writers? Debbie’s focused column provides guided tours and best practices for RVing and camping throughout California.
California Arts Council Grants Available
The California Arts Council launched its 2025 grant season this month, opening seven different funding opportunities for applications from eligible arts organizations now through June 5.
The California Arts Council is a state agency with a mission of strengthening arts, culture, and creative expression as the tools to cultivate a better California for all. The Arts Council is California’s only public arts grants provider with funding that is accessible to all 58 California counties.
The 2025 grant program offerings were developed in accordance with the priorities identified through the California Arts Council’s Strategic Framework, among them, reaching historically and systemically underserved communities, including rural and inland areas. The Arts Council is also seeking to increase support for first-time grantees and small organizations through this year’s funding opportunities.
“At the California Arts Council, we recognize the importance of representing and uplifting all Californians,” said Danielle Brazell, the council’s executive director in a news release. “These grant opportunities are a vital step in ensuring that artists and organizations, no matter their background or location, have the resources they need to share their work, tell their stories, and make a lasting impact on their communities,”
Applications for all grants are due by June 5.
More information, including grant-specific details, dates, guidelines, and staff contacts can be found at arts.ca.gov/grants/grant-programs.
Cal Poly Rodeo Athletes Land NIL Deal with Boot Barn
Three top members of Cal Poly’s rodeo team have partnered with national brand Boot Barn for promotional opportunities thanks to the Athlete Lab, a business course that acts as a mini-marketing agency for student athletes.
The partnership marks the first time the Athlete Lab has worked with rodeo students since lecturer Randy Rovegno launched the program in the fall of 2023.
Cal Poly’s Rodeo program is one of the strongest in the country, ranked first in the West Coast region and, as of April 8,20 in the U.S. The Poly Royal Rodeo held each year at Cal Poly is the biggest rodeo west of the Mississippi River and holds massive popularity among the San Luis Obispo community, with all four nights selling out in a record-breaking 30 seconds this year.
The three award-winning student athletes working with Boot Barn include NIRA Women’s Rookie of the Year Haleigh Grant, professional saddle bronc rider Quintin McWhorter, and tie-down roper Daniel Miranda, who is currently ranked top 10 in the nation.
Following the NCAA ruling that first allowed student athletes to profit from their name, image and likeness (NIL), Cal Poly’s Athlete Lab was founded with the goal of getting the community involved and bringing profit and attention to the athletes.
“Everything we do, 100% of all revenue or trade or compensation from the brands goes to the player,” Rovegno said.
Establishing the partnership with Boot Barn is just one piece of the full-fledged marketing plan put together by the BUS 454 students. During the class, the marketing students designed social media content and promotional events for the rodeo athletes.
The Cal Poly rodeo team is primarily funded by donations, sponsorships, fundraising and ticket sales for the Poly Royal Rodeo. The Athlete Lab’s help to make athletes profit and land substantial brand deals to support their athletic careers is a step toward ensuring the rodeo program continues to thrive.
On March 13, the team took to Dexter Lawn, where they drew crowds by bringing along Miranda’s horse, Hersey (also known as Princess). Beside Miranda and McWhorter, the marketing team handed out Boot Barn coupons and flyers advertising the chance to win two free tickets to the sold-out rodeo — under the condition that they follow the athletes and the Athlete Lab on social media.
The marketing team helped to develop content for Miranda’s social media, including “A Day in My Life” and “Mic’d Up with Miranda,” videos that follow the nationally ranked athlete through the arena, and a short reel in which McWhorter shares how he first fell in love with rodeo. The content is all in partnership with Boot Barn and created by the student marketers.
“I tell my students on the first day of my class: ‘I’m not here to grade you. I’m here to hire you,’” Rovegno said.
Author Event at Volumes of Pleasure
Six favorite California coastal authors will again collaborate to bring their popular “Book Dramas” to Los Osos. The event takes place on May 4 at 1 p.m. at Volumes of Pleasure Bookshoppe, 1016 Los Osos VZalley Road in Los Osos.
The authors have also invited two actors to help perform scenes from their most recent releases. And to add to the fun, they’re even providing some food treats.
Featured authors are well-known locals, Mara Purl, Anne R. Allen, Tony Piazza, Lida Sideris, Rolynn Anderson, and Christine Ahern.
Why a group event? “We Central Coast authors tend to be a mutually supportive group.” explained Purl. “What makes our events different is that we bring them life in short live performances. The scenes from our novels lift right off the page and with professional performers. There’s humor, mystery, and plenty of local flavor to delight our audiences.”
For mor information, call Volumes of Pleasure at 805-528-5565.
Are you or a neighbor Taking Care of Business. Is your business, including non-profits, supporting our community? Maybe you’re launching a new business, or you’re making updates to your current business model, or re-opening. Perhaps you have a job opportunity, or have been doing some volunteer work, or are collaborating with another business or a non-profit. Or maybe you know someone who is. Submit your awesome local efforts for publication to EditorEBN@gmail.com.
