Island author’s latest book now available
Pine Island author D.L. Havlin’s latest book “A Place No One Should Go” will be released today, Aug. 3, by Double Edge Press. It is based on Calusa spiritual beliefs but with a very contemporary twist: sexual infidelity and its repercussions.
Havlin volunteers at Randell Research Center in Pineland and credits Dr. Bill Marquardt, RRC director and curator, for his assistance with research.
Although he had an aptitude for writing early on, Havlin didn’t pursue it until about 20 years ago. His children urged him to commit to print all of the stories he had been telling them. Working in manufacturing for many years, he had the opportunity to travel the world and to observe people.
To hone his writing, Havlin has gone to various conferences from Florida to Maui. He highly recommends the Anhinga Writers Conference in Gainesville as the best he has attended.
Along the way, Havlin also learned a considerable amount about the publishing business. He has firm opinions about that.
“Name recognition is more important than talent,” he said.
He is not lacking in the latter. He has won awards for previous books. The “Hangin’ Oak” beat out 1,167 other entries in the Promoting Outstanding Writers (POW) competition. To build a platform for future sales, he is relying on a blog written in the persona of his golden retriever Sandy.
Havlin’s book has been available electronically for a week and got a four-star review on Amazon.
“But I still prefer the feel of a book in my hands,” he said.
His first book signing for “A Place No One Should Go” will be on Sept. 3 at Matlacha Menagerie. He will then embark on a national tour before the release of his next book early in 2012.
Havlin’s books may be ordered from his website www.dlhavlin-author.com.