Book happenings

Law firm offering essay contest
Charleston law firm Rosen Hagood, sponsor of the 2013 National Civics and Law Academy Scholarship Essay Competition, is encouraging high school students from the Charleston County School District to participate in its contest.

Interested students should write an essay of 2,000 words or less in which they discuss their thoughts and opinions as to how the leaders of today can inspire the younger generations to become engaged in the democratic process.

They should consider Franklin D. Roosevelt’s quote: “Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education.”

The winner will receive a scholarship to the National Civics and Law Academy. The award includes tuition, room and board, transportation, and fees. Students wishing to participate in the essay contest or who would like to find out more about the scholarship can visit www.rrhlawfirm.com/essay.

The 2013 National Civics and Law Academy is March 10-14 in Washington, D.C.

Store looking for mystery writers
The Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre & Shoppe is looking for local mystery authors.

The organization on Church Street in downtown Charleston recently opened a comedy mystery theater and bookstore featuring mystery novels and pirate-themed titles.

The store is seeking local published authors and those who want to sell signed self-published books on consignment.

A series of meet-the-author events and mystery shows are planned.

Contact sherry@charlestonmysteries.com or call 628-9588.

E-book provides wedding tips
Diane Owens of Mount Pleasant has published a 120-page e-book called “Budget Wedding Secrets: How to Have a $30,000 Wedding for Less Than $10,000.”

The book is available at www.budget weddingsite.com.

Owens is co-author with Chris Funcik Donavan of “Kids on the Go: Great Places to Take Kids in the Charleston Area.”

Novel set in hospital for insane
Mike Bartos, a mental health professional and former resident of the Charleston area, has published a novel called “BASH.”

The story is set in the coastal marshlands of South Carolina, at the Bay Area State Hospital (BASH) for the criminally insane. There, strange goings-on have frustrated security chief Lyle Dawkins. He calls on ambitious Charleston tabloid publisher and Gulf War veteran Ash Roper to go undercover to help with the investigation.

Bartos once worked as chief of staff at a state hospital for the mentally ill. He is a former radio show host and newspaper columnist. Visit www.mikebartos.com.

Book cites God’s existence
Goose Creek resident Raphael Patrick, a licensed counselor, has released a book called “Who Says There Is No God? How Do You Explain These Miraculous Pictures?”

The book features images Patrick says prove the existence of God and describes the author’s faith.

The title is available at Infinity publishing.com.