Polish your writing skills at free workshops for authors

Author Jaimie Engle will offer free writing workshops at the Writing Center at Eastern Florida State College's Melbourne campus. The classes are geared for authors ages 13 and up, and will include lessons on story elements, development, and writing for the real world. The 8-month program begins on Aug. 29, and will meet once a month at 11 a.m. or 6 p.m. Tuesdays, or 11 a.m. Wednesdays. For more information, email thewriteengle@gmail.com, visit easternflorida.edu, or contact the Writing Center at 321-433-5605.

Merritt Island author Klaus Kolb, 83, was raised in Germany during World War II, where he studied engineering. He escaped to West Germany in 1955, and emigrated to the United States a decade later. He has published the third part of his memoirs, "Twelve Flags, Book Three: The Travel Years" ($20.00, CreateSpace). The story picks up shortly after 21-year-old Kolb and his father were released from Communist prisons and escaped to the West. The refugees worked hard to create a home, though Kolb was determined to break free from his demanding father. The memoir follows his travels throughout Central Europe, Australia, Malaysia, and Pakistan. It is available at amazon.com.

Rockledge author Karen Whiting's two new releases mark her 24th and 25th published books. "The Gift of Bread: Recipes for the Heart and the Table" ($15.99, Worthy Inspired) is described as a devotional cookbook with stories, recipes and Biblical insights about bread. "Girl Talk Guy Talk" ($14.99, Tyndale House) is a devotional for teenagers to help them develop communication and relationship skills. Both books are available at amazon.com.

The Shoppes at Strawbridge, 813 Strawbridge Ave., Melbourne, will host a two-day celebration for Whiting's recent book releases. The free activities will include a bread tasting at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, and children's activities starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 2. For more information about the event, visit karenwhiting.com or shoppesonstrawbridge.com.

Brevard authors Keturah Mazo and Melissa Richeson both have stories published in the new "Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Cat Really Did That?" ($14.95, Chicken Soup for the Soul). The book is a collection of heartwarming stories featuring mischievous kitties, including black and senior cats, two categories of pets that are often left behind at adoption shelters. It is available at online retailers.

Some books are self-published. This column is intended to note new works, not review them.