Patti Ann Bengen writes romantic thrillers, and has just released her second novel, available on amazon.com, "The Devil's Dance." The novelist's first book, "New Beginnings," absorbs the reader into a world of cruelty and unpredictability, as she walks you down the path of spousal abuse. Reading this story is like driving at full speed down a treacherous and winding mountain road, with no brakes. Hooked on writing thrillers following her abusive marriage, the dynamic author lectures about domestic violence, self-esteem, and loving yourself: "It's all about erasing the old tapes."


There is more to this writer than meets the eye. The novelist is a certified Nia cardio-dance instructor. "There is NOTHING like it out there ... copycat, but not THE Nia Technique." One of the many perks is a healthier, more spontaneous, and flexible sex life, something desirable to achieve and/or maintain. "When you take care of yourself, you feel better about you. The demands of the media on what a body should look like is so out of sync. The idea is to develop a lifestyle with Nia, to bring about a state of increased cardio-fitness, with desired physical changes, increased oxygen flow, and increased self-esteem, which is maintained because the body becomes in tune with the mind. Classes are held in Wading River, although available for demos in the Long Island area.


Ms. Bengen has brought BookWorm Publishing LLC to the Internet with a website for writers: "Still under construction, writers indicate interest, and are responding to the cut rates and free offers." Patti further explains that BWP is involved with manuscript development, editing and reviews, ghost-writing, book reviews, marketing and mailings: "Having met some pirates of the writing world, myself, I felt I needed to develop a safe haven for writers to blast their feelings, including anger, regarding the many sharks that have appeared on the scene."


Patti remains supportive of women around the world, and presently sponsors four women through Women for Women International. These women live in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, and Nigeria. She stands behind them in their efforts to overcome the prejudices against women that hold them prisoners in their countries: "I am proud to be a part of this organization, and the work they are doing around the world to help women. The experience of communicating, alone, is amazing, no less having an impact on their lives."


Ms. Bengen sponsors The Shade Tree Shelter for women in Las Vegas, Nevada: "This place takes the cake, and I am in awe of the work they do there. It should serve as a model for what every shelter should represent." Ms. Bengen is also supportive of Suffolk County Coalition Against Domestic Violence.