Tiki Hut Publishing
Books by Southwest Florida Author
Local Press
The News-Press: North Fort Myers
Writer knows cycles of life 
Peaceful Pines resident puts bikers in perspective
By Terry Brady tbrady@news-press.com
Originally posted on July 15, 2006
She's a grandmother of four, mother of two, she has published three books and she has a Rhode Island accent. Not exactly the usual profile of a biker, but that's exactly what Donna Madden is. The 51-year-old author said her latest book, "Sweet Machines and Bike Night Scenes," was written to capture the essence of the biking community in Southwest Florida.
Madden said the book is meant to help "dispel some of thee myths that motorcycle riders are big, bad hoodlums," but she said it is an entertaining read for both bikers and nonbikers. "Even for people who don't ride, they'll get a kick out of a biker's point
of view," Madden said.
Madden, who lives in Peaceful Pines in North Fort Myers, said she has been riding motorcycles for more than 30 years and has had an attraction for the bike life since before she was able to drive. While she spent most of her life in Rhode Island, she had been a snowbird for 30 years before moving full time to the area four years ago.
"I'm a Floridian by heart — it just took me 50 years to get here," Madden said.
The Florida weather is ideal for bikers because it allows them to ride year-round — and that, she said, is why the Florida bike scene is such a strong one. "The scene in Rhode Island is good, it's just the weather doesn't allow you to ride year round," she said.
In her 120-page book on bike life, Madden takes the readers to the Southwest Florida bike night hot spots, hits them with a little biker history, gets them up to speed on biker lingo, and even throws in a little humor in the book's 11th chapter, which is titled "Harley vs. Girlfriend."
Madden uses that chapter to explore why some local bikers prefer their Harley Davidson motorcycles over their girlfriends. Madden asked local riders at bike nights about that, and the chapter displays some of their answers:
• "If you don't want your Harley anymore, it's not illegal to sell it"
• "People envy your Harley no matter how old it gets."
• "If your Harley sags, you can replace the shocks."
• "Harleys last longer."
• "If you get rid of your Harley, you don't have to give up half your stuff."
"I found it very amusing," said Carrol Levesque, who has read all three of Madden's books. Levesque said the book heightened her interest in the bike scene and
informed her about the history of major motorcycle rallies as well as the history of the different motorcycles out there today.
Madden's first book was "The Laff-a-Lot Club," which is fictional book based on a bar where she once worked in Rhode Island. She followed that with, "Flamingos, Bingos and Gringos," which deals with the life of the Florida snowbird.
Those books, like "Sweet Machines and Bike Night Scenes," was published by
Madden's publishing company, Tiki Hut Publishing. She said she chose that name because it goes along with the Florida atmosphere. Madden created the company to publish her books. She has yet to publish any other author's work. "She really captures the spirit of the area," said Joyce Schmidt, 80, who has read both "The Laff-a-Lot Club" and "Flamingos, Bingos and Gringos." "Donna has a way with words. She whips things up about Florida history that you don't know."
Although Schmidt hasn't read Madden's latest work, she said it's on her reading list.
Madden said she pops up around town in her mobile book station — a tent, a table lined with a grass skirt, and two chairs for her and her husband, Bob — to sell her books.
She said she often sells her books at the local bike nights such as Wednesday nights at Victory Lane Cafe on the corner of Hancock Bridge Parkway and Orange Grove Boulevard, and on Thursday nights at Motor Sports Cafe on North Cleveland Avenue near Pine Island Road. Her books can also be purchased online by visiting lulu.com/content/271815 and at
tikihutpublishing.com.
"Sweet Machines & Bike Night Scenes"
Sweet Machines & Bike Night Scenes Just Released in Southwest Florida
Donna Madden's newest book traces the roots of the biking phenomena and the emergence of this subculture of society notoriously known as "bikers". The book includes a historical timeline of early motorcycle design and introduces newer models as they came into production. In addittion to the comprehensive chronology of the major motorcycle brands, the Harley-davidson and it's popularity is keenly examined in a satirical light.
Fort Myers, FL (PRWEB) June 12, 2006- Local author, Donna Madden has just released her third book and early reviews report that it's witty, wacky and wonderful. "Sweet Machines & Bike Night Scenes" takes you on a motorcycle journey through history. The book includes a handy guide to translating the biker lingo and identifying trademarks of a true biker. Photographs inside were taken at the most famous of motorcycle gathering spots like Sturgis, Daytona, Laconia and Leesburg.
Motorcycles examined within include Harley-Davidson, Indian, Norton, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Ural and Yamaha. Some sweet machines, vintage classics and awesome custom rides are presented along the way. The target audience for this book places it for teens and adults, motorcycle enthusiasts, occassional riders and even the non-biker. Donna Madden is a semi-retired, ex-snowbird from up north who now writes from her tiki hut lanai on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Rumor has it that she'll be marketing her book at several upcoming motorcycle rallies in the area and autographing each copy, so watch for the Tiki Hut Publishing tent at an event near you.
"Flamingos, Bingos & Gringos"
Local Author in Southwest Florida Releases New Book: "Flamingos, Gringos & Bingos-Snowbiding in Florida" by Donna Madden
Donna Madden is pleased to announce the publishing of her latest book. The target audience is for any age and it will amuse any person who knows a snowbird, is a snowbird or has ever considered being a resident of Florida.
Fort Myers, FL (PRWEB) June 16, 2006- "Flamingos, Bingos & Gringos" is a comical look at the snowbird's invasion of Florida. This book examines the migration of folks from "up north", the thinking behind the move and an indepth view of the season when it all takes place.
The stories revolve around actual communities that are being inundated with tourists and part time inhabitants all seeking the pleasures that this tropical paradise offers. True Floridians and travelers alike will delight in the lighthearted glimpse at all who have flocked here and taken up residence, be it for a day, a week or a lifetime. Visits include Fort Myers, cape Coral, Punta Gorda, Pine Island, Naples, Sanibel and Captiva and other communities in Southwest Florida. "Flamingos, Bingos & Gringos" will suely entertain and amuse you. It's snowbirding at it's best.
"The Laff-a-Lot Club"
This was my first book, published in 2005. It's a lighthearted look at an imaginary pub, located in "Pourtucket", Rhode Island and the "regulars" who just might frequent such an establishment. Like any local pub, the liquor flows abundantly, and tends to generate an enourmous amount of comaraderie amongst the patrons. The everyday bar room banter is the fuel for this frenzy of fun that runs rampant in numerous gin mills across the country. The revelers may be known by other names, in other bars, in other regions, but they'll always be known as the regulars in their own back yards. Some of the regulars at the Laff-a-Lot Club include Suzy the slut, Kaluha Katie,Moonshine Mildred, Porn Man Milt, Motorhead Mel and Sexy Sadie.... Pull up a stool and "pour" through the pages..... Welcome to the Laff-a-Lot Club!
Kruisin' with Katie
Southwest Florida representative for
Full Throttle Magazine August 2006, Issue 118
..... since Donna has been an avid motorcycle enthusiast for most of her life and now lives in an area that's condusive to year round riding, she decided to write "Sweet Machines & Bike Night Scenes". It's based on the lifestyles of riders, various big rallies around the states and about some bike nights that she has attende. The book also includes a handy guide to to translating the biker lingo and identifying trademarks of a true biker and a few pictures (don't be surprised if you see your bike, ours are in there) from some of the events she has attended.
......A couple of other books that Donna has out there are: "The Laff-a-Lot Club" and "Flamingos, Bingos & Gringos". In my opinion they are fun, witty and especially easy-to-read books and are sure to put a grin on your face. 
Katie