In a number of publications (including the Wall Street Journal) it has been reported that Amazon will no longer offer small-press books for sale on their web site that are not printed through their POD publisher. Once the 'in-stock' supply has been sold, the 'buy button' will be removed from the listing. A statement that the book is available off-site will replace the button. This has already happened to a number of small presses causing a great deal of concern to publishers and authors.
From PW Daily:
Amazon to Force POD Publishers to Use BookSurge
by Jim Milliot
BookSurge, Amazon’s print-on-demand subsidiary, is making an offer that most publishers would like to refuse, but don’t feel they can. According to talks with several pod houses, BookSurge has told them that unless their titles are printed by BookSurge, the buy buttons on Amazon for their titles will be disabled. A detailed explanation of how the new program was explained to her is provided by BookLocker.com co-owner Angela Hoy on her writersweekly.com blog.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
What If...A star Explodes in Tribute?
On March 19, a star half way across the known universe exploded so brightly it could be seen with the naked eye. Coincidentally, this was the same day that Sir Arthur C. Clarke passed away in his Sri Lanka home.
Now...this star is so far away that the light of its explosion took 7.5 million years to arrive here for us to see. Yes, its arrival was pure happenstance but what a fitting tribute to one of the greatest SF writers of all time?
You can read more at World Science
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Now...this star is so far away that the light of its explosion took 7.5 million years to arrive here for us to see. Yes, its arrival was pure happenstance but what a fitting tribute to one of the greatest SF writers of all time?
You can read more at World Science
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Monday, March 24, 2008
The Demise of Dark Eden Press
FORWARDED WITH PERMISSION: Message from Debra Durham of Dark Eden Press.
******************
I don't often share much personal stuff about myself or what is going
on with me, so I never thought I would be coming to any of you with
this but sometimes life comes at you and you have to deal with it, and
this is one of those times for me.
I could beat around the bush here but that's not me. You deserve the
truth even if it is painful for me to talk about.
I have found out recently, very recently, that my cancer has returned.
For those of you who do not know, this is my 6th time around with
this in a little over 10 years. It started as cervical cancer 10
years ago and each time has gotten worse and spread to other places.
I will be starting chemotherapy and radiation treatments shortly and
as I have been through these same treatments twice already, I can
honestly say it isn't pretty.
After discussing the issues and options with Susan and Billi, and then
Gretchen and Brenda, it was decided for a few reasons that I will
discuss below, that the only option was to close Dark Eden as of April
1st. I have to devote my energies and my time to getting better, and
to my daughter.
One reason for closing is the treatment plan itself. I will be in no
shape to run a company, much less take care of anything else. Another
reason is with Brenda having gone back to work fulltime, that would
leave just Gretchen to do it all and as great as she is, she can't do
it by herself. Billi works fulltime and does her business part in the
evenings and weekends. Susan has health problems that she didn't have
when we started this company and wouldn't be able to do what the
things that I do. It was hard enough after the house fire keeping
things running smoothly and even then they were getting some help from
me. They pitched in and ran things beautifully after the fire but
that was only for a few months, this would be for the next 6 months at
the very least.
The last reason is all of you. All of you deserve an owner who is
going to be here, who is able to get the things done that need to be
done. I don't want my authors trying to figure out why I haven't
answered emails for a couple of days, or why royalties are late, or
wondering when the things that need to be taken care of are going to
get done, when the reality is that I will be too sick to do it.
I will spend the next two weeks preparing letters to release your book
rights to you, doing March royalties, and closing the readers group.
I will then begin shutting down all the DEP email addresses except for
my own and forwarding all mail from that to my personal email address.
By May 1st, I would hope all payments have cleared the bank, and on
that date I will also close the author group.
On a personal level, I feel horrible that this has to be done to all
of you. I have come to know almost every one of you personally and I
feel as if I have let you all down when you trusted me with your
stories, and I am so sorry for that. You trusted in the fact that DEP
would be around for a long while and now we are `one of those publishers'.
If you have any questions or problems, please don't hesitate to email
me as I will be working to get last minute things tied up over the
next several weeks.
Please feel free to post this on your blogs or websites as you see
fit. I would rather have the truth out about why we are closing, even
if part of it is a personal issue, than to have DEP's name trashed
across the blog universe. Lord knows some of those people do not have
enough to do but sit around and pick their next victim. I do not want
it to be this company.
If I have not told all of you lately, it is and has been, a pleasure
working with all of you gifted writers and DEP's fantastic staff.
Debra Durham
President
******************
I don't often share much personal stuff about myself or what is going
on with me, so I never thought I would be coming to any of you with
this but sometimes life comes at you and you have to deal with it, and
this is one of those times for me.
I could beat around the bush here but that's not me. You deserve the
truth even if it is painful for me to talk about.
I have found out recently, very recently, that my cancer has returned.
For those of you who do not know, this is my 6th time around with
this in a little over 10 years. It started as cervical cancer 10
years ago and each time has gotten worse and spread to other places.
I will be starting chemotherapy and radiation treatments shortly and
as I have been through these same treatments twice already, I can
honestly say it isn't pretty.
After discussing the issues and options with Susan and Billi, and then
Gretchen and Brenda, it was decided for a few reasons that I will
discuss below, that the only option was to close Dark Eden as of April
1st. I have to devote my energies and my time to getting better, and
to my daughter.
One reason for closing is the treatment plan itself. I will be in no
shape to run a company, much less take care of anything else. Another
reason is with Brenda having gone back to work fulltime, that would
leave just Gretchen to do it all and as great as she is, she can't do
it by herself. Billi works fulltime and does her business part in the
evenings and weekends. Susan has health problems that she didn't have
when we started this company and wouldn't be able to do what the
things that I do. It was hard enough after the house fire keeping
things running smoothly and even then they were getting some help from
me. They pitched in and ran things beautifully after the fire but
that was only for a few months, this would be for the next 6 months at
the very least.
The last reason is all of you. All of you deserve an owner who is
going to be here, who is able to get the things done that need to be
done. I don't want my authors trying to figure out why I haven't
answered emails for a couple of days, or why royalties are late, or
wondering when the things that need to be taken care of are going to
get done, when the reality is that I will be too sick to do it.
I will spend the next two weeks preparing letters to release your book
rights to you, doing March royalties, and closing the readers group.
I will then begin shutting down all the DEP email addresses except for
my own and forwarding all mail from that to my personal email address.
By May 1st, I would hope all payments have cleared the bank, and on
that date I will also close the author group.
On a personal level, I feel horrible that this has to be done to all
of you. I have come to know almost every one of you personally and I
feel as if I have let you all down when you trusted me with your
stories, and I am so sorry for that. You trusted in the fact that DEP
would be around for a long while and now we are `one of those publishers'.
If you have any questions or problems, please don't hesitate to email
me as I will be working to get last minute things tied up over the
next several weeks.
Please feel free to post this on your blogs or websites as you see
fit. I would rather have the truth out about why we are closing, even
if part of it is a personal issue, than to have DEP's name trashed
across the blog universe. Lord knows some of those people do not have
enough to do but sit around and pick their next victim. I do not want
it to be this company.
If I have not told all of you lately, it is and has been, a pleasure
working with all of you gifted writers and DEP's fantastic staff.
Debra Durham
President
Cindi Myers Market News
Subject: [CynthiaSterling] Market news for week of March 16, 2008
A short newsletter this week, as I'm heading out early Wednesday morning. More news next week.
Soul of My Sister is a new imprint in Kensington Book's growing African-American publishing program. Soul of My Sister will feature inspirational titles. The new imprint joins Dafina and Urban Souls in Kensington's lineup of titles targeted to African-American readers. The name of the new imprint is taken from the bestselling series of books by Dawn Marie Daniels and Candace Sandy
********************************************************
Here's your chance to win a hybrid Vespa and be published in O Magazine. Write a short description of how you are 'living brightly for the planet.' One entry per household must be submitted by Tuesday, April 18. Find all the details at http://omagazine.info/livebrightly/rules.html
***********************************************************
Marie Claire magazine and Crocs are challenging you to Write a Letter to Your Younger Self. Limit your letter to 500 words or less and send it in by April 17. First prize is a trip to New York to be featured in Marie Claire magazine. More info is available at http://subscribe.hearstmags.com/circulation/shared/sweeps/rules/omn/mar_sw0311_youbycrocs.html or http://tinyurl.com/39bekm
*********************************************************
A new excerpt from my most recent release, The Right Mr. Wrong is featured this week at Shades of Romance. Check it out at http://sormaggoodies.blogspot.com/2008/03/excerpt-right-mr-wrong.html or http://tinyurl.com/273wle
********************************************************
This week I received the cover for my upcoming June Super Romance, A Soldier Comes Home. Check it out at http://tinyurl.com/yqrdcx
*******************************************************
As always, feel free to pass along this newsletter and to encourage others to sign up to receive it. If you reprint or forward the newsletter, all I ask is that I be given credit for it. Anyone can sign up by sending a blank email to cynthiasterling-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Cindi Myers
The Right Mr. Wrong Harlequin American, Feb. 2008
A Soldier Comes Home, Super Romance, June 2008
www.CindiMyers.com, www.myspace.com/CindiMyers
A short newsletter this week, as I'm heading out early Wednesday morning. More news next week.
Soul of My Sister is a new imprint in Kensington Book's growing African-American publishing program. Soul of My Sister will feature inspirational titles. The new imprint joins Dafina and Urban Souls in Kensington's lineup of titles targeted to African-American readers. The name of the new imprint is taken from the bestselling series of books by Dawn Marie Daniels and Candace Sandy
********************************************************
Here's your chance to win a hybrid Vespa and be published in O Magazine. Write a short description of how you are 'living brightly for the planet.' One entry per household must be submitted by Tuesday, April 18. Find all the details at http://omagazine.info/livebrightly/rules.html
***********************************************************
Marie Claire magazine and Crocs are challenging you to Write a Letter to Your Younger Self. Limit your letter to 500 words or less and send it in by April 17. First prize is a trip to New York to be featured in Marie Claire magazine. More info is available at http://subscribe.hearstmags.com/circulation/shared/sweeps/rules/omn/mar_sw0311_youbycrocs.html or http://tinyurl.com/39bekm
*********************************************************
A new excerpt from my most recent release, The Right Mr. Wrong is featured this week at Shades of Romance. Check it out at http://sormaggoodies.blogspot.com/2008/03/excerpt-right-mr-wrong.html or http://tinyurl.com/273wle
********************************************************
This week I received the cover for my upcoming June Super Romance, A Soldier Comes Home. Check it out at http://tinyurl.com/yqrdcx
*******************************************************
As always, feel free to pass along this newsletter and to encourage others to sign up to receive it. If you reprint or forward the newsletter, all I ask is that I be given credit for it. Anyone can sign up by sending a blank email to cynthiasterling-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Cindi Myers
The Right Mr. Wrong Harlequin American, Feb. 2008
A Soldier Comes Home, Super Romance, June 2008
www.CindiMyers.com, www.myspace.com/CindiMyers
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Win a copy of Angela Knight's SHIFTER
Star Light, Star Bright…Interstellar Interviews
These guests are no strangers to romantic plights,
But they are some of the hottest talent to stop by our site!
Join us for monthly interviews with paranormal, fantasy and sci-fi
stars at www.star-crossedromance.blogspot.com!
We'll be kicking things off March 21st with NY Times and USA Today
Bestselling Author Angela Knight! One lucky visitor will win a
signed copy of her latest anthology, SHIFTER (including novellas by
Lora Leigh, Virginia Kantra and Alyssa Day)!
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These guests are no strangers to romantic plights,
But they are some of the hottest talent to stop by our site!
Join us for monthly interviews with paranormal, fantasy and sci-fi
stars at www.star-crossedromance.blogspot.com!
We'll be kicking things off March 21st with NY Times and USA Today
Bestselling Author Angela Knight! One lucky visitor will win a
signed copy of her latest anthology, SHIFTER (including novellas by
Lora Leigh, Virginia Kantra and Alyssa Day)!
Technorati Tags:
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Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Golden Claddagh Contest
Yes, I know this is What If Wednesday but...I'm passing on this fabulous contest news while I search for a good What If. So check this one out, everyone. After all, what if you win and get your mss in front of one of these great editors?
___________________________________________________________________
The Second Annual Golden Claddagh Contest is underway. For contest
rules and entry form use this link:
http://www.celtichearts.org/chcntst.html.
The genres are historical (any era), FF&P, long/short contemporary,
romantic suspense, mainstream with romantic elements, and, erotic.
Our distinguished final judges will be:
FF&P: Rose Hillard Editor of St. Martins Press
Romantic Suspense: Leis Pederson Editor of Berkle/Jove
Historical: Esi Sogah - Avon/Harper Collins
Mainstream with Romantic Elements: Margaret Esch -Tiger Publications
Contemporary: Lois Winston - agent Ashley Grayson Literary Agency
Erotic: Felicia Mills Editor of Red Sage Publishing
Deadline is midnight, May 1st, 2008
ALL SUBMISSIONS ARE TO BE ELECTRONIC.
***Last year one of our lucky winners did receive a full manuscript request.***
___________________________________________________________________
The Second Annual Golden Claddagh Contest is underway. For contest
rules and entry form use this link:
http://www.celtichearts.org/chcntst.html.
The genres are historical (any era), FF&P, long/short contemporary,
romantic suspense, mainstream with romantic elements, and, erotic.
Our distinguished final judges will be:
FF&P: Rose Hillard Editor of St. Martins Press
Romantic Suspense: Leis Pederson Editor of Berkle/Jove
Historical: Esi Sogah - Avon/Harper Collins
Mainstream with Romantic Elements: Margaret Esch -Tiger Publications
Contemporary: Lois Winston - agent Ashley Grayson Literary Agency
Erotic: Felicia Mills Editor of Red Sage Publishing
Deadline is midnight, May 1st, 2008
ALL SUBMISSIONS ARE TO BE ELECTRONIC.
***Last year one of our lucky winners did receive a full manuscript request.***
Monday, March 17, 2008
Market News
Editor, author and publishing executive Lou Aronica and agent Peter Miller are teaming up to form The Story Plant, a publishing venture that will "focus on long-term relationships with commercial novelists," intending to "develop writers over multiple books." The Story Plant will publish commercial fiction, beginning with American Quest, a contemporary romantic fantasy by Sienna Skyy, and Capitol Reflections a medical thriller by Jonathan Javitt, MD. Lou Aronica previously worked at Bantam Books, where he created the Bantam Spectra imprint of science fiction and fantasy; and at Avon, where he formed the Avon Eos imprint. Peter Miller is president of PMS Literary and Film Management, Inc. in New York and also heads up the Millenium Lion Production Company. According to Mr. Miller, "When we sign a Story Plant title, we're specifically looking at the book's film and foreign potential. We think the books on this list are going to be successful on a number of platforms."
*******************************************************
Ellora's Cave is currently publishing monthly themed short stories. Each month features a particular birthstone, and each story must include or make reference to that month's featured stone. The stories should be either 10,000-15,000 word 'quickies' or 18,000 - 30,000 novellas. The stories should be highly erotic romance "the hotter, the better." Paranormal elements are welcome and the stories may be set in any time period. You can read previous month's offerings to get an idea of the kind of thing they're looking for. The remaining months' themes and deadlines are: October - Opal. Deadline April 1, 2007; November - Topaz, May 1; December -- Turquoise, June 1. Details are available at http://www.ellorascave.com/callsforsubmissions.pdf
*************************************************************
Espresso Fiction (http://www.espressofiction.com/) is an innovative fiction website. Readers can subscribe to have a short story e-mailed to them each week. They offer five different types of stories:
Bubacino -- 1000-2000 words stories suitable for ages 7-12
Hot Chocolate -- stories for ages 13-17, 1000-2500 words
Mocha -- audience is 18-24 and includes any genre except science fiction and fantasy 1000-3500 words
Espresso -- for ages 25 and older, 1000-3500 words, any genre except science fiction and fantasy
Short Black -- Flash Fiction of 200 words or less
Payment of $30 per story, via Paypal, and a free membership to the service
All the details are at http://www.espressofiction.com/information_writers.php
***********************************************
As always, feel free to pass along this newsletter and to encourage others to sign up to receive it. If you reprint or forward the newsletter, all I ask is that I be given credit for it. Anyone can sign up by sending a blank email to cynthiasterling-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Technorati Tags:
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Furl Tags:
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*******************************************************
Ellora's Cave is currently publishing monthly themed short stories. Each month features a particular birthstone, and each story must include or make reference to that month's featured stone. The stories should be either 10,000-15,000 word 'quickies' or 18,000 - 30,000 novellas. The stories should be highly erotic romance "the hotter, the better." Paranormal elements are welcome and the stories may be set in any time period. You can read previous month's offerings to get an idea of the kind of thing they're looking for. The remaining months' themes and deadlines are: October - Opal. Deadline April 1, 2007; November - Topaz, May 1; December -- Turquoise, June 1. Details are available at http://www.ellorascave.com/callsforsubmissions.pdf
*************************************************************
Espresso Fiction (http://www.espressofiction.com/) is an innovative fiction website. Readers can subscribe to have a short story e-mailed to them each week. They offer five different types of stories:
Bubacino -- 1000-2000 words stories suitable for ages 7-12
Hot Chocolate -- stories for ages 13-17, 1000-2500 words
Mocha -- audience is 18-24 and includes any genre except science fiction and fantasy 1000-3500 words
Espresso -- for ages 25 and older, 1000-3500 words, any genre except science fiction and fantasy
Short Black -- Flash Fiction of 200 words or less
Payment of $30 per story, via Paypal, and a free membership to the service
All the details are at http://www.espressofiction.com/information_writers.php
***********************************************
As always, feel free to pass along this newsletter and to encourage others to sign up to receive it. If you reprint or forward the newsletter, all I ask is that I be given credit for it. Anyone can sign up by sending a blank email to cynthiasterling-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
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Thursday, March 13, 2008
Win a copy of Linda Wisdom's '50 Ways to Hex Your Lover'
Good morning, everyone!
I hope the weather in your part of the world is warm and balmy. Here in Michigan, it’s still a bit blustery, cold and snowy even though Spring is in just 7 days but that’s Michigan. Sigh.
I just wanted to let you know that my friend, Linda Wisdom, just released her newest book ..50 Ways to Hex Your Lover’ on March 1. I was so eager to get it that, ahem, I bought two.
But I’m going to put that spare book to good use and offer it to one of you lucky people.
All you have to do is join my newsletter (To join my newsletter, send a blank email to: LyndaKScott-Newsgroup-subscribe@yahoogroups.com) and then send me an email at lyndak.scott@gmail.com with the subject line of ’50 Ways to Hex Your Lover’ before March 17 (Happy St. Patrick’s Day!), I’ll put your name into a box.
Then my fluffy buddy, Wookie, (you remember her? She’s the feline in charge of all drawings and contests) will select the winner.
Remember, you have to be a member of my newsletter group and I need your emails by March 17 to put you in the drawing for this fabulous book, so don’t delay.
Thanks and have a great week!
Lynda
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I hope the weather in your part of the world is warm and balmy. Here in Michigan, it’s still a bit blustery, cold and snowy even though Spring is in just 7 days but that’s Michigan. Sigh.
I just wanted to let you know that my friend, Linda Wisdom, just released her newest book ..50 Ways to Hex Your Lover’ on March 1. I was so eager to get it that, ahem, I bought two.
But I’m going to put that spare book to good use and offer it to one of you lucky people.
All you have to do is join my newsletter (To join my newsletter, send a blank email to: LyndaKScott-Newsgroup-subscribe@yahoogroups.com) and then send me an email at lyndak.scott@gmail.com with the subject line of ’50 Ways to Hex Your Lover’ before March 17 (Happy St. Patrick’s Day!), I’ll put your name into a box.
Then my fluffy buddy, Wookie, (you remember her? She’s the feline in charge of all drawings and contests) will select the winner.
Remember, you have to be a member of my newsletter group and I need your emails by March 17 to put you in the drawing for this fabulous book, so don’t delay.
Thanks and have a great week!
Lynda
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Wednesday, March 12, 2008
What If Life Formed on the Moons of a Jupiter Like Planet?
There's been some study recently that suggests life might be more easily found on the moons of the big gas giants like Jupiter...if those giants are in the Hability Zone of its parent star. (see research done by Scott Fleming of the University of Florida.
Gas giants often have multiple moons in their orbit so if life developed on them, they'd be more inclined to have faster communication between moons or easier (in terms of energy) access to space flight.
I can see sister civilizations forming on moons of this sort, perhaps even similar socio-religious developments due to the shared giant soaring overhead. Chances are the moons may have similar geo-physical construction, similar fundamental elements, similar ecologies. But that wouldn't necessarily be so. A look at the moons of our own gas giants proves that.
So what kinds of civilizations might develop on one of these 'temperate gas giants'? What are your 'what if' thoughts? Feel free to share...or just sit back and contemplate the ideas for your own story :D
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Gas giants often have multiple moons in their orbit so if life developed on them, they'd be more inclined to have faster communication between moons or easier (in terms of energy) access to space flight.
I can see sister civilizations forming on moons of this sort, perhaps even similar socio-religious developments due to the shared giant soaring overhead. Chances are the moons may have similar geo-physical construction, similar fundamental elements, similar ecologies. But that wouldn't necessarily be so. A look at the moons of our own gas giants proves that.
So what kinds of civilizations might develop on one of these 'temperate gas giants'? What are your 'what if' thoughts? Feel free to share...or just sit back and contemplate the ideas for your own story :D
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Monday, March 10, 2008
Cindy Vallar Clas: Bringing Pirates to Life
Folks, I've taken this class and it's wonderful (any class of Cindy's is!). If you're thinking about writing a pirate novel, you don't want to miss this one. -- Lynda
---------------------------------------------------------------------
PERMISSION GRANTED TO FORWARD
Bringing Pirates to Life
Have you always been intrigued by pirates? Peter Blood in Captain
Blood, Long John Silver in Treasure Island, and Captain Jack Sparrow in
Pirates of the Caribbean all conjure up images of buried treasure, black
schooners, wooden legs, eye patches, vibrant parrots, walking the plank,
and swashbuckling swordsmen. Are these accurate portrayals of pirates?
Some are, some aren’t. This workshop will explore the differences
between the reality and mythology of piracy, and how writers can create
believable characters that fit within historical parameters. You will
look at why individuals became pirates, who’s who on a pirate ship, the
rules of governing pirates, and other aspects of maritime life.
Cindy Vallar, a retired librarian, began researching pirates in college
while working on The Rebel and the Spy, a historical novel about Jean
Laffite and the Battle of New Orleans. She is the Editor of Pirates and
Privateers, a monthly column on the history of maritime piracy. In
addition, she belongs to the Historical Novel Society, the Texas
Coalition of Authors, the Laffite Society, the National Maritime
Historical Society, and the Red River Branch of Clan Cameron. She is
the author of The Scottish Thistle, her debut historical novel about
Scotland’s Rising of 1745 and Odin’s Stone, a romantic short story of
how the Lord of the Isles settled the medieval feud between the
MacKinnons and MacLeans on the Isle of Skye.
For more information about the instructor, please visit:
www.cindyvallar.com
This 4-week long online writing workshop is conducted using a private
listserve. It’s easy to participate; if you know how to send e-mail,
you’ve mastered all of the necessary technical skills. The class costs
$15 for RWA members, $20 for others and begins on Tuesday, April 1,
2008. The deadline to register is March 31st. To enroll in this class,
send a check or money order (in U.S. dollars) made payable to STAR
Writers Workshops to the STAR Workshop Coordinator, Jennifer Lorang, at
20 Mohawk Drive, Lisle, NY 13797 USA (include your name, e-mail
address, phone number, workshop choices, and RWA number, if applicable).
You may also register via Paypal by sending the payment to
starpay@gmail.com no later than March 31st. If using Paypal, please send
your information (name, e-mail address, phone number, workshop choices,
and RWA number, if applicable) to the coordinator at rav37ven@aol.com.
You will be automatically enrolled in the class during the last week of
March. For more information about the Southern Tier Authors of Romance
(STAR), or to see the list of other upcoming 2008 workshops, please
visit: http://members.aol.com/starrwa/workshop.html.
--
Cindy Vallar
Associate Editor, Solander Magazine
HF Author, Piracy Historian, Freelance Editor, Book Reviewer, Workshop
Presenter
E-mail: cindy@cindyvallar.com or cindyv@copper.net
Web site: Thistles & Pirates, http://www.cindyvallar.com
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PERMISSION GRANTED TO FORWARD
Bringing Pirates to Life
Have you always been intrigued by pirates? Peter Blood in Captain
Blood, Long John Silver in Treasure Island, and Captain Jack Sparrow in
Pirates of the Caribbean all conjure up images of buried treasure, black
schooners, wooden legs, eye patches, vibrant parrots, walking the plank,
and swashbuckling swordsmen. Are these accurate portrayals of pirates?
Some are, some aren’t. This workshop will explore the differences
between the reality and mythology of piracy, and how writers can create
believable characters that fit within historical parameters. You will
look at why individuals became pirates, who’s who on a pirate ship, the
rules of governing pirates, and other aspects of maritime life.
Cindy Vallar, a retired librarian, began researching pirates in college
while working on The Rebel and the Spy, a historical novel about Jean
Laffite and the Battle of New Orleans. She is the Editor of Pirates and
Privateers, a monthly column on the history of maritime piracy. In
addition, she belongs to the Historical Novel Society, the Texas
Coalition of Authors, the Laffite Society, the National Maritime
Historical Society, and the Red River Branch of Clan Cameron. She is
the author of The Scottish Thistle, her debut historical novel about
Scotland’s Rising of 1745 and Odin’s Stone, a romantic short story of
how the Lord of the Isles settled the medieval feud between the
MacKinnons and MacLeans on the Isle of Skye.
For more information about the instructor, please visit:
www.cindyvallar.com
This 4-week long online writing workshop is conducted using a private
listserve. It’s easy to participate; if you know how to send e-mail,
you’ve mastered all of the necessary technical skills. The class costs
$15 for RWA members, $20 for others and begins on Tuesday, April 1,
2008. The deadline to register is March 31st. To enroll in this class,
send a check or money order (in U.S. dollars) made payable to STAR
Writers Workshops to the STAR Workshop Coordinator, Jennifer Lorang, at
20 Mohawk Drive, Lisle, NY 13797 USA (include your name, e-mail
address, phone number, workshop choices, and RWA number, if applicable).
You may also register via Paypal by sending the payment to
starpay@gmail.com no later than March 31st. If using Paypal, please send
your information (name, e-mail address, phone number, workshop choices,
and RWA number, if applicable) to the coordinator at rav37ven@aol.com.
You will be automatically enrolled in the class during the last week of
March. For more information about the Southern Tier Authors of Romance
(STAR), or to see the list of other upcoming 2008 workshops, please
visit: http://members.aol.com/starrwa/workshop.html.
--
Cindy Vallar
Associate Editor, Solander Magazine
HF Author, Piracy Historian, Freelance Editor, Book Reviewer, Workshop
Presenter
E-mail: cindy@cindyvallar.com or cindyv@copper.net
Web site: Thistles & Pirates, http://www.cindyvallar.com
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Friday, March 07, 2008
Thinking about Rewriting
I’ve been working on rewrites of a book that did well in contests and that has received favorable attention from agents but, alas, no offer of a contract.
This gave me a lot of consternation. If everyone liked it, why no offer of representation? What is the underlying fault?
One agent mentioned an eek factor that’s really part of the heroine’s backstory and is a set up for her principle conflict with the hero.
One agent mentioned a lack of world building…and boy did that one confuse me since my story is set in the far future, not Earth, and there are alien life forms. Sigh.
One agent cited the lack of sexual tension between the heroine and the hero.
So which one do I believe? Any one of them? All of them?
The eek factor…okay, I’ve heard rumors about stuff like that. Since it’s right on the first few pages, in the form of a ‘story’, I can relocate it and still keep it as motivation for h/h conflict.
The world building? Mmm, maybe for a true SF story it could be lacking but this is SFR, a softer, gentler type of SF. And I just don’t believe the world building is at fault.
Sexual tension? Okay, yes, I thought it was fine but it could be strengthened, heightened. Brought forward.
So I’m going to combine the rewrites for the eek factor and the sexual tension. That’s two out of three and completely doable.
But telling you this isn’t the purpose of this column. Not exactly anyway. What I’m really saying is that as a writer, you have to pick and choose which opinions you’re going to give weight to when you’re trying to sell your book. It’s a whole lot easier if all the opinions/comments are the same, of course, but the odds of that happening…well, can we say astronomical? :D
And before you think I’m upset about my book being turned down, let me clarify. I’m not (well, okay, when I first got these I was bewildered and devastated), well, I’m not NOW.
I had to wait for the pain to pass, then I put on my ‘professional writer’ hat and coldly look at my mss. It took time, more than I care to admit. But I’m not one to throw her hands up in the air and wail for very long either. When I finally reached the decision to rewrite it, I knew I’d done the right thing for this book…and ultimately for my career.
Have any of you ever been in this position? How did you handle it?
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This gave me a lot of consternation. If everyone liked it, why no offer of representation? What is the underlying fault?
One agent mentioned an eek factor that’s really part of the heroine’s backstory and is a set up for her principle conflict with the hero.
One agent mentioned a lack of world building…and boy did that one confuse me since my story is set in the far future, not Earth, and there are alien life forms. Sigh.
One agent cited the lack of sexual tension between the heroine and the hero.
So which one do I believe? Any one of them? All of them?
The eek factor…okay, I’ve heard rumors about stuff like that. Since it’s right on the first few pages, in the form of a ‘story’, I can relocate it and still keep it as motivation for h/h conflict.
The world building? Mmm, maybe for a true SF story it could be lacking but this is SFR, a softer, gentler type of SF. And I just don’t believe the world building is at fault.
Sexual tension? Okay, yes, I thought it was fine but it could be strengthened, heightened. Brought forward.
So I’m going to combine the rewrites for the eek factor and the sexual tension. That’s two out of three and completely doable.
But telling you this isn’t the purpose of this column. Not exactly anyway. What I’m really saying is that as a writer, you have to pick and choose which opinions you’re going to give weight to when you’re trying to sell your book. It’s a whole lot easier if all the opinions/comments are the same, of course, but the odds of that happening…well, can we say astronomical? :D
And before you think I’m upset about my book being turned down, let me clarify. I’m not (well, okay, when I first got these I was bewildered and devastated), well, I’m not NOW.
I had to wait for the pain to pass, then I put on my ‘professional writer’ hat and coldly look at my mss. It took time, more than I care to admit. But I’m not one to throw her hands up in the air and wail for very long either. When I finally reached the decision to rewrite it, I knew I’d done the right thing for this book…and ultimately for my career.
Have any of you ever been in this position? How did you handle it?
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Wednesday, March 05, 2008
What if Wednesday - New Improved Birdsong?
Pollution Influencing Birds
Here's an odd finding, no, not that pollution is affecting birds--we've known that for a while, haven't we? But this new effect is unexpected. It seems that in the UK, birds that eat earthworms near a sewage treatment plant (where a high incidence of estrogen can be found in the soil) have new and more 'inventive' birdsong. The female birds here this new song and apparently prefer it over the standard old tune. The bad part is that these affected birds have a weaker immune system and other health risks. Mmm...what kind of what ifs does this inspire in all of you? I'm picturing musical prodigies with markedly shorter life spans.
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Here's an odd finding, no, not that pollution is affecting birds--we've known that for a while, haven't we? But this new effect is unexpected. It seems that in the UK, birds that eat earthworms near a sewage treatment plant (where a high incidence of estrogen can be found in the soil) have new and more 'inventive' birdsong. The female birds here this new song and apparently prefer it over the standard old tune. The bad part is that these affected birds have a weaker immune system and other health risks. Mmm...what kind of what ifs does this inspire in all of you? I'm picturing musical prodigies with markedly shorter life spans.
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Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Check out Linda Wisdom at Star-Crossed Romance
My buddy, Linda Wisdom, is guesting at my collective blog today. You can read her post at Star-Crossed Romance
Be sure to leave a comment for her :D
Be sure to leave a comment for her :D
Monday, March 03, 2008
Market News -- Passed on with permission
[CynthiaSterling] Market News for Week of February 24, 2008
This year continues to speed by. I hope you're working away on wonderful new writing projects. Here are a few more markets for you:
Encore Romance (http://www.encoreromance.com) is a new venture from the publishers of Whispers Publishing (http://whispershome.com/ ) and Vintage Romance (http://www.vrpublishing.com/ ) Encore Romance is devoted to publishing reprints, in ebook form, of previously published, out-of-print romance novels. Authors who own the digital/electronic rights to romance fiction previously published by a mainstream publisher may send a letter of interest with information about the book to encoreromance@gmail.com. The editors will usually respond with a decision within 24 to 72 hours. Encore asks that the author be willing to include information about Encore Romance and the digital sale of your book on your website. All accepted authors will be asked to sign a two-year contract (renewable) for the digital/electronic rights for their book. Print rights shall remain with the author(s). As these books will be sold through outlets requiring distribution discounts, authors will receive 50% of the net price after discount.
********************************************************
Summerside Press is a new inspirational publisher "offering a pleasurable, escapist reading experience that is wholesome and inspirational." Summerside Press™ is launching its Love Finds You™ fiction line in fall 2008, featuring inspirational romance novels set in actual small towns across the United States. They plan to release 12 titles per year. Word count of between 60K and 100K words (220 to 380 pages). The stories may be historical or contemporary. The first 12 titles for the series are already in development. Interested authors should contact the editor, Rachel Meisel for a list of upcoming titles and writer's guidelines. Some highlights: since the majority of the action in each novel will take place in the title town, plot details should remain reasonably faithful to the town’s history, geography, and atmosphere. Stories should be realistic, not sacrificing realism in order to tell a feel-good tale. The stories should also be relevant, wholesome and positive. Ms. Meisel is currently accepting proposals (an overview of the novel, a chapter-by-chapter synopsis, and at least 3 sample chapters) for new projects. Once you're read the guidelines, please send proposals to: Rachel Meisel, Fiction Editor, Summerside Press™, rachel@roverhaus.com
******************************************************
The National Association of Baby Boomer Women is holding a Favorite Concert Memories Writing Contest. Share your favorite concert memory in 500 words. Submissions should be written in a Word document and sent as an attachment to contest@nabbw.com with FAVORITE CONCERT MEMORY in the subject line. There is no fee to enter. Deadline for entries is April 15th. First prize is $100 and free membership or renewal in the National Association of Baby Boomer Women. Plus your story will be placed in the Our Voices section at www.boomerwomenspeak.com. Please make sure to include your name, email address, and short bio at the top of your entry NOT in the body of the email. For more information, go to http://tinyurl.com/2vk7rg
*********************************************************
Get the inside scoop from Harlequin Editors by listening to the new Meet the Editors podcasts, available at http://www.eharlequin.com/store.html?cid=749 Each 20-minute podcast is a one-on-one interview with an acquiring editor for one of Harlequin's lines or imprints. The first podcast features features Melissa Jeglinski, senior editor for Silhouette Desire, and Diana Ventimiglia, associate editor for Silhouette Desire and Silhouette Romantic Suspense. A new podcast will be released every two weeks.
*********************************************************
Lindsay Sagnette, formerly an editor with Bloomsbury, will join St. Martin's in early March. She'll be acquiring "suspense-driven fiction and innovative women's fiction."
Erika Tsang has been promoted to executive editor at Avon.
**********************************************************
As always, feel free to pass along this newsletter and to encourage others to sign up to receive it. If you reprint or forward the newsletter, all I ask is that I be given credit for it. Anyone can sign up by sending a blank email to cynthiasterling-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Cindi Myers
The Right Mr. Wrong Harlequin American, Feb. 2008
A Soldier Comes Home, Super Romance, June 2008
www.CindiMyers.com, www.myspace.com/CindiMyers
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This year continues to speed by. I hope you're working away on wonderful new writing projects. Here are a few more markets for you:
Encore Romance (http://www.encoreromance.com) is a new venture from the publishers of Whispers Publishing (http://whispershome.com/ ) and Vintage Romance (http://www.vrpublishing.com/ ) Encore Romance is devoted to publishing reprints, in ebook form, of previously published, out-of-print romance novels. Authors who own the digital/electronic rights to romance fiction previously published by a mainstream publisher may send a letter of interest with information about the book to encoreromance@gmail.com. The editors will usually respond with a decision within 24 to 72 hours. Encore asks that the author be willing to include information about Encore Romance and the digital sale of your book on your website. All accepted authors will be asked to sign a two-year contract (renewable) for the digital/electronic rights for their book. Print rights shall remain with the author(s). As these books will be sold through outlets requiring distribution discounts, authors will receive 50% of the net price after discount.
********************************************************
Summerside Press is a new inspirational publisher "offering a pleasurable, escapist reading experience that is wholesome and inspirational." Summerside Press™ is launching its Love Finds You™ fiction line in fall 2008, featuring inspirational romance novels set in actual small towns across the United States. They plan to release 12 titles per year. Word count of between 60K and 100K words (220 to 380 pages). The stories may be historical or contemporary. The first 12 titles for the series are already in development. Interested authors should contact the editor, Rachel Meisel for a list of upcoming titles and writer's guidelines. Some highlights: since the majority of the action in each novel will take place in the title town, plot details should remain reasonably faithful to the town’s history, geography, and atmosphere. Stories should be realistic, not sacrificing realism in order to tell a feel-good tale. The stories should also be relevant, wholesome and positive. Ms. Meisel is currently accepting proposals (an overview of the novel, a chapter-by-chapter synopsis, and at least 3 sample chapters) for new projects. Once you're read the guidelines, please send proposals to: Rachel Meisel, Fiction Editor, Summerside Press™, rachel@roverhaus.com
******************************************************
The National Association of Baby Boomer Women is holding a Favorite Concert Memories Writing Contest. Share your favorite concert memory in 500 words. Submissions should be written in a Word document and sent as an attachment to contest@nabbw.com with FAVORITE CONCERT MEMORY in the subject line. There is no fee to enter. Deadline for entries is April 15th. First prize is $100 and free membership or renewal in the National Association of Baby Boomer Women. Plus your story will be placed in the Our Voices section at www.boomerwomenspeak.com. Please make sure to include your name, email address, and short bio at the top of your entry NOT in the body of the email. For more information, go to http://tinyurl.com/2vk7rg
*********************************************************
Get the inside scoop from Harlequin Editors by listening to the new Meet the Editors podcasts, available at http://www.eharlequin.com/store.html?cid=749 Each 20-minute podcast is a one-on-one interview with an acquiring editor for one of Harlequin's lines or imprints. The first podcast features features Melissa Jeglinski, senior editor for Silhouette Desire, and Diana Ventimiglia, associate editor for Silhouette Desire and Silhouette Romantic Suspense. A new podcast will be released every two weeks.
*********************************************************
Lindsay Sagnette, formerly an editor with Bloomsbury, will join St. Martin's in early March. She'll be acquiring "suspense-driven fiction and innovative women's fiction."
Erika Tsang has been promoted to executive editor at Avon.
**********************************************************
As always, feel free to pass along this newsletter and to encourage others to sign up to receive it. If you reprint or forward the newsletter, all I ask is that I be given credit for it. Anyone can sign up by sending a blank email to cynthiasterling-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Cindi Myers
The Right Mr. Wrong Harlequin American, Feb. 2008
A Soldier Comes Home, Super Romance, June 2008
www.CindiMyers.com, www.myspace.com/CindiMyers
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