Bees in the City: The urban beekeeper’s handbook sold me on both cover design and title. The cover, with its watermarky aesthetics, hints at a modern, professionally designed book that marries content with form (something that’s often missing from beekeeping books, which look like they’ve been run off on a photocopier and patched together in […]
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By: [email protected],
on 4/5/2015
Blog: Perpetually Adolescent (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Bees, Beekeeping, Fiona Crawford, Book Reviews - Non-Fiction, Urban Beekeeping, Add a tag
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By: Chris Barton,
on 4/5/2015
Blog: Bartography (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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By: Tamra Wight,
on 4/5/2015
Blog: RANDOM WRITING (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: eagles, Wildlife, Campground, Wildlife Sightings, Hiking/Kayaking, Add a tag
By: [email protected],
on 4/5/2015
Blog: Perpetually Adolescent (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: bedtime, children's picture books, Mother's Day, New Frontier Publishing, New Book Releases, Anna Walker, Scholastic Press Australia, Dimity Powell, Book Reviews - Childrens and Young Adult, Amanda Francey, Hurry UP Alfie, Alfie's Lost Sharkie, Alice Rex, Onsie Mumsie, onsies, Add a tag
By: Mayra Calvani,
on 4/5/2015
Blog: Mayra's Secret Bookcase (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: children's books, meditation for kids, Add a tag
By: DIWAKAR,
on 4/5/2015
Blog: POETRY FOR THE SOUL (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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Post the books completed last week, the books you are currently reading, and the books you hope to finish this week.
ONE MILE UNDER by Andrew Gross for an April 7, 2015, review. Stop back then if you can.
A thriller you won't want to miss. Had me on the edge of my seat.
SECOND CHANCE FRIENDS by Jennifer Scott for a May 5, 2015, post. Stop back if you can.
It was a very pleasant women's fiction read. Bonding of women.
Book Currently Reading:
LITTLE BLACK LIES by Sharon Bolton for a May 19, 2015, post.
Books Up Next:
THE CAKE THERAPIST by Judith Fertig for a June 2, 2015, post.
DEATH IN SALEM by Eleanor Kuhns for a June 16, 2015, post
LAST NIGHT AT THE BLUE ANGEL by Rebecca Rotert for a June 30, 2015, post.
THE GIRL WROTE IN SILK by Kelli Estes for a July 7, 2015, post.
IN THE DARK PLACES by Peter Robinson for an August 8, 2015, post.
TAHOE GHOST by Todd Borg
THREE STORY HOUSE by Courtney Miller Santo
GARDEN OF LETTERS by Alyson Richman
THE BEEKEEPER'S BALL by Susan Wiggs
NATCHEZ BURNING by Greg Isles
MADAME PICASSO by Anne Girard
THE TRUTH ABOUT THE HARRY QUEBERT AFFAIR by Joel Dicker
THE GIRL WHO CAME HOME by Hazel Gaynor
WOMAN OF ILL FAME by Erika Mailman
THE SIGNATURE OF ALL THINGS by Elizabeth Gilbert
PERFECT by Rachel Joyce
********************
The books below are not necessarily in the order I have planned to read them.
I normally read in order of publication or tour date.
And....these are not for reading in the upcoming week. They are books into and including all of 2014.
The "list" is a means of keeping me organized. A visual display helps a lot for organization along with my Excel lists.
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By: [email protected],
on 4/5/2015
Blog: Perpetually Adolescent (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Bees, Beekeeping, Fiona Crawford, Book Reviews - Non-Fiction, Urban Beekeeping, Add a tag
By: Chris Barton,
on 4/5/2015
Blog: Bartography (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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Last I heard, it’s going to be called The Last Full Measure. Intriguing, right?
0 Comments on Comment on Q&A with Trent Reedy, author of Burning Nation by Chris Barton as of 1/1/1900
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By: Tamra Wight,
on 4/5/2015
Blog: RANDOM WRITING (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: eagles, Wildlife, Campground, Wildlife Sightings, Hiking/Kayaking, Add a tag
Somewhere around March 24th, the eagle pair settled in on their eggs.
Look at that smile!
Each egg was laid three days apart and thirty-five days from then, chicks will be born. Both adults take turns sitting on the nest, and they’ll turn the eggs approximately every two hours.
After the eggs are laid and the eagles start their long sit-in, or as I like to call it, a snuggle-in, I will always see one on the nest. They won’t leave those eggs alone. They’ll keep them warm and dry and safe to predators in the air, such as ravens. Or predators from down below, like raccoons.
When I trudge to the lake now, through the 6 inches of snow which lays over most of the campground, I can count on seeing the one on the beautiful nest they built.
Eyes to the sky though, I’m looking for the mate not on the nest. And if I’m lucky, I’ll witness something amazing like this . . .
One eagle bringing sticks to the nest, adding on to the castle, so to speak.
Or a juvenile, soaring overhead, but not daring to come near.
A hawk looking for its next meal.
But what I’m most anxious for, is eaglets.
It won’t be long now.
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By: [email protected],
on 4/5/2015
Blog: Perpetually Adolescent (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: bedtime, children's picture books, Mother's Day, New Frontier Publishing, New Book Releases, Anna Walker, Scholastic Press Australia, Dimity Powell, Book Reviews - Childrens and Young Adult, Amanda Francey, Hurry UP Alfie, Alfie's Lost Sharkie, Alice Rex, Onsie Mumsie, onsies, Add a tag
Putting the kids to bed is a rite of passage that not every parent survives in tact. Bedtime can be fraught with misadventure and procrastination. A five-minute goodnight kiss can draw out into a production of Oscar winning proportions. If you have kids under seven-years-old, chances are you’ve experienced a night or two like this. […]
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By: Mayra Calvani,
on 4/5/2015
Blog: Mayra's Secret Bookcase (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: children's books, meditation for kids, Add a tag
Whitney Stewart grew up in New England and graduated from Brown University. She published her first award-winning, young adult biography after interviewing the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, the subject of two of her books. She trekked with Sir Edmund Hillary in the Everest region of Nepal; interviewed Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi in Rangoon, Burma; and traveled extensively in Asia to research the lives of Deng Xiaoping, Mao Zedong, and Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. She is the author of three middle-grade novels and multiple middle-grade nonfiction books, including an unknown tale of Abraham Lincoln and artist Francis Bicknell Carpenter. Her newest picture books include A Catfish Tale, a bayou retelling of the Grimm brothers’ Fisherman and his Wife, and Meditation is an Open Sky: Mindfulness for Kids.
Welcome to Mayra's Secret Bookcase, Whitney! Tell us, do you consider yourself to be a born writer?
I was born with deep intuition, curiosity about people, and a love of story and language. Those are my innate qualities. So, in that sense, yes, I am a born writer. But writing takes talent, discipline, study of the craft, imagination, and patience. I have developed those over the years.
Did you always want to be a writer?
Yes. I started to love writing stories in 4thgrade, and submitting to publishers in 10th grade.
Tell us about your recent release. What was your inspiration for it?
I have been meditating since high school. I traveled to Tibet and India when I was in my twenties and learned meditation from Tibetan Buddhist monks. I came home and wanted to teach kids the basics of meditation without religious affilitation.
My new picture book, Meditation is an Open Sky: Mindfulness for Kids, is nondenominational book of simple meditations easy enough for preschoolers and sophisticated enough for adults.
Tell us about your children's books.
I began by publishing young adult biographies of Nobel laureates and adventurers (the Dalai Lama, Aung San Suu Kyi, Sir Edmund Hillary and more). Then I branched out into writing middle grade nonfiction on such subjects as shipwrecks and Abraham Lincoln. Now I am publishing picture books (fiction and nonfiction) for the youngest readers. Last year I published A Catfish Tale, a silly retelling of Grimms’ The Fisherman and His Wife, set in the Louisiana bayou. I am now working on a middle grade novel set in New Orleans and a middle grade nonfiction book about the hunt for a missing German WWII soldier.
Have you ever suffered from writer’s block? If yes, how did you ‘cure’ it?
Yes, I suffered from a creative block after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans where I live. I was evacuated by helicopter from a rooftop after waiting five days in a flooded building. I had to move away from home for 4 ½ months and spent most of my time filing FEMA papers and insurance claims. After I returned to New Orleans, I could not settle easily into my writing routine. I took a private drawing class for a few months to experiment with another creative outlet. I am not a natural artist, but I loved this class nonetheless. I did charcoal portraits of faces. Then I imagined them in stories, which helped me start writing again. After the class ended, I then wrote and published a children’s novel and two shipwreck books.
Some writers go on long walks, others keep a journal, write at a café, or listen to music. What do you do for inspiration and unleashing your creativity?
I take long walks or a bike ride almost every day. And I travel and research the history of the places where I go. I write nonfiction, so I turn my travels into writing projects. I used to journal when I traveled, but I don’t often do that now. I’m not sure why. However, during my three most recent research journeys, I published an online, eight-part travel series of my adventure.
Describe your working environment.
I work at home in my office library. I am surrounded by windows. I love my office except it has be very noisy when my neighbors on both sides renovated their houses, or when my neighbor’s landscape crew comes through every Monday with leaf-blowers and loud machinery.
Are you a disciplined writer? What is your working style?
Yes, very disciplined. I work every weekday from about 9am or 10am (after exercising) until 5pm or 6pm. I don’t usually write on weekends unless my family is out of town and I have a deadline. I don’t write at night either. I am a morning person.
Do you like to outline and plot ahead, or are you more of a stream-of-consciousness writer?
I wish I did outlines or worked on plot first. I am not good at that. I just plunge right into my story and craft the fiction plot or nonfiction chapter sequence later. I often attempt to plot in advance but give up.
Do you have a website/blog where readers may learn more about you and your works?
What are you working on now?
I spent three years on an international hunt for a German WWII soldier (my husband’s uncle) who disappeared from the Russian front after he wrote his last two letters home on January 12, 1945. I was always curious about this man and could not accept that he faded from life without a trace. After Hurricane Katrina, I discovered a box of his war letters in an attic of a flooded house. I went to Germany and Poland three times to follow his last known days. I even worked with a Polish metal detector expert to dig up shrapnel and bones in a former WWII battlefield where my soldier fought. I have learned from the soldier’s letters that he never wanted to fight for the Nazi government and wanted both sides to put down their guns and let the world leaders negotiate peace.
I am now writing a middle grade book that weaves together the soldier’s story with my story to find him. It will be illustrated with drawings, old photographs, and war documents. When I have a solid draft, I will pitch it to publishers.
Where are your books available?
At online and indie bookstores. I did publish a few museum press books that are only available now from these museum stores.
What was your experience in looking for a publisher?
This is always a challenge. It take time, energy, research, and patience. I used to do all of my own submitting. Now I have a literary agent who submits my work to publishers. I recommend having a agent in today’s publishing climate.
What was your experience in working with an illustrator?
Normally, children’s book writers do not get to choose their illustrator. The publisher does that. In those situations, I am often consulted on early drafts of illustrations. I have contributed comments when I see an inaccurancy in a drawing or when something does not match my text. One time an illustrator drew a left-handed guitar player, but my character was right-handed. I caught the mistake that I knew kids would also discover.
I have also sent photos of a setting if the illustrator does not have access to such.
I have been lucky to work with a few friends on illustrations. I did not tell them how or what to draw. But, if they asked for my feedback, I exchanged ideas with them. Illustrators rock! I have deep admiration for them.
What type of book promotion works for you? Any special strategies you’d like to share?
Marketing is not my strong suit. I am shy about promoting my books unless I am invited to give a talk. That’s when I have fun because I love to connect with my readers of any age. I am comfortable talking in public and prepare well for each talk.
I also promote my books on social media, but I prefer to give talks and let my connection with people help sell my books.
What advice would you offer aspiring writers?
Have a thick skin and don’t take things personally. Keep moving forward. Every rejection is only a challenge to revise your story and find another publisher. Also, develop a writing habit and discipline, even if you can only write for an hour a day.
And finally, READ.
Who are your favorite authors?
That’s a tought question, which I answer differently depending on what I have been reading lately. Some of my favorite children’s book writers (not complete list) are: Suzanne Fisher Staples, Sally Rippin, Laurie Halse Anderson, Shaun Tan, Peter Sis, Allen Say, James Cross Giblin, Marcus Zusak, and Susan Campbell Bartoletti.
What was your favorite book as a child?
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.
What’s your favorite children’s book of all time?
Impossible question. Sorry. That said, The Book Thief and Owl Moon are definitely at the top of my list.
What is the best advice on writing you've ever received?
Revise. Revise. Revise.
We hear again and again that picture books are incredibly difficult to write. Why is that?
I love writing them. But every single word counts, especially now when word counts are way down for picture books. Finding the right pacing, element of humor or poignancy, and plot line is very tricky in 14 double-page spread.
How do you see the future of children’s picture books?
I just read an article, reported by the great Harold Underdown (http://www.underdown.org/) who has his finger on the pulse of children’s book publishing, that sales for children’s books are on the rise and outdid that of adult books in the last quarter. I think the field will survive the digital age. However, nonfiction books seem to be more and more limited. That’s a challenge for me because I love writing nonfiction. I need to rethink the way I write nonfiction so that I can continue to connect with young readers.
Is there anything else you’d like to say to our readers?
I love communicating with you. Send me questions and book ideas on my website. Invite me to your schools and libraries so we can meet. Find me at @whitneystewart2 or at http://whitneystewart.com/. Or read my travel series about the hunt for a missing German soldier at http://www.travelgumbo.com/blog/finding-reiner-disaster-to-discovery.
And thanks for loving books.
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By: ilene bauer,
on 4/5/2015
Blog: prime time rhyme (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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The last of the snow, in dirty batches,
Dots the land in random patches.
Stubbornly, it will not melt,
Kind of like how Frosty felt.
As the temps, though, start to rise
We’ll witness all this snow’s demise
And as it seeps into the ground,
It disappears, ‘til next time ‘round.
The crocuses are breaking through,
Preparing for their spring debut.
Impatient to unfurl their wings,
They thumb their nose at snow that clings.
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By: DIWAKAR,
on 4/5/2015
Blog: POETRY FOR THE SOUL (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]-->
“What can you do?’, Rob asked.
“I can dance”, Ram said.
‘Show me how’, He said
‘Are you a judge or a contest organizer?’, Ram said in irritation.
‘Oh, so sit here and preach”, Rob said and left that place.
The library was packed with students. It might be surprising for parents, but for students it was exam time. Examination is the only time when a student goes to the library, not to revise anything but to find a book they have to read to pass the examination. But alas, few unlucky students yet discuss about their passion, of course, not study. Rob was not so irritating from childhood, but as he joined high school he saw a different atmosphere. School is for the growth of a child. It is a place where a flower blossom and spread its fragrance around the world. A school is like a coveted sky in need of stars to shine and show the path for others to follow. But then it is all in the books. A good fiction book or, of course, what else but poetry.
As soon as students and teachers around rob found out the passion of photography inside him they like to tease him with a few of their dialogues like – ‘Do come to my marriage and click a photo’ or; Click my photo and when I will become a model I will keep you in my team’ and many more. Most teachers will taunt him with their harsh words like – ‘First study history and then only you will be a photographer’. With so much of negativity around, he had become a rebel. Not a positive rebel, but a rebel who opposes because he has to.
“Hey look Mr. Photographer is here”, a voice crossed Rob’s ears.
“Stop this” He pleaded.
“Oh Mr. Photographer is depressed today”, another voice came from the mob and everybody laughed.
“Stop this I said”, Rob said with furious eyes and picked up a stone.
Everybody laughed and went to the other side. Rob threw the stone in the water and he saw his mother on the other side of the road. She was watching him and looked furious.
“What were you doing?” Rob’s mother inquired.
“They were bullying me”, Rob said in a low voice.
“What? You have not done anything as of now what they would bully you for?” Rob’s mother said.
“For my dreams”, Rob said.
“I also don’t believe in your dream, so will you throw stones at me too?” She screamed.
“No, Mamma”, Rob said.
“So concentrate on studies and do something. You can click photograph in your leisure time, but stop drowning in this mad world. This will not bring you anything.”, she said, and tears started falling down.
No child ever wanted to see his mother cry because of him and so he hugged his mother and said,” I will study for sure”.
His mother smiled and they both had their dinner with the family.
For the next eight years he hasn’t even thought about photography. He started thinking that photography was the reason of bullying and so he should stop thinking about it. He was so convinced in his thoughts that he actually started making a different aim. He graduated from a good financial institution and started earning handsome amount of money. His family was very happy and proud of their child. But somewhere something was missing inside him. He was not enjoying his life, he was not smiling freely. May be he started believing that this is the way life goes. No one ever understood the reason of this.
“We are going on a trip”, Rob’s mother said.
“I have a lot of work in my office, you can continue with your plan”, Rob said.
“No you will also join us for this”, She insisted.
“Ok, as you wish”, Rob said and left the room.
They went to UK for 4 days. UK means Uttrakhand, a place in India.
“Mumma why this place?” Rob started out of the taxi and said.
“This is such a beautiful place”, she smiled.
“Not for me”, Rob said and started listing to his mp3 player.
The taxi was crossing the squeezed road. The mountains were standing with the proud, signifying a legacy. A legacy they are known for challenging every human being. All human beings can’t fight with those natural body builders, but those who can know and respect them. Rob was sitting inside the taxi and looking outside. The green pasture was attracting him to touch them. The Zig Zag roads were like an amusement park ride. He could observe the carving on the walls on his left. The taxi was fighting for the race against the natural speed breaker.
The window was closed as they were travelling in an air conditioning taxi. Rob was listening to music and looking outside. The sun was dancing on their head, a little afraid of black enemies, he can sense at a distance. Rob’s father looked at the sky and smiled.
“Switch off the AC”, He said to the driver and he switched off the AC.
“Hey dad why are you switching off the AC” Rob asked surprisingly and took off his headphones.
“To enjoy the natural AC”, He said and smiled.
“What?” Rob was unable to understand the hidden meaning.
“Let my son enjoy the AC”, Rob’s mother said patting Rob.
“Yes, Momma, you are right”, Rob said and again put on his headphones.
“Ok, as you wish” Rob’s father said.
As he was about to switch on the switch of AC, he saw in the mirror. He smiled and stopped. Rob’s mother was not able to understand this and she saw Rob.
The window panes were on from last 2 minutes and the wind was hugging Rob like a good old friend. The wind coming from the mountains was instigating a smile on his face. They both saw him smiling after a long time. Rob looked towards the sky and he can see black clouds hovering around. The temperature had gone down and a chill was evident from the wind. Rob was smiling. In the next half an hour they reached their destination.
“Not bad”, Rob said, looking at his dad.
“This is just the beginning”, he said, and both of them smiled.
“Look, we will go back in 2 days and then will go to Agra”, Rob’s mother said.
“We will decide after 2 days”, Rob’s father said.
“But why are we here?” Rob said.
“Just for spending some time”, Rob’s father said
“Your father enjoys this atmosphere. I don’t understand why?” She intervened.
“Really?” Rob smiled.
“Without a doubt”, Rob’s father said with a smile.
“And we have a surprise for you too”, He said.
“What surprise” Rob was puzzled. He looked towards his mother and his mother also smiled.
“We are going to see that surprise” She said.
“What?” Rob was surprised.
“Yes so get ready in half an hour”, Rob’s father said and they started settling into their rooms.
After an hour they started their walk from their place to the required destination. While climbing up and down through the mountains they could see the clouds so close to them as if they were in the heaven.
“Where are we going” Rob again asked
“Ha ha innocent guy. He didn’t even know that he is about to get axed for life.” Rob’s father laughed
“Stop joking”, Rob’s mother said to him.
“What is all this” As Rob completed his sentence he saw his parents looking towards a gate.
They knocked the door. The door opened and all of them greeted each other. Only after 10 minutes Rob understood that his parents were there to meet the friends. They were neighbors 10 years ago for 6 to 8 years.
“So you told little guy”, the Uncle said to Rob’s father.
“No, he is still in dreamland”, Rob’s father said and everyone laughed.
“Don’t worry, same with me” Uncle said and both of them laughed.
“What is this all about”, Rob asked with a big question mark in his face.
“Son, this is about your marriage” Uncle said and in an instant he understood the whole conspiracy.
“On no, why this”, Rob said with his hands on his head.
“You have no choice but to go through this process”, all of them laughed and saw Tina standing equally stunned on the other side of the gate.
“So young boy and girl you can take your time and talk to each other outside or where ever you want to be” Rob’s father said.
Tina and Rob looked at each other and they were both puzzled. They wanted to revolt but they respected their parents and so they decided to go outside for some time. They both walked a fair amount of distance without talking to each other and reached a place where they can sit.
“What is this?” Rob suddenly exploded while talking to himself.
“Exactly, they should have at least asked once” Tina was equally furious.
“I am not talking to you” Rob said, looking at Tina with anger.
“Excuse me, Mr Whatever, I am also not talking to you,” Tina said and sat at a distance from Rob.
Suddenly rain started pouring heavily. They both ran and stood under a big shed. While they were sitting they got a call from their parents regarding their well being.
“Yes, I am fine” They both said.
After 3 minutes Tina finally said to Rob
“We will say our parents no. I don’t want to marry now”
“Yes, even I don’t want to marry.” Rob said and sighed at that thought.
“It’s ok, we can deny” She said.
“Okay, thanks” Rob said to Tina.
“It’s ok, even I don’t want to marry so no need to say thank you” Tina said.
“Oh yes, great” Rob said.
“You have been living here since birth?” Rob asked.
“Do I look like a girl living here since ages” Tina said in anger.
“I just asked, looking at your dress. In city girls wear jeans, T shirt and many stylish dresses, but not suit.” He said.
“Excuse me, I also live in the city and girl wear whatever they like. They wear all types of dresses.” Tina said
Rob sighed again and turned towards the falling rain. He stood close to pouring rain. He could sense that chill of natural beauty. The rain falling from the sky and wind carrying it to his face was instigating the smile. He was smiling and looking towards the rain. He never felt so close to nature. While smiling, he turned and saw Tina busy in taking selfies.
“What? Selfie?” Rob laughed.
“Mah phone, Mah choice, do you have any problem?”, Tina said.
“No problem. If you need help then I can click your photos from your phone”, Rob said sarcastically.
“I don’t need help but you can fulfill your wish” Tina said and gave her phone to Rob.
Rob clicked a few of her photos and then he clicked a few photos of rain from his mobile. In the next 10 minutes, the intensity of rain decreased. Now it was drizzling and Tina ran out to enjoy. Rob was clicking the photos and accidently he clicked one photo of Tina.
“Hey, I accidently clicked a photo of you. You want that or should I delete this.” Rob asked Tina.
“Sure, give it to me. Whatever mine is mine, no one can do anything with that without my consent” Tina said and took her photo through Bluetooth function.
As they were walking they saw a crew clicking photos and enjoying the drizzle. One of them came to Rob asking to click a group photo.
“Yeah, sure” Rob said and clicked a photo.
He suddenly saw a rainbow in the sky and he clicked the photo of that scene from that high resolution camera.
“I think we should go Mr Photographer” Tina said sarcastically.
“Sure, let’s go” He said.
“You are a photographer?” She asked.
“No. Why are you asking this” Rob said while walking.
“Then why are you clicking the photo of that crew. You know they were professional photographers” Tina said.
“So what, I am not going to meet them soon”, Rob laughed.
“Their good luck” Tina said and they both laughed.
As they reached home they saw that Rob’s mother and father were ready to go. They both were puzzled as they thought they will have to again answer the question they don’t want to face. But to their surprise nobody asked them any question.
“What was the joke”, Rob said to his father while going back.
“Which joke?” He said.
“I thought we were here for my marriage” Rob said.
“Who told you this?” Rob’s mother was surprised.
“You said we are only going to slay you. Surely you will not kill me, but the only way to do it is to tie a knot” Rob said.
“Do you think I was slain years ago?” Rob’s father said and everyone laughed out loud.
“But why you called them without asking me” Tina said irritatingly to her father.
“Excuse me my dear girl, he is my friend and I just called my friend to my place. Is there any problem with this?” He said.
“No, but why you send that guy ” She said.
“Because we knew that you both will get bored by our age old talks and so we just told both of you to talk” He said.
“Oh really? I thought it was about marriage” She said.
“Oh my little princess is thinking about marriage now” He said as if teasing her.
“No, Dad” Tina shied away and went to her room.
“Don’t you think we will ask you before even thinking about your marriage?” Rob’s mother said.
“Oh, thank god” Rob said and looked outside.
The sun was on the other hemisphere of earth and on this hemisphere star were twinkling in the sky. The moon was spreading his love on this hemisphere and that soothing atmosphere was getting inside him.
Next day they again went outside and enjoyed the greenery, mountains and that side of nature. While coming back Rob started thinking about his trip and realized that he actually clicked photos after a long time. But as he was relishing the memory in his mind took him back towards his teenage and he started haunting him of the bullying. He instantly put his headphones and started listening to music.
After six months Rob got a call.
“Hey Rob how are you” A voice came from the other side.
“Hey I am good Jose”, Rob said. He was his school friend.
“Congrats buddy”, Jose said.
“What happened?” Rob was again surprised.
“You won a cash prize of 1 lakh and a trip to Dubai for 2 days”, He said.
“What a joke?”, Rob was taken aback.
“Open your Facebook account” Jose said.
“Which account? Oh yes, that account which I opened a few years back and got bored.” Rob said slowly.
“Yes, that one” Jose said and disconnected the phone.
Rob logged in and was surprised to see 100 friend requests and various messages.
“What the hell”, Rob was surprised at this as he rarely logged in and had only 50 friends or so.
While scrolling his profile he saw 2 photos in which he was tagged in. While he was still in a fix to understand things, he again got a call from his friend.
“Dude, you saw that?” Jose said.
“I am not getting it. I never participated in any contest” Rob said surprisingly.
“Look at those photos clearly” Jose said.
He again started reading that tagged post and started remembering as if he was missing something.
“Oh my god, this is Tina?” He suddenly remembered her and then he saw next photo.
“Oh my god, this photo I clicked” He was surprised to see that photo of a rainbow. He saw that they were a part of a contest and both of it won the 1st place. The person who clicked the photo of Tina was her friend. He tried to ask tine about Rob but she also had no idea and so he had no option but to wait for you. He said that he loved the photo you clicked and that’s why he entered it into the competition.
“But how he got my name?” Rob asked him.
“He asked Tina and Tina asked her father after telling him and they tagged you 2 days before” Jose said.
“Okay” Rob said and after 5 minutes he put the phone down.
Rob didn’t know what to feel for the next half an hour he was still looking at that post and prize money. He had left this few years back. He didn’t want to face that turmoil again. He sighed again and signed out of his account. His eyes were wet, but he knew he was right. He remembered the words of his mother. He knew he had to earn money and live a good life away from this monster called bullying.
He turned around and saw his father standing with a smile.
“Congrats son” He said.
“For what?” Rob said.
“For this”, He said and gave a packet to Rob.
Rob was surprised. He took that packed and opened it.
“Oh No, not for me”, the tears now started rolling down.
It was a Nixon camera for advanced photographers.
“Yes only for you” Rob’s father said and hugged him.
While Rob was still hugging his father, he saw his mother coming in. She also hugged the hugging duo of father and son.
As he came to his normal senses and washed his face, he looked at his father again.
“No more surprises dad” He said with a smile.
“This was a surprise for me too” Rob’s father laughed and they went to their drawing room.
“Congrats Mr Photographer” Uncle said and patted his shoulder.
“Congrats Rob” Tina and her mother said in chorus.
“Thank you so much” Rob said with a smile.
“So now you both young boy and girl can go and talk anywhere” Rob’s father said and everyone laughed.
Both of them went towards the terrace and sat on the chairs.
“So how are you Mr Photographer”, Tina said.
“I am not a photographer, I only clicked photos for 6 years and then I left” Rob said.
“Why?” Tina was surprised as she thought Rob was clicking photos since long.
“Because of me” A voice broke from behind.
As they both looked towards that voice they saw Rob’s mother coming towards them with some sweets.
“Really, aunty?” Tina was surprised.
Rob didn’t say anything as that whole episode again started flashing in his mind.
“Yes, I told him to start concentrating on his studies instead. But when your uncle came to know about it, he got angry and was about to discuss about this with him. I stopped him as we were financially not stable and even Rob would have needed a good amount to pursue his passion. We decided that as soon as we will become financially stable, we will grant him his wish”, Rob’s mother sighed looking at the Tina.
“It is ok aunty”, Tina could see tears in her eyes.
“And that’s why we bought this gift for him and to our surprise we got this news of his winning this competition.” Rob’s father came from behind.
While Rob was surprised at these continuous events of impossible possibilities according to him, he was still confused about one thing.
“Dad, but what about that bully thing. You said I was bullied due to photography and now you want to gift me that same thing”, He asked his father.
“I know your soul, my son. I saw your photos back then and realized that it was not just anything. Apart from what we told you earlier about financial things we want you to be strong enough”, He said.
“Strong? To fight for whom?” Rob asked.
“Everyone has to fight with all those who bully a passionate person. There are enough people in this world those who can’t stand people different from themselves. Passionate people find happiness in their passion and that passion radiates in their personality. Even if such people don’t speak anything to others their passion speaks a lot and makes a few people irritated. So a passionate should learn to deal with all these persons. And I am sure you have that endurance now”, Rob’s father said looking at perplexed Rob.
“Uncle, I thought you left both of us to talk to each other, but now you are not giving me a chance to talk”, Tina said like a child.
“Hey you, how dare you not allowing my little princess talk to a person she like”, a voice came from behind.
“Oh no Dad, when I said I like him?” Tina shied again.
“Do you mean my son is so bad?” Rob’s mother said.
“No aunty I didn’t mean to say this” Tina was puzzled at this situation.
“Everyone present in that room laughed except Tina.
“How dare you laugh at me” Tina said, looking at Rob.
“Oh, let them fight alone, we shall sit in the next room” Rob’s father said and they left the room.
“By the way I only came to say thank you,” Tina said looking at Rob.
“What have I done now” It seemed as if Rob was fed up of surprises.
“You clicked my photo that day and I love that photo including the rain, me and that beautiful atmosphere around me. It gave me a new fresh perspective towards me” She showed him that photo.
“Oh, thank you for your appreciation?” Rob said with a smile.
Rob was still in his own world where he was not able to believe that what has happened in last 2 days. He was feeling light now. No broken pieces and no sadness. He never believed in destiny, but today he was spellbound. Today he was forced to believe in that. He looked towards the sky and he saw clouds hovering around with wind flowing. That camera was still in his hands. He smiled, looked at Tina and said “Can I click a photo of you?”
Tina laughed and started giving a pose.
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********************
I hope you had a great reading week. ********************
This is a weekly meme run by Book Journey!Post the books completed last week, the books you are currently reading, and the books you hope to finish this week.
********************
Books Completed Last Week:
ONE MILE UNDER by Andrew Gross for an April 7, 2015, review. Stop back then if you can.
A thriller you won't want to miss. Had me on the edge of my seat.
It was a very pleasant women's fiction read. Bonding of women.
********************
LITTLE BLACK LIES by Sharon Bolton for a May 19, 2015, post.
Books Up Next:
THE CAKE THERAPIST by Judith Fertig for a June 2, 2015, post.
DEATH IN SALEM by Eleanor Kuhns for a June 16, 2015, post
HIGH SEAS DARKNESS by Burr B. Anderson
THE BEEKEEPER'S BALL by Susan WiggsNATCHEZ BURNING by Greg Isles
MADAME PICASSO by Anne Girard
THE TRUTH ABOUT THE HARRY QUEBERT AFFAIR by Joel Dicker
THE GIRL WHO CAME HOME by Hazel Gaynor
WOMAN OF ILL FAME by Erika Mailman
THE SIGNATURE OF ALL THINGS by Elizabeth Gilbert
PERFECT by Rachel Joyce
UNDER THE WIDE AND STARRY SKY by Nancy Horan
********************I normally read in order of publication or tour date.
And....these are not for reading in the upcoming week. They are books into and including all of 2014.
The "list" is a means of keeping me organized. A visual display helps a lot for organization along with my Excel lists.
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Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week. (Library books don’t count, but eBooks & audiobooks do).
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles, and humongous wish lists!
Mailbox Monday, created by Marcia @ A Girl and Her Books, has a permanent home now at Mailbox Monday.
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles, and humongous wish lists!
Mailbox Monday, created by Marcia @ A Girl and Her Books, has a permanent home now at Mailbox Monday.
*****************
Here’s a shout out to the new administrators:
Leslie of Under My Apple Tree
Vicki of I’d Rather Be at the Beach
Serena @ Savvy Verse And Wit
THANKS to everyone for keeping Mailbox Monday alive.
***************
I hope you had a good mailbox.
After weeks of empty and lean mailbox weeks, this week definitely made up for it. Whew!!
After weeks of empty and lean mailbox weeks, this week definitely made up for it. Whew!!
***************
1. IN THE DARK PLACES by Peter Robinson, courtesy of Katherine Turro of Harper Collins.
2. THE SILVER WITCH by Paula Brackston, courtesy of Katie Bassel of St. Martin's Press.
It is the hard cover copy of the book. Is it a gorgeous cover or what?
On Tuesday, March 31, I received:
1. SECOND CHANCE FRIENDS by Jennifer Scott, courtesy of Diana Franco of Penguin Random House.
I already finished this book. Wonderful women's fiction.
2. THE CAKE THERAPIST by Judith Fertig, courtesy of Diana Franco of Penguin Random House.
Love the cover.
3. THE HYPNOTIST by Gordon Snider, courtesy of Dianne Helm of Helm Book Publishing.
This cover is very scary.
On Monday, March 30, I received:
1. IN THE DARK PLACES by Peter Robinson, courtesy of Katherine Turro of Harper Collins.
2. THE SILVER WITCH by Paula Brackston, courtesy of Katie Bassel of St. Martin's Press.
It is the hard cover copy of the book. Is it a gorgeous cover or what?1. SECOND CHANCE FRIENDS by Jennifer Scott, courtesy of Diana Franco of Penguin Random House.
I already finished this book. Wonderful women's fiction.
2. THE CAKE THERAPIST by Judith Fertig, courtesy of Diana Franco of Penguin Random House.
Love the cover.
3. THE HYPNOTIST by Gordon Snider, courtesy of Dianne Helm of Helm Book Publishing.
This cover is very scary.
How about your mailbox?
Any titles in your mailbox that you were excited about seeing?
Any titles in your mailbox that you were excited about seeing?
***************
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By: Monica Zepeda,
on 4/5/2015
Blog: The Librarian Writer (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: cats, Add a tag
Happy Easter, everyone! (or Passover) (or lazy Sunday) Enjoy the day and enjoy this video:
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By: Abigail Nusbaum,
on 4/5/2015
Blog: Asking the Wrong Questions (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: awards discussion, Add a tag
If you've been hanging out on (certain parts of) twitter in the last two weeks, you probably had a sense of what was coming in this year's Hugo nominations. The rumor storm has been brewing furiously, and yet even those dark hints were not quite enough to prepare us for just how dismal this year's nominees would be. The organized right-wing voting campaign that last year gave us Vox Day, Hugo
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By: Chris Barton,
on 4/5/2015
Blog: Bartography (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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You spend eight-plus years working on a book, and it’s easy to lose perspective — to no longer have any sense of how your work is going to be received by someone who hasn’t, you know, spent eight-plus years working on that book.
This starred review from Booklist dispelled any worries in its very first sentence:
The fascinating story of John Roy Lynch’s life from slavery to his election to the U.S. House of Representatives at age 25, gets a stirring treatment here.
That makes two stars for The Amazing Age of John Roy Lynch, and one very happy writer.
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By: Angela Muse,
on 4/5/2015
Blog: 4EYESBOOKS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: contest, Children, blogging, Family, kids, poetry, illustrated, writing, parenting, pigs, barnyard, baby, free, children's book week, giveaway, The Pig Princess, Atlanta author, 3DS XL, Add a tag
More April surprises have arrived. We have joined forces with some other great children’s book authors for a big giveaway. During April 5th – April 9th you can download the kindle version of our book, The Pig Princess from Amazon for FREE.
And since we think pigs rule we want to let you know about Scott Gordon’s children’s book, Pigtastic which is also FREE on Amazon during this period.
We saved the best for last. You can enter to win a 3DS XL and a game of your choice.
ENTER HERE.: a Rafflecopter giveaway
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By: Sarah McIntyre,
on 4/5/2015
Blog: Sarah McIntyre (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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Happy Easter, everyone! (Bunny is drawn on the back of one of the envelopes I need to be clearing off the table so we can have a proper Easter lunch.)
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By: James Gurney,
on 4/5/2015
Blog: Gurney Journey (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Pen and Ink, Add a tag
Happy Easter! Here's a drawing that I did about 30 years ago of the Church of the Messiah in Rhinebeck, NY.
I drew it with pen and ink on scratchboard. The style is an homage to Franklin Booth (1874-1948), whose work was in turn inspired by the look of wood engraving.
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By: Elizabeth O. Dulemba,
on 4/5/2015
Blog: Elizabeth O. Dulemba (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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Want to fill your Easter basket with something other than chocolate? Download some of my FREE Easter coloring pages - click here. Happy Easter!
By: Donna McDine,
on 4/5/2015
Blog: Write What Inspires You (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Happy Easter, Add a tag
May the glory
and the promise
of this joyous time of year
Bring peace
and happiness to you
and those you hold most dear,
And may Christ,
Our Risen Saviour,
always be there by your side
To bless you
most abundantly
and be your loving guide.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Multi Award-winning Children's Author
Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!
Connect with Donna McDine on Google+
A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist
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By: Valerie,
on 4/5/2015
Blog: Jump Into A Book (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Booklists, multicultural books, International Children's Book Day, Weekend Links, Multicultural Chapter Books, Multicultural Early Chapter Books for Kids, Picture Books Celebrating Diversity, Add a tag
Welcome to Weekend Links! First let me start off by saying that I wish everyone a happy and blessed Easter.
Weekend Links is my chance to share all of the amazing book-related goodness that I have encountered over the course of the past week. So much is going on lately! Holidays, observances, Spring Break and the promise of an equally busy summer. So much to do…so much to share! BUT, for now I want to share these little pieces of gold from the interwebs.
There are most certainly a few favorites here! 15 Important Pieces Of Wisdom Found In Children’s Books
35 Multicultural Early Chapter Books for Kids From What Do We Do All Day?
Top Ten Picture Books Celebrating Diversity by Jennifer McLaughlin http://wp.me/p21t9O-21L via the Nerdy Book Club
This post was such a hit this week when I shared it from our archives, I thoughts I’d add it to Weekend Links just for fun. 10 Ways to Make the World More Beautiful with Miss Rumphius
April 2nd was International Children’s Book Day and we did a great round-up of blog posts and booklists HERE PLUS I am giving away a $50 Amazon Gift Card!
If you are in the mood for another and inactive story, check out the enhanced digital eBook for kids, The Ultimate Guide to Charlie and The Chocolate Factory!
The Ultimate Guide To Charlie And The Chocolate Factory is a step by step roadmap to this magical world. Just some of the fun includes:
- A story filled with beautiful graphic illustrations including tantalizing Treasure Maps and vibrant tutorials.
- Over 20 Crafts and activities that not only entertain, but educate.
- You get to jump inside the book and enjoy creating the adventures yourself (Templates, maps, and more are included.)
- Ever wonder where chocolate comes from? Or how gum is made? Wonder no more. Now you get to make your own.
- Conduct activities in the areas of crafting, cooking, and game-playing as well as exploring many facets of candy production.
- The option to take Charlie’s journey over the course of several days or take shorter journeys if you wish.
- The creation of a new ritual of reading time with your family and the opportunity to experience the reading of this imaginative tale as a group activity, not a solitary event.
Go HERE to learn more and grab your copy from iBooks!
The post Weekend Links Great Booklists and Links for Moms and Kiddos appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
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By: Heidi Mordhorst,
on 4/5/2015
Blog: my juicy little universe (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Forward...MarCH CHallenge, NPM 2015, PoEmotions, Add a tag
Surprise indeed! How did it get to be Sunday, April 5th, and I haven't rounded up the MarCH CHallenge and picked a "StretCHiest MarCHer" yet? (Not-so-surprising answer: Science Night and shed-raising and end of quarter and professional day at school + 16th birthday and kidney stones and Spring Break at home + March marching into April with all its NPM distractions--that's how.)
Here I join Mary Lee over at her Poetrepository with a PoEmotion (hee hee so clever I still love that CoIncidence). Her emotion for Friday was surprise:
yes, sur!
I am under
the impression
that I can control
each moment
through careful
planification
but, surprise!
I am seized
each day
I am taken over
by events
of wanton
unexpectedness
oh, prise!
I am ripped
of control
and now I win
the prize
of sudden
superwonderment
HM 2015
all rights reserved
So now, having caught my breath, Happy Easter and let the round-up proceed!
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By: Julie,
on 4/5/2015
Blog: Manga Maniac Cafe (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Sunday Post, Stacking the Shelves, Add a tag
The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimba of The Caffeinated Book Reviewer. This is a weekly meme where we can share news of the week and highlight new books received.
Happy Easter! I am going to play with the horses this morning, and then Dean and I are going to spend a quiet day at home with the puppers. Easter is a laid back holiday for us. I did sneak away from work early on Friday so I could read and go riding. What are your plans for today?
Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga’s Reviews to share new additions to our library. Click here to learn more about it.
New Arrivals at the Café:
  |   |   |   |
The Detective’s Assistant
Trouble has a New Name
Boundary Crossed
Once Upon a Cowboy
  |   |   |   |
Flirting with Fire
The Duke’s Holiday
Dark Instincts
Undone by His Touch (Library)
  |   |   |   |
The Waterborn
In the Brazilian’s Debt (Library)
Under a Painted Sky (Library)
Written in the Stars (Library)
A great big thanks to the publishers for their continued support!
What did you get? Please leave links and share!
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By: Jay Asher,
on 4/5/2015
Blog: Jay Asher (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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The following is my annual Easter re-post.
Every so often, a reader will tell me their impression of something I wrote in a way that deepens my own understanding of my own words. Someone in Florida once told me how a decision one of my characters made helped her to illustrate a sentiment she'd been trying to get across to her friends.
Here's what she told me:
In the past, I've had to help friends realize that life goes on even after you've made a poor decision. Not because you move on or get over it, but because you grow as a result of it. You build something new, something with a higher purpose, using what you've learned as one of your bricks.
When I read that, my heart leapt! Since there was no way I could say it any better, I immediately knew I'd be using her words in future speeches (and blog posts).
So what does this have to do with Easter?
One of the most beautiful ideas surrounding this holiday is that we're all given an opportunity to make corrections if we find ourselves traveling down a road we don't want to (or shouldn't) be on. In fact, we're given that opportunity to change every day. Every second! But sometimes we need a calendar to remind us.
Refresh. Repair. Rebirth. Whatever you want to call it...
Renewal is a wonderful blessing!
Easter 2015
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By: Bruce Luck,
on 4/4/2015
Blog: Utah Children's Writers (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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Blog: Utah Children's Writers (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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The April 30 Days, 30 Stories needs your story.
We’re a children’s writers blog, but it does not have to be a children’s story; any audience level is fine. Most genres are encouraged: poetry, prose, memoir, or cartoon. Illustrators can share their work, too.
If you were considering sharing, email me at [email protected] to set up a day.
Utah is blessed with some brilliant writers and April is the month to show it.
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By: Sue Bursztynski,
on 4/4/2015
Blog: The Great Raven (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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Blog: The Great Raven (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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Here is the list of nominees for this year's Hugo Awards.
You might notice, down towards the bottom, that my name is there as one of last year's editors for ASIM, which has made it to the short list for Semiprozine. For several days, I have been hugging myself with delight, unable to share this information till the short list was announced.
Friday, it was somewhat spoiled for me when one of our members discovered that we owe our shortlisting to an organisation called Sad Puppies, run by conservatives, of which none of us have ever heard, but which apparently does block votes. And doesn't, it seems, ask any of its proposed nominees whether they want to be on its list. It's not against the rules, but seems to inspire a lot of anger, and this morning's Twitter posts were full of it, including one woman who declared she wasn't going to read her Hugo packet because anything SP nominated had to be awful. And a blog post in which one comment said "don't vote for it even if it IS good, on principle".
I don't know any more of it than this - it's all I have had time to check out. There will be a statement on the ASIM web site some time today. Here's the URL: http://www.andromedaspaceways.com. Please read it.
I just want to say that we're a small press like other Aussie small presses. A good one, that has lasted twelve years and launched the careers of some writers who have gone on to Hugo and Nebula short listings and some we published early in their careers, if not their first sales.
I am very proud of my issue, #60, and of my writers, six of whom were first sales. I know they will do well in years to come. One of them has already been on the James White long list and won a Writers of the Future prize. Ellie Clarke, the artist who did the amazing sensawunda cover has won Ditmar awards, as has the internal artist, Lewis Morley.
If you're a member of Worldcon, please at least read your Hugo packet before deciding what you want to vote for. Don't make assumptions. Just read.
Here's the list as I got it from the Hugos site. I have only deleted the blurb.
Best Novel (1827 nominating ballots)
- Ancillary Sword, Ann Leckie (Orbit US/Orbit UK)
- The Dark Between the Stars, Kevin J. Anderson (Tor Books)
- The Goblin Emperor, Katherine Addison (Sarah Monette) (Tor Books)
- Lines of Departure, Marko Kloos (47North)
- Skin Game, Jim Butcher (Roc Books)
Best Novella (1083 nominating ballots)
- Big Boys Don’t Cry, Tom Kratman (Castalia House)
- “Flow”, Arlan Andrews, Sr. (Tor.com, 11-2014)
- One Bright Star to Guide Them, John C. Wright (Castalia House)
- “Pale Realms of Shade”, John C. Wright (The Book of Feasts & Seasons, Castalia House)
- “The Plural of Helen of Troy”, John C. Wright (City Beyond Time: Tales of the Fall of Metachronopolis, Castalia House)
Best Novelette (1031 nominating ballots)
- “Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust, Earth to Alluvium”, Gray Rinehart (Orson Scott Card’s InterGalactic Medicine Show, 05-2014)
- “Championship B’tok”, Edward M. Lerner (Analog, 09-2014)
- “The Journeyman: In the Stone House”, Michael F. Flynn (Analog, 06-2014)
- “The Triple Sun: A Golden Age Tale”, Rajnar Vajra (Analog, 07/08-2014)
- “Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus”, John C. Wright (The Book of Feasts & Seasons, Castalia House)
Best Short Story (1174 nominating ballots)
- “Goodnight Stars”, Annie Bellet (The End is Now (Apocalypse Triptych Book 2), Broad Reach Publishing)
- “On A Spiritual Plain”, Lou Antonelli (Sci Phi Journal #2, 11-2014)
- “The Parliament of Beasts and Birds”, John C. Wright (The Book of Feasts & Seasons, Castalia House)
- “Totaled”, Kary English (Galaxy’s Edge Magazine, 07-2014)
- “Turncoat”, Steve Rzasa (Riding the Red Horse, Castalia House)
Best Related Work (1150 nominating ballots)
- “The Hot Equations: Thermodynamics and Military SF”, Ken Burnside (Riding the Red Horse, Castalia House)
- Letters from Gardner, Lou Antonelli (The Merry Blacksmith Press)
- Transhuman and Subhuman: Essays on Science Fiction and Awful Truth, John C. Wright (Castalia House)
- “Why Science is Never Settled”, Tedd Roberts (Baen.com)
- Wisdom from My Internet, Michael Z. Williamson (Patriarchy Press)
Best Graphic Story (785 nominating ballots)
- Ms. Marvel Volume 1: No Normal, written by G. Willow Wilson, illustrated by Adrian Alphona and Jake Wyatt, (Marvel Comics)
- Rat Queens Volume 1: Sass and Sorcery, written by Kurtis J. Weibe, art by Roc Upchurch (Image Comics)
- Saga Volume 3, written by Brian K. Vaughan, illustrated by Fiona Staples (Image Comics))
- Sex Criminals Volume 1: One Weird Trick, written by Matt Fraction, art by Chip Zdarsky (Image Comics)
- The Zombie Nation Book #2: Reduce Reuse Reanimate, Carter Reid (The Zombie Nation)
Best Dramatic Presentation, Long Form (1285 nominating ballots)
- Captain America: The Winter Soldier, screenplay by Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely, concept and story by Ed Brubaker, directed by Anthony Russo and Joe Russo (Marvel Entertainment, Perception, Sony Pictures Imageworks)
- Edge of Tomorrow, screenplay by Christopher McQuarrie, Jez Butterworth, and John-Henry Butterworth, directed by Doug Liman (Village Roadshow, RatPac-Dune Entertainment, 3 Arts Entertainment; Viz Productions)
- Guardians of the Galaxy, written by James Gunn and Nicole Perlman, directed by James Gunn (Marvel Studios, Moving Picture Company)
- Interstellar, screenplay by Jonathan Nolan and Christopher Nolan, directed by Christopher Nolan (Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures, Legendary Pictures, Lynda Obst Productions, Syncopy)
- The Lego Movie, written by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller, story by Dan Hageman, Kevin Hageman, Phil Lord & Christopher Miller, directed by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller (Warner Bros. Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures, RatPac-Dune Entertainment, LEGO System A/S, Vertigo Entertainment, Lin Pictures, Warner Bros. Animation (as Warner Animation Group))
Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form (938 nominating ballots)
- Doctor Who: “Listen”, written by Steven Moffat, directed by Douglas Mackinnon (BBC Television)
- The Flash: “Pilot”, teleplay by Andrew Kreisberg & Geoff Johns, story by Greg Berlanti, Andrew Kreisberg & Geoff Johns, directed by David Nutter (The CW) (Berlanti Productions, DC Entertainment, Warner Bros. Television)
- Game of Thrones: “The Mountain and the Viper”, written by David Benioff & D. B. Weiss, directed by Alex Graves ((HBO Entertainment in association with Bighead, Littlehead; Television 360; Startling Television and Generator Productions)
- Grimm: “Once We Were Gods”, written by Alan DiFiore, directed by Steven DePaul (NBC) (GK Productions, Hazy Mills Productions, Universal TV)
- Orphan Black: “By Means Which Have Never Yet Been Tried”, ” written by Graham Manson, directed by John Fawcett (Temple Street Productions, Space/BBC America)
Best Editor, Short Form (870 nominating ballots)
- Jennifer Brozek
- Vox Day
- Mike Resnick
- Edmund R. Schubert
- Bryan Thomas Schmidt
Best Editor, Long Form (712 nominating ballots)
- Vox Day
- Sheila Gilbert
- Jim Minz
- Anne Sowards
- Toni Weisskopf
Best Professional Artist (753 nominating ballots)
- Julie Dillon
- Jon Eno
- Nick Greenwood
- Alan Pollack
- Carter Reid
Best Semiprozine (660 nominating ballots)
- Abyss & Apex, Wendy Delmater editor and publisher
- Andromeda Spaceways In-Flight Magazine, Andromeda Spaceways Publishing Association Incorporated, 2014 editors David Kernot and Sue Bursztynski
- Beneath Ceaseless Skies, edited by Scott H. Andrews
- Lightspeed Magazine, edited by John Joseph Adams, Stefan Rudnicki, Rich Horton, Wendy N. Wagner, and Christie Yant
- Strange Horizons, Niall Harrison, editor-in-chief
Best Fanzine (576 nominating ballots)
- Black Gate, edited by John O’Neill
- Elitist Book Reviews, edited by Steven Diamond
- Journey Planet, edited by James Bacon, Christopher J Garcia, Lynda E. Rucker, Pete Young, Colin Harris, and Helen J.Montgomery
- The Revenge of Hump Day, edited by Tim Bolgeo
- Tangent SF Online, edited by Dave Truesdale
Best Fancast (668 nominating ballots)
- Adventures in SF Publishing, Brent Bower (Executive Producer), Kristi Charish, Timothy C. Ward & Moses Siregar III (Co-Hosts, Interviewers and Producers)
- Dungeon Crawlers Radio, Daniel Swenson (Producer/Host), Travis Alexander & Scott Tomlin (Hosts), Dale Newton (Host/Tech), Damien Swenson (Audio/Video Tech)
- Galactic Suburbia Podcast, Alisa Krasnostein, Alexandra Pierce, Tansy Rayner Roberts (Presenters) and Andrew Finch (Producer)
- The Sci Phi Show, Jason Rennie
- Tea and Jeopardy, Emma Newman and Peter Newman
Best Fan Writer (777 nominating ballots)
- Dave Freer
- Amanda S. Green
- Jeffro Johnson
- Laura J. Mixon
- Cedar Sanderson
Best Fan Artist (296 nominating ballots)
- Ninni Aalto
- Brad W. Foster
- Elizabeth Leggett
- Spring Schoenhuth
- Steve Stiles
The John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer (851 nominating ballots)
Award for the best new professional science fiction or fantasy writer of 2013 or 2014, sponsored by Dell Magazines. (Not a Hugo Award, but administered along with the Hugo Awards.)
Award for the best new professional science fiction or fantasy writer of 2013 or 2014, sponsored by Dell Magazines. (Not a Hugo Award, but administered along with the Hugo Awards.)
- Wesley Chu*
- Jason Cordova
- Kary English*
- Rolf Nelson
- Eric S. Raymond
*Finalists in their 2nd year of eligibility.
2122 valid nominating ballots (2119 electronic and 3 paper) were received and counted from the members of Loncon 3, Sasquan, and MidAmeriCon II the 2014, 2015, and 2016 World Science Fiction Conventions.
A list of the top 15 nominees in each category, along with the number of nominations received by each, will be released after the Hugo Awards Ceremony on Saturday, 22 August, 2015 at Sasquan.
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By: Kurtis Scaletta,
on 4/4/2015
Blog: Kurtis Scaletta (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Miscellaneous, boy books, shannon hale, girl books, princess academy, Add a tag
A few weeks ago author Shannon Hale blogged about showing up for a school visit and learning that only the girls would be attending her lecture. The assumption that boys don’t want to see a “girl book” author is wrong in a million ways, but enough people have responded to this outrage, and I don’t need to add to the chorus.
I know Shannon Hale is popular with young readers, as her name always comes up when I poll groups of kids on their favorite books, but I’d fallen into the same benign sexism as the school: assuming that something that looks like this had no interest to me.
But in following this story, I read a synopsis of Princess Academy and was intrigued. It sounded far more interesting than I would have guessed from the title and cover. Now, after reading it, I know it a thoughtful critique of the “princess” ideal with a strong feminist theme. Its popularity with girls shows that they are quite ready for this message.
Hale’s way into this topic is intricate: girls competing against one another, tempted by materialism, made to feel ashamed and undeserving. Every element feels natural in the story but could lead to rich discussions about how own culture treats girls. It could even be assigned reading in a college class on women’s studies or gender issues. But the sociopolitical aspects are so well integrated with a good story, it doesn’t feel like the whole book is just a frame for a lecture. I’ve read few children’s books that are as deceptively simple on the outside and run as deep.
After a childhood of Disney princesses, girls really need books like Hale’s. I think boys should read it too: because it’s an enjoyable book, and to have an idea of what girls are going through. We know many men arrive at college belligerent and hostile to feminism; why not begin those discussions sooner?
Besides that, few quote/unquote “boy books” show heroes as reflective and conscientious as Miri. Boys steeped in the personal exceptionalism and power fantasies that often shape “their” stories will be ill-equipped for the real world; Miri is a much better role model for all children.
How do we make the leap to a world where boys can read a book called Princess Academy without fear of bullying and scoffing? Men need to read books by and about women, showing that it’s expected of men to care about women, and boys about girls. And schools need to encourage boys to see brilliant authors like Shannon Hale when they’re lucky enough to have her instead of keeping them in class.
Filed under: Miscellaneous Tagged: boy books, girl books, princess academy, shannon hale
By: Candy Gourlay,
on 4/4/2015
Blog: Notes from the Slushpile (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: blogging, Getting Published, The Children's Book Industry, Add a tag
By Candy Gourlay Last week, my friend Nick Cross waxed nostalgic over on the SCBWI Blog Network, looking up the early days of long time bloggers like me. It was fun checking out those early versions of ourselves that we presented to the outside world. For example: Sarah McIntyre, then an art student, posted just four times in May 2004 with brief captions like this: Today, of course, Sarah
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