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• Does your significant other totally ignore your ‘writing world’ or view it with contempt either because you’re not making enough money or because they feel jealous?
• Does he/she refuse to consider your writing as anything other than a ‘mere hobby?’
• Does he/she belittle or demean your ‘writer dreams?’
• Does he/she believe you’re wasting your time and should be spending that time in something more ‘valuable?’
• Does he/she make you feel guilty for those hours you spend writing?
• Does he/she say they understand, but then they put demands on your writing time and don’t respect it?
• Is he/she jealous of the time you spend writing at the computer?
• How does their behavior make you feel as a person and as a writer?
• To what extend do their criticism contribute to your insecurity, anxiety, and maybe even depression?
• How do you cope with their behavior?
• What keeps you writing and persevering in spite of all the odds?
• What would you like he/she to understand about you as a writer?

I've been away for eight days hence no entries.  Lucky for me, Lorraine Orman has continued writing reviews and here is the latest...

Somehow, the summer has disappeared and fall is in full swing. Have the kids really been in school a month already? I rather dislike how times seems to by flying by so quickly these last few years.

So… lots and lots of stuff is new! I’ll try not to ramble too much I’ve been super, crazy, insanely, sleeplessly, stressfully busy. Thanks to lots of chocolate etc and the occasional ‘crash day’ I’m still going strong… and still busy.

First off… In case you missed it I have a new book out! Whoo hoo! Broken Aro is the first in a young adult epic fantasy series (The Broken Ones). It is a full novel (abt 70k words) and is available at amazon (ebook) and amazon, BN, createspace (print). Happily it’s been getting fantastic reviews so far and I’m plugging along at the next book, Broken Prince, hoping to have it out early in the new year. Please check it out! (If you want to review, feature or otherwise spread the word please feel free to drop me a note)

Broken Aro by Jen Wylie

Book One of The Broken Ones Series

Young Adult Fantasy novel

Published: Sept 15 2012

2.99 Available at [Amazon] Available in Print for 12.99 at [Amazon][Createspace][Barnes and Noble]

Open your eyes to darkness. What do you see? Does the darkness frighten you? Now imagine the darkness being the cargo hold of a slave ship. Your city has fallen. Your family is most likely dead. You don’t know anyone around you, and some of them aren’t even human. Giving up would be so easy to do, but not for Arowyn Mason. Not after being raised in a military family with seven brothers. Every great story should begin with a plan. Aro’s was to escape and to survive.

Escape comes, but at a price. As they reach the shore, Aro and the other survivors learn that freedom doesn’t mean safety. The slavers want their property back and will do anything to get it. The party uses every ounce of their brute strength, a hearty helping of cunning, and even ancient magics to keep themselves alive. Sickness, danger, and even love surprise them at every turn. Dealing with danger becomes their way of life, but none of them ever considered that nothing can be quite as dangerous as a prophecy. Running turns into another race altogether as her world falls to pieces again and again.

On to the next thing new… Sean and I have a second volume of Flashy Fiction and Other Insane Tales coming out in a few weeks! We had so much fun writing the first one (and it was so well received too) we jumped into a second right away.  Personally I think this one is even better than the first. My very first, and possibly only, psychological horror is included! I’m a scaredy cat to begin with-but just editing it freaked me out LOL. I hope you’ll all give it a read too! The release date for it is set for Oct. 23. Check out the awesome cover! It’s the other side of the spooky face!

Just to keep me even busier, Sean and I are gearing up for the World Fantasy Convention in Toronto Nov 1-4. We’re super excited to be going and having the opportunity to meet so many great authors that will be attending! I keep falling into ‘fangirl’ mode just thinking about it, which is probably good that I get that over with now…maybe I can act normal when I’m actually there. We’ll be in the Dealer Room selling our all of our books in print at the Untold Press table. If you’re attending be sure to stop by and say hello!

As always, lots of hugs and rainbows to you all! Your continued support and friendship are greatly appreciated and mean so much to me. Hugs hugs!

HarperTeen and figment are partnering to provide YA writers with this contest opportunity to get their story published in an anthology along with other well-known YA authors. 

The contest challenge: Write a story that takes place at night or in the dark. The story can be of any genre: contemporary, paranormal, horror, science fiction, romance, humor, fantasy, etc.

What happens in the dark? Why are things different at night? Maybe it’s magic, or madness or both. A new anthology coming Summer 2013 from HarperTeen, Defy the Dark explores those questions and invites you to try your hand at answering them.

What’s in it for you? A chance to be published in Defy the Dark, alongside some of your favorite YA authors (including Sarah Rees Brennan, Rachel Hawkins, and Beth Revis). 

The winner will be noted in the book’s table of contents, on the copyright page, and have a byline on their story. They will also have an opportunity to give an acknowledgment and will be featured on the Defy the Dark website. The grand-prize winner will receive a $500 cash prize awarded by HarperCollins and five copies of Defy the Dark.

1. Eligibility

The Defy the Dark New Author Contest (the “Promotion”) is open only to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States (including District of Columbia and territories, possessions and military bases) or Canada (excluding Quebec) who are thirteen (13) years or older at the time of entry.

2. Sponsors

Figment, LLC, 118 East 64^th Street, New York, NY 10065, and HarperCollins, 10 East 53rd Street, New York, New York 10022.

3. Entry Period

The Promotion begins on August 1, 2012 at 12:00 a.m. Eastern Time (“ET”) and ends on September 1, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. ET (the “Promotion Entry Period”).

No sun-drenched, thousand-watt fables here—bring us your things that go bump in the night, bring us the things that hide in the shadows. Saundra Mitchell, the anthology’s editor, is excited to read your best YA fiction and choose one writer to be a part of the forces that will Defy the Dark.

4.  Submission Requirements

• Submission must be between 2,000 and 4,000 words.
• Submission must be an original work created solely by you, has not been previously published, and does not infringe upon any third-party copyrights or other intellectual property rights.
• Submission must not contain defamatory statements.
• Submission must not contain any telephone numbers, street addresses or email addresses of any individual.
• Submission must not invade privacy, publicity or other rights of any person, firm or entity.

Click here for more official rules:  http://dailyfig.figment.com/defy-the-dark-official-rules/

Good luck!

Talk tomorrow,

Kathy

HarperTeen and figment are partnering to provide YA writers with this contest opportunity to get their story published in an anthology along with other well-known YA authors. 

The contest challenge: Write a story that takes place at night or in the dark. The story can be of any genre: contemporary, paranormal, horror, science fiction, romance, humor, fantasy, etc.

What happens in the dark? Why are things different at night? Maybe it’s magic, or madness or both. A new anthology coming Summer 2013 from HarperTeen, Defy the Dark explores those questions and invites you to try your hand at answering them.

What’s in it for you? A chance to be published in Defy the Dark, alongside some of your favorite YA authors (including Sarah Rees Brennan, Rachel Hawkins, and Beth Revis). 

The winner will be noted in the book’s table of contents, on the copyright page, and have a byline on their story. They will also have an opportunity to give an acknowledgment and will be featured on the Defy the Dark website. The grand-prize winner will receive a $500 cash prize awarded by HarperCollins and five copies of Defy the Dark.

1. Eligibility

The Defy the Dark New Author Contest (the “Promotion”) is open only to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States (including District of Columbia and territories, possessions and military bases) or Canada (excluding Quebec) who are thirteen (13) years or older at the time of entry.

2. Sponsors

Figment, LLC, 118 East 64^th Street, New York, NY 10065, and HarperCollins, 10 East 53rd Street, New York, New York 10022.

3. Entry Period

The Promotion begins on August 1, 2012 at 12:00 a.m. Eastern Time (“ET”) and ends on September 1, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. ET (the “Promotion Entry Period”).

No sun-drenched, thousand-watt fables here—bring us your things that go bump in the night, bring us the things that hide in the shadows. Saundra Mitchell, the anthology’s editor, is excited to read your best YA fiction and choose one writer to be a part of the forces that will Defy the Dark.

4.  Submission Requirements

• Submission must be between 2,000 and 4,000 words.
• Submission must be an original work created solely by you, has not been previously published, and does not infringe upon any third-party copyrights or other intellectual property rights.
• Submission must not contain defamatory statements.
• Submission must not contain any telephone numbers, street addresses or email addresses of any individual.
• Submission must not invade privacy, publicity or other rights of any person, firm or entity.

Click here for more official rules:  http://dailyfig.figment.com/defy-the-dark-official-rules/

Good luck!

Talk tomorrow,

Kathy

• Limit your work to 5000 words.
• Deadline August 30, 2012. Winners will be announced by September 30, 2012
• Entry fee is $15 per submission payable via PayPal only.
• Manuscripts should be submitted electronically as a Microsoft Word document or RTF format.
• Do not put your name on the manuscript document. (This will be entered separately on our website.) A cover letter is not required.
• Work previously published in print or electronically will not be considered. All work must be original with the writer owning the copyright. International submissions are welcome.
• Simultaneous submissions are permitted, but we ask that you notify us immediately if your work is accepted elsewhere. We regret that there can be no refunds or substitutions for withdrawn work.
• Valhalla Press acquires first-time International electronic rights from contest winners. All other rights remain with the author.

Visit: http://www.valhallapress.com/ for BUY NOW button.

I know there are a lot of writers who read this blog who write poetry. If you enter, GOOD LUCK!

Talk tomorrow,

Kathy

BOOK OF THE DAY-June

Plan in advance for father’s day! The month of June is dedicated to books for dads and boys…don’t worry, a few dads & daughter books thrown in too! Good list for reluctant readers as well as summer vacation. Enjoy!

BOOK OF THE DAY-May

In celebration of Mother’s day, moms, women and daughters, recommendations span ages and areas of interest. Great for summer vacation reading too!

BOOK OF THE DAY-April

The full April list is here. Get a sneak peak at the 2nd half of the month and stock up for summer vacation too!

BOOK OF THE DAY-March

Spring is upon us, and you can prepare for both Spring and Summer vacations with plenty of good books! Check out recommendations for all ages, plus DVD’s and teaching too!

BOOK OF THE DAY-February

No need to wait until the end of February for the complete list. Here it is–plan ahead! Click on the link above, and also follows us on Facebook at Litland Reviews http://facebook.com/Litlandreviews

BOOK OF THE DAY-January

Here it is! The book of the day challenge, to recommend a new book or related media every day in 2012. January is complete, and attached for handy download–just click on the above link. February is on the way! “Friend” Litland Reviews on Facebook to see daily recommendations as they post. http://facebook.com/Litlandreviews

Last year I was invited to contribute a short story with a paranormal them to an anthology from Leap Books titled SPIRITED. I was super excited, especially when I found out that some fantastic authors would be joining me.

Since my THE SEER has some amazing fans, I wanted to give them a new story with favorite characters Sabine and Dominic. So I wrote PHANTOM OF THE PROM; a ghost, prom, romance.

SPIRITED is out now online and in March a paperback comes out, too.

This book is split up in three different genres of stories: PAST, PRESENT and FUTURE. My story is in the PRESENT category. I thought it would be fun to share the titles and authors for each story:

SPIRITED paranormal Anthology, edited by Kat O'Shea

THE PAST

1. Strangeways vs. the Wraith by Judith Graves
2. The Senet Box by Jill Williamson
3. Stained by Mark Finnemore
4. Thread of the Past by Dawn Dalton

PRESENT
5. The Cold One by Candace Havens
6. Death becomes Her by Kitty Keswick
7. Oast House by Carmen Tudor
8. The New Girl by Maria V. Synder
9. Aftermath by Halli Dee Liburn
10.Phantom of the Prom by Linda Joy Singleton

FUTURE
11. Night Queen by John W. Otte
12. To Hell and Back by Shannon Delany
13. The Story of Late by Heather Kenealy

Hope you check out our stories!

It’s that time of year again! If you’re looking for a fun (ie scary!) xmas read…check out this recently released anthology!

A Very Scary Christmas

Christmas is usually the time for cheer, but it can also be the time for fear, spirits and those things that go bump in the night. This year the scribes of Scriborium Guild came together to create a collection of short stories with a horror or supernatural angle and a Christmas twist. A strange and challenging creative venture to be sure, but one that brought together a brave group of writers and authors determined to spin tales for the festive season that gave more than one meaning to the idea of the spirit of Christmas.
This collection of short stories is the result and it is amazing how each author has found a different theme to explore, yet the stories within fit together well and prove that even with a tight deadline writers will write and rise to any challenge. Some of these stories are shorter than others, some are scarier than others. Whether or not these tales will frighten or unnerve you all depends on your own background and point of view, but each one makes for an entertaining read. So curl up by the fire and devour this anthology in one sitting or enjoy one story each evening during the holidays.
The Scriborium Guild is a new writers’ guild, each of its members helping each other promote their works, perfect their trade, and genuinely provide support to those who truly love one of the most solitary passions in any day and age.

Authors and their stories include:
Mark Sheldon- You did it Again
William Topek -That Holiday Spirit
Rosie Reay- Christmas Reunion at Villa El Figueral
Sean Hayden- The Ghost of Christmas Last
Athol Foden- Windy Lights
David Govett- The Christmas Card
Kyra Dawson- I’ll be Home for Christmas

Check it out at Amazon and at Foden Press!

The Stray.

Please leave a comment or like – I won’t be upset if you do both!

Stories of the Wild West Gang by Joy Cowley, illustrated by Trevor Pye (Gecko Press)

As 11 year old Eliot says on the back cover 'Just the right amount of craziness. One of the funniest books I've ever read.'

When Michael's five cousins move in next door, his parents are horrified - Michael thinks it's wonderful. His parents make him go to bed at 9pm, eat a strict diet and coddle him as their only child. At the West's household he gets to stay up as long as he likes, eat anything, have scandelous fun and be treated as any other in the household. He manages to convince his parents to go away so he can go on wild jaunts with the West family, and Michael cannot get enough of it. He goes rafting, camping, to the school fair, Pong Castle, over the wonky fence, puts up with the grumpy guest, survives the haunted fridge, and the wedding, goes fishing and has wickedly fun hullabaloo time with them.

A laugh out loud book for 8-12 years olds. This series has been published before as single books but now all ten stories are in one volume. Joy Cowley's characters are original and funny. It's a book about families and how they're all different. Plus it is a young boy's adventures and making fun out of nothing much. Highly recommended for home and school libraries. An excellent book for Primary Middle, Senior and Intermediate teachers to read aloud to their class.

Joy Cowley's books are loved by children all around the world. She has been awarded the OBE for her services to children's wrting, and the Prime Minister's Award for Literary Achievement.

Trevor Pye lives in Tauranga and he is an award-winning illustrator whose work has featured in more than 200 children's books.

The Margaret Mahy Treasury: Eleven favourite stories by Margaret Mahy (Penguin)

A compilation of some of Margaret's best picture books including A Lion in the Meadow, The Witch in the Cherry Tree, A Summery Saturday Morning, The Great Piratical Rumbustification, The Boy with two Shadows, The Great White Man-Eating Shark, Jam, The Three-Legged Cat, The Boy who was Followed Home, The Librarian and the Robbers, and The Man Whose Mother was a Pirate.

This is the sort of Treasury that Grandparents would buy their mokopuna, teachers would keep in their class to read to their students, and parents would buy for their children and keep afterwards for the next generaton.  It contains all your favourites with original illustrations.

Margaret Mahy has won the Carnegie Medal twice, the IBBY Honour Book Award, the Hans Christian Andersen Award and numerous other international and national awards. Her books are loved by several generations.  Every library should have this Treasury (along with her Poetry collection).

Ashlyn Baptiste is falling. One moment she was nothing—no memories, no self—and then suddenly, she's plummeting through a sea of stars. Is she in a coma? She doesn't remember dying, and she has no memories of the life she left behind. All she knows is that she's trapped in a consciousness without a body and she's spending every moment watching a stranger.

Breckon Cody's on the edge. He's being ripped apart by grief so intense it literally hurts to breath. On the surface, Breckon is trying to hold it together for his family and his girlfriend, but underneath he's barely hanging on.

Even though she didn't know him in life, Ashlyn sees Breckon's pain, and she's determined to find a way help him. As her own distressing memories emerge from the darkness, she struggles to communicate with the boy who can't see her, but whose life is suddenly intertwined with hers. In alternating voices of the main characters, My Beating Teenage Heartpaints a devastatingly vivid picture of both the heartbreak and the promise of teenage life—a life Ashlyn would do anything to recover and Breckon seems desperate to destroy—and will appeal to fans of Sarah Dessen, John Green, and David Levithan.

The acclaimed auth

14 Comments on In My Mailbox: August 29 - September 4, 2011, last added: 9/5/2011

Display Comments

Sophia said, on 9/3/2011 12:35:00 PM

Really great haul this week! I'm so jealous that you have Prized. It sounds absolutely fantastic. :) Happy reading!!

Dead Trees and Silver Screens said, on 9/3/2011 12:51:00 PM

Wow! How do you get so many awesome books to review. So cool!

danya said, on 9/3/2011 4:13:00 PM

What an awesome mailbox week! I've heard lots of great things about Birthmarked, it has been on my tbr list for a while and I really must get to it soon! Also Ruby Red is a lot of fun, really entertaining (although be warned that as soon as you finish you will be wanting book 2!)

Vy (Vy's Blog) said, on 9/3/2011 9:52:00 PM

My Beating Teenage Heart does sound intense! It sounds amazing :)

Kristina said, on 9/3/2011 9:58:00 PM

Very good books you have gotten this week. Happy reading

Candace said, on 9/4/2011 8:40:00 AM

Ruby Red was SO good! Birthmarked has been on my WL for AGES! I have Anna Dressed in Blood on it's way to me and Prized sounds amazing! My Beating Teenage Heart sounds really good too, I haven't heard much about it yet.
Enjoy all your books!

Amber Griffiths said, on 9/4/2011 10:08:00 AM

I've been wanting to read Birthmarked for ages and ages. It sounds like a great book! Although I'm not a fan of the US cover.

Books of Amber

Sarah said, on 9/4/2011 11:19:00 AM

My Beating Teenage Heart looks really good. I can't wait to pick up Anna Dressed in Blood, that looks amazing! Happy Reading :0)

Sarah @ The Book Life

Sarah said, on 9/4/2011 12:20:00 PM

Wow you got some great books this week! They all look amazing :)

check out my in my mailbox!
http://sarahcatchingbooks.blogspot.com/2011/09/in-my-mailbox-10.html

chelleyreads said, on 9/4/2011 12:45:00 PM

i read anna dressed in blood recently and i loved it. enjoy all your books--happy reading :)

-michelle

p.s. our IMM is HERE.

Evie said, on 9/4/2011 1:40:00 PM

You got Anna Dressed in Blood!!!! GAAAAAhhhhhh *breathe, Evie, breathe...* Oh, I shouldn't over-react, as I am actually getting a copy, too the wonderful people from Tor Teen are actually sending me a copy of it, along with the Faerie Ring (ye ye yeeeaaahhh). And I am dying to go back to Vancouver and finally read it! :D
Enjoy it!

You got a whole lot of awesome book, my dear, I am looking forward to your reviews! <3

Lost In Literature said, on 9/4/2011 2:22:00 PM

I've heard great things about Anna Dressed in Blood. Hope you enjoy!

My IMM
Lisa @ Lost in Literature

Ashley @ Book Labyrinth said, on 9/4/2011 7:43:00 PM

I LOVED 'Ruby Red', it was so good!!

The Birthmarked books are insanely good as well.

Melissa (My World...in words and pages) said, on 9/5/2011 6:18:00 PM

Oooo, some really great sounding books here. Congrats on your wins. And hope you have a wonderful week enjoying your books. :)

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