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You may remember way back in January when I announced that I would have a short story appearing in the upcoming HarperTeen anthology DEFY THE DARK, that I said there'd be more exciting news about how YOU could be in the anthology too. Well, that day has finally arrived!

HarperTeen and Figment have opened up the DEFY THE DARK Short Story Contest.

This cover is NOT FINAL, but isn't it pretty?

The contest is open to any unpublished writer, or published writer who has earned less than $2000 from their writing. All you need to do is write a 2000-4000 word story of any genre that mostly takes place at night, or in the dark.

You can be creative with this. It doesn't have to be dark and scary. A girl sneaking out at night to meet her secret crush fits just as well as those creepy things that go bump in the night.

You have until September 1st to write an upload your story to Figment. The winner gets:

• The winner will get paid and have their story published in DEFY THE DARK!
• Two second place winners will also win cash prizes from HarperCollins and have their stories published on the Defy The Dark website.

So what are you waiting for? Get all the contest details at the Figment.com DEFY THE DARK contest page!

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Happy Monday! Here are a few contests I've found around the blogosphere--feel free to add any I missed in the comments.

Cynthia Leitich Smith at Cynsations is giving away copies of Love? Maybe. and The Cupcake Queen by Heather Hepler. Included in the prize are those awesomely yummy conversation hearts (seriously, the pink and white ones rock). Enter by Jan. 31st.

Kai and Tin over at Amaterasu Reads are giving away an ARC of the YA dystopian The Hunt by Andrew Fukuda. Contest ends in 6 days.

Also, don't forget to check back here tomorrow for details on how to get your free query critique!

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Literary Rambles pointed me to a fabulous Winter Book Giveaway by Regal Literary. They are giving away some great books, including Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger which I've been dying to read. Enter through the end of November.

Anna Staniszewski is hosting an August/September debut giveaway. Enter to win one of several incredible books by 2011 debut authors. A few of these, which are already on my TBR list, include The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin, and The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson. Check out the link for other great titles and enter by Nov. 28th.

Good luck, and happy Monday!

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Our sister Valerie is having TWO giveaways this week! Check out her blog (click the links) to see enter to win the fun middle grade novel THE WHITE ASSASSIN by Hilary Wagner AND the latest House of Night book DESTINED by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast! Both contests end Thursday, November 3rd.
Young Adult Books blog is giving away 5 copies of the YA paranormal, THE MEPHISTO COVENANT. Ends Nov. 11th. Details.

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The early info for October's Secret Agent contest is up at the Authoress blog! This is not the call for submissions, that opens next Monday, October 17th. This is just the info, so get that manuscript ready!

And because today is a holiday (whether or not it really should be a holiday is totally debatable, but it is) I really don't have much else in the way of contests for you. Hopefully most of you are still snuggled up in your beds. I would be if my Tiny Human wasn't such an early riser.

Enjoy your day off! But not too much. You have work to do.

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My Scribe Sisters and I would just like to say thank you to those of you who spread the word or bid on our crit auction at Read For Relief! You guys are seriously awesome, and to our super awesome auction winner, we can't wait to dive into your manuscript!

Thank you all!

Now, here's what's going on around the web:


The info is up for the September Secret Agent contest! This is such a fun contest and a great way to get honest feedback on your work (and really awesome things might happen if you win!). Definitely worth entering! Contest opens for entries TODAY Sept. 19th

Novel Novice is hosting a fab book giveaway! Two winners will each receive the LEVIATHAN trilogy by Scott Westerfeld! Ends today, Sept 19th, so get over there and enter!

And there you have it. If you've got any giveaways or contest to share, Mr. Linky wants your love.

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I hope everyone had a fantastic holiday weekend. We just got back from the mountains and I have a truckload of laundry and work to do, but I found a great contest that I had to pass along. Kody Keplinger, author of THE DUFF (fabulous book if you haven't read it), has a new book and a new contest. Her new book is SHUT OUT and you can check out the trailer here. To enter, just leave a comment on her post--that's it. One winner will have a character named after them in her fourth book. How cool is that? I'm just wondering how she'll pull it off if the winner's name is Humperdink or something equally bizarre (no offense intended if your name is Humperdink--I'm sure your parents didn't mean it). Deadline: Fri. Sept. 9th. Good luck!

Oh, and I'll have another fabulous book recommendation for you on Friday! Happy Tuesday!

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It is Monday again already. How did this happen?! So you may have noticed I haven't blogged at all since last Monday, and I swear I have a good reason! We've had a major heat wave here in NY and because of this extreme heat, our power was down for nearly three days. No Internet. No TV. No lights or air conditioning. It was brutal. But I survived! And so did my family and my pets. There were no casualties, save for one fish that is unaccounted for. But I am blaming his disappearance on the monster belly of my growing catfish. *sigh*

And unfortunately I have no idea what is going on in the way of contests this week. Except this one:

Lisa and Laura Roecker have a fantastic contest going on in participation with Write On Con and The Reading Room. They're giving away $1,000 to one lucky winner, as well as your own author page on TheReadingRoom.com and the chance to have your work considered by a literary agent! So don't miss that. End Aug. 17th 2011. Details here.

Also, be sure to come back here in the next week or so. My Scribe Sisters and I have an extra special surprise for you guys! :D

Mr. Linky loves your contest links! Share them!

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I know you're all probably outside right now, lounging in plastic chairs, sipping sweet tea, or chowing on a greasy burger, but in case you happen to stop by the intre-webz today, check out this post by Miranda Kenneally (CATCHING JORDAN, Dec. 2011). She's got ARCS! And she's celebrating with a contest. Ends July 10th.

And as always, if you've got a contest link to share, Mr. Linky wants your love.

Also, unrelated but still cool, a friend of mine made this awesome t-shirt design, and because I think it's awesome and I'm proud of him, I'm sharing it with you. You can "like" it, if you want, or just take a peek and marvel at the awesome. :D

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Author Cynthia Leitich Smith has fascinating interview and crit oppourtunity with Egmont USA Publisher Elizabeth Law up on her blog. Which, if you're not following her blog yet, get over there NOW and do it, it's an amazing resource for writers!

Read the interview and enter to win a 30 page manuscript critique from Elizabeth Law HERE. Ends 5/31

Adventures in Children's Publishing is celebrating new releases this week by giving away two of them! Win AWAKEN by Katie Kacvinsky and THE A CIRCUIT by Georgina Bloomberg and Catherine Hapka. And while you're there be sure to check out their interview with several of the authors releasing this week including debut authors Tessa Gratton and Brian Farrey (also editor at Flux), and Elizabeth Scott! ENTER HERE (And check back there tomorrow for even more giveaways!) Ends 5/26

Know of a good contest? If so, fill in the info below:

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And we're back! Blogger ate my Thursday post and wouldn't allow Kristi to post on Friday, but it looks like everything is back to normal. Whew!


The writing community has come together once again with auctions to generate funds that will go directly to the American red Cross to help with disaster relief for those affected by the recent storms and flooding in the US. Visit HelpWriteNow.blogspot.com for details on how you can donate or bid on the amazing writing/book related items up for grabs!

The ladies at Adventures in Children's Publishing are hosting a fabulous Middle Grade prize pack giveaway! Books included are: Fibble: The Fourth Circle of Heck by Dale E. Basye, The Golden Ghost (A Stepping Stone Book(TM)) by Marion Dane Bauer, The Door in the Forest by Roderick Townley, and The Forever Crush (Pink Locker Society) by Debra Moffitt. Winner will be announced on Thursday. Details at ACP blog.

The Bookshelf Muse featured author Janet Gurtler on the blog, talking about the importance of voice in your novel, along with a giveaway of Janet's YA novel, I'm Not Her. Read all about it here.

Reading Teen is giving away an ARC of Divergent by Veronica Roth. Ends June 1st. Check that out here.

Author Gail Carriger is hosting a facebook contest. If you have facebook, all you have to do to enter is join her new group. Up for grabs is a signed copy of the French version of Soulless and your pick of Soulless, Changeless, and Blameless in either American English or the UK versions. Ends midnight Thursday, May 19th. Go here for full details.

Not a contest, but Write On Con is hosting a "trifecta of awesome" chat tonight! Editor Molly O'Neill, Agent Joanna Stampfel-Volpe, and agent Michelle Andelman will be chatting live at www.writeoncon.com at 9pm EST. Topic TBA. Deets here.

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The Knight Agency is searching for their next client in this contest made of awesome! NOTE: There is a narrow entry window for this one. You must leave a comment on their blog between 12ET and 1ET TODAY (March 7th) to even be considered for the contest. They will choose 125 entries at random, who will then start the "speed-dating" type process. As I will be skiing (or more likely falling) at that time, I can't enter myself but wish you all good luck! Be sure to read all the details on the link--it looks like a cool opportunity.

My uber-amazing blog Sister, Valerie, is hosting a giveaway. There will be 2 winners (one guaranteed to be international) who get to choose from seventeen incredible books. Contest ends: March 17th.

For all you paranormal lovers out there: Win an ARC of BLESSED by Cynthia Leitich Smith. Hurry--this one ends March 8th.

Happy Monday! Don't forget to add your own contest in Mr. Linky below.

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I'll start with the shamless self-promo.

Today is the last day to enter my Back From Branson Giveaway Part 1! you have until 11:59pm ET tonight to enter to win one of these three YA books each with signed bookplates!

And today I opened theBack From Branson Giveaway Part 2, where two lucky winners (one GUARNTEED INTERNATIONAL) wins their choice of a pre-order from one of the authors at the retreat! This one ends 3/14.

You get bonus points for following us here at Sisters in Scribe, so be sure to enter!

YA Writer Rachel Alpine is giving away an ARC of DIVERGENT by Veronica Roth! Check out her blog for info. Contest ends 3/6.

Adventures in Children's Publishing is giving away a TON of awesome YA new releases this week! Including LIAR SOCIETY with fun swag, DEMONGLASS, BLOOD & FLOWERS, and 3 copies of THE CHAOS (NUMBERS #2). Find out all the details here.

As always, if you know of any contest happenings around the web, feel free to use our Mr. Linky below!

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Our Scribe Sister, Valerie Kemp, is hosting a fabulous book giveaway as part of her Back from Branson giveaway! Up for grabs are books form a few of the authors that attended the Branson retreat: LINGER by Maggie Stiefvater, ACROSS THE UNIVERSE by Beth Revis, and THE REPLACEMENT by Brenna Yovanoff, all with signed book plates! Ends Feb 28th!

Writer's Digest is taking entries to their writing contest. Grand prize is $3k and a trip to the WD conference in NYC! Lots of other great prizes there as well. Visit the WD website for details. Deadline for entries is May 2nd, late deadline is May 20th. This one does require an entry fee.

As always, if you know of any contest happenings around the web, feel free to use our Mr. Linky below!

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The 2009 Debutantes are giving away 40 sets of author L.K. Madigan's books FLASH BURNOUT and THE MERMAID'S MIRROR as a show of love and support while L.K. battles cancer. For more details on the moving story and how you can win, please check out the contest post. ENDS TONIGHT January 31st.

Dear Editor is hosting an epic contest of awesome. Winner will receive an edit of one YA or MG manuscript! Deadline is MIDNIGHT TONIGHT January 31st.

Good luck!

As always, if you have any contests to share please use our Mr. Linky. He is lonely and wants your link love.

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Nathan Bransford is hosting a first paragraph contest over at his blog with some FABULOUS prizes, such as having your partial considered by Nathan's agent, Catherine Drayton. 
Ends Thursday.

Dear Editor is hosting an epic contest of awesome. Winner will receive an edit of one YA or MG manuscript! Deadline is January 31st.

Good luck!

As always, if you have any contests to share please use our Mr. Linky. He is lonely and wants your link love.

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Happy Monday! Hope you're all enjoying the end of your three-day weekends! Here's this week's contests.

Adventures in Children's Publishing is giving away THREE awesome new releases this week! Enter here. Ends 1/19.

Shannon Whitney Messenger is giving away an ARC of THE EMERALD ATLAS by John Stephens at her blog as part of Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Enter here. Ends 1/22

Also, these two HOUSE OF NIGHT contests are still going on:

For all you HOUSE OF NIGHT fans out there, a HUGE contest is going on where you can win the entire set of House of Night books by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast. Check out the Facebook page here for the deets. Contest ends: Jan. 29.

And go here for a chance to win lunch with the HOUSE OF NIGHT authors in honor of the release of AWAKENED, the newest title in the series. The winner gets a 3 day/2 night trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma!


Have a contest you'd like to share? Post it in our Mr. Linky below:

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It's December. The very best time to snuggle up by the fire with a good book and a cup of hot chocolate. We know this is a busy time of year for most, it's insane for all of us too, but have no fear! We'll be re-posting some of our favorite posts from the past, and in the spirit of giving, we're giving away three signed books to three winners!

Kristi is giving one winner a signed hard copy of THE MAZE RUNNER by James Dashner.

THE MAZE RUNNER Trilogy Book #1
When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade—a large, open expanse surrounded by stone walls.

Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night they’ve closed tight. And every 30 days a new boy has been delivered in the lift.

Thomas was expected. But the next day, a girl is sent up—the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers.

Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets buried within his mind.





Valerie is giving one winner a signed hard copy of THE DEMON KING by Cinda Williams Chima.

THE DEMON KING A Seven Realms novel
Times are hard in the mountain city of Fellsmarch. Reformed thief Han Alister will do almost anything to eke out a living for himself, his mother, and his sister Mari.  Ironically, the only thing of value he has is something he can’t sell.  For as long as Han can remember, he’s worn thick silver cuffs engraved with runes.  They’re clearly magicked—as he grows, they grow, and he’s never been able to get them off.  

While out hunting one day, Han and his Clan friend, Dancer catch three young wizards setting fire to the sacred mountain of Hanalea.   After a confrontation, Han takes an amulet from Micah Bayar, son of the High Wizard, to ensure the boy won't use it against them.  Han soon learns that the amulet has an evil history—it once belonged to the Demon King, the wizard who nearly destroyed the world a millennium ago.  With a magical piece that powerful at stake, Han knows that the Bayars will stop at nothing to get it back.  

9 Comments on Contest Monday With a Holiday Giveaway!, last added: 12/7/2010

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Anna said, on 12/6/2010 8:11:00 AM

I just linked to a contest I'm having on my blog - I'm giving away 3 YA books (including the sequel to THE MAZE RUNNER!).

Happy reading!

L.J. Boldyrev said, on 12/6/2010 8:26:00 AM

Oh, cool! Thanks, Anna!

Lisa Gail Green said, on 12/6/2010 8:36:00 AM

Oh goody! One of my fav blogs, and some really cool books I'd love to win. What could be better?

Matthew Rush said, on 12/6/2010 9:05:00 AM

I think I only earned 1 point, because I couldn't figure out if I got one for being a follower. Oh well, awesome contest!

L.J. Boldyrev said, on 12/6/2010 9:50:00 AM

Lots of fluffy snow and hot cocoa make everything better!

Matt, sorry. I should've been more clear. Being a follower gets you an entry. :)

Mrs. DeRaps said, on 12/6/2010 2:00:00 PM

Thanks!!

Simon Hay Soul Healer said, on 12/6/2010 11:45:00 PM

Hi! I followed, I tweeted, I planted a tree. Happy Holidays!

RK Charron said, on 12/7/2010 6:29:00 AM

Hi :)
Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to win SIGNED books!
All the best,
RKCharron

Minas said, on 12/7/2010 7:29:00 AM

Thanks for the giveaway!

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There are a couple of AWESOME agent contests for writers this week!

Agent Diedre Knight of The Knight Agency is having a speed dating contest to find her next new client! Beginning Tuesday, November 30th, (that's tomorrow!) Deidre will whittle down the first 125 entries to one lucky winner.* The contest opens at 8:00am ET. Get all the details on how to enter HERE.

Agent Sara Megibow of the Nelson Literary Agency is doing a NaNoWriMo contest on her client Ashley March's blog! Sara has agreed to read the first 30 pages of one lucky writer's NaNoWriMo project! Deadline is November 30th. Check out the details and enter HERE

And for readers:

Jess at The Cozy Reader is celebrating her 3rd blogoversary with a HUGE giveaway! She's giving away 15 YA books to 5 lucky winners in a fun contest! Hurry! This contest ends at noon ET, TODAY, November 29th! Check out her awesome blog and get the details HERE

If you have a contest you'd like to let us know about, please post the link in our new Mr. Linky! (Which hopefully I've coded correctly and it will work!)

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We're one week into the Great ARC Giveaway, with just under 3 weeks left to enter.

Right now we're sitting at about 70 entries shy of adding another winner to the pot.

So how do you boost those entries numbers? If you've already entered, wonderful. If you haven't entered, what are you waiting for? And don't forget you can still earn extra entries, whether or not you've entered already.

The easiest way to gain extra entries is to leave comments, but here's a reminder just in case you need it:
+1 For every comment made during the contest period
+3 For posting the Holiday Bookmark Swap button on your blog or website(it's in the right sidebar)
+5 For posting about the Holiday Bookmark Swap
+1 For linking the contest
+2 For posting about the contest

Good luck to everyone!

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Since this prize has not been claimed yet, it's time to choose another winner for a new copy of Star Crossed: Gemini Night. This time the random number generator picked number 26, which means:

misskallie2000
...you are a winner! Congrats! Please send me your mailing address to me at shadyglade(AT)mail(DOT)com within the next 72 hours to claim your prize.

And for those of you who didn't win, better luck next time. Look for more chances to win coming soon!

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