Jeanne here--
I guess it’s back to the real world. I’m still on the road, but now I’m hitting all the big box stores to sign stock. It’s not nearly as much fun as visiting with Patrick and the gang at Mysterious Galaxy, Del and Sue at Dark Delicacies or Christine at Mystery & Imagination, but it’s necessary. I’ve met some very nice people at the B & N’s and Border’s who are enthusiastic about meeting writers and love to talk about the books.
Some news on the TV front: The Dresden Files has been cancelled. The ratings weren’t high enough. The star, Paul Blackthorne, has joined the cast of ABC’s BIG SHOTS in a recurring role. Just like publishing, it’s all about the bottom line.
For you writers of romance out there, Gather.com and Pocket Books are launching a
First Chapters Romance Writing Competition. Gather.com members will be able to rate submitted manuscripts, ultimately selecting the next great romance novelist. The grand prizewinner will receive a guaranteed publishing contract with Pocket Books, along with a $5,000 advance. The winning book will receive promotion at Borders and will be sold at all Borders and Waldenbooks stores across the nation and wherever books are
sold.So, Aubrey, Vicki and Kathy, you already have killer first lines. Polish up those chapters and enter. Let us know if you do.
Good
interview with J. K. Rowling but spoiler alert, she does talk about the end of the series.
Excellent
article from Holt Uncensored entitled: Ten Mistakes Writers Don't See (But Can Easily Fix When They Do)
And a couple last Comic-Con things. The San Diego Union-Tribune ran an article about people's reactions to San Diego. Two Brits had this to say: They hate San Diego. It's too bright, the sun is relentless and everyone looks too damned healthy. Gee, all the things I LOVE about SD. Then, there's this
article that I enjoyed (and now can really appreciate): "Buffy Season 8" Comic Book - Turning Civilians into Comic Book Geeks. This was from Publishersweekly.com - By way of whedon.info. com- 2007-07-21
Okay, time to jump back on the horse and get out to more stores. Today we head to Laguna Beach and mix business with pleasure. I hope that jewelry kiosk that sells those great earrings is still there. I plan to do some Christmas shopping.
How’s your summer going?