Showing posts with label Book in A Week. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Book in A Week. Show all posts

Friday, October 2, 2009

Book-In-A-Week and Happy Birthday Seekerville



What happens when you take the Seekerville second year birthday celebration...














and add BIAW?

Fun and writing and lots of birthday presents, of course!



Seekerville BIAW Rules:

1. Register. Let all of Seekerville know you are up for the challenge. Registration opens today Friday, October 2, through Sunday, October 4, right here in Seekerville. All you have to do is post a comment telling us you are in. We'll list your name on our blog in the sidebar for the week of the BIAW. Many of the Seekers will also be participating in the BIAW.

2. Write. JUST DO IT.

3. When? Monday, October 5, through Saturday, October 10. Sunday is optional.

4. Check in on Sunday, October 11, or Monday, October 12 with your results, and take the BIAW survey.


5. Everyone who registers AND follows up with a post BIAW comment will be entered into a drawing for BIAW birthday prizes.

6. We'll announce the winners in the Saturday October 17, Week End Edition.


7. Stop by Seekerville daily for an encouraging post by one of our Seekerville authors during the Seekerville BIAW.


Not sure what a BIAW is? Check out our introduction post here.

Click on this printable calendar for a closer look at our schedule.




We've compiled some of our favorite writing recipes for our BIAW participants; to help make it easier to spend less time in the kitchen and more time writing. One for every day of BIAW .

1. Our Seekerville, all-time favorite recipe can be found here.


2. From Missy Tippens:

Put a pot roast in crock pot. Cover with one jar pepperoncini peppers (also called Tuscan peppers), liquid included. Sprinkle 2 packets of au jus mix ( envelopes found in the spice section). Cook all day on low or about 5 hours on high. Serve with rice or mashed potatoes, or put on hoagie roll with cheese for sandwiches.


3. From Glynna Kaye:

Chicken 'n Rice in a Bag
3 lbs chicken tenders
2 cups raw long-grain converted rice
2 cans (10 ¾ oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
2/3 cup water
1 envelope (1 ½ oz dry onion soups mix)

Rinse chicken and pat dry; set aside. Combine rice, soup, and water in crock pot; stir well. Place chicken in brown-n-bag; add onion soup mix. Shake bag to coat; puncture 4-6 holes in bottom of bag. Fold top of bag over chicken and place on top of rice. Cook 8-10 hours on low or on high 4-5 hours. Serves 4.


4. From Tina Russo via Denise Camp. (I make these all the time, they are delicious):

Baked Pork Chops
2 good sized chops, Italian bread crumbs, olive oil
Dip in olive oil and use leftover oil to grease casserole dish.
Use a Ziploc bag and dump the oiled chops in with the Italian Breadcrumbs.
Cook 40 minutes at 400 degrees, uncovered. Turn halfway thru.


5.From Camy Tang:

BBQ Ribs
4 pounds beef ribs, cut into individual ribs
1 cup barbecue sauce
Optional: broil ribs, turning once, about 10 minutes.
Put ribs in crock pot. Coat with 1 cup sauce. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or until ribs are tender.
This recipe pretty much works with any kind of bottled sauce. We've used a Chinese sweet and sour sauce with this recipe, too.


6.From Mary Connealy:

French Dip Sandwiches
1 rump roast
1 C. beef consomme (buy it canned in the soup section of the store)
1 can beef broth (canned)
1 C. water
1 pkg.. Good Season’s Italian Dressing
Put in crock pot for 8 hours on low.
Slice meat. Serve on hoagie buns. Use liquid for French Dip sauce.


7. From Audra Harders:

Burrito Casserole
1 package El Monteray Chimichangas (8-10 individual)
1 can Stokes Gr Chili
1 package shredded Mexican cheese (or whatever kind)
1 can sliced black olives
1 can green chilis
In a casserole dish, layer burritos on the bottom. Spread Stokes on top,
sprinkle cheese.
Top with olives and chilies.
Bake at 350F for an hour.
Great with sour cream, salsa and chips!


Tips for SBIAW. Remember it's not how much you write, just that you write, down and dirty and without editing. Many of us still have to work our day jobs, take care of our families and continue to pursue world domination..but, put all your extra hours into BIAW. Turn off the TV this week. Pretend you are on deadline.

And Write

More Tips and Ideas for SBIAW:

1. Consider investing in swimmer's earplugs. They're great for tuning out the world.

2. Try a new schedule. Write somewhere else for this week. Try an hour or two at the library or bookstore.

3. Use a kitchen timer. Put buns in chair and don't get up for an hour. Repeat.

4. Stock up on writer food: favorite coffee and creamer, water bottles, gum, mints, chocolate, nuts and fruit

5. Set reasonable internet limits. "I can check my email and Seekerville after I have written XXX number of words."

6. Ask for help. If your friend babysits for you this week so you can write, you could babysit for her next week. Enlist your spouse to take the kids out so you can write all day Saturday and give him a free day in return. Use the resources you have.

7. Give your friends and family fair warning that their access to you will be limited. It's only for one week.

8. Don't sacrifice exercise. After you have put in writing time, get up and take a walk around the block.

9. Consider Dr. Wicked, Write or Die 2.0. Thank you to Kat Sheridan who shared Dr. Wicked with us.



Remember: If you always do what you always do, you'll always get what you always get. Let this SBIAW be an opportunity to shake up your writing.

Do you have any strategies to share with Seekerville?


Here are some great posts from our archives to help you plan for the Seekerville BIAW:

The Timer is Your Friend

Hurry Up and Wait

Not Enough Hours in Your Day? Think Again

Susan Meier's Ten Minute Solution



Registered SBIAW participants will also have a chance to win one of TEN great prizes:

Seekerville will be giving away 5 sets (of two books each) of Seekerville books







and

five copies of Chris Baty's, No Plot? No Problem!: A Low-Stress, High-Velocity Guide to Writing a Novel in 30 Days.

Chris Baty is the genius behind NaNoMo (National Novel Writing Month). If you survive SBIAW, you may be ready for NaNoMo. More information can be found here.






Questions? Are you ready to start your SBIAW writing engines?




Saturday, September 26, 2009

Seekerville Weekend-Back To The Beach-Edition




Life has been a bit stressful, and very busy lately, hasn't it?

When you find your eyeballs rotating independently and your sanity hanging by a thread, it's time for an Unpubbed Island Intervention.

This weekend we are opening up the island for some R&R.

So pull up a hammock.

Breathe in. Breath out.

Listen to the ocean breeze, read the Seekerville Weekend Edition and ...

RELAX!

We Have Winners!!!

Susan Mason won a copy of Shirley Jump's release, A Princess at Christmas. Thanks to Shirley for being with us and for her post, I'm On Facebook...Now What?

Congratulations to 12 Seekerville visitors who posted on Monday's blog interview with Deborah Smith and won books courtesy of BelleBooks. Missy Tippens will be contacting you. Many thanks to Deborah for her generosity!

Walt M
Debra M
Pepper
Renee
Edna
Milissa
April
Cathy S.
Sheila
Jessica
Virginia
Lori (sugar and grits)

Sleuthing in Seekerville
winners are Stephanie Newton and Nina Pierce. Please contact Tina (tina at tinarusso dot com) Thank you to Colleen and Shaun for answering our PI questions!

Glynna Kaye shared her ACFW Rocky Mountain High and Spotlight on Steeple Hill on Wednesday. The lucky winner of her debut release, Dreaming of Home, is Rose.


Many thanks to 2009 BOTY winner, Elizabeth White for joining us with her post, Play Nice. Congratulations to Lisa Jordan and Patricia W, who both won an Elizabeth White release.

Friday we were thrilled to have Steeple Hill historical writer, Winnie Griggs sharing on Getting From Here to There:Transitions. Winner of her release, The Christmas Journey, is Patricia W.


The Seekerville Treasure Hunt is almost over. Soon we'll open the Treasure Chest and announce the winners.

Giveaway ends at 12 midnight PST, Thursday, October 1st.

Winners will be announced in the Sunday, October 4, Weekend Edition by Captain Jack Sparrow.

Prizes:

All maps will be entered into a drawing for a Grand Prize of a $50 dollar gift card from Christianbooks.com

All maps and non conference entries (except the grand prize winner) will be entered into a drawing for one of 10 sets of Seeker books. That's ten sets of two books each. Book title prizes are randomly picked.

All maps and non conference entries (except the grand prize winner and the book set winners) will be entered into a drawing for one of four copies of the Donald Maass new release, The Fire In Fiction.

Guidelines can be found here.

(If you don't have time to mail your map, go ahead and scan it and email it to Tina.)






Next Week In Seekerville:


Monday: Two-time Golden Heart finalist Anne Barton is back in Seekerville with her post, Friends, Buddies, and Sidekicks.



Tuesday: Barbour Publishing author, Marcia Gruver returns to Seekerville.



Wednesday:Cool Beans! NavPress author Erynn Mangum will be here.



Thursday: Seeker and cowboy writer, Audra Harders post today.



Friday: This is it!! Seekerville Book-In-A-Week (BIAW) Preparation Day. Sign up starts today. We'll announce the great prizes for participating.



Saturday: October Contest Update and BIAW sign up continues.



Sunday: Weekend Edition and final day to register for BIAW.




Seeker Sightings:




Mary Connealy is signing her books today in Norfolk, Nebraska from 10 until noon at the Abbey Christian Store.

Be sure to stop by and see Mary's newly launched web page. Sign her guest book!







Friday, October 2, Glynna Kaye will be posting at the Love Inspired Author's Blog.











Check out Myra Johnson's, One Imperfect Christmas, book launch here.











Cheryl Wyatt's, Soldier Daddy releases on October 1.

U.S. Air Force commander Aaron Petrowski leads pararescue teams, yet can't find one nanny for his three-year-old twins? The widowed father is returning to duty, but not without the best care for his beloved boys. So when Sarah Graham applies, the young woman surprises everyone by passing inspection. Until Aaron discovers Sarah has a secret tied to a tragedy in his past. He can't keep her in his employ—or in his heart. Until his brave little soldier boys teach him a thing or two about love.







The Seekers visit the Colorado State Capitol .








Contest News:

How can you save money by entering the Linda Howard Award of Excellence contest?

1) Unpublished? Enter before October 1 and save $5
2) PRO? Enter before October 1 and volunteer to be a 1st round judge and
save $10. If you enter October 1 or later, save $5.

(Published authors can save $5 on first book entered in the Gayle Wilson Award
of Excellence if they volunteer to be a first round judge for the LH AoE.)

Must be emailed by October 11, 2009 10 p.m. central
Finalists should be announced by January 1, 2010
Revised final entries must be emailed by January 14, 2009 (with synopses)
Winners should be announced on March 20, 2010 at the Silken Sands Conference
(www.gccrwa.com/silkensands)

////For interviews and links about our final judge editors, go to
romancemagicians.blogspot.com the week of September 28!\\\\

Categories and final judges:
Series/Short & Long Contemporary - Susan Litman, Editor, Harlequin
Single Title - Latoya Smith, Editor, Grand Central Publishers
Suspense (series or single title) - Megan MeKeever, Associate Editor, Pocket Books (Simon & Schuster)
Historical - Alicia Condon, VP, Editorial Director, Dorchester
Unique Genres (Paranormal, Futuristic, Fantasy, Time Travel) - Heather Osborn,
Acquisitions Editor, Tor
Romantic Sensual and Sizzling (Erotica) - Raelene Gorlinsky, Editor, Ellora's Cave
Young Adult - Natashya Wilson, Senior Editor, Harlequin Teen
Inspirational - Tina James, Senior Editor, Love Inspired Suspense & Love Inspired Historical, Steeple Hill



Debby, Senior Editor Tina James, Missy, Janet, Glynna





That's it for this edition.
Now close your eyes and enjoy that hammock!


Saturday, September 12, 2009

Seekerville Weekend Edition NEWS



There's so much going on in Seekerville right now even my lists have lists.


The ACFW Conference is this week. That means the winners of the Genesis and Book-of-the-Year will be announced Saturday, September 19, 2009.

In Seekerville we will be cheering for the Seekers who finaled in the following categories:

Debut Author
A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman
Courting Miss Adelaide by Janet Dean

Lits
Single Sashimi by Camy Tang

Long Historical
Calico Canyon by Mary Connealy

Mystery
Of Mice ...And Murder by Mary Connealy

Short Contemporary
Buffalo Gal by Mary Connealy
Clueless Cowboy by Mary Connealy
Her Unlikely Family by Missy Tippens

Short Contemporary Suspense
Countdown to Death by Debby Giusti

We'll also be cheering for all our friends who are BOTY and Genesis finalists!! Good luck!


BIG NEWS STORY OF THE WEEK

The Seekers will be meeting in Denver, Colorado, for our first big reunion. The last time we were all together was August 3, 2005 when we first landed on Unpubbed Island. And that was a virtual get-together. Truth is, we have never all been in the same room at the same time. Watch the skies for fireworks over the vicinity of the Continental Divide.

We promise lots of photos from our get together, from the Friday Night tour into Denver and from the ACFW conference will be posted this week and in weeks to come.



Ten Day Weather Forecast: Note to Self: Pack Small Umbrella and sweater!

Tuesday September 15: Partly Cloudy, Hi 78°, Low 52°.

Wednesday September 16: Isolated Thunderstorms, High 75°, Low 49°

Thursday September 17: Scattered Thunderstorms, High 72°, Low 50°

Friday September 18:Isolated Thunderstorms, High 72°, Low 50°

Saturday September 19: Few Showers, High 71°, Low 48°

Sunday September 20:Partly Cloudy, High 74°, Low 48°




EXTRA! EXTRA!


If you haven't heard about the Seekerville Treasure Hunt, you're a day late and several gold doubloons short. Giveaway starts September 16 and end October 1, 2009. Check it out here.


THIS JUST IN!
And we're going to give you just enough time to recover from conference before Seekerville starts their first ever Book-In-A-Week, October 5th. Check out Friday's post on BIAW
for more information.


Next Week In Seekerville:

Monday:New York Times best selling author, Shirley Jump returns to Seekerville.

Tuesday: This just in...Kimberley Woodhouse will be today's special guest.


Wednesday: Love Inspired Suspense author, Debby Giusti posting in Seekerville.

Thursday: Zondervan and Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense author, and ace reporter, Camy Tang will bring you an insider peek into the Seeker reunion in Denver, CO.


Friday: Live From ACFW...it's SEEKERVILLE!!! More insider photos and notes from Lois Lane Russo.

WE HAVE WINNERS!

Congratulations to Milissa who won a copy of One Imperfect Christmas, the giveaway from Myra's post, Identify Your Most Common Fiction Mistakes-- and Fix 'Em!












Cheers to Holly who won the giveaway from Julie Lessman's post, Conference CPR. Her prize was win a signed copy of her choice of one of the three books in The Daughters of Boston series












Seeker Sightings:

Be sure to check out the ACFW Conference Book Signing, Saturday, September 19th, from 4-5:30. The following Seekers will be signing, and you can get your Limited Edition Seeker Bookmarks from any Seeker signing.

Mary Connealy

Janet Dean

Debby Giusti

Myra Johnson

Sandra Leesmith

Julie Lessman

Missy Tippens

Cheryl Wyatt


Don't forget, if you would like to be part of the Seeker Dinner Excursion into Denver on Friday, September 18, 2009, meet Audra Harders and Tina Russo in the Marriott lobby at 6 p.m. Bring cash for the light rail, funds for dinner and wear walking shoes. Dress is casual. Spouses, roommates and friends all welcome. Please bring a sweater or jacket, it gets cool at night. WE GO RAIN OR SHINE!!


Myra Johnson will be appearing on Romance Your Spouse, Thursday September 17.





Save The Date:


September 21, Belle Books editor, and New York Times best selling author Deborah Smith Seekerville extravaganza. Deb will be giving away a dozen books, see our special note below.

September 22, Private Eye Duo, Colleen Collins and Shaun Kaufman are sleuthing in Seekerville. They're bringing goodies too!

September 25, Our guest is Love Inspired Historical author, Winnie Griggs.

September 28, two-time Golden Heart finalist Anne Barton is back in Seekerville.

September 29, Barbour Publishing author, Marcia Gruver returns to Seekerville.

September 30, Cool Beans! NavPress author Erynn Mangum will be here.



If you didn't get to ACFW or RWA this year, don't despair, we've got editor, author Deb Smith coming to Seekerville. You've got a chance to win lots of books, including, her new urban fantasy, Soul Catcher, BelleBridges new thriller, Primitive and the new Mossy Creek novel, Critters of Mossy Creek.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Book-In-A-Week is Coming


The Seekerville Book-In-A-Week is an opportunity to:

A. Kick start your writing

B. Make stopping by Seekerville (often), a necessity

C. Stretch your writing muscles and see how much you can write under pressure.

D. Be a part of the Seekerville 2nd Year Birthday Celebration


Answer: All of the above.



What Is A Book-In-A-Week?

Book-In-A-Week, or BIAW is a week long period focused strictly on page production. It does involve clearing your calendar of all appointments and errands. It does not involve editing in any form. This is a whole week of down and dirty writing.

On Friday October 2nd you'll get your BIAW Prep: Quick recipe ideas, methods to keep you motivated, suggestions to keep the internal editor at bay.


Just think, this one week of writing could be a preparation for NaNoWriMO!
or part of an inexpensive writing retreat.

You could finish your manuscript in time for the Golden Heart or write that next proposal for your editor.



Start now to clear your calendar for BIAW. Click on this calendar and print it
for your own BIAW calendar.


Resources:

April Kihlstrom Book In A Week

The Book In A Week Challenge by Suzanna Carr

BIAW Not for the Faint-Hearted!




Seekerville BIAW Rules:

1. Register. Let all of Seekerville know you are up for the challenge. Registration opens Friday, October 2, through Sunday, October 4, right here in Seekerville.

2. Write. JUST DO IT.

3. When? Monday, October 5, through Saturday, October 10. Sunday is optional.

4. Check in on Sunday, October 11, or Monday, October 12 with your results, and take the BIAW survey.


5. Everyone who registers AND follows up with a post BIAW comment will be entered into a drawing for BIAW prizes.

6. We'll announce the prizes on BIAW Prep Day, Friday October 2. Winners will be announced in the Saturday October 17, Week End Edition.


7. Stop by Seekerville daily for an encouraging post by one of our Seekerville authors during the Seekerville BIAW.


Please note that Seekerville will not be monitoring your goals, page counts, or how much you produce each day. You'll have to hire someone for that.


We suggest Bruno the BIAW Enforcer.











Oh, and by the way. Bruno said to remind you to check out the Seekerville Treasure Hunt.
Happy Friday!

Friday, July 31, 2009

August Contest Update



YOU ARE HERE!




But where is here? Have you accomplished your goals and strategies for the year? That year is fading fast. The 2010 Golden Heart is upon us.


Good news! To celebrate the Seekerville birthday month in October we will hold our own Book In a Week Challenge. It's not about page count, it is all about personal best. All you have to do is show up. Details to come, but mark your calendars to clear the decks from October 5-10. We'll give you a chance to sign up in September. The prize vault will be open if you dare to accept the challenge.


Today the prize vault is open and we have a copy of Camy Tang's, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense, Deadly Intent to giveaway to one visitor, and one surprise book gift. So be sure to say hi and let us know what's going on in your contest life. Winners will be announced Saturday in the Weekend Edition.









As you check out these contest opportunities, note how many are now allowing published authors to enter. The competition just got tougher.



Published Contests:

2009 Laurel Wreath Contest
. Deadline August 31st.
*Books must have a copyright date of 2008. Electronic books appearing for the first time in print in 2008 are also eligible for entry.
Categories for entry:
* Short Contemporary (50,000 to 70,000 words)
* Long Contemporary (over 70,000 words)
* Romantic Suspense
* Historical / Regency
* Romantic Elements
* Paranormal / Time Travel / Fantasy/ Futuristic





Unpublished Contests:


Heart to Heart. Electronic only. Deadline August 15. Entries will be accepted in four categories in digital format only. The top three finalists in each category will have their entries read by three final judges: a print editor, an e-pub editor, and an agent. Submission is the first 15 pages. Each entry will be judged by four first—round judges, one of whom is a published author. The lowest score received is dropped and the three highest scores are averaged to constitute a final score.


* Paranormal
Agent: Laura Bradford, Bradford Literary Agency
Print Editor: Esi Sogah, Avon Books
ePub Editor: Raelene Gorlinsky, Cerridwen Press/li>
* Contemporary
Agent: Elaine English, Elaine P. English, PLLC
Print Editor: Shauna Summers, Bantam-Dell
ePub Editor: Bethany Morgan, Samhain Publishing
* Historical
Agent: Barbara Poelle, Irene Goodman Literary Agency
Print Editor: Deb Werksman, Sourcebooks
ePub Editor: Patricia Tanner, Wild Rose Press
* Erotica
Agent: Roberta Brown, Brown Literary Agency
Print Editor: Susan Swinwood, Harlequin Spice
ePub Editor: Theresa Stevens, Red Sage



The Golden Pen. Contest Opens June 1. Entries must be emailed to the appropriate Category Coordinator. Payment and entry form also must be received by Contest Coordinator no later than August 15, 2009. Entry shall include a synopsis plus manuscript pages, together totaling not more than 55 pages.

Each entry will have three first-round judges, including at least one published author, one Golden Heart finalist, and one PRO. The lowest of the three scores will be dropped, giving entrants a final total from their two highest scores. If you final in any category, you will have the opportunity, FOR ONE WEEK ONLY, to edit your manuscript based on the preliminary comments, before your manuscript is sent to the final judges.

  • Series Contemporary Romance: Susan Litman, Editor, Harlequin
  • Single Title: Jennifer Enderlin, Executive Editor, St. Martin's Press
  • Historical: Allison Brandau, Assistant Editor, Berkley
  • Paranormal: Kerry Donovan, Associate Editor, NAL
  • Romantic Suspense: Megan McKeever, Associate Editor, Pocket Books
  • Inspirational: Melissa Endlich, Senior Editor, Steeple Hill
  • Young Adult: Regina Griffin, Executive Editor, Egmont USA
  • Novel with Strong Romantic Elements:Valerie Gray, Executive Editor, Mira

While the e-deadline is August 15. This contest has a limit on entries (150) and you can reserve your spot by sending in your entry form now and your entry later. BTW, our own Glynna Kaye sold directly from an editor request, when she won the inspy category of this contest in 2008.



Hot Prospects Contest. Note: This contest is open to Published and Unpublished authors. Deadline September 1. Added bonus besides a great line up of editor/agent judges: GRAND PRIZE: The winner can choose between a book trailer, static banner and active banner from Bella Entertainment for the book of their choice (a $300.00 value) or $100.00 USD. Contest is open to electronic and traditional mail entries. Entry includes a synopsis and the first 25 pages.

Categories and Final Round Judges:

1) Historical/Regency:Editor-TBA/Agent - Paige Wheeler, agent, Folio Literary Manag

2) Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal:Editor- Leah Hultenschmidt, Editor, Dorchester Publishing/Agent - Michelle Grajkowski, 3 Seas Literary Agency

3) Romantic Suspense:Editor - Deb Werksman, editor, Sourcebooks/Agent - JL Stermer, agent, Donald Maass Literary Agency

4) Contemporary Long/Single Title:Katherine N. Pelz, Edit. Ass.Berkley Publishing Group/
Sharene Martin-Brown, Author Representative, Wylie- Merrick Literary Agency

5) Series Contemporary:Editor - Johanna Raisanen, Harlequin Enterprises/ Editor - Leanne Morgena, Senior Editor, the Wild Rose Press

6) Erotica: Editor - Theresa Stevens, editor, Red Sage Publishing/Editor - Kelli Collins, editor-in-chief, Ellora's Cave



Southern Heat. Open to Published and Unpublished authors. Another bang for your buck contest with editor and agent final judges. E deadline is September 1. FIRST 10 PAGES plus a 5-page max double-spaced SYNOPSIS.

Young Adult (including all YA sub-genres like paranormal/fantasy -- not strictly "romance") (Sarah Shumway, Senior Ed. HarperCollins and Jennifer Schober, Spencerhill Associates)

Paranormal (Leah Hultenschmidt, Dorchester and Laurie McLean, Larsen-Pomada Agency)
Historical (Amanda Bergeron, Avon/HarperCollins and Susannah Taylor, Richard Henshaw Group)

Contemporary Single Title (Margo Lipschultz, HQN and Tina Wexler, ICM)

Contemporary Series (Wanda Ottewell, Senior Ed. Harlequin SuperRomance and Melissa Jeglinski, The Knight Agency)

Romantic Suspense (Deb Werksman, Sourcebooks and Firebrand Literary Agency)

Inspirational (Melissa Endlich, Harlequin Steeple Hill and Agent TBA)




Where The Magic Begins. E deadline Sept 1. Published authors may enter any category in which they have not been published in the last three years. Entry includes 25 pages of manuscript and a one-page synopsis (unjudged). NEW THIS YEAR: Each entry will receive three scores from three different first round judges, then the low score will be dropped. A second round of judging will be held in the case of a tie.

DARK PARANORMAL — LaToya Smith, Hachette Books

EROTIC ROMANCE — Kathryn Lye, Harlequin

HISTORICAL — Leis Pedersen, Berkley

LIGHT PARANORMAL — Kate Seaver, Berkley

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE — Diana Ventimiglia, Silhouette

SENSUAL CONTEMPORARY — Krista Stroever, Silhouette

SINGLE TITLE — Heather Osborn , Tor

SWEET CONTEMPORARY — Emily Rodmell, Steeple Hill



Finally A Bride. Note this contest led to Ruth Logan Herne's first sale! E deadline is September 4. First pages of your manuscript - total entry no longer than 30 pages. Proof of eligibility required upon demand. (First Place Winner) in each category will receive a lovely engraved knife and cake server, suitable for cutting the cake in celebration of THE CALL. In addition, any book that is published as a result of this contest will receive a free entry into the National Readers' Choice Award the first year of eligibility.

  • Traditional/Inspirational: Melissa Endlich -- Steeple Hill/Nicola Martinez - White Rose Publishing
  • Series Contemporary: Patience Smith -- Silhouette/Wanda Ottewell -- Harlequin
  • Romantic Suspense: Charles Griemsman -- Silhouette/Alex Logan -- Grand Central Publishing
  • Historical/ Regency: Deb Werksman -- Casablanca Sourcebooks/Chris Keeslar -- Dorchester
  • Paranormal/Time-Travel/Futuristic/Fantasy:Leah Hultenschmidt -- Dorchester/Margo Lipschultz -- HQN
  • Mainstream with Romantic Elements:Keyren Gerlach -- HQN/Megan McKeever -- Pocket
  • Young Adult:Anne Bensson -- St. Martin's/Leah Wilson - BenBella Books


Gateway to the Best. Deadline September 11. Electronic entry includes the first 25 pages. Each entry will be judged by three experienced judges with the lowest of the three scores dropped from the final tabulation.The Grand Prize Winner will receive US $100, a full reading and critique of her entire manuscript by a MORWA Published Author, a certificate, and a "Gateway to the Best Grand Prize Winner" electronic banner announcing the win for the author’s website."

Historical - Esi Sogah, Avon
Contemporary Series - Laura Barth, Harlequin
Paranormal - LaToya Smith, Grand Central
Single Title - TBA
Suspense - TBA
It is unfortunate that this contest does not have all the judges lined up; however, I added it because the final prizes are very exciting. ( Cash is always a plus!)


Just for Fun:

Scribeophile Computer Love Contest

Do you love writing science fiction? Then get your word processors ready for the Computer Love Contest! Write a science fiction short story (under 3000 words) featuring the theme “Computer Love.” Find a way to combine that warmest and fuzziest emotion, love, with something cool and mechanical, and the rest is up to you! 1st prize is a $100 Amazon.com gift card, and entries are due Sept. 30. Entry is free.


Only In A Woman's World. The Inspire Us At “Only In A Woman's World” Promotion is open only to legal residents of any of the fifty (50) United States or the District of Columbia, who are 18 years of age or older at the time of entry. Contest ends at 10:00:00 a.m. CT on August 17, 2009. Your story should speak to women, describing a situation that would happen “Only in a woman's world”. Your story may be in a standard script/screenplay format or in narrative form. The judges must be able to identify the following in your story: who, what, when, where, and why . Your Contest Entry must contain a minimum of 100 characters and no more than 2000 characters. Web site will only accept a story containing up to 2000 characters. Winner's Contest Entry will be adapted into a Webisode. Winner will receive a trip for himself/herself and his/her guest to New York to attend the recording session for the Webisode. Trip includes round-trip air transportation , double-occupancy hotel accommodations for three (3) nights, spa treatment for winner and guest (valued at $250.00 per person), New York tourist activity(ies), $500.00 spending money, and a basket of Sponsor's products in hotel room.

Become a fan of Only in a Woman's World on Facebook.




Our last bit of fun is the Breyer's Dreamy Hollywood Sweepstakes, only because they mention GWW (Gone With The Wind), which everyone knows is Seeker Julie Lessman's favorite book. The contest ends September 30.

But wait. There's more...

Breyer's has given Seekerville an opportunity to be in a scene with Julie's favorite GWW leading man, Rhett Butler.

Go ahead...you know you want to do it!

Check it out here.
















That's all the fun you get this month. Good luck and keep your eye on the calendar.


Oh, and don't forget to review the July Contest Update for contests that are still open.