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Announcements


Hatchette Group is hosting a discussion with Marie Phillips, author of Gods Behaving Badly, on December 1 at 1:00 PM on Blog Talk Radio.

You should check it out.

Next month–December in case you forgot–is the kick-off for the Owen Fiddler Experience Christmas Cyber Tour 2008 with author Marvin Wilson.

Marvin will be stopping by Savvy Verse & Wit on December 10, 2008. You can look forward to my review of Marvin’s book as well as a guest post from him about his transformation from freebird hippie to disciplined writer and published author.

Here’s the tour stop list:

December 4: Diary of an Eccentric book review.

December 5: Diary of an Eccentric‘s Marvin Wilson and Owen Fiddler Q&A.

December 6: Kat Logic Blog hosts an interview with Owen Fiddler

December 7: Unwriter Blog hosts a collision between Amanda the cat and Owen Fiddler

December 8: Books and Authors Blog posts an interview with the reformed Owen Fiddler from the last part of the book in three parts. Part one, thoughts on the new President. Part two, thanks and gratefulness (for Thanksgiving), and Part 3 on Christmas.

December 9: Zhadi’s Den Blog post a short review of the book, and a humorous piece written by Marvin with a preface written by Owen Fiddler.

December 10: Savvy Verse & Wit posts a review of Owen Fiddler and an in-depth article written by Marvin Wilson, a biographical overview of the transformation from the undisciplined “freebird” Hippie of yore into the structured disciplined writer “living life on purpose” type of person he is today, and how that transformation affected and was affected by his taking up the arduous task of establishing a golden years career as a published author.

December 11: Straight from Hel Blog; Helen re-posts her review of Owen Fiddler and Marvin posts an article on novice authors dealing for the first time with a dastardly candid and task-mastering professional editor.

December 12: The Emerging Author Blog posts an interview with author Marvin D Wilson. The focus of the interview will be on writing and marketing techniques and ideas, with a flavor of Christmas-like subject matters touched on as well.

December 13: Pretty, Prosperous and Powerful Blog; Owen Fiddler asks Lacresha questions. He wants to know why the church is so judgmental, why there are so many hypocrites that call themselves “Christians” and then don’t act like Christ. Owen’s anger toward the religious and his hurting inside is attempted to be resolved by Lacresha’s addressing his spiritual needs and his misunderstanding of the difference between the religious and the truly spiritual.

December 14: Morphological Confetti Blog; Stephen posts an excerpt from the book Owen Fiddler.

December 15: The Quiverful Family Blog; Jennifer Bogart posts an interview with Marvin D Wilson focusing specifically on his redemption and salvation spiritual experience and how that has affected his writing.

December 16: The Daily Blonde Blog; Host Cheryl Phillips, in her own inimitable witty, chatty, fun-loving blond-headed-girl-next-door style, posts her piece on her impressions after having read Owen Fiddler – a spiritual/inspirational novel with SEX SCENES in it!

December 17: My Friend Amy’s Blog; Amy posts the interview with Louis Seiffer on “Inside the Actor’s Head Studio with Thames Lipton.” Louis Seiffer is the puffed up Satan-wannabe character in the book that grows in stature the more attention he is given.

My First Published Photo!

Have you ever wanted to visit Las Vegas, Nevada? My husband and I visited Sin City 2 years ago in August; boy was it hot. Anyways, I took a bunch of photos, and one of those photos was accepted for online publication in SCHMAP!! Las Vegas The photo selected was for The House of Blues!

Click on the link to check out my photo and the rest of the interactive map, which you can use on your iPhone and other electronic devices.

Addictive Blog, Mine?!


I was surprised to learn that I received this award from Bookworm.

I am really in awe that she finds my blog addictive, but it has tickled me that she does because I just love popping over to her blog and seeing what is new over there. You should check out her blog when you have some time, though be warned you will be addicted.

I really love this award, especially since it has Rhett and Scarlett! Two of my favorite characters in literature.

Some of my favorite blogs that I find addictive are:
Peeking Between the Pages, The Bookworm, Diary of an Eccentric, A Novel Menagerie, Literarily, Bitten By Books, and many more.

Have a great Sunday everyone!

Attention Dear Readers!

***If your contest was on my new feature and it isn’t now, please email me the details and I will put it back up. I fiddled with my template and the computer lost all my widgets, and I now have to put them back up manually! ARGH! If only I knew HTML.***

Since putting up my new contest feature, I have not been doing full posts about contests, but in this case, I am making an exception.

If you haven’t checked out my new feature “Hubbub Around the Blogosphere” yet, this is your chance. Check out the Eco-Friendly Celebrations link. Why, you ask. Because it will give you an idea about what the giveaway is at Library at the End of the Universe. I’ve been reading Sassy Mama Bear’s reviews for some time, but since eco-friendly behaviors and strategies are a passion of mine, I had to blog about the contest and tell you to not only enter, but also check out the Interview. I think the book could teach a lot of us something fun and easy to do to save the environment without being preachy.

So what are you waiting for? Hop to it. The deadline for the contest is Oct. 30 at Midnight CST.

Blog Update

Country Road 2
Copyright Serena M. Agusto-Cox

In case you haven’t noticed, changes are here and more are around the bend.

First off, I want to alert everyone to my sidebar and the Contests! section highlighting a variety of contests and their deadlines. The first new feature on my blog that I hope helps everyone find contests they are interested in and new blogs they can check out.

Secondly, check out Hubbub Around the Blogosphere in the sidebar as well where I list some great articles that raise awareness and issues from fellow bloggers, which may or may not involve books, authors, and others.

Thirdly, I have added a Slideshow of my photos from my Flickr for those interested in photography and any of the events I’ve talked about. The camera is not far behind my pen and pad when I attend book and poetry events. I figured that would be a great way to incorporate both here on my blog.

Other notable elements on my blog are images and links to some good friends of mine and their journals or respective services. For instance, check out Teddy’s Takes, especially if you are a movie buff and want a chance to win great prizes as a subscriber. I’ve also got links to Beltway Poetry Quarterly, the Fall Into Reading Challenge, and Nanowrimo.

I hope these links are helpful and informative. I’m still working on some more regular features unique to this blog, so stay tuned.

***Don’t forget to enter my contest for A Grave in the Air

Someone Loves Me and It’s Sher at Novel Menagerie


Sher over Novel Menagerie and Shana at Literarily bestowed this wonderful gift upon me. I also received this from My Friend Amy some time ago. And most recently from Dar at Peeking Between the Pages.

The rules are to pass this along to my favorite seven bloggers, so here I go.

1. Anna at Diary of an Eccentric because she has a fantastic sense of humor, offers comprehensive and well thought out reviews, and promotes authors through interviews.

2. Bermudaonion‘s blog is one of my new favorites thanks to Book Blogger Appreciation Week. There is a great mix of personal stories and anecdotes as well as book reviews written in a no-nonsense style. She even offers recipes from time to time—ooo those cheese straws looked yummy.

3. 3Rs–Reading, ‘Riting, and Randomness has some random posts about current events, but she also issues comprehensive reviews to her readers. I love her blog and how she participates in a number of memes, carnivals, and challenges. Her answers to memes are always witty.

4. Amanda at A Patchwork of Books has been one blog I’ve kept up with some time. Her blog offers a variety of book reviews from nonfiction to chick-lit. I loved her latest post about the Machu Picchu travel guide. Those travel guides look scrumptious. Two places I have always wanted to visit, Machu Picchu and Easter Island. I hope this award brings her a bit of sunshine.

5. Alyce at At Home With Books is another recent find from Book Blogger Appreciation Week. I just love the style of her reviews. She regularly participates in Friday Finds, Booking Through Thursdays, and memes that are passed along the blogosphere.

6. Book Club Girl runs a fantastic book club on her blog. I recently participated in her last Web show with Ann Patchett. From what I understand she holds these discussions with authors pretty regularly. The Web show was easy to register for and calling in or writing questions in the chatroom was simple. I recommend if you need a book to read for a club, check out her site.

7. Suey at It’s All About Books: She and I have been buddies since our days at Yahoo. I’ve watched her blog grow from the goings on with Josh Groban to her kids and library events. All of this is mixed in with some pointed reviews of childrens books and other novels. I also love her modesty.

2008 National Book Festival and Anne Patchett


The 2008 National Book Festival will be held in Washington, D.C., this weekend–Sept. 27 between 10 AM and 5:30 PM. More than 70 authors are expected to attend the Book Fest, ranging from Salman Rushdie to former New York Giants running back Tiki Barber.

Each year the Library of Congress gathers some of the best authors out there to bring their books and their stories to D.C. to celebrate the joys of reading. I’ve met Tim O’Brien, Anita Shreve, and many others when I have attended this event. Not only can you get autographs of their latest books, but most authors are willing to sign older copies as well.

Authors will be broken down by Pavilion Genre and will have a scheduled time to speak in that pavilion, so check out the schedule here. I’m excited because our new Poet Laureate Kay Ryan will be there along with First Lady Laura Bush.

If you cannot attend the festival, why not spend the day on the 2008 National Book Festival website listening to podcasts from some of the authors attending the Book Fest?

Additionally, for those of you who have read Run by Anne Patchett, Book Club Girl is hosting a call in show about the book with the author.

Here’s the link to the audio show online, sign up and join in the discussion.

Ms. Patchett will be available to answer questions through the call in number: 347-945-6149. The show starts at 7 PM EST.

Award Received and Appreciated!


I recently received the I Love Your Blog award from My Friend Amy. I appreciate her thoughtfulness. I rarely get awards and now I have been given two in the last couple of weeks.

I hope that I can continue to receive such praise in the future as I gear up to unveil some new features, which are still in the planning stages.

In addition, I want to award this recognition to the following blogs:

A Girl Walks Into a Bookstore because you have a varied taste in books, and I always find some of the best new reads on your blog. And I love that you are honest in your reviews about editing mistakes and other elements that bother you.

Peeking Between the Pages: Your title just caught my eye and I thought what a great title for a book review blog. Your reviews are honest and I love how you get the reader involved by posting questions in your posts, asking them for their input. I also love the set up of your blog as well, it’s beautiful and lean. Not to mention as a dog lover, I just have to say that your dog is cute, just adorable.

Maw Books Blog because you are so passionate about reading and Darfur and all things related on your blog. Your passion burns brightly for each of your readers. I admire all that you are trying to accomplish. I appreciate your posts and your insight on books and your causes.


And now I will take this time to remind you to go vote for your favorite blogs in Book Blogger Appreciation Week (BBAW). Deadline is Sept. 12, so HURRY!

Dear Readers:

You are Appreciated, and as part of BBAW, The Literate Housewife Review is holding a contest in your honor. Please check it out, here.

Additionally, if you know anyone in the Media or are in the Media and would be willing to pass along BBAW information to a wider audience, please contact myself of Amy and we will send you a press release.

Another Contest: Diary of an Eccentric for The Almost Moon by Alice Sebold or The Choice by Nicholas Sparks

***Please do not forget to enter the Mrs. Lieutenant Contest, Deadline is Sept. 14.


Writer’s Center Open House 2008

On Saturday, Sept. 6, I attended the Writer’s Center Open House. OK, I had an ulterior motive because I recently won a book for entering their caption contest and had to pick up my prize, but it was still fun. I ended up selecting Selected Poems by Rita Dove, a former Poet Laureate in the 1990s.

I received a free copy of Poet Lore and a $50 off coupon for a multi-session workshop. Should this provide me with an additional incentive to sign up for another workshop at the center, probably. Let’s just hope I can scrape up the cash to attend another workshop before the year ends.

As you can see from the photo, this year’s open house attracted a great number of participants even though Tropical Storm Hanna’s remnants were sweeping through the area. There were refreshments, drinks, and a silent auction for a number of items, ranging from a dinner for two to a basket or books.

Mingling with other writers is always a highlight of the open house, but this year’s open house was a treat. I got to meet Kyle Semmel, who is one of the Writer’s Center’s blog authors. We had an interesting set of discussions about the blogosphere and book bloggers as well as BBAW, which he supports. He also suggested that I help advertise BBAW in the local media. Kyle is enthusiastic and I have to say it is contagious. It was great to meet the man behind the blog.

Help Wanted at My Friend Amy for BBAW


Book Blogger Appreciation Week is just around the corner, and My Friend Amy is seeking help.

Here’s her post:

BBAW Help Wanted

Ok, I’m just going to go for it. Once again will you help me spread the word?

I need the following things:

1) A Graphic Designer

2) A Children’s author

3) A horror and/or sci-fi and/or fantasy author

If you are one of these things, please contact me ASAP! bookbloggerappreciationweekATgmailDOTcom

***Please get in contact with her if you can fulfill or know someone who can fulfill one of these needs.

Super Commenter Award, Who Me?

Anna at Diary of an Eccentric dubbed me a super commenter. Who me? No way, I feel like I lag behind many others in the commenting arena. But since I have been given this award, I will graciously accept it.

I also will pass it along to the following supercommenters: (and I followed the rules, this time and sent the award off to 7 other bloggers)

Suey at It’s All About Books
J. Kaye at J. Kaye’s Book Blog
Dewey at The Hidden Side of a Leaf
Shannon at Confuzzled Books
Natasha at Maw Books
Becky at Becky’s Book Reviews
Marie at Boston Bibliophile

On the Front Lines of Your Life

***Sticky Post***

Have you ever wanted to be on the front lines, issuing the latest details of phenomenal events you experience on a daily basis? Have you been writing stories in your head as you walk down the street, ride the subway, or drive your car? Have you ever just wanted to express your opinion or explain why politicians are wrong about their proposal or simply wanted to have your say about a piece of literature, a news article, a television show, or other event?

If you have even thought about these stories or situations in the remotest way, you could earn cash and prizes for your story simply by becoming a part of the Field Report community.

Unlike reporters in the field, writers in the Field Report community are entertainers even though they are telling true stories about their lives. Writers, however, cannot just focus on their own stories and writing in this community, they also must review the writing of their fellow community members.

Ok, you’re wondering what the catch is or what the sign-up fee is. Here’s the best part, it is FREE to join and your only obligation is to review the writing of others. You must review five field reports on a scale of one-to-ten. This a dream come true for a writer–you can earn money and you can read the writing of fellow writers.

All community members are subject to a “blind” review process, which propels the best stories to the top of the heap. There are a number of different categories from breaking news to animal reports, and $1,000 is awarded every month to those writers selected in one of 21 categories.

A grand prize of $250,000 will be awarded to the finalists on Dec. 1, 2008 to one of the monthly winners.

So are you ready to share your life with thousands of other writers in a community? I say get started and earn money. If you have further questions about Field Report, check out the FAQ. Or check out the Quick Start Guide.

A postal worker in Oregon won $20,000 for her Field Report. What can you win?