I don't see this contest on Inkwood Books' website, but according to their e-newsletter:
2006 Get Caught Reading Photo Contest -- We are now accepting photos for our 3rd Annual Get Caught Reading Contest. Send, bring, or emai us your favorite original photo of a reader in action for a 20% off coupon and a chance to win big prizes! The Grand Prize includes a $100 Inkwood gift certificate and a poster on our wall. Winner will be chosen August 15, 2006.
Call 813-253-2638 or visit www.inkwoodbooks.com for more info.
When my sister was about five or six, she was spotted sitting on the magazine rack in a grocery store and reading a comic book. Someone with a camera happened to be in the store and her picture was in our local paper. Maybe I'll submit that photo for Inkwood's contest.
Friday, March 31, 2006
Online Book Club Review:"Wicked" by Gregory Maguire
I thought the idea of Gregory Maguire's Wicked:The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West was intriguing; unfortunately I didn't find the book as interesting.
Wicked tells the story of Elphaba, who was an outcast from the moment of her birth because she was born with green skin, a strong aversion to water and a tempermental nature. At various times in her life, Elphaba was an avid reader, an outcast, a good friend, an animal rights advocate (which is a little different in the land of Oz), a woman in love, the "other woman," a political zealot, a scientist, a philsopher, a novice in a convent, an "Auntie," a witch, and a bitter woman intent on reclaiming what belongs to her.
As I expected, Maguire has created an interesting back story for the world of Oz and its inhabitants that pays off in the last part of the book, where the "behind the scenes" information collides with the Wizard of Oz images ingrained from years of watching the movie.
For some reason, though, I just could not get into the book. I never identified with Elphaba. I never liked her or sympathized with her. I found myself not really caring what her story was. The one time I became engaged in the story was the one point where the story suddenly jumped forward by over a decade and skipped from Elphaba's childhood to her adolescence.
I've heard great things about the musical Wicked and Maguire has since published a sequel, so perhaps I'm the odd woman out on this one.
What did you think?
(Find out if the Tampa Book Buzz Online Book Club is wicked by clicking here.)
Wicked tells the story of Elphaba, who was an outcast from the moment of her birth because she was born with green skin, a strong aversion to water and a tempermental nature. At various times in her life, Elphaba was an avid reader, an outcast, a good friend, an animal rights advocate (which is a little different in the land of Oz), a woman in love, the "other woman," a political zealot, a scientist, a philsopher, a novice in a convent, an "Auntie," a witch, and a bitter woman intent on reclaiming what belongs to her.
As I expected, Maguire has created an interesting back story for the world of Oz and its inhabitants that pays off in the last part of the book, where the "behind the scenes" information collides with the Wizard of Oz images ingrained from years of watching the movie.
For some reason, though, I just could not get into the book. I never identified with Elphaba. I never liked her or sympathized with her. I found myself not really caring what her story was. The one time I became engaged in the story was the one point where the story suddenly jumped forward by over a decade and skipped from Elphaba's childhood to her adolescence.
I've heard great things about the musical Wicked and Maguire has since published a sequel, so perhaps I'm the odd woman out on this one.
What did you think?
(Find out if the Tampa Book Buzz Online Book Club is wicked by clicking here.)
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Midici Fiction Potpourri #1 Accepting Submissions
I came across this during my recent travels in the World Wide Wilderness. I have no idea if it's legit or a scam or the chance of a lifetime (although if you become rich and famous because of this, I expect to see my name on the dedication page of your book one day).
We are currently accepting submissions for Short Fiction Stories, 750 - 1,000 words, to be included in our upcoming anthology called Midici Fiction, Potpourri #1, to be released later on this year. As the name of the book suggests, a mixture of genres is welcome.
This is a great opportunity for writers to showcase their talents. Deadline for submissions is April 30, 2006. Places are filling fast! Full details are available on our website... www.midicibooks.net
We are currently accepting submissions for Short Fiction Stories, 750 - 1,000 words, to be included in our upcoming anthology called Midici Fiction, Potpourri #1, to be released later on this year. As the name of the book suggests, a mixture of genres is welcome.
This is a great opportunity for writers to showcase their talents. Deadline for submissions is April 30, 2006. Places are filling fast! Full details are available on our website... www.midicibooks.net
Local Author Ray Dix Wins An Eppie
Local author Ray Dix won an Eppie Award at EPICon in San Antonio for his mystery-thriller Death Row Defender. Congratulations Ray!
Monday, March 27, 2006
Upcoming Events at the South Tampa Barnes & Noble
There's a whole lotta readin' going on at the South Tampa Barnes & Noble (213 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, 813-871-2228):
Tomorrow night (that's March 28th), local author Wendy Boucher will meet with the Women's Fiction Book Group at 7:30 p.m. to discuss her book Parvenue Throws a Party. You're welcome to come for just the one meeting or to join the group.
On April 5th at 7:30 p.m., they're throwing a book launch party for local attorney and first-time author Cody Fowler Davis, who will discuss and sign his legal thriller Green 61 (which was reviewed by the St. Pete Times yesterday).
On April 26th at 7 p.m. Dr. Masaru Emoto will be there to sign his new book The Secret Life of Water.
The South Tampa Barnes & Noble has a lot of new book clubs that still have room for new members. Their Spanish Book Group is having a special kick-off event on April 21st at 7 p.m.
I usually don't pay much attention to kids' stuff, since The Husband and I don't have any Baby Book Buzzers around the house. But those of you who are looking for children's events should check out Terrific Tuesday Toddler Storytime, every Tuesday morning at 11 a.m., with a character appearance the first Friday of each month at 4 p.m. (Biscuit the Dog will be there on April 7).
Tomorrow night (that's March 28th), local author Wendy Boucher will meet with the Women's Fiction Book Group at 7:30 p.m. to discuss her book Parvenue Throws a Party. You're welcome to come for just the one meeting or to join the group.
On April 5th at 7:30 p.m., they're throwing a book launch party for local attorney and first-time author Cody Fowler Davis, who will discuss and sign his legal thriller Green 61 (which was reviewed by the St. Pete Times yesterday).
On April 26th at 7 p.m. Dr. Masaru Emoto will be there to sign his new book The Secret Life of Water.
The South Tampa Barnes & Noble has a lot of new book clubs that still have room for new members. Their Spanish Book Group is having a special kick-off event on April 21st at 7 p.m.
I usually don't pay much attention to kids' stuff, since The Husband and I don't have any Baby Book Buzzers around the house. But those of you who are looking for children's events should check out Terrific Tuesday Toddler Storytime, every Tuesday morning at 11 a.m., with a character appearance the first Friday of each month at 4 p.m. (Biscuit the Dog will be there on April 7).
Monday, March 20, 2006
The Good, the Bad and the Wicked
Interested in learning more about Wicked:The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maquire?
Powells.com interviews Maquire about Wicked and his other books. Barnes & Noble has interviewed him too.
It's been turned into a Broadway musical, you know. And it's going to be in Tampa again next year (after a successful run that just ended).
Wicked is the TBB Online Book Club pick for March.
Powells.com interviews Maquire about Wicked and his other books. Barnes & Noble has interviewed him too.
It's been turned into a Broadway musical, you know. And it's going to be in Tampa again next year (after a successful run that just ended).
Wicked is the TBB Online Book Club pick for March.
Local Book News
*The Clearwater Public Library now has a blog called C-Scapes.
*On April 19, the Tampa Theatre is hosting authors Ross Melnick and Andreas Fuchs, who will talk about their book Cinema Treasures:A New Look at Classic Movie Theaters. A book signing will follow the lecture. Click here for more information.
*Local author Joy Pagadan's short story Taking Tawny Home is online at Story Station: http://www.viatouch.com/Learn/Storystation/Storystation_main.jsp (This is a sequel to Lost in the Long Dark.)
*The St. Petersburg College Library now has a blog.
*Local author Wendy Boucher will meet with the Women's Fiction Book Group at the South Tampa Barnes & Noble on Tuesday, March 28, to discuss her book Parvenue Throws a Party.
*On April 19, the Tampa Theatre is hosting authors Ross Melnick and Andreas Fuchs, who will talk about their book Cinema Treasures:A New Look at Classic Movie Theaters. A book signing will follow the lecture. Click here for more information.
*Local author Joy Pagadan's short story Taking Tawny Home is online at Story Station: http://www.viatouch.com/Learn/Storystation/Storystation_main.jsp (This is a sequel to Lost in the Long Dark.)
*The St. Petersburg College Library now has a blog.
*Local author Wendy Boucher will meet with the Women's Fiction Book Group at the South Tampa Barnes & Noble on Tuesday, March 28, to discuss her book Parvenue Throws a Party.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
4th Annual Lit Wit Contest
Hillsborough County residents age 15 and up can enter a humorous poem or a parody of a famous poem in the 4th Annual Lit Wit Contest, sponsored by Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County, Inc. and the Tampa Improv Comedy Theater and Restaurant. Deadline is March 31; one poem per person. Click here for details or for a link to the entry form.
Florida Children's Adventure Stories at FBS Tomorrow
Tomorrow's Florida Bibliophile Society's meeting will be at 1:30 p.m. in the Pinellas Room of Heritage Village in Largo. Art Walker will talk about boys' and girls' adventure stories that have a Florida past.
TCM Book Giveaway for March
Turner Classic Movies is giving away copies of The Girl Who Walked Home Alone:Bette Davis, A Personal Memoir by Charlotte Chandler. Click here to learn more about this book and how to enter the sweepstakes.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Quote of the Day
There are two motives for reading a book: one, that you enjoy it; the other, that you can boast about it. -- Bertrand Russell
Wednesday, March 8, 2006
Kirsten Smith Was In Town Last Week
I opened an email from last Thursday and saw:
Where were you last night??? (Were you there and I didn't see you?)
Uh oh! Where was I supposed to be? Did I stand someone up? Did I pay good money for a ticket somewhere and then forget to go? As it turns out, I missed out on a fun evening:
Kirsten Smith came to town for a "talk" at the Clearwater Library and then a group of us gals got to meet with her for lunch today. She's wonderful. She the Hollywood screenwriter who wrote the screenplays Legally Blonde, Ten Things I Hate About You, and She's the Man (coming out this month on the 17th) She's got a new YA book out, Geography of Girlhood, a novel written in poetry form. Her writing partner, www.karenlutz.com, had a chick lit out last year, Bachelorette Party.
I couldn't have gone anyway (because I went to the Tampa Writers Alliance meeting), but I hate not even knowing about an event!
So many books (and authors and events), so little time...
Where were you last night??? (Were you there and I didn't see you?)
Uh oh! Where was I supposed to be? Did I stand someone up? Did I pay good money for a ticket somewhere and then forget to go? As it turns out, I missed out on a fun evening:
Kirsten Smith came to town for a "talk" at the Clearwater Library and then a group of us gals got to meet with her for lunch today. She's wonderful. She the Hollywood screenwriter who wrote the screenplays Legally Blonde, Ten Things I Hate About You, and She's the Man (coming out this month on the 17th) She's got a new YA book out, Geography of Girlhood, a novel written in poetry form. Her writing partner, www.karenlutz.com, had a chick lit out last year, Bachelorette Party.
I couldn't have gone anyway (because I went to the Tampa Writers Alliance meeting), but I hate not even knowing about an event!
So many books (and authors and events), so little time...
Keisha Bell Booksigning
St. Pete's Keisha Bell, Esq., author of Emerging...Free, will be having a booksigning at Uniquely Original Gallery & Art Studio, 1525 16th Street South, St. Petersburg, on Saturday, March 18th from 12 - 5 p.m.
For more information, please see www.keishabell.com or call (727) 822-0153.
For more information, please see www.keishabell.com or call (727) 822-0153.
Tuesday, March 7, 2006
TWA Speaker for August
One final note to my previous post about the Tampa Writers Alliance. I've heard that they've lined up a fabulous, fascinating, talented speaker for August 2nd.
Well, not really. It's just me. I'll be talking about blogs (of course!), whether or not writers should blog, and promoting yourself and your writing in the online world, including the blogosphere. I think I'm going to title my presentation "To Blog Or Not To Blog: That Is The Question."
I'm honored by the invitation and terrified about the public speaking part. I've got six months to work up the nerve. August will be here before you know it.
Well, not really. It's just me. I'll be talking about blogs (of course!), whether or not writers should blog, and promoting yourself and your writing in the online world, including the blogosphere. I think I'm going to title my presentation "To Blog Or Not To Blog: That Is The Question."
I'm honored by the invitation and terrified about the public speaking part. I've got six months to work up the nerve. August will be here before you know it.
Tampa Writers Alliance
For those readers who are also writers -- whether published or aspiring -- who haven't heard of the Tampa Writers Alliance, listen up. This group is dedicated to helping writers in every imaginable way. They offer critique groups, monthly meetings with various speakers addressing useful topics, novel pods, poetry groups, and much, much more.
I've never really considered myself a writer, despite the obvious fact that I'm "writing" when I post blog entries. To me, writers are talented, creative people who are driven to express themselves through writing. Hmmm...I certainly spend enough time on my blogs to qualify as driven (just ask The Husband), and I'll give myself points for creativity for coming up with my blog ideas. (The jury's still out on the talent issue.) Yep, I'm a writer.
I attended the TWA meeting last week and had a great time. Carol J. Perry spoke about her writing and how she got started writing for magazines. It was informative and inspirational. The TWA meets the first Wednesday night of the month at 8 p.m. at the John F. Germany Public Library in downtown Tampa. Monthly meetings are free and open to the public. Visit www.tampawriters.org for more information about monthly meetings and TWA membership.
I've never really considered myself a writer, despite the obvious fact that I'm "writing" when I post blog entries. To me, writers are talented, creative people who are driven to express themselves through writing. Hmmm...I certainly spend enough time on my blogs to qualify as driven (just ask The Husband), and I'll give myself points for creativity for coming up with my blog ideas. (The jury's still out on the talent issue.) Yep, I'm a writer.
I attended the TWA meeting last week and had a great time. Carol J. Perry spoke about her writing and how she got started writing for magazines. It was informative and inspirational. The TWA meets the first Wednesday night of the month at 8 p.m. at the John F. Germany Public Library in downtown Tampa. Monthly meetings are free and open to the public. Visit www.tampawriters.org for more information about monthly meetings and TWA membership.
Antiquarian Book Fair This Weekend
The 25th Annual Florida Antiquarian Book Fair is March 10-12 at the Coliseum in St. Pete. There will be over 115 national and international dealers there (yes, their website lists them all).
My tax refund check has arrived just in time...
My tax refund check has arrived just in time...
We're Being "Wicked" This Month
The Tampa Book Buzz Online Book Club is reading Wicked:The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire this month.
From www.gregorymaguire.com:
When Dorothy triumphed over the Wicked Witch of the West in L. Frank Baum's classic tale, we heard only her side of the story. But what about her arch-nemesis, the mysterious Witch? Where did she come from? How did she become so wicked? And what is the true nature of evil?
Gregory Maguire creates a fantasy world so rich and vivid that we will never look at Oz the same way again. Wicked is about a land where animals talk and strive to be treated like first-class citizens, Munchkinlanders seek the comfort of middle-class stability, and the Tin Man becomes a victim of domestic violence. And then there is the little green-skinned girl named Elphaba, who will grow up to become the infamous Wicked Witch of the West, a smart, prickly, and misunderstood creature who challenges all our preconceived notions about the nature of good and evil.
Log on at the end of the month to put in your two cents' worth.
From www.gregorymaguire.com:
When Dorothy triumphed over the Wicked Witch of the West in L. Frank Baum's classic tale, we heard only her side of the story. But what about her arch-nemesis, the mysterious Witch? Where did she come from? How did she become so wicked? And what is the true nature of evil?
Gregory Maguire creates a fantasy world so rich and vivid that we will never look at Oz the same way again. Wicked is about a land where animals talk and strive to be treated like first-class citizens, Munchkinlanders seek the comfort of middle-class stability, and the Tin Man becomes a victim of domestic violence. And then there is the little green-skinned girl named Elphaba, who will grow up to become the infamous Wicked Witch of the West, a smart, prickly, and misunderstood creature who challenges all our preconceived notions about the nature of good and evil.
Log on at the end of the month to put in your two cents' worth.
Friday, March 3, 2006
Quote of the Day
Don't join the book burners. Don't be afraid to go in your library and read every book.
-- Dwight D. Eisenhower
-- Dwight D. Eisenhower
Wednesday, March 1, 2006
Online Book Club Review:"Cell" by Stephen King
Stephen King sure has a way of taking something ordinary and making it terrifying. In his new book Cell, our ever-present and ever-necessary cell phones become the catalysts for...well, basically, for the end of the world as we know it. Cell centers around Clayton Ridell, the estranged husband, father, graphic artist and all-around regular Joe who watches the world go insane one October afternoon.
The people responsible for The Pulse are as mysterious as the reasons behind it; as King says, "what mattered was the effect." Clayton and other non-cell phone users watched while everyone else went beserk. Slobbering, fighting, mumbling, biting-the-ear-off-a-dog beserk. Murderous, violent, vicious beserk.
I thought the concept was absolutely brilliant and I enjoyed how the first few days after The Pulse unfolded. How terrifying would it be to be separated from loved ones, unable to communicate with them (um, the whole cell phones are evil thing), all the while fighting for your very survival in a world of confusion? Then, once some of the confusion clears, it's even more frightening.
I don't often thoroughly enjoy Stephen King's books. Dear heavens, can I even say that in public? It's true, though. Oftentimes I love the first half of a King novel (or short story), but then am brutally disappointed once the mystery is explained. That happened for me with It, The Langoliers and The Stand.
King took a different tactic with Cell and didn't offer any explanations at all. Yet I still felt disappointed. It felt like half of the book was missing. (Not as bad as that one book in the Dark Tower series that practically ended in the middle of a sentence, but close.)
Maybe King was just trying an old Vaudeville trick...always leave 'em wanting more.
What did you think?
The people responsible for The Pulse are as mysterious as the reasons behind it; as King says, "what mattered was the effect." Clayton and other non-cell phone users watched while everyone else went beserk. Slobbering, fighting, mumbling, biting-the-ear-off-a-dog beserk. Murderous, violent, vicious beserk.
I thought the concept was absolutely brilliant and I enjoyed how the first few days after The Pulse unfolded. How terrifying would it be to be separated from loved ones, unable to communicate with them (um, the whole cell phones are evil thing), all the while fighting for your very survival in a world of confusion? Then, once some of the confusion clears, it's even more frightening.
I don't often thoroughly enjoy Stephen King's books. Dear heavens, can I even say that in public? It's true, though. Oftentimes I love the first half of a King novel (or short story), but then am brutally disappointed once the mystery is explained. That happened for me with It, The Langoliers and The Stand.
King took a different tactic with Cell and didn't offer any explanations at all. Yet I still felt disappointed. It felt like half of the book was missing. (Not as bad as that one book in the Dark Tower series that practically ended in the middle of a sentence, but close.)
Maybe King was just trying an old Vaudeville trick...always leave 'em wanting more.
What did you think?
Book Lovers' News Update
Here's some random book news for ya:
*The Eckerd College Library is having a book sale during the week of March 6th in the lounge area on the first floor of the library. Hardback books are $1 and paperbacks are 50 cents.
*The unabridged audio version of To Kill A Mockingbird will soon be available (for the first time).
*There's still time to catch one (or two or three) authors coming to the University of Tampa as part of their Writers at the University series: poet Reginald Shepard on March 16, poet Gary Short on March 28 and poets Jane Ellen Glasser and Joshua Poteat on April 13. Did I mention this series is free and open to the public?
*The Eckerd College Library is having a book sale during the week of March 6th in the lounge area on the first floor of the library. Hardback books are $1 and paperbacks are 50 cents.
*The unabridged audio version of To Kill A Mockingbird will soon be available (for the first time).
*There's still time to catch one (or two or three) authors coming to the University of Tampa as part of their Writers at the University series: poet Reginald Shepard on March 16, poet Gary Short on March 28 and poets Jane Ellen Glasser and Joshua Poteat on April 13. Did I mention this series is free and open to the public?
