Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group Success Stories

The Torch of Clarity

Phil Giunta — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 14:57:30 GMT

Excited to announce that my short story, "The Torch of Clarity," has been accepted by Delaware-based small press Oddity Prodigy Productions for their upcoming sword and sorcery anthology, Tales of Steel and Sorcery. The book is slated to be released in May 2026 with a Kickstarter campaign launching in February.

New anthology released

Ann Stolinsky — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 15:27:32 GMT

Behind the Revolving Door, an Anthology of Choices, Volume II joins its sister publication, Volume I. The release date for Volume II was December 1. Woohoo!

You can purchase either/both at most markets. Here's the link to B&N for Volume I: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/behind-the-revolving-door-an-anthology-of-choices-volume-i-ann-stolinsky/1148344106?ean=9781951967062

and the link for Volume II; https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/behind-the-revolving-door-an-anthology-of-choices-volume-ii-ann-stolinsky/1148810351?ean=9781951967086

I hope you enjoy both volumes.

Fox Tales Award

John Evans — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 05:10:37 GMT

I’m proud to announce that my memoir Fox Tales won second place in the Memoir category in BookFest’s Autumn 2025 Awards. The Fox tail is wagging!

Will you be at Philcon?

Ann Stolinsky — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 17:28:34 GMT

Celestial Echo Press will host a book launch for Joanne McLaughlin's A Poetic Puzzle, a Mystery in 32 Pieces, which we published in February. We'll also launch Behind the Revolving Door, an Anthology of Choices, Volume I. Launch party is Saturday, November 22, 2025 during Philcon, from 5 to 7 p.m. in room 623. GLVWG's own Chris Ochs will be one of the readers!

Where Halloween Never Ends

Phil Giunta — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 18:07:57 GMT

At a Halloween festival, a distraught young woman is forced to confront her personal demons in a haunted corn maze.

My 34th short story, "Where Halloween Never Ends" has been published in Issue #216 of Black Cat Weekly magazine, which will go live on Sunday, October 19, 2025.

Click here for more info on Black Cat Weekly.

"Home Is Where the Haunt Is" in Celestial Echo Press anthology

Christopher Ochs — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 22:14:18 GMT

I am happy to announce my short fiction, "Home is Where the Haunt Is" has been published in Celestial Echo Press' latest anthology, "Behind the Revolving Door." In my short speculative fiction, a ghost of a recently-departed ne'er-do-well is given the choice of which of two houses to haunt. This wonderful book is available at Barnes & Noble or Amazon

"Single Action Army", a historical fiction, released

Mark Schlofer — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 14:46:18 GMT

I am proud to announce that I have self-published my novel "Single Action Army". This is my debut novel that is based on a sequence of events that took place a few years ago. I am a firearms dealer here in the Lehigh Valley and one particular deal unraveled into the events described in the book.

Single Action Army by Mark J Schlofer, Paperback | Barnes & Noble®

Single Action Army: Schlofer, Mark: 9798263253677: Amazon.com: Books

Buy Single Action Army

SINGLE ACTION ARMY

By Mark J. Schlofer

A dusty Colt revolver. A war-scarred past. A legacy hiding in plain sight.

From the sun-bleached trails of the Old West to the storm-ravaged fields of Normandy, Single Action Army traces the remarkable journey of a few firearms-and the lives they touched across generations. What begins as a symbol of frontier grit becomes a silent witness to an ever-expanding world, family estrangement, and the quiet burdens carried by veterans long after the last shot is fired.

Blending lyrical storytelling with vivid historical detail, Mark J. Schlofer's debut is a haunting, character-driven novel that explores the objects we inherit, the memories they hold, and the histories we don't always speak aloud.

Ideal for readers drawn to intergenerational sagas, small-town Americana, and literary fiction with emotional resonance, Single Action Army will appeal to fans of history, firearms, and Western lore.

Fox Tales Release

John Evans — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 16:42:53 GMT

I am happy to announce that my memoir, Fox Tales, was released on July 31. Join me at Woodstock, the catacombs of Rome, the streets of Pamplona, and the jungles of Guatemala and share my misadventures that range from the hilarious to the scary. Take a step back to the Age of Aquarius and enjoy the Fox Tales sampler below in flipbook format. See you there!

CLICK Here: Fox Tales

Nights On the Highway published

Steven Bays — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 00:31:37 GMT

My short story was published by CC&D, a online magazine. You can read it here -

scars.tv/cgi-bin/works_e.pl?/home/users/web/b929/us.scars/perl/text-writings/g13790.txt

I'd like to thank my critique group for their input.

Silence Is Golden Published

Steven Bays — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 23:50:21 GMT

My short story, Silence Is Golden' was published by The Academy of the Heart and Mind. It's posted at Silence Is Golden – Academy of the Heart And Mind

Celestial Echo Press will open for submissions May 1, 2025

Ann Stolinsky — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 22:59:26 GMT

Celestial Echo Press will open for submissions May 1, and close June 1, for our next anthology, Behind the Revolving Door: an Anthology of Choices. Visit our website for submission guidelines and the link to the google form to submit.

Submission Guidelines - Celestial Echo Press

Chasing Ashes now in audiobook format

Ann Stolinsky — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 22:57:48 GMT

Joanne McLaughlin's Chasing Ashes, published by Celestial Echo Press, is now available in audiobook format! Narrator Linda Jones did a phenomenal job with characterization.

Check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Studios-on-Brilliance-Chasing/dp/B0F6PGMB22/ref=sr_1_2?s=books

Breathing Exercise

Steven Bays — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 18:18:27 GMT

My short story, Breathing Exercise was published in the online magazine A Sufferers Digest #3. It can be found at A Sufferer's Digest - ISSUES.

Two First Place Awards - PA Press Club Communications Contest

Phil Giunta — Sun, 06 Apr 2025 01:39:11 GMT

I'm excited to report that both of my entries in the 2025 PA Press Club Communications contest took first place!

CATEGORY 11A — Fiction for Adults — Novels (More than 40,000 words)

1st place — Phil Giunta, Allentown, for “By Your Side”

CATEGORY 15A — Short Stories — Single Story

1st place — Phil Giunta, Allentown, for “A Thorne in Time”

All 33 first-place winning entries in PA will be forwarded to the National Federation of Press Women Communications Contest for another round of competition against first-place winners in other state affiliates. Results will be announced in June. Last year, another of my novels ranked second place nationally. Fingers crossed for a repeat performance!

Lisa's Little Lie

Steven Bays — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 01:53:09 GMT

I'm happy to announce (better late than never) that my short story, "Lisa's Little Lie", was the winner of February's Shooter Flash contest.

The story is up at the following link - amiss: https://shooterlitmag.com/2025/02/10/lisas-little-lie/

A Poetic Puzzle: A Mystery in 32 Pieces, by Joanne McLaughlin

Ann Stolinsky — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 19:47:34 GMT

Launching Feb. 1. Available for pre-order now.

"When a world-renowned poet disappears, her unpublished works inexplicably arrive at Mimi’s door. Is Mimi Jones a suspect, or is she the only one who can solve the puzzle of the missing poet? The unexpected twists and turns of this romantic mystery kept me turning the pages."

—Gail Priest, Award-winning Author of Soul Dancing

In the Span of a Heartbeat

Phil Giunta — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 19:28:32 GMT

A science team’s mission on a desolate planetoid unravels into danger, discovery, and personal reckoning.

Thrilled to announce that my science fiction story "In the Span of a Heartbeat" was published in Black Cat Weekly #176 on January 12, 2025. Black Cat Weekly is an online magazine of science fiction, fantasy, mystery, and suspense. Issue 176 can be found here!

Eldritch, Inc. Published!

Christopher Ochs — Sat, 30 Nov 2024 13:54:00 GMT

Eldritch, Inc. is released into the wild!
When an alien intrusion mutates his fiancée into a horrific monster, grad student Michael Avery Yeager is dragged into a world of magic, super-science, spirits, demigods, parallel realities, and amazing coffee.
Who knew preventing Armageddon required so much on-the-job training?

The X-Files meets The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy in this whimsical science-fiction/fantasy/horror mashup!

GLVWG's long-time friend, Jonathan Maberry, says “ELDRITCH, INC. is a hoot! Weird and wild, with likeable characters plunged headfirst into increasingly bizarre situations. A fast, fun read!”

Eldritch, Inc. is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Isaac Geary's Instant Utopia

Phil Giunta — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 22:54:24 GMT

I'm thrilled to announce that my science fiction story "Isaac Geary's Instant Utopia" was accepted by Delaware-based small press, Oddity Prodigy Productions, for their upcoming anthology, Bright Mirror. This marks my second time working with OPP. In 2020, they published my ghost story, "Burn After Writing," in their horror anthology, Scary Stuff.

Science fiction is replete with dystopian societies (it often feels as if we're living in one now), but what about utopian futures as presented by Star Trek for example? We could use more of those. The idea behind Bright Mirror is to offer tales of discovery and promise. You can read more about the project here.

As with OPP's previous genre anthologies, Bright Mirror will be funded by a Kickstarter campaign. It launches on December 10th.

Successful book launch

Ann Stolinsky — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 15:16:39 GMT

Celestial Echo Press hosted a reading/signing/launch for our latest two anthologies, Ruth and Ann's Guide to Time Travel, Volumes I and II, at Philcon last weekend. GLVWG's own Jonathan Maberry and Phil Giunta wrote stories for Volume I.

The launch was incredibly successful. Eleven authors read excerpts of their stories, and attendees were enthralled. Then we noshed and ate cake.

Here's the link to B&N if you want to check out the anthologies: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/ruth%20and%20ann's%20guide%20to%20time%20travel

Ruth and Ann's Guide to Time Travel, Volume II

Ann Stolinsky — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 15:35:53 GMT

Whew! Celestial Echo Press has published our second anthology of the year, Ruth and Ann's Guide to Time Travel, Volume II.

We're so excited about both volumes. In the first, 21 authors wrote incredible stories; in the second, 30 authors reveal their vision of time travel.

Here's the B&N link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ruth-and-anns-guide-to-time-travel-volume-ii-ann-stolinsky/1146448056?ean=9781951967055

Please share this info with everyone! Thanks.

All the odds and ends

Angel Ackerman — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 13:11:37 GMT

Hi, Everyone!

I am working on the member benefits slide show for November so I am testing this feature. I think this program in November will help bring all of us more success and value from our GLVWG memberships.

Yesterday, I visited the Phillipsburg High School Reading/Book Club. It was a 20 minute commitment via video chat at 8:30 a.m. and was a lot of fun! If you are interested, see Chaz's announcement in the October newsletter or ask me for more info.
I'm offering a workshop for free at Easton Public Library Nov. 4 at 6 p.m. on Tricks to Slay Writers Block.
I offered a contract to an author I've admired for a while yesterday. They had their rights returned to them when their publisher closed recently and he accepted my offer to join Parisian Phoenix Publishing as a traditionally-published author.
I think I have the Parisian Phoenix Publishing production schedule ready for 2025, and we're going to publish about a dozen books.
Also, I recently rediscovered Oh, Write! (ohwrite.co), an online writing room where you can do writing sprints with friends or strangers. Does anyone else use this? Anyone else interested in creating a GLVWG room?

Thanks for listening,

Angel

By Your Side Wins Three Awards at the Fall 2024 BookFest!

Phil Giunta — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 12:25:46 GMT

I am ecstatic to announce that my paranormal mystery novel, By Your Side, has won THREE awards in the fall BookFest contest including:

First Place: Fiction\Supernatural\Ghosts

Second Place: Fiction\Horror\Ghosts & Paranormal

Third Place: Fiction\Mystery\Supernatural

Click here for more about By Your Side.

Click here for more about The BookFest Fall 2024 Awards.

Congrats to all of the winners!

In the Span of a Heartbeat

Phil Giunta — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 20:39:29 GMT

Excited to report that my science fiction adventure tale "In the Span of a Heartbeat" has been accepted by Black Cat Weekly online magazine.

I'm thrilled to work with editor and publisher John Betancourt, who has an extensive list of writing and editing credits for original works as well as media tie-in, including Star Trek.

My story should appear in a January or February 2025 issue. More details to come. More about Black Cat Weekly: https://blackcatweekly.com

Phil Giunta

www.philgiunta.com

Sample of member success story post

Bart Palamaro — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 19:20:02 GMT

Had a Great Book Kickoff

Available on Amazon

Ruth and Ann's Guide to Time Travel, Volume I

Ann Stolinsky — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 17:30:48 GMT

Hi all! Volume I is now available for sale everywhere fine books are sold. Meaning Amazon . Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, Kobo, and libraries!

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ruth-and-anns-guide-to-time-travel-volume-i-ann-stolinsky/1146151789?ean=9781951967031

Please share this info with anyone who loves time travel stories. And, if you purchase the book, if you're so inclined, please write an honest review on review sites.

Thanks!!

Celestial Echo Press signed Joanne McLaughlin

Ann Stolinsky — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 19:16:06 GMT

Announcing - we've contracted with GLVWG member Joanne McLaughlin to publish her cozy-adjacent manuscript, currently titled I Am Not THAT Mary Irene Jones. The title is fluid and will probably change in a couple of weeks. The story is about two poets named Mary Irene Jones, and the ensuing chaos.

Anticipated release date January 2025.

Woohoo!

Ann Stolinsky

Celestial Echo Press announced our lineup for our next two anthologies

Ann Stolinsky — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 19:18:28 GMT

CEP ran a Kickstarter campaign to fund one anthology. The campaign funded, and we opened submissions. Then we sat back and watched the deluge come.

We received 350 submissions, so many great stories ... we decided to publish two anthologies. Ruth and Ann's Guide to Time Travel, Volume I and Volume II.

Here is the list of accepted authors:

Vol I:

Jonathan Maberry Ef Deal Phil Giunta Joanne McLaughlin Charles Barouch David Strickler Teel James Glenn Jon McGoran Carol Gyzander Judith Frances Field James Ryan Ken Altabef John Bukowski Grigory Lukin Brenda W. Clough Gary Every Neal Wiser Daniel Lumpkin Gordon Linzner Stephen Chappell Karen Eisenbrey

The Foreword will be written by Steve Davidson, of Amazing Stories fame.

Vol II:

Trisha Ridinger McKee Gavin Smyth James Harper Garrett Rowlan Rik Hoskin Toni V. Sweeney Heidi Voss David Partington Kenneth Goldman Holly Schofield John Haas Brandon Barrows Andrew Majors Abigail Gervase Ken Altabef Larry Hodges James Pyles Sandra Skalski James Mathis Marisca Pichette William R.D. Wood Janet A. Hopkins Darrell Schweitzer Wendy Klein Lance Schonberg Kara Race-Moore Elizabeth Davis Gary Every

We have not asked anyone to write the Foreword for Vol II yet.

Celestial Echo Press's newest anthology

Ann Stolinsky — Sat, 11 May 2024 14:42:13 GMT

Submissions are open from May 7 through June 1 for Celestial Echo Press's newest anthology, Ruth and Ann's Guide to Time Travel.

Go to our website for submission guidelines, and the link to the Google form to submit.

https://celestialechopress.com/submission-guidelines

By Your Side Redux

Phil Giunta — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 13:56:59 GMT

I’m pleased to announce that a new, revised edition of my second paranormal mystery novel from 2012, By Your Side, is now up for preorder in ebook format for $2.99 from all the major resellers including Amazon, Apple, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and Smashwords. The paperback will be added in the next week.

The official release date is July 22, 2024. The book will be launched a few days later at Shore Leave 44 science fiction convention in Lancaster, PA.

Awards for Testing the Prisoner by Phil Giunta

Phil Giunta — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 13:24:35 GMT

Excited to announce that my novel, Testing the Prisoner, has won two awards in the past week!

First Place - Pennsylvania Press Club 2024 Communications Contest

Second Place - The Bookfest Spring 2024 Competition

The PA Press Club sends all first place winners to the compete at the national level against other state affiliates of the National Federation of Press Women. Results of those awards will be announced at the NFPW conference in June.

All proceeds for the sale of Testing the Prisoner will be donated to Prevent Child Abuse America from now until April 30 for Child Abuse Prevention Month. Click here for more info. Your support is much appreciated!

Celestial Echo Press's newest anthology

Ann Stolinsky — Sat, 16 Mar 2024 18:21:34 GMT

We did it! Our Kickstarter campaign was launched at midnight eastern time this morning.

This is so exciting. We have seven great authors lined up, and great reward levels. And stretch goals. We have stretch goals!

Our invited authors are: Jon McGoran, Carol Gyzander, Charles Barouch, Teel James Glenn, Ef Deal, Phil Giunta, and Joanne McLaughlin. It's a great lineup!

After the campaign funds, we'll open submissions to all authors, to fill the rest of the anthology.

Here's the link:Ruth's and Ann's Guide to Time Travel by Celestial Echo Press — Kickstarter

Please consider backing the campaign. Please share the news with everyone. I do mean everyone.

Thank you in advance.

Chasing Ashes, book signing

Ann Stolinsky — Sat, 16 Mar 2024 18:18:46 GMT

Local author Joanne McLaughlin will be at Cheshire Brewing, 7909 High School Road, Elkins Park, PA, on April 3, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. She will read an excerpt from her suspense thriller, Chasing Ashes, and will autograph any novels purchased that night.

Here's the synopsis:
In 1992, shortly before a tragic fire on their college campus, Laura Cunningham saw her best friend, Kate McDonald, for the last time. The fire's 20th anniversary elicits Laura's guilt and ignites her passion to learn what actually happened to Kate. Now a journalist, Laura teams up with her hot detective ex-husband to pursue cold leads in hopes of sparking interest in the decades-old mystery of what happened that day.

Chasing Ashes

Ann Stolinsky — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 22:45:48 GMT

I wrote a post when we signed the contract, and neglected to follow up when it was published. Celestial Echo Press, of which I am a partner, published Chasing Ashes by Joanne McLaughlin on November 1, 2023. The suspense novel is available in all major markets.

In 1992, shortly before a tragic fire on their college campus, Laura Cunningham saw her best friend, Kate McDonald, for the last time. The fire's 20th anniversary elicits Laura's guilt and ignites her passion to learn what actually happened to Kate. Now a journalist, Laura teams up with her hot detective ex-husband to pursue cold leads in hopes of sparking interest in the decades-old mystery of what happened that day.

I would love to post the cover but this post won't allow me. Please visit one of the markets to see it. It's gorgeous.

New Release - Testing the Prisoner (second edition) by Phil Giunta

Phil Giunta — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 12:39:10 GMT

Excited to announce the second edition of my first paranormal mystery novel from 2009, Testing the Prisoner. This edition has been lightly re-edited and given a facelift with a brand new cover by comic book artist and painter, Scott Barnett.

Release date: September 18, 2023. The ebook is available for preorder now. The paperback will be available for preorder one week before the release date.

Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Testing-Prisoner-Intense-Paranormal-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0CGPMBT4W/

Other eBook formats: https://books2read.com/u/4Xe6Mg

-------

Daniel Masenda thought he had made peace with his dark past when he left his home for a better life fourteen years ago. As the mayor of a small, tranquil town along Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Daniel has everything he ever wanted—until a series of haunting visions, coupled with the death of his estranged mother, pits him against two ghostly entities at war with one another. Each has its own agenda as they force Daniel to relive moments from his violent youth and push him to the edge of insanity. As his idyllic life begins to unravel, will he be able to decipher the message behind the hauntings before they destroy not only him, but the soul of someone he left behind?

“A darkly personal supernatural psycho-thriller … Phil Giunta confronts the blurred border between love and hate hidden within the human heart in this promising, ultimately hopeful first novel.”
—Howard Weinstein, NYT Bestselling author

New Release: Death on the Bayou- Tom Lubben (2nd in the Series)

Thomas Lubben — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 19:36:50 GMT

Death on the Bayou

After solving a major string of bizarre murders in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey, BJ Gleeson now stumbles over another brutal crime while attending a writers’ conference in New Orleans. This complex and troubled man uses his prior experience to point toward the solution to a series of brutal deaths of women, discovered in the swamps of New Orleans just after the disastrous arrival of Hurricane Katrina. Watch as BJ uses his newfound skills to point toward the solution to these vicious and bloody bodies that are uncovered. With the help of his new friend, Karen, he negotiates a tricky path through Bourbon Street and into the depths of the Bayou. (Kindle Publishing 2023)

New book released

rachel thompson — Tue, 23 May 2023 15:02:49 GMT

In, Another Anthology: The Same but Different, Rachel Thompson delivers another 21 short stories alone with three nonfiction essays. The “Same” are stories featuring the author’s unusual conceptual twists and satires. What’s different is a deeper examination of human nature within this mix of sci-fi and contemporary fiction. Thompson travels further into offbeat speculations than before when she asks and answers questions like, “What does becoming God feel like?” On the opposite side of the scale, she asks everyday questions such as, “Are we ever too old to go outside to play?” This collection invites the reader to consider and enjoy ideas outside of the everyday-life box. Learn more at her website rcthom.com

Celestial Echo Press signs contract

Ann Stolinsky — Sun, 07 May 2023 18:06:15 GMT

Celestial Echo Press signed a contract with Joanne McLaughlin to publish her novel, Ashes to Ashes, Doubt to Doubt (working title).

The story follows Laura Cunningham, a Pulitzer winning author, as she explores the tragic events of 24 years prior, when a building on the campus grounds caught fire, killing ten students. Was her best friend among them?

ROY ZIEGLER PUBLISHES NEW NOVEL,"MOZART'S LAST WORDS"

Roy Ziegler — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 15:47:14 GMT

Explore the Mystery of the Missing Last Words of Mozart

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Requiem in D Minor has been shrouded in mystery from the very beginning of its creation in November 1791. Commissioned in secrecy, it posed an immediate burden as he struggled in failing health to finish it. “Didn’t I say before that I was writing this Requiem for myself?” the dying musical genius uttered to those gathered at his bedside, shortly before the quill fell from his hand and he died. The legend surrounding Mozart’s Requiem took on a new twist when a corner of the page containing his last words was torn off and stolen at the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair.

In Mozart’s Last Words, Roy Ziegler presents a thrilling story about the pursuit of that missing Requiem fragment on a turbulent race across two continents to recapture it from a Neo-Nazi terrorist group, leading to a baffling conclusion. Available now at Amazon - Barnes & Noble -Xlibris.com.

NEW BOOK -- The Bookmark: Lafayette's Untold Bethlehem Love Story

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 20:04:29 GMT

I am thrilled to announce that I just published my first novel, The Bookmark, a work of historical fiction with a local connection. Combining a historical love story with a modern-day mystery, The Bookmark explores what may have happened between the legendary Frenchman and the Moravian Sister who became his nurse. Available on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5B74Z9Y

New Book: The Crossroads

James Gallahan — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 14:15:07 GMT

I am happy to announce that I just published my second novel, The Crossroads: Paranormal, Mystery, and Suspense Short Stories. If you enjoy tales with twists and unexpected endings, then this nail-biting short story collection is for you. The first half of the book is in English. The same stories are translated into Spanish in the second part of the collection. Here's the link: https://amazon.com/dp/B09K5XDPMS

Success in Two Writing Contests

Ginny Shephard — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 20:00:15 GMT

I'm happy to share the news that the Southeastern Writers Association awarded my story "Who's Joey?" 1st Place in the 2021 Microcosmic Fiction category and "Kalar and the Giant" 2nd place in the 2021 The Vega Award for Speculative Short Fiction." I appreciate all the support from GLVWG to polish these entries.

New Book -- Three-Zee at a Wedding

John A. Miller Jr. — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 19:44:10 GMT

I just self-published my 23rd book (22nd novel), "Three-Zee at a Wedding", which is book #5 in my Three-Zee series. It's available at all the major e-book outlets as well as from Amazon in paperback format. For a description and links to suppliers, please check out my web page at:

http://www.pimabooks.com/threezee5page.htm

A "Hat Trick" of Story Acceptances

Phil Giunta — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 22:23:14 GMT

I'm excited to report three short story acceptances over the summer.

On July 3, Hawkshaw Press accepted my detective story "Pearl of Great Price" for their 2022 mystery noir anthology, Hardboiled and Loaded with Sin.

Three weeks later, my Rehoboth Beach short story, "Where Do I Begin?" was accepted by Cat & Mouse Press for their anthology, Beach Secrets, due out in mid-November.

On August 1, my horror story "Break & Enter" finally found a home in Fae Shivers, an anthology to be released by Fae Corps Publishing on November 15, 2021.

Lastly. my South Korean ghost story, "Before She's Gone Forever," will be published by Gravelight Press in their biennial Halloween Party anthology coming out next month.

Not too shabby!

Phil Giunta

www.philgiunta.com

Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon

Rose Mavis' Cochlear Implant Blog Post Published

Sat, 23 Jan 2021 00:33:00 GMT

Member and artist, Rose Mavis was invited by Cochlear Americas to write up her own blog post on her experience as a new recipient of a cochlear implant. Read her story here as she has written: https://hearandnow.cochlearamericas.com/hearing-solutions/cochlear-implants/artist-with-hearing-loss-2/

Two First Place Awards

Ginny Shephard — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 14:22:44 GMT

The Southeastern Writers Association has awarded my "Moonshine and the Zombie Cats" The Vega Award for Speculative Fiction and "But Momma" first place for Flash Fiction. On their website I'm identified by my pen name L N Passmore. "Zombie Cats" is one of my Appalachian tales. To read others see my website lnpassmore.com or to read Celtic myth-based fantasies from Lisnafaer, the world featured in my novel Wayward Wulves Beware (shortlisted for the Chanticleer International Award for fantasy).

New Book

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 09:34:44 GMT

On June 1st, I released my fourteenth, self-published book. Titled The Other Side Of The Ridge, New York City, September 10th and 11th, 2001, it is the final book of my time travel trilogy. Signed copies are available through the author for $10 plus $3 postage. I am offering the three book series for $28 with free shipping. Please visit my website, www.larryldeibert.com All my books can be found on Amazon.com

New release: Unfaltering Trust by Roy Ziegler

Roy Ziegler — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 16:16:34 GMT

Roy Ziegler's new book, Unfaltering Trust, has just been released. It is the story of Pilgrim Edward Fitz Randolph Jr. and his descendants.

2020 marks the 400th anniversary of the Great Migration from England when thousands of Pilgrims migrated to the New World seeking religious freedom and opportunity in the 17th century. Countless millions of immigrants followed over the next four centuries.

This is the story of one pilgrim family over nine generations whose heroism and leadership helped build a new nation.

Unfaltering Trust is now available at barnesandnoble.com, Amazon.com, Kindle and Nook, or through your independent book shop.http://www.royziegler.com

Seven Islands of the Fog by Thomas Terraforte :First Fantasy Book with accelerated editing

Thomas Terraforte — Wed, 21 Aug 2019 15:38:00 GMT

My first book is a fast read with amazingly delineated details. Enjoy, https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/seven-islands-of-the-fog-thomas-terraforte/1121892486?ean=9781948828727

Short Story

Wed, 22 May 2019 18:01:34 GMT

Gloom Cupboard, published my latest short story titled "Henri Rochemont." It's a creative nonfiction story about an experience I had in France while in the US Army. The story may be viewed at: https://gloomcupboard.com/2019/04/04/winter-issue-2019/#C9

Published Short Story

Mon, 04 Feb 2019 21:25:04 GMT

Adelaide Magazine published my short story “The Snow Queen Contest” in their December issue. The magazine is published online and in print in both New York City and Lisbon, Portugal. The piece is my 23^rd published short story. For those with the interest, the online publication may be read at http://adelaidemagazine.org/nf_josephfleckenstein.html

New Books

John A. Miller Jr. — Mon, 04 Feb 2019 16:17:59 GMT

First, I've started a new series called "Three-Zee" for which the first book is entitled "Three-Zee", which I published at the end of January.

Here's a description:

Besides having a really bizarre nickname, Three-Zee Zook can see and talk to ghosts. What’s bothering her about her latest sighting is that she’s also seen his corpse lying in the woods, except it disappears and she can find no evidence of it ever having been there. With the ghost hanging around the neighboring empty Amish farmhouse she decides to investigate his murder, assuming it was murder, because she has no intention of sharing her ability with the local police.

This books is available in all formats at Amazon (Including paperback), B&N, Apple, Kobo, Smashwords, etc.

I also did the photography for a book about my church's architecture and stained glass windows entitled "The Word of God in Architecture and Stained Glass" by Dr. Charles C. Knerr. I published that on Nov. 20, 2018.

Many Christian churches, both old and modern, incorporate a great deal of Biblical symbolism into their architecture and stained glass windows. The Church of the Good Shepherd United Church of Christ in Alburtis, Pennsylvania, exhibits many such symbols as detailed in this book featuring photographs of church architecture and windows with accompanying explanations and Biblical references.

Because of its large format (8.5"x11") and color photography this book is available only in paperback format at Amazon.

Links to these two books as well as all my other books are on my website

http://www.pimabooks.com/

John A. Miller, Jr.

New Book

Sat, 17 Nov 2018 14:21:26 GMT

I have recently published my new book, The Christmas City Angel along with the short story, The Seer.

'The Weight of Living' named first place winner

Michael Daigle — Thu, 16 Nov 2017 21:03:56 GMT

"The Weight of Living," was awarded First Place in the Mystery category in the 2017 Royal Dragonfly Book Award Contest. The award was announced Nov. 16.

'Weight' is the third Frank Nagler Mystery. It was published in 2017 by Imzadi Publishing of Tulsa.

The cover, created by Anita Dugan-Moore of Imzadi, won a Gold Medal in the 2017 Book Cover Contest sponsored by www.authorsdb.com

REQUIEM FOR RILEY--New suspense novel by Roy Ziegler published by Xlibris on October 30.

Roy Ziegler — Thu, 09 Nov 2017 15:04:47 GMT

REQUIEM FOR RILEY

During the 1958 World Expo in Brussels a section of the original Mozart Requiem Mass autograph containing the last four words that Mozart ever wrote was stolen. It has never been recovered. In his suspense novel, Requiem for Riley, author Roy Ziegler presents a gripping scenario about the quest to find the precious artifact involving international intrigue and a death-defying plot which unfolds in one of the most fascinating buildings in the world.

New short story on Kindle Unlimited Nov. 24

Michael Daigle — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 15:57:45 GMT

My publisher Imzadi Publishing will issue my short story "Who Shot the Smart Guy at the Blackboard" as an ebook only on Nov. 24. It will be 99 cents on Kindle Unlimited. When we have set up the actual link, I'll publish that. This is a fun, smart, tongue-in-cheek story about an encounter between a reporter and a politician -- and a smart guy at the blackboard.

Info: www.michaelstephendaigle.com

My Latest Short Story

Wed, 31 May 2017 13:33:13 GMT

Ezine "Military Experiences & the Arts" published my latest short story which is titled "We, the ROTC Cadets." It's a narative nonfiction account of a few days I experienced during summer camp as a US Army officer candidate. The piece is available at:

http://militaryexperience.org/we-the-rotc-cadets/

Incarceration Anthology

Sun, 28 May 2017 22:40:50 GMT

"Incarceration" anthology released on May 18th, 2017. Seventeen authors including "yours truly" wrote tales of possible incarceration methods. Some offer harsh punishments for what seems only a minor infraction, but you are able to explore these methods from a safe distance.

Award winning "A Game Called Dead"

Michael Daigle — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 14:53:05 GMT

New member here. Hello. My 2016 mystery, "A Game Called Dead," the second Frank Nagler Mystery, was named a Runner-Up in the 2016 Shelf-Unbound Indie Book Contest. The propulsive story has Ironton, NJ detective Frank Nagler facing an internet terrorist called #ARMAGEDDON in a "game" where the one who best understands the rules, wins. Amazon, B&N, Kobo. Walmart. Imzadi Publishing.

My debut novel: Upon a Field of Gold

Sun, 12 Feb 2017 21:48:57 GMT

In early March, Upon a Field of Gold will make its debut in paperback and ebook. A 60 year old Pennsylvania man acquires the soul of a 19 year old Confederate soldier who was killed in the Battle of Gettysburg. Dan Bryant seeks answers to why he has been chosen to complete a 145 year old love story so short lived by young Joshua Park from Alabama. Obsessed by authenticated flashbacks, Dan risks losing his family, his marriage to his twenty year younger wife, as well as his own sanity. Based on true events, On a Field of Gold is a compelling story of mismatched souls that transcend time and place to fulfill a promise of eternal love.

Dawn's Eerie Light featured as Book of the Day on December 11

Roy Ziegler — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 13:01:09 GMT

Dawn's Eerie Light, my new novel, was featured as the Book of the Day on December 11 by the Online Book Club. As a result of the promotion, Online Book Club reported that my book skyrocketed to Number 677 on the Amazon Kindle list! I have receive more than a hundred comments and reviews from readers and authors. I have established links with writers in all parts of the country. This was a very effective and helpful promotion.

Michael Hauge Interview by Geoffrey Mehl

Sat, 10 Dec 2016 21:49:46 GMT

First blog article for our 2017 WriteStuff Conference campaign is up on our Wordpress website. We expect to post a new one every 5 days or so.

An Interview with Michael Hauge

Eta Kappa Nu at Carnegie Mellon University

Fri, 09 Dec 2016 18:07:58 GMT

On November 17^th I was at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh for the 2016 induction ceremony of Eta Kappa Nu, the honors society of IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers). I was the evening’s speaker and I was also inducted into the Society as a “professional engineer”. The recognition was largely for my eight, recent electrical publications which included seven online courses for registered electrical engineers and a 400-page textbook for engineering students. I truly felt honored to speak to this elite group. The audience included students from the electrical and computer engineering schools. Carnegie’s computer engineering school was named best in the Nation by US News and World Report; only one in 20 applicants is typically admitted to the School. The electrical engineering school, while not number one, was close behind. – Joseph Fleckenstein

Sodium Balls, A Reverend's Journey

Mon, 21 Nov 2016 23:40:10 GMT

My latest book, Sodium Balls, A Reverend's Journey, has just gone to print at Dorrance Publishing Company, Pittsburgh. It is to be released in December (2016). It chronicles my rocky road to the ministry, which took some forty years. I call it my Jonah Journey -- God called Jonah, but he ran the other way. I did too. I wanted to sing opera, which I did for over thirty years. (That story you'll find in Tales of a Tenacious Tenor, ASJ Publishing, 2014, available on Amazon, Goodreads, and other venues. And you don't have to dig opera to enjoy this rollicking adventure.)

My new illustrated children's book

Wed, 02 Nov 2016 18:31:31 GMT

I have recently published my new children's book, Santa's Day Jobs. Illustrated by Ashley Reigle, the book covers the 12 jobs that Santa works at during the year. Text for each color pic is geared toward kids 6-10. The second part of the book has 14 black and while pics for kids to color and the text was provided by children. You can get signed copies by sending $12 plus $3 postage to me at PO Box 45, Hellertown, Pa. 18055-9998

My Latest Essay

Thu, 27 Oct 2016 00:14:23 GMT

On October 21^st Streetlight Magazine published my essay “Cousin Paul.” The Paul mentioned in the essay is Paul McCartney, the famous Beatle. My adventure started when I had tea with a known relative, Ellen Winters. By chance I later learned she was the sister to Paul’s grandfather and that Paul and I are third cousins. Sir Paul and I never met and most probably never will. The piece is about my discovery and some of the personalities along the way.

My Latest Short Story

Sun, 02 Oct 2016 15:06:13 GMT

Intrigue, scheming and dirty tricks are not necessarily the exclusive tools of politicians, spies and hit men. No, not at all. History has shown all of these practices are common in the workplace. If you read my latest short story “A Subtle Play” you might find it reminds you of specific situations you witnessed - or suffered through. The story is free online at Work Literary Magazine. Look for the publication of the week of September 12^th.

My new novel, "Dawn's Eerie Light" received 4 out of 4 stars!

Roy Ziegler — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 20:17:39 GMT

"Dawn's Eerie Light" my new romantic/suspense novel was awarded 4 our of 4 stars by the OnLine Book Club review in August, 2016. Part of the reviewer's remarks:

"I consider "Dawn's Eerie Light" a great story of unrequited love. It describes the pain and loneliness of a person who loves someone so much, to the point of obsession, who does not love him back....the author's descriptions of the settings are vivid and the backstories are so detailed that if feels like the reader knows the characters personally. . . .this is one moving and unforgettable story that will stay with the reader for a while. It is great story of love and I recommend it t those who appreciate suspense, thriller and same sex love stories." AVAILABLE ON KINDLE AND AMAZON.

My new book for beginning metal detectorists is doing well!

Tue, 30 Aug 2016 13:41:16 GMT

My new book, Metal Detecting for Beginners: 101 Things I Wish I'd Known When I Started, was released April 15 and began selling well immediately. This month, I inked a deal with White's Electronics, Inc. to license 1,000 copies under custom cover to include with their beginner detecting packages. In the detecting world, getting a thumbs up from White's is like getting the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. Pretty stoked about it! More at Detecting101.com.

My latest novel The Fish Hatchery Murders now available

John A. Miller Jr. — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 15:20:15 GMT

I finally finished and published the latest novel in my Victorian Mansion series, The Fish Hatchery Murders, and you can see links to the publishers on my website at www.pimabooks.com. Click on the Victorian Mansion series to see a list of books in that series.

Radio Interview

Rory Maruschak — Fri, 06 May 2016 23:19:38 GMT

My family memoir entitled Bev: The Invisible Sister by Rory Janis Miller was released in March and is available in paperback or ebook on Amazon and other outlets. A recorded interview with Bob Cohen will be aired on May 30, 2016 at 6:00 on WDIY on the Lehigh Valley Arts Salon. Bob and I discuss my writing, my family's story, and the plight of children with intellectual disabilities in state run institutions. I hope you'll tune in and give it a listen!

A Universe Wired for Life

Mon, 02 May 2016 16:22:29 GMT

Astrobiologists aren’t necessarily looking for ET – yet. Biology is about everything living, from bacteria to mammals. But if there’s cellular life, it could lead to the evolution of sentient beings. It’s a big if. The presence of single cell eukaryotes doesn’t guarantee development to – more scientists.

https://dtkrippene.com/2016/04/30/astrobiology-a-universe-wired-for-life/

Simplicity Survives

Sun, 10 Apr 2016 15:14:45 GMT

Where most of us gather food from sterilized packages in gleaming stores, ride around in motor vehicles, wear clothes made in a third-world sweatshop, and entertain ourselves with endless media options, our modern selves are anything but simple. Turn off the switch, and most of us are likely to fumble in the darkness.

https://dtkrippene.com/2016/03/30/simplicity-survives/

"The Great Circus Detective Agency" is now available in print

Sun, 28 Feb 2016 12:02:01 GMT

My new novel features a frustrated psychiatrist who's dwarfism kept her from pursuing a career as a detective. Determined to pursue her passion, Louisa and her faithful receptionist join an amateur mystery club.

You can find links to "The Great Circus Detective Agency" here: http://rebeccabartlettauthor.com/TheGreatCircusDetectiveAgency.html

my sci-fi/romance novel set in "The Current Middle Ages"

Sat, 06 Feb 2016 23:16:20 GMT

I just published my first novel in paperback from FastPencil, for $9.99, The Girl in the Bird. It's a science fiction/romance set mostly in the Society for Creative Anachronism. It will come out in April on Amazon for only $2.99. If anybody is interested and you actually buy a copy, especially the Amazon one when it comes out, I'd really appreciate it if you could review it after you've read it.

http://www.amazon.com/Girl-Bird-Christine-Talley-ebook/dp/B01AMZ84BY/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1453940888&sr=1-1&keywords=%22The+girl+in+the+bird%22

Passionate Curmudgeon

Thu, 05 Nov 2015 20:41:29 GMT

One of the more difficult tasks for me as a new writer, besides crafting a query letter, or synopsis (which I irreverently call suck-nopsis), was to create an author bio. At last year's GLVWG, keynote speaker and social media maven, Kristen Lamb, gave me some pointers.

http://dtkrippene.com/2015/10/19/passionate-curmudgeon/

Absence Makes A Story Sound Better

Mon, 19 Oct 2015 13:43:11 GMT

While searching through the attic trunk of incomplete story starts, an old tale written few years back read quite different to me.

http://dtkrippene.com/2015/09/27/absence-makes-a-story-sound-better/

Novella now in paperback

Thu, 08 Oct 2015 18:39:57 GMT

My fantasy novella, Worthy of Prometheus, is now available in paperback. This was a long time in coming because the eBook edition has been out for over a year. Because it is so short (100 pages) it retails on Amazon and B&N for $6.00 as a paperback. As an eBook it is available for $.99 cents through the same retailers. (It's also available as an audiobook.)

It's OK for Writers to Talk to Themselves

Thu, 17 Sep 2015 23:57:15 GMT

Chris Ochs gives us his insight on reading aloud as part of self editing.

https://glvwgwritestuffblog.wordpress.com/2015/09/15/its-ok-for-writers-to-talk-to-themselves/

David Miller - My Own Website? Free ... Well, Sort of ...

Sat, 15 Aug 2015 13:35:22 GMT

David Miller offers an informative and humorous recap of recent efforts to build his own website.

My Own Website? Free? Well, sort of ...

Message in a Bottle

Mon, 10 Aug 2015 22:55:25 GMT

It’s been an interesting year for SETI and enthusiasts of the famous Wow Signal, which to this day, remains an unresolved enigma. Updated technology detecting similar RFBs (rapidly fired bursts) in recent months, along with the Kepler Telescopic discovery of earth-like exoplanets, has rekindled an interest of our place in the universe.

"Intriguing, Amazing, Groundbreaking. Four WOmen Making Waves in the Valley'

Fri, 07 Aug 2015 18:40:18 GMT

I wrote two of the three profiles in this article in the August issue of Lehigh Valley Style magazine. I also have a monthly book column and a two-page travel feature that are in the printed magazine.

http://www.lehighvalleystyle.com/August-2015/Intriguing-Amazing-Groundbreaking/

Thanks in advance for reading!
pattie

Good Images Speak a Thousand Words, but is it Legal?

Sun, 02 Aug 2015 15:00:00 GMT

Two things I learned about posting articles — good content, and killer images. Something about that picture tells a story, has me spending almost as much time searching for the right image as I do writing the article itself. No shortage of great material on the internet’s cyclopean browser engine, finding good blog photos or illustrations can be a blessing of convenience or a pitfall of copyright infringement.

http://dtkrippene.com/2015/07/15/good-images-speak-a-thousand-words-but-is-it-legal/

Being in control

Fri, 31 Jul 2015 02:01:12 GMT

One of the wonderful things about self-publishing is having complete control over the end product, especially when it comes time to alter your cover to reflect the editorial reviews you may have received during the first few years. (Of course, if you traditionally publish that might be months rather than years.)

I just completed the cover revision for It All Started with a Bicycle, placing a short blurb on the front, and three longer ones on the back. Looking at the book now, it really does look like any other book out there. This is an exciting moment for me!

Audiobook Version of "It All Started with a Bicycle"

Mon, 13 Jul 2015 13:34:10 GMT

The audiobook version of Bicycle is now live on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes. This is yet another wonderful feature that Amazon offers. You can create an audiobook by either paying the "producer" upfront or by doing a "royalty share" where you pay nothing upfront and share royalties.

Star Spangled Memories

Fri, 03 Jul 2015 15:44:30 GMT

Hope everyone has a fun and safe July 4 holiday.

http://dtkrippene.com/2015/07/03/star-spangled-memories/

Where do you find inspiration?

Thu, 18 Jun 2015 13:21:47 GMT

First author blog is up on our GLVWG blog site. Our own Dianna Sinovic asks the question, "Where do you find inspiration" for stories.

https://glvwgwritestuffblog.wordpress.com/2015/06/18/where-do-you-find-inspiration/

Went Off the Grid ... Again

Tue, 19 May 2015 15:01:24 GMT

Let’s face it, many of us go ape-shit when cell signal is lost, bang keyboards when the internet goes down. Adolescents enter that special cranky state when cable or satellite goes blank with, “no signal available,” and how does anyone make it through the day without texting?

http://dtkrippene.com/2015/05/15/went-off-the-grid-again/

Award!

Thu, 30 Apr 2015 02:27:27 GMT

I am excited to have won another award from Reader Views, this time for my fantasy novella Worthy of Prometheus. My previous award from Reader Views was Honorable Mention for my book It All Started with a Bicycle in the middle grade category. This time, although I entered for fantasy, I won in the eBook category. (I didn't even know they had one!) It's better than nothing!

New article published!

Wed, 29 Apr 2015 15:06:48 GMT

Hi everyone!

Proud to have another feature article published in the May issue of Lehigh Valley Style magazine, in print and http://www.lehighvalleystyle.com/May-2015/Home-is-Where-the-Art-Is/

Check it out--interesting story about an art-filled home and the people who live in it.

Happy Writing!
pattie

March: The Write Stuff and April: Lehigh Valley Style

Wed, 08 Apr 2015 15:09:08 GMT

I had a blast at The Write Stuff this year--my editing partner Tina Gallagher and I critiqued some pitches Friday evening (even over drinks at the Friday night cocktail party!) and presented Marketing for Introverts and Extroverts Saturday morning. Enjoyed meeting and talking with everyone!

And I have an article in the gorgeous April issue of Lehigh Valley Style magazine! Seize the Day: Manayunk is about a day trip to that cool little town. Stay tuned, I wrote an article on a unique LV home and the art within--slated for the May issue of LVS.

Happy writing to all!

The Backstage Murders now available

John A. Miller Jr. — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 17:47:40 GMT

My latest novel in my Victorian Mansion series, "The Backstage Murders", is now available. Find links on my website http://www.pimabooks.com/ and click on the Victorian Mansion Series.

To Be Human, Or Not To Be

Sun, 22 Mar 2015 14:05:14 GMT

Can artificial intelligence ever achieve the emotional rollercoaster that defines who we are as humans?

http://dtkrippene.com/2015/03/19/to-be-human-or-not-to-be/

Love and the Fickle Finger of Fate

Tue, 10 Feb 2015 15:31:54 GMT

I muse in honor of Hallmark's invented holiday of the year.

http://dtkrippene.com/2015/02/09/love-and-the-fickle-finger-of-fate/

Eating - A Humanizer in Stories Ancient and New

Tue, 27 Jan 2015 16:46:50 GMT

What is it about eating that enhances a story?

http://dtkrippene.com/2015/01/27/eating-a-humanizer-in-stories-ancient-and-new/

Changing Mix of What Sells in Print

Sun, 18 Jan 2015 00:11:16 GMT

Courtesy of Jane Friedman's recent tweet, worth a look to see How EBooks have changed the Print book marketplace.

http://slidesha.re/1B3mMZK

Published articles

Wed, 14 Jan 2015 14:44:14 GMT

Hi everyone!

Here's my latest article for Lehigh Valley Style magazine, check it out on their website: http://bit.ly/1tNf8gY.

Thanks in advance for reading!

Pattie Giordani

Happy Holidays

Sat, 20 Dec 2014 20:56:36 GMT

Happy Holidays to all my writer friends at GLVWG.

http://dtkrippene.com/2014/12/20/bright-be-the-light-that-brings-you-home/

Update: Self-Publishing Project

Sun, 23 Nov 2014 22:05:25 GMT

November 23, 2014

Update on the GLVWG self-publishing project.

I’m happy to report we had a lot of entries for our anthologies. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough essays for the Why We Write section, so the board has decided to collapse the two projects into one book. If you sent in two submissions, both will be included.

So far, we’ve completed the following stages in self-publishing: 1.Write and finish something, 2. Get feedback/critique and 3. Commit to getting it into print. Now we’re doing the copy editing step. Authors shouldn’t copy edit their own work. It takes a fresh set of eyes to spot the grammar, punctuation, spelling and other mistakes. Our copy editors are currently reviewing all submitted pieces and should have them returned to the authors by December 15^th.

When you self-publish, the quality of the final project is completely up to you. It will be the author’s responsibility to make the corrections and properly format their work to make sure it prints correctly in the anthology. Final submissions are due on January 15^th.

Then we move onto the next stage in the self-publishing process: marketing. If you want to sell books you need eye catching cover art and a catchy title. We’ll be seeking ideas for titles and cover art soon and I’m hoping GLVWG members have some great ideas.

And remember, ABW! (Always Be Writing).

Becky Bartlett

The Apocalypse Beneath Our Feet

Thu, 06 Nov 2014 17:18:08 GMT

Forget PHAs (Potentially Hazardous Asteroids) that might hit the earth. I'm more worried about the apocalypse beneath our feet.

http://dtkrippene.com/2014/11/06/the-apocalypse-beneath-our-feet/

Self-publishing project: Copy editing

Mon, 03 Nov 2014 01:49:24 GMT

Last week submissions for the two GLVWG anthologies were due and I'm pleased to report that we have lots of participants. Volunteers have been reading through everything to make sure it meets the word count and content guidelines. If you submitted something, you should have heard back by now. If not, you will in a few days.

So what happens now? Now, we move onto the third step in the self-publishing process: Copy editing. This is something authors can't do for themselves. A professional has to read through the work looking for spelling errors, punctuation problems, grammar issues, and pronoun confusion. No one can effectively edit their own work--you need another set of eyes to review what you've written.

We have two professional editors who will soon be contacting authors about their work. After that, it will be the author's job to make the changes and resubmit their essays/stories. When you self-publish, you're responsible for the final product even when you contract out to have it done.

Thanks to everyone who stepped up to participate and, if we weren't able to get anything written by the due date, don't worry, there are still ways you can get involved. Details to be posted soon!

Rebecca Bartlett

My latest book

Sun, 26 Oct 2014 14:59:49 GMT

Castle Alabaster, tales of insanity by Steven Walker. Collection of short fiction, poetry and original art is now available at Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1484953789/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_syh?m=A24PL2F0N1WWQJ

Also at www.steven-walker.com/books.html

Self-Publishing Entries due by Midnight, October 25th

Sat, 25 Oct 2014 19:06:32 GMT

Midnight tonight (10/25) is the deadline for entries for the GLVWG Self-Publishing Project. All entries must be submitted to: glvwgspproject@gmail.com

If you sent something in, you should have gotten a response stating we had received it. If, for some reason, you do not get a return email by Monday (10/27), you can resubmit your piece. After that, we will be closed to submissions.

So....what happens now?

Some volunteers will read through the entries to make sure they are compatible with our guidelines including word count and no explicit sex/violence/profanity, and check membership status. At this point, you may receive some suggestions about your piece. (Note: they will merely be suggestions, you are not required to follow them unless it pertains to word count or objectionable content). We will then contact you with instructions for what copy editor to send your piece to. It will be your responsibility to make the changes the copy editor suggests, format the piece for publication, and then send it in by the final due date -- January 15, 2016.

We're very glad to see such an enthusiastic response from our membership and hope to have copies of both anthologies up for sale at the 2016 Write Stuff Conference!

Sincerely,

Becky Bartlett

Self-Publishing Coordinator

Just Ctl-Alt-Delete Me

Sat, 18 Oct 2014 22:31:30 GMT

It's hard enough to manage social media, being technologically challenged with ever changing program updates, password mania, IPhone debacles ... who can keep up?

http://dtkrippene.com/2014/10/17/just-ctl-alt-delete-me/

The Good, the Bad, the Scantily Clad

Mon, 06 Oct 2014 12:25:43 GMT

What is with graphic art portrayals of warrior women in outfits befitting a harlot?

http://dtkrippene.com/2014/10/01/the-good-the-bad-and-the-scantily-clad/

How The Demon Got His Knees

Mon, 29 Sep 2014 15:57:34 GMT

Becky Bartlett's Book:

"How the Demon Got His Knees"

Now available for free on Kobo,
and my website: http://www.rebeccabartlettauthor.com/

http://bit.ly/1rnt7NB

Find out how imaginary friend, Bill Zeebub, convinces Katie to give him knees for Christmas.

Happy reading!

Rebecca Bartlett

Deadline for self-publishing approaching

Sun, 28 Sep 2014 19:55:35 GMT

The submission deadline for our self-publishing project is drawing closer. You have until midnight on October 25 to send in an essay on why you write (500 words or less) for our “Why We Write” collection or a short story (2,500 words or less) for our fiction anthology.

This summer, members focused on the first step in any self-publishing venture – writing and finishing something. At the GLVWG meeting on September 27^th, we talked about step twoundefinedgetting critiqued. It’s a good idea to get some feedback from someone you trust before submitting your work. This has more to do with than pronoun confusion and comma placement. You want to make sure something in your story is connecting with the reader.

Remember, you can send one entry for each category. GLVWG is assuming all financial costs for this project, but club members have to provide the content.

We’re hoping everyone chooses to participate. If short stories and essays don’t get your pencil moving, please consider helping out with promoting the anthologies, designing the cover art or writing an article about the project.

Hoping to hear from you soon,

Becky Bartlett

(GLVWG treasurer and self-publishing veteran)

Submissions are due by midnight on October 25 2014. All submissions must be sent to glvwgspproject@gmail.comas a doc or docx file or pasted into the body of the email.

Bacon - Might Make the Cut in a Dystopian Setting

Wed, 24 Sep 2014 13:29:00 GMT

New article out - Foods likely to survive futuristic dystopian settings; Bacon will likely make the cut, provided Sus scrofa domesticus is still around.

http://bit.ly/1uKfJ51

Guest Column in the Express-Times

Mon, 15 Sep 2014 14:49:22 GMT

http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/ Scroll to Robin Williams picture – there’s an article I wrote.

Albert Difilippantonio

Are you ready to self-publish?

Wed, 03 Sep 2014 17:00:12 GMT

II hope everyone’s been busy over the summer. The first step in self-publishing is to write and finish something. GLVWG members have hosted a couple of writing get-togethers, with another one coming up this week, in hopes of getting participants to do just that.

During the September meeting, we’ll be discussing the next stage in the process: critiquing. Who to get it from (and who to avoid), what advice to take (and what to ignore). Feedback is a crucial step if you want to connect with the reader. There are plenty of well-written books that no one buys. There are just as many badly written books that people fawn over. It isn’t all comma placement and pronoun confusion. Your writing has to engage the reader in a way that makes them want to keep turning the pages. Are your characters flat or exciting? Is your historical research accurate or did you get something critically wrong? Is your middle sagging like my Uncle Henry’s beer gut? Critique partners can help spot the flaws before you submit your work to an agent.

Hope to see you at September meeting.

GLVWG’s self-publishing project is open to any member in good standing. Entries are due on October 25^th. We’re publishing two anthologies: a collection of short stories and a group of essays entitled, “Why We Write”.

Author Guidelines

The Why We Write book is nonfiction. Members submit one or two sentences on why they write and craft a short (400-500 words) essay on why they write what they write. (Sci Fi, Poetry, Journalism, Personal Essay, and so on) You can also pick a quote from a writer and craft an essay around it.

The fiction category is open to anything but, since this is a group project, no extreme violence, explicit sex, or overuse of profanity, please. Try to keep your stories under 2,500 words.

Your Brain's PnP Driver Has Been Hacked

Tue, 02 Sep 2014 17:07:14 GMT

If you could wire your brain to a centralized network system, would you?

http://dtkrippene.com/2014/07/28/your-brains-pnp-driver-has-been-hacked/

Blogging for Books

Tue, 29 Jul 2014 20:35:57 GMT

Are you a blogger and love to read? Consider blogging for books and review new titles.

http://www.aerogrammestudio.com/2014/07/23/blogging-for-books/

Self-publishing Project: FAQs Answered

Sun, 27 Jul 2014 00:31:46 GMT

FAQs for GLVWG’s Self-Publishing Project

What are we publishing?

GLVWG has agreed to assume all costs associated with self-publishing two anthologies: a traditional collection of short stories and a non-fiction collection of essays entitled, Why We Write. GLVWG members are responsible for providing all the content.

This not merely a vanity project. GLVWG plans to walk participants through the process of self-publishing so they can see what’s involved and required at every stage. Our goal is to educate our members on what it takes to get their own work into print.

Who’s eligible to participate?

Any GLVWG member in good standing. Your application must have been processed before October 20, 2014.

What are the author guidelines?

The Why We Write book is nonfiction. Members submit one or two sentences on why they write and craft a short (400-500 words) essay on why they write what they write. (Sci Fi, Poetry, Journalism, Personal Essay, and so on) You can also pick a quote from a writer and craft an essay around it.

The fiction category is open to anything but, since this is a group project, no extreme violence, explicit sex, or overuse of profanity, please. Try to keep your stories under 2,500 words.

To be included in the anthologies, you will have to sign a contract guaranteeing that what you’re submitting is your own work and is free of plagiarism. We’d also like to get some feedback from you about the experience with self-publishing once the project is over.

Can I submit to both projects?

Go for it, but only one submission per category, please.

Where and when do I submit?

Submissions are due by midnight on October 25 2014. All submissions must be sent to glvwgspproject@gmail.com as a doc or docx file or pasted into the body of the email.

What happens after I submit?

Members of the Self-publishing committee will look over your entry to make sure it meets guidelines and is acceptable. We may send you some suggestions in the acceptance email. After that, it will be your responsibility to send your piece to one of our approved copy editors. You will be expected to communicate with the assigned copy editor and make the suggested corrections. Then you’ll have to resubmit in the approve format by the final due date (to be announced later).

We’d also appreciate all participants helping with the marketing of this book. We’ll be taking ideas for promotion as we get closer to the publication date.

When are we publishing?

We hope to have both anthologies available for sale during the 2015 Write Stuff Conference

I’m not really into the short story/essay thing. Are there any other writing opportunities for this?

You bet. We’d love to get this project written up for local newspapers or even national magazines. If you’re looking for a story to cover, here’s an opportunity to play reporter.

And what comes after that?

If we’re successful, we may publish another book about our adventures in self-publishing. Participants will be encouraged to weigh in with feedback, both good and bad. We’re especially interested if this project helps our members get over their qualms about self-publishing and helps them put out their own books.

Robert A. Heinlein - YA Science Fiction Pioneer

Wed, 16 Jul 2014 14:09:16 GMT

Talking about my favorite sci-fi author.

http://dtkrippene.com/2014/07/09/robert-a-heinlein-ya-science-fiction-pioneer/

What makes you write?

Sun, 13 Jul 2014 19:49:25 GMT

Ideas to get your pencils moving

One of the anthologies GLVWG members can submit to is a collection of essays entitled “Why We Write”. Why do you write? You must have a reason. This isn’t a hobby you get rich on (typically).

Here are some quotes from writers about what writing means to them. See if one of them kick starts an idea you can use for an essay.

Note to members: While you are encouraged to work on things over the summer, we won’t be accepting submissions until fall. Stay tuned for dates.

“The first job of the citizen is to keep your mouth open.” Gunter Grass

“We have it in our power to begin the world again.” Thomas Paine

“The secret of having good ideas is to have a lot of ideas, then throw away the bad ones.” Linus Pauling

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” Agatha Christie

“The mind, once expanded to the dimensions of bigger ideas, never returns to its original size.” Oliver Wendell Holmes

Lois Spangler at Palmer Library

Bart Palamaro — Wed, 09 Jul 2014 15:00:05 GMT

Lois Spengler will be reading her story The Fort on Fourth St. at the Palmer Library on July 9th at 11:00am.

Prompts - Get your pencils moving!

Fri, 04 Jul 2014 11:31:49 GMT

GLVWG member, Steve Sora, has graciously provided some prompts, to help people get started on their stories/essays for our self-publishing project.

Here are some accurate, but not widely known, historical facts.

1) Blue eyes were unknown until 10,000 years ago. A single mutation then occurred in the Baltic sea area. Today 500 million people have them.

2) The Etruscans started the custom of breaking the chicken's wishbone.

3) The painter Vermeer went from healthy to dead in two days. At age 43 he died broke having gone three years without a sale. His wife sold "Lady Writing a letter with her maid" and "The Guitar Player" to pay a 600 florin baker's bill ($80)

4) A dead man’s hand is 2 aces, 2 eights and the queen of hearts. James Butler aka "Wild Bill" Hitchcock held these cards when he was gunned down in Deadwood SD.

5) Aldous Huxley (Brave New World) and CS Lewis (Narnia) died the same day JFK was killed.

Every journey begins with a single step: Step 1 to self-publish

Wed, 02 Jul 2014 12:48:52 GMT

The first step in self-publishing your book is to write and finish something.

Sounds easy, doesn’t it? Well, a lot of people stall right here. Fortunately members have GLVWG to lean on. We’ll be posting prompts – short ideas/sentences to help you get your pencil moving. If you’re struggling, check in and see if one of these prompts sparks an idea.

Still can’t get the words flowing? GLVWG members will be hosting writing get-togethers this summer. Come and find support among your fellow writers. We hope to see everyone at the September meeting with a work in process. There we’ll be discussing the second step in the self-publishing process: getting feedback.

GLVWG's Self-publishing Project

Wed, 02 Jul 2014 12:41:21 GMT

GLVWG’s Self-Publishing Project
Admit it, you’ve thought about self-publishing. Everyone has. Even authors with contracts fantasize about putting their books out themselves and skipping the aggravation which comes with editors, publishers, and cover designers. All that’s stopping them, and you, is the process of actually doing it.
Admit it, you’ve thought about self-publishing. Everyone has. Even authors with contracts fantasize about putting their books out themselves and skipping the aggravation which comes with editors, publishers, and cover designers. All that’s stopping them, and you, is the process of actually doing it.
Well, this year GLVWG is going to show you how it’s done, walking members through each step of what’s required to self-publish. To participate, you must be a member in good standing with GLVWG, but anyone interested in learning what it takes to produce and market your own work is welcome to follow our progress on-line. Feel free to weigh in with an opinion – this is going to be a learning process for everybody. We want to know what worked for you and what didn’t.
GLVWG will be putting out 2 anthologies: a collection of short stories and a collection of essays entitled “Why We Write”. We plan to have copies available for sale at our Write Stuff Conference in March 2015.

Happy writing!

Anthology and Novella and Synopsis...oh my!

Phil Giunta — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 23:44:31 GMT

Just a few bits of news:

1. On August 1, along with 7 other writers, I will be launching a new anthology of SF, Fantasy, and Paranormal stories published by Firebringer Press. Somewhere in the Middle of Eternity will debut at Shore Leave 36, a SF convention in Hunt Valley, MD that I have been attending for 20 years.

2. I'm making final revisions to a paranormal novella to be submitted to my publisher, Firebringer Press later this year.

3. I just submitted a synopsis to an "alternate" Sherlock Holmes anthology. In other words, Sherlock with a twist. We’re encouraged to go completely off the wall, like making Sherlock a woman, or an alien, or whatever. Will post an update as soon as I hear something.

Farmer Bonnie at Palmer Library

Bart Palamaro — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 15:00:00 GMT

Phyllis Palamaro will be reading her children's story Farmer Bonnie and Sally the Sad Sow on June 18th at 11:00am.

Lori Nix - My 8X10 Life

Tue, 17 Jun 2014 19:15:23 GMT

Every author wants to find that perfect header graphic that best captures the brand. While researching the graphic for my site, Searching for Light in the Darkness, I stumbled on photographer Lori Nix's, The Library, where a tree stretches to the broken roof of a derelict library in search of better light.

http://dtkrippene.com/2014/06/16/lori-nix-my-8-x-10-life/

Essential Do's and Dont's for Author Blogs

Tue, 17 Jun 2014 19:05:55 GMT

Anne R. Allen offers essential tips on creating and managing an author's blog. With so many "how to" articles geared toward businesses, this is truly author oriented.

http://bit.ly/1pa0m3X

Anne R. Allen offers essential tips on creating and managing an author's blog. With so many "how to" articles geared toward businesses, this is truly author oriented.

http://bit.ly/1pa0m3X

Sign-otopia

Sat, 24 May 2014 15:14:16 GMT

We have a global addiction to signs. Somewhere in human development, common sense became … not so common … requiring we put warning labels on everything to protect ourselves from … ourselves. We’ve become, in a sense, a signotopian society.

Bride of Frankenchicken

Wed, 07 May 2014 17:16:37 GMT

What futuristic food comes to mind if the planet becomes a desert outback? Exercising in the humor zone with Bride of Frankenchicken.

Our own Mark Twain

Wed, 16 Apr 2014 15:00:04 GMT

I was one of about 50 people attending Charles Kiernan's 'Mark Twain' presentation at the Whitehall Library. It was as professional a presentation as Hal Holbrook! In the white suit, he regaled us with a lifetime of adventures and misadventures. I was impressed.

If he does it again, you really must attend! Thanks for a great evening!

Ms. Hushbequiet No Longer Lives Here

Mon, 14 Apr 2014 15:03:06 GMT

Celebrating National Library Week with a post on the future of libraries.

http://dtkrippene.com/2014/04/14/ms-hushbequiet-no-longer-lives-here/

My new paranormal novella

Sun, 13 Apr 2014 12:04:46 GMT

I am proud to announce that my new paranormal novella, Fathoms, is now available through www.createspace.com and it can also be purchased at www.amazon.com

https://www.createspace.com/4685686

Novel Award

Wed, 19 Mar 2014 02:24:10 GMT

Hell And Back, by Steven Walker has advanced to the second round of judging in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest. The final winner will receive a publishing contract with a $50,000 advance.

Book to television

Thu, 13 Mar 2014 05:02:20 GMT

Steven Walker, appeared in an episode of a new television series, "Killer Profile" on the Lifetime Movie Network. The episode which aired October 27th, is about serial killer, Timothy Krajcir, the subject of Walker's last true-crime book, "Predator" published by the Pinnacle True-Crime division of Kensington Publishing. Walker was recruited by Christina Carbonara of The Michael Group in Chicago to be a consultant for the show because his book was so well-researched and accurately depicts the life and crimes of one of America's most notorious and sexually deviant psychopaths who was eventually apprehended by the Allentown Police Department after committing multiple rapes and murders across the nation for many years.http://www.steven-walker.com

Meets editor at Write Stuff Conference, published author 7 months later

Fri, 28 Feb 2014 18:01:20 GMT

Grete DeAngelo's first novel, Giving Myself Away, was published by Panoptic Books (an imprint of Assent Publishing) in October 2013 after Grete pitched to Deb Riley-Magnus last March at the Write Stuff Conference.

http://www.gretedeangelo.com

Kathy Kulig interviewed by the Chicago Tribune

Sun, 23 Feb 2014 16:27:57 GMT

The article/interview, "Erotic Author Juggles Career and Marriage", about erotic author Kathy Kulig was in the Chicago Tribune this week: http://bit.ly/1flDUBK

The Little Free Library

Sun, 23 Feb 2014 12:44:55 GMT

Following up from our meeting yesterday about "The Little Free Library" , check out an post I did in August 2012 with a shared blog I participate, Blameitonthemuse.

http://blameitonthemuse.com/little-free-library/

Somewhere in the Middle of Eternity

Phil Giunta — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 20:10:27 GMT

In addition to my other post about Antimatter Press... I also created an anthology called Somewhere in the Middle of Eternity for Firebringer Press. Also due out in 2014, this collection will consist of 12 tales of fantasy, science fiction, and the paranormal from both published and as-yet unpublished writers. The cover art and interior illustrations (one per story) will be provided by Allentown artist Michael Riehl. In addition to serving as editor, I contributed three stories to the book. No exact release date yet, but here is a bit more info:

http://pgiunta.livejournal.com/116989.html

Story Accepted!

Phil Giunta — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 20:07:15 GMT

I am ecstatic to report that my medical science story, "First, Do No Harm" was accepted into an anthology called Local Magic, to be released later this year by digital publisher, Antimatter Press. The book will contain tales combining elements of magic and science. I do not have specifics as to release date yet. More info to come. Here is info about the anthology and the publisher: http://antimatterpress.com/submissions/

Kathryn Craft's book officially releases!

Sun, 26 Jan 2014 22:17:01 GMT

The Art of Falling's official pub day is upon us: Tuesday, Jan. 28! Kathryn is celebrating with a Virtual Launch party from noon-9 pm with a slew of guest authors and giveaways! Check it out at http://on.fb.me/1jySxDs

Twilght Zoning - Unique Place for Story Ideas

Fri, 24 Jan 2014 20:01:59 GMT

Discussing a unique source of story ideas from that wacky place we call dreams.

http://dtkrippene.com/2014/01/10/twilight-zoning-an-unusual-source-of-story-imagination/

The Forever Engine in the Stores.

Sat, 18 Jan 2014 02:41:33 GMT

Frank Chadwick's second novel from Baen Books, The Forever Engine, is in the stores and it got a very good pre-release review in Publisher's Weekly. It's averaging 4 1/2 stars in reviews on Amazon and it's the 14th best-seller on Amazon in Time Travel books and 15th in Steampunk. An encouraging start.

In the News

Tue, 03 Dec 2013 01:43:49 GMT

"Easton author finds her passion in erotic fiction": Article in Lehigh Valley Live about author, supportive husband and researching steamy novels.

New erotic romance by Kathy Kulig released 11/15/13 SUMMER SINS at Ellora's Cave.

Award

Tue, 19 Nov 2013 17:56:08 GMT

Michelle Crunkleton-Clark was awarded the Paula Danzinger Award by the Rutgers University Council on Children’s Literature for her unpublished Middle Grade novel, THE REMARKABLE TRANSFORMATION OF JONATHAN BLAKE.

New Sale

Sat, 02 Nov 2013 00:53:39 GMT

Sold the third novelette in "The Journeyman" series to ANALOG SF. "The Journeyman: Against the Green" follows "The Journeyman: In the Stone House" and "The Journeyman: On the Shortgrass Prairie" as we follow Teodrorq sunna Nagarajan the Ironhand in his journeys across World in search of the encampments of the star men.

Kathryn's debut novel due Jan 28!

Fri, 01 Nov 2013 13:12:05 GMT

Kathryn Craft's debut novel, THE ART OF FALLING (click for Kirkus review), will be released by Sourcebooks on January 28, 2014, ending her ten-year wait to see this happen! It is available for pre-order now wherever books are sold. If you're buying them for holiday giving Kathryn will send you cards with the book cover on front to stand it for the gift till it arrives! Leave snail mail and number of pre-orders at her website contact form.

The Three "P's"

Sat, 10 Aug 2013 01:53:41 GMT

Writing recently about the NBA's most valuable player, I said it was the passion, perseverance and practice of Lebron James that made him a positive role model for me. Since that op-ed, I' look around and I'm more convinced than ever that the three "P's" really are fundamental to success no matter the endeavor, be it writing, cooking or swimming the English Channel.

Sample Success Story

Bart Palamaro — Fri, 09 Aug 2013 13:59:27 GMT

Type your story in the black text box and it will look like this. You can change the text by highlighting and picking new fonts, sizes and colors from the control panel under the "post" button.

Try it!

I met a nurse today...

Bart Palamaro — Fri, 09 Aug 2013 13:53:40 GMT

....who served in an army field hospital during the Battle of the Bulge. And was there on D-Day. She's 93. She was in and out of the volunteer office in a few moments, just looking for a book.

I am ashamed to say that I didn't know what to ask, or how, or even if I should, and then it was too late.

Maybe she will be here next week.

Bart