Weekly Web Wrap Up 6/3/2011 - With Giveaway!

What would you do if you found out the cute guy you liked was actually a Regency gentleman who had spent 200 years trapped as a statue? This is the dilemma facing Eva in The Kiss by Emma Shortt. Tell us what your response would be in the comments below and be entered to win a copy of this new e-book!

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HISTORICAL ROMANCE: Author Debra Mullins on the secret identity in her new novel. Read More >>

MYSTERY: Get a look at PI Claire DeWitt. Read The Excerpt >>

EROTICA: Crystal Jordan gives readers an inside look at her new story. Learn More >>

MAINSTREAM: Elizabeth Joy Arnold talks about When We Were Friends. Watch The Video >>

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE: Katie Lane’s newest heroine is not excited to learn she has an identical twin. Learn Why >>

YOUNG ADULT: Two debut authors go behind the scenes of their paranormal tales. Check Out The Interview >>

INSPIRATIONAL: Find out how this author got into the mind of Biblical character Martha. Read On >>

PARANORMAL: Melissa Marr on her new projects, including Graveminder. Watch It Now >>

EVERYTHING E-BOOKS: Three new tales get *Web Exclusive Reviews* this week. Check Them Out >>

AUTHORS IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Test your new release knowledge with our quiz! Take It Now >>

PUBLISHING NEWS: Inspirational publisher Tyndale House to release a Digital First imprint. Learn More >>

READ THE EXCERPT: Marie Bostwick continues her popular Cobbled Court series. Take A Look >>

BOOKS IN THE NEWS: Michael Crichton’s posthumously published thriller to hit shelves in November. Get The Details >>

HOW IT’S MADE: Three authors go behind the scenes of their erotic anthology. Learn More >>

ON THE MENU: Morgan and Whitney Dish about Sarah MacLean’s new historical romance. Take A Nibble >>

WIN IT THIS WEEK: Win the seven paranormal YA novels from the Dark Days of Supernatural tour. Enter to Win >>

COMING NEXT WEEK: Andrea Kane chats about her new mystery and gives away five copies of the The Girl Who Disappeared Twice, YA author Colleen Houck stops by for a video interview and Morgan and Whitney Dish about Ellen Connor’s dystopian novel Nightfall.

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GIVEAWAY ALERT: Three lucky winners will each receive a digital copy of The Kiss by Emma Shortt. To enter leave a comment sharing what your response would be if you found out that your boyfriend had spent 200 years trapped as a statue. Or email your comment here with the subject line “Emma Shortt’s The Kiss Giveaway.” This contest is open to all readers and the winners will be announced on Tuesday, June 7.

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Reader Review: "Snow Falling On Cedars"

   Reader reviews of Snow Falling On Cedars by David Guterson.There are currently 44 reviews
for Snow Falling On Cedars Rated of 5 by Dave S
Snow Falling on Cedars
I read this many years ago, but still count it among my favorites. It is one of those rare books where the setting is painted so vividly, you are taken there to listen and experience the story firsthand. And once you are there, the story flows beautifully and dramatically, keeping you engaged from the first page to the last. Rated of 5 by Scrutiny
Enjoyable
While flowing through a series of flashbacks and present day proceedings, an inexperienced reader may feel lost. But these same flashbacks delve deeply into the mindsets of the characters and opens the reader up to a much closer connection to each character. Guterson's extensive use of description will not leave the reader wondering. He expertly puts the reader in the middle of each scene, uncensored. If the reader is disgusted by the war scenes, or uncomfetable with the more sensual scenes, then Guterson has achieved success, as dramatic reactions on part of the reader are certain to be expected. A must read for older readers who are willing to immerse themselves in a book for hours. Rated of 5 by some reviewer
Overall, good
Admittedly, the beginning nearly turned me off. But once I got through the opening, I did not want to put it down. The book keeps you guessing, and the pages keep turning. Rated of 5 by Noble
SUCKS.
I cant even get past the first three chapters. It puts me to sleep. Rated of 5 by corshelle
the best book ever
This was one of the best books I have ever read. It pulls you in then spits you out. You can't put it down. Rated of 5 by ?????
0
I could not get past the first few pages. At first it moves to slow, then it picks up, but it stays pretty slow.
Tracy, a retired police detective, rescues a small child; Jackson Brodie, a detective, rescues and abused dog. Dog in tow, Jackson is about to learn, along with Tracy, that no good deed goes unpunished. In this poignant novel based on a true story, Virginia's story will speak to anyone who has ever struggled to find his or her place in the world. It will make you laugh and cry, and ultimately, it will fill you with hope. The world knows Madame Tussaud as a wax artist extraordinaire . . . but who was this woman who became one of the most famous sculptresses of all time? In these pages, her tumultuous and amazing story comes to life as only Michelle Moran can tell it. The year is 1788, and a revolution is about to... A tour de force that echoes modern classics like Suite Francaise and The Postmistress. In Vaclav & Lena Haley Tanner has created two unforgettable young protagonists who evoke the joy, the confusion, and the passion of having a profound, everlasting connection with someone else. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford creates a clash in my mind. What is an easy story to read, due to the author's flowing ... read moreI would highly recommend this book to anyone who is even considering reading it. Picoult goes above and beyond her traditional love stories and ... read moreI read this many years ago, but still count it among my favorites. It is one of those rare books where the setting is painted so vividly, you are ... read moreCalifornia State Assembly passes internet sales tax bill (Jun 02 2011)
Earlier this week, the California State Assembly followed a number of other states in passing a bill "aimed at closing a legal loophole that allows internet... Full StoryUK's largest ever poetry festival planned for Olympics (Jun 01 2011)
Poets from the 205 Olympic nations are competing to be part of "Poetry Parnassus", the UK's largest ever poetry festival, which will take place from 26 June... Full Story

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Video Interview With Mainstream Author Elizabeth Joy Arnold

Mainstream author Elizabeth Joy Arnold will have you glued to the pages of her newest novel, When We Were Friends, with the story's emotionally gripping content and dramatic twists and turns. Today the author chats with RT's Web Editor Morgan Doremus about what happens when you get involved in a situation that has no solution, and when "doing the right thing" completely backfires ...

Elizabeth Joy Arnold on When We Were Friends >>

More From The RT BOOK REVIEWS Video Channel >>

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Video Interview: Melissa Marr Chats About Graveminder

Bestselling author Melissa Marr chats with RT's Web Editor Morgan Doremus about embarking on several new projects, including May's paranormal fiction Graveminder and news about the upcoming television series deal the author inked even before Graveminder hit shelves!

Melissa Marr on Graveminder >>

More From The RT BOOK REVIEWS Video Channel >>

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Kresley Cole Reveals The Cover Of Lothaire Tomorrow Morning On Facebook

Trends in cover art come and go quickly. While the cartoon covers of the early '00s contemporary romances are out and there has been a noticeable decline in the number of rain boots featured on mainstream novels, in urban fantasies tattooed ladies are in and buff male chests remain the kings of paranormal romances.  

With all of our speculation about what's hot (and what's not) in the world of book covers, it is with bated breath that we await tomorrow morning's Facebook cover reveal of Kresley Cole's Lothaire. The novel is the latest in the author's popular Immortals After Dark series and features a mysterious and dangerous hero. While the book won't publish until January, we are already full of questions about the elusive Lothaire, including the look of his cover. The wait is over tomorrow morning at 9 AM when the author will reveal the artwork for Lothaire for the first time on her Facebook Page. We will meet you there bright and early for a sneak peek at this highly anticipated upcoming release!  

Visit Kresley Cole's Facebook page >>

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Test Your New Release Knowledge With Our June Authors In The Spotlight Quiz!

Spring has sprung and summer has started in the outskirts of New York City. Here at RT we are appreciating all of those hot-weather treats like ice cream and iced coffee. But we have a something delicious (and calorie-free) for you today ... a taste of ten new releases. Read heart-felt messages, enjoy two author interviews and, of course, browse excerpts with this month's Authors in the Spotlight!

Don't know where to start? You can check out the index, or find out which new books are spotlighted with this month's Authors in the Spotlight Quiz.

Authors In The Spotlight Quiz: June

1) Which two authors interview each other about their new historical/contemporary romance? Answer >>

2) Who is the author shrouding the final book in her paranormal YA series with illusions? Answer >>

3) Which paranormal romance series continues with this month's pastry chef heroine falling for Iskander, her good-looking landlord? Answer >>

4) Which author's long-running fantasy series features the name Naamah in many of her titles? Answer >>

5) Which romantic suspense heroine attempts to save her brother from death row? Answer >>

6) Lady Caroline Blacknall's trip to Muirin Inish completes which historical romance author's Daughters of Erin trilogy? Answer >>

7) Who pens the new contemporary romance Southern Roads series, which features three brothers trying to reinvigorate their dying town? Answer >>

8) This author debuted with the historical romance The Heir. What is the name of the series second? Answer >>

9) Katie Lane tells us that getting lost on trips was the starting point for her new contemporary romance. What's the story's title? Answer >>

10) Which real-life sisters release their co-written suspense series second, which started with 2007's Wicked Game. Answer >>

Best of luck and we hope you enjoy this month's authors in the Spotlight! 

See All Of The June Authors In The Spotlight >>

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RT's Anne Elizabeth And A Special Look At Ziggy, The Ultimate Communicator

Today graphic novel author Anne Elizabeth, who is also the RT BOOK REVIEWS Columnist on Comics, Manga and Graphic Novels, shares a special look into the world of the comic character Ziggy.

In a rare interview, I spoke with Tom Wilson II, the son of Ziggy creator and the artist of the popular newspaper comic strip for the past few decades. “I took over for my dad years ago. I suppose it was a natural progression. I grew up with Ziggy who was like an older brother to me. He taught me a lot...” said Wilson. “Ziggy was a loner, a sad sack if you will, who was able to speak directly to the audience about his issues and upsets. He could look the world in the eye and impart his wisdom.” This candidness melted hearts of readers around the globe.

Ziggy has had a fascinating history. He was created by Tom Wilson I when he worked at American Greetings. “Dad said, ‘Ziggy just showed up one day,’” shared Wilson. He appeared in the greeting card company’s newspaper and the character quickly caught the imagination and interest of customers. In the early 1970’s, the character was picked up in additional print mediums and Ziggy slowly became syndicated in the comic pages of newspapers around the country. In the mid-1980’s, Tom Wilson II took over the strip full time.

This talented man honed his skill of writing pithy sayings in a game he played with his father called Save Ziggy!  “When I was a child, Dad would often take me to Big Boy for breakfast where I’d order chocolate chip pancakes. He’d flip over the paper placemat, take out his pen, and draw a square. Inside he’d depict Ziggy and then he’d ask me what happened next. The tricky part, and this was his one rule, was that I couldn’t give him my first answer as he thought those immediate responses were ‘low-hanging’ fruit. Instead, I had to dig deep and give him the second or third thoughts. It was hard... That first idea always seemed so great to me, but Dad’s game taught me how to give something greater to Ziggy and the world. I’ll never forget it,” said Wilson. “As a creator it is a responsibility to give something positive to your work. My advice to aspiring artists and writers is honor your passion. The key in the door that opens up more memories and stuff going on is valuable...emotion and creativity are linked. Hold true to this, you create because it’s part of you...it’s a positive thing.”

Wilson has also written a memoir, “Zig-Zagging” about his experiences with Ziggy and how it affected him as both an adult and child, too. If you’d like additional information, please check out Wilson’s website at www.ziggy.com.  

On a personal note, I’d like to share what Ziggy meant to me. He was a great comfort. When I was very little my father would pull me onto his lap and read the funny pages of the newspaper, and when I was older I remember the order forms from school where I could order the Ziggy books. I even had a stuffed Ziggy doll I used to sleep with (I lost it at camp years ago.). To me, Ziggy represented endurance, kindness, and an ability to rise above the trials and hardships of life. To all those fans and readers out there, why do you like Ziggy, now or as a child? What does he or did he represent to you? Leave a comment or send me an email at mail@anneelizabeth.net.

- Anne Elizabeth

For more from Anne Elizabeth, be sure to check out her interview with debut graphic novel author Kim Harrison who already has a following for her paranormal tales, in the July issue of RT BOOK REVIEWS!

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