Don't be disappointed that I'm not Josh...I offered to start Tenner Buzz in case he was busy with like a job...or a baby...or something. But lo and behold, he'd done all this work buzz wrangling already! And I'd love to pretend I did it and take the credit (darn conscience), but he forwarded the following:

Reading in my best imitation of Berk:
 
Next two Fridays are Christmas and New Year's and then it's 2010! Craziness. So I probably won't do Friday Buzz again until Jan 8, at which time so many Tenner books will already be out! In fact, we're less than a week away from three new releases:

Dec 22 brings: Lindsay Eland's Scones and Sensibility, Bree Despain's The Dark Divine, and Jaclyn Dolamore's Magic Under Glass! Hurray and huzzah and congrats to you three on your coming release day.

Not surprisingly, I found buzz on the three of you, as well as lots of other good Tenner buzz!

Lindsay Eland was interviewed in The Summit Daily News. A newspaper article! Very cool: http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20091218/AE/912179976/1078&ParentProfile=1055

Here are some nice reviews of The Dark Divine: http://vagabondvoice.blogspot.com/2009/12/dark-divine-by-bree-despain-guest.html http://harmonybookreviews.wordpress.com/2009/12/13/aom-review-the-dark-divine-by-bree-despain/

The Dark Divine is an "Editor's Pick" this week at Amazon, but I am not sure this is the right link... It does say "featured in teen books" and Bree is definitely on there! http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_82933931_1?ie=UTF8&plgroup=1&docId=1000359261&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-4&pf_rd_r=0ZMZEA1F2P1HQA95D72W&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=505682631&pf_rd_i=28

Publisher's Weekly reviews for some of our January releases!

Olugbemisola (starred review) "masterful debut" ... ...
Magic Under Glass
The Secret Year
All Unquiet Things

Anna's trailer from Random House
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qi48VgHd8Tg&

Hex Hall - WoWs: http://sarahbear9789.blogspot.com/2009/12/waiting-on-wednesday-38.html http://cornucopiaofreviews.blogspot.com/2009/12/waiting-on-wednesday-december-16.html

A fun Teaser from THE LINE: http://bambookreviews.blogspot.com/2009/12/teaser-tuesday-13.html

TAGGED by Mara Purnhagen WoW: http://freneticreader.blogspot.com/2009/12/waiting-on-wednesday-49.html

Brightly Woven by Alex Bracken is in School Library Journal: http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6711446.html?nid=4302&source=title&rid=16901304

Angie talks cats (and other things, but mostly just cats) with Sharon: http://www.sharonlovesbooksandcats.com/2009/12/catterview-with-angie-frazier-lucy-and.html


Interview with moi (I'm me again, stop the Berk voice) on The Backstory by Ann Leal (ALSO KNOWN AS HARPER, 2009) : http://annhaywoodleal.blogspot.com/2009/12/interview-with-2k10-author-jame.html

stepstomarrow
When granddaughter, Jada, was born with leukemia, a donor-match was located and Jada made a miraculous recovery. In honor of her grandaughter's health, Jeanna has decided to walk across the country (in the dead of winter) to raise awareness and build support for the bone marrow registry (all that's required is a cheek swab). Follow Jeanna's remarkable journey as she travels the United States by foot.

I just realized we're a week from Christmas! Christmas! Which means 2010 is mere days away! I know the January release people must be dancing on the ceiling. How does it feel to be THIS CLOSE to release month? I know my book comes out in February and I almost can't contain myself.

Its been a crazy year, hasn't it? But 2010 is so close now. We're almost there, Tenners. Sometimes I thought the year would never be over, but its almost gone.

Have an awesome holiday season everyone! See you in 2010.

Julie

When I first started writing HEX HALL, I had one pretty basic goal in mind: Write a book that A)involved Lots of Scandalous Making Out, B)was fun to write, and C)did not suck. I know I met at least two of those goals, and I'm HOPING I met the third! Most writers I know are big fans of Setting Goals. Sometimes, it's "I will write 1,000 words before I eat this cookie." Or, "I will write at least 2 books a year, as well as researching a third." Or "I will not cry today." (That one is a personal fave!)

Sometimes the goals are bigger, like "Make NYT List" or "Oooooopraaaaah." Sometimes they're more abstract, like, "Make kids happy," or "Decrease World Suck" (TM John Green).

I don't really set daily goals for myself- other than the not crying thing- when it comes to writing, mostly because every day is unique, and what can be accomplished on Tuesday is sometimes insurmountable on Wednesday. However, I HAVE composed the following 10 goals for my career as a whole:

1) Overwrought YouTube Video Tributes to HEX HALL.

2) Being the celebrity judge at my hometown's Miss National Peanut Festival Pageant, not-so-affectionately referred to as "Miss Nut." (Also, the fact that I just called it "Miss Nut" means that I will never be asked to be a celebrity judge. DARN IT!)

3)Ditch The Husband for Celebrity Boyfriend; Be Scandalous/Fabulous (Look, I know this one is not that nice, but if I have a chance to be Mrs. Prince Caspian...er, Mrs. Ben Barnes, then I WILL TAKE IT, PEOPLE. And so would you. Don't lie.)

4) Two Words: Hawkins. Manor.

5)Become BFF with Dolly Parton and/or Paula Deen. (Ideally, it would be both of them, and we'd do one of Paula's shows together, and then I would die of happiness.)

6)HEX HALL: THE BROADWAY MUSICAL

7)Slumber Parties with J.K. Rowling and Stephenie Meyer

8)Scandalous Biography of Me by Kitty Kelly. Wait, is Kitty Kelly still alive? I think she is. Should maybe Google...Okay, YES, Kitty Kelly still alive. GOAL SET.

9)Have Vast Quantity of Internet Taken Up with Slash Fanfiction of HEX HALL Characters, Even Though Only One Character is Actually Gay.

10) Own Brand of Boxed Wine.

I'm pretty sure I can make all of these happen, hopefully by April or so. I'll keep y'all informed! So let me ask you, Fellow Tenners: What kind of goals have you set for yourselves? Do you do daily writing goals, complete with food bribery? What kind of goals do you have for your career as a whole? For your upcoming book?

Name: Kelly Creagh

'10 Book Title: NEVERMORE

Publisher: Simon and Schuster Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Favorite Bit of Writing Advice: If you don’t commit and write the story already, your characters will leave you for another writer.

Favorite and least favorite part of writing:
Favorite: When my characters begin to take over and I have to type fast to keep up with everything they’re telling me. I also love it when I’m in the middle of writing a scene and one of them tells me something shocking and I go all “*gasp!* Nu-uh. No he didn’t.” Can I also say that I love how this doesn’t sound crazy to other writers?

Least Favorite: If I have to step away from a story for a long time (for whatever reason) I have the hardest time getting back into the rhythm and cadence of that particular tale. It’s so frustrating. It’s like you pull out that pair of jeans from last summer that you LOVE only to find that they no longer fit? Yeah. And then you’ve got to run a thousand laps or do a billion hip drops (or write a hundred bad chapters) before you can wiggle your way back in.

Outline or Let it fly?: I’m a little of both. I always start out letting it fly. It’s like driving in a storm and I can only see ten feet in front of me. Then, all of a sudden, when I get far enough, the rain clears and the clouds part, and then I can see where I’m going and that's when my (loose) outline forms. Still, that said, I don’t always know every twist and turn. That’s part of the fun.

5 things about me
1. I am a professional bellydancer and instructor. I love performing though too often do I find myself trying to explain to strangers why I carry a scimitar in my trunk.
2. Junior year I was my high school mascot, Sam the Ram. I wore a furry crimson body suit with a gynormous Ram’s head that had these huge Princess Leia Bun horns that made it hard to fit through doors. No one knew, either. My friends were all Goths, skaters and theatre nerds so I was too afraid to tell anyone. They always wanted to know why I “skipped” pep rallies. It was totally my secret identity.
3. I was a theatre major in undergrad. I’m always amazed at how many actors become writers and vice versa. In a writing lecture, I once heard a speaker comment that “actors are kind of like frustrated writers.” But I think it can go the other way, too.
4. I work in teen services for the Library. I LOVE working with teenagers. I used to drive the bookmobile and that was BAD. Especially that one time when I took a turn too sharply, caught the curb, peeled the stairs off the bus and shouted a bad bad baaaad word in front of my supervisor.
5. I have a dog named Annabel. She’s a terrier mix and I got her from the pound two years ago when I got back from my first Poe-research trip to Baltimore and Richmond. She rolls over and plays dead whenever I shout “AVADA-KADAVRA!” She can sit, lay down, say “I love you” and “mama.” I am very proud.

NEVERMORE Synopsis:

Cheerleader Isobel Lanley is horrified when Varen Nethers is assigned as her partner for an English project, which is due—so unfair—on the day of the rival game. But when he makes it clear that he’d rather not have anything to do with her either, she can’t help but give this enigmatic boy with the perfect handwriting and cold, piercing eyes another look.
Soon, Isobel finds herself making excuses to be with Varen. Steadily pulled away from her friends and her football-playing boyfriend, Isobel ventures deeper and deeper into the dream world Varen has created through the pages of his notebook, a realm where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life.
As her world begins to unravel around her, Isobel discovers that dreams, like words, hold more power than she ever imagined. And the most frightening realities are those of the mind. Now she must find a way to reach Varen before he is consumed by the shadows of his own nightmares.
His life depends on it.

So I was driving home from the store a couple of nights ago -- it was a beautiful night, dry and crisp and clear -- and I was passing Christmas tree lots, as one so often does around Christmas time. I glanced at each one, vaguely noting their prices and their offerings; I needed to get a Christmas tree, but felt no particular sense of immediacy about it (perhaps because my 11-year-old daughter wasn't in the car with me).

That changed, however, when I passed the lot with a huge plywood sign, on which was painted with the words "Last Dry Day!"

That sign almost made me stop the car right then and there and buy a tree. (Of course, I didn't; remember, I wasn't too keen on having my absent 11-year-old kill me in my sleep.) But that "Last Dry Day" message swiftly reoriented my thinking from "buy sometime" to "buy now." How? By shifting the buying trigger. Instead of the trigger being the easygoing "obtain a pleasant but ultimately non-essential object" it became the vastly more powerful and immediate "avoid unpleasant mess and hassle."

There's a lesson here to learn when it comes to book marketing as well. In most cases, books are viewed by the buyer as pleasant but ultimately non-essential objects. How can we, as authors marketing our work, shift that thinking to something more powerful and immediate? What buying triggers can we trip?

• The Scarcity Trigger. Amazon has a very cool "only [x] left in stock" message that pops up when supplies are running low. Online sellers that offer this information to buyers are doing you a favor -- direct your buyers to them first. And when supplies are low, make sure you mention on your blog or Facebook or Twitter. It may push a few customers over the line from thinking about buying to hitting the "buy now" button.

• The No-Spoiler Trigger. Does your book have a surprise ending? Is there a twist that readers won't want to find out in advance? Make the most of this fact in your marketing. Send the message loud and clear to potential buyers: don't wait, the secret won't stay a secret long!

• The Special Offer Trigger. This trigger is used often, but can still be effective. It involves providing some "special extra" to those who buy the book now. The special extra can be a prize -- for instance, urban fantasy author and writing instructor A.M. Dellamonica recently offered a prize of a manuscript critique of up to 6,000 words of fiction. To enter, readers had to buy her debut INDIGO SPRINGS and post a review before a certain date. This strategy not only ensured her a few extra sales, but several more reviews as well! But you don't have to offer a big ticket item; it can even be something as small as a moment of author interaction. At cons, make sure you participate in author signing events. If there aren't any organized events, let readers know that you'll be available in the dealer's room.

These are just a few examples, I'm sure our readers can think of more. Post your ideas in the comments!

taste_buds
Holidays provide a built-in excuse for indulgent entertaining. This all-purpose foodie community covers everything from homemade hangover cures to dinner party menus. Need quick advice? Get five-minute snack suggestions, low-fat ingredient substitutes, and even measurement conversions. Delicious recipes garnished with humorous advice. Yum.

naturesbeauty
Always on the lookout for compelling images, we were delighted to discover this flourishing community of artists who share a love of nature. Honoring the subject with photographs, paintings, sketches, prose, poetry, and other creative works, you'll be simultaneously riveted to your monitor and inspired to run helter skelter towards the nearest wooded dale.

Finally, after all the cover-envy I've been having over the gorgeous Tenner covers, I have received and can share the cover for CHANGE OF HEART.

I had no idea what the cover was going to look like, but I hope it works.

This whole publication thing is getting very real!

BIG NOTE: I'VE BEEN GETTING COMMENTS THAT SOME PEOPLE CAN'T SEE THE COVER. I JUST WENT ON MY MAC AND THE COVER APPEARS BLACK AND SPOOKY. I'M TRYING TO SOLVE THIS. THE COVER SHOULD HAVE A BEIGE/YELLOWISH BACKGROUND. IF THIS ISN'T WHAT YOU ARE SEEING, LET ME KNOW.

BOY, THE INTERNET IS GREAT UNTIL IT ISN'T!

If you can't read it, there's a lovely post on it on the Ellz Readz blog. Thanks to Elie for putting this up. Thankfully it worked for her, even if I'm still struggling with it! http://ellzreadz.blogspot.com/2009/12/tenner-talk.html

Thanks, everyone for the great contest entries!

The magical Random Number Generator picked The O.W.L, who wrote:

"I'd like to be an agent for change in the lives of my 7th graders to help them see that they can make a difference. I want to do more things that show them HOW to act on their beliefs not just have them. The other thing I'd like to do is get a book drive going at my school. I've read several posts lately about libraries in need, so I'd like to get my school doing something to help."

Congratulations!

Tenners release dates have been updated. A couple of our members have tentative or pending changes, which I won't list until they are more final. Keep those updates coming!

You guys have got to stop generating such good buzz because this is getting exhausting! Kidding of course. It warms my heart to see each and every bit of Tenner buzzy goodness. As we approach 2010 lots of reviews and exciting things are rolling in. I'm sure there's more so please share in comments!

---

First of all, today is is Agent Appreciation Day, created by 10er Kody Keplinger & slowly (actually, quickly) taking over the world! Here's one post about it:
http://yahighway.blogspot.com/2009/12/happy-super-unofficial-top-secret-agent.html

The Compulsive Reader says "Anna Jarzab's debut novel is a superbly written and immaculate mystery..." http://www.thecompulsivereader.com/2009/12/all-unquiet-things-by-anna-jarzab.html

Anna is also a Wow here: http://thehidingspot.blogspot.com/2009/12/waiting-on-wednesday-21.html

And The Red Umbrella by Christina Diaz Gonzalez is a WoW here: http://blackteensread2.blogspot.com/2009/12/waiting-on-wednesday-red-umbrella.html

Guardian of the Dead by Karen Healey is a WoW here: http://agoodaddiction.blogspot.com/2009/12/waiting-on-wednesday-3.html

The Rise of Renegade X by Chelsea Campbell is a WoW here: http://freneticreader.blogspot.com/2009/12/waiting-on-wednesday-48.html

The Dark Divine by Bree Despain is a WoW here: http://yavampirebooks.blogspot.com/2009/12/waiting-on-wednesday-129.html

Maggie's Top Twelve Books of 2009 includes a Tenner! (Oh, and who is this Maggie person? Just Maggie Stiefvater) http://m-stiefvater.livejournal.com/137446.html

The Neverending Shelf says "Bleeding Violet is one of the most unique reads that I have had the pleasure to read in a while..." http://www.theneverendingshelf.com/2009/12/book-review-bleeding-violet.html

Kay Cassidy is a guest blogger here: http://bookblather.net/?p=1635

Prophecy of Days by Christy Raedeke is a "Friday Find" here: http://bookizzle.blogspot.com/2009/12/friday-finds-dec-11-follow-friday-5.html

Karen Kincy has news! http://www.karenkincy.com/?p=898 (Hint: You can now order OTHER on Amazon.)

Alexandra Bracken gets 5 Stars for Brightly Woven! - http://www.chicklitteens.com/2009/12/brightly-woven-by-alexandra-bracken.html

A Secret Year by Jennifer Hubbard is "a must read for 2010 and once you read it you will want everyone you know to read it so that you can all talk about it. Yes, it is that good." http://lushbudgetproduction.blogspot.com/2009/12/review-secret-year-by-jennifer-r.html

Kid vs. Squid ARCs! http://gregvaneekhout.livejournal.com/287111.html

TENtalizing Tidbits: Kiersten White -- http://liveandbreathesmexily.blogspot.com/2009/12/tentalizing-tidbits-kiersten-white.html

Tenner Interview- CJ Omololu: Author of Diry Little Secrets at Zoe's Book Reviews: http://bit.ly/63sUEC

And finally here's a very cool thing Becca is doing to raise money for a good cause: http://leaveamarkauctions.blogspot.com/2009/12/hush-hush-by-becca-fitzpatrick.html (Donate to Provide New Books to Children in Need through the “Leave a Mark” Auction)

Happy Friday!

So to spread the love and cheer, some of us 10ers - and other authors from around the spectrum - are presenting you with Officially Unofficial Agent Appreciation Day! For a list of some of the authors who took part, head over to lisa-laura.blogspot.com and check out the growing list!

In the mean time, HAPPY AGENT DAY to the agents!

I'm using this space, also, for authors without blogs. So if you're an agented author who wants to give a shout out to your agent, leave a comment here and I'll edit you into this post! Spread the love, ya'll. Its' the Holiday Season!


So here's what one author, our Teri Hall, had to say:

"My agent is Kirby Kim, and I am so lucky to have him representing me. He is professional, prompt, caring, and kind. You always feel like you are important with Kirby because he still believes in old-school professional behavior, like returning emails promptly, answering questions fully and really doing his job well. He's also a truly caring individual who listens to his clients and tells them the truth. I feel so fortunate that he liked my work, and I hope we remain partners in this business for a long time to come."

Heidi Kling says:

"Happy Agent Day to Sara Crowe who took me out for yummy cream of tomato soup. :)

You're the best!"

Margie Gelbwasser says:

"I love my agent Jennifer Laughran because she believed in me and my book, she's always super prompt with answering my questions, she never says I'm too nervous or neurotic (she may think it but never says it), and she sold my book. Gotta love that!! :-)"

Leah Cypess says:

"On behalf of Cindy Pon (who is in England) and me (who has no blog), we both want to thank our agent, Bill Contardi, for his expertise in every part of this process, for having faith in our works, and for everything he's done for us every step of the way!"

Dia Reeves says:

"Happy Agent Day to JAMIE WEISS CHILTON! She's never too busy for me, she has EXCELLENT taste in books, and she calms me the frig down whenever I start to feel like I'm losing my mind--which thankfully isn't often. :D Go, Jamie, go!"


Add comments if you'd like and I'll add you in. Or, if you want, you can link to your blog here with your own post. It's up to you!

Have a great Agent Day!

backpacking
Want to embrace your wanderlust on the cheap? If you're tall on adventurous spirit, but short on funds, this community can help you plan a trip to anywhere. Offering plentiful tips on how to travel light, you can post about bargain hotels and hostels if you're into urban exploration or discuss camping gear and mosquito netting for the great outdoors. Hitch your backpack, pitch your tent, and carpe diem!

There's a kerfuffle going on in the SF side of the SFF world about short story pay rates. It's easy to find if you're interested. The question is raised for me, tho, is whither the urban fantasy short story market?

Obviously, there are anthologies out there--several FFF members are in some very cool collections. I like these conceptually.

What I don't know is, is there a website/magazine venue to get your uf shorts jollies? I know ostensively something like The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction and Realms of Fantasy and maybe ClarkesWorld are outlets, but I've never perceived them as go-to places for uf/paranormal shorts. Is there one?

disclaimer: I'm not a short story writer and this isn't an attempt to get people to do my homework. I'm interested as a reader and curious from a market standpoint. I know there are websites and blogs out there, but are there so-called "majors?" You know, like when you tell me, I'm gonna feel stoopid for not thinking of them. :)

Hello -- my name is Michaela and I'm delighted to be able to join your community. I've been watching/stalking for months and finally decided to learn how to post an entry. My first book comes out in the Fall from Chronicle Books.

Thank you in advance for letting me part of this wonderful and supportive group!

Michaela


Name: Michaela MacColl

'10 Book Title: I wish I knew! (that's not the title, just an observation) A working title which everyone agrees does not work is "The Princess's Maid: How Victoria became Queen with the Help of her Maid, a Reporter and a Scoundrel."

Publisher: Chronicle Books

Favorite Bit of Writing Advice: From the indomitable Pat Giff -- writing is a craft. It can be learned.

Favorite and Least Favorite Part of Writing

I write historical fiction and my favorite part is the initial research. Digging into an event or a person's life and finding a way in.

My least favorite is (now I know this) the copy editing process. To have some anonymous person questioning my word choices, checking my facts (on Wikipedia, no less) and rewriting in a florid style I didn't care for at all was awful.

Outline or Let It Fly: Doesn't everyone outline?

5 Things About Me:

1. I used to write computer manuals. Once I spent two weeks writing a manual and training materials for a product that didn't exist yet.

2. I can't get my eleven year old daughter to read my books. (and that's OK with me because she's a ruthless reader -- she's been known to toss a book aside when there's too much description.) My thirteen year old daughter is willing to humor me.

3. I started writing so I could make research trips -- so far London and Florence. And my accountant assures me that if I take the kids, it's all tax-deductible! (and finally a little bit of income to deduct from)

4. I've got a husband who doesn't read books. His theory is that since he reads so slowly (don't get me wrong -- he's a smart guy, literally a rocket scientist), that he has perhaps 300 books in his lifetime. So when I recommend a book, he says "Is it worth taking one step closer to death?" It's amazing how few books meet that standard. However, he's brought himself nearer to the grave by reading mine.

5. My other passion is international politics. I do a lot of volunteer work with the UN. Last summer I had tea with the Secretary-General.

My Novel's (whatever it's called) Synopsis:

Liza Hastings is alone, newly orphaned, and penniless in 1836 London. Her only assets? She's quick-witted and speaks German. What's a girl to do? Get herself a job at Kensington Palace waiting on the 16 year old Princess Victoria. She soon discovers that life in the palace is fraught with peril, not just for Liza but the Princess. Victoria is a virtual prisoner of her german speaking mother and the sinister Sir John Conroy. Liza becomes her spy and confidant.


Liza's journey takes her into the slums of London and to the Queen's drawing room at Windsor Palace. She discovers that Princes are often not very charming and that a certain young commoner, is uncommonly attractive. With the help of some unlikely friends, she saves Victoria from mortgaging the royal exchequer and the future Queen's self-respect. Along the way, Liza learns that she is strong enough to make her own choices.

Hi all,

Escape from Camp David is now going to be called Danger's Edge: Wildfire at Camp David. As any of you have been through a title change know, it was a bit disconcerting at first, because we all live with one title so long, but I think the new one will work well. I'm thrilled the 'Camp David' part is staying in the title. My husband came up with idea to incorporate the word 'edge', and I'm so glad he's willing to brainstorm with me, because he had no clue when we got married how much time he would have to spend participating in involved discussions about individual words.

Now I just have to figure out a way to get the title changed on Goodreads....

Hey, everyone:

Jackie Dolamore's character, Erris (from MAGIC UNDER GLASS) sat down to chat with my character, Death (from HUNGER). The result is up on Post Mortem.

http://jackiemorsekessler.com/postmortem/2009/12/08/its-a-kind-of-magic/

Best,
Jackie (the Other Jackie)

**FINAL EDIT Thu Dec 10 02:15:47 UTC 2009**

So there is the final update... Over the past day we have processed around 11 million jobs out of the 12 million that were in queue at that time. Please bear in mind that over this past day, more jobs for notifications are also created. So while the queue has been dropping, we are still not fully caught up at this point, due to backlog and new jobs. We have roughly 3 million jobs still pending that involve the notification system in some manner. We had hoped we could have fully cleared the queue in a day, but unfortunately we can't clear it too quickly, since we need the rest of the site to operate normally. From our current perspective on the amount of jobs that are left in queue, and how many it has processed thus far, we believe it will take around another 8 - 12 hours to process everything.

And finally some answers to some questions:

( Read More and Get Some Answers... )