WHY WRITING MATTERS...

Here I am in the South of France, working and still being completely surprised by the strength of the written word... I read A WRINKLE IN TIME by Madeline L'Engle when I was a small girl. It was published in 1962 - it changed my life and brought my imagination to new heights, along with a love of the possibilities of science fiction, the future.  Now three new pages have been released, and reading them brought me right back in time - to what I loved about that book.  I especially appreciate the typos, obviously written on a typewriter.  It's still profound - and over many decades I am still brought right back again, into that story.  May you all write for the ages.

Herewith, is the link if you are interested:
https://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.documentcloud.org/documents/1881486/a-wrinkle-in-time-excerpt.pdf







Amy and Mary Will Be Taking Pitches At PNWA

If you're looking for a writers conference to attend, PNWA in Seattle is a great one. They offer four days packed with informational panels as well as two days of agent/editor pitching.

Both Amy and myself will be attending and taking pitches, so come say hello if you are there!

Amy Cloughley enjoys literary and upmarket fiction of all types in addition to commercial—including well-researched historical and well-told women's fiction. She also loves a page-turning mystery or suspense with sharp wit and unexpected twists and turns. She has a soft spot for distinctive, strong, contemporary characters set in small towns. Amy always looks for an unexpected story arc, a suitable pace, and a compelling protagonist. She is interested in narrative nonfiction when the plot and characters are immersed in a culture, lifestyle, discipline, or industry. She will also consider a travel or adventure memoir.

Mary C. Moore is primarily seeking adult fantasy and science fiction, historical, romance and literary with hints of magical realism or surrealism. She will also consider YA science fiction and fantasy.

Kurt Vonnegut on the Shapes of Stories

Because this is everything:

Keep writing everyone!

- Mary

Allen Eskens wins the Left Coast Crime Rosebud Award!

KC&A is thrilled to announce that Allen Eskens brought home the Left Coast Crime Rosebud Award last weekend for his debut The Life We Bury. The win comes on the heels of Friday's announcement that his book was nominated for a Barry Award. Eskens has also been shortlisted for an Edgar Award and the Minnesota Book Award, so for those who like literary mystery/thrillers this is an excellent addition to a "to read" list.  Congratulation Allen!

Shannon Capone Kirk's METHOD 15/33 Getting Rave Reviews!

Kimberley is excited to announce that her author Shannon Capone Kirk is getting rave reviews for her thriller METHOD 15/33 due out through Oceanview Publishing in May.

Shannon received a starred review in Publishers Weekly.  To review the Publishers Weekly review, click here.

In addition to Publishers Weekly, she also received a nice review from Booklist. Though the review from Booklist is not due to be published until a later date, they have given us permission to post this selection of their review:

"Nietzsche warned us to beware of people with a strong desire to punish. That thought lingers after putting down this dark, disturbing, damnably readable novel...a worthy challenge, a joy to discuss, and a great pairing with John Katzenback's equally riveting What Comes Next (2012)."  —Booklist

To read more about Shannon Capone Kirk and her books, click here. 

Vaughn Entwistle Booksigning

We love this photo of Vaughn Entwistle signing books at Forbidden Planet Books. Vaughn was one of four authors signing books who write Sherlock Holmes related novels.

To see visit Vaughn's website and read more about his books, click here.

Phil Donlay's AFTERSHOCK Reviewed by Booklist

We are pleased to see that Phil Donlay's book Aftershock: A Donovan Nash Novel was reviewed by Booklist!

Booklist says: 

"Donlay continues to deliver high-quality, character-driven thrillers with this latest in his Donovan Nash series. One of Nash's closest friends, Stephanie VanGelder, is kidnapped in Guatemala. A straightforward rescue goes horribly wrong, leaving Nash with the problem of coming up with an alternate plan. Estranged from his wife and daughter, Nash has another problem: save Stephanie but also convince his immediate family to let him back into their lives. This personal angle gives the story an emotional core, and a rumbling volcano sets the timeclock on suspense and leads to a frantic turning of pages.

Donlay is a thriller writer on the verge of breaking out-and deservedly so. Readers who pick this fine thriller up will eagerly seek out the previous titles and wait impatiently for the next Nash adventure." 

—Booklist

To visit Phil Donlay's website, click here.