HarperCollins Publishers will publish STATE OF FEAR, the new novel by bestselling author MICHAEL CRICHTON. The one-day laydown is December 7, 2004. This is Crichton's first novel since The New York Times #1 bestseller Prey, which was released in November 2002. State of Fear will be published in hardcover, audio, large print and e-book formats simultaneously around the world in the English language. The announced first printing is 2 million copies.

Fantasy author MARK CHADBOURN has signed a deal to author a new Fantasy trilogy called "The View Across Existence" with Jo Fletcher at Gollancz publishers.

Twentieth Century Fox and Walden Media have entered into a five picture production and distribution deal. Under the terms of the deal, Fox and Walden Media together will develop and produce the projects, four of which are based on celebrated children's novels, with Fox responsible for distribution. The productions include three novels by Newbery Medal winning authors, KATE DICAMILLO's "Because of Winn-Dixie," KATHERINE PATERSON's "Bridge to Terebithia" and LOIS LOWRY's "The Giver"; WENDY ORR's "Nim's Island," named one of the "Best Books for Children of 2001" by the Los Angeles Times; and Adam MORTIMER's as-yet-unpublished comic book proposal "Biblionauts."

FilmStew.com Chairman and screenwriter John Culton has acquired the motion picture and television rights to "Spark of Life," a novel by the late German writer Eric Maria Remarque, in a deal worth $400,000.00. The deal was brokered by attorneys Stephen Rodner and Richard Kay of Prior, Cashman, Sherman & Flynn, New York.

August 17, 2004

Personally having Spanish as a native language, English as a secondary, and Japanese as a third - I found this book quite interesting. Unlike the suggestions within the guide I learned Spanish and English practically at the same time, then without a passport threw myself into an unknown country - obtained a job and soon learned a third language. Although I do not recommend this for the faint at heart.

Acquiring another language is without doubt learning a skill, not just a body of information. It's as much like learning to swim or ride a bike, and few would argue that the most ideal way to learn a foreign language would be equal parts of total immersion and formal classroom instruction.

Aurelia McNeil's guide explains the step-by-step process of learning another language plain and simple. Starting from language similarities, to cultural barriers, to materials required, to how to select a dictionary, methods, approaches, practices, and more.

The guide also explains which languages are easier to learn, which may help in selecting one to get started. Also included within the guide are tips to help in the absorption of a new language, numerous resources and what to do if you're feeling shy about taking a step in this direction.

If you are interested in foreign cultures, or want to learn (French?) for next years vacation, or for job specific reasons -knowledge of another language and culture will increase your career opportunities, broaden your horizons and enrich your life. McNeil's guide of effective learning strategies will help you achieve this goal. This Resource Guide is not only great for learners of all ages, but teachers will find the information provided quite helpful. Home schooling moms may want to check this guide out as well.

Reviewed by Betsie

August 13, 2004

Brendan James was a successful travel writer and once best-selling author who now feels he's suffering from a severe case of writer's block. He's arrogant, obnoxious, self-centered, has been blessed with good looks, his conquests many and easily discarded with no remorse. Having asked for a ridiculous advance, he's about to blow a book deal with no manuscript to show for, thus ruining his career. Reed Press' editor, Jake Hogan, is on the verge of committing suicide himself due to his "prima Dona." As a last ditch effort, Jake suggests Brendan attend a number of events, to help spark the flow of creative juices, which are to take place on the Man of Isle, including a mermaid festival.

Frustrated with the scenery and local stock Brendan attempts to catch a ferry to Dublin, but soon learns of its sinking and with no immediate way out, is forced to take shelter in Heather Bay, a small village left behind by modern technology. Trying to obtain a room for the night Brendan impersonates a reporter for a prestigious magazine. What he gets is a musty houseboat that seems a remnant from the 60's.

The comical mishaps, and deranged characters of Heather Bay prompt Brendan to stay a bit longer than anticipated. He attends a "Live Underwater Mermaid Show," later meeting the exquisite creature, Christine Hamilton back in her dressing room only to be insulted. Taken by the beauty, Brendan looks for other ways to cross her path, while searching for descent material for his book.

Brendan quickly discovers that these villagers are not only obsessed with their annual festivities, Merfolk, a legend, and "the curse" - that turns out to be a reality and love! But it's the antiquated villagers themselves that propel Brendan to write, and write, and write! His only fear is that they discover his true identity and the purpose for his inquisitive interviews.

I found myself rooting for the village volunteer "virgin" - Michael, the Siren's Whale pub owner as he hangs from a mast anxiously waiting a mobbing by an "estrogen fueled, biological ticking bomb," of lonely women searching for love. Michael thanks God, grins, and shuts his eyes. Like Julian Wesley, Brendan's psychotic neighbor and Brendan himself, I burst with laughter when the plan went awry.

Kelly Reno has created some memorable characters in Heather Bay. Misadventures & Merfolk is a comedic fantasy with a romantic twist, and being at the lowest point in your life. If you're looking for a good laugh then pick a copy, you won't regret it!

Reviewed by Betsie

Upon learning the college has inherited the enigmatic mansion, Jack calls his buddy Phil who instantly gains permission to enter the haunted structure. Once inside the pair is no sooner forced to evacuate with the impression that an earthquake is in progress, as the mansion's frame trembles showering them with debris. Although before they can exit the source of disturbance is discovered when the heavy doors fly open.

Phil is relieved by the familiar faces and introduces Spider and Smokey to Jack. The duo is a pair of bumbling idiots, which happen to work as janitors at the campus.

This book reminded me of the 1982 film "Poltergeist" mixed with a dash of the 1985 film "Clue" where six guests are invited to a strange house and must cooperate with the staff to solve a murder mystery. H.B. Marcus' creation is also filled with suspicious characters and sinister rooms. Spider and Smokey only help make matters worse, as well as hilarious when they antagonize a very nasty ghost.

At the center of this intriguing novel is a book called The Vapid Wraith Panacea (the book of the dead) an elusive but valuable object that is greedily desired, for different reasons, by all the principals, in the labyrinthine, noirish plot.

Parasites, is a smart, dark novel that's pace is steady and engrossing with some great performances by its engaging characters. Everything neatly contained in marvelous descriptions and lines of dialogue. This paranormal tale will not disappoint!

Reviewed by Betsie

Instead of "Welcome to Crazy Dave's CD Emporium," try "Crazy Dave's CD Emporium, where you can find quality CDs and crazy prices."

Where do I go? If you track your site's metrics, look at your customers' paths. How many customers get past the home page? If it's less than desired, there might be a problem with your site's navigation. If you're one of those people with mega-content sites, add an internal search to help your customers find their way. If you're a smaller site, add navigation bars that update automatically when your site's structures changes or evolves.

"It's all about me." Your site is supposed to be about your customers not you. Let's face it: Your customers don't care about your Nobel Prize or that you were the first person to sell a condominium on Jupiter, they do care, however, about how your expertise can help them.

Quick tip: Visit your site. Does the copy contain more "we," "me," and "I" statements than "you" and "your?"

Marco... Polo Have you ever visited a site to be sold on the product, and then when you needed to ask a quick question, you couldn't find their contact information? The solution: Put at least an email address or phone number on each page, preferably at the top or bottom. Then put more detailed contact information on your contact page.

Vague, iffy, testimonials are the easiest and perhaps the best way to capture your customers' attention and confidence. But simple statements saying that your product is good, won't work. Detailed testimonials praising how much your product touched their lives.

Another way to give testimonials more selling power, get a picture.

Even better, get a picture with you customer and your product or benefiting from your service!

PILOTS
It is nearly impossible for novices to break into television with a new series pilot or mini-series. If you have a hot idea that you believe in, write the pilot as a TV movie (using standard spec screenplay format) and market it as feature script or TV movie. That way, it will be easier to get it read. If it truly is a great series idea, the agent or producer reading it will see that potential.

DRAMATIC SERIES
If you want to write an episode for a one-hour series -- whether a dramatic series like ER, or one more humorous like King of Queens -- you will still use standard spec screenplay form (as used with feature scripts). You do not need to indicate scenes, however, you must designate the four acts, teaser, and tag.

TEASER
This is the brief (about one minute or so) initial section establishing the show. Seldom do you find an episodic series anymore that doesn't open with some kind of teaser. However, it is seldom indicated as a TEASER in the script. Most scripts simply FADE IN just like a feature screeplay.

THE FOUR ACTS
After the teaser, break to a new page and center ACT ONE at the top of the page, triple space, and write out the scenes just as you would in a feature screenplay, using standard spec screenplay format.

Many production companies also request that you add END OF ACT ONE at the end of the act (just triple space and center END OF ACT ONE), after which you break to a new page to the second act, and so on. Some shows, like the Star Trek series, have five acs. After each act, break to a new page.

TAG
The tag, often called the epilogue, is the brief (about one minute or so, and often less) ending section that ties up loose ends. In some shows, this is "scenes from next week's episode." Usually, the epilogue or tag is identified as such at the top of the page.

TITLE PAGE AND SCRIPT LENGTH
Your script will be about 54 pages in length.

The tile page for any episodic TV show, regardless of length, is similar to that of a feature script, except that the title of the episode is included along with the title of the series. Here is an example from a popular series,

The title of the episode, in addition to being set aside in quotes, can be underscored. If you prefer, it can appear in upper and lower case. The point is to distinguish it from the series title above it. Also, you can space (as I did) or three times between the series title and the episode title.

It may be worthwhile to acquire a script from the series itself for writing style, number of acts, how acts are labled, and formatting quirks (keeping in mind that you are writing a spec script, not a shooting script, and that you will avoid camera angles and editing directions in your scrit.) Also, try to get a copy of the show's bible.

The bible is a printed guide that sets forth the rules of the show, including character sketches and information on what's forbidden and what they're looking for.

Now write a couple of scripts and submit one or more to the TV producer of your choice... and good luck!!

Feel free to send me your questions or suggestions ~ Betsie

Major studio affiliated production company specializing in live-action 3D feature film production is seeking a screenplay in the Monster Movie genre that has comedic possibilities as in "Scary Movie." Email: james@paradisefx.com

Looking for a short film screenplay to be made into a master's project and released into the festival circuit. Open to any ideas for content. Looking for two parallel plotlines. Project must have interesting editing possibilities in terms of rhythm, stylistic crosscutting, and graphic matches. Email: bryan_bossard@hotmail.com

Open Road Films is looking for short and feature length screenplays to produce. Interested in Drama, Romantic Comedy, Thriller, Horror scripts that could be produced at low budget. We can't promise a big pay day but have the ability to produce your script into a movie. Email: orfilms@gmail.com

** Remember - DO NOT SEND MATERIAL TO ANYONE LISTED UNLESS YOU ARE CERTAIN THE COMPANY AND/OR PRODUCER IS LEGIT AND YOUR WORK HAS BEEN COPYRIGHTED.

Once you are certain the listing is legit, submit material through an attorney or agent. Never, never, never send your complete script to anyone over the net. A half page synopsis is all that should be expected via email, the requestor should supply full postal details for anything more. Unless you intend to make more money from the potential lawsuit than selling your script, make sure your script is registered with the AWG/wga-west or east. Best of luck!

We are particularly interested in Latin authors of fiction and non fiction, non stereotypical novels, narrative non-fiction, self-help etc. Member of AAR and PEN

MIRIAM GODERICH OF DYSTEL GODERICH

Our agency is interested in commercial and literary fiction and nonfiction about people, places and themes that have resonance for Latinos in the U.S. We'd love to find the next great Latina chick lit novelist or author of serious literary fiction. We're interested in diverse topics such as science, history, psychology, biography/memoir, business, self-help, New Age, and just about anything else you can think of.

Our contact information is: Dystel & Goderich Literary Management, One Union Square West, Suite 904, New York, NY 10003; 212-627-9100.

MACAVELLI PRESS SEEKS NEW AFRICAN AMERICAN FICTION & NON-FICTION CONTEMPORARY WRITERS

Located in San Francisco seeks fiction novels and non-fiction novels that lift the veil off some facet of urban life (inner-city, hip-hop, love and romance, autobiographies, etc). We are currently looking for contemporary fiction and non-fiction manuscripts. Manuscripts should center on female or male African American characters.

Please submit a one to two page synopsis and three sample chapters or complete manuscript to: Senior Editor, Macavelli Press, 1550 California Street, Suite 6-262, San Francisco, California 94109

NATASHA KERN LITERARY AGENCY

We are a full-service agency representing adult fiction and nonfiction books. We represent many best- selling authors in a wide range of genres and subjects. Our clients live in twenty-four states and several foreign countries. They range in age from early twenties to late seventies, and from beginning writers to authors who have had more than thirty books published. We have co-agents in Hollywood and in all foreign markets.

We do not represent science fiction, fantasy, horror, true crime, children's or young adult books, short stories, poetry, scripts or screenplays. We do not represent photography, art books, cookbooks, gift books, sports, craft books or scholarly works.

FOR FICTION: Send a query letter, including a two- page synopsis, and the first five pages of your manuscript. You may send your query to NKern@natashakern.com

NONFICTION: Send a cover letter that includes a 1- 2 page overview of your project, and the first five pages of a sample chapter. You may send your query to NKern@natashakern.com

THE STEVE LAUBE AGENCY

We are looking for quality fiction in all genres. For non-fiction, we are looking for fresh, new ideas in all areas of material for adults. No poetry, personal biographies, personal stories, or children's picture books. Both young adult fiction and young adult non- fiction can be a difficult sell in today's market, thus we rarely take new clients writing for this age group. Please give us 4-6 weeks for a response. We received dozens of new proposals each week. Guidelines: Send cover letter, the first three chapters or fifty double-spaced pages, printed single-sided and unbound, and a letter-size SASE.

Send proposals to:
The Steve Laube Agency
5501 N. 7th Ave., #502
Phoenix, AZ 85013

WILLIAM MORRIS AGENCY

The William Morris Agency's Book Department boasts a talented roster of best-selling and award-winning authors in all areas of fiction and non-fiction.

If you are a prospective writer interested in sending a query letter, please follow these guidelines:

For fiction and non-fiction queries, please send ONLY a cover letter with a synopsis and your publication history, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Address your query to
Literary Department Coordinator
Willam Morris Agency
1325 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10019

The William Morris Agency does its best to respond to queries promptly.

Submission pages will not be returned.

We do not represent screenplays and those submissions will be discarded.

Send the manuscript as a single file (do not break it into separate chapter files).

BLUE-COLLAR BOOKS

Blue-Collar Books is currently considering submissions of previously unpublished novel length works and short story collections. our range of interests vary from steadfast, traditional literature to irregular and unconventional ventures in voice and form.

Please send 20 to 40 pages. if we have an interest based on your writing sample, a full manuscript will be requested for consideration. Allow 2 to 3 months for a response. Blue Collar Books P.O. Box 40117 Washington, DC 20016

GRAYWOLF PRESS

Our editors are looking for quality literary fiction and nonfiction that combines a distinct voice with a distinct vision. We are interested in manuscripts that in some way take on the social and cultural challenges of contemporary life. We publish eight to ten collections of poetry per year.

a cover letter containing relevant autobiographical information and a brief description of the manuscript;

-- a list of published works, if available;

-- for fiction, a short (thirty pages or less) sample from the manuscript; for nonfiction, a proposal and sample essay. This sample should be double-spaced and printed on one side of the paper only.

-- a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) for reply and return of the sample;

-- a self-addressed, stamped postcard that we will return to you to confirm Graywolf's receipt of your work (optional).

Editorial Department
Graywolf Press
2402 University Avenue
Suite 203
Saint Paul, MN 55114

HELM PUBLISHING

Helm Publishing is a small independent publisher specializing in new and emerging authors for both fiction and nonfiction genres. We are a visionary publisher renowned for pioneering a distinctive, highly visual style in books for adults and children.

Basic Guidelines:

Although we do review unsolicited manuscripts, we prefer a query first, accompanied by a sample. Samples should be 20 to 40 pages, typed/printed in a minimum 10-12 pt. font, double-spaced on 8.5 x 11 white paper, with all pages numbered, name and address on all pages, and without binding or stapling. For fiction and non-fiction, also provide a one-page synopsis of the work. We regret to inform that, due to time constraints, we are unable to provide feedback on all the manuscripts we receive.

Only submissions including a self-addressed stamped envelope, (SASE) will be responded to and/or returned. Please make sure the SASE is of sufficient size, with sufficient postage, for your manuscript if you wish it Timelines In general, we plan at least 18 months in advance. Submissions are first screened in house, so an initial response or query will normally be reported within 16 weeks. If the manuscript is being seriously considered, a final decision will normally take an additional 2 to 3 months.

Acquisitions Editor
Helm Publishing, Inc.
3923 Seward Ave.
Rockford, IL 61108
815-398-4660

BenderSpink Management (Chris Bender & JC Spink) [Mngmnt]
6735 Yucca Street
Hollywood, CA 90028
323-856-5500
323-856-5502 fax

Exile Entertainment [Mngmnt]
732 El Medio Avenue
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
(310) 573-1523
Submit queries to: exilesubs@yahoo.com

Hollywood View
5255 Veronica St.
Los Angeles, CA 90008
(310) 480-5118
Email: dj@hollywood-view.com
More: Inquiry Letters/Emails Only. NO PHONE CALLS.

Lenhoff & Lenhoff
830 Palm Avenue
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 855-2411
Tele: 310-855-2411
Fax: 310-855-2412
You may also email them at charles@lenhoff.com or lisa@lenhoff.com

Harper's Magazine

We will neither consider nor return unsolicited nonfiction manuscripts that have not been preceded by a written query. Harper's will consider unsolicited fiction. Unsolicited poetry will not be considered or returned. No queries or manuscripts will be considered unless they are accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Submissions to the Readings section are welcome at:
Harper's Magazine
666 Broadway, 11th Floor
New York, NY 10012

The New Writer

We are interested in receiving forward-looking articles on all aspects of the written word that demonstrate the writer's grasp of contemporary writing and current editorial/publishing policies. This may include interviews and personality profiles but we are not looking for introspective pieces on 'Why I Write...' or how to come to terms with writer's block and the rejection slip, biographies or opinion pieces. Articles should be 500-1,000 words although features up to 2,000 words and mini-series would be considered if the idea is submitted initially by letter giving a brief outline.

Fiction - Short stories from subscribers and prizewinners only.

The New Writer
PO Box 60 Cranbrook
Kent TN17 2ZR
tel 01580 212626
fax 01580 212041
email editor@thenewwriter.com

Adrienne Barbeau
(The Fog Movie, The 70's t.v. show Maude)
Box 1839
North Hollywood CA 91614

Sandra Bullock
(Speed, While You Were Sleeping, Hope Floats)
"Vapor" (filming pushed back to start in September)
Catch 23 Entertainment and Renaissance Films
301 N Cannon Drive
Ste 207
Beverly Hills, California 90210

Jeremy Edwards
(Danny in Holby City)
c/o C A M
19 Denmark Street
London
WC2H 8NA
United Kingdom

Lewis Gilbert
(film director, moonraker, you only live twice)
c/o Gang, Tyre, Ramer & Brown
132 South Rodeo Dr.
Beverly Hills, CA 90212

Katherine Helmond
(Soap, Who's The Boss, Everybody Loves Raymond)
6423 Monterey Rd., Ste 10
Los Angeles, CA 90042

Nocturne Horizons
Accepts stories and converts them to PDF format. Get more information on site.
http://www.advorak.com/Horizons/Flaindex.html

Sparks Magazine
A Creative Forum for Women. We are enthusiastically seeking contributions from women, including: poetry, short fiction, essays, prose, photography, illustrations, articles, reviews etc. Individual writing pieces should not exceed 3,000 words (450 for reviews).
http://www.sparksmagazine.com/links.html#anchor49 8536

The Murder Hole
Seeking "Fiction to die for" (up to 5000 words).
http://www.themurderhole.com/

The WriteGallery
Creative Writing website offers chance to showcase your work online.
http://www.thewritegallery.com/

Lara Publications Inc.

Promoting books for independent and small publishers.

Itching to do a stand-up routine for an audience of hundreds of thousands? Burning to perform an insightful or satirical pop song? Scratching to share your opinions on national and local events?

Now is the time for anyone in the Arkansas-Missouri- Tennessee area who has always wanted to be on television to step up to the plate and take their best shot--because XL7-TV in Mountain Home, AR and Cloud Creek Institute For The Arts in Ralph, AR want you.

If you want to take part in TO THE POINT as a singer, comedian, commentator, or even a regular panelist, XL7-TV and Cloud Creek Institute For The Arts want to hear from you at 870-449-2489. Or you Can send a short video of yourself in creative action to:

TO THE POINT
Cloud Creek Institute For The Arts
3767 MC 5026
St. Joe, AR 72675