The Thirteenth Tale

“When I read a book I seem to read it with my eyes only, but now and then I come across a passage, perhaps only a phrase, which has a meaning for me, and it becomes part of me.” –W. Somerset Maugham

I love it when the above happens to me and it happened several times recently while reading Diane Setterfield’s, The Thirteenth Tale. I enjoyed it so much I had to pass the word along in case you’ve not read it yet. It’s a book about a book lover, obviously written by a lover of books. The unusual plot involves secrets, intrigue, mystery and ghosts.

I enjoyed Diane’s writing style and thought she had some wonderful insights that she worded so well. Such as “…She was a do-gooder, which means that all the ill she did, she did without realizing it…” or”…But in her disease was a distillation: the more it reduced her, the more it exposed her essence…”

The web site http://www.thethirteenthtale.com/ is well done and fun to visit too.

The entries are still coming in—thank you all so much for turning my idea into a successful contest. I can’t wait to see who wins.

For those that may not know about the contest, the rules are easy. Simply email me at janekennedysutton@gmail.com with your guess as to the month, day and year that The Ride will actually be released (one guess per person, please). The first received, nearest guess will be declared the winner and awarded a personalized signed copy of The Ride (once it’s published, of course). The contest ends on January 18th so send your entry soon. Read http://janekennedysutton.blogspot.com/2007/12/exciting-new-contest.html for more information.

Wishing you all a prosperous, healthy and happy New Year.

Jane Kennedy Sutton
Author of The Ride (to be released by ArcheBooks Publishing)
janekennedysutton@gmail.com
http://janekennedysutton.googlepages.com/
http://www.authorsden.com/janesutton


Tags: The Ride, Archebooks, contest, The Thirteenth Tale, Diane Setterfield, Somerset Maugham

Authors Den

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who responded so quickly and positively to my contest. It’s been such fun to hear from each of you and I really appreciate your enthusiasm, encouragement and optimism.

For those that may not know about the contest, the rules are easy. Simply email me at janekennedysutton@gmail.com with your guess as to the month, day and year that The Ride will actually released (one guess per person, please). The first received, nearest guess will be declared the winner and will receive a personalized signed copy of The Ride (once it’s published, of course). The contest ends on January 18th so send your entry soon. Read last week’s blog http://janekennedysutton.blogspot.com/2007/12/exciting-new-contest.html for more information.

Until the end of the contest, I won’t talk about any progress or lack of progress on the publishing front in fairness to those who have already entered a date.

I would like to mention that one of my short stories titled, Family Recipe, is posted on http://www.authorsden.com/janesutton. Just click on ‘short stories’ once you’re at the site.

With books, articles, stories, reviews and blogs, Authors Den has a lot to offer for readers as well as writers and the best part is it’s free. Visit if you get a chance, not only to read my short story but to take a look at all they have to offer.

Don’t forget to email your entry for the book.

Wishing you all a holiday season full of love and laughter.

Jane Kennedy Sutton
Author of The Ride (to be released by ArcheBooks Publishing)
janekennedysutton@gmail.com
http://janekennedysutton.googlepages.com/


Tags: The Ride, Archebooks, contest, Authors Den, short stories, Family Recipe

Exciting New Contest

Those of you who are frequent visitors to my blog know that I was hoping The Ride would be released by the end of this year. With only a couple of weeks remaining in 2007, I’ve accepted the fact that it just isn’t going to happen so now I’m going to have some fun while I wait—and I need YOUR help.

“Me?” I hear you whisper apprehensively.

Don’t worry, it’s painless and provides you with the opportunity to be the first on your block to own a personalized signed copy of The Ride.

“How?” I hear you ask excitedly.

It’s easy, simply hone your ESP skills, dust off your crystal ball, dig out your lucky numbers or just take a wild stab and predict the day, month and year that you think The Ride will actually be released. Email your prediction to me at janekennedysutton@gmail.com. Be sure to include contact information so if you win I’ll know where to send the book.

The first entry with a date that is nearest to the actual release date will be the lucky winner. I’ll announce the winner after ArcheBooks Publishing releases the book (which I hope is sooner rather than later).

That’s all there is to it so don’t delay. The contest is open from now until the 18th of January. One entry per person, please.

Good luck to you all and thanks for stopping by.

Jane Kennedy Sutton
Author of The Ride (to be released by ArcheBooks Publishing)
janekennedysutton@gmail.com
http://janekennedysutton.googlepages.com/

Tags: The Ride, Archebooks, contest, ESP, crystal ball, lucky number

Modern Technology

In my June 8th blog, (http://janekennedysutton.blogspot.com/2007/06/question-will-books-as-we-know-them-be.html), I asked, “Will books, as we know them, be extinct one day?” I never dreamed that ‘one day’ would happen so soon.

Later that same month, ArcheBooks came out with their first mBook , A Prophecy Forgotten, by Michelle Weston , (http://archebooks.com/mbooks.htm). An mBook is one that can be downloaded to an MP3 player for your listening pleasure, much like your favorite song.

Now Amazon has come out with the Kindle, which allows you to download and read books, newspapers, and blogs on a handheld device that is smaller than most books.

I can understand listening to a book during road trips or while exercising but I’m not sure I can see the point of reading one on a small screen. Obviously, however, many people differ with my opinion as the product sold out quickly. I noticed the reviews run from one to five stars. My guess is the one-star ratings come from lovers of old-fashioned books with pages of paper.

Keep in mind, I am the person who over twenty years ago, while living in Taiwan, asked, “What do we need one of those for?” referring to the Apple-like copy of a computer my husband bought home from work one day. Within a week, I couldn’t imagine how I’d ever written a letter in longhand.

I even avoided using a cordless phone for years. With the cord, I felt somehow attached to whoever was on the other end. Now, as I wander all over the house talking on a cordless phone, I can’t imagine being tied down to one spot.

I balked at the very idea of email and now it’s like a lifeline.

In other words, I seem to have a technology phobia. I am unable to adjust to new technology quickly or without a lot of whining. Fortunately, my husband is the complete opposite and forces me to keep somewhat in step with modern society.

Therefore, I’m not saying I’ll never ever own a device like the Kindle; I’m just saying that I just can’t see the point—today.

Can you see yourself reading a book on a Kindle? Or, listening to one on an MP3 player? I’d love to hear your responses.

Thanks for stopping by. See you next week.

Jane Kennedy Sutton
Author of The Ride (to be released by ArcheBooks Publishing)
janekennedysutton@gmail.com
http://janekennedysutton.googlepages.com/

Tags: The Ride, Archebooks, eBook, A Prophecy Forgotten , Kindle, Michelle Weston