Here in Boston, we had our first and second official snowfalls, which makes me very happy. Other things that make me happy? Book news!
- Budding writers, now’s your chance to get published. Amazon.com is once again teaming with Penguin Group to host the Breakthrough Novel award, in which a new author’s book is published professionally. This year, for the first time, authors whose work has been previously self-published are eligible for the big prize. Penguin and Amazon will also open a new category for Young Adult novels. Manuscripts will be accepted in January and February, so start writing, revising and writing some more!
- If you’re a fan of skipping to the end of the book first (as I am when it comes to any kind of mystery or thriller), then this list’s for you! The Millions blog has direction my attention to a list of the best last lines from some of the greatest novels. The list includes one of my favorites: Are there any questions? [Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid’s Tale (1986)]
- One romance novel is boldly going where no romance novel (as far as I know) has gone before: video game land. I-Play and Nora Roberts have teamed to turn Roberts’ wedding-themed novel, Vision in White, into a casual-play, downloadable computer and video game. The game will follow the plotline of the book, interspersing the story with tasks and nuptial-themed mini-games. I’m waiting for the video-game version of Twilight, where you can hunt like a vampire or transform like a werewolf.
- This week, a first-run edition of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables (first published in 1908) is up for auction at Sotheby’s. Though a relatively “new” book (being that it was published in the 20th century), there have only been 8 copies auctioned off in the last 35 years. This current copy could sell for as much as $25,000. Which pretty much means I’m not getting it. Darn financial recession!
- Amazon.com may be looking to get rid of the “.com” if the whispers are true. Despite official denials, rumors still abound that Amazon is looking to build / purchase physical, brick and mortar stores in the U.K. The timing is either highly providential or highly suspect, since Borders UK recently announced its own plans to close its UK stores. Since I still plan on living in the UK one day, here’s the deal: I don’t care who or what, but there better still be good, old-fashioned book stores when I get there.
- I’m sure you’re still hard at work, trying to find the perfect Christmas gift for me. If you’re in need of inspiration, check out the Inkwell Bookstore’s blog, which has an abundant list of Jane Austen themed gifts. I’m partial to the Pride and Prejudice board game. Just as an FYI…
- Speaking of Jane herself, I’d imagine she’s rolling over in her grave right now, thanks to rumors that a film adaptation of cult-hit mash-up Pride & Prejudice & Zombies looks like a reality. Variety reports that Natalie Portman will become the latest actress to tackle the role of Lizzie Bennett – as she also tackles zombies and other baddies. I have mixed feelings about this. I love my Jane Austen, but the whole zombies thing just doesn’t sit quite right.
See you next week, bookworms, approximately the same time, definitely the same place.
