A Busy Year Ahead

Regular visitors to the Elephant's Bookshelf may have wondered why my posts have been sporadic over much of the past year. Well, there are several reasons, two of which are now three years old, and as any parent knows, kids take up a lot of time. My work-a-day life is also quite busy and isn't going to slacken.

But another reason is something I'm going to announce here, now. I've been working with a few friends of mine in the AgentQuery Connect community to put together an anthology of short stories. It's called Spring Fevers.

In a nutshell, the stories are about relationships: Love, requited and unrequited; friendship; anger and resolution; parenting. These writers shared so much, and I'm very excited about what you'll see.

It's my first venture into electronic publishing. I even bought myself a Kindle to make sure I know what this -- and future projects -- looks like before it goes out to readers.

Although we're still weeks away from launch, I can say that there's something for everyone in the anthology. These stories from about a dozen writers touch on matters of the heart, but you won't be sweetening your coffee with all of them. As we all know, relationships can be bumpy rides. The stories in this anthology will be no exception.

Although attention will be called to his contributions (and his excellent stories!) within the anthology, I want to publically thank Robb Grindstaff for copy editing the stories and working directly with the authors to bring their visions to life. He also suggested its name.

Over the coming weeks, in addition to finishing everything off on the anthology, I also intend to get a few interviews ready, including links to interviews of writers who will appear in the anthology and other writers I want to share with everyone. As the year progress, I hope I'll be able to post on a more regular basis. Both here and of course at From the Write Angle. Let me know if I get too annoying.

Tidings of Comfort and Joy

For those who celebrate it, I wish you a Merry Christmas. And for those who don't, may you enjoy the good tidings of the season. And I hope we all have a peaceful, joyous new year in 2012.

Looking for a Few Good Book Reviewers

I try not to mix my business writing with my pleasure writing on this site, but from time to time I've posted book reviews in the field of nonprofit organizations and foundations, public policy, and fundraising.

Now I have an opportunity for you, dear readers. The Website I edit is looking for new book reviewers. These would be paying jobs, but I can't say we pay a lot. Still, it's a publishing credit, which might be very attractive to some of you.

What's the catch? Well, the books we review are all nonfiction and all related to the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. We'd be assigning the books to you; these aren't books you'd be choosing by yourself. Still, many people find the topic fascinating. You may just be one of those people.

Ok, if you're interested, please send me an email at mws@foundationcenter.org and in the subject line write "Off the Shelf reviewers." I get hundreds of emails every day and it's hard to separate the wheat from the chaff sometimes, so that subject line at least will help. Also, please include a link or two to show me some writing samples if you have any.

If you're assigned a piece, you'll be given a deadline by which to submit the review. We'd send you the book and cover postage for its return as well. (Sorry, you can't keep the book.) Reviewers will be paid upon publication.

If you have questions, ask away.

Soon It Can Be Told

I'm excited about a project I'm not ready to fully divulge just yet. It saw a deadline pass the other day. A few of you know what I'm talking about.

Suffice it to say, it will involve writing. Quality stuff, I'd venture to say. And at least one writer with a book in traditional-publication production is involved. The final number of participants has not been determined yet, but I believe that when all is said and done, we'll have something to write home about. Certainly something to talk about on our blogs. I know I'll be doing so.

Soon. Soon, my precious....