The Southern California Writers' Conference

Since it's less than a month away, we can start getting excited. Okay, so we've been excited about the Southern California Writers Conference for quite a while now, but our excitement grew all the more when we were mentioned in their front page featured news. Our author, Jeff Sherratt, will be a special guest this year, participating in the read and critique workshops they offer. Mike Sirota, out in 2011 with Fire Dance, is a regular at these events. We're looking forward to seeing him in his element. If you'd like to join us there, you'd better hurry. The event will last a full weekend, from September 24th to the 26th, in Newport Beach. Registration is up right now, so be sure to visit the website! Deadlines are the writer's greatest friend - and enemy - and this is one more fast approaching. Don't let it pass! And we'll see you there.

Looking Forward

If you've taken a look at our website in the last few weeks, you'll already have noticed that we have a new author listed among our noble crew. Hardly new, however, Mike Sirota is well-established in the writing community as an iconic writer of science fiction and fantasy - not to mention his many years as a professional editor for dozens of brilliant writers in the Southern California area and beyond. If you've visited a writers' conference anywhere between Santa Barbara and San Diego in the last several years, you're bound to have heard of him.

It's been a long time since his last book release, which is all the more reason we at ZOVA Books are pleased as punch to announce the publication of his latest novel, Fire Dance, in 2011. The release is a good six months out, but we're already hearing feedback from some impressive sources. The latest is a word from New York Times bestselling author Lisa Gardner: “So great to have a new book from legendary writing coach Mike Sirota. When he writes, you should listen!” And when she speaks, you should perk up. Welcome, Mike. We're glad to have you aboard!

Updates...

Check out the new updates to our website. You'll notice our author page is busting at the seams, not to mention the additions on our home page news. At the center of all the meetings, emails, manuscripts, graphics, updates, newsfeeds, and everything else that fills the day of the publisher, what it really comes down to is the sharing of good stories. And we certainly have plenty of those.

Book Blogging

Here are some finds from the book blogging world:

Slate suggests summer reading for college-bound freshman. Don't think I've read a thing on that list, but it sure looks appetizing.

Portfolio discusses the future of brick and mortar stores. Will independents be the only survivors?

The top 10 most expensive rare books sold on AbeBooks this month. I think I've heard of three of them.

Blogger on Barnes & Noble going up for sale. Should Amazon buy it?

A cover story: Nancy Werlin examines the step-by-step process behind the cover decisions of Extraordinary on Shelf Talker.

Already re-defining e-readers, the Copia combines the convenience of a digital library with the delights of social networking. Coming soon.