ZOVA Books Releases Jenny Bellington's Debut Children's Novel, East to Adonia

ZOVA Books announces the release of East to Adonia, the first novel from debut children's fantasy author, Jenny Bellington

Los Angeles, CA, March 24, 2011 – ZOVA Books announces the release of East to Adonia, the first children's fantasy novel from debut author Jenny Bellington. ZOVA Books is a boutique publishing firm representing such acclaimed authors as Dances With Wolves novelist and Academy Award winning screenplay writer, Michael Blake, as well as the Pulitzer Prize nominated bestselling author of Sacajawea, Anna Lee Waldo. The launch of Ms. Bellington's children's novel opens their catalog to an entirely new body of readers.

Jenny Bellington began her writing career after pursuing dual degrees in geology and theatre. She wrote East to Adonia, the first of what promises to be an extensive series, while working in the film industry in Los Angeles. Now a full-time writer, Ms. Bellington will be touring for her book throughout the year at numerous conferences and book festivals around the country.

East to Adonia is a classic children's fantasy novel, chronicling the adventures of Mercator Robinson – a young boy with a mysterious ability to draw maps of anything, whether he has been there or not. After his uncle gives him an old mapping kit on his twelfth birthday, Mercator uses the gift to draw a map of an island he's never heard of before. All of a sudden, Mercator is transported in time and space to a land beyond our own world. Meeting up with a precocious young princess, Mercator's real adventure begins in earnest when the two are kidnapped by pirates and sold for ransom across the waters to a wicked duke. The story continues with all of the magic, danger, and intrigue that marks the best fantasy of any age. A promising beginning to a compelling series, this book also works as a standalone novel for children between the ages of ten and thirteen.

ZOVA Books has been working with Ms. Bellington on the release of this title since their inception. “East to Adonia is a very personal project for all of us,” says ZOVA Books Publisher, Molly Lewis. “We have been delighted to work with Jenny Bellington to bring her book to readers around the world. Its bold imagination and unrestrained wonder make it a story for readers of all ages.”

The release of East to Adonia this January marked the beginning of a series of significant releases from the company, from Michael Blake's digital edition of Dances With Wolves to the launch of Michele Scott's book club favorite, Happy Hour, this March.

East to Adonia was released on January 18, 2011 and is available at book retailers across the country, on all digital platforms, and through Baker & Taylor Distributors.

About ZOVA Books:

ZOVA Books is an independent publisher of genre and literary fiction based in Los Angeles, California. Established in 2010, they are one of the fastest growing small publishers in the nation, representing such notable authors as #1 New York Times Bestseller Michael Blake, author of Dances With Wolves, #1 New York Times Bestseller Anna Lee Waldo, author of Sacajawea, and acclaimed bestseller Michele Scott.

ZOVA Books has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with Hollywood production and management company Circle of Confusion to represent its catalog for film, television and foreign rights.

Established as a creative organization focused on the success of individual authors and the development of multi-platform creative projects, ZOVA has developed the next generation publishing company that reconciles the best practices of traditional publishing firms with the innovations of small and specialized firms, embracing the opportunities of both print and digital distribution in its commitment to providing the best possible literary works to readers around the world.

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When the authors speak . . .

This past month, the Ovitt Family Community Library in Ontario, CA, has hosted four ZOVA Books authors for a series of conversations on publishing, writing, and women in the book industry. We're sharing a few of the topics discussed with our authors over the course of the month.

On March 5th, Molly Lewis talked with Jeff Sherratt about women in the book industry. As a past board member of Sisters in Crime, LA, Jeff has developed years of experience addressing inequality in the industry. When asked what beginning authors should be aware of when first sending out their work, Jeff counseled them to be discerning about who they share their work with. There are plenty of questionable organizations out there, and it's important to do your research before entering into a contractual relationship with an agent or publisher. Having written multiple books himself, including the first of his film noir mysteries, Detour to Murder, Jeff knows what he's talking about.

On March 12th, Teresa Burrell brought her Advocate series to the library with advice for writers on how to use personal experience in fiction. As a lawyer herself, writing juvenile defense attorney Sabre Brown was an exercise in doing just that. For those whose personal experiences fall short of their story's needs, the key is to compensate with legitimate research. Teresa suggested referencing the experts - from interviewing real-life versions of your characters to hitting the stacks at your local library. A fitting suggestion, considering the setting.

March 19th saw Jenny Bellington discussing the process of writing East to Adonia and the challenges of developing a full-fledged fantasy world. As fantasy literature for both children and adults is such a weighty genre, carrying with it all the traditions of literary giants like JRR Tolkien, Robert Jordan, RA Salvatore, and a host of others, the most significant questions Jenny fielded related to the material that influenced her. How do you let a book inspire you while keeping your own writing unique? Jenny focused on what she didn't see in current fiction, the elements she felt were lacking in her favorite books and series, and developed East to Adonia from those very things. While we cannot help but be influenced by what we have read (and seen and heard and felt and been . . .) the best we have to offer are the things that set our ideas apart.

And on March 26th, Michele Scott introduced her new book, Happy Hour, while giving practical advice on developing a story arc, establishing constructive writing habits, and managing a host of different characters throughout the life of a series. We asked her what sort of writing exercises she does before beginning a novel. One of the suggestions Michele offered was to write journal entries from the point of view of each of your characters. Examining their individual perspectives of the story not only lends depth to each character, but also helps you discover aspects of the story you may not have expected.

Overall, the contributions of each author were informative and inspiring. We have been so excited to be a part of the library's efforts to join published and aspiring writers throughout the month of March, to celebrate the contributions of women in the industry, and to further develop the library as a place for community involvement.

Unwine(d) with Happy Hour

This Friday evening, join acclaimed author Michele Scott for the launch of her newest release, Happy Hour, at Warwick's in La Jolla, California.

We'll be there, of course, eager to hear how this compelling story of heartache, romance, and enduring friendship found its way to the page. Come with your questions and your curiosity - and make a little room on your bookshelf for what is bound to be the next summer favorite.

The event begins at 5:00 PM, but there's no reason why you can't come a little early to browse the shelves, get yourself comfortable, and maybe add a few more to that stack bound for home.

ZOVA Books signs Academy Award Winner and #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Michael Blake

ZOVA Books announces the signing of Michael Blake, Academy Award winning writer best known for his screenplay and novel, Dances With Wolves.

Los Angeles, CA, March 21, 2011 – ZOVA Books, a boutique publishing firm in Los Angeles, announces the signing of Michael Blake, #1 New York Times bestselling author and Academy Award winning writer of Dances With Wolves. ZOVA Books has released the digital edition of the novel Dances With Wolves, and will be reissuing its sequel The Holy Road in print and digital form, as well as the new historical novel, Into the Stars. The agreement includes the entirety of Mr. Blake’s available catalog of fiction and non-fiction novels, which ZOVA Books will rerelease along with new works by the author.

Mr. Blake's first novel, Dances With Wolves, spent seventeen weeks at number one on the New York Times bestseller list before becoming the Academy Award winning film. Followed by The Holy Road, in 2001, the sequel received a starred review by Publishers Weekly, which acknowledged the book as being “a more powerful novel [than Dances With Wolves] with a much wider scope.” Mr. Blake's novels have been bestsellers around the world, including his inspiring work Marching to Valhalla (1997) and the compelling narrative Airman Mortensen (1991). His non-fiction works, Like a Running Dog (2002), Indian Yell (2006), and Twelve the King (2009), have also received wide acclaim.

In addition to the Academy Award, Mr. Blake's writing has garnered such prestigious acknowledgments as the Golden Globe Award, the WGA Award, the Silver Spur Award, and the Golden Quill Award.

With the 20^th Anniversary Blu-ray release of Dances With Wolves earlier this year, the film has been acknowledged as one of the most enduring classic cinematic works. The novel has endured along with its film adaptation, having been incorporated into school curriculum across America and inspiring numerous imitations, both in literature and on screen. ZOVA has the honor of releasing the first eBook of the iconic novel, with a new preface from Mr. Blake. The preface describes a previously unwritten story about the author and Kevin Costner.

The release of Into the Stars later this year will mark Mr. Blake's first fiction publication in ten years. The book tells the story of a young World War I officer who finds solace from the horrors of war in an unlikely friendship with a horse while stranded behind enemy lines. Though fictional, Into the Stars draws on Blake's passion for history, his love of horses, and his fascination with the process of self-discovery as it plays out in narrative.

“We are honored to be working with legendary author and screenwriter Michael Blake,” says ZOVA's CEO, Matthew Pizzo. “Mr. Blake's writing has incredible power. It reflects the author himself – in its clarity of purpose, its breadth of vision, and its integrity. Mr. Blake’s catalog gives us a preeminent place in the literary market.”

About ZOVA Books:

ZOVA Books is an independent publisher of genre and literary fiction based in Los Angeles, California. Established in 2010, they are one of the fastest growing small publishers in the nation, representing such notable authors as #1 New York Times Bestseller Michael Blake, author of Dances With Wolves, #1 New York Times Bestseller Anna Lee Waldo, author of Sacajawea, and acclaimed bestseller Michele Scott.

ZOVA Books has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with Hollywood production and management company Circle of Confusion to represent its catalog for film, television and foreign rights.

Established as a creative organization focused on the success of individual authors and the development of multi-platform creative projects, ZOVA has developed the next generation publishing company that reconciles the best practices of traditional publishing firms with the innovations of small and specialized firms, embracing the opportunities of both print and digital distribution in its commitment to providing the best possible literary works to readers around the world.

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ZOVA Books Signs #1 New York Times Bestselling Author and Pulitzer Prize Nominee Anna Lee Waldo

Pulitzer Prize nominee and bestselling author of Sacajawea, Anna Lee Waldo, signs with boutique publishing firm, ZOVA Books

Los Angeles, CA, March 21, 2011 - Anna Lee Waldo, bestselling author of Sacajawea, has signed with ZOVA Books, an independent publishing house in Southern California, to release her upcoming novel, Watch the Face of the Sky. Ms. Waldo is the author of multiple works of historical fiction. Her first novel, Sacajawea, was on the New York Times bestseller list for eight months following its release in 1979. The novel was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize and is widely acknowledged as the primary reason the historical figure of Sacajawea is a recognized national figure today.

Anna Lee Waldo joins ZOVA Books to launch a new historical novel based on the Welsh legend of Madoc, original European explorer to the Americas. In her upcoming release, Ms. Waldo tells the story of Madoc following the establishment of a colony in the new world. Ranging from the medieval Welsh countryside to adventure on the high seas, finally landing amidst an ancient Mayan tribe in the Yucatan, Watch the Face of the Sky is an epic exploration of the uncharted Americas prior to Columbus.

Ms. Waldo has long been considered a world renowned expert in the Madoc legend, beginning her research with two earlier novels on the same subject, Circle of Stars and Circle of Stones, released through Macmillan in 1999 and 2001 respectively.

ZOVA's CEO, Matthew Pizzo, says, ”The opportunity to release the next epic novel from the celebrated writer and historian, Anna Lee Waldo, is an absolute honor. Having developed one of the most iconic characters in American literary history, Mrs. Waldo established herself as a legend in her own right. But to do all that as woman in the 1970s was in itself an epic feat. Anna Lee Waldo is one of the most successful female American novelist in the history of American literature.”

The release of Watch the Face of the Sky follows a number of significant releases from the Los Angeles based publishing firm, including the launch of Academy Award winning and bestselling author Michael Blake's newest novel, Into the Stars, along with the digital release of his most well-loved work, Dances With Wolves, and the reissue of its sequel, The Holy Road.

Watch the Face of the Sky will be available in July of 2011, at book retailers across the country and on all digital platforms, as well as through Baker & Taylor Distributors.

About ZOVA Books:

ZOVA Books is an independent publisher of genre and literary fiction based in Los Angeles, California. Established in 2010, they are one of the fastest growing small publishers in the nation, representing such notable authors as #1 New York Times Bestseller Michael Blake, author of Dances With Wolves, #1 New York Times Bestseller Anna Lee Waldo, author of Sacajawea, and acclaimed bestseller Michele Scott.

ZOVA Books has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with Hollywood production and management company Circle of Confusion to represent its catalog for film, television and foreign rights.

Established as a creative organization focused on the success of individual authors and the development of multi-platform creative projects, ZOVA has developed the next generation publishing company that reconciles the best practices of traditional publishing firms with the innovations of small and specialized firms, embracing the opportunities of both print and digital distribution in its commitment to providing the best possible literary works to readers around the world.

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ZOVA Books Releases Mike Sirota’s Acclaimed Twentieth Novel Fire Dance

ZOVA Books announces the release of Fire Dance, the twentieth novel by legendary writing coach Mike Sirota.

Los Angeles, CA, March 21, 2011 - ZOVA Books announces the release of Fire Dance, the twentieth novel by award-winning author Mike Sirota. ZOVA Books is a boutique publishing firm representing such acclaimed authors as Dances With Wolves novelist and Academy Award winning screenplay writer, Michael Blake, as well as the Pulitzer Prize nominated bestselling author of Sacajawea, Anna Lee Waldo. Mr. Sirota's well-established career as an editor and writing coach in Southern California brings a wealth of experience and commitment to the company's impressive catalog.

Fire Dance builds on his previous forays into horror/paranormal fiction established with such early releases as The Well (1991). Fire Dance tells the story of a small cast of characters in the Anza-Borrego Desert. A young mother, a bartender with a dark past, and an old prospector find themselves trying to reconcile a hoard of ghosts – trapped since their demise in a horrific fire over a century ago – to the afterlife. These ghosts are harmless enough, but for one – a psychopathic murderer in life, now in death, a terror with unlimited potential for destruction.

Mr. Sirota's work has received wide acclaim since its release. John Lescroart, New York Times bestselling author of Treasure Hunt and Damage, wrote: “Mike Sirota is an absolute pro of a writer and, even for non-aficionados of ghost stories, these pages sing.” Publishers Weekly gave it an equally animated review: “Sirota returns…with this atmospheric tale of horror in the American Southwest. Horror fans will enjoy this updated take on the western ghost town.”

Mr. Sirota's previous publishers have included the Berkley Publishing Group (Penguin-Putnam), Bantam Books, Pocket Books, and Kensington Publishing Corp. He is widely recognized as one of the most respected writers of his genre, having pioneered the sword and planet subgenre of fantasy/science fiction with his original Reglathium series. He has been an established editor of fiction for almost two decades.

For fourteen years Mr. Sirota was an award-winning feature writer and editor for a Southern California newsmagazine. He is an instructor for the University of California, San Diego Extension and is presently a workshop leader for several writers' conferences in Southern California and Alaska. His journalism honors include a prestigious Simon Rockower Prize for investigative reporting, and an award from the San Diego County Medical Association. He was also honored as the first "Person of Letters" by the 2002 La Jolla Writer's Conference "for his ongoing and unselfish contributions to and support of the writing community."

Daniel Silva, Editor-in-Chief at ZOVA Books says, “Anyone who has ever worked with Mike Sirota has come out the better for it. In Fire Dance, we see all his narrative powers at work in a story that manages to be both suspenseful and endearing. It is an honor to partner with him in his success.”

Fire Dance was released on February 8, 2011, and is available from book retailers across the country, on all digital platforms, and through Baker & Taylor Distributors.

About ZOVA Books:

ZOVA Books is an independent publisher of genre and literary fiction based in Los Angeles, California. Established in 2010, they are one of the fastest growing small publishers in the nation, representing such notable authors as #1 New York Times Bestseller Michael Blake, author of Dances With Wolves, #1 New York Times Bestseller Anna Lee Waldo, author of Sacajawea, and acclaimed bestseller Michele Scott.

ZOVA Books has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with Hollywood production and management company Circle of Confusion to represent its catalog for film, television and foreign rights.

Established as a creative organization focused on the success of individual authors and the development of multi-platform creative projects, ZOVA has developed the next generation publishing company that reconciles the best practices of traditional publishing firms with the innovations of small and specialized firms, embracing the opportunities of both print and digital distribution in its commitment to providing the best possible literary works to readers around the world.

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ZOVA Books Signs World Renowned Vampire Fiction Author V.M.K. Fewings

ZOVA Books announces the signing of V.M.K. Fewings, author of the Stone Masters Series, for the first three books in her widely popular vampire series.

Los Angeles, CA, March 21, 2011 – ZOVA Books announces that is has signed world renowned author V.M.K. Fewings for the release of the first three books in The Stone Masters Vampire Series, an epic vampire saga in the tradition of Anne Rice. ZOVA Books is a boutique publishing firm representing such acclaimed authors as Dances With Wolves novelist and Academy Award winning screenplay writer, Michael Blake, as well as the Pulitzer Prize nominated bestselling author of Sacajawea, Anna Lee Waldo. Their partnership with V.M.K. Fewings brings them a wide readership in a genre entirely new to their catalog.

Ms. Fewings’ writing has garnered significant attention in the literary community. A special guest author at The Theatre of The Vampires Ball in New Orleans later this year, fans of Anne Rice have already lauded her series as the most significant contribution to the genre in several years. Previously with a Canadian publishing house, the first two books will be repackaged with a new preface and released and distributed for the first time in the United States. V.M.K. Fewings’ third title in the series, A Vampire's Dominion, will be released in October of this year.

The Stone Masters Vampire Series narrates the dark, seductive depths of London's underworld and its alluring vampire aristocracy. In the series' third book, A Vampire's Dominion, Ms. Fewings takes us to modern day Cornwall, setting the pace for the story of William Rolfe, a vampire tormented by a cruel secret. Ingrid Jansen, an inspector, is lured into the darkest realms of an opulent underworld in her obsession with a murder investigation. Together, William and Ingrid race to find the key that will save the underworld's aristocratic society before it is too late. Writing in the tradition of Anne Rice and Robin McKinley, Ms. Fewings imbues her world with all the depth and internal turmoil that once characterized the genre.

“We are so excited to be working with Ms. Fewings on the Stone Masters series,” says ZOVA Books Publisher, Molly Lewis. “We've been following her success for several years now and are thrilled to be her champion for the next book in the series. Vanessa’s work embodies everything we once loved and feared in vampire fiction, recalling that great tradition with the kind of narrative vision that guarantees a genre classic.”

V.M.K. Fewings' series will join the ZOVA catalog this October, available at book retailers across the country, on all digital platforms, and distributed through Baker & Taylor upon its release.

About ZOVA Books:

ZOVA Books is an independent publisher of genre and literary fiction based in Los Angeles, California. Established in 2010, they are one of the fastest growing small publishers in the nation, representing such notable authors as #1 New York Times Bestseller Michael Blake, author of Dances With Wolves, #1 New York Times Bestseller Anna Lee Waldo, author of Sacajawea, and acclaimed bestseller Michele Scott.

ZOVA Books has entered into a ground-breaking partnership with Hollywood production and management company Circle of Confusion to represent its catalog for film, television and foreign rights.

Established as a creative organization focused on the success of individual authors and the development of multi-platform creative projects, ZOVA has developed the next generation publishing company that reconciles the best practices of traditional publishing firms with the innovations of small and specialized firms, embracing the opportunities of both print and digital distribution in its commitment to providing the best possible literary works to readers around the world.

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ZOVA Books Signs Young Adult Debut Author Jessica Therrien

ZOVA Books announces the signing of young adult novelist Jessica Therrien for her debut novel The Descendants.

Los Angeles, CA, March 21, 2011 - ZOVA Books announces the signing of young adult author Jessica Therrien for the release of her debut novel, The Descendants. ZOVA Books is a boutique publishing firm representing such acclaimed authors as Dances With Wolves novelist and Academy Award winning screenplay writer, Michael Blake, as well as the Pulitzer Prize nominated bestselling author of Sacajawea, Anna Lee Waldo. Their partnership with Jessica Therrien marks a significant expansion of their catalog into the young adult readership.

Jessica Therrien's work was first noticed by ZOVA Books at the Southern California Writer's Conference held in San Diego, where she discussed her manuscript with ZOVA author, Michele Scott, during one of the conference's critical feedback programs. Mrs. Scott, who is currently releasing her novel Happy Hour with ZOVA Books, brought the debut author to her publishers' attention.

Mrs. Therrien's young adult title, The Descendants, tells the story of a young woman who discovers that she belongs to a secret society of individuals with extraordinarily long life spans and unusual abilities. Fearful of prophecies about their only daughter, her parents kept her hidden from the world – and the society – for as long as they could. But when their own untimely deaths leave her to fend for herself, the truth of her origins and the fateful prophecy find her at last. Joining the ranks of such widely popular works as the Twilight Saga, The Hunger Games, and the Mortal Instruments series, Mrs. Therrien's paranormal romance/adventure promises to be the next fan-favorite in its genre.

ZOVA Books Editor-in-Chief, Daniel Silva, says, “We are incredibly excited to launch Jessica Therrien's young adult novel, not only because The Descendants is such compelling work, but because Jessica herself is such a dynamic author. Her energy and enthusiasm is a tremendous addition to our catalog of authors.”

About ZOVA Books:

ZOVA Books is an independent publisher of genre and literary fiction based in Los Angeles, California. Established in 2010, they are one of the fastest growing small publishers in the nation, representing such notable authors as #1 New York Times Bestseller Michael Blake, author of Dances With Wolves, #1 New York Times Bestseller Anna Lee Waldo, author of Sacajawea, and acclaimed bestseller Michele Scott.

ZOVA Books has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with Hollywood production and management company Circle of Confusion to represent its catalog for film, television and foreign rights.

Established as a creative organization focused on the success of individual authors and the development of multi-platform creative projects, ZOVA has developed the next generation publishing company that reconciles the best practices of traditional publishing firms with the innovations of small and specialized firms, embracing the opportunities of both print and digital distribution in its commitment to providing the best possible literary works to readers around the world.

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ZOVA Books Releases the first must read of the summer season

ZOVA Books announces the release of Happy Hour, by acclaimed author Michele Scott.

Los Angeles, CA, March 21, 2011 - ZOVA Books announces the release of Happy Hour, a new novel by Michele Scott. ZOVA Books is a boutique publishing firm representing such acclaimed authors as Dances With Wolves novelist and Academy Award winning screenplay writer, Michael Blake, as well as the Pulitzer Prize nominated bestselling author of Sacajawea, Anna Lee Waldo. Their partnership with Michele Scott brings them a wide body of previously published and wholly new material.

Michele Scott's Wine Lovers mystery series, released through Berkeley Press, achieved wide acclaim upon its release. Scott has since established herself as one of the preeminent writers of the mystery genre, following her original series with the Michaela Bancroft mysteries and a number of other works. The release of Happy Hour with ZOVA Books continues her notable history of developing heartfelt literature with strong female characters that resonate with readers across the nation and around the world.

Already heralded as the first beach read of the summer season, Happy Hour follows the intertwining stories of four women experiencing heartache and loss in the beautiful California wine country. Each woman's story is uniquely compelling. Kat, a sommelier at her husband's five star restaurant, struggles to balance divorce, remarriage, and all the baggage in between. Alyssa, an artist and gallery owner, struggles with a secret from her past that threatens everything she holds dear. Danielle is a vintner on the edge of success, dealing with rebellious teenagers and a careless ex-husband. Jamie is editor-in-chief of a widely read wine magazine, still grieving the loss of her husband several years before while juggling mounting bills and caring for her senile mother-in-law. Together, these women find strength to deal with the hardships of daily life in the power of their friendship.

ZOVA Books has looked forward to releasing Michele Scott's Happy Hour since signing her in the fall of 2010. “We are thrilled to be working with Michele Scott on this release,” ZOVA's publisher, Molly Lewis, says. “Michele brings authenticity and passion to everything she writes, but this book in particular is evidence of her commitment to honoring the power of friendship in the written word.”

The release of Happy Hour follows a number of public appearances for Michele Scott, whose articles, essays, and interviews have been featured in the New York Times, on Fox News, and over a wide number of national book review blogs.

Happy Hour is released on March 22, 2011 and is available in book retailers across the country, on all digital platforms and distributed by Baker & Taylor Distributors.

About ZOVA Books:

ZOVA Books is an independent publisher of genre and literary fiction based in Los Angeles, California. Established in 2010, they are one of the fastest growing small publishers in the nation, representing such notable authors as #1 New York Times Bestseller Michael Blake, author of Dances With Wolves, #1 New York Times Bestseller Anna Lee Waldo, author of Sacajawea, and acclaimed bestseller Michele Scott.

ZOVA Books has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with Hollywood production and management company Circle of Confusion to represent its catalog for film, television and foreign rights.

Established as a creative organization focused on the success of individual authors and the development of multi-platform creative projects, ZOVA has developed the next generation publishing company that reconciles the best practices of traditional publishing firms with the innovations of small and specialized firms, embracing the opportunities of both print and digital distribution in its commitment to providing the best possible literary works to readers around the world.

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A Whole New Website

ZOVA fans have been bugging us for quite a while now (I won't mention just how long) to finish updating our website over at www.zovabooks.com. Well, the day has finally come. If it is possible for a publisher's website to look posher than ours, I'll eat my books. Big thanks go out to Daniel Pearson and most especially Matthew Pizzo for designing such a snazzy home for our web presence. I've enjoyed using the ZOVA blog as our main source of information and book delight for the past few weeks (months) during renovation, but the time has now come to pass the torch.

Fear not, faithful followers! We'll still be updating this with as much frequency as ever - however frequently that is - but I'm sure you'll agree with me when you click through and take a look, that the new website is simply perfect. And now, without further ado, make the jump.

The Authors We Meet

This weekend has seen the third of four ZOVA author events at the Ovitt Family Community Library in Ontario, CA. Each Saturday during the month of March, we're joining one of our favorite authors to discuss writing, reading, and the place of women in the book industry. The first weekend featured publisher Molly Lewis alongside veteran mystery novelist Jeff Sherratt, for a rousing discussion on the development of the writing craft and the changes in the book industry. Teresa Burrell followed the week after, discussing legal suspense and the integration of life experience and fiction. Both weeks were fun and informative, providing a helpful introduction to both the industry as a whole and the day-to-day work of a writer.

This past Saturday was given to our celebrated children's novelist, Jenny Bellington. For nearly two hours, writers from all walks of life threw out their questions, asking everything from "how do you build your fantasy world?" to "how do you motivate yourself to write everyday?" It was educational, inspirational, and occasionally even a bit funny. Bellington's debut novel, East to Adonia, is a perfect introduction to the art of fantasy, as her young mapmaking protagonist, Mercator, finds himself as lost and confused in the strange "other" world of Threa as the reader does.

We're just as excited about this coming Saturday as we have been about the past three, although this one is particularly exciting. Michele Scott, the well-loved (and frequently imitated) author of the Wine Lovers' Mystery Series, will be discussing the art of writing everything from mysteries to children's fiction to general literary fiction in one of her first appearances following the release of Happy Hour this coming week.

Happy Hour follows the loosely intertwined stories of four women in Napa Valley who, despite the rich, restful beauty of their surroundings, struggle with everything from divorce to illness, bankruptcy, rebellious children, and a host of things in between. It's a story for every woman - and the men who love them. Already hailed as the first beach read of the season, we expect Scott's newest novel to be gracing the laps of book club readers across America before the summer's well underway. Next week promises to be a rare but special opportunity to hound the author with all the questions you've always wanted to ask a successful writer. Be there.

Women's History Month

ZOVA is excited about March for a dozen different reasons, but in large measure because it's Women's History Month. Every Saturday during the month of March, we're partnering with the Ovitt Family Community Library in Ontario, California, to give a series of presentations and workshops on writing for the community. You can find the full schedule of events on their website, but we'll break it down for you a bit right here and give you updates throughout the month.

This Saturday features publisher Molly Lewis as she discusses the publishing industry and what it looks like to bring a book from manuscript to print and from print into the hands of readers. Joining her is author Jeff Sherratt, past board member of Sisters in Crime, Los Angeles, an organization dedicated to achieving gender equality in the book industry. Jeff will be discussing his own works, along with the challenges that both men and women face as writers.

The following weeks will feature author Teresa Burrell, discussing legal suspense, Jenny Bellington on fantasy and science fiction, and renowned mystery novelist Michele Scott - on mystery, women's fiction, and the life of the writer. Each author comes at the industry from widely different perspectives, and each will offer something unique for both readers and writers alike. Book sales during these events will benefit the library, so be sure to bring as many eager readers as you can stuff in your car and join us every Saturday throughout the month of March to honor the written word and women writers.