Monday 21 March 2011

Happiness is...publication (and free books for you!)

I’m thrilled to announce that the Literary Lab anthology of short stories “Notes from Underground” is now available for sale at Amazon.com in both Kindle and print editions.

Why am I so happy about this?

Because I’m one of the lucky authors who was included in this interesting and diverse anthology. My short story “Whispers of Love” and my poem “Triptych of Love” are included, as well as one of my watercolours. Not that I’m very good at drawing, but occasionally the urge overwhelms me and I draw something. This particular watercolour is called “Trance” and was inspired by San art.

I call myself “lucky” to be included in “Notes from Underground” because having read the other 24 short stories in this anthology, I’m rather daunted by the high standard, wide-ranging topics and creative vision of the other authors. Watch out for my detailed review coming soon on Amazon and Goodreads.

“Notes” was an exciting project to be involved in. As writers, we had no limits. As the trio of writers/editors in charge of The Literary Lab put it: “to celebrate artistic freedom, we put together a collection of stories that were accepted before they were actually written. Our fellow writers gained entry into the anthology by impressing us with past work or proposals. From those early applications, we selected twenty-five of our favourite writers and told them simply that they had ten pages with which they could do whatever they want. We received poetry, artwork, and some amazing short stories that are both traditional and experimental. Writers challenged themselves, and only themselves, to see what they could truly create when they weren’t worried about rejection. In “Notes From Underground” readers will find a range of emotions and personalities that is as broad as the range of writers that frequent our great online community. We hope you enjoy this collection as much as we do!”

And because happiness deserves to be shared four (yes, 4!) lucky readers of this blog will receive a copy (in their choice of Kindle or print edition ) of “Notes from Underground”.

All you have to do is leave a comment on any blog post I write between today (21 March 2011) and Thursday 21 April 2011 (inclusive). Prizes are open only to people who follow me on my Blog, or on one of my social media sites.  So if you don't connect with me on my blog or any of those social media sites, hurry to my “Join Me on Social Media” tag above and connect. Then leave a comment telling me which of my social media sites you’ve joined.

All names in the comments section will be put in a hat and drawn (with the assistance of the lovely Theodorable) on Thursday 21 April 2011. For every comment you make on a new blogpost, you get another entry into the competition (that is, one comment on ten new blogposts = 10 entries into draw, but ten comments on the same blogpost = 1 entry into draw.)

The four winners will be announced on Friday 22 April 2011, so remember to come back and check to see if your name is up there. And there may even be more than a copy of "Notes" waiting for these lucky readers to claim...

As all sale proceeds of this anthology go towards charity, please help spread the word about this competition and the anthology. Anyone who reads it has a wonderful treat in store!

30 comments:

Michelle D. Argyle said...

Fantastic giveaway, of course! :)

Paul Greci said...

Thanks for such a generous giveaway, Judy!! The Literary Lab does some cool stuff! :-)

Jayne said...

Oh,Judy- what wonderful news. Congratulations on your publication. I've read much about this Anthology, and I'm looking forward to reading your piece. I'll be spreading the news... :)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Judy and thanks

CA Heaven said...

The title gives good associations; Dostoyevsky wrote a weird novel called "Notes from the Underground" (maybe it's a novella, since it's only about 100 pages) >:)

Cold As Heaven

Misha Gerrick said...

Sounds great! I would love to win. :-)

Claire Robyns said...

CONGRATS Judes, you are now a published author. Awesome. I love the cover, and I'm getting myself ready to delve into the lovely stories. I'm so happy for you, you and your writing deserves this a hundred-fold times. Doing the happy dance :)

And, please don't enter me in the draw, I've already bought my sparkling copy from amazon :)

Bish Denham said...

Congratulations Judy! How exciting to have a story, a poem AND a picture.

And please! Put my name in the hat!

Frances Garrood said...

Congratulations, Judy! And yes, please (to the draw)! Not sure about the "where you've joined" bit, tho'... What does it mean??

Damaria Senne said...

Congratulations Judy. The anthology sounds great. You made me curious about who the other 24 authors/artist/poets are.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Judy .. wonderful and I do hope I win!!

But to more important things .. the painting is brilliant - I can feel Africa there .. especially Namibia, Botswana .. that smell of the earth .. the scrawny land ..

and how wonderful just to be free to write and then get three things entered into the Anthology ..

if I don't win .. I shall buy - sounds too good to miss ..

Cheers Hilary

J.C. Martin said...

Awesome contest! I'm really intrigued to read the anthology, have heard great things about it! I'm a new follower directed here from Michelle! :)

septembermom said...

Congratulations Judy!! This is very exciting. This anthology sounds wonderfully rich with talent and creative energy.

Judy Croome | @judy_croome said...

MICHELLE: But, of course! :) And thanks for all you did on it!

PAUL: I agree with you! And if you see how powerful these stories are you’ll know just how cool The Lit Lab eds/writers are!

JAYNE: Thanks Jayne. Don’t think it’s sunk in yet. I’m certain you’ll enjoy the anthology – and thanks for spreading the news!

ANONYMOUS @ 4:22 Thanks!

COLD: Yup! The title was chosen from Dostoyevsky’s novella. Eye catching, isn’t it?

MISHA: I’ll put your name in the draw. Every time you comment on a new post you’ll get another chance at winning!

CLAIRE: Squeee! You bought your own copy! How cool is that? You’ll enjoy the stories and won’t get bored, they’re all so different.

BISH: I know! It was so thrilling. The poem’s my favourite though. And your name is in the hat!

FRANCES: You’re in too! And I clarified that “joining” bit! (It meant I need to know where the new person joined me on my social media sites, if they want to enter, as the comp is only open to followers)

DAMARIA: It’s a lovely anthology. I’m proud to be part of it. If you look on my linked in profile I’ve listed some of the other authors.

HILARY: I’ve put your name in the draw. Enter every week and you’ll have more chances to win! The cover is gorgeous, isn’t it? Looks like a baobab to me!

JC: Welcome to the blog! So great to have you. I'm so glad you're my 60th follower - looking at that 59 was driving me crazy! :)

KELLY: So true! The anthology is resplendent with creative energy, that’s what made it such an exciting project to be part of.

Stephanie Faris said...

Congrats. That's awesome! I'll go check it out.

Lavanya said...

Hey Judy - great giveaway! ofcourse- don't enter me- I already own a shiny happy copy..:). just wanted to let you know that I ready your story and really enjoyed it! I've been reading the other stories and enjoying them too- each story is so unique..

Marilyn Brant said...

Judy, this is WONDERFUL news -- congrats!!!! How talented you are to have a story, a poem AND a watercolor included! I'm thrilled for you ;).

Glynis Jolly said...

This will be great for promoting. Bravo! I visit your blog regularly so this is an easy idea for me to work with.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Jude - VERY VERY Proud of you - Will definitely look out for the Print version !! Lots of love Ian Ona and the Gang XXXXXXXXX

Helen Ginger said...

Congratulations on the book - and on being included (of course you were included!). Love the name Theodorable. It's so cute, it's stealable. Can't wait to read the review.

Fiona McLennan said...

Judy, that is amazing! well done! very proud of you! Am going to read your writing with great pleasure. lots of love, Fi

Davin Malasarn said...

Judy, It wasn't luck that got you into the anthology. I can assure you! Don't worry about entering my name in the contest, but this is indeed exciting!

Yvonne Osborne said...

What a great way to get the word out! Don't worry about entering my name either. I wouldn't want to take the chance away from another lucky reader who doesn't yet own a copy! I'm trying to figure out another way to keep the ball rolling. Maybe mini reviews on my blog as I make my way through the collection. Something.

Anita said...

Well, if Theodora's involved, I want in! Congrats on all the good stuff happening to you!

Anonymous said...

Hi Judy, I hopped over here from the Writer Unboxed FB page. So nice to find a fellow South African! Congrats on the book. :)

Judy Croome | @judy_croome said...

STEPHANIE: Thanks! It’s worth a look, the stories are awesome!

LAVANYA: I’m glad you enjoyed my story. Your “three spices” story was wonderful – you wove the threads together with an expert hand! As you say, each story is so unique, it’s a grand collection to have on a bookshelf!

MARILYN: Thanks so much. I must admit it does give a big thrill to see those words in print.

GLYNIS: Thanks, having a book to promote is great! If you visit during the next few weeks, try to leave a comment – that’s an extra entry into the draw!

ONA: Hello big sister! Everyone, meet my wonderful big sister, Iona!!!! Hope you enjoy your copy…signed with the special “book-signing” pen you gave me at Christmas!! Love & hugs back!! XXXXXXXXXXX

HELEN: I’m hoping to get to the review and post it on Amazon and Goodreads later today (once I’ve caught up with emails & blog comments). Husband named the feline furkid Theodora and the V-E-T fell in love with her, and renamed her Theodorable, which just stuck! Thanks for the congratulations on the book.

FIONA: Fi, so glad you popped in. Thanks so much for the support – I’ll send a copy to Kar and ask her to pass it on to you when she’s finished!

DOMEY: Aw, gee. What can I say, but thanks! You and the other eds put in so much work, it’s no surprise the anthology has turned out so well.

YVONNE: I love the ideas of mini-reviews of each story on your blog. It’ll be a great conversation starter!

ANITA: Theodora would be most disappointed if you didn’t come to the party, so – you’re in! (As long as Ozzy gets a read as well!)

AFRICA2ASIA: Sawubona! Welcome to the blog and thanks for the congrats!

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

This is lovely all the way round--from the Literary Lab's publications for charity and your giveaway. Congratulations on being part of this. I'd love to win a copy, of course. I've been following since your other blog. :D

Judy Croome | @judy_croome said...

TRISH: Yes, I think you joined just as I closed down my old blog; I lost a lot of those followers, so I was glad when you followed me across! :) I'll put your name in the draw - for each comment on the blog up until the grand draw (mid-April) you get an extra entry into the draw!

Linda Cassidy Lewis said...

I've seen so much about this book and I think it's one I should read. I just followed you on twitter, but I'm also going to subscribe to your blog because this seems like a good place to be.

Judy Croome | @judy_croome said...

LINDA: You'll be in the draw 3 times so far ( for each comment you've made!) :) And it's great to have you here!