A New Year begins

The Ornamental of Japan (edited). Image courtesy Sachsen.digital

Whether you see it in, maybe with fireworks or parties, or whether you wake up to find it arrived, I hope this new one turns out a good one. We’ll hope for peace, love, and understanding in the world. Yes, it’s a tall order, but is it too much to ask for a few steps in that direction?

May you find these things in your own life. May you have more reasons to smile than not.

In any case, you have an advantage in that regard, being readers.

So, yes, may you have books, wonderful books, and plenty of them!

Happy 2024!

Happy Holidays!

Holly, Biodiversity Heritage Library

May your holiday time be a good time, however you spend it—quietly, noisily, in a crowd or with a few precious companions or peacefully solo. The year is ending, the days once again grow longer (yes, sun!), and we all hope for a brighter time in the coming months.

Thank you for the gifts of your kind messages and your patience and good humor. Thank you for making me laugh and making me cry a little sometimes and making me think. Yes, some of you have asked tricky questions.

As to the prevailing question: The Interminable Book is nearing its conclusion. It’s going to happen. Please watch this space for specifics.

In the meantime, I wish you the happiest of holidays!

New England Reader's Choice Contest

Judging contests is a great way to discover new authors or enjoy familiar ones for free. This contest, though, is one I can’t judge, because I’m a Published Author.

But what about you? You can get information, and find a place to sign up, by following this link.

Here are specifics, verbatim, from the New England Romance Writers:

JUDGE THE 2023 NEW ENGLAND READERS' CHOICE CONTEST!

Sign up here to serve as a judge for the 2024 New England Readers’ Choice Awards, a contest recognizing and celebrating excellence in published romance fiction. Our contest is one of the few judged exclusively by romance fans.

All judges must be romance readers, librarians, booksellers, and/or unpaid bloggers who are at least 18 years old. Published romance authors and paid reviewers and bloggers are not permitted to judge the contest.

Each judge must commit to judging at least 3 books in e-book or in print format (the majority of entries are e-book format) between January 1, 2024 and March 31, 2024. Judges must be located in the continental United States in order to receive print books, but may be located anywhere in the world to receive e-books. Judges may request additional books to judge after they have submitted scores for all previously received books, up to a ten book limit.

The books you judge are yours to keep.

Any questions? Contact the Contest Coordinator at contest@nerw.org.