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Archives for: 2006
12/31/06
Fiction accounts for nearly 50-percent of all book sales
reported by William A. Davis, FictionFanatic.com
BookNet Canada data shows fiction sales are outstripping all other categories by a wide margin, accounting for about 46% of all book sales (combining juvenile and adult fiction), followed by cooking, which represents 6.45% of sales, based on the three weeks ending December 3. BookNet will issue an industry report on the bestselling books and categories of 2006 overall at month end.
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YouTube Users Spoof Google's Acquisition of YouTube with Fake Kidnapping Story
reported by Jordan Frantz, FictionFanatic.com
Online video creators are collaborating on the first viral video series that exposes a fictional "GooTube" Conspiracy. The series was initiated by one person, and has evolved into a collaborative storyline. YouTube video creators -- who have never met -- are participating in the plotline by posting new videos and advancing the plotline.
12/17/06
TV Medical Anchor Pens Work of Fiction
reported by Robert C. James, FictionFanatic.com
For Asbury Williams, writing a book was just another feather in his cap. The Myrtle Beach native regularly hosted a Christian TV program for more than a year and a weekly live medical TV program for four years. Now, with My Visit with Jesus of Nazareth (paperback, $10.99, 1-60034-712-6), the former TV anchor delves into uncharted territory, the logical next step in his growing list of credentials.
12/14/06
Best-Selling Science Fiction Author Named as Judge
reported by Emily Burgess, FictionFanatic.com
Rebecca Moesta, award-winning author of over 30 books -- both adult and young adult science fiction and fantasy -- has been named as a writing judge for the L. Ron Hubbard's Writers of the Future Contest. The announcement came today from Author Services, Inc., the literary agency and administrator of the Contest.
11/25/06
Bound Off Short Fiction Podcast Releases Tenth Issue
reported by Susan F. Monroe, FictionFanatic.com
Bound Off, a monthly literary audio magazine, has recently released a tenth podcast of original fictional short stories, read aloud, at boundoff.com
Forbes.com: Santa Claus Drops off List of Fiction's Richest Characters
reported by Julie Miller, FictionFanatic.com
Santa Claus dropped off Forbes.com?s 2006 ranking of fiction?s richest characters. Defense contractor Oliver ?Daddy? Warbucks is No. 1 on the list, with an estimated net worth of $36.2 billion.
11/12/06
Radio Interview on Destinies: The Voice of Science Fiction
reported by Barry Dunning, FictionFanatic.com
Arcanum Books Inc. has mad available the downloadable version of the recent interview between Michael J. Cavallaro, author of the acclaimed new science fiction novel, "Cybernetica," and Destinies radio host, Howard Margolin, on 90.1 F.M in Stony Brook.
11/05/06
New Science Fiction Genre Book, The End of Time
reported by Seth B. Stevenson, FictionFanatic.com
Broadband Productions Inc. launched global promotion of science fiction thriller "The End of Time" (ISBN 1-4116-3846-8). The End of Time, by Randall Towe, is an apocalyptic science fiction thriller with an alien twist.
Internet-Only Science Fiction Film Achieves Sudden Popularity
reported by Jef Horn, FictionFanatic.com
BORG WAR, an independently produced, feature-length, animated science fiction adventure, was created using machinima, a filmmaking technique that harnesses computer games to create raw footage. "Making the movie only cost $200 in software and the time I would have normally spent playing video games," says producer/director Geoffrey James.
10/29/06
Historical Fiction Channels Dickens
reported by Julie Miller, FictionFanatic.com
Author Robert Clark Weller recounts a Dickensian tale of orphanhood, mischief and the mean streets of early 20th- century New York City in two volumes with his new books "An Abundance of Devils: Just West of the Terminal Moraine" and "Just East of Eden" (now available through AuthorHouse).
10/26/06
Two New Guinness World Records Awarded to Author
reported by Robyn Jacobsma, FictionFanatic.com
Tens of thousands of authors, publishers and book industry professionals gathered this October at the annual Frankfurt Book Fair, the largest and most important event for the international publishing industry. Many of the publishers' stands featured the books of hundreds of authors. Unique among them is New Era Publications, which publishes the work of only one author, L. Ron Hubbard.
10/25/06
Thriller Author Jon F. Merz Offers Free Serialized Fiction
reported by Jordan Frantz, FictionFanatic.com
Thriller author Jon F. Merz will pen a free serialized novella The Courier on his MySpace.com page through October with a climax on Halloween. Merz, the author of the critically-acclaimed Lawson Vampire series of novels, will write a special "mini-mission" - an approximately 40,000-word supernatural hard-boiled noir adventure.
10/15/06
Star Trek: Of Gods and Men Wraps Production
reported by Susan F. Monroe, FictionFanatic.com
Star Trek: Of Gods and Men, an all-new three-part mini-series webisode featuring many Trek alumni, wrapped production October 1 in Los Angeles. A 40th anniversary gift to Star Trek?s loyal fans, Star Trek: Of Gods and Men will be released exclusively on the Internet as downloads, each 30 minutes in length.
Literature Nobel Prize Winner Orhan Pamuk Successfully Combines Fiction, Politics
reported by Robyn Jacobsma, FictionFanatic.com
Turkish author Orhan Pamuk, the winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature, is a worthy selection because of his literary ability to represent different cultures and his increasing political prominence, says a Duke University assistant professor who translated one of Pamuk's novels into English.
Spider Robinson as first Writer-in-Residence at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre
reported by Seth B. Stevenson, FictionFanatic.com
Internationally acclaimed science fiction writer Spider Robinson has been appointed the first Writer-in-Residence at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre. His appointment runs from September through June 2007 and is generously sponsored by the Canada Council.
10/08/06
Three of the Most Terrifying Cars to Ever Cruise Into Theaters
reported by Libby Jordan, FictionFanatic.com
The Volo Auto Museum has up dug three of the most nightmarish cars to ever hit theaters. All are for auction, including the most terrifying car of all time, the immortal Christine.
The museum risked life and lug nuts to unearth these terrors from the auto graveyard and list them on eBay from Oct. 1 to 10, 2006. For The Plymouth Fury from Christine, the Texas Chainsaw Massacre Dodge van, and the Devil's Rejects' Cadillac Eldorado are for sale for the first time and ready to prowl the streets for their next victims.
Doonesbury Creator Launches Milblog -- The Sandbox
reported by Sandy Williams, FictionFanatic.com
Garry Trudeau, creator of the long-running daily comic strip Doonesbury, has announced the launch of a new military weblog on his website, Doonesbury.com. The Sandbox, a "milblog" featuring entries emailed in by service members stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan, will be officially introduced in the color Doonesbury comic strip that appears this weekend in newspapers nationwide.
10/01/06
Horror Writer Exposes Himself on Podcast-Based Reality Show
reported by Stephen C. Johnson, FictionFanatic.com
Ever wondered what goes on inside the mind of a horror writer? Now?s your chance to find out. Dark fiction writer Mark Leslie is the second subject of The Writing Show?s new podcast-based reality show, ?Getting Published,? which debuted with novelist Jean Tennant on September 11th. Leslie?s series, which begins on October 9th, will follow the Ontario, Canada resident?s struggles as he attempts to complete and find an agent for his unpublished novel A Canadian Werewolf in New York.
Friday night course will examine science fiction, horror and fantasy films
reported by William A. Davis, FictionFanatic.com
Beginning on October 13, Tri-C will offer a course called B'Ware!: Bad Film Directors from the 50's and Beyond at Tri-C's Unified Technologies Center Theatre, located at 2415 Woodland Ave. in Cleveland. The course, which examines science fiction, horror and fantasy films by three legendary directors, will meet over eight Friday nights, from 7:30 to 10 p.m.
09/24/06
Original Science Fiction Fantasy Series Provides Romantic Escapism At Its Best
reported by Julie Gaven, FictionFanatic.com
We live in a fascinating time. With so much creativity and opportunity surrounding us, Janice Wee was compelled to make her own contribution to the already wonderful world of art. She was inspired to write Jake and Sarah from vivid dreams that took her into a fantastic and original world of The Veneelg's and The World Of The Warriors. Hence the characters in her latest novel, Jake and Sarah, were formed.
Regent Press Announces 100 Words Per Minute
reported by Jef Horn, FictionFanatic.com
Regent Press has released Adina Sara's fiction/memoir book, 100 Words Per Minute - Tales From Behind Law Office Doors, an intimate look inside the quirky world of law offices.
JAMIE KENNEDY TO HOST FUSE FANGORIA CHAINSAW AWARDS
reported by Brian Konradt, FictionFanatic.com
JAMIE KENNEDY will serve as host for the first-ever televised fuse FANGORIA CHAINSAW AWARDS to be held SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15TH at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles.
09/21/06
Philip K Dick, Scanner Darkly and Science Fiction is Honored in Top Sci Fi Podcast Show
reported by Robyn Jacobsma, FictionFanatic.com
Top podcasting science fiction show StarShipSofa push science fiction to the limits with a three part special on sci fi legend, Philip K Dick.
09/17/06
New Work of Fiction Is Based on Life, Teachings of Khaled Diab
reported by Desirae Goldman, FictionFanatic.com
Author Eileen Fleming's new book, Keep Hope Alive: Memoirs of Khaled M. Diab Imaginatively Retold (now available through AuthorHouse), is a memoir, a historical fiction, the author's physical and spiritual journey, and was written for baby boomers curious about the origins of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Author Kristine M Smith Gets Down to Earth about the Real McCoy
reported by Brian Konradt, FictionFanatic.com
DeForest Kelley, the actor best remembered as Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy in the original Star Trek television and motion picture series, is being remembered with special emphasis and poignancy during Star Trek's 40th anniversary, which officially began on September 8th, the date the first episode premiered.
09/15/06
Top Publications, Ltd. Releases Cactus Island
reported by Libby Jordan, FictionFanatic.com
Top Publications, Ltd., a fiction book publisher, released Cactus Island, the seventh in William Manchee's popular legal mystery series featuring Dallas attorney Stan Turner and his partner Paula Waters. In the series Turner and Waters is a high profile criminal defense firm that has a reputation for attracting impossible cases and getting in over their heads.
09/09/06
New Firefighter Romance Novel Heats Up the Literary Market
reported by Julie Miller, FictionFanatic.com
FLYING EMBERS (ISBN: 0-9774017-0-7), published by Visual Horizons Publishing Group, LLC, is a newly-released romance novel authored by James H. Pasternak -- a Newport Beach, Calif. firefighter (Ret.).
Author Jayel Gibson Proves Epic Fantasy Isn't A Boys Club Anymore
reported by Desirae Goldman, FictionFanatic.com
Popular heroes throughout the history of the fantasy fiction genre have had three things in common: they?re male, they have a big sword and they have a damsel to save. As far back as the Knights of the Roundtable, medieval and fantasy-themed tales have idealized the heroic male action figure. With more and more women becoming interested in fantasy fiction and role-playing games, such as the Final Fantasy phenomenon, it?s time the genre moved past the macho heroes and featured strong female characters.
09/05/06
Mystery Surrounding Leaked Manuscript of Peter Pan in Scarlet
reported by Tim Kaine, FictionFanatic.com
The Special Trustees of Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital, Oxford University Press and a US publisher are trying to find out how a manuscript of Geraldine McCaughrean's official sequel to JM Barrie's Peter Pan - Peter Pan in Scarlet - found its way into the hands of the New York Times.
09/03/06
New Science Fiction Writers And Illustrators Launch Careers At Air And Space Museum
reported by William A. Davis, FictionFanatic.com
Over 500 science fiction and fantasy fans, along with NASA astronaut Col (Ret) Rick Searfoss (now a test-pilot for XCOR Aerospace) and actress Marisol Nichols (Fox TV?s "24"), attended the 22nd L. Ron Hubbard Achievement Awards ceremony this past weekend at the San Diego Air & Space Museum to honor the 24 winners of the international Writers and Illustrators of the Future Contests and cheer the release of "Writers of the Future Volume 22", the book featuring their first professional sale.
08/30/06
Is Fiction a Waste of Time?
by Arvind Singh
One of my friends recently remarked that reading or writing fiction in his opinion was a waste of time. Of course, he made this remark in jest. Yet I started to look at the value of fiction in a broad context in response to his criticism.
08/27/06
Young Novelist's Plagiarism Scandal with the Threats of Offshore Outsourcing
reported by Cindy Adams, FictionFanatic.com
In the Spring of 2006, Harvard sophomore Kaavya Viswanathan was thrust into the limelight as a plagiarist. Her debut novel, "How Opal Mehta Got Kissed, Got Wild, and Got a Life," contained dozens of passages which were nearly identical in substance or form to books by several other authors.
08/17/06
The Return of Pulp Fiction
reported by Susan F. Monroe, FictionFanatic.com
While thirty million readers a month read pulp fiction magazines during the first half of the 20th century, this past weekend at PulpCon 35 in Dayton, several hundred die-hard fans and collectors came together to celebrate the past glory of these historic publications.
08/11/06
SciFryGuys, A New Podcast from Zilco Studios
reported by Paul Lewis, FictionFanatic.com
Zilco Studios presents their newest production, SciFryGuys, A Podcast. During the show the hosts, Xen and Lon, present Science, Science Fiction and Fantasy news in all media types from movies to books to the internet in a humorous format.
08/07/06
What's So Funny About "The Da Vinci Code"?
reported by Libby Jordan, FictionFanatic.com
Dr. Judith P. Shoaf of the University of Florida decided to take on "The Da Vinci Code" another way. With tongue firmly in cheek, Shoaf has written "The Da Vinci Barcode," a clever and refreshing parody of Dan Brown's popular book. She decided to have some fun with Dan Brown's sometimes confusing work.
Science Fiction and Cooking
reported by Nigel Gimble, FictionFanatic.com
Karl Lembke has collected strange, wondrous, and tasty recipes from guests and members of the L.A. Con IV, the 64th World Science Fiction convention. In keeping with the convention's "Space Cadets" theme, Karl has published "The Official Manual for Spice Cadets."
07/30/06
Filmmaker Offers Novel-in-Progress in Blog Form on the Internet
reported by Seth B. Stevenson, FictionFanatic.com
Stephen Mitchell has created a blog with which to offer "Hinky," his novel-in-progress recounting the actions of an L.A.P.D. Sergeant and an irresistible criminal intent on drawing the policeman into a series of illegal acts that will be life-changing whether successful or not.
Linn Literary Group Offers Author-Centric Publication and Promotion for Fiction Books
reported by Allan Fark, FictionFanatic.com
As authors navigate the complicated business of book publishing, they often feel adrift and alone in hostile waters. Linn Literary Group, LLC, conceived by authors for authors, represents a paradigm shift from the normal "big house" mode of operation.
07/23/06
Harry Potter Will Not Die, According to British Literature Expert
reported by Desirae Goldman, FictionFanatic.com
According to a British Victorian literature expert, Rowling?s threat to kill at least two main characters in her final book is her way of taking control and is not unlike actions taken by other authors whose books have become extremely popular with readers.
07/19/06
Bound Off Releases Sixth Literary Short Stories Audio Podcast
reported by Desirae Goldman, FictionFanatic.com
Bound Off, a monthly literary audio magazine broadcasting literary short fiction via podcasts in MP3 format, has released a sixth episode.
07/13/06
Author Combines Instruction and Entertainment in Unique Collection of Essays, Poems and Songs
reported by William A. Davis, FictionFanatic.com
For some, the act of writing is a grueling process, while others who find that words flow easily might struggle with organizing their thoughts. In his new book, Acid Dream and Other Essays, Poems, Stories & Songs (now available through AuthorHouse), A.K. Whitlock presents a range of prose and poetry that runs the gamut from structured composition to free-flowing verse and includes a guide to writing essays.
Reading Fiction Enhances Brain Performance
reported by Steven B. Alan, FictionFanatic.com
The human brain seems to hum along quite nicely, without effort or complaint, enabled by varying established patterns and routine. New research however, compiled by learning expert and bestselling author Dr. Brian E. Walsh, suggests that the brain can build neuronal connections and performs much better by adding novelty and random activity.
07/08/06
Pirates of the Caribbean premiere sparks questions of fact versus fiction
reported by Robyn Jacobsma, FictionFanatic.com
Pirates have been an intriguing part of world history for more than 3,000 years, capturing the imaginations of the young and old and inspiring dramatic tales of hunts for buried treasure. This week's highly anticipated release of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest will mark the second film in the Disney trilogy about pirate adventures.
Science Fiction Publishing Maverick Departs Earthly Plane
reported by Sarah C. Drake, FictionFanatic.com
Science fiction publishing visionary Jim Baen passed away on June 28th. He suffered a massive stroke on June 12, 2006, and never woke from it. Jim Baen was a founding partner of Baen Books, one of the largest independent publishers of popular fiction. Since its inception in 1984, Baen evolved to be one of the leading publishers of science fiction and fantasy, and in recent years a leader in electronic publishing and the fight against encrypted books.
07/03/06
Casting Call! Dungeons & Dragons Film Contest
reported by Barry Dunning, FictionFanatic.com
Wizards of the Coast, the Seattle- based company behind Dungeons & Dragons, today announced its first-ever D&
(R) Fan Film Contest. Fans of the game have been exploring extraordinary worlds, encountering mystical adversaries, and developing incredible characters for more than 30 years. Now the boundless creativity and imaginations of its players are being called to an adventure very few have experienced before -- creating their very own film!
07/01/06
Active Bladder Publishes EK CHUAH by Australian Horror Writer James Cain
reported by Libby Jordan, FictionFanatic.com
Active Bladder, the small press that "publishes the kind of crap your mother warned you about(TM)," will release EK CHUAH by James Cain on August 29.
06/25/06
Action-packed Fiction for Conspiracy Lovers, History Buffs Launches This Summer
reported by Nigel Gimble, FictionFanatic.com
Pop culture fads may come and go, but certain trends have proven timeless in their allure. Modern society is undeniably fascinated with secrets and mysteries from worlds of the past. This summer, readers will find the excitement and intrigue that comes from searching for long-forgotten treasure and exploring the arcane roots of today's civilization in a new type of fiction that introduces knowledge-hungry characters to a modern adventure story with an escapist plot sequence.
HarperCollins Children's Books Announces 'Narnia ... Beyond the Wardrobe' Educator Sweepstakes
reported by Libby Jordan, FictionFanatic.com
HarperCollins Children's Books has launched the "Narnia ... Beyond the Wardrobe" Educator Sweepstakes. Beginning June 21, 2006 and running through January 31, 2007, the contest offers the chance for a unique behind-the-scenes look at the making of the next blockbuster film in the Narnia franchise, "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" from Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media, coming to theaters in Summer 2008. This contest is open to all educational professionals ages 18 and over.
06/24/06
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix to be Simultaneously Released as IMAX(R) Film
reported by Ivan Messier, FictionFanatic.com
IMAX Corporation and Warner Bros. Pictures announced that Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix will be simultaneously released to both IMAX? and conventional theatres on July 13, 2007. The film is based on the best-selling J.K. Rowling book and is the fifth installment of the widely successful Harry Potter film series. The last installment of the series, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire which opened on November 18, 2005, shattered numerous IMAX 2D box office records and grossed more than $20 million in IMAX theatres worldwide.
06/22/06
The Power of Storytelling: Kenneth Atchity Makes Appearance
reported by Brian Scott, FictionFanatic.com
Thursday, June 29th at 4:00 p.m., story merchant Dr. Kenneth Atchity will speak on The Power of Storytelling at the Santa Barbara Writers Conference. His talk is based on his article forthcoming in The Writer, and his forthcoming book that shows storytellers how to move from the front porch to page one headlines.
06/18/06
The Science of Superman Reveals the Science Facts Behind the World's Greatest Superhero
reported by Brian Scott, FictionFanatic.com
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