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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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reported by Barry Dunning, FictionFanatic.com

Wizards of the Coast, the Seattle- based company behind Dungeons & Dragons, today announced its first-ever D&amp(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!

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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.

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