reported by Dianne Newberry, FictionFanatic.com

On This Side of Heaven, a confessing novel about the church wins Atlanta author and speaker, Pamela Jackson, the prestigious Georgia Author of the Year Award for fiction first time novel. The award was announced June 2, 2007 at a banquet held at Kennesaw State University.

The Georgia Author of the Year Award (GAYA) is the oldest literary award in the Southeast and is sponsored by the Georgia Writer's Association. Created in 1964, the awards recognize the literary talents and accomplishments of the Peach State's authors and are given in conjunction with Kennesaw State University. Judged by published and award-winning authors from across the country, the works are judged on their distinctive voice, enduring value, imagination, ability to evoke emotion, and satisfactory resolution. Among past winners are former President Jimmy Carter, Ken Foskett, Emily Giffin and Bruce Feilder.

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reported by Jeremy Polin, FictionFanatic.com

Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. and Universal Orlando Resort are partnering to create the world’s first fully immersive Harry Potter themed environment based on the bestselling books by J.K. Rowling and blockbuster feature films from Warner Bros. Envisioned as a "theme park within a theme park" and titled "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter," the new environment will become part of the experience within Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park at the Universal Orlando Resort.

Inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters – and faithful to the visual landscapes of the films – "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" will provide a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the magical world of Harry and his friends. The fully immersive, themed land will enable guests to visit some of the most iconic locations found in the books and the films including the village of Hogsmeade, the mysterious Forbidden Forest, and even Hogwarts castle itself.

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