The Rose & Thorn June 2008 Newsletter

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THE ROSE & THORN NEWSLETTER ________________________________________________

From: The Rose & Thorn Literary E-zine http://www.theroseandthornezine.com/ June 2008
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“You can't do anything about the length of your life, but you can do something about its width and depth.” -- Shira Tehrani
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This mailing is available only by subscription and is never sent unsolicited. Subscribers' addresses are kept strictly confidential. The Rose & Thorn showcases emerging and established writers and provides a resource for writers, media professionals, and readers.
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AOL MEMBERS: You can read this newsletter on the web with hyperlinks intact. Go to: www.topica.com/lists/theroseandthorn/read
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SPONSOR SPOT
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MARGARET REID POETRY CONTEST FOR TRADITIONAL
VERSE - LAST CALL!

Fifth year. Fourteen cash prizes totaling $5,250. Top prize $2,000. Submit poems in traditional verse forms, such as sonnets and free verse. Winning entries published online. Both published and unpublished work accepted. Entry fee is $6 for every 25 lines, payable to Winning Writers. Postmark deadline: June 30. Judges: J.H. Reid, D.C. Konrad. Submit online or mail to Winning Writers, Attn: Margaret Reid Poetry Contest, 351 Pleasant Street, PMB 222, Northampton, MA 01060. Winning Writers is proud to be one of "101 Best Websites for Writers" (Writer's Digest, 2005-2008). More information: www.winningwriters.com/margaret
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NEWSLETTER CONTENTS
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* From the Editor's Pen
* From the Publisher’s Pen
* Special Announcements
* Of Literary Note* Markets & Contests
* Author Interviews
* Book Reviews
* The Readers' Mailbag
* What We Are Up To
* Masthead
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FROM THE EDITOR'S PEN-
Kathryn Magendie
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Dear Readers,

This month marks the one-year anniversary since I began crafting the newsletter. I can’t quite fathom how it has been a year since Barb asked if I was interested in taking on this task. I immediately emailed back, “Yes, of course I’m interested. Of course I can do it. Of course…sure. Yes.” But, when I hit “send” I felt only terror. Me? Pulling together The Rose & Thorn Newsletter? Oh god. I’d been helping Meredith here and there with contests and markets, but to be responsible for an entire newsletter sent my quivers to quivervating. I tackled the assignment with enthusiastic panic, and the first newsletter I’d ever done slipped through to your email accounts on June 2007.

Well, I am here to tell you all what a wise decision it was. This year has clicheingly flown by, and I look forward to more, as long I am able to provide fresh and interesting newsletter items for you all to enjoy. Please send your comments and suggestions. We do read your mail and we are interested in what you think.

I do hope you visit the links provided here, for you never know where they will lead you; perhaps a market or contest that fits perfectly with your writing, a magazine or zine that is looking for a story/poem/essay you have been holding on to, or maybe you like to read good work and a link will send you to a place you’ve always wished to be. Of course, I hope you will enter The Rose & Thorn Ezine site and read the poems, short stories, and essays provided for you. The summer issue is right ‘round the corner, chock full of gooey good stuff, as always!

My friends, it’s been quite a year, one that has seen successes, and seen disappointment, but has always seen opportunity. I am wishing for you all a great summer. Although The Rose & Thorn is closed to prose submissions until September 9, why not polish up your work to submit to us then?

Eat some ice-cream, have a Popsicle, take a walk in the warmth, drink a glass of iced tea, go swimming, do it all, for summer is here. Ahhhh.
Kat
Senior Editor/Senior Newsletter Editor
http://www.kathrynmagendie.com/
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FROM THE PUBLISHER’S PEN-
Barbara Quinn
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Dear Readers,

Thanks for being loyal supporters of The Rose & Thorn. Each time we send out a newsletter, or publish an issue, some of you write in and tell us how much you enjoy what we do. That means a lot to us. Having loyal readers who appreciate our efforts makes everything worthwhile. The staffers here volunteer their time because they believe in what they do. They love it here, and when you write and say you love it too, it makes a big difference.

We've grown so much over the past ten years. Besides the zine we have Roses & Thorns, our blog, where you can read book reviews, author interviews, and tips from staff members. We also feature guest posters.

Then there's the YOG, the Year of Gratitude Blog, which is still going strong. In spite of the fact that I wake up grumpy every morning, I'm managing to find things to be grateful for. Come on over and see how Angie, Kat, Nannette, and I are facing this challenge of being grateful.

Our MySpace page is growing and expanding into new areas. We're excited about the new direction we hope to take there featuring YA and other things I won't mention till it does take off!

I’ll be talking about The Rose & Thorn and my writing on Conscious Discussions, a blogtalk radio program hosted by Lillian Brummit. You can check out the show live, or look for it in the archives afterward. The show airs June 19. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/consciousdiscussions

Thank you Lillian for featuring us!

Enjoy the summer. Our summer issue should be live by mid-July.

If you find you have a few dollars to spare we are always in need of donations and they will go toward keeping the zine the special place it is.

Happy reading and writing,

Barb
Publisher/Managing Editor

GOT YOG?: http://barbaraquinnyearofgratitude.blogspot.com/
Roses & Thorns: http://roseandthornreviews.blogspot.com/
MySpace.com-Rose & Thorn: http://www.myspace.com/roseandthornlitzine
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THE ROSE & THORN SUPPORTS OUR TROOP

Send a free printed postcard to U.S. military personnel overseas:
http://www.letsaythanks.com/Home1280.html

Want to send help to our soldiers who do not receive mail or goodies?
http://www.anysoldier.com/
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CHECK OUT OUR NEW MASTHEAD
After all these years, you finally get to look upon the roses & thorns of your favorite online publication. Check out our new masthead page at: http://pratt.edu/~cgarza/

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R&T IS A PAYING MARKET
or each piece of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction The Rose & Thorn publishes; we will pay $5 via PayPal. Yes, we'd love to pay more. Donate, take out an ad, and fill our coffers.

Do submit. Guidelines are at the site—http://www.theroseandthornezine.com/
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HELP WANTED
Seeking strong, upbeat individuals who love all things literary.Volunteer for a great site. Why? For the experience, for the pleasure of learning and doing something you love, but most of all, to enhance our global literary community of which you are an important part. We have several staff positions available at The Rose & Thorn. We especially need help with compiling and updating the staffer bios, and with promotion of the site. Want to do a podcast for us? Or help us become a presence on youtube?

We need YOU! Contact Barbara Quinn at BAQuinn@aol.com

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WHY NOT DONATE?The award-winning Rose & Thorn Literary E-zine welcomes YOUR donations. No amount is too small and all funds are used to keep this site going.Did you know that we've been listed as one of Writer's Digest's Top 30 Short Story Markets, as one of their 101 best Places for Writers, and as an "Internet Envy" Site too? Or that we've been a Preditors & Editors Truly Useful site? (Visit our awards page to see more.)

Please donate by clicking http://tinyurl.com/2zxn63
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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
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The Rose & Thorn Ezine is closed to Prose submissions until September 9, 2008. Thank you for all your past submissions, and we look forward your submissions in September.

Poetry submissions remain open.
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OF LITERARY NOTE
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ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA LITERARY FESTIVAL

Jolly Beach Resort, Antigua, November 7th-9th.

The 3rd annual Antigua and Barbuda International Literary Festival reconvenes this November at the Jolly Beach Resort in Antigua. Join us as we welcome an outstanding panel of prize-winning authors including Junot Diaz, Zee Edgell, Ramabai Espinet, Lorna Goodison, Elizabeth Nunez, Arnold Rampersad, Esmeralda Santiago and many others. Come and hear published authors, editors, and literary agents speak about writing and marketing best-selling books against a setting of sandy beaches and crystal blue waters. Participants will have the opportunity of mingling in an intimate setting with writers and other guests at planned receptions as well as taking advantage of an array of activities offered by the all-inclusive Jolly Beach Resort.

In addition, your participation will help to lend support to the construction of a new Antigua and Barbuda National Library to replace the one destroyed by earthquake in 1972.

Visit us at our website: http://www.antiguaandbarbudaliteraryfestival.com/

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BE ON THE RADIO

Authors Read – where authors, storytellers and poets read from their published work. Your host, Lillian Brummet, is the co-author of the popular book promotion guide “Purple Snowflake Marketing – How to Make Your Book Stand Out in a Crowd”. Lillian is also the host of the Conscious Discussions talk radio show that airs 3 times a week. Visit http://www.brummet.ca/ website for information about the world of writing and how to appear on this radio show.

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SPIRE PRESS LITERARY PRESS

Spire Press is a non-profit, literary press specializing in poetry. Our organization is mission-driven and we are increasing our efforts to help our authors in every way. While we have contests, they are ethically run and we offer fee waivers to those who cannot afford the reading fee. We also offer an open reading period with no fees.

SPIRE PRESS LINK: http://www.spirepress.org/
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THE BUZZ
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LITERACY, INC.

Literacy Inc. is a non-profit organization started by author Deborah Leblanc. Literacy has been a national concern for years as evidenced by the foreword noted in the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, “…too many children in America are segregated by low expectations, illiteracy, and self-doubt…But if we succeed in educating our youth, many other successes will follow throughout our country and in the lives of our citizens… For more, go to: http://www.literacyinc.com/

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POET’S CAFÉ INTERVIEW

Chris Crittenden is scheduled to be interviewed on the Poet's Cafe, a radio show on KPFK Los Angeles, where he will tout the virtues of The Rose & Thorn on air. Kudos to him, and to us for discovering such a talented poet.

His interview will be pre-recorded in the studio on June 22 (air date not yet determined). The KPFK web site has a "listen live" link, so listeners can listen over the Internet from the comfort of home.

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SNIPLITS - AUDIO STORIES TO GO

Sniplits.com features the best in audio short stories. Unlike audiobooks that can take hours to finish, these stories take just a snip of time. They are the perfect pack-and-go entertainment for just about any pause in your day. A 10-minute story might be just what you need for a coffee break, while a two-minute story might make that wait in line at the bank's drive through a little easier to take. How about a 20-minute story for your lunch break, or a 40-minute story to get you through your dental appointment?

Each week, Sniplits offers a free story of the week and the opportunity to get to know new authors.

Barbara Quinn has been one of their featured authors. Wayne Scheer, Rebecca Oliver, and Robert Friedman are a few other sniplits authors with a connection to The Rose & Thorn. They would appreciate your support. Stories start at 44 cents!

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ZINIO E-BOOKS

Zinio, a publishing, distribution, and retail-services company has over 100 classic books in e-book format, free for anyone to read. www.zinio.com/classics
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MARKETS AND CONTESTS
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Readers should make sure to check sources carefully and to inquire about references when appropriate. The Rose & Thorn cannot assume responsibility for the sites and services mentioned below.
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ANOTHEREALM

Anotherealm.com is a monthly e-zine. New full length stories will be offered each month, on approximately the first of the month.

Right now we do three kinds of stories, Full Length, Contest and Flash Fiction. We do pay for full length stories. Contest and Flash Fiction we don't pay for.

What are we looking for? SF/F/H stories with a strong plot and good characters. Hard science fiction is always welcomed. What we don't want is stories that are pornographic in nature. Use violence beyond the plot line. Or anything that just isn't right for our audience.

http://anotherealm.com/guidelines/index.html

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108 CELEBRATING BASEBALL

108 welcomes unsolicited submissions of original and fresh fiction, non-fiction, photographs, illustrations, and cartoons. All submissions to 108 should relate to baseball and its historical and/or cultural connection to society and community. If you’re still not sure what 108 is all about, review the table of contents for our current and past issues.

Payment terms for materials published in 108 vary, but will be determined contractually after selection by 108 and before the beginning of the editorial process. Compensation for articles typically ranges between $0.50 and $1.00 per word for written submissions, $50 and $500 per photograph or illustration, and between $100 and $500 per cartoon. Compensation for cover art is open to negotiation. 108 prefers feature articles and short fiction to be between 1,500 and 7,000 words.

For more guidelines, go to:
http://www.108mag.com/submissions.aspx

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SOTTO VOCE

Now accepting submissions!

Sotto Voce (http://sottovocemagazine.com/) is now accepting submissions for our first issue, scheduled for Fall 2008. We welcome submissions of up to two pieces of fiction, three "short shorts", two essays, five poems, or ten photographs/artwork items. Fiction is limited to 5,000 words, but we'll accept exceptional stories that exceed the limit. "Short shorts" are limited to 500 words.

We expect simultaneous submissions, but we do reserve the right of first publication (expires 120 days after initial appearance) as well as the right to include your work in our annual print publication.

We accept submissions in all digital text formats (Microsoft Word preferred) via e-mail attachment. We accept artwork and photographs in all digital formats (JPG or TIF preferred).
Please include a cover letter with the following information: Name, e-mail address, word count (if applicable), genre, and title. We respond to all submissions within 15 days. Pays upon publication.

Send submissions to: submissions@sottovocemagazine.com

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DRUE HEINZ LITERATURE PRIZE

Hurry! Contest deadline is June 30!

For more than twenty five years the Drue Heinz Literature Prize has recognized and supported writers of short fiction and made their work available to readers around the world. The award is open to writers who have published a book-length collection of fiction or at least three short stories or novellas in commercial magazines or literary journals. Send submissions to: Drue Heinz Literature Prize, University of Pittsburgh Press, Eureka Building, Fifth Floor, 3400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260.

http://tinyurl.com/33gx6y

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GREAT LAKES COLLEGES ASSOCIATION NEW WRITERS
AWARD

Award for first publication in fiction, creative nonfiction, or poetry. Writer must be nominated by publisher or can submit if self published. Prize: Winners are invited to tour the GLCA colleges. An honorarium of $500 will be guaranteed the author by each GLCA member college they visit. Judged by professors from member colleges. Submit 4 copies of the book to Greg Wegner, GLCA, 535 W. William, Ste. 301, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. No entry fee. http://www.glca.org/?news=96

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OUR-ECHO MONTHLY CONTEST

Everyone has a story. What's yours?

OurEcho is dedicated to capturing and sharing the individual "bits and pieces" that define our local communities. It might be a bit of interesting local history, an old photograph, a special memory or just a funny story. We are particularly interested in those fascinating and intriguing events/people (both large and small) that we all encounter as part of the human experience. It might be something that happened recently or something passed down to you through your family. Our goal is to provide a forum for local communities to share who they are through their stories and photographs. When you take the time to share these reflection with others, you help us better understand you, the world we live in, and if we are lucky, they help us better understand ourselves.

No direct compensation is provided to those that choose to submit pieces; however, we do administer a $100 monthly contest and numerous content specific contests. OurEcho also donates to a number of charities as a way of thanking those that contribute.

We hope that you will find time to contribute a story to our site.
http://tinyurl.com/6lnjql
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AUTHOR INTERVIEWS
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FRANK WILSON, RETIRED INQUIRER BOOK EDITOR
Interview by Nannette Croce

Frank Wilson is the recently retired book editor for The Philadelphia Inquirer, where he assigned reviews and covered the book beat since 2000. As someone who has enjoyed the Inquirer’s Sunday reviews for many years, I’m now enjoying his blog, BOOKS, INQ.: THE EPILOGUE. Frank was kind enough to take time out recently to answer questions on books, reviewing, publishing, and changes to the newspaper industry.
For the complete interview, go to: http://tinyurl.com/5m7l8l

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BOOK REVIEWS
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ALL THAT IS NOT GIVEN IS LOST BY GREG KUZMA
The Backwaters Press, 2007
Reviewed by Yu-Han Chao

Greg Kuzma’s long, slender poems stretch along pages so effortlessly it is like reading one long story of memories, traveling from significant moment to significant moment, occasionally focusing on meaningful objects and glimpsing the silhouettes of characters from the past…for more, go to: http://tinyurl.com/5puraj

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RECKONINGS, CONTEMPORARY SHORT FICTION BY
NATIVE AMERICAN WOMEN
Edited by: Hertha D. Sweet Wong, Lauren Stuart Muller, Jana Sequoya Magdeleno
Oxford University Press, 2008
Reviewed by Nannette Croce

If you have not yet sampled Native American Lit, I strongly recommend it, and Reckonings, Contemporary Short Fiction by Native American Women is a great place to start.

The term Native American, of course, comprises many different nations with their diverse cultures. Not all American Indians grow up on rural reservations. Many live in urban settings…for more, go to: http://tinyurl.com/64khcp

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BLOOD HARVEST BY BRANT RANDALL
Capital Crime Press, May 2008
Reviewed by Andrea Middendorf

Massachusetts, 1929. It is the time of Prohibition and moonshine, of backroom political dealings and smoky rooms oozing with Jazz. Part of this atmosphere is embedded within Blood Harvest, but there is another, darker element that drives the story forward. Set in rural New England, Blood Harvest tells the tale of the lynching of immigrant Nick DeCosta…for more go to: http://tinyurl.com/5jwpw3

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THE FIRST PATIENT BY MICHAEL PALMER
St. Martin's Press
Reviewed by Laurel Fuller

We all wonder exactly what goes on behind closed doors at the White House. We want to know what the people who run the country are like when the cameras are off and when the press isn't listening. We wonder if there really are secret conspiracies running the show from behind the curtain, and whether or not one man—or woman—can, in fact, make a difference. Michael Palmer's latest gives us, not a definitive answer, but a fast-paced, frightening look at the inner cogs of the Washington machine…for more, go to: http://tinyurl.com/678jwc

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More reviews by your favorite staffers are available www.roseandthornreviews.blogspot.com/

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THE READER'S MAIL BAG
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Your feedback is welcome. Letters to the editor should be sent by clicking "Reply" to this newsletter.
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WHAT WE'RE UP TO
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When the staff of the Rose & Thorn isn't slaving away over prose and poetry, or at their day jobs, they're scribbling their own musings and submitting to other worthy publications.
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CONTRACT FOR BOOK PUBLICATION & MFA PROGRAM
ACCEPTANCE

Assistant Poetry Editor Megan Roth was accepted in the MFA program for poetry in the Creative Writing department at the University of Miami. She was offered a full scholarship plus a stipend.

And! Megan has signed a book contract to write “The Green Guide to Daily Living” (Cliff Road Books, 2008). A fun, easy to read book about living green in every area of your life from building to buying produce to vacationing in the summer. The book will be out in major book chains and available online in November, 2008.

Megan says, “Hooray for the Rose & Thorn being an eco-friendly web journal!”

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CHILDREN’S BOOK TO BE PUBLISHED

Assistant Editor Maggie Grinnell’s children’s picture book, “The Ketchup Bottle and The Takeover” will be published by Living Waters Publishing.

This is a story about Tommy Tomato, a ketchup bottle who tries to take over the refrigerator and the lesson he learns.

Check back for more news as the release dates draws near.
http://maggiegrinnell.lifeartz.com/

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KENYON REVIEW WRITER’S WORKSHOP ACCEPTANCE

Co-Managing Editor Nannette Croce was accepted to the 2008
Kenyon Review Summer Writers Workshop at Kenyon College.

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ON THE RADIO

Barbara Quinn will be a guest of Lillian Brummet on the Conscious Discussions radio show on June 19. She'll be discussing The Rose & Thorn and her writing. It's Blog Talk Radio, and she'd love it if you tuned in! Go to: http://tinyurl.com/68xmfy

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PEN TO PRESS RETREAT

From Editor Angie Ledbetter: “Me and my friend Kathryn M. are moseying on down to New Orleans for a 5-day writer's conference (PEN TO PRESS) at the end of May where we'll sweat blood over our manuscripts as we learn how to polish them up in order to hook an agent and/or publisher.” http://www.pentopressretreat.com/

Note afterwards: The retreat was a big success, with hopes of good things to follow…stay tuned…

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SPRING AROUND THE ROSIE

Senior Editor Wil Hough & Spring around the Rosie:

“Racine Wisconsin, in an effort to promote its beautiful downtown on the shores of Lake Michigan, took an idea from Chicago with the artistically decorated cows they stuck all over the shopping areas a few years ago. For the Sphere Madness celebration, Downtown Racine Corp. awarded some blank 32 inch diameter fiberglass balls and a $100 check for expenses to select local artists and one (me) from out of state -- I live in Illinois. They invited me to take part because of the Underground Railroad fresco I designed and painted at the Racine Heritage Museum. The idea was for each of us to create something unique making use of the ball as a "canvas." The artistic creations will be on display all summer in front of various stores and galleries (there are a ton of art galleries in Racine). During the Labor Day weekend, a judging will be held to select three winners based upon artistry, creativity, and whimsy. The competition is fierce, but I have high hopes. Anybody who finds themselves in the locality between Chicago and Milwaukee would do well to make a side excursion to enjoy this delightful little city.”

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STORY, POETRY, PHOTOGRAPHY

Kathryn Magendie’s photo of misty mountains has been published in the summer issue of OCEAN Magazine.

Her short story “Swan’s Place” will be out in the July issue of “Lunch Hour Stories.”

Three of her poems were recently published in “Cantaraville Three.”

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VIDEO HELP WANTED
R&T would like to create a video trailer for You Tube, and possibly a podcast of the zine. If you have the skills to craft something for us and want to pitch in - to great appreciation and love from all of us - please email Barbara Quinn at baquinn@aol.com.
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AN INVITE BACK TO THE FORUM!

Dear Readers,

For both readers and writers interested in sharing work and interactive commentary, be sure to visit our updated Community Forums. There, you will discover folders for all forms of fiction, personal experiences, poetry, and more. For those students bogged down with creative or essay writing, this is the place to ask for help. Of course, the emphasis is on interactive so, while you are not required to provide commentary, it is welcomed and encouraged.

Access is available by clicking on the Community Forum hyperlink located on the Rose & Thorn entry page.

Please note that the site depends on individual action to make it work. Every explosion of applause begins with the first pair of hands serving as a catalyst.

http://forum.uponfurtherreview.com/

Wil Hough
Senior Editor & Community Forum Manager
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YOUR AD CAN BE HERE
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Do you have a writing service, contest, publication, or product you'd like to share with our sophisticated and talented readers? Why not take an ad out in The Rose & Thorn? Our ads are most reasonable and start at $20.

Advertise with The Rose & Thorn.
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DREAM QUEST ONE POETRY & WRITING CONTEST

Write a poem, thirty lines or fewer on any subject or write a short story five pages maximum, single or double line spacing, on any subject or theme, fiction or non-fiction. Multiple entries are accepted. Postmark Deadline: July 31, 2008. Awards: Writing Contest First Prize is $500; Second: $250; Third: $100. Poetry Contest First Prize: $250; Second: $125; Third: $50. All contest winners will be published online in the Dare to Dream pages, on August 31, 2008. Entry fees: Writing Contest: $10 per short story. Poetry Contest: $5 per poem. Info: Include title of poem or story, name, address, phone#, email, brief biographical info. (Tell us a little about yourself) on the coversheet. Entry fees payable to: “DREAMQUESTONE.COM”- Mail to: Dream Quest One Poetry & Writing Contest, P.O. Box 3141, Chicago, IL 60654. Visit http://www.dreamquestone.com/ for details and to enter!

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PURPLE SNOWFLAKE MARKETING

Purple Snowflake Marketing - How To Make Your Book Stand Out In A Crowd is a reference guide for self-marketing authors who want to stand out in a snowstorm of published books. With 21 appendices and well over 500 direct links authors can begin promotion activities with a click of their mouse. It can be ordered through the publisher at twilighttimesbooks.com or through online e-book suppliers such as booklocker.com or fictionwise.com. Visit the author’s website at: http://www.brummet.ca/

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FEEDBACK AND WORD OF MOUSE WELCOME
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If you like the e-zine and its contents, feel free to forward the link to your associates and friends who might enjoy the same.
As always, thanks! Comments or questions? Email us. We love to hear your feedback so drop us a line.Until next time. Happy Reading!The Staff of The Rose & Thorn.
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If this message was forwarded to you, then please do yourself (and me) a favor by subscribing. It's easy and it's no charge. Just send a blank email to:
theroseandthornezine@topica.com_
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STAFF
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B.A. Quinn, Managing Editor and Publisher
Nannette Croce, Co-Managing Editor and Newsletter Editor
Kathryn Magendie, Senior Editor and Senior Newsletter Editor
C. Garza, Senior Editor
W. Hough, Senior Editor, Graphics Manager, Community Forum Administrator
Sandra Merz, Poetry Editor and Newsletter Editor
Eric Giere, Chief Webmaster
Nora Radcliffe-Capocy, Prose Editor
Angie Ledbetter, Prose Editor and Newsletter Editor
Dallas D’Angelo-Gary, Editor/Procedures Manager, Newsletter Editor
Karen Reiser, Prose Editor
Andrea Middendorf, Prose Editor
Liam Wilkinson, Cover Commentator
Jason Fryer, Content Producer
Erin McKnight, Assistant Editor
Cathy Biribauer, Assistant Editor
Kim Rush, Assistant Poetry Editor
Apryl Fox, Assistant Poetry Editor
Megan Roth, Assistant Poetry Editor
Laurel Fuller, Assistant Editor, Book Reviews
Maggie Grinnell, Assistant Editor, Blog
Jenn O’Neal, Assistant Editor, Proof-reader, Interviews
Rebecca Oliver, MySpace Manager
Yu-Han Chao, Blog Manager
Sheri Whitlock, Assistant Editor, Myspace
Samella McClary Brown, Assistant Editor, Community Forum
Deborah Laws, Blog Proof Reader

THE ROSE Þ ANNOUNCEMENT NEWSLETTER

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The Rose &Thorn Literary E-Zine

Vol. 10 Issue #14
April 2008
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GO GREEN! READ THE ROSE & THORN EZINE
Proudly saving trees since 1998

This mailing is available only by subscription
and is never sent unsolicited. Subscribers'addresses are kept strictly confidential. The
Rose & Thorn showcases emerging and established
writers and provides a resource for writers, media
professionals, and readers.
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Without responding to the opt-in invite, Topica will never know that you

have indeed subscribed to the R&T Newsletter.


THIS ISSUE SPONSORED BY:
WAR POETRY CONTEST
Seventh year. Fifteen cash prizes totaling $5,000. Top prize $2,000.
Submit 1-3 unpublished poems on the theme of war, up to 500 lines in
all. Winning entries published online. Sponsored by Winning Writers. $15
entry fee, payable to Winning Writers. Postmark deadline: May 31. Judge:
Jendi Reiter. Include cover sheet with contact information. No name on
poems. Submit online or mail to Winning Writers, Attn: War Poetry
Contest, 351 Pleasant Street, PMB 222, Northampton, MA 01060. Winning
Writers is proud to be one of "101 Best Websites for Writers" (Writer's
Digest, 2005-2007). More information: www.winningwriters.com/war
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YOU ROCK!

You’re the best readers a zine could have. Thanks for
supporting us for almost ten years.

Donations are up, submissions are up, and it’s
all because of YOU! Hey, if YOU haven’t donated,
what are you waiting for?

http://tinyurl.com/2zxn63

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GOT YOG? YEAR OF GRATITUDE

A Year of Gratitude-Health, Wealth, and Happiness for Free!

In 2008,Angie Ledbetter,, Nannette Croce, Kat Magendie, and Barbara
Quinn are blogging A Year of Gratitude.

Each day we will write about things we are grateful for. This is our
attempt at making the world a better place. Why not join us? We believe
that being grateful for what we have is the path to finding peace and
contentment. Remember, health, wealth, and happiness are all within
reach; mental health, wealth of the soul, and inner happiness. And they
are free.

Visit: http://barbaraquinnyearofgratitude.blogspot.com/

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CHECK OUT OUR NEW MASTHEAD

After all these years you finally get to look upon the Roses & Thorns
of your favorite online publication.
Check out our new masthead page at: http://pratt.edu/~cgarza

_______________________________________

NEWSLETTER CONTENTS

*Editor’s Comments
*From the Publisher's Pen
*About the Cover by Liam Wilkinson
*Poetry
*Mainstream
*Science Fiction
*Experimental
*Flash
*Humor
*Interview
_____________________________________

EDITOR’S COMMENTS
By Dallas D’Angelo-Gary, Announcement Editor

The opening months of 2008 have been intensely satisfying for me. There
is no easier way to defeat writer’s block than to answer a challenge. I
think I’ve written more poetry in the past two months than I’d written
through all of 2007.

I believe that blogging is one of the most beneficial outlets for a
writer. It gives us an opportunity to commune with, and challenge other
writers in an informal atmosphere. It demands our attention, but has no
firm deadline. It gives us the opportunity to hone our craft and
display our work. And it’s all free.

It doesn’t get much better than that!

Dallas
____________________________________
FROM THE PUBLISHER’S PEN
By Barbara Quinn


Dear Readers,

Welcome Spring! The season of hope and promise is upon us. Here, in New
York, everyone is quite happy that winter has ended. I always look
forward to the day I no longer need the winter coat and gloves, the day
heavy clothes begin feeling too bulky and warm.
The days are longer and there’s an underlying warmth
to the air. (I love that daylight savings time started
earlier this year!) The sun is stronger and I have more energy.

With this new season, we bring you our Spring 2008 issue.

We have our usual stunning poetry, fine fiction, and noteworthy
nonfiction. Every issue we find new, clear voices to fill our pages.
Enjoy what they have to offer and do drop the authors a line. They love
hearing from you! So do we.

Keep sending your best poetry, fiction and nonfiction. We could use some
fine essays, in particular. Summer and fall issues are full for fiction,
but we are reading for winter. If you submit fiction or nonfiction and don’t hear back within a
month, please, write again. Sometimes things never arrive. We try to
answer promptly, so if you haven’t heard, something is amiss.

I want to encourage you to read more than the new issue of the zine.
Visit Roses & Thorns, our blog, where you will find guest author
appearances and posts by the staffers here. Come hang out at the YOG,
our Year of Gratitude blog. Angie, Nannette, Kat, and I are posting
about things we are grateful for each day. Being grateful is good for
you. You’ll feel better physically and mentally if you have an attitude
of gratitude. And take a peek at the Message Boards, especially if you
write poetry. Wil has quite an interactive approach going over there.

If you’re interested in helping make our site available
Via podcasts, we’d be forever in your debt.

Best to you all,

Barb

____________________________________

R&T IS A PAYING MARKET

For each piece of fiction, poetry
and nonfiction The Rose & Thorn
publishes we will pay the author
a fee of $5 via Paypal. Submit!
Guidelines are at the site.
http://www.theroseandthornezine.com/

_____________________________________


NOTES ABOUT OUR COVER
by Liam Wilkinson

SPRING IN TOWN
by Grant Wood

Grant Wood is responsible for creating one of
America’s greatest and most recognised icons –
American Gothic. It is a painting that has been moving
through popular culture for over seventy years. And
yet, like many who have found fame through a single
iconic creation, Wood and his remaining works have
been greatly overlooked.

Take, for example, this piece – Spring in Town. Almost
surreal in colour and composition, though entirely
real in the tradition of Wood’s native land, this
painting is typical of Wood’s fond interpretation of
his home. Wood’s work belongs to Regionalism, an
artistic movement associated mainly with Midwest
America, with its scenes of agricultural and
small-town living.

Yet, however deep Wood digs into the soil of his
native Midwest, the entire world can relate to his
home-grown scenes. Painted during the American
depression, much of Wood’s work represents the hope
and optimism of man in times of uncertainty. Spring
and our reaction to its arrival is an optimism to
which all artists and poets return time and time
again. Wood’s Spring in Town is another perfect and
charming example of this.

Liam

_________________________________


SPRING 2008

POETRY

Contour Drawing by Janet Butler

Cruise Control Memory on I-65 by Megan Roth

Armageddon Days by Jeanpaul Ferro

The Secret by Heather MacPherson

After 'The Emperor's New Clothes’ by Peter McGuire

Et Tu Morning by John Grey


MAINSTREAM

The Sleeping Baby by Lawrence Buentello


SCIENCE FICTION

Diggory and the Privileges of Man by Scott T. Barnes

A Touch of Time by Biff Mitchell


EXPERIMENTAL

Rose Garden by Tantra Bensko


FLASH

The Morning Routine by Penny-Anne Beaudoin

Fire Prevention Week by Aaron Sinkovich

Dense by Tom Mahony


HUMOR

Con-temporary Love by Bonnie Enes

Love on the Rocks By Tyler Moore


INTERVIEW

Tim Sandlin by Nannette Croce


Reading Between the Guidelines

Would you like to know what R&T is really looking for? Maybe you've
submitted to us in the past, followed all the guidelines, but received a
rejection anyway. Or maybe you're considering a submission but don't
know which of your pieces would be right for us.

You should check out Roses & Thorns where R&T's prose and poetry editors
provide writing tips, observations, and an inside look at what does and
does not make the cut. You'll also find recommended resources for
writers, book reviews and interviews with well-known authors.

Even better, you can comment and ask questions about posts. Editors will
check back regularly and reply.

Roses & Thorns http://roseandthornreviews.blogspot.com/


***************************************
DONATE TO THE ROSE & THORN
We've made it easy for YOU to support
The Rose and Thorn. You can now donate via PayPal
at various spots at the zine. Look for the DONATE
button on the cover or on the Table of Contents or do it
NOW by clicking this link:
http://tinyurl.com/2zxn63

*************************************

**************************************
STAFF

B.A. Quinn, Managing Editor and Publisher
Nannette Croce, Co-Managing Editor and Newsletter Editor
Kathryn Magendie, Senior Editor and Senior Newsletter Editor
C. Garza, Senior Editor
W. Hough, Senior Editor, Graphics Manager, Community Forum Administrator
Sandra Merz, Poetry Editor and Newsletter Editor
Eric Giere, Chief Webmaster
Nora Radcliffe-Capocy, Prose Editor
Angie Ledbetter, Prose Editor and Newsletter Editor
Dallas D’Angelo-Gary, Editor/Procedures Manager, Newsletter Editor
Rebecca Oliver, MySpace Manager, Assistant Newsletter Editor
Apryl Fox, Assistant Poetry Editor
Karen Reiser, Prose Editor
Andrea Middendorf, Prose Editor
Liam Wilkinson, Cover Commentator
Erin McKnight, Assistant Editor
Cathy Biribauer, Assistant Editor
Laurel Fuller, Assistant Editor
Maggie Grinnell, Assistant Editor
Jason Fryer, Content Producer and Newsletter Editor
Kim Rush, Assistant Poetry Editor
Sheri Whitlock, Assistant Editor
Jenn O’Neal, Assistant Editor, Proof-reader, Interviews
Samella McClary Brown, Assistant Editor
Deborah Laws, Assistant Editor, Blog Proof Reader
Megan Roth, Assistant Poetry Editor
Yu-Han Chao, Blog Manager

THE ROSE & THORN NEWSLETTER -April 2008

THE ROSE & THORN NEWSLETTER
________________________________________________

From: The Rose & Thorn Literary E-zine

Volume 10, Issue #13
April 2008
________________________________________________
“To understand the heart and mind of a person, look not at what he has
already achieved, but at what he aspires to.” - Kahlil Gibran
_______________________________________________
This mailing is available only by subscription and is never sent
unsolicited. Subscribers' addresses are kept strictly confidential. The
Rose & Thorn showcases emerging and established writers and provides a
resource for writers, media professionals, and readers.
________________________________________________
AOL MEMBERS: You can read this newsletter on the web with hyperlinks
intact. Go to: www.topica.com/lists/theroseandthorn/read
________________________________________________
NOT GETTING YOUR R & T NEWSLETTER?
Or know someone who isn't?
---------------------------------------
Make sure you send a valid e-mail address to therosandthorn@topica.com,
and then check both your inbox and your junk mail folder for an opt-in
invite from Topica. Without responding to the opt-in invite, Topica will
never know you have indeed subscribed to the R & T newsletter.
________________________________________________
SPONSOR SPOT
----------------------------------------
WAR POETRY CONTEST – CLOSING NEXT MONTH

Seventh year. Fifteen cash prizes totaling $5,000. Top prize $2,000.
Submit 1-3 unpublished poems on the theme of war, up to 500 lines in
all. Winning entries published online. Sponsored by Winning Writers. $15
entry fee, payable to Winning Writers. Postmark deadline: May 31. Judge:
Jendi Reiter. Include cover sheet with contact information. No name on
poems. Submit online or mail to Winning Writers, Attn: War Poetry
Contest, 351 Pleasant Street, PMB 222, Northampton, MA 01060. Winning
Writers is proud to be one of "101 Best Websites for Writers" (Writer's
Digest, 2005-2007). More information: www.winningwriters.com/war
_______________________________________________
NEWSLETTER CONTENTS
---------------------------------------
* From the Editor's Pen
* From the Publisher’s Pen
* Special Announcements
* From the Co-Managing Editor
* Of Literary Note
* Markets & Contests
* Author Interviews
* Book Reviews
* The Readers' Mailbag
* What We Are Up To
* Masthead
________________________________________________
FROM THE EDITOR'S PEN-
Kathryn Magendie
----------------------------------------
Dear Readers,

The windows are open, as is the front door, and I hear the creek as it
rushes down to join its bigger sister. I saw my first Goldfinch this
morning. On my mountain, there are flowers, new shoots of bright green
grass, and the first budding of trees. In the valley, the process is
further along. I feel spring; I see spring. Beginnings from what has
only remained hidden, waiting.

I’ve been thinking quite a bit about writers. Maybe because there are
some days I want to walk away from this writer’s life and find something
“easy,” something that pays better, something that isn’t so, well, so
rejecting. But then, I remember the days I worked in an office to pay
the bills — long long long days trapped inside four walls taking orders
from someone else. The “easy” days of staring at my paycheck and
thinking, “Is this all I get for all those hours of torture, boredom,
and sometimes abuse from superiors?”

The writer’s life can be lonely, and sometimes seemingly cruel. It can
feel as if I am a beggar on the streets — “Will you take my novel (or
story or essay), please? Will write for food
” My pride is often
bruised, crushed underfoot even. It can leave me with a feeling of
rebellion, one that says, “That’s it! I don’t care if my novels rot!
I’ve had it.” Ah, but then I think of my characters and how they are so
very alive and wanting, waiting for me to find a home for them so that
all of you can know them, too. I think of the words, “Never Give Up,”
and while often those words sound hollow, they are true, they are
necessary, they are what keep me querying (what keeps me writing is that
need, and you writers know what I am talking about.) And yes, I know
that being a writer first makes me a better editor, for perhaps I
understand what needs to be understood.

So readers, read us, wait for us, give us your love for we need and
adore you. And writers, never give up, keep writing, and when you have
that story, poem, essay, send it to us, for we love to hear from you,
love to read you, love to support you. Right now is a beginning. Begin.

Kat
Senior Editor/Senior Newsletter Editor
www.kathrynmagendie.com
________________________________________________
FROM THE PUBLISHER’S PEN-
Barbara Quinn
---------------------------------------
Dear Readers,

It's spring at last and the days are longer and the sun stronger. What a
relief it is to get outside again without bundling up.

Our new issue will be along soon. Till then, why don't you try out our
Blog, Roses & Thorns? There's always something happening there. And
don't forget about our YOG . . . our Year of Gratitude blog where four
of us, plus guest authors, are keeping an attitude of gratitude for a
full year. We post each day and it's quite a challenge some days.

By now you may have heard about Amazon's newest policy. I thought I'd
share my opinion on this unfortunate development in which Amazon is
requiring POD publishers to print their books via their arm, Book Surge,
if they want the books to be listed at the site. Should a POD publisher
fail to agree to the new arrangement, Amazon deadens the buy button for
the book. IMHO, the exception Amazon carved out allowing authors to
provide five of their own copies to them is awkward and I hope it
doesn't cut it legally. There are petitions circulating and I urge
everyone to write to Amazon to voice their concerns. jcliffo@amazon.com
is an address you can use. cust.service@amazon.com is another. Looks to me as if this policy will result in more money for Amazon and probably eventually fewer royalties to authors, and may squeeze out the small POD's.

Barnes & Noble is still listing POD books in the usual fashion so I'm
taking my business there whenever possible.

Barb

GOT YOG?: http://barbaraquinnyearofgratitude.blogspot.com/
Roses & Thorns: http://roseandthornreviews.blogspot.com/
________________________________________________
THE ROSE & THORN SUPPORTS OUR TROOP

Send a free printed postcard to U.S. military personnel overseas:
www.letssaythanks.com

Want to send help to our soldiers who do not receive mail or goodies?
www.anysoldier.com
----------------------------------------
CHECK OUT OUR NEW MASTHEAD

After all these years, you finally get to look upon the roses & thorns
of your favorite online publication. Check out our new masthead page at:
http://pratt.edu/~cgarza/

----------------------------------------
R&T IS A PAYING MARKET

For each piece of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction The Rose &
Thorn publishes; we will pay $5 via PayPal. Yes, we'd love to pay more.
Donate, take out an ad, and fill our coffers.

Do submit. Guidelines are at the site—

----------------------------------------
HELP WANTED

Seeking strong, upbeat individuals who love all things literary.

Volunteer for a great site. Why? For the experience, for the pleasure of
learning and doing something you love, but most of all, to enhance our
global literary community of which you are an important part. We have
several staff positions available at The Rose & Thorn.

We especially need help with compiling and updating the staffer bios,
and with promotion of the site. Want to do a podcast for us? Or help us
become a presence on youtube?

We need YOU!
Contact Barbara Quinn

----------------------------------------
BLOG MANAGER WANTED

The Rose & Thorn Literary Ezine is looking for a Blog Site Manager for its official blog page, Roses & Thorns

WHAT YOU'LL DO: Work with blog Co-Administrators to maintain and improve
the Roses & Thorns blog site on Blogger.com by making suggestions on
site design, maintaining and adding new links, podcasts, reader polls,
videos, etc., and keeping abreast of new capabilities as they become
available.

WHO YOU'LL BE: A creative individual with literary inclinations. HTML
and graphic design skills a definite plus. Some familiarity with working
on Blogger.com preferred but not required.

WHAT YOU'LL GET: Truth being that all staff members are volunteers,
eternal gratitude and renown within The Rose & Thorn ranks; this is a
great resume-building opportunity with a literary-nonprofit celebrating
its 10th anniversary of online publication. You'll also have the
opportunity to contribute blog posts of your own on self-selected topics
relevant to the scope and content of the blog, review books, and
possibly conduct interviews with famous authors.

CONTACT: Nannette Croce Nannette Croce
or Cesar Garza Cesar Garza
----------------------------------------
WHY NOT DONATE?

The award-winning Rose & Thorn Literary E-zine welcomes YOUR donations.
No amount is too small and all funds are used to keep this site going.

Did you know that we've been listed as one of Writer's Digest's Top 30
Short Story Markets, as one of their 101 best Places for Writers, and as
an "Internet Envy" Site too? Or that we've been a Preditors & Editors
Truly Useful site? (Visit our awards page to see more.)

Please donate

________________________________________________
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
----------------------------------------
MILLION WRITERS AWARD

The Rose & Thorn wishes to congratulate our three nominees for this
year's Million Writers Award from storySouth.

Adnan Mahmutovic "Integration Under the Midnight Sun"

Brett Rosenblatt "A Night at the Plywood Palace"
Drue Fairlie "Only Dragons Live Forever"

For this award, editors of online publications were asked to nominate up
to three pieces of short fiction, over 1000 words, that appeared in an
online publication in the year 2007. Members of the public can nominate
one story. If you have another favorite story that appeared in The Rose
& Thorn in 2007, you can nominate it there. Check out the Award Website after April 15. Voting on the 10 most notable stories chosen by
storySouth will be open to public voting on May 1.
http://www.storysouth.com/millionwriters.html

----------------------------------------
MICRO AWARD

The Rose & Thorn wishes to congratulate Suzanne LaFetra, author of
Little Earthquakes, our nominee for the 2007 Micro Award.

This award is for short short fiction under 1000 words that appeared
online or in print during 2007. Winners and all nominees will be posted
on the official Micro Awards Website on or about December 15.

----------------------------------------
BEST OF THE NET 2007

Rose & Thorn Recognized by "Best of the Net 2007"

For the second year in a row, The Rose & Thorn has been recognized by
Sundress Publications' "Best of the Net" anthology. The following works
were distinguished as finalists in the poetry category:

"Survey Crew" by M. Frost - Fall 2006

"vanitas" by Tim J. Brennan - Winter 2006

For a complete list of winners and finalists, as well as some background
info on the anthology, follow the link:
http://www.sundress.net/bestof/

----------------------------------------
PREDITORS & EDITORS 2007

The Preditors & Editors 2007 poll results are in and once again R&T
scored in the top ten for the following categories:

Nonfiction Magazine/ezines 3rd place
Poetry Magazine/ezines 4th place
Fiction Magazine/ezines 7th place

Ranking in the top 15:

Magazine/Ezine Editor 11th place
Book Reviews 15th place

Also, congratulations go to TRACIE MCBRIDE. Her poem, Pierced, published
in the Spring '07 issue of The Rose & Thorn placed 11th in the Poem
category.

Thanks to all our loyal readers who voted for us, and a special thanks
to all of you whose wonderful submissions make us a consistently
high-ranking zine.
_____________________________________________
FROM CO-MANAGING EDITOR-
Nannette Croce
----------------------------------------
Award Nominations

One of our most difficult jobs at The Rose & Thorn is choosing award
nominations. Each year the list of awards grows ––Pushcart, Best of the
Web, Best of the Net, Million Writers — and each has different
guidelines for length, genres, date of publication, number of
nominations. But the hardest part is choosing "the best" of all the
wonderful work we publish. The fiction, essays, and poems that make it
into the zine have already faced stiff competition having been chosen
from among some 400 submissions per month. So how do we choose the one,
two, or three pieces that represent "the best of the best?"

In addition to congratulating our award nominees, congratulations should
also go to all those whose work has appeared in The Rose & Thorn over
the past 10 years and to those who will be chosen for the next 10 as
well. Just by getting in, you've made it through the first round of
judging.

Nannette Croce
http://web.mac.com/nannettecroce/NANNETTE_CROCE/
_____________________________________________
OF LITERARY NOTE
----------------------------------------
JAMES BROWN ANTHOLOGY

Dr. Mary E. Weems invites your submission:

Say it Loud: Poems about James Brown. Edited by: Mary E. Weems, and
Michael Oatman. We grew up on James Brown's hit me! When he danced every
young Black man wanted to love, groove and look like him. Mr. Brown
wasn't called the hardest working man in show business because he
wasn't. Experiencing a James Brown show was like getting your favourite
soul food twice, plus dessert. His songs, like black power fists you
could be proud of and move to at the same time. When Mr. Brown sang make
it funky we sweated even in the wintertime.

Losing him was like losing somebody in our family. This is a shout out
for poems about the impact James Brown had on our lives. Poems that will
help people remember, honour, and celebrate his legacy. Don't be left in
a cold sweat, send us your old and new James Brown poems today.

Submission Guidelines: 3-5 Unpublished and/or published poems with
acknowledgement included. No longer than 73 lines Deadline: April 30,
2008 (Receipt not postmark) Send hard copies along with a Word Document
and short bio on a CD to: Dr. Mary E. Weems / English Department / John
Carroll University /20700 North Park Blvd. / University Hts., Ohio 44118


Send via e-mail attachment (Word Documents Only) to:
mweems at sbcglobal dot net
and
mikeoatman at hotmail dot com

----------------------------------------
SUBTLETEA

SubtleTea is an art site leaning toward the written word that is more
about content than frills and glitz.

We prefer to receive submissions via e-mail. Just copy/cut and paste
onto the email field. Additional Word attachments (to preserve format,
etc.) are welcome. Special cases for postal mail should be proposed in a
brief email query.

All material remains in YOUR possession, in YOUR copyright, subject to
YOUR volition. A mention of SubtleTea is appreciated if/when you use
selected pieces in the future. Selected pieces may also reprise in
future editions or appear in an anthology, etc.

There are no rejections. Accepted work receives replies; declined work
does not. SUBMIT/QUERY VIA doomsinger@subtletea.com

Visit: http://www.subtletea.com/
______________________________________________
MARKETS AND CONTESTS
---------------------------------------
Readers should make sure to check sources carefully and to inquire about
references when appropriate. The Rose & Thorn cannot assume
responsibility for the sites and services mentioned below.

----------------------------------------
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS-CUP OF COMFORT

All Cup of Comfort stories must be original; true; appropriate for
mainstream Americans (adult, primarily women); inspiring, comforting,
and/or uplifting; and 1,000 to 2,000 words.
Creative nonfiction and narrative essays preferred (that is,
incorporating such fictive elements as scene, dialogue, character/plot
development, imagery, and literary word usage). Whether serious or
humorous, the story should be authentic and engaging.

Needs:
A Cup of Comfort for Military Families
A Cup of Comfort for New Mothers
A Cup of Comfort for Adoptive Families
A Cup of Comfort for Fathers
A Cup of Comfort for Parents of Special Needs
A Second Cup of Comfort for Dog Lovers
A Cup of Comfort for the Grieving Heart

For guidelines and deadlines, go to:
http://www.cupofcomfort.com/share.htm

----------------------------------------
SHIMMER

What to send us: Unusual and beautifully-written speculative fiction
stories with full plots and strong characters. The best way to
understand what we are looking for is to read an issue of the magazine.
We also recommend reading our What We Want page, which describes our
preferences and expectations in detail. Improve your chances of
acceptance by understanding what we’re looking for.

Payment and Rights: Beginning with our Autumn 2006 issue, authors will
be paid 1 cent per word, minimum $10, maximum $30. You’ll also receive a
copy (both print and electronic) of the issue in which your story
appears.
For further guidelines: http://tinyurl.com/2ocafw

----------------------------------------
THE TOWN DRUNK

The Town Drunk publishes lighthearted and humorous short stories that
contain an element of science fiction, fantasy, or the supernatural.
Horror tropes are welcome, but they must receive a lighthearted
treatment. Cross-genre work is also welcome. Most importantly, we seek
to offer stories that are fun to read, leaving our readers smiling and
eager to share what they've read. Please note that we only publish short
stories at this time. We do not accept poetry, scripts, or nonfiction.
We pay a flat rate of US$35.

We look forward to seeing your work! For guidelines, go to:
http://www.thetowndrunk.org/guidelines.aspx

----------------------------------------
BORDIGHERA POETRY PRIZE

Announcing an Annual Book Publication Poetry Prize, established 1997.
Sponsored by The Sonia Raiziss-Giop Charitable Foundation

The prize, consisting of book publication in bilingual edition by
Bordighera, Inc., is dedicated to finding the best manuscripts of poetry
in English by an American poet of Italian descent and surname or middle
maiden surname, to be translated upon selection by the judges into
quality translations of modern Italian, for the benefit of American
poets of Italian ancestry and the preservation of the Italian language.
Each winning manuscript will be awarded a cash prize of $1,000 to the
winning poet and $1,000 for a commissioned translator. The poet must be
a U.S. Citizen, but the translator may be an Italian native speaker, not
necessarily a U.S. citizen. The poet may translate his/her own work if
bilingually qualified. Submission may be made in English or bilingually
with English followed by Italian mss. No entry fee.
* Submissions must be postmarked by May 31 yearly.

For guidelines and mailing address, click:
http://tinyurl.com/2r9f37

----------------------------------------
THE DRUE HEINZ LITERATURE PRIZE

The Drue Heinz Literature Prize recognizes and supports writers of short
fiction and makes their work available to readers around the world. The
award is open to writers who have published a book-length collection of
fiction or at least three short stories or novellas in commercial
magazines or literary journals.

Manuscripts are judged anonymously by nationally known writers; past
judges have included Robert Penn Warren, Joyce Carol Oates, Raymond
Carver, Margaret Atwood, Russell Banks, Rick Moody and Joan Didion. The
prize carries a cash award of $15,000 and publication by the University
of Pittsburgh Press under its standard contract.
For more information and guidelines, go to: http://tinyurl.com/33gx6y

----------------------------------------
L. RON HUBBARD’S WRITERS OF THE FUTURE CONTEST

Established in 1983 by L. Ron Hubbard expressly for the aspiring writer,
Writers of the Future has become the most respected and significant
forum for new talent in all aspects of speculative fiction. The elite
character of the contest is evident from the roster of judges: Kevin J.
Anderson, Doug Beason, Gregory Benford, Algis Budrys, Orson Scott Card,
Sean Williams, Brian Herbert, Nina Kiriki Hoffman, Eric Kotani, Anne
McCaffrey, Larry Niven, Frederik Pohl, Jerry Pournelle, Tim Powers,
Robert Silverberg and K.D. Wentworth.

In 1988, Mr. Hubbard's vision inspired a contest for new and aspiring
illustrators seeking to become speculative fiction artists.
For more on the contest, go to: http://www.writersofthefuture.com/

And for rules, go to:
http://www.writersofthefuture.com/rules.htm

----------------------------------------
NOVELLO FESTIVAL AWARD

The contest is open to anyone age 18 or over who is a legal resident of
N.C. or S.C.

Submissions should consist of an original, unpublished work of literary
fiction or literary non-fiction, 200 to 400 pages. Only one manuscript
per author, please. No agent submissions will be accepted. No genre
fiction such as romance, thrillers, sci-fi, etc.
The work must be for a general adult audience. Manuscripts should be
typed, double-spaced, on 8-1/2 x 11” white paper. Good quality
photocopies are acceptable. Pages should be numbered consecutively.

A one-page cover letter should accompany the manuscript, containing the
author's name, address, telephone number, brief bio, and a short summary
of the work. No manuscripts will be returned. If you would like
confirmation of receipt, please enclose a stamped, self-address
postcard. Previously submitted manuscripts will be accepted as long as
the above requirements are met.

Deadline is May 1, 2008. For more information/guidelines, go to:
http://www.novellopress.org/sub.asp

----------------------------------------
TOASTED CHEESE LITERARY JOURNAL CONTESTS

Rules apply to all Toasted Cheese contests. There are no entry fees for
any Toasted Cheese contest. Limit of one entry per person per contest.
First, second,* and third* place stories are published in Toasted Cheese
Literary Journal. Honorable mentions may also be awarded. For more
guidelines, visit the website below.

Miscellaneous Contests guidelines, visit:
http://www.toasted-cheese.com/ezine/contest.htm

________________________________________________
AUTHOR INTERVIEWS
----------------------------------------
Brent Martin

Chris Tusa

Tim Sandlin

________________________________________________
BOOK REVIEWS
----------------------------------------
Rowdy in Paris by Tim Sandlin

With Rowdy in Paris Tim Sandlin has written a rollicking yet often
poignant tale of bull rider Rowdy Talbot who follows two French exchange
students back to Paris to retrieve his stolen belt buckle. The ornate
buckle was his prize for placing first in the Crockett County Rodeo ...

Read entire review

---------
Earthly Pleasures by Karen Neches

Karen Neches' novel revolves around eight central characters. Skye, a
hospitality greeter, greets souls ("clients" as they are called in
heaven) when they pass away ...
Read entire review
---------
The Expeditions, a Novel by Karl Iagnemma

Like his short story collection On the Nature of Human Romantic
Interaction, Karl Iganemma’s first novel, The Expeditions, also has a
scientific theme. This time it is a “scientifical expedition” into the
wilds of Michigan in the 1840s ...
Read entire review

---------
poems from snowhill, A Poetry Chapbook by Brent Martin

Never judge the power of a book by its size or how unassuming its cover
is — “poems from snow hill road” holds just twenty poems, has a plain
black and white cover depicting the title of the book ...
Read entire review

------------

More reviews by your favorite staffers are available
Roses & Thorns

________________________________________________
THE READER'S MAIL BAG
---------------------------------------
Your feedback is welcome. Letters to the editor should be sent by
clicking "Reply" to this newsletter.
________________________________________________
WHAT WE'RE UP TO
---------------------------------------
When the staff of the Rose & Thorn isn't slaving away over prose and
poetry, or at their day jobs, they're scribbling their own musings and
submitting to other worthy publications.
---------------------------------------
MFA PROGRAM ACCEPTANCE

Assistant Poetry Editor Megan Roth was accepted in the MFA program for
poetry in the Creative Writing department at the University of Miami.
She was offered a full scholarship plus a stipend. As well, she has the
opportunity to be a teaching assistant in one undergraduate creative
writing workshop per semester.

----------------------------------------
ON THE RADIO

Barbara Quinn will be discussing The Rose & Thorn and her work on Blog
Talk Radio, Conscious Discussions, hosted by Lillian Brummet, on June
19. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/consciousdiscussions

----------------------------------------
FREELANCE SUCCESS & MORE

Angie Ledbetter sold a few more feature articles to the Piedmont Parent
and other regional parenting pubs, and has a short story in the final
selection round of Adams Media's Christmas Traditions anthology.
----------------------------------------
ARTIST’S CREATIONS ON DISPLAY

Senior editor Wil Hough, having recently completed his creation for the
Underground Railroad frescoe for the Racine Heritage Museum, has been
chosen as one of the artists to display his creation "Spring Around the
Rosie" at the Racine Wisconsin "Sphere Madness Celebration" to be held
in May of this year. His design upon a 32-inch diameter globe set atop a
24-inch pyramidal base is, of course, a rose encircled by a garland of
roses with a poem of spring's rebirth imprinted upon its base.

He has qualified for a cash stipend to defray costs and is hoping to win
one of the contest prizes ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.
Visit: http://tinyurl.com/3bxkfe

---------------------------------------
ON STAGE

Kathryn Magendie put down her pen, temporarily, to act on stage for the
first time; playing Clementine in Waynesville’s Hart Theater production
of “Bat Boy the Musical.” In the area? Last weekend to see the play:
April 4, 5, 6.

----------------------------------------
VIDEO HELP WANTED

R&T would like to create a video trailer for You Tube, and possibly a
podcast of the zine. If you have the skills to craft something for us
and want to pitch in - to great appreciation and love from all of us -
please email Barbara Quinn

----------------------------------------
AN INVITE BACK TO THE FORUM!

Dear Readers,

For both readers and writers interested in sharing work and interactive
commentary, be sure to visit our updated Community Forums. There, you
will discover folders for all forms of fiction, personal experiences,
poetry, and more. For those students bogged down with creative or essay
writing, this is the place to ask for help. Of course, the emphasis is
on interactive so, while you are not required to provide commentary, it
is welcomed and encouraged.

Access is available by clicking on the Community Forum hyperlink located
on the Rose & Thorn entry page.
http://forum.uponfurtherreview.com/

Wil Hough
Senior Editor & Community Forum Manager
________________________________________________
YOUR AD CAN BE HERE
---------------------------------------
Do you have a writing service, contest, publication, or product you'd
like to share with our sophisticated and talented readers? Why not take
an ad out in The Rose & Thorn? Our ads are most reasonable and start at
$20.

Advertise with The Rose & Thorn.
---------------------------------------
PURPLE SNOWFLAKE MARKETING

Purple Snowflake Marketing - How To Make Your Book Stand Out In A Crowd
is a reference guide for self-marketing authors who want to stand out in
a snowstorm of published books. With 21 appendices and well over 500
direct links, authors can begin promoting activities with a click of
their mouse. It can be ordered through the publisher at
http://www.twilighttimesbooks.com or through online e-book suppliers
such as booklocker.com or fictionwise.com.

Visit the author’s website at: http://www.sunshinecable.com/~drumit
________________________________________________
FEEDBACK AND WORD OF MOUSE WELCOME
---------------------------------------
If you like the e-zine and its contents, feel free to forward the link
to your associates and friends who might enjoy the same.

As always, thanks! Comments or questions? Email us. We love to hear your
feedback so drop us a line.

Until next time. Happy Reading!

The Staff of The Rose & Thorn.

==============================================
If this message was forwarded to you, then please do yourself (and me) a
favor by subscribing. It's easy and it's no charge. Just send a blank
email to:

theroseandthorn@topcia.com
_____________________________________________
STAFF
----------------------------------------
B.A. Quinn, Managing Editor and Publisher
Nannette Croce, Co-Managing Editor and Newsletter Editor
Kathryn Magendie, Senior Editor and Senior Newsletter Editor
C. Garza, Senior Editor
W. Hough, Senior Editor, Graphics Manager, Community Forum Administrator
Sandra Merz, Poetry Editor and Newsletter Editor
Eric Giere, Chief Webmaster
Nora Radcliffe-Capocy, Prose Editor
Angie Ledbetter, Prose Editor and Newsletter Editor
Dallas D’Angelo-Gary, Editor/Procedures Manager, Newsletter Editor
Karen Reiser, Prose Editor
Andrea Middendorf, Prose Editor
Liam Wilkinson, Cover Commentator
Jason Fryer, Content Producer
Erin McKnight, Assistant Editor
Cathy Biribauer, Assistant Editor
Kim Rush, Assistant Poetry Editor
Apryl Fox, Assistant Poetry Editor
Megan Roth, Assistant Poetry Editor
Laurel Fuller, Assistant Editor, Book Reviews
Maggie Grinnell, Assistant Editor, Blog
Jenn O’Neal, Assistant Editor, Proof-reader, Interviews
Rebecca Oliver, MySpace Manager
Sheri Whitlock, Assistant Editor, Myspace
Samella McClary Brown, Assistant Editor, Community Forum
Deborah Laws, Blog Proof Reader
________________________________________________
Tell a friend about The Rose & Thorn Newsletter.
It's available at no charge to all readers, writers, and media
professionals.

You're encouraged to re-circulate the newsletter in its
entirety.
________________________________________________
GO GREEN! READ THE ROSE & THORN EZINE
Proudly saving trees since 1998
________________________________________________
SPONSOR/ADVERTISING INFORMATION
E-mail: Kat at: kmtrain@hotmail.com
________________________________________________
SUBMISSIONS
Contributions are encouraged! We welcome article
submissions related to reading and writing to
feature in our next newsletter. E-mail: BAQuinn@aol.com
________________________________________________
SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE
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--^----------------------------------------------------------------

The Rose & Thorn Newsletter-February 2008

From: The Rose & Thorn Literary E-zine

Volume 10, Issue #12
February 2008
________________________________________________
“Life without a purpose is a languid, drifting thing; every day we ought
to review our purpose, saying to ourselves, 'This day let me make a
sound beginning.'’” -Thomas Kempis
________________________________________________
This mailing is available only by subscription and is never sent
unsolicited. Subscribers' addresses are kept strictly confidential. The
Rose & Thorn showcases emerging and established writers and provides a
resource for writers, media professionals, and readers.
________________________________________________
AOL MEMBERS: You can read this newsletter on the web with hyperlinks
intact. Go to: www.topica.com/lists/theroseandthorn/read

________________________________________________
NOT GETTING YOUR R & T NEWSLETTER?
Or know someone who isn't?
---------------------------------------
Make sure you send a valid e-mail address to , theroseandthorn@topica.com
and then check both your inbox and your junk mail folder for an opt-in
invite from Topica. Without responding to the opt-in invite, Topica will
never know you have indeed subscribed to the R & T newsletter.
________________________________________________
SPONSOR SPOT
----------------------------------------
TOM HOWARD/JOHN H. REID SHORT STORY CONTEST—
CLOSING NEXT MONTH

Sixteenth year. Fourteen cash prizes totaling $5,250. Top prize $2,000.
Seeks short stories, essays and other works of prose, up to 5,000 words.
Winning entries published online. Both published and unpublished work
accepted. Fee per entry is $12, payable to Winning Writers. Postmark
deadline: March 31. Judges: J.H. Reid, D.C. Konrad. Submit online or
mail to Winning Writers, Attn: Tom Howard Short Story Contest, 351
Pleasant Street, PMB 222, Northampton, MA 01060. Winning Writers is
proud to be one of "101 Best Websites for Writers" (Writer's Digest,
2005-2007). More information: www.winningwriters.com/tomstory
_______________________________________________
NEWSLETTER CONTENTS
---------------------------------------
* From the Editor's Pen
* From the Publisher’s Pen
* Special Announcements
* Of Literary Note
* Markets & Contests
* Book Reviews
* Guest Blogs
* The Readers' Mailbag
* The Buzz
* What We Are Up To
* Masthead
________________________________________________
FROM THE EDITOR'S PEN
by Kathryn Magendie
----------------------------------------
Dear Readers,

I cannot believe it’s already February. Where did Christmas go? Did I
miss it? I vaguely remember a decorated tree, some presents, a party,
and waking up the next morning to a calendar that reads, February 1.

February has never been my favorite month, even though it’s my birthday
month and I have cake to look forward to. I’ve heard this from others,
that February is gloomy. Poor February. The calendar gods didn’t like
February as much as the other months either, since they gave her only 28
days, and as a consolation (or should I say constellation) prize, threw
in an extra day every four years, which by the way, 2008 is a leap year.
February is sandwiched between holidays that herald celebration and
reflection, and as if that’s not enough, it’s also squeezed between
blazing-colored fall and everything blooming spring. Gee, February must
have self-esteem problems—and that only makes me now want to love it,
since it’s such an underdog month.

But wait! I am forgetting. There is another consolation prize for our
poor gloomy February—one that makes it sparkle and shine a bit:
Valentines Day. Did I hear groans? Oh, wait, that was me. Okay, I’m not
a romantic; ask my husband. Any romantic worth her salt wouldn’t forget
Valentine’s Day as I just did. I’m glad February has something chocolate
in it, though. Ah. And, if Valentine’s Day isn’t enough to turn you into
a February-lover, February also hosts these events: Black History Month;
Planet Pluto was discovered (except alas Pluto is no longer a planet);
Mardi Gras is in February this year; Charles Dickens Day; Groundhog Day;
and birthdays for: Thomas Edison, Abraham Lincoln, Susan B. Anthony, and
George Washington. And of course, the new R&T newsletter comes out and I
was born—‘nuff said.

So, folks, while waiting for the next holiday and the sunshine and
warmth of spring, why not spend some time writing up a poem, essay, or
short story to submit? Or drop by Roses & Thorns and YOG blogs (links
provided below!) and leave us a comment so things feel nice and sunny
and warm. We’d love to hear from you. Never be shy about leaving
comments or emailing your thoughts (see mailbag below), for we value
your input.

Celebrate February. It needs our love.

Kat
Senior Editor/Senior Newsletter Editor
http://www.kathrynmagendie.com/
R’s & T’s: http://roseandthornreviews.blogspot.com/
GOT YOG?: http://barbaraquinnyearofgratitude.blogspot.com/
________________________________________________
FROM THE PUBLISHER’S PEN
by Barbara Quinn
----------------------------------------
Dear Readers,

This is always a productive time of year for me. When the wind howls and
the temperature drops, I’m quite content to spend time working on the
many projects that tug at me. Besides revising my latest novel, I’m
blogging for our Year of Gratitude blog.

I want to encourage all of you to visit the YOG. Nannette, Kat, Angie,
and I are blogging each day about gratitude. Being grateful is good for
you. Honest. There’s a recent study out that shows people who express
gratitude for what they have on a daily basis are healthier than those
who don’t. Nannette mentions that study in a post over at Roses &
Thorns, our other blog. The study says, “Grateful people take better
care of themselves and engage in more protective health behaviors like
regular exercise, a healthy diet, regular physical examinations,” (For
full article, see the link below).

I’m here to tell you that gratitude journaling does work. Usually I find
winter difficult and dark. But this year, it’s been quite different. I’m
amazed at how much better I feel. It’s the power of suggestion at work.
You choose to compose grateful thoughts, and sure enough you soon are
feeling better. A subtle shift in perspective occurs and you move
slightly toward the lighter side. Come over and join us.

We have a number of fine guest authors who will be writing On Gratitude.
Lauren Baratz-Logsted has posted already, and so has Deb Leblanc. In
February Shellie Warren will be posting.
I’m going to keep the rest a surprise. We’re thrilled they are helping
out.

And we also have quite a good group of guest blogging authors at Roses &
Thorns, our main blog. That’s where you will find book reviews, author
interviews, and much information on the writing life. Plus, you can read
the musings of the R&T staffers, and also find out what the authors who
participate are up to.

Thanks go out to everyone who has donated to the zine, including the
authors who donate back their payments. I was over at PayPal sending off
our author payments when a donation came in. That was eerie and
terrific. Eventually we hope to pay more than that tiny $5.

We’re reading for Summer 2008 and Fall 2008 issues in fiction and
nonfiction. Do send us your best.

Have a great winter and see you in the spring.

Barb

WEBMD article link:
http://www.webmd.com/content/Article/96/103894.htm
________________________________________________
THE ROSE & THORN SUPPORTS OUR TROOP

Send a free printed postcard to U.S. military personnel overseas:
http://www.letssaythanks.com/

Want to send help to our soldiers who do not receive mail or goodies?
http://www.anysoldier.com/
----------------------------------------
CHECK OUT OUR NEW MASTHEAD

After all these years, you finally get to look upon the roses & thorns
of your favorite online publication. Check out our new masthead page at:
http://pratt.edu/~cgarza/

----------------------------------------
R&T IS A PAYING MARKET

For each piece of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction The Rose &
Thorn publishes; we will pay $5 via PayPal. Yes, we'd love to pay more.
Donate, take out an ad, and fill our coffers.

Do submit. Guidelines are at the site—
http://www.theroseandthornezine.com/

----------------------------------------
HELP WANTED

Seeking strong, upbeat individuals who love all things literary.

Volunteer for a great site. Why? For the experience, for the pleasure of
learning and doing something you love, but most of all, to enhance our
global, literary community of which you are an important part. We have
several staff positions available at The Rose & Thorn.

We especially need help with compiling and updating the staffer bios,
and with promotion of the site. Want to do a podcast for us? Or help us
become a presence on youtube?

We need YOU!
Contact Barbara Quinn at BAQuinn@aol.com

----------------------------------------
WHY NOT DONATE?

The award-winning Rose & Thorn Literary E-zine welcomes YOUR donations.
No amount is too small and all funds are used to keep this site going.

Did you know that we've been listed as one of Writer's Digest's Top 30
Short Story Markets, as one of their 101 best Places for Writers, and as
an "Internet Envy" Site too? Or that we've been a Preditors & Editors
Truly Useful site? (Visit our awards page to see more.)

Please donate by clicking http://tinyurl.com/2zxn63

________________________________________________
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
----------------------------------------
A SPECIAL NOTE FROM OUR CO-MANAGING EDITOR
by Nannette Croce
---------------------------------------
A Note of Thanks

In the Preditors & Editors Poll results just in, Rose & Thorn came in
third in the Nonfiction Zine category and Roses & Thorns ranked in the
top 20 Review Sites.

Thanks to all of you who voted for us and to those of you who submitted
such fine essays for our 2007 issues. I’'d also like to thank Poetry
Editor Cesar Garza for working with me to make the entire Roses & Thorns
blog so successful as well as our staff members who consistently come up
with informative reviews and posts.

Check out Roses & Thorns


Nannette Croce
Co-Managing Editor

----------------------------------------
GOT YOG? DON'T MISS THE GUEST AUTHORS
WHO ARE JOINING IN THE YEAR OF GRATITUDE

Deborah Leblanc. Read: http://tinyurl.com/2lrr4q

Lauren Baratz-Logsted. Read: http://tinyurl.com/352wyw

Come visit, leave a comment:
http://barbaraquinnyearofgratitude.blogspot.com/

_____________________________________________
OF LITERARY NOTE
----------------------------------------
ALTERATI

Alterati—Inside Scoop On The Outside Culture. Original counterculture
interviews, podcasts, videocasts, and articles.

----------------------------------------
POETRY LINKS

Poetry Links by Drowning Man: Comprehensive directory of literary
publications, from small presses up to the most famous, with an emphasis
on poetry journals. Over 500 print journals are listed. Most pages
contain submission guidelines and some contain additional links.

______________________________________________
MARKETS AND CONTESTS
---------------------------------------
Readers should make sure to check sources carefully and to inquire about
references when appropriate. The Rose & Thorn cannot assume
responsibility for the sites and services mentioned below.

----------------------------------------
BUST DOWN THE DOOR AND EAT ALL THE CHICKENS

A Journal of Absurd and Surreal Fiction. We are seeking stories of an
absurdist and surrealist nature. Stories should be between 2000 and 5000
words. They should not fit comfortably within any genre. We have
peculiar tastes and recommend that you read an issue before sending in
your work (issue 7 is a free PDF). DO NOT SEND MORE THAN ONE STORY AT A
TIME. No previously published material. Simultaneous submissions are
fine, but let us know the moment that your story is accepted elsewhere.
Use indents for paragraph breaks rather than line spaces. Underline all
italicized words. Include a bio and mailing address with your
submission. We ask for First North American Serial Rights and the
copyright reverts back to you upon publication. Send an email if you
don't get a confirmation in a week. Payment is ten dollars and one
contributor's copy. We reserve the right to make minor editorial
changes.

We prefer humorous stories where impossible things happen. It must be
able to grab our attention from the very first line. And make every word
count. For more, go to:
http://www.absurdistjournal.com/guidelines.htm

----------------------------------------
DARK HART PRESS

Accepting stories between 500 and 5000 words. The anthology can include
stories that are horror, SF, or fantasy as long as they are scary, dark,
and frightening...and written by a female. No female pen names, please.
This is a women's-only project. The anthology will also include
illustrations by female artists.

The Anthology will be published by Dark Hart Press for a release date in
July 2008. Accepted stories are paid 1 cent per word. Go to:
http://www.darkhart.com/ . Please email your story with a letter of
introduction to GabbyGoff@Pretty-Scary.net in DOC or RTF file format to
be considered. Or visit:
http://www.pretty-scary.net/fiction/user.php?action=register

----------------------------------------
QUANTUM KISS

A Kiss Is All You Need To Travel Between Worlds.
Quantum Kiss is a journal of Romantic Speculative Fiction.
The stories must have two things: a solid speculative element and a
strong romantic element. Both of these things have to be central to the
plot and characters. It can't be a romance story with the setting
changed from Iowa to Mars or a space opera with a hot love scene thrown
in as an afterthought. The foundation of the tale must be rooted in the
love story, the romance aspect, because that is what our readers come
here to read. Above all, what we want is really great stories that are
100% character driven. Send us a story that makes us root for,
sympathize with, and care for the characters and we are sure to like it.

We will take stories up to 10,000 words in length, but since they will
be read on a computer screen we think short is better, so those 5,000
words or under stand a better chance of getting in.
For more, go to: http://www.blogger.com/www.quantumkiss.com/

----------------------------------------
JERSEYWORKS—PERMUTATIONS, CONTEMPLATIONS
POETRY CONTEST DEADLINE EXTENDED

All poems received before March 31, 2008 will be considered for first,
second, and third place. Winners will be notified and published in
April. The 2008 first place award is $200. No restrictions. No entry
fee. None of the 2007 winners was known to us prior to their
submissions.
For more, go to: www.jerseyworks.com/

----------------------------------------
PARSEC SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY SHORT STORY
CONTEST

Prizes and eligibility: The contest is open to non-professional writers
(those who have not met eligibility requirements for SFWA or
equivalent). Previous multiple winners and current contest coordinators
are also ineligible. The best story which relates to and features the
contest theme will be published in the Confluence 2008 program book, and
the author awarded the first prize of $200. At the discretion of the
judges a second and third prize in the amounts of $100 and $50 may be
awarded, with possible publication in a PARSEC INK publication.
Submission to the contest implies consent for publication, but all
rights revert immediately to the authors upon publication. The
coordinators will screen the entries, and the best submissions will go
on to our panel of three Judges. Decisions of the judges and
coordinators in all these matters are final.
For more information, go to:
http://www.parsec-sff.org/contest08.html

----------------------------------------
2008 STELLA KUPFERBERG MEMORIAL SHORT STORY
PRIZE WITH GUEST JUDGE AMY HEMPEL

The winning submission, selected by Amy Hempel, will be read as part of
the Selected Shorts performance at Symphony Space on May 21, 2008. The
story will be recorded for possible later broadcast as part of the
public radio series. The winner will receive $1000.

Story requirements: Submit a single short story that addresses the
question or the general theme, Are We There Yet? You may interpret this
question however you please. Note that the other stories in the Selected
Shorts program on May 21, 2008 are all stories that take place in
transit - in cars on road trips, on planes and trains, or walking from
one place to another - but we also welcome submissions that use the
theme of the evening, "are we there yet?," as a diving board into other
literary territory.

Where to submit your story: Email your submission as a Word attachment,
with "CONTEST" in the subject line of the email, to
shorts@symphonyspace.org
or:
Mail to
CONTEST, Selected Shorts
Symphony Space
2537 Broadway
New York, NY 10025

All submissions must be received by March 14, 2008. For more, go to:
http://www.symphonyspace.org/shorts/writing_contest

________________________________________________
BOOK REVIEWS
----------------------------------------
Letter in a Woodpile by Ed Cullen
Reviewed by Kat Magendie

Letter in a Woodpile is 138 pages, but this slim collection is limitless
in its lessons of life, love, family, and people quite comfortable in
their skins, thank you very much

Click here to continue

----------
Sleeping with Ward Cleaver by Jenny Gardiner
Reviewed by Maggie Grinnell

Sleeping with Ward Cleaver is the most refreshing book I have read in
quite some time. Jenny Gardiner writes from a woman's point of view and
doesn't veer away from it

Click here to continue
----------------------------------------

More reviews by your favorite staffers are available
www.roseandthornreviews.blogspot.com/
________________________________________________
GUEST BLOGS BY CONTEMPORARY AUTHORS AND POETS
----------------------------------------
Are Contemporary Poets Dated? by Michael Meyerhofer
Click here to read
-----------
And They Lived Happily Ever After by Jenny Gardiner
Click here to read

________________________________________________
THE READER'S MAIL BAG
---------------------------------------
Your feedback is welcome. Letters to the editor should be sent by
clicking "Reply" to this newsletter.
----------------------------------------
Dear Rose & Thorn Staff:

Good websites, such as yours, pay as much attention to clear writing and
good editing as the best print publications.

Ed Cullen, author of “Letter in a Woodpile”

----------------------------------------
Dear Barbara,

Happy New Year to you. I voted for you in all categories of the
Preditors & Editors Readers Poll. I really enjoy your ezine, the
content, format, information, resources and ambience and spirit. I hope
that you continue with the great quality of work for all writers and
poets alike. And good luck!

Best wishes,
Andre L. West, editor
http://www.dreamquestone.com/
________________________________________________
THE BUZZ
New and noteworthy from the world of publishing
----------------------------------------
CHAPBOOK— STRANGERS & ANGELS
Howie Good’s book, Strangers & Angels available from:
http://www.blogger.com/www.freewebs.com/scintilla