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The Rose & Thorn February 2008 Newsletter
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barbara quinn
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Feb 01, 2008 09:35 PST
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THE ROSE & THORN NEWSLETTER
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From: The Rose & Thorn Literary E-zine
www.theroseandthornezine.com
Volume 10, Issue #12
February 2008
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“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
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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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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 Both published and unpublished work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
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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
* Book Reviews
* Guest Blogs
* The Readers' Mailbag
* The Buzz
* What We Are Up To
* Masthead
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FROM THE EDITOR'S PEN
by Kathryn Magendie
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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
www.kathrynmagendie.com
R’s & T’s: http://roseandthornreviews.blogspot.com/
GOT YOG?: http://barbaraquinnyearofgratitude.blogspot.com/
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FROM THE PUBLISHER’S PEN
by Barbara Quinn
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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
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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
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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
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—
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 BAQu-@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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A SPECIAL NOTE FROM OUR CO-MANAGING EDITOR
by Nannette Croce
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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. Go to: www.critters.org/predpoll/tally.html
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 http://roseandthornreviews.blogspot.com/
Nannette Croce
Co-Managing Editor
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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/
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OF LITERARY NOTE
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ALTERATI
Alterati—Inside Scoop On The Outside Culture. Original counterculture
interviews, podcasts, videocasts, and articles.
http://www.alterati.com/
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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.
http://www.poetrylinks.net
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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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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
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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 Gabby-@Pretty-Scary.net in DOC or RTF file format to
be considered. Or visit:
http://www.pretty-scary.net/fiction/user.php?action=register
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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: www.quantumkiss.com/
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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/
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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
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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
sho-@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
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BOOK REVIEWS
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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: http://tinyurl.com/3dm3x2
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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: http://tinyurl.com/2t4wv9
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More reviews by your favorite staffers are available
www.roseandthornreviews.blogspot.com/
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GUEST BLOGS BY CONTEMPORARY AUTHORS AND POETS
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Are Contemporary Poets Dated? by Michael Meyerhofer
Click here to read: http://tinyurl.com/3xtre2
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And They Lived Happily Ever After by Jenny Gardiner
Click here to read: http://tinyurl.com/2uk36e
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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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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”
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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
www.dreamquestone.com
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THE BUZZ
New and noteworthy from the world of publishing
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CHAPBOOK—STRANGERS & ANGELS
Howie Good’s book, Strangers & Angels available from:
www.freewebs.com/scintillatingpublications/
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CHRIS MOORE - YOU SUCK, A LOVE STORY
Now released in paperback! You Suck, A Love story is a San Francisco
Vampire Story that has characters from Bloodsucking Fiends AND A Dirty
Job.
So visit your local bookstore, or go to: http://tinyurl.com/2o7fde
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NEWS FROM MARIA GRAZIA SWAN
Maria Grazia Swan, author of the soon to be released, Boomer Babes, True
Tales of Love and Lust in the Later Years, has a new website.
http://www.boomerbabesbook.com
Renowned psychic, astrologer and 3rd degree Witch High Priestess
Magickal Marissa, shares a telling essay about Soul Mates. Can astrology
help you find your Soul Mate? Is there really a special someone
pre-destined only for you?
Visit www.boomerbabesbook.com and sign up to find answers to your
questions. It’s free. You can also post your ‘soul profile’ in our
forum. No photos allowed. It is all about what’s inside. Try it and if
you can, send me a feedback
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NEW RELEASE FROM LAUREN BARATZ-LOGSTED
SECRETS OF MY SUBURBAN LIFE
SECRETS OF MY SUBURBAN LIFE is about a teen whose novelist mother is
crushed to death by a stack of Harry Potter books, in the aftermath of
which she moves from NYC to CT with her father and becomes involved in a
sort-of mystery centering on an online predator. This is Lauren
Baratz-Logsted's eighth published book and her second YA novel. Romantic
Times says, "Baratz–Logsted has created a smart, sympathetic heroine
readers will want to root for and a great, cheer-worthy ending. This is
a fun, quick story," while the Cincinnati Library TeenSpace adds, "This
darkly comic literary snack is the perfect antidote to your sickeningly
sweet holiday novel overdose."
www.laurenbaratzlogsted.com
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FALLEN NATION: BABYLON BURNING BY JAMES CURCIO
Fallen Nation: Babylon Burning is a psychedelic road trip across the
highways of the modern collective unconscious. It's a world where just
because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't out to get you, where
the things you dream about can come back to haunt you when you wake, and
where the end of this world is just the beginning of another.
This novel is a fictional apocalypse. Through its pages we encounter a
culture war being waged in the shadows around us. Some of the key
players? A group of escaped mental patients turned rock stars and the
agent sent to recapture them; a corporate Robin Hood with a
Machiavellian scheme; and a mysterious journalist who has witnessed the
rise and fall of the Mayans, Rome, and the Ottoman Empire. All of them
connect in unexpected ways, bringing about a global shift none of them
could have predicted. Fallen Nation: Babylon Burning is presently
available through
www.amazon.com/Fallen-Nation-Babylon-James-Curcio/dp/1419672657 and
other major online retailers.
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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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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 baqu-@aol.com.
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Assistant Poetry Editor Kim Rush has published fiction in:
Prose Toad Literary Journal Ezine
Vol. 3, No. 2, July 1, 2005: “Mazie’s Friends,” and Prose Toad Literary
Journal Ezine, proset-@yahoo.com, Fall 2006: “@ Mystery Bruising”
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Kathryn Magendie’s poem BREAK-ING is published in the winter
issue of OCEAN magazine.
Kat also won first prize for her short story “Three Abundance,” which
will be published in the February 2008 issue of Western North Carolina
Woman Magazine.
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AN INVITE BACK TO THE FORUM!
Dear Readers,
We would like to invite our membership back to the Forum to explore what
this little community has to offer as a place to post stories, essays,
poetry, and other insights. Furthermore, in addition to receiving
constructive criticism on your own postings, the Forum is a perfect
place in which to hone your own writing talents by commenting (always in
a respectful manner) on the postings of others. I have found it has
always worked thusly for me.
So, click http://forum.uponfurtherreview.com/ then, choose your poison
and either join in or read what others have to offer. BTW, in order to
post, you will have to register.
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.
________________________________________________
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.
==============================================
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:
theroseand-@topica.com
_____________________________________________
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
Apryl Fox, Assistant Poetry Editor
Kristina Darling, 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, Book Reviews
Maggie Grinnell, Assistant Editor, Blog
Jason Fryer, Content Producer and Newsletter Editor
Kim Rush, Assistant Poetry Editor
Jenn O’Neal, Assistant Editor, Proof-reader, Interviews
Rebecca Oliver, MySpace Manager
Sheri, Assistant Editor, Myspace
Samella McClary Brown, Blog Proof Reader
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.ma-@charter.net
________________________________________________
SUBMISSIONS
Contributions are encouraged! We welcome article
submissions related to reading and writing to
feature in our next newsletter. E-mail: BAQu-@aol.com
________________________________________________
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