We got a nice snowfall the night before, which made it perfection. Everything was frosted in white, and the elves had a snowball fight, which the boys loved watching. It distracted my nephew from his frozen toes.
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| The cog station |
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| The side of our train |
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| The front of the cog, wreath and all |
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| Some festive decorations |
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| Santa's place! |
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| Some scrawny winter-bald aspens, surrounded by lush pines |
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| More festive decorations. Really, what's more fun that decorations in nature? |
Before I go onto the links, I'd like to mention that I will be starting Friday posts, likely after the 1st of January. After the last A-to-Z, in which I had tons of fun researching Wild West figures and outlaws, I had considered doing Friday historical posts, but I was so burned out that I ended up not doing it. However, people seemed to enjoy them, and I know I enjoyed doing the research, so even if no one reads them, it will get me back doing something I love to do. I may have to start it earlier just to make up for all the blog hops/fests I've been doing.
Also, Christine Rains will be visiting The Warrior Muse Thursday, December 20 for her 13th Floor Blog Tour, promoting her new book, The Marquis, the first in her 13th Floor series. We've got a great giveaway and a little fun planned, so come visit next Thursday (and Monday and Wednesday, of course!).
Without further ado, the links!
Taking Submissions:
Electric Spec is taking submissions of speculative fiction. They prefer science fiction, fantasy and the macabre. Paying market.
Carina Press is accepting submissions in multiple arenas. They pay 40-50% royalties, digital first, print maybe.
Sylvan Dell is open to submissions of creative and educational books for kids, primarily in earth and physical science. Paying market.
Blog Hops/Fests/Contests/Events:
Brandon and Bryan of A Beer for the Shower are throwing the Party Like Slim Dyson Contest, wherein you describe a party their character Slim Dyson might like. You can view Slim Dyson's story on their blog (Check the sidebar). You can win a signed manuscript. Make the party anything you want! December 17.
The Gifts Aren't Only From Santa Event will occur on December 14 and 15. You will find games, giveaways, free YA novels and discounted novels, which will benefit Children's Hospital.
Of Interest/Other:
Steve Rosenbaum posted about "How to De-Risk Book Publishing." He talked about the changing publishing world and how to build a modern platform.
Random House is launching three new digital imprints.
Anything to share? Ever heard of the cog? Or similar? Have you visited Santa this holiday season? What would you ask for?
May you find your Muse.
