It's Official! You can now buy "Honor the Pack!"

First, I'l like to send out a huge thank you to Denise Bartlett and Charlotte Holley for making the process of publishing my first ebook such a fantastic experience! You ladies are fabulous! :-)

And another big thank you to all of my friends (online and off) and family who suffered through my constant updates on the process and endless worrying over if my story was "good enough." I appreciate you all so much.

Now, for the important part. ;-)

Honor the Pack is $3.99, and available for download from the following websites.

Gypsy Shadow – http://www.gypsyshadow.com/KayceeALooney.html#Honor

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Honor-the-Pack-ebook/dp/B005NXDZ42/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317503040&sr=1-3

Barnes & Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/honor-the-pack-kaycee-a-looney/1105795249?ean=2940013418516&itm=1&usri=honor%2bthe%2bpack

Smash Words – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/89792

If you decided to buy the novella, I'd love to hear what you think. Please leave a comment here, or on my facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Kaycee-A-Looney-author/146253352115254

A Finished Cover Image and Second Round Edits

Ok, this is really late, but those of you who know me are aware of my big move and that I start law school on the 22^nd of this month. So I hope you forgive me. :-)

Where to begin? Let's go chronologically, shall we?

The Cover Image

Through the patience and skill of Charlotte Holley, I now have an incredible cover image for “Honor the Pack.” Gypsy Shadow Publishing did use the two images I found on the stock image website, and Charlotte found a third to represent my female MC in human form. For those of you who haven’t seen it yet, check out my “Author” page at GSP. When the novella is released, the page will also include an excerpt from the piece and a link to buy it. (I’ll figure out how to put up a picture and link in my sidebar when the time arrives so it won’t get buried in the old posts.)

The Second Round Edits

This was the easiest part of the process for me – and the toughest. The edits went quickly, only a couple of hours over the course of a few days. (Again, I like to let things sit for a bit before I make my final decision if I keep it or not.) So, time-wise, it was a cinch.

The emotional side was much tougher. Over the past couple of months, as I’ve gone through the publishing process, I’ve been excited. I still am! But as I sat at my laptop getting ready to send off the “final” version of “Honor the Pack” I was plagued with doubt. Had I really done the best job I could? Will people like it? Oh my God, what will I do if people hate it? :-O

I know that both will likely happen. It’s a fact of life. Not every person has the same view of what makes a good story. But, that didn’t stop my last minute panic and self-doubt.

So, how did I overcome this fear and click the send button on that email? I took a deep breath and reminded myself that this novella is the result of over a year of hard work on my part. I am proud of it. Damn proud. And this is what all that hard work was for, so that people could read it. This is a goal, no a dream, I’ve had for a long, long time. People have told me that I couldn’t do it, that it was a waste of time. They encouraged me to quit and “do something practical” with my time. But you know something? I can’t think of any better way to spend my free time than by creating. Maybe someday it will pay the bills, but even if I never publish another work of fiction again in my life I’ll always know that it wasn’t impossible. I worked hard and reached my goal.

If I, a girl who grew up in a tiny speck of a town in Southeast Alaska, can make one of her dreams come true then there is never any reason to doubt life’s possibilities. :-)

All in the Name of Research.

I've read some form of this comment dozens of times, from a variety of authors, expert advice givers, etc. "The best way to research a book is to go to the places you're writing about."


That's all well and good, if you are writing about your hometown, or state. But what about someone who lives in New York and is writing about Montana? Or a story set in a foreign country? I don't know many aspiring authors who have an unlimited travel budget. Do you? Exactly. So, this sage advice can feel like a slap in the face, right? Absolutely. But, all you need to do is get a bit creative. It is, after all, your forte.


As an example, I am writing a YA pirate tale set in the Caribbean during the 1730's. The story begins in Cuba and my chances of going there are pretty slim. (Pesky U.S. embargo and all.) And, unless Michio Kaku or Stephen Hawking really can figure out how to break the barrier in the time-space continuum to make time travel possible, I'm in trouble.


Or am I?


True, I can’t afford to visit the Caribbean, though I’d love the chance. And I can’t travel back to the 18th century. Well, that point is debatable. I happen to be lucky enough to live in Washington State, just a couple of hours from the home port of The Lady Washington. (Many of you may know the ship as The Interceptor from The Pirates of the Caribbean: the Curse of the Black Pearl.) The ship is a replica of a tall ship that would have sailed the seas around 1790.


I was able to take a three hour sail aboard The Lady Washington on July 1st. I went with notebook and camera in hand. Watching the crew work together gave me a real taste of what life on a tall ship would have been like. The amount of rigging was mind-boggling, and I couldn’t help but imagine what it might have looked like during a storm. I felt transported back in time. I was inspired.


But, wait – you may be thinking – I don’t have *fill in the blank* near where I live. What am I supposed to do to research my novel? That’s where thinking outside the box will be your best weapon. Sure reading books on the subject/area/technology/whatever is a good place to start. But ask yourself what other resources may be available to you. If you’re setting your story in a place you’re unfamiliar with, do you know someone who has been there? Are you writing about futuristic technology? What about talking to a techie friend who is an authority on gadgets? Try a visit to a local museum/zoo/arboretum with an eye toward observation of flora and fauna. (You don’t have to be writing about tigers, but the movements of the big cats can be borrowed for a creature of your own imagining.)


As you already know, the internet is a great source of information – and videos. Never been to Rome? Don’t know anyone who has either? I went to YouTube and typed in “Rome vacation” and got 4,810 hits. Seeing the sights virtually will give you an idea of the atmosphere, which will lend your descriptions authenticity.


So, if you can’t visit the places you’re writing about in person, find other creative ways of “going” there. Be imaginative and enjoy the research process.

Book Review: Phoenix Rising - Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris

Phoenix Rising: A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences Novel #1

Upon first seeing the cover of this book, I had to smile at the two MC's names - Agents Books and Braun! :-D Ok, I thought, I have to give this a chance.


Eliza D. Braun is a field agent for the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences, working to preserve order under the reign of "Queen Vic." Wellington Thornhill Books, Esquire, is the head of the Ministry's archives - he is NOT a librarian, but an archivist (as he so often reminds Eliza).


When Agent Braun brings too much attention to the existence of the clandestine Ministry, she is reassigned to the Archives. But, that doesn't keep her confined to the stuffy basement for long. Her former partner, Harrison Thorne, was driven mad after going missing for a week while investigating the newest in a series of gruesome murders. Upon discovering the evidence Thorne collected in the Ministry’s unsolved cases, Braun takes action. She intends to find answers, and assuage her guilt over Harrison’s madness – with or without Agent Books' help.


As they begin to connect the murders to one another, Books and Braun find themselves involved in something much more dangerous than they expected. When the clues lead them to the mysterious Phoenix Society, fighting for “Queen and country” takes on a whole new meaning. Going undercover, Wellington and Eliza discover what the Phoenix Society members are up to in their secluded country estate. But when their cover is blown, how will they escape the dungeons of the nefarious Phoenix Society’s leader and see justice done?


Philippa (Pip) Ballantine and Tee Morris have created a fun, witty and adventure-filled steampunk novel. It is the first steampunk book I've read, but if I can find more with this level of writing and entertainment value – I'm officially a fan! I'll be keeping an eye out for book two in this series.


“Welly,” as Eliza insists on calling Agent Books, is fascinated with technology and creates some of the cool steampunk gadgets in the book. Eliza, on the other hand, prefers dynamite to steam power. They’re a classic “odd couple” somewhat reminiscent of Mulder and Scully in the early seasons of X-files.


A couple of the scenes felt a bit forced just so the authors could include more cool gadgets. But, since I love a good fight scene, I forgive them. A really enjoyable read that I had a hard time putting down. :-)

Round One Edits - Mission Accomplished?

Well, after spending my spare moments for the majority of the past 10 days on my first round edits, I just emailed the "new and expanded" version to Gypsy Shadow Publishing's editor.

Everything went smoothly, at first. I typed up a rough draft of a new ending in just a few hours. Then - the obsessing began. :-O I read it through and thought, "That's not too bad, but it could be better." So, I wrote a new scene and let it sit for a couple days. I wanted to come back to it fresh.

When I read it the second time I thought, "That is the worst piece of crap ever to pollute my computer hard drive, it must die!" But, I refrained from complete execution and only axed about a third of it. :-)

At least six versions later, I realized the scene I added wasn't working. Yeah, I know, I'm brilliant. ;-) So, I cut that scene and  wrote a completely new one, which is now my new "the end." I had been wanting to include an element that I couldn't figure out how to add, but felt it was important to have in order to wrap up all the sub-plots and give the characters a sense of closure.

I hope to hear back soon and have some more news for you all about the next step in my publishing journey.

Round One Edits; Realizing Your Story Isn’t “Perfect.”

I received my round one edits from Gypsy Shadow Publishing yesterday morning. I opened the email with a mixture of excitement and dread. Excitement for moving one step closer to the publication of “Honor the Pack” and dread of what changes might be asked of me.



Would the editor want to rearrange my story? Or change the names of major characters? Would I see more corrections than original text?


I need not have worried so much. There are corrections to make, but the majority of those are minor technical errors. And yes, some of those are embarrassingly obvious. For example: I changed “in spite of” to “despite” but forgot to delete “of” leaving behind this gem “Despite of …" – oops.  :-o


However, that is nothing compared to the glaring error in my time line concerning some of the characters’ ages. I edited this story more times than I can count (but it was at least five). I had beta readers who gave me excellent suggestions and feedback. I wanted the novella to be perfect before I sent it out for publication. I thought it was perfect.


It wasn’t.


Do you know what I’ve learned from that? I had a strong story that the editor liked and the small errors were just that – small. Easy to correct. This is NOT an endorsement to send out a sloppy manuscript with an “it’s good enough” attitude. I worked very hard on making this novella the best it could be before I sent it out. Yes, I made mistakes. I’m human. So are editors. They understand a minor mistake here and there. It is their job to recognize a diamond in the rough and help a writer polish it before the world admires its brilliant gleam.


But don’t waste their time. Edit extensively before you submit. Have beta readers go over your work, they will notice inconsistencies and errors you don’t. It's important to be as professional as possible.

After I read through the edits, I understood what the editor meant with her corrections and I agreed with them. So I replied to her email, letting her know that I would have the edits back to her as soon as possible. I was a bit surprised by her reply. She asked if I could add to the ending because it felt a bit abrupt.


I’ll let you in on a little secret here. I ended the story where I did because I was afraid it would be too long for any publisher to accept from an “unknown” writer if I kept going. And now I not only have the opportunity to expand it – the editor requested it of me! :-) It won’t be a huge addition, maybe just a couple of pages, but I’m excited about the scene I have planned.



Another step closer to my first publication and it feels awesome!! I can’t wait to have a release date to share with everyone. :-)

Next Installment: (To be determined.)

Captured: the elusive acceptance. :-D

Part 1: I am not dreaming – this is real.

As fiction writers, we are subjected to rejection after rejection. Some of them are encouraging, others disheartening. But we keep submitting our work, driven by faith in our talent and the hope that someday that ever-elusive acceptance will happen.


I have, at last, captured my first acceptance for a YA Fantasy novella, “Honor the Pack.” I began this tale last July after a drive home through the mountains from my nephew’s birthday party. The full moon was so large it captured my imagination as I came around a bend in the road and it got me thinking about werewolves. That led me to the idea behind this novella, which I call my “reverse werewolf” story.


I will be writing a series of blog posts chronicling my experiences as I move through the process – from acceptance to the release of my novella as an e-book.


The contract has been signed, and “Honor the Pack” will be available through Gypsy Shadow Publishing (though I don’t have a release date yet). I hope you will check it out.


So, what happens after the acceptance is official and the contract is in your hands (or inbox)?



Part 2: After the Acceptance


After the acceptance, the real work begins.


I am what’s affectionately known in the fiction writing world as a “pantser” or “seat of the pants” writer. While I love this style of writing, and find it works best for me not to plan ahead when I create a story, it did have its drawbacks when that long-anticipated acceptance came through. Suddenly, I found myself in the grip of panic – I didn’t have a “back cover blurb” or a “one line hook” for this story. Why? I hadn’t “planned” the story, so I couldn’t summarize it before it was completed. Then I’d told myself I had plenty of time to work on the summaries while I subbed out my tale. It would take months, possibly years, to get an acceptance. Right?


Never tell yourself you have “tons of time.” Just don’t do it. I had myself convinced I’d be able to go about creating my promotional pieces at my leisure. Funny thing though – life likes to throw stuff at you, eating up the time you thought you had. And so I spent three frantic days working on the paragraph which will be the introduction to my story potential readers will see when they click on the cover image for my novella and the one line hook which will be used in press releases.


Talk about pressure.


Pressure I could have saved myself if I’d just written them before I started subbing out the novella. Learn from my mistake and write up your promotional pieces before you sub. Have people you trust to give you an honest critique (read: not your super-supportive family member/friend who is afraid to hurt your feelings) go over them and tell you if they would want to read your story afterward. These pieces are so important to how your work is perceived – give them your best effort, and give yourself a break by planning ahead (even if it goes against your usual writing vibe).


Another part of the package Gypsy Shadow Publishing (GSP) sent to me was less stressful, but something I hadn’t put a huge amount of thought into. They ask for a detailed description of your main character(s) so they can use it to help them seek out cover images. As part of my writing style, I do not usually give a detailed description of my main characters. I want the reader to create the picture for his or herself. But, I had put a little thought into what the “cover” would look like if it were to have one – yet I hadn’t expected it to because it’s not a full novel. One problem, my ideal cover image would require hiring an artist to create it and because this is a small publisher they use stock images for their cover art. Therefore, my ideal wouldn’t be possible. This time, I didn’t panic. GSP provides its authors with a link to the website they use for finding stock images. I sat down at my laptop and started searching until I found an alternative that I thought would work well. There is no guarantee that what I chose will be used, but I wanted to go the extra mile and give them a concrete image to start from.


What my point is in sharing this is – be flexible. Be ready to provide your insight, but not before it’s requested. I don’t know the policies of other publishers (this is my first publication, after all) but I felt very fortunate to have my input requested for the cover image. But what I had dreamed of wasn’t going to be possible. I had to find another route. In short, have not only one idea in mind have two or three or . . . . ;-)



Next installment: Round One Edits.

Book Review #2 - Cinderella Ate My Daughter: Dispatches From the Front Lines of the New Girlie-Girl Culture by Peggy Orenstein

I am not a mother, so why did I read a book about how to raise confident, healthy young women in America? Because someday I may be the mother of a daughter, and right now I am the auntie of a 10-year-old niece. Making sure the girls in my life (present and future) are strong and confident is important to me. 



If you’re thinking this book is a preachy recitation of “tell your daughter to be proud of who she is no matter what anyone else thinks and everything will be fine” – you’re wrong. Peggy Orenstein acknowledges the warring opinions and philosophies on raising a girl who doesn’t put all her self-worth in her appearance. There are pitfalls in life and the author does not ignore them. She even admits her feelings of inadequacy regarding her own looks and her fear that they will somehow seep into her daughter’s self-perception. She tackles media (most markedly the “Disney Princess” deluge), how children of both genders play and what that may or may not mean for their future in relating to one another, the early sexualization of young girls(think Toddlers and Tiaras – yeah she goes to a pageant) and even the internet. But she manages to mix lessons on combating a girl’s desire for “perfection” with humor.


One of my favorite examples is her mention of the “Twilight” craze. Orenstein picks apart Bella without mercy. “But it is Bella, not the supernaturals she falls in with, who is the true horror show here, at least as a female role model. . . . Realizing [in New Moon] that she conjures Edward’s image at times of extreme danger, Bella flings herself off a cliff into a stormy sea and nearly drowns: ‘. . . I saw him, and I had no will to fight . . . . Why would I fight when I was so happy where I was?’


Oh yeah, I want my daughter to be that girl.”


Orenstein goes on to say that Bella’s one redeeming value in teaching girls to like themselves is that the character is a completely lackluster, decidedly not model-perfect girl who still gets the hot guy. (Um, I’m not so sure that should really be what girl’s strive for myself, but I didn’t write the book.)


However, I found this book to be informative, thought-provoking and entertaining. Do I believe it should be used as the new gospel on raising girls? No. Do I believe it has serious merit and will help parents(and cool aunties/uncles/grandparents/etc.) discover their own way to guide girls through the conflicting messages and images they must face every day? Absolutely. Give it a read. At the very least, it will get you thinking.

Februrary's New Fiction Releases

So, I've updated the new releases page to include releases through 02/22/2011. It looks like the majority of books coming out this month will hit the shelves on the 22nd - including the one I've been waiting for "Darkest Mercy" by Melissa Marr. It's the last in her Wicked Lovely series and I adored the fourth book. So, I'm hoping this one doesn't disappoint. :-)

Sounds like some really good books will be coming out this month, so start saving now (or ask for gift cards for Valentine's Day) so you don't miss out on these titles.

Hardcover

Courtney Allison Moulton - Angelfire (a reincarnated reaper slayer falling in love with her Guardian Angel? I've got to read this!)
James Patterson - Angel (last of the Maximum Ride series - or so he says...)
Paula McClain - The Paris Wife (story of Ernest & Hadley Hemingway)
Kimberly Derting - Desires of the Dead (sequel to The Body Finder)

Paperback

Kimberly Derting - The Body Finder (a girl who can find the bodies of murder victims = Medium meets CSI meets YA romance Um, sign me up.)
Elizabeth Moon - Oath of Fealty (a spin-off series from her Paksenarrion Dorthansdotter trilogy, following other characters from the series)
Jeaniene Frost - This Side of the Grave (part of the Night Huntress series about half-vampire Cat Crawfield)
Catherine Fisher - Incarceron (a vast prison, a boy looking for a way out, a girl who says she can help. . . Another in the growing trend toward post-apocalyptic YA lit. The sequel "Saphique" is available in hardcover.)

New books for February 1st and 3rd

The Upcoming Fiction Releases page is updated with the new titles coming out on Tuesday and Thursday. There aren't as many new titles this week as in the previous two weeks, but some interesting-sounding reads are coming out.  Personally, I'm going to be taking a look at Lauren Oliver's Delirium. It's a(nother) post-apocalyptic YA novel, but sounds like a fun read. :-)

Hardcover

Taylor Anderson - Rising Tides
David Halpern - Journal of a UFO Investigator
Lauren Oliver - Delirium


Paperback

Martha Grimes - Fadeaway Girl
Lucy Monroe - Moon Burning

Gabriella Pierce - 666 Park Avenue

Updated Upcoming Fiction Releases Page

I've just finished updating my Upcoming Fiction Releases page. It's a big release date next Tuesday with some other great hardcover and paperback books hitting bookstore shelves on the 20th and 24th.

Here's a sample of what's going to be available for your reading pleasure. . .

Hardcover:
While Mortals Sleep - Kurt Vonnegut
Tick Tock - James Patterson
Restless Heart - Wynonna Judd (yeah, that Wynonna)

Paperback:
Doomwyte - Brian Jacques
Dragon Keeper - Robin Hobbs
Fire - Kristin Cashore

And while this one isn't fiction, I'm going to be taking a look at it to see if I want to add it to my reading list - Cinderella Ate My Daughter: Dispatches from the Frontlines of the New Girlie-girl Culture.  I have been increasingly disturbed by the focus on the princesses, etc. and worried over what it's telling little girls about themselves and how to envision their future. Looks like I'm not the only one.

Just click the Upcoming Fiction Releases link at the top of the page to view the full list.

Book Review #1 - Bloodring by Faith Hunter

I have decided to post reviews of the books on my reading list which I find to be most entertaining (or informative in the case of non-fiction). You can see a full and updated list by clicking the My Planned Reading List for 2011 link at the top of the page. So, without further ado, here is the first.


Thorn St. Croix is the most hunted of beings in the Post-Ap world – an unlicensed witchy-woman. She must keep herself, as well as the power she feels through and from stone, hidden. No one must know what she is. To be discovered means a torturous death; either at the hands of the Seraphs, or through the slow descent into insanity that return to her Enclave would mean.

And for years she has been able to fool those around her into believing she is nothing more than human. Then Thaddeus Bartholomew arrives in Mineral City.

He has a secret of his own. One even he doesn’t fully realize. A Hand of the Law, he is investigating the disappearance of Thorn’s ex-husband, Lucas.

Finding Lucas isn’t exactly at the top of Thorn’s to-do list, until she learns that his kidnappers plan to do harm to his daughter and daughter-of-her-heart, Ciana. The child puts all her trust in Thorn, telling her that God the Victorious has told her that Thorn will get her father back.

Left with little choice, for finding Lucas now means saving Ciana, Thorn begins to explore the powers she was born with in order to locate him. The hunt will take both Thorn and Thadd closer to their destruction than either ever considered.


       *****


This was one of the best dark fantasies I’ve read in a long while. While some of the descriptions were a bit tedious (Do I really need to know the color and cut of every outfit her flamboyant, gay best friend wears?) it pulled me into the author’s Post-Apocalyptic vision of a world where humans, mages, half-breeds, Seraphs and devil spawn co-exist in a tumultuous mixture teetering on the brink of another war.

The main character was likeable and just flawed enough that she wasn’t an overly-righteous stereotype of a heroine. The supporting characters were vibrant especially Rupert (the one with all the fabulous outfits) and his partner Audric, a huge black man who is more than he seems.

I would recommend this to all lovers of the genre. It does draw upon religious themes, but not in a preachy manner (if it had been preachy, I wouldn’t be recommending it). It’s well-written and comes to a satisfying ending with just enough left unanswered to pull you forward to read the next of the series “Seraphs,” which I will be picking up next.

On the Verge

So, I find myself upon the precipice of a new project. I've caught another cold, which seems to be messing with my ability to think clearly. However, it hasn't stopped me from perusing the sites of publications I'd like to submit my work to in the future.

A few days back I found a new anthology on Pill Hill Press' Open Submissions page which brought an idea I've been keeping on the back burner once again to the front of my thoughts. The anthology is called "How the West Was Wicked." 

Months ago the idea occured to me that perhaps one of the most infamous outlaws in history, really wasn't what he seemed. Maybe Billy the Kid wasn't to blame for the path of destruction he cut across the wilds of Arizona and New Mexico in the 19th century. What if - it was something beyond his control which made him kill?

So, I've decided to try and get the story from my brain onto the screen and submit it to the anthology. There is no deadline, only the ominous "open until filled" appears below the editor's name. I am in a race against the time and the punctuality of my fellow writers.  Let the battle begin. ;-)

2011 already? Wow! :-o

Ok, so I've been really preoccupied with applying to law school and have been sadly neglecting this blog. *sigh* However, seeing as it is a new year, fresh start and all that jazz - I'm going to try and be better about posting at least weekly again.

Today's post stems from a reading challenge set forth by one of the moderators of the Sci-fi/Fantasy section of the Writer's Digest forums. She is also probably well known to you all, Miss Lydia Sharp, or as she's known on the WD forums, Lexi. :-)

She has challenged us on the forum to read either 50 or 100 books during the upcoming year. Personally I have pledged to read 50 books. Because I plan to enter law school in September, I doubt I can read more. So, without further ado, here is my planned reading list, in no particular order (as it stands so far). 
*I've put and NF after every book that is non-fiction.

1. The Keepers' Tattoo - Gill Arbuthnott
2. The Gift - James Patterson and Ned Rust
3. The Storm Witch - Violette Malan
4. Crusade - Robyn Young
5. Templars - Robyn Young
6. Bloodring - Faith Hunter
7. Host - Faith Hunter
8. Little Princes - Conor Grennan (NF)
9. Heaven's Net is Wide - Lian Hearn
10. Across the Nightengale Floor - Lian Hearn
11. Grass for His Pillow - Lian Hearn
12. Brilliance of the Moon - Lian Hearn
13. The Harsh Cry of the Heron - Lian Hearn
14. First Rider's Call - Kristen Britian
15. The High King's Tomb - Kristen Britain
16. Grave Goods - Ariana Franklin
17. The Children's Blizzard - David Laskin (NF)
18. The Historian - Elizabeth Kostova
19. The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
20. A Day in the Life of Ancient Rome - Alberto Angela (NF)
21. As the Romans Did - Jo-Ann Shelton (NF)
22. Daily Life in Ancient Rome - Jerome Carcopino (NF)
23. Life and Leisure in Ancient Rome - J.P.V.D Balsdon (NF)
24. Karavans - Jennifer Roberson
25. The Light Bearer - Donna Gillespie
26. How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy - Orson Scott Card (NF)
27. Beyond the Whiteness of Whiteness - Jane Lazzare (NF)
28. Save the Cat! - Blake Snyder (NF)
29. The Book Thief - Markus Zusak
30. The Vikings - Robert Ferguson (NF)
31. The Rose Labyrinth - Titania Hardie
32. Witch & Wizard - James Patterson & Gabrielle Charbonnet
33. The Rebel Prince - Celine Kiernan
Those are just books I have sitting on my bookshelf which I haven't have time to get to yet. The remaining slots I plan to use for expanding to new authors. Because I work at a bookstore, that shouldn't be too difficult. I'll just cruise down an aisle and grab a book that looks interesting. :-)

So, how many books do you plan to read in 2011? Come on by the WD forums and join our challenge. :-D