Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations Donna B! You've won a pdf copy of Only in Novels. I'll be emailing it to you shortly. Thanks so much to everyone who entered their name in the drawing.

Romance eBook Giveaway!

Hi everyone,

I thought it would be fun to do an eBook giveaway for the Christmas season. My story Only in Novels is an inspirational romance from White Rose Publishing. Here's a blurb:

When a simple mistake lands bookstore owner Lannie Maxwell with the wrong author for her book signing, she wonders if her tiny business is destined to fail. Instead of Ms. Modern Homemaker--an author sure to multiply the bookstore's gross revenue--Lannie finds herself stuck with D.E. Hensen, an unorthodox and infuriating adventure novelist. The dashing D.E. is determined to help Lannie rescue her struggling business, but his outlandish ideas threaten to turn her world upside down. Can the two put aside their differences to save the store...and find their own version of happily-ever-after?

If you would like to sign up for a chance to win a free pdf copy of Only in Novels, then leave a comment below. And if you also visit Writing in a Cordwood Cabin and leave a comment there, your name will be entered twice. The giveaway starts on Monday Dec 6th. You must be signed up by midnight on Thursday Dec 9th. The winning name will be drawn randomly and the winner announced on Friday Dec 10th.

Thanks much and Merry Christmas!

A Great Blog For Wannabe Authors!

I had to do a post on this fun, super helpful writing blog---Miss Snark's First Victim. The creative and clever blog runner is an aspiring authoress who writes children/young adult fiction. And she gives other wannabe writers a fantastic opportunity once every month or so: the chance to have an excerpt of their completed manuscript critiqued (and maybe even requested) by a literary agent!

Pretty cool, right? Especially if you've already been thinking of submitting your polished manuscript to the agenting world. The blog explains the process way better than I could, so head over and check it out. Good luck!

Helping Our Furry Friends

I've been meaning to post this link for awhile. It's a great way to help animals that are living in shelters---and all it takes is one simple click of the computer mouse!

Just visit the Animal Rescue Site once a day and click on the button to give free food and care (sponsors cover the cost, all you have to do is visit and click). So be sure to add the animal rescue site to your favorites list---our furry friends appreciate it!

Contest Alert!

Just a quick note on an upcoming contest for writers of inspirational romance. Rose and Crown, an imprint of Sunpenny Publishing, is now open to submissions for its exciting New Novels Competiton. This UK publisher welcomes entries from around the world and guarantees a publishing contract to first, second, and third place winners!


For the contest guidelines, submission info, and entry fee payment methods, visit the Rose and Crown Books Website. Deadline is October 31st , so hurry over and check it out!

Only in Novels Book Trailer

Hello all! I'm very pleased to announce that my eBook, Only in Novels, makes its debut on Friday, August 6. To get a taste of what it's like, view the book trailer below!

A Great Short Story Market for Romance and Mystery Writers

Attention romance and mystery writers! The popular magazine Woman’s World is one of the few publications that considers short stories from unpublished, unagented writers.

Currently, the submission guidelines call for romance stories that are exactly 800 words and mini mysteries that are 700 words. The romance stories must be positive/lighthearted, and the mini mysteries can be either whodunnits or howdunnits (no graphic or gritty content, please).



It’s important to be persistent (really persistent) when submitting to Woman’s World. I would recommend sending at least one story per month. Don't get discouraged by form rejection letters. Keep trying and you’ll likely see personalized notes from the editor begin to come your way.



To understand what style the editors are looking for, it’s best to read several issues of the magazine. And for all the info you’ll ever need on writing romance stories for Woman’s World, check out Kate Willoughby’s incredibly detailed blog. Ms. Willoughby has been published in Woman’s World multiple times and definitely knows her stuff!

Book Themed Stories

Maybe it’s a writer thing, but I really do get a kick out of books and movies about, well–books. Every time I see the comedy Stranger Than Fiction, I have to chuckle over the lengths Emma Thompson’s character goes to in order to combat writer’s block.

And then, of course, there’s the romance-writing heroine in Romancing the Stone. Not to mention the great bookstore war in You’ve Got Mail (who doesn’t love Meg Ryan’s adorable Shop Around the Corner?).

But I guess it’s only natural that novelists should be drawn to stories about the book world. Stories like Inkheart and The Jane Austen Book Club. Lately I’ve found myself caught up in Jasper Fforde’s Thursday Next series (sooo many clever literary references!).

My own little eBook, Only in Novels, centers on the heroine’s efforts to save her financially struggling bookstore. I had tons of fun with that setting, dropping references to my favorite books and authors all throughout the story.

So what about you guys? Do you have a favorite movie or novel that centers on books or writing? Or maybe you find yourself weaving the subject into your own fiction stories. Either way, post a comment and let us know!

Hello From the Paper Doll!

Hello fellow readers, writers, and book lovers!

I hope you'll enjoy the Paper Doll and make it a regular stop on your tour of the blogging world. It's my goal to share news, information, and tips (as well as fun, random stuff) about writing and publishing fiction.

Take a peek at my bio and you'll see that I'm still a newbie in the publishing world myself, with a series of online articles and an up-coming eBook with White Rose Publishing.

Luckily, my good friend Dolly Dingle has promised to offer lots of advice and inspiration (as well as agreeing to be the blog mascot). After all, who better than a paper doll to provide insight into the world of creativity and imagination? Like the adventurous author exploring new stories, little Dolly tries a new identity and experience with each costume. And yet still finds time to read a good book!

Feel free to post a comment saying hello--and be sure to check out the side links for information on White Rose Publishing and other great writer's resources.