Columns

Indie Bookstore Spotlight: The Strand, New York City

February 2nd, 2012

ADDRESS: 828 Broadway (at 12th St.) HOURS: Monday-Saturday 9:30 AM-10:30 PM Sunday 11:00 AM-10:30 PM Rare Book Room Closes Daily at 6:15 PM Buying Desk Open Monday-Saturday 9:30AM-6:00PM FOOD/DRINKS:  Not in the main part of the store, but you can rent the Rare Book Room for parties

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The Path To Publication Part 2: Preparing For Battle

February 2nd, 2012

Background image via pexels, photo courtesy of author Recap: I'm writing a monthly column about trying to publish my crime/noir/something novel, 'Apophenia'. Part 1 explained a bit about the book and its history, as well as my decision to seek an agent. On to Part 2, and some actual useful information. 

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New Release Roundup: Recommendations for February 2012

February 1st, 2012

Every month I'll be toiling in the dank, dark mines of literary obscurity, scouring the catalogues of every major publisher to bring the LitReactor faithful a few choice titles hitting the shelves. The following is a brief look at what's worth checking out for February. Full disclosure: unless otherwise noted, none of the below books have been reviewed by myself or other LitReactor staff. These are just a few recommendations based on publisher's notes and my own opinions. Without further ado:

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The Period Part 2 - Dot Dearth: Postponing The Period On Purpose

February 1st, 2012

Last month we discussed the frequent use of periods in the article The Period Part 1--Lots o' dots: How frequent and deliberate use of the humble period can create maximum impact. The article discussed three possible reasons why a writer might opt for shorter sentences:

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20 Common Grammar Mistakes That (Almost) Everyone Makes

January 31st, 2012

I’ve edited a monthly magazine for more than six years, and it’s a job that’s come with more frustration than reward. If there’s one thing I am grateful for — and it sure isn’t the pay — it’s that my work has allowed endless time to hone my craft to Louis Skolnick levels of grammar geekery.

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Q&A with The Lit Coach - Announcement Issue 9

January 30th, 2012

It's that time again - The Lit Coach is accepting your burning questions relating to writing, agents, editors, publishing, and the writing life for the ninth issue of Q&A with The Lit Coach. Submit ONE clearly crafted question to Erin Reel, The Lit Coach, by Saturday, February 4th. She'll choose a few of the best or most frequently asked questions to answer, Monday, February 6th . Submit your question to The Lit Coach!

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Does Marvel Need To Pull A DC Comics 52 Relaunch?

January 27th, 2012

The DC Comics 52 relaunch is arguably one of the biggest success stories of last year. Despite the fact that several of their flagship titles were closing in on milestone issue numbers, DC decided to completely reboot their universe, which meant fiddling with the mythology of characters, dropping fan favorite titles, and giving lesser characters new books and a chance to shine. Since the relaunch, DC has seen a rise in sales and has been the top selling comic publisher for several months running.

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What The Hell Ever Happened To... Katherine Dunn?

January 27th, 2012

I know you guys love you some Geek Love. It's written all over the bathroom wall in the forums. In fact, the janitor keeps complaining about having to paint over all the So-and-so + Geek Love 4 Eva's, so cut it out. His knees aren't what they used to be. Speaking of Geek Love, that book came out over twenty freakin' year ago!, which begs the question: What the hell has Katherine Dunn been doing this whole time?

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Indie Bookstore Spotlight: The Poisoned Pen Bookstore, Scottsdale, Arizona

January 26th, 2012

ADDRESS:  4014 North Goldwater Boulevard, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 HOURS:     Monday-to-Friday: 10 AM-to-7 PM                     Saturday 10 AM-to-6 PM                     Sunday 10 AM-to-5 PM

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Neglected Books: 'Hangover Square,' 'Foam of the Daze' and 'Pincher Martin'

January 25th, 2012

Original photo via Free Images Sometimes you finish the last page of a book, close it, and have to sit quietly for a few moments (reaction times may vary) and let the whole thing configure in your mind. In this month’s selection, I’m choosing three novels, all very different, with endings that kick you hard in the mind, and stay there a long time after the book’s finished. Don’t worry - there be no spoilers here.

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