2009 Christmas

Christmas Book Update

November 9, 2009 · 4 comments

in 2009 Christmas


Because I got so far behind on this book (due to viruses—both me and my computer), we’re working on a really tight schedule.

  1. Today—Final typesetting done and e-mailing “bluelines” to authors. Authors, normally you’d have a couple of proofs and a few weeks to get back to me, but check your e-mail first thing in the morning and get back to me by Wednesday afternoon.

  2. Thursday A.M.—Send to press. Will be posted on Amazon.com soon thereafter. Print copies should be available for sale no later than Nov 20th. Maybe sooner. Watch for announcement here.
  3. Friday—Working on e-books. They should be available around Nov 18th.

Isn’t that a darling cover? Many, many thanks to Lori Nawyn. Everyone go visit her blog and tell her how awesome she is.

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2009 Christmas Story Contest Winners

August 24, 2009 · 9 comments

in 2009 Christmas

Thank you to everyone who submitted a story and to those who read them and commented and voted. I was really pleased with the variety and the selection this year.

As always, I will make comments on each of these stories during the week, giving you my opinion on what was done well and what needed a little more polish. If you’re not a winner and you’d like to take credit for your story, you may do so in the comments section.

Drum roll, please. . .

Readers Choice Published Author Category:
Stolen Christmas by Sarah M Eden

Publisher’s Choice Published Author Category:
Shepherds and Kings by Angie Lofthouse

Readers Choice Unpublished Author Category:
From Dad by LT Elliot

Publisher’s Choice Unpublished Author Category:
Christmas Joy Ride by Gussie Fick

Remember, these four winners are guaranteed a spot in the Christmas book. Others will be included, as well. I will notify all those whose stories will be included in the book via e-mail by the end of the month.

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Voting Instructions

August 16, 2009

Voting for LDSP’s 2009 Christmas Story Contest starts NOW! VOTE between Monday, August 17th and Saturday, August 22nd.(Time/Date stamp on comment determines vote eligibility.) Voting Rules: There will be four winners:Readers Choice (Published authors)Readers Choice (Unpublished authors)Publisher’s Choice (Published authors)Publisher’s Choice (Unpublished authors). Publisher’s Choice winners will be judged on a variety of criteria, according [...]

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Title and Cover

August 16, 2009

All the stories have been posted. While you’re waiting for voting to start, we’re having a sub-contest. This book needs a title and a cover. Leave suggestions for titles in the comments of this post. I’ll pick the winner. If you are a graphic artist and would like to be considered to design the cover, [...]

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Urgent Message RE Unpublished Author Stories

August 16, 2009

There are 23 stories by Unpublished Authors entered in our contest. Due to the limitations of Blogger, only 19 of them show up on the main page when you click the “09C Unpublished” link. After you’ve read those, click the OLDER POSTS link at the bottom right to get to the last four stories.

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Time’s Up!

August 15, 2009

LDSP’s 2009 Christmas Story Contestis now CLOSED to Submissions. I had originally stated that voting would start today, August 16th, but I am not staying up until midnight on Saturday to post any last minute submissions. Voting will start at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, August 17th. Official voting instructions will be posted then.

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33: It Didn’t Feel Like Christmas

August 15, 2009

I shifted the screaming toddler in my arms and cast my eyes at the clock against the wall of the crowded terminal. There was still another two hours before our connecting flight would be here. “It’s okay. We’re going to Grandma’s for Christmas.” I told him with a smile, but my eighteen month old was [...]

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32: Memoirs of a Snowflake

August 15, 2009

In the moment before my first memory, I feel a wonderful lightness, a floating sensation that isn’t truly a sensation because I don’t yet know who I am or that I am. But then I feel a coming together, a sense of going that is my becoming, my awakening. And that is my first memory. [...]

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31: The Christmas Defense

August 15, 2009

Sometimes, there is a fine line between brilliant and stupid. This was not one of those times. The plan Trevor’s attorney came up with was stupid, and they both knew it. However, it was the best they could do under the circumstances. There may or not be a Santa Claus, but there is certainly no [...]

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30: Turtle Doves

August 15, 2009

It was time to trim the poor excuse for a Christmas tree, and for the first time in eighty-five years, Genevieve Taylor dreaded the task. Her aged body ached as much as her lonely heart. The thirteen years since Lloyd’s passing had been a slow decline in health, happiness, finances, and appearance. She no longer [...]

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29: R Edwin Dugert

August 15, 2009

Bob Dugert jogged up the path the front door, looked at hisnwatch, and for the thousandth time got ready to explain that it wasn’t his fault the bus was late. Brushing the snow off his construction helmet and overalls he pushed open the front door. The front room was empty—his son’s books were strewn across [...]

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28: Christmas Joy Ride

August 15, 2009

Tyler sat on his grandfather’s golf cart, sucking on a peppermint candy cane. He looked out the open carport at miles of desert rimmed by jagged, treeless mountains. Tomorrow was Christmas Eve, big deal. He could hardly wait for it to be over so he could go back home. His snowbird grandparents lived in Idaho [...]

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27: The Choir

August 15, 2009

Hannah hurried to the stage. It was time for the choir to warm up. Her new white dress, long and flowing, made quiet whispers as her silver slippered feet took her down the hall. Her long red hair was a beautiful contrast to the white silk. Her hair and the twinkle of happiness in her [...]

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26: A Christmas Without Music

August 15, 2009

It was a week before Christmas. I sang along with the carols on the CD player as I washed my mixing bowls and scrubbed down the counters. The scent of pine from our tree mingling with the cookies baking in the oven brought a smile to my face, and I reveled in the Christmas spirit. [...]

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