Winners + Other Bookish Related News!

Winners:

Victoria Laurie's Ghouls, Ghouls, Ghouls:

Amanda G

Kate H

Bree Despain's The Lost Saint + Nail Polish:

Books:

Katie P

Elizabeth H

Nail Polish:

Alison

Michelle Moran's Madame Tussaud + Earrings:

Briana

Congrats everyone! I've emailed you all, and you should be receiving your books shortly.

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The Emerson Witches:

I was recently emailed by the author of the supernatural book The Emerson Witches Samantha C Ross. Samantha is hoping to get the book published some day soon, but until then she's hoping to create a pre-release fan base by creating a website in which readers can learn more about the characters and the world of The Emerson Witches as well as read a short chapter excerpt. And if you like the excerpt, you have the chance to vote on a poll asking for the second chapter to be released!

I actually just read chapter one, and I have to say it has definitely piqued my interest! I can't wait to see what happens to The Emerson Witches as well Samantha C Ross on their road to publication.

Oh, and here's a brief summary about the book:

Americus Island has always been a haven for unusual individuals with strange and unorthodox beliefs. Sixteen year old Chime Emmerson and her sisters, Angel and Evangeline, have lived on the island since the tragic and mysterious death of their parents. The girls live their daily lives similar to most teenagers, except for one very, very big difference. The Emmerson sisters were born into a bloodline of witches. Adding to their inherent knowledge of witchcraft, each possesses an extraordinary paranormal ability in the form of telepathy – the power to read others thoughts; and clairvoyance, a skill that allows communication with the spirit world.

When a dark entity unexpectedly disrupts the Emmerson household, Chime realizes it may only be the beginning of a more evil, malevolent force. It also appears she is the sole target.

She is proven right when the supernatural occurrences increase with terrifying intensity, haunting Chime with an abundance of curses and hexes. Then the nightmares begin. Night after night a demonic apparition chases Chime throughout her dreams, searching for a way to possess her.
Shaken, but determined to survive the mysterious attacks, Chime is unsure who is responsible for the unseen torment. A striking stranger, Raphael, has only just recently entered Chime’s life and declared his immediate affection for her. But Raphael has also admitted he is a Pranic Vampire, a being who draws not blood, but life-force from humans. Could it be her new love to blame, or a much more frightening enemy? Hopelessly, it looks as though Chime may lose the fight against her invisible assailant as the dark magic becomes life-threatening.

However, Americus residents are familiar with evil sorcery; the island’s hidden past is shrouded by witchcraft, and they are not prepared to lose one of their own. The seemingly ordinary citizens form a secret coven to break the spell imprisoning Chime. With the help of Chime’s best friend Nim, an apprentice warlock, and a sinister mermaid named Marrakesh; Americus Island’s most powerful and peculiar inhabitants join forces. Together the mystical assembly embark on the enormous task of banishing the malicious phantom possessing Chime. Extremely perilous, the ceremony must be performed with care. One small mistake could prove fatal and endanger Chime’s very soul, separating her from this world, and all those that love her, forever.

Interested? Well, head on over here to take a look around! You can also follow Samantha on twitter.

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The 2011 Book Drum Tournament:

I was also recently alerted about The 2011 Book Drum Tournament hosted by www.bookdrum.com, "a community website that aims to be the perfect companion to the books we love, bringing them to life with immersive pictures, videos, maps and music."

Here's some brief info about the Tournament:

"Welcome to the 2011 Book Drum Tournament, in which book lovers from Australia to Zambia can delve deep into a favourite book and, by building an illustrated profile, share their enthusiasm for it with the rest of the world.

The 2010 Book Drum Tournament saw seven Contributors share £2,000 of prizes, and led to eight talented writers being commissioned to write and edit new profiles on the strength of their entries. Hundreds of people took part, creating many of the excellent Profiles now freely available for everyone to enjoy.

To enter the 2011 Tournament, choose a published book and create a Profile of it, consisting of a Summary, a Review, a Glossary, an illustrated Setting page, a biography of the Author, and a comprehensive set of illustrated Bookmarks. Book Drum's interactive system makes it easy to do, and the chance to research a book in detail is richly rewarding."

To find out more head on over here.