ZOVA Books

The Virtual Launch

2012-02-28T10:10:00.001-08:00

Second, Jessica's virtual launch party blog post (which you can also find here), ver-ba-tim:

Oppression

(Children of the Gods #1)

There are others like her.
Many of them.

And they have been waiting for her

...for a long time.

Elyse knows what it means to keep a secret. She's been keeping secrets her whole life. Two, actually. First, that she ages five times slower than the average person, so that while she looks eighteen years old, she's closer to eighty. Second, that her blood has a mysterious power to heal. For Elyse, these things don't make her special. They make life dangerous. After the death of her parents, she's been careful to keep her secret as closely guarded as possible. Now, only one other person in the world knows about her age and ability. Or so she thinks. Elyse is not the only one keeping secrets. There are others like her all over the world, descendants of the very people the Greeks considered gods. She is one of them, and they have been waiting for her for a long time. Among so many of her kind, she should not be very remarkable--except for the prophecy. Some believe she will put an end to traditions, safeguarded by violence, which have oppressed her people for centuries. Others are determined to keep her from doing just that. But for Elyse, the game is just beginning--and she's not entirely willing to play by their rules.

$0.99 E-Book

Amazon Kindle Edition (US)
Barnes & Noble NOOK Edition (US)

Amazon Kindle Edition (UK, France, Germany)

$12.99 Paperback

Amazon (US)
Barnes & Noble (US) - (Currently SOLD OUT - check back for updates)

Amazon (Canada)

Amazon (UK, France, Germany, Japan)

The Virtual Launch Party Is Here!!

Get Ready for Dancing, Fun, & Prizes...

(The first two words cut out. They are, "Hi! I'm...")

Here's What You Can Win!

Grand Prize: Signed Paperback Edition of Oppression

Another Super Cool Prize: Lined Paper Notebook

Pretty Neat Prize: Oppression Poster

How Can You Win?

To be entered to win these prizes you can do any of the following:

1. Tweet about the release of Oppression using the hashtag #Book1OPPRESSION.

Example: Celebrate the release of Oppression (Children of the Gods #1) by @jessicatherrien #Book1OPPRESSION #YA Available NOW!

Example: Read #Book1OPPRESSION (Children of the Gods #1) by @jessicatherrien today for only .99 cents! http://amzn.to/wBDtn1

2. Facebook - tag @Jessica Therrien (Author) about the release of Oppression.

Example: Celebrate the launch of Oppression (Children of the Gods #1) by @jessicatherrien! The e-book is on sale now for NOOK & Kindle for only .99 cents! http://amzn.to/yidy6C

Example: Spread the word for prizes! Today is the official release of Oppression (Children of the Gods #1) by @jessicatherrien

3. Visit any of the following Virtual Launch Party Host blogs and comment on their Virtual Launch Party posts:

PARTY HOST POSTS

The Press Release

2012-02-28T10:06:00.004-08:00

So many people have been looking forward to the release of Jessica Therrien's debut YA novel, Oppression - the story of a seemingly young woman who discovers she is not alone in a world of prophecies and powers - that we've decided to share a few more Oppression-related things.

First off, today's press release:

ZOVA Books Releases Jessica Therrien's Debut YA Novel "Oppression"

ZOVA Books, a publishing firm in Los Angeles, releases Jessica Therrien’s “Oppression” on February 28, 2012.

Los Angeles, California (PRWEB) February 28, 2012

Jessica Therrien is releasing the first title in her “Children of the Gods” paranormal romance and adventure series. “Oppression” is the first of three books in the series published by ZOVA Books, a mid-sized publishing firm based in the Los Angeles area. The novel combines traditional Greek mythology with contemporary young adult fiction in a narrative that will appeal to fans of “Twilight” and “The Hunger Games.”

ZOVA Books has established themselves as a premier mid-sized publisher of genre and literary fiction, representing such bestselling novelists as “Dances With Wolves” author and Academy Award winning screenwriter, Michael Blake; Pulitzer Prize nominee for “Sacajawea,” Anna Lee Waldo; and current Wall Street Journal bestselling author A.K. Alexander. ZOVA was first introduced to Therrien’s work at a writers’ conference in San Diego in early 2011. Since then, ZOVA has established her as the first in their catalog of young adult fiction.

“We have been looking to develop our children’s and young adult catalog, not simply because it’s a strong market in the book industry, but most of all because it’s an audience we deeply care about,” says ZOVA publisher Molly Lewis. “Jessica Therrien has this incredible ability to reach a wide variety of readers, from romance lovers to fans of dystopian fiction. ‘Oppression’ is a wonderful set-up to a highly-anticipated series.”

“Oppression” puts a new spin on traditional Greek mythology, combining a unique coming-of-age story with an introduction to an X-Men-like universe. The book follows the character Elyse as she realizes that she is not alone in the world. There are others like her, people with unusually long life-spans and special abilities. It’s the start of a new life for her, one where her choices will have far-reaching consequences, not just for herself but potentially for the whole world.

Jessica Therrien has established herself as one of the most highly anticipated novelists of the year, winning a number of awards for her flash fiction and breaking numerous rankings on both Goodreads and Amazon. Her work is represented for film and television rights by Circle of Confusion. Foreign rights of “Oppression” are represented by Whitney Lee of The Fielding Agency.

ZOVA Books is actively developing its catalog of children’s fiction, both for middle grade and young adult readers, with such releases as Clive London’s “Prince Albert and the Doomsday Device,” which received a Kirkus starred review and was recently listed among Kirkus’ New and Notable Fiction list, and Jessica Therrien’s young adult paranormal romance novel, “Oppression.”

"Oppression" is distributed through Baker & Taylor and available for sale with Amazon, Barnes & Noble and wherever fine books are sold.

For media and rights inquiries and interviews, please contact Molly Lewis at ZOVA Books.

About ZOVA Books:

ZOVA Books is a publishing firm located in Los Angeles, California that publishes genre fiction titles, including works by New York Times #1 bestselling authors Michael Blake (“Dances With Wolves,” “The Holy Road,” “Into The Stars”) and Anna Lee Waldo (“Sacajawea,” “Watch the Face of the Sky”), as well as screenwriter and children’s book author Adam Kline and illustrator Brian Taylor (“Escape from Hat”), Kirkus Star recipient Clive London (“Prince Albert and the Doomsday Device”) and internal bestselling author Michele Scott (aka A.K. Alexander). ZOVA Books’ film, television and foreign rights are managed by Hollywood production and management company Circle of Confusion.

###

Some Links We're Loving

2012-02-22T12:06:00.000-08:00

Jessica Therrien's debut novel, OPPRESSION, has been getting a lot of love in the blogosphere. Here are a few of the many bloggers highlighting the book prior to its release. They write some sweet stuff, so be sure to follow them for all their YA reviews:

Alexa Loves Books
Mina Burrows
Aimee Laine
Catch the Lune!
Realm of Fiction
Depression Cookies
Tina's Book Reviews
Kindred Dreamheart
Blook Girl
Shelftalkers Anonymous
Stories & Sweeties
Eve Quinn's Notebook
Endlessly Bookish
SpadesHighReads

The Daily Harrell

The Girl Who Reads {A Lot}

Bending the Spine

Fragments of Life
Teen Reader’s Diary
Paranormal Goddess Book Blog
Dark Guardians
Bingeing on Books

There are so many more where these came from! And we're just utterly delighted by this shout-out to both Jessica Therrien and Wes Albers.

Be sure to check out Jessica Therrien's blog while you're clicking around. Not to mention that Mike Sirota has a new blog as well, where he's most recently featured the launch for The Burning Ground. There are pictures!

Okay, enough squeeing for today.

Oppression, Chapter One

2012-02-21T09:00:00.000-08:00

IT WAS DECEMBER 12, 1973. I remember because it was my fiftieth birthday, and Christmas was coming, so the snow was to be expected. In this area of northern California, we rarely saw anything but a white Christmas. Chilcoot was nestled high up in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. A small rectangular green sign was the only evidence that the small town actually existed: Chilcoot, California, Elevation 5000 ft, Population 58. A distracted driver could easily pass through the two-mile stretch of road that touched its borders without realizing he’d seen it.

We were on our way into the city, the closest to our house being over an hour away, and Daddy was grinning ear to ear as he drove his new forest green Cadillac Coupe de Ville into the oncoming flurries. He loved that car.

“Now, make sure the tree is sturdy, Elyse, and nice and tall,” Daddy said.

“I know, Dad. I think I’ve picked enough trees in my life to know a good one. Besides, you never let me choose it anyway,” I mumbled under my breath. I saw my mother’s cheeks lift into a smile. She must have heard me, and she knew it was the truth. We’d had this birthday tradition for the last twenty years. I was supposed to be the one to pick out the Christmas tree, but my choices hardly ever passed Daddy’s final inspection.

“Don’t you like this one?” he’d ask. “Yours is a little thin on the bottom. This one’s much better, right?”

“Right,” I would mutter mechanically.

“See, Sarah, she’s a good sport, knows a good one when she sees it.”

My mother never argued. He was too much of a perfectionist to let anyone else handle those sorts of things. It was kind of funny really, one of his little eccentricities that I overlooked in my youth.

It was two o’clock in the afternoon, but the day was dim. The sun had been swallowed up by the all-consuming white. I was gazing out the back window as it happened, trying to judge the visibility through the whiteout. I couldn’t see far, just beyond the edge of the fence that ran alongside the road.

“Richard, slow down!” my mother shouted. The words triggered the incident like she had seen it coming. The car drifted into the next lane, and I felt the loss of control as the paved road became slick ice. My body stiffened in response to the awkward gliding sensation, and I braced myself for the impact. Every second of the slow motion tumble seemed an eternity as I prepared for the last moments of life. I clung to those seconds, taking in the final images that my eyes would see, and listening for the closing lines that would mark the end.

“Ellie!”

My mother’s panicked voice rang out in the hollow silence of the cab with a sort of knowing uncertainty just before we hit.

***

It had been thirty-nine years since the accident, and still thesephotos stirred up the last memory I had of them. I stared down at the faded pictures, the delicate paper worn on the edges. I would never forget. The last words of my parents, the flickering image of a deep red that stained the snow like an open wound on the skin of the earth, and the crumpled Cadillac flipped over in the bank.

The photos were old, too old for me to be in them, but I was. My mother’s silky brown hair billowed over her shoulders, and I was glad I still remembered the toasted almond color of it because the gray and white image didn’t do it justice. The lack of color masked her would-be sky blue eyes and rosy cheeks. She was gorgeous. My father, to her left, was looking far too concentrated on the camera, furrowed brow and closed mouth. His skin, dark from working in the sun, nicely contrasted his short blond hair which he wore parted and combed to the side. I was at his feet, and we were posing in front of the tree like a typical storybook family. It was the Christmas of 1939. I looked three years old, but in truth, I was much older.

I was born in 1923 with a rare genetic abnormality. Like my mother and father, I aged five times slower than the average person. I’d been alive for eighty-nine years making me almost eighteen in the eyes of the rest of the world, and for the most part I felt young. I was living in San Francisco now. I found the city much easier to hide in than the small towns I had been moving to every five years or so since their death. In the city, I was just another face, another body in the crowd, completely invisible amongst the masses.

“We’ve gone to great lengths to live as we do, Ellie. It’s for your safety,” my father had always insisted. “Our bodies are durable and strong, but that’s a blessing and a curse. The secrecy of our identities is precious, and there is no telling what could happen if we were to be found out. People like us could not live a normal life if we were exposed.”

It was all I ever learned about myself and why I was so different, why I had to live in secret. Looking back, there was so much more I wanted to know, so many unanswered questions. What about my grandparents? What about my future? Was I destined to be alone? How did my parents find each other? Were there others? My father never went into detail. Instead, he avoided my questions, always suggesting a distraction that would divert my attention for a while.

“In time you’ll learn to live under the radar as we’ve done. For now, why don’t we get you a puppy?”

They bought me a Border Collie. She was black with white spots and white feet. I named her Sweetie, and I loved her like I had never loved anything. She went with me everywhere, and in my friendless world, Sweetie became the best friend I’d ever had. The attachment we’d formed seemed unbreakable, but as nature would have it, Sweetie died when I was nine. On that day, I fully understood why my parents had not wanted me to have friends—friends who I would love, who would age, and leave, and die.

The phone rang loud and unexpected, waking me out of my nostalgia. I returned the old photos to the small gold chest I kept them in and stumbled over unpacked boxes trying to get to the receiver. I had just moved in about two weeks ago, and the naked living room still void of furniture was a scattered mess. I picked up on the third ring, still lost a little in my own head.

“Hello?” I answered, expecting the only person who had my number.

“Ellie?”

“Hey,” I said, happy to hear from her. “I know I haven’t called. Sorry.”

I caught my reflection in the hallway mirror, still so young. My light brown hair was tied back in a loose ponytail, my cheeks wrinkle-free and rosy. I felt guilty listening to Anna’s older voice. Over the years, she’d become a woman of forty- eight, and I’d barely changed.

News and Events

2012-02-18T16:39:00.000-08:00

It's Saturday, but it's still a busy week over at ZOVA. On Thursday we headed down to Mysterious Galaxy in San Diego for the release of Mike Sirota's contemporary Native American ghost story, The Burning Ground, newly released just this past Tuesday. Yes, a ghost story for Valentine's Day. For some, it may seem the most appropriate gift on such a holiday. Following that, this weekend's Southern California Writers' Conference (also in San Diego) is featuring a number of ZOVA titles, from Sirota's newest, to pre-releases of Wes Albers' police drama and Jessica Therrien's highly anticipated YA debut, Oppression. We can't wait to hear feedback from the first readers of each of these very different books. There's more to come of course, from Jessica Therrien's official book launch at the Barnes & Noble in Fullerton on March 3rd to a variety of book signings and festivals in the months ahead.

We hope to see you at all of them.

Ask the Author: Jessica Therrien concluded

2012-02-17T09:00:00.000-08:00

6. The Descendants all have special abilities. What do you think yours would be if you were one of them?

I have to admit that writing in the first person makes me relate to Elyse more than anyone else, so I imagine myself with the ability to heal. BUT, if I could choose, I’d definitely be a messenger of some sort with the ability to fly or travel anywhere within a matter of seconds.

7. What have you discovered about being an author that you didn't expect before you started writing?

It is work (fun work, but work nonetheless). When I originally started writing, I wrote when I felt like it. I might not write for a few weeks, a month or two, then I would get an idea and it would pour out. Now I have to consider deadlines, marketing, social media, etc. I no longer get to be a lazy-pants when it comes to writing. Every day I strive to write something, whether it’s a paragraph, a page, or a chapter. Thank God I’m still in love with writing…it’s a fun way to be busy.

8. What do you hope readers will take away from your work?

I really hope readers will be left wanting more. I love it when I’m so carried away by a book that I never want it to end, and it would be wonderful if readers felt that way when reading Oppression. It would make me so happy to know that readers love the characters as much as I do.

9. Why do you write for teens in particular?

I wouldn’t say I write for teens. I would say I write YA (which, as most Twilight-loving moms know, isn’t only for young adults). I love writing YA because the stories are compelling. They’re fast-paced and full of what every reader wants: page-turning action, a good love story, and a heartbreaking conflict. Also, I love writing from a young adult perspective for so many reasons. Young adults feel new, exciting and intense emotions, especially in terms of love, and as readers we enjoy reliving those days when we experienced our first taste of love.

10. What are some books that have influenced you?

So many, but as I was writing Oppression I’d have to list the obvious ones: The Hunger Games, Harry Potter, Twilight, and The Host. More recently I’d say I’ve been influenced by Divergent and Blood Red Road. I never wanted any of those books to end, and I’m a little jealous of anyone who has yet to delight in their awesomeness.

Ask the Author: Jessica Therrien continued

2012-02-16T09:00:00.000-08:00

5. What is your favorite passage from Oppression?

This might be the hardest question ever, but if I have to pick…then here you go:

“Ellie!”

My mother’s panicked voice rang out in the hollow silence of the cab with a sort of knowing uncertainty just before we hit.

***

It had been thirty-nine years since the accident, and still these photos stirred up the last memory I had of them. I stared down at the faded pictures, the delicate paper worn on the edges. I would never forget. The last words of my parents, the flickering image of a deep red that stained the snow like an open wound on the skin of the earth, and the crumpled Cadillac flipped over in the bank.

Oddly enough, this is one of the scenes taken from my own life experience. When I was eighteen I totaled my mom’s car in a snowstorm just outside of Chilcoot (the town where I was raised and where part of Oppression takes place).

Ask the Author: Jessica Therrien

2012-02-15T09:00:00.000-08:00

This week we sat down with Jessica Therrien, debut author of the upcoming YA novel, OPPRESSION, to ask her questions about her new release. Here are some of her responses to our most pressing curiosities:

1. What first inspired you to write Oppression?

A few years ago, when the Young Adult genre was just starting to take off, I whipped through the Twilight Saga and the Hunger Games Trilogy. Once I finished, I needed more. I was eager to dive into something just as compelling. I searched and searched, but nothing captivated me like those books did, so I decided why not write my own? After all, I knew what I was looking for in a YA novel. A year later Oppression was born.

2. Did you have to do any research while you were writing?

Yes. I was constantly doing research on Greek Mythology. Not only did I want the concept to seem believable, but whenever I was lacking ideas, I would look up Greek gods and goddesses to see how I could turn them into a character with a supernatural ability.

3. Are any of the characters or events of the book pulled from your real life experience?

Absolutely. I’m actually a Descendant!

Okay, I wish I was, but I’m not. However, much of the book was pulled from my own life experience, the love story in particular. As I was writing Oppression, I was falling in love with the man that is now my husband. He is my William. Don’t get any crazy ideas ladies. He’s taken.

4. Did you always know it would be a series? Are there any hints you can give us about the upcoming books?

Like most debut authors, I didn’t start writing this book with the idea that it would ever be published. I wrote on the fly and for fun, satisfying my YA book addiction, but as the story progressed and I grew to love the characters, I knew I’d have to keep going.

I’m so excited about the next book. I want to tell you everything, but I’ll have to restrain myself. Let’s just say that there are new characters, new abilities, action sequences and fighting scenes, death, rekindled love, new love, new life, and twists around every corner that you won’t see coming.

Ask the Author: Mike Sirota, Part Two

2012-02-02T09:00:00.000-08:00

Q: Have you ever considered writing a sequel to any of your horror novels?

A: I suppose a sequel can be made to anything. Cripes, in Star Trek III they brought Spock back to life after Trekkies revolted! But mine have so far been stand-alone stories. I mean, how many people get the calling to help spirits move on to the next world (Fire Dance and The Burning Ground), or drive demons back into the hell that spawned them (Demon Shadows and The Modoc Well) more than once?

Q: In what way do you feel this book stands apart from the rest of your catalog of work?

A: When I dug farther back into the decimation of California’s indigenous population I became appalled at the extent of this genocide, beginning with the arrival of the Spanish missionaries and encompassing the decade or more after the Gold Rush. While my other two Native American-themed novels, Demon Shadows and The Modoc Well, have a comment or two about the treatment of Indians, none come close to The Burning Ground. This includes an Author’s Note and a significant plot adjustment with regard to the Maidu spirits—though sharing that here would be revealing too much. 

Q: Are there any writers or books that were influential in this particular novel...or in your career in general?

A: Not this particular story. But for my career? That answer is always the same: Edgar Rice Burroughs. Tarzan, John Carter of Mars, Pellucidar—all of his 100+ books were among my favorites. Without ERB I would have never become a writer.

Q: Looking back at the books you've written over the years, how has your work developed with time and experience?

A: I re-read many of my early works over the past year or so in preparation for making them available again under my own imprint, Atoris Press, via my second website, Swords and Specters. Most of them made me want to hurl. Each one will require extensive revisions before I would ever let anyone see them. As a teacher, editor, and writing coach these past couple of decades I also learned a great deal. With every book—with every page—that you write, you should be improving your craft.

Ask the Author: Mike Sirota, Part One

2012-02-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

Q: How did you get the idea for The Burning Ground?

A: One of the most used and abused books in my collection is A.L. Kroeber’s Handbook of the Indians of California. (“Handbook” is a misnomer; you can barely hold this thick tome in one hand.) I used it to research the Washo tribe in my novel, Demon Shadows, and the Modoc tribe in The Well (now The Modoc Well). When I read about the burial customs of the Maidu people—they actually called their cemetery a burning ground and set fire to brush spread across the graves to help the dead pass on to the next world—and then learned that most of the Maidu had been slaughtered during the Gold Rush, the old “what if” kicked in. What if, because of the violent way in which they died, the spirits of those from one particular small village remained trapped in their burning ground? Then, in more contemporary research, I read about the (still ongoing) desecration of Indian burial grounds by people digging for artifacts. What if the graves of the Maidu from this village were desecrated, releasing the spirits—who are really pissed off by this time? And so the plot evolved.

Q: What research was involved in fashioning the life and culture of the Maidu?

A: Just about any and every book about California Indians that I could get my hands on (not too many), though again, Kroeber was the primary resource. A cultural anthropologist, Kroeber spent seventeen years among California’s indigenous population in the early twentieth century. The scope of his research is remarkable. (His daughter was Ursula Kroeber, better known to readers of science fiction as Ursula LeGuin.) Three lengthy chapters are devoted to just the small Maidu tribe. TMI for most people, but I loved doing the research.

Q: How do you feel your work as an editor helped or hindered your writing?

A: Well, I would think that you, as my editor, probably appreciate the fact that my manuscripts require minimal work, as evidenced by the handful of changes that we made in both Fire Dance and The Burning Ground. As a perfectionist, I probably go overboard in being anal. As an editor, I don’t want any typos or other errors. As a writer I want every detail to be correct. This doesn’t always work out 100% of the time, but I do my best.

Q: What writing habits do you keep?

A: I take a long walk in the morning and then start writing about mid-morning. Late in the afternoon, four, maybe five o’clock, the “creativity” button in the brain shuts off, and I stop. The usual output is 1,500 to 2,000 words. That’s the day-to-day routine. The bigger picture: I prepare an outline and do extensive preliminary research before I write word one. Then I write the first draft, beginning to end, not stopping at all for research. The second draft consists of grunt work—trimming the fat, filling in the many blanks I leave while focusing on getting the story down, that sort of thing. The third—and final—draft is my favorite, for it always follows a trip to the locale of the story. For The Burning Ground I traveled to the active ghost town of Downieville, population 300, in the Sierra Nevada foothills. This “living research” breathes life into my stories.

What's coming soon...

2012-01-16T12:04:00.000-08:00

February is a month of exciting releases for ZOVA readers, and it's about time we highlighted some of them. In the next few weeks, keep your eyes open for interviews, book summaries, and sample chapters of the newest release from Mike Sirota and the debut novels from Wes Albers and Jessica Therrien. We'll also be posting cover art, blog and website links, and event updates. A lot to look forward to.

In the meantime, if you're in the Southern California area next month, be sure to join us - as well as all our February authors - at the Southern California Writers Conference down in San Diego. We'll post news and reviews from the event, but of course you'd rather come yourself. Register before it's too late!

December Deal

2011-12-12T12:51:00.000-08:00

We've mentioned it on Facebook and Twitter already, but for all you blog-followers out there, here's a brief heads-up that Michele Scott's novel Happy Hour is currently only 99 cents through the month of December. It's time to stock up on digital books for your holiday break, and nothing says "it's time to kick back" like a good dose of Happy Hour.

What to Give for the New Year

2011-12-06T09:00:00.000-08:00

For Everyone:

There is one book that everyone should pick up before the start of 2012. And that is, without contest, Anna Lee Waldo's historical epic, Watch the Face of the Sky. We suggest this, of course, because the novel finds its way into the ancient Mayan city Chichen Itza, smack dab in the middle of the city's peak of power. Recently, we know the Mayan civilization best for its unique predictions about the year 2012, the end of the Mayan calendar, and the beginning of a great change in the history of humanity - and possibly the end of the world as we know it. Anna Lee Waldo carefully explores these predictions in the later chapters of her medieval narrative, weaving them seamlessly into the simply-told story of the legendary Welsh explorer, Madoc, as he leads six ships across the Atlantic to the New World. This is three hundred years before Columbus, of course, but it's more history than fable. A timely release, you'll want to share this with friends and family alike. That is, before it's too late.

What to Give for Kwanzaa

2011-12-05T09:00:00.000-08:00

For the Brave:
There's nothing that says "Happy Holidays" like a set of VMK Fewings' Stone Masters Vampire novels. Actually, the series is an excellent gift for any occasion, especially since vampires are so popular these days. A word of warning - or perhaps a word of invitation - these vampires are not of the sparkling variety. They're the good old tormented undead, the kind that remind us vampire literature marked the beginning of the horror genre. We'd call these classics, and we'd pair them with nothing less than a DVD of the original Nosferatu. Unless you're very generous, in which case round trip tickets to Cornwall would do the trick.

For the Literati:
Michael Blake's novel, Dances With Wolves, has long been considered a classic of historical fiction. Its sequel, The Holy Road, is unquestionably just as profound - if not more so - as a narrative of the decline and fall of a Native American tribe. As a book, the novel easily stands on its own. But following the release of the 20th Anniversary edition of the DVD of Dances With Wolves earlier this year, the two make for an excellent gift. Share the Academy Award winning film along with its literary sequel, and maybe - just maybe - you can borrow both.

What to Give for Hanukkah

2011-12-03T09:00:00.000-08:00

For the dark soul:
While the most appropriate gift to pair with Edgar J. Rossi's gritty casino novel, One for the Road, might be some kind of vintage pistol, that might not go over so well at your next holiday party. A deck of cards would be just as appropriate, or a bottle of whisky, or a pack of cigarettes. Of course, it depends on who the gift is for. We might suggest that, in this case, you treat yourself.

For the philanthropist:
The Advocate's Conviction is really a good gift for anyone. While it's technically the third in Teresa Burrell's mystery series chronicling the legal thrills and chills of juvenile defense attorney Sabre Orin Brown, the book can easily be read independently of the series. It's also an excellent introduction to the struggles of foster kids and those who care for them. Bookmark this with a card marking your donation to CASA, IJM, or any other organization that works through or with the justice system to help the marginalized and oppressed, both at home and around the world. It really is the best gift you could possibly give, at any time of year.

What to Give for Christmas

2011-12-02T09:00:00.000-08:00

Naturally, any Christmas suggestions from the ZOVA staff are going to involve our books in some way. But there are always ways to be creative with even the simplest of gifts. In that spirit, we've put together some gift ideas inspired by our publications.

For the foodie:
Possibly the easiest gift in the ZOVA arsenal, Happy Hour is a book for every woman. Pair it with a bottle of wine (perhaps one of the bottles suggested in the back of the book, or mentioned in one of the more vine-inspired chapters) or a ticket to a local wine tasting event. The book is about four friends who share their lives over happy hour every month, so it would be appropriate - and more than a little clever - to get one for each of your friends so you can all read it together.

For the historian:

There are few events in American history more compelling than the story of the Great War. In Into the Stars, Michael Blake narrates several days in the life of one American soldier who finds help and friendship from a battered war horse after being trapped behind enemy lines. Many of the novel's themes are echoed in the upcoming Steven Spielberg film War Horse, which just happens to be coming out in theaters on Christmas Day. Pair the novel with two tickets to the movies, and you have a perfectly themed gift for your favorite history buff.

For your favorite kid:
You know those movies where the kid is at some turning point in his/her life and the wise mentor/father figure/pirate captain hands him/her a compass and says, "may you find your feet," in a stirring, emotionally charged way? Okay, maybe we're mixing our movie imagery here, but compasses have long been considered gifts of extraordinary significance. Jenny Bellington's classic fantasy adventure, East to Adonia, is an excellent gift for anyone from eight years old to eighty, and there's nothing else that goes better with your carefully wrapped navigational tools than a copy of this book. You could also pair the novel with a map, a mapping kit, or a magical mapping bag, but it may be that only crazy uncles have access to such wonders. Who knows.

First Lines

2011-12-01T13:25:00.001-08:00

The first day of any month is a day to celebrate, because firsts promise new beginnings, new experiences, new discoveries. We have a lot of hopes for our readers this December - that you'll enjoy whatever holidays you celebrate in a special way, appreciating the traditions you've carried with you till now, but also being open to new joys.

In honor of first things, here are some "first lines" selected from a few of our books. If they intrigue you, there's always a way to read more. But of course, we're also interested in hearing your favorite first lines. So please feel free to share along with us.

"Between the northern Welsh towns of Bangor and Colwyn Bay, an isolated family farm sat in a small meadow with rocky hills on three sides." - Anna Lee Waldo, Watch the Face of the Sky

"Like all nightmares, I wanted out." - V.M.K. Fewings, A Vampire's Dominion

"My head snapped back like the slide on a semiautomatic pistol." - Edgar J. Rossi, One for the Road

"Kat McClintock was late." - Michele Scott, Happy Hour

"My youngest brother is a bit of a weirdo." - Jenny Bellington, East to Adonia

"The fourteen-year-old girl struggled to break free from the bindings on her hands and feet." - Teresa Burrell, The Advocate's Conviction

"The bells of St. Paul's Cathedral rang loud and clear as they did every Sunday morning." - Clive London, Prince Albert and the Doomsday Device

"The scalp was red and thick, but what made it especially extraordinary was its great length." - Michael Blake, The Holy Road

"Outside the adobe walls of the sanitarium the eerie, primordial beauty of the southern California desert went ignored by the wandering inmates." - Mike Sirota, Fire Dance

"The bomb shelter was a large one, large enough to shelter a dozen men." - Michael Blake, Into the Stars

Stone Masters

2011-11-14T09:35:00.001-08:00

Just a reminder that you can still read VMK Fewings' short story, "Mortal Veil," for free online right here. It's an excellent introduction to the world of the Stone Masters - or more accurately, to the world of their vampires. It follows one man's discovery of a world he once knew too well. Perhaps you too may be reminded of something you've lost...

Further More Ask the Author: Anna Lee Waldo

2011-11-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

Watch the Face of the Sky features some very strong characters. What inspires you to write such colorful people?

I watch people to learn how they react. I did research on leukemia in a large hospital in Dayton, Ohio, and saw people in pain, people with various diseases, bone fractures, and in childbirth. Some reactions were unpredictable, such as a patient stressed about his illness who brought a jar of urine into the lab to be tested - but it was from his dog. I saw a sobbing man climb into the bed with his wife who was giving birth. My husband was an inorganic chemist who worked with radioactive elements. He couldn't talk about his work, which was classified. He talked about architecture and government. We had five children, each a unique individual with completely different characteristics. I have good material to draw from for my characters.

Over the course of the novel, Madoc travels from the American South to Wales, then to a variety of islands, and finally to the Yucatan Peninsula. How did you balance the widely divergent settings with the same cast of characters?

All the characters have a "home background," same as migrants do today. These people use what they learn at "home," and watch and listen to strangers they meet. All new places have similarities to the old; for instance, there is land, edible plants, animals, and water. There is wind and rain, sun and clouds, day and night. Little by little, the characters learn a new language and a different way of doing things. Each character also teaches the strangers a new language and a different way of doing things. People always use and make do with whatever is available in the place they find themselves. Knowledge is shared and spread. Mistakes and accidents are made, but that makes the story interesting.

What writing project are you working on now?

I'm working on the last book in this series about Madoc and his people. I call the book, The Blue-Eyed Mandan. In this last story, you will find what happens to Madoc, his family, the other Welshmen, and the women and children in the Unproved Land. You will go up the Big Muddy River with some of them as they pass through the largest Indian settlement ever found in North America, which today we call Cahokia. While there, Bran again plays in a ballgame. The Palefaces show the Mandan Indians how to make fishing boats, similar to the Welsh bull-boats.

During the time of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the Mandans carved Welsh leafy designs on the bull-boat paddle handles. They kept a few of the Welsh words in their language. The questions are: Did these few Palefaces, who were in the Unproved Land in the late 12th and early 13th centuries, keep their oath not to fraternize with the native people? Why?

More Ask the Author: Anna Lee Waldo

2011-11-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

Your debut novel, Sacajawea, was a #1 New York Times bestselling novel. What did you learn in the process of writing Sacajawea that still helps you in your writing today?

I had written a number of scientific articles and knew the rules for that kind of writing, but a novel was something completely different. At first, I tended to put everything in a story that I thought was unusual or interesting about background, people and their thoughts. That's too much good stuff for any reader! I learned to pare down my description of a landscape, how to skin an animal, or people's behavior and thoughts. I began to read novels in a critical way, so I would understand how good writers stated facts.

I learned not to let anyone rewrite my work. I learned not to believe all answers about historical happenings. After something has taken place, there are many ways to interpret the facts. I look for answers in more than one place. I go to the places I write about. I ask my local library to borrow books they don't have from other libraries, just for me. I watch the way people talk, use their hands and facial expressions, and how they dress.

I learned to let characters show their feelings by words or actions, not by me stating how they feel. I do not stay in a dramatic scene too long. I learned to plant an idea or the way a character thinks or acts early in the story, then I use those plants in a dramatic situation later so the reader thinks, "I knew that would happen." Though he really doesn't until he reads it and the plant has grown.

No matter how much I think I know about any subject, there are still so many things I don't know and sometimes my readers will tell me.

What are some of the more interesting responses you've received from readers over the years?

"I'm related to Sacajawea," "I'm related to Jean Baptist Charbonneau," "We have that book at home and it was written by Sacajawea herself." One time in Portland, Oregon, a young man said, "I have an original painting of Sacajawea, I call Birdwoman." I said I'd like to see that, and about an hour later he came back carrying a very large framed picture. I pointed out the name, "Pocahontas," printed in small letters at the bottom of the picture. He shook his head and said he didn't know what that word mean, but he was going to put a little strip of paper with the words, "Sacajawea, the Birdwoman," over the top of that Indian word so people would know the beautiful maiden's name.

I hear all kinds of pronunciations of the word Sacajawea. "Sack-a-jaws," "Stack-a-gooey," "Skith-a-jewy," "Sock-a-jaw," etc.

Once in a radio station in Boise, Idaho, I was interviewed by a newsman. I enjoyed talking with him because he seemed to be familiar with the Lewis and Clark Expedition. At the end of the broadcast, he moved his chair closer to mine and we continued our conversation for an enjoyable hour. When I was leaving, he called me back. Some of his radio fans were calling in to say how much they'd learned and how they appreciated his extra-long program talking with such an interesting author. He'd forgotten to turn his communication off and bring in music after our thirty minute interview. Boise and other nearby listeners sent me letters about the special broadcast for weeks afterward.

One of my sons, then a teenager, told me that whenever I gave a talk on radio or TV I must remember not to leave any "air space." I thought of him when I was in Paris to talk about the French edition of Sacajawea. One night I was with a group of French historians. We wore earplugs so that a couple girls could translate the French for me and translate my English back to French for the historians and the TV moderator. Things seemed to go well until my English translations went dead and the moderator asked me a question. Of course I did not understand his words. I began with, "A--when I was writing Sacajawea--" and went on with a story I knew well. Afterwards the girls giggled and said that was the best part of the show.

I have been at libraries and bookstores where lines of people were around the block waiting for me to autograph their books. And, more than once, I have sat alone at a table with a stack of books and no one came to have a single book autographed. In a bookstore in St. Louis, Missouri, I saw a woman with half a dozen of my books in her arms. I went up to her and said, "I'm Anna Lee Waldo, author of those books. I'll autograph them, if you like." Her husband ran up and said, "Ignore her! She's out-of-her-head crazy."

I never did that again.

When I was researching the first Circle book, about Madoc's boyhood, a woman called me by telephone to tell me she wanted me to write about her grandfather, a prominent rancher in Wyoming, and ended by saying she would send me clippings and other material about him. I told her I was not ready for that, but a week later I received a box full of most interesting things, which was the beginning of Prairie, the book about Charlie Irwin, the Y-6 ranch in Wyoming, cowboys, Sioux Indians, rodeo performances, and politics.

After Circle of Stones came out, a Welshman sent me copies of old maps showing places where English families crossed over into Wales during the reign of King Henry II and told me his relatives were druids who left England for Dubh Lunn. He was not happy with today's druids. He said the old-timers were peace-loving and highly intelligent.

What draws you to write historical novels?

When I was little, I was told many times that a culture's history shows its strength and weakness. I played among Crow and Blackfoot children. My father and the Indian grandmothers told us stories which made me think about how a childhood background, ideas, feelings, thoughts, actions, situations, or even artifacts influence people. I became an organic chemist, a scientific researcher, an instructor, and an author.

Thus, I am interested in history because of my childhood and background, and science makes me stick to facts as much as possible. I am curious and search for something different in settings, landscapes, and people. Novels are large enough to tell the whole story.

Ask the Author: Anna Lee Waldo

2011-11-09T09:00:00.000-08:00

This month, ZOVA has the honor of releasing the historical epic Watch the Face of the Sky, by Anna Lee Waldo. Best known for her bestselling novel Sacajawea, Ms. Waldo has been studying and writing on obscure but deeply influential historical figures for decades. In her upcoming novel, she explores the little known legendary Welsh prince Madoc, who supposedly reached the shores of America with his crew of Welsh sailors three hundred years before Columbus.

In the next few days, we will be posting some comments from Anna Lee herself, answering a few of our own questions about her writing and this remarkable novel in particular.

What inspired you to write a series about the legendary Madoc?

When I was little, my father told me stories that always had history somewhere in them. Until I was in high school, I thought Paul Bunyan was a real lumberjack; and about the same time I realized my father's Madoc stories had no real endings, except that he sailed away in Viking-built ships. I was fairly certain that Sacajawea was real, because I'd heard Blackfoot and Crow grandmothers tell stories about her. I believed their stories must be real because these grandmothers were my friends and they knew about Captain Lewis and Captain Clark. In school, I studied about the captains' expedition in American and Montana history. None of my teachers knew about Madoc and said he was a figment of my father's imagination. My father was well-known for being a history lover, and if asked would tell a story about most any well-known historical figure.

After finishing my book titled Sacajawea, I began to look into Welsh history to find more about Madoc, the son of Owain Gwynedd. There was not much written about him. Maybe he made two or three trips to an 'unproved land.' Maybe he found his way back to Wales and somehow gained more ships and brought Welsh women and children to the men he'd left in the unproved land. Hardly any librarian or historian I talked with had ever heard of him, coming to this country in the 12th century, 300 years before Columbus. So, I believed it was up to me to find out about this unknown, daring, courageous man and let other people know about him as well.

What kind of research did you have to do to write this novel?

I used local libraries for books and museums with artifacts to look at and touch to tell me what an early Viking one-sail ship was like. I found out what Welsh wattle and daub houses and their furnishings were like. I learned about the Celts and people who followed an old druidic religion and believed in the brotherhood of man. According to druidism, each person, no matter the gender, had special qualities and was more adept at certain lines of work than others. They also believed that every person had opportunities for good deeds. I learned about Welsh twelfth century gardens for flowers and for food, what animals were hunted for food and clothing, the gear that was used for both, and the games people played. Then I began to lean about Welsh and English history in the 12th century. I wrote letters to noted historians, geographers, and astronomers with questions.

I learned a little more about the man called Madoc when my husband, Bill, and I went to Wales. School children there knew about the Welsh hero, Madoc. I learned that people around Mobile Bay, Alabama, also knew about him. Bill and I went there to talk with those people. Then, because one man suggested that Madoc's ships were blown off-course by a terrible storm and ended up with the Incas, I began to check out the possibility of Madoc's ships landing on the Western side of South America, in Peru, where the Incas, or maybe the Mayans, were. Peru seemed almost impossible. Later, I found from a Navy man, a meteorologist and an oceanographer, that in a storm, the ships would have been much more likely to have landed on the northern top of the Yucatan Peninsula, where the Mayans really were. From there, directly across the gulf, is Mobile Bay and the mouth of the Mississippi River, the 'Big Muddy.' Bill and I went to Yucatan and found out about the Mayans. I began to read about archeological digs around Chichen Itza and how these early people lived, kept records, and followed the movement of Sun, Moon, and Stars, such as Venus. I visited Teotihuacan, once a city of ten thousand people, and read all I could about their ancient way of life, in order to use some of it in my story about Madoc.

The inclusion of the Mayan calendar and the foreshadowing of 2012 is very timely. What compelled you to include it in the story?

By the 12th century, the Mayan priests had books and books with facts about the movement of stars. They knew that the stars seen in a summer sky are different than those seen in an autumn, winter, or spring sky, and that Venus is both a morning star and an evening star. They knew that the earth moved around as a cone on a tilted axis. Its movements are similar to the movement of a spinning top, rotating very rapidly about its axis while the axis itself revolves slowly about the vertical. This slow change in direction of the axis of a spinning object, whether it is the earth or a gyroscope, is called the precession of the axis. The precession of the earth's axis is produced by the gravity of the sun and moon, which tug at the equatorial bulge of the earth. Under the influence of these forces, the axis of rotation revolves in a cone, completing a circle once every 26,000 years.

At present, the axis is pointed toward the North Star; 5000 years ago, it pointed in the direction of the star we call Thuban, in the Constellation Draco, and 12,000 years from now, it will point in the direction of Vega, which will be the replacement for the North Star. Ancient Mayan Sky Watchers knew this and predicted that in 2012 AD, the earth will have completed its fifth precession - and the sun, moon, and earth will be in perfect alignment with the dark place in the Milky Way. It will not be in this same alignment for another 26,000 years.

I found it so interesting that the ancient Mayan Sky Watchers knew about a precession - although I doubt they named the action - and ended their calendars on December 21, 2012, that I had to make a story about it. I felt the same way about the Mayan crystal skull.

Sneak Peek: A Vampire's Dominion

2011-11-08T12:00:00.000-08:00

V.M.K. Fewings

---

Prologue

LIKE ALL NIGHTMARES, I wanted out.

Naked and barefoot, I sprinted along the uneven rain soaked pathway, my mouth dry and thirsting, terror constricting my throat and threatening to choke me. I tasted freedom as though for the first time.

Remembering nothing.

A cold salty sea mist hit my nostrils and I shook my head trying to repel nature’s sting. Night wrapped her arms around me as I fled past the grey crumbling wall, bolting left under an ivy-colored archway, descending faster down slippery stone steps.

Don’t look back.

Taking two at a time, I landed on the grassy bank and ran onward, following the sound of crashing waves.

I struggled to recall this place and how I’d gotten here, my memories seemingly just out of reach and my rambling thoughts making no sense and threatening to sabotage my focus.

There was no time to question.

My gut insisted someone was closing in and dread shot up my spine forcing me to run faster. Rustling dead leaves swirled around my feet causing me to stumble. Quickly, I found my footing again, crunching over a pebbled beach toward the vast ocean, crashing six-foot waves onto a dappled-grey shoreline and rolling them into foam. The force with which I hit the icy water shoved my shoulders back and snatched my breath.

This was no dream. Descending further, spiraling into the darkest depths, the ocean buffered against me and with outstretched arms I thrashed blindly to stay afloat, braving to glance back.

The towering rogue wave broke over my head, dragging me lower and delivering me into the path of a riptide that snatched me further into the blackness, sucking me into the swirling undercurrent and forcing seawater down my throat.

Drowning me . . .

Surrendering to the infinite darkness, I passed out.

Unsure of how much time had passed, my eyes opened to a blanket of white cloud revealing pockets of stars and a glimpse of the thumbnail moon, only for it to soon shy away. The night chilled my bones causing me to shiver and pebbles scratched my back.

Turning awkwardly, there was that same castle rising out of the granite, an intimidating symbol of supremacy conveying the gut wrenching realization.

I’d not made it.

A grinding pain in my right shoulder blade; I cradled my arm with the sudden awareness I’d dislocated it.

With mixed feelings that I failed to understand, I took in that dark silhouetted castle looming large on the horizon, trying to recall why it instilled such trepidation. My mind scrambled to piece together memories of having wandered along its sprawling corridors, losing hours within its age-old library, reading my way through its infinite collection of well-worn books, each one pulled from the antique mahogany shelves. With nothing but quiet for company.

More curious still was a faint recollection of whiling away endless days in there, waiting until sunset so I could return to the highest tower once more and paint my beloved nightscapes.

Daylight, that part of my life I’d long given up, exchanging her burning mortal kiss to become night’s lover, surrendering to that endless promise of eternity.

As only a vampire can.

With an unsteady hand I stroked my clean shaven jaw and ran my fingers up and over the rest of my body, relieved to find that other than my arm there were no other injuries. Using my good arm, I staggered to my feet trying to distance myself from the waves spraying foam.

Across the shoreline Penzance lit up the night skyline, the sleepy town still, quiet, and desolate.

I turned and there, standing serenely staring back at me with dark brown eyes, was a tall young priest.

“Jadeon?” The stranger stepped closer.

I went to give an answer, but had none to give and considered diving back in to get away from the one whom I assumed had been chasing me. He reflected an easy confidence that went beyond his thirty years. He still hadn’t blinked.

Trying to judge if I could trust him, I struggled to hold onto the faintest memories that dissipated like cruel whispers clashing with each other, tightening my throat.

“You’ve hurt your arm,” he said. “Let me help you.”

Ignoring the pain, refusing to reveal any weakness I asked, “Who are you?”

“Father Jacob Roch.” His fingers worked their way down each button of his long, brown coat and he slipped it off. “Here you are.”

Cautiously I accepted his coat from him and pulled the left arm through, wrapping it over the shoulder of the right, unable to lift it.

He made a gesture to help.

“I’m fine.” Though clearly I wasn’t.

“You’re adjusting, even now.”

“To what?”

He went to answer but stopped himself as though unsure. Rubbing my forehead I tried to find the answers and not be influenced by the man who I had no reason to trust.

Far off lightning lit up the night sky, and a few seconds later came the crack of thunder.

The sound of footfalls signaled someone fast approaching. Over the ridge a young man appeared and skidded to a stop when he saw us.

“Steady, Alex.” Jacob gestured for him not to come any further.

Alex’s expression was one of horror and I tried to decipher whether it was disgust or hate. Lost in a fog of thoughts I tried to recall how I knew him.

“Let’s go inside,” Jacob said.

The rhythm of the ocean sounded like it was now inside my head and my legs weakened. My feet gave way.

My mind blurred, threatening to slide off. “Who am I?” My face struck the pebbles.

“That’s what we’re going to find out.” Jacob’s voice grew distant.

Sneak Peak: A Vampire's Reckoning

2011-10-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

V.M.K. Fewings
---
Prologue

Jadeon

THEPOWERFUL, DISTURBING images—portraits of memories, a lingeringresonance drawing together, fragments of consciousness—at times, Ifind myself reliving those fateful moments, surrendering to theconsuming, agonizing details of June of the year of our Lord 1803.

Ifalter in the chill of the night, in the fractured stillness withinthe great pillars of Stonehenge.Exhausted from my journey, caught up in terror, the darkness engulfsme. But I will not flee, for the promise I have made, I cannotbreak—my life for that of another. I fear mortality. Myapprehension intensifies.

Thewait is over.

Itis time to wake up.

Iwant to lead you to safety, distract you, and destroy the clues thatlure you into my world. It’s too late for that now. This shakes meto the core. It’s impossible to turn back the clock, but I stillcrave peace, still want to gauge this feeling. Reassuringly, myexpression does little toreflect such. In fact, all that my presence conveys is the demeanorof a twenty-five year old Englishman, and it easily disguises theenigma ofmy ageless, chiseled features.

Withinthose dark Wiltshire woods, hidden from view, I leaned my frameagainst the trunk of a large tree and stared, memorizing eachgroove and fissure of Stonehenge.

Scatteredthoughts; a multitude of ways to begin.

Unableto stay still for long, I started pacing. Sunrise was only an houraway. A waning moon provided meager light. My gaze darted nervously.These murders had been committed to gain my attention, andit was working.

Bymy own hand my involvement was set, the consequence of my actionsdrawing me in. I watched the police exploring the area near thedead girl, positioned face up on the sacrificial stone. Though notforeign to death, I hoped I wouldn’t throw up on my tailored SavileRow suit. The mud on my shoes botheredme and the drizzling rain didn’t help.

Onceapprentice to The Keeper of the Stones, such was the catalystfor all my nightmares. This was not how I envisioned my lifeunfolding. But I’m getting ahead of myself. It’s just that thesewere the darkest of days. Sharing itwith you provides some comfort.

Ishould not start here.

Myaim is to earn your trust, so that you gain insight and are able tocomprehend the unfeasible. It’s important that this is documented.How ironic that I now reveal what I once strived to keep hidden. Timehas proven that it is safer for you to have this knowledge, so thatyou can prepare.

Youwant proof. I shall provide it, if you give me an open mind. Afterall, you have come this far. Therefore, I scribe this for you, in thesanctity of my study, here in St.Michael’s Mount in Marazion.

Travelback with me.

Thesmoke and mirrors of my youth now seem such a brief moment in a longand unordinary life that passed with timeless ease. Those were theyears when I knew only innocence. Cornwall, my birthplace, wasrenowned for its pleasant bays with their golden sands and bleak,sprawling moors.

Heritagemade me the lord of a great castle that had been in my family forgenerations. This immense and towering mansion, grandly structuredupon a small island east of Penzance, rests steadfast—as if a partof the very circular island it was built upon. The only access is byfoot at low tide, or boat when the sea is in. Once, as a boy, I gotcaught when the tide turned. It never happened again.

Withinthese ancient walls, I grew up and took living in such a place forgranted. Not so much now. The grand castle had once been a monasteryowned by British Royalty during the Reformation, only to besold again by Queen Elizabeth I to my ancestor, the Earl ofSalisbury. The famous ancient vision ofthe Archangel Michael on the island had even inspired the occasionalzealous religious pilgrim. Nevertheless, my father had been reluctantto encourage such an invasion, even one

aspassive as Christian visitors. He used large hunting dogs to keep theunrelenting observers away and the staff in.

Inmy mind, I wander the corridors, settling in the Great Hall withits low beams, arched windows, and stone walls, bestowing gothicsconces and ancient relics—typical of an affluent and powerfulfamily of its time. Great tapestrieshang fast on the walls—priceless paintings positioned this way andthat in order to catch or avoid light. ExquisiteRoman rugs strewn over the cold stone floors, and candles lightthe rooms, casting unfamiliar shadows over everything. During fiercewinters, the cold is unrelenting, hence the thick walls and grandhearths within.

Thecastle’s history is as varied as its many rooms—a regal ballroom,which has entertained kings; an armory, which held the weaponsused for their battles; lavish bedrooms fitted for visitingdignitaries, a large kitchen, and modestservants’ quarters. The rooms facing south overlook the terrace andprovide a good view of the gardens below. The castle’s imposingtowers, once used by loyal castle guards as sentries, look out overthe ocean.

Nowin the twenty-first century, the posts stand empty. Very often,I like to go up there to breathe in the fresh sea air and admire theview. On occasion, when inspired, I even take my paints and a freshcanvas to capture the dramatic Southern nightscapes. My artisticnature is a good contrast to my athleticpursuits. I am a worthy fencing opponent.

Ihave traveled, yes, but this is home, where I feel most comfortable;yet still I am unable to shake off theeerie calm of the place. Visitors seldomcome here, though when they do, they are excited to take a tour andexplore the rare artifacts that have withstood the test of time.

Humannature is appealing when presented in its purest form, butI seem to move in circles that reflect the darkest of realms. Byfollowing this venture ofself-discovery, I unveiled a supernatural truth. Indulge me again andallow me to wander back, for perhaps soon all I will have will be thememories of my beloved castle.

Thelibrary and reading rooms are favorites of mine. Alex, my youngerbrother of two years, and I received our many and varied lessonswithin these very tenements, presented by the finest of teachers.We were lectured in the arts, sciences, languages, music, andmastered horsemanship and hunting. My father ensured that webecame proficient swordsmen, rounding out our education. Renaissanceat its best.

Whenour lessons were over we spent our time playing, tirelesslyinvestigating each room; but we stayed clear of the servants’quarters for fear of being smacked around the head by the moody cook.We became familiar with the castle’s lower chambers, even venturingintoits cold, gloomy cellars, bravely exploring the dungeons wherecriminals had once been heldbefore being condemned and escorted away to suffer their fate. Onlyrusting shackles are left to convey what horrors these rooms havewitnessed. As boys, our imaginations ran wild, though our play nevermatched the reality of what happened downthere.

Althoughwe had the run of the castle, there was but one room to which ourfather had banned our entrance. We did of course try to turn the hugebrass handle of the large imposing door, but alas, it remainedlocked, its secrets kept hidden within. All we could do was wonderwhat lay inside such a chamber, until inevitably we becamedistracted. My fascination with that room was to be my undoing. Mypresent irrevocably dissolves into my past.

A Vampire's Reckoning

2011-10-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

In St. Michael's Mount off the coast of Cornwall, behind the thick stone walls of a castle, the last descendants of an ancient race of vampire hunters live oblivious to their history - and their destiny. Jadeon and Alex Artimas are brothers, the eldest bound by tradition to follow in his father's footsteps. After witnessing their father participate in the gruesome torture of a mysterious woman, they are inclined to believe whatever secrets lie within their fortress of a home.

But the truth may come to them too late. For outside the castle, the enemy they are destined to destroy has found them first. He knows their names, and he seeks revenge.

The second installment in the Stone Masters Vampire Series, A Vampire's Reckoning intertwines the continued story of Daumia Velde from A Vampire's Rise with the developing narrative of Jadeon Artimas, as the vampire and the vampire hunter come head to head in a battle of conviction, retribution - and reckoning.

Ask the Author: Teresa Burrell

2011-10-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

Fans of the ZOVA catalog have been following Teresa Burrell's Advocate Series for quite a while. We're eagerly anticipating the release of the series' third installment, The Advocate's Conviction, on October 22nd. To give you an idea of the author, her writing and life, here are some of our most pressing questions - and her answers:

What inspired you to develop the Advocate Series?

I worked in juvenile court for 12 years and saw some horrendous cases. Some of them just begged to be told. I wrote the first book, The Advocate, because I had this case that really haunted me. I knew it would make for good reading if it was told correctly and might help to educate the public as well.

How does your new release, The Advocate's Conviction, compare to the first two books in the series?

This book is a little different than the first two. I personally think the mystery will be harder to solve. In the first two books it wasn't as much about who did it as it was the why. This one deals more with both. It also covers some strange cases that involves ritual abuse. Just like the first two, it isn't graphic, but it is filled with suspense.

What was the hardest thing about writing this book?

Trying to write about satanic ritual abuse without getting too creepy. I think it worked.

We know that you, like your character Sabre Orin Brown, were a juvenile defense attorney in San Diego. In what ways are you and your character alike, and in what ways are you different?

A lot of Sabre's experiences are the same as mine, but her personality is different. Her family life, her background, her personal experiences are very different from mine. Also, she is younger, prettier, smarter, richer, thinner...than me.

In using real cases for inspiration in your novels, how do you determine what works in fiction and what doesn't?

When something is too coincidental, no matter how real it is, I don't use it for fear readers will say, "That wouldn't happen."

Each of your novels relies upon interesting secondary characters - as victims, clients, villains, etc. What do you look for in a good secondary character?

I like my secondary characters to be a little on the edge, sometimes they are patterned after real people (generally a combination of people). And I push the lines more with the secondary characters, like they be a little more "perfect" than Sabre, Bob, or JP, or a little too extreme.

What habits do you have to help you write?

I write best in my home with no music, no phone calls, no interruptions. I need quiet to write. Occasionally, I can sit in a coffee shop or by the water if there's not too many distractions and I know where my character is taking me. My most creative moments are done in complete silence, however.

Sabre's experiences are very much shaped by the events of her past, namely, the disappearance of her brother several years before. How do you think her character might be different under different circumstances?

Sabre has some serious trust and abandonment issues, much of that is shaped by the disappearance of her brother, the death of her father, and we are just starting to see how her mother's has helped to shape her personality as well. Not everything about Sabre has been revealed yet, not unlike when you meet someone you might see some behavior in them but not know why they act the way they do. It's the same with our characters, we see what they do but we don't always know why. Sometimes I know why and sometimes the character shows me why.

What do you hope readers will take away from your work?

I hope it will help them escape to another place and just enjoy the read, stimulate the mind working as they try to solve the mystery, and maybe learn a little something about the juvenile court system while they're at it.

Saved

2011-10-20T13:10:00.000-07:00

Yet another flash fiction piece from Jessica Therrien for the Writer's Campaign Challenge. If you like it as much as we do, be sure to vote at the link below. And follow her blog for more updates on Jessica's writing and the upcoming release of her debut novel, Oppression.

SAVED

I watch Nathan’s lips move as he prattles on about the new world, but all I can see beyond the rusted bow of the ship is water, black as coal in the night.

A rush of air chills my skin, and I fake a yawn, in hopes that he’ll excuse himself. He does. Thank God.

When I stand to leave, I hear a bang and the clatter of splintering wood. The boards shake beneath my feet.

“Pirates!” someone shouts.

Another bang. This time I fall. I scream as I tumble over the edge, but nobody hears me. I hit the water with force, then nothing.

***

I wake to the taste of salty lips on mine as breath is forced into my lungs. I cough and choke up water, digging my fingers into the wet sand when I catch sight of the half-naked man above me.

“Synbatec,” he whispers.

I freeze.

“Where am I?”

Source

The rising sun has stained the sky with pink, and I see no sign of the ship. I try to take deep breaths, but the smell of festering seaweed invades my nose.

He points to the jungle behind us.

“What?” I ask.

“Wastopaneer el tacise. Tu et Synbatec.” I can see every muscle flex beneath his coconut skin as he gestures with nervous eyes.

He beckons for me to follow him. My heart skips with hesitation, but I take his hand.

We walk in silence.

Without warning, a soundless arrow pierces my chest, and I cry out as sharp pain tears through me.

He catches me before I fall. I’m as good as dead. He grips the arrow, and I expect him to pull it out. Instead, the arrow disappears. The wound disappears. The pain is gone.

I stare at him. He smiles. We run.

(If you liked my story, you can give it a thumbs up here. I'm #70.)

Sneak Peek: A Vampire's Rise

2011-10-20T11:44:00.000-07:00

V.M.K. Fewings
---
Chapter One

Spain1471

OUTOF THE DARKNESS, I saw it.

Morealarming it saw me, too. Even at the age of nine, I knew well enoughto remain still.

Thebull would be attracted to movement.

Isucked in air, trying to fill my lungs, yet no breath remained.Orange flames flickered from the few fire torches positioned aroundtheempty arena.

Hetrotted toward me and then broke into a gallop. The ground shook andtime slowed, forcing a dreamy sense of reality. Hoofs skidded to astop, spraying up a cloud of dust. Sweat evaporated off his hide anda pungent aroma reached my nostrils.

Oureyes locked.

Ibit down on my lip, fists clenched, fingernails digging into mypalms, though I barely felt them.

Hesnorted, sniffed, and tilted sharp, devilish horns. My heart pounded,racing ever faster, and my hands shook as I rose to my full heightand pulled my shirt over my head, hating those vulnerable seconds,careful to minimize my movements.

Hepawed the dirt.

“Controlwith composure.”My brother’s words spoken to me long ago, conveying his poise as aseasoned bullfighter.

Thebull flicked his tail and snarled. I judged which horn he favored,indicating the direction he’d go.

Hethundered toward me, his hoofs rhythmically striking the ground, andI raised my make-shift cape. It brushed over his horns ashe galloped past, and swerved left, snorting stale breath that left aputrid taste buried deep in the back of my throat. Lumbering, heturned to face me again, inclining his enormous head. My dry tonguecleaved to the roof of my mouth and I tried to gulp my fear. Takingshort breaths, unable to remember my last, I suppressed a whimper.

Largenostrils sniffed the air again. I steadied my hands and flicked thegarment as he lurched under my left arm, spraying up soil.

Ibacked up.

Headdown, he followed.

Myback struck the arena wall, betraying my escape, trapping me betweenit and him. His stare met mine and went on through. In a state ofdread, those terrifying seconds seemed more like hours as they tookmy breath with them. I struggled to recall which saint could berallied.

Theground vibrated, bringing with it a sea of black as a billowing dustcloud arose. I threw my shirt over his head and then dived to theright of him. The material blinded him and he plunged into the stone,horns scraping and grinding. He bellowed and shook his head.

Ileaped to my feet and bolted along and over the enclosure, landing onthe gravel, scraping my hands and knees. Still tasting the dirt he’dsprayed up, I turned awkwardly and peered back. The bull’s eyesbulged, his tail hung low between his legs as he trotted, searching.I sighed, almost forgetting my stinging, bloodied knees.

Whack!

Thrownforward by the crack that struck my head, pain exploded in my skull.Through a bleary stare, I lay looking up at three men, their shadowyfigures looming over me, handkerchiefs pulled up to obscure theirfaces. The tallest of the three tapped his fingers against his thigh.In his other hand, he grasped a wooden cudgel.

Afterthe third strike, I blacked out.

Sneak Peek: The Advocate's Conviction

2011-10-12T12:30:00.000-07:00

Teresa Burrell

- - -

Preface

Thefourteen-year-old girl struggled to break free from the bindings onher hands and feet. One woman on each arm held her as she fought. Herfeet were in stirrups, and the unbearable pain shot through herabdomen. Her blonde hair was wet with sweat. She yanked her right armaway but the heavy-set woman holding her arm threw her body acrossthe teenager, pinning her down on the hospital bed.

“No,”the teen screamed. “No! Don’t take my baby.”

“Push,”the body-blocker said. “Just push.”

Thetall, thin woman holding the teen’s left arm spoke calmly. “Youneed to stop fighting and breathe. Your baby is coming. You need topush.”

Thegirl looked around the small, dirty room for help, but all she sawwas a man wearing a surgical mask sitting at the end of the bedbetween her legs, waiting for her to give birth. He would be no help.After all, she had agreed to this. The candles flickered around her,casting soft shadows around the room. The oak tree painted on thewall and the circle around her bed would protect her, or so she wastold. But she hurt so badly and no one seemed to care.

Theheavy-set woman was face to face with her. The girl could feel herbreathing and smell her garlicky lunch. “Just push,” she saidagain.

Thegirl screamed.

“Thisis your child’s fate. Your baby must be sacrificed. Are you abeliever?”

Thegirl wanted to say no. She didn’t know what to believe, but fearwon out. “Yes,” she said.

“Yes,what?”

“Yes,I believe. I believe in the power of the oak. I believe in the powerof the oak.” She was chanting now and the two women joined her.

“Ibelieve in the power of the oak. I believe in the power of the oak.”The young girl screamed again as another contraction shot throughher. She pushed as hard as she could, then stopped.

“Again!”the man at her feet yelled. “Push!”

Shepushed and screamed in agony until she felt the mass exit her womb.Her body lay limp on the bed as she heard the baby cry. The heavy-setwoman continued to hold her in place while the tall woman took thebaby to the back of the room and out of sight. The baby’s criesstill filled the room.

Then,silence.

Afew minutes later the woman returned without the child.

Thegirl turned her head away and closed her eyes. What have I done?

When Titles Are Born

2011-09-28T10:11:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have been following Jessica Therrien, whose debut teen novel will be out early next year, you'll be excited to hear some developments in the area of book and series titles. Naming things is an essential part of writing - from naming characters to naming narratives - and it's not one we take lightly. Jessica's novel has been under a working title for a while now, and we are excited to reveal the official series and book one title at last:

Children of the Gods

Oppression

The release isn't for several months, but we'll be giving you tidbits of information and sneak peeks into the story as time progresses. In the meantime, follow her blog, twitter, facebook, and anything else you can find. She's seriously worth following.

Ask the Author: VMK Fewings

2011-09-26T13:01:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure there's much we enjoy more than talking to authors about their work. One of the exciting things about book blogging is the opportunity to do blog interviews. This week, we have a number of questions for a few of our authors, beginning with the incredible V.M.K. Fewings. Author of the Stone Masters Vampire Series, she has been writing for quite a while, and her fans will be the first to attest to the richness of her work, the intricate characters and complex plot lines each book explores. Here to discuss her work in her own words, we welcome Ms. Fewings.

Whatfirst drew you to the genre of vampire fiction? What sort of novelsfirst inspired you?

Thankyou for inviting me over to the ZOVA Books Blog! I'm thrilled to behere.

Thefirst novels that inspired me were Isaac Asimov's FoundationSeries. Iquickly fell in love with Asimov's works of science fiction. He wasand still is considered a pioneer in the genre.

Asa teenager I discovered Anne Rice. I can still remember seeing thepaperback of Interviewwith the Vampire onthe shelf of my corner store. I bought the book with my pocket moneyand never looked back!

Isthis the only genre you've written in, or are there other worlds inyour head?

I'mcurrently co-authoring a romantic comedy novel and we're excited withhow the world is evolving. It's such a joy when a character rises tothe surface and starts to feel real.

Whatdo you think about the current trend, especially in YA fiction,toward more peaceable vampire lore?

It'sbeen exciting to watch new fans find the vampire genre. There'scertainly enough room for many different takes on vampire lore.

I'mparticularly drawn toward characters with compelling personalities.To me what's attractive about vampires is their ability to havesurvived centuries and during that time travelled extensively,grasped several languages, and even have mastered an instrument ortwo, thus rounding out a character's compelling personality.

Wouldyou rather be the vampire, or the vampire hunter?

I'drather be a Vampire!

AlthoughI write about vampire hunters, I sense there's an underlying lack oftolerance and prejudice when it comes to them, whereas vampires arevery often misunderstood beings who are trying to make the most oftheir circumstances.

Whatdrew you to set your novels in England?

Mostof my characters appeared to me as British, so I suppose they werereally the ones to decide that.

Havinggrown up in England and being exposed to its rich history, it seemedonly natural to base the series there.

Younow live in Los Angeles. Have you ever considered writing about theCity of Angels?

Anythingis possible. There may be a spin off book set in Los Angeles.Louisiana-born Vampire Zachary Harris may very well find his way tothe City of Angels. ;)

Asa writer, what are your habits, exercises, tricks of the trade thatyou use to push a novel from idea to finished manuscript?

Iset myself a daily writing goal and do my best to stick with it.Writing in the morning is the most productive time for me.

Dependingon the book or where I am with other writing projects, editing etc,will influence how much progress I need to make at each sitting. I'musually very relaxed when writing the first draft and just followthe characters along.

Athrilling experience is when I read to the end of the chapter I'vejust written and wonder why the next page is blank, actuallyexpecting something to be written there! That's a wonderful moment.

Writingto music inspires me with certain scenes and stirs the imagination.

Myadvice to new writers: Trust your character and trust your muse.

What'syour favorite part of the writing process?

There'sa moment when you realize everything you're writing is comingtogether, as though the words were always there and you just chippedaway at them. Story lines cross and you witness characters evolving,their arcs occurring naturally. It's as though the book is a living,breathing entity.

Ofall your characters, which do you sympathize with most and why?

AlexArtimas, Jadeon's younger brother, holds a special place in my heart.I'm looking forward to writing his story. Alex always seems so lostand misunderstood. So lonely. I want to reach into the novels andgive him a huge hug.

Thefirst two books in the series, AVampire's Rise andAVampire's Reckoning,can each be read independently of the other. Is the third book in theseries also a stand-alone novel, or does it rely on the first two,and how much so?

Likethe othersA Vampire's Dominioncan be read as a stand-alone novel.

Doyou have a favorite passage from any of your books?

Thisis a passage taken from AVampire's Rise.To me this expresses the frustration that Orpheus was feeling attrying to get his point across. Those last few words express hissilent pain.

Afeather from her cuff came loose and spiraled, and I watched it floatto the floor. It appeared as though it had always belonged to thesleeve of that long, black chemise, and had never been ripped fromthe small body of a dead bird.

The Soulless

2011-09-22T16:30:00.000-07:00

If you haven't yet read Jessica Therrien's flash fiction piece from the Writers' Platform Building Campaign, we've posted it below. Jessica just won first place in the readers' choice awards and fourth place in the judges' panel for the story. You'll see why as you read on:

THE SOULLESS

The door swung open.

“They’re coming.”

(source)

My stomach tightened as Brad slid the deadbolt into place and turned the couch into a barricade.

“How long?”

The sound of the soulless flinging their bodies against the door was my answer. The knob twisted and voices began to hiss. They’d find their way in soon.

The soulless only wanted one thing—our hearts. Those who’d already lost theirs had slowly been taken by madness, joining the hunt for more.

“If we surrender they’ll let us live. We won’t lose ourselves if we have each other.”

I felt the steady chug of my heart beneath my ribs and shook my head violently. “I’m not going to just hand over my soul.”

Another body slammed against the door, and I jumped into Brad’s arms. He held my head against his chest, and I listened for the steady beat that always gave me comfort. Only this time, it wasn’t there, and I lost myself to unconsciousness.

***

When I awoke, the room was silent. I sighed with relief. Just a dream.

Then I saw it, the incision below my sternum. I looked up in horror, catching sight of Brad’s heels as the door swung shut.

Jessica Therrien's debut young adult novel will be coming to bookshelves near you next February, 2012. Keep an eye on this one.

A Vampire's Rise

2011-09-21T14:38:00.000-07:00

Daumia Velde will be paying for his brother's death for the rest of his life. Not because he is guilty, but because those who are guilty need a scapegoat. Daumia would be dead himself were it not for the assistance of Sunaria, a mysterious woman appearing in the nick of time from the ghostly night of the graveyard.

After years of serving the corrupt Roelle at his ranch in Spain, Daumia at last begins to think of his freedom - of paying back the men who accused him and finding a way to rise in the world. What he cannot foresee is the extent of his danger or the depth of the depravity of those who would hide their own crimes behind his ignorance.

Freeing himself from their deceptions may take more than Daumia is prepared to give. It may, in fact, require his very life.

In this sweeping saga of betrayal and corruption in 15th century Spain, VMK Fewings introduces us to her epic Stone Masters Vampire Series. This is the story of the man who would become one of the most powerful vampires in history. Behind the legendary Orpheus is the history of a conflicted man fighting for his place in the world - and before that, a young boy who was not meant to survive the graveyard.

The first three books in the Stone Masters Vampire Series will be released October 25th, 2011.

2011-09-16T10:47:00.000-07:00

For those of you who miss the old vampire days, back before they got all sparkly and peaceable, we have a special treat for you this Halloween. Some of you have already taken a sneak peek at V.M.K. Fewings' fascinating world of the Stone Masters with her short story, Mortal Veil. If you got to the end and hoped for more, be patient. Next month, we'll be releasing three titles in the Stone Masters series: A Vampire's Rise, A Vampire's Reckoning, and A Vampire's Dominion. Keep an eye out over the next few weeks as we highlight each title to give you a taste of what's to come.

The Advocate's Conviction

2011-09-06T16:00:00.000-07:00

Just over a year ago, ZOVA published its first book, The Advocate's Betrayal, a thrilling legal mystery from the pen of Teresa Burrell. Since then, we picked up the first book in her series, The Advocate, and have been working on the third book with her for some time now.

So many of you have been waiting for a new installment in the Advocate Series, that this October's launch of The Advocate's Conviction is very exciting for all of us.

After two foster children on her caseload go missing under very unusual circumstances, juvenile defense attorney Sabre Orin Brown must figure out where they might have gone, how their cases are connected, and if there's any possible truth to the mounting evidence that satanic ritual abuse is behind it all.

To find out more, of course, you'll just have to buy the book. A special launch event will be held on October 22nd at the Pomona Home Show. Be sure to join us there to hear Teresa introduce her newest book, and to get your signed copy.

Passing on this Mortal Veil

2011-08-30T11:49:00.000-07:00

We're looking forward to so many new releases this fall, it's almost difficult to keep track of them all. One of the most exciting developments is the release of the first three books in VMK Fewings' Stone Masters series, a vampire saga that explores all the dark mystery behind the famed undead as well as the ancient order sworn to destroy them. This week, we're offering a free digital edition of "Mortal Veil," a short story by VMK Fewings, which offers a brief, scintillating peek into this world. If you like what you read here, then mark your calendars. There will be much more headed your way this Halloween.

In the meantime, you can download the short story here, or email us at zovabooks@gmail.com for a Kindle, NOOK, or Apple edition.

Remembering Dances With Wolves

2011-08-22T16:08:00.000-07:00

This past week, we've been excited to see Michael Blake's epic masterpiece, The Holy Road, hit top ten status in a variety of categories on Amazon and BN.com. For the most part, this was due to a phenomenal two-hour documentary about the making of the film Dances With Wolves on the Bio channel. Many readers and moviegoers have asked the question, "What happens to Lt. John Dunbar?" at the close of that first story, and the documentary does not fail to mention that there is, in fact, an answer. Thank you, A&E. If there was anything we could have asked for from you, it would be that readers would learn about this book. And so they have.

Check out more from the Bio channel over at their website, where you just might find out when a rerun of the documentary will be showing. In the meantime, do feel free to download your own copy of the book, The Holy Road, and get an answer to that twenty year old question. (Or start from the beginning...)

One for the Road

2011-07-25T12:19:00.000-07:00

This month has been full of amazing new releases for us. From such established authors as Michael Blake, to newcomers like Clive London, our catalog is growing nearly every day. One of our favorite new releases has come from debut novelist Edgar J. Rossi. His brand new novel, One for the Road, is a staple of crime fiction, the epitome of noir.

When Johnny Flamingo comes to town, 1940s Las Vegas is turned upside-down and inside-out. Stumbling into a casino days away from a spectacular grand re-opening, he finds the joint in a stalemate as two rival gangsters claim control of the place. The last thing any stranger wants to do is get caught between these two gun-slinging factions . . . unless, of course, that stranger is Johnny Flamingo.

Flamingo makes money off of other people's trouble, so he makes as much trouble as he can the moment he walks through the doors. Between whiskey and women, this world-weary gun-for-hire may have at last met his match in this classic, gritty noir. A must-read for any fan of the genre, One for the Road will keep you turning pages and dodging bullets till the final showdown.

Author Focus: Michele Scott

2011-07-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

We've had the pleasure of working with Michele Scott for a while now. Her most recent novel, Happy Hour, has been our go-to selection for summer reading - not only because it came out just as people were planning their summer activities, but because it embodies so much of what the season is about - rest and relaxation among friends and family despite the hectic and often overwhelming circumstances of daily life. We can't talk about the book enough, as it's four-storied narrative, recipes and wine pairings, and book club questions make it an ideal subject for any friendly summer get-together.

It's no surprise that such a multi-layered novel was the brain child of Michele Scott. She has been writing since she was nine years old, drafting short stories on her father's notepads. After attending the University of Southern California, Michele began her writing career while starting a family. Her Wine Lovers Mystery Series, released through Berkeley Publishing Group (Penguin/Putnam), quickly became a bestseller in its genre, helping to establish the popularity of the cozy mystery subgenre both here in the United States and around the world.

Michele currently lives with her husband and three children outside of San Diego, where she pursues her other passion - raising horses - while writing multiple novels every year. Many of those books have been released under her penname, A.K. Alexander, and several have become Kindle bestsellers across the pond. Michele seems comfortable writing mysteries, thrillers, children's fantasy, or traditional fiction. And therein lies her true appeal. Because regardless of the genre, Michele knows a good story when she sees it.

If you want to find out more about Michele's writing and life, be sure to visit her website. And pick up a copy of Happy Hour while you're at it!

Prince Albert and the Doomsday Device

2011-07-06T11:13:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been browsing in a yard sale or a flea market and come across some incredible, priceless item with a sticker labeling it only ninety-nine cents? You pick up the item gingerly, glance about furtively wondering if anyone else has noticed the outrageous, wonderful find. You were not planning on buying anything; you only came to browse. But you have a dollar in your pocket and the most precious object in your hands.

Naturally you make the purchase, and immediately afterwards you go and tell everyone you know about the brilliance of your day.

This is a little bit how we feel about our two new ebooks for July. We'll just start with one here, as we wouldn't want to overwhelm you with so much goodness. July 1st saw the release of our newest children's masterpiece, Prince Albert and the Doomsday Device, by the enigmatic Clive London. In the same way that the Harry Potter books and the Percy Jackson series found wide appeal across age groups, Prince Albert is a book for everyone.

Set in a steampunk version of the Victorian age, the book follows young Jack White (not the rockstar) across the countryside and into the city of London for the first time. Determined to solve the mystery of his father's disappearance, his search takes him to the newly opened Great Exhibition in the center of the city. There, he meets a clever engineer (who is more than he appears to be) and discovers the mysterious doomsday device set to be unveiled during the following day. Recognizing the device as an invention of his father's, Jack has to figure out where it came from and what it does if he has any chance of tracing it back to his missing parent.

And this is only the beginning. Double-decker steam trains, sword fights on rooftops, jail breaks, gun fights, and some very sketchy tea, all come together to make one rollicking ride. The first in a series, we're so excited to be able to offer this book at only $0.99, to whet your appetite and give you just one more reason to curl up with your Kindle (or iPad or . . .). Let us know what you think when you're done reading!

Into the Stars

2011-06-27T10:53:00.000-07:00

We're so excited to share with you the cover for Michael Blake's first new work of fiction in ten years, Into the Stars.

Into the Stars is a novel very close to our hearts. It follows young Ledyard Dixon, a soldier during the Great War, who gets trapped behind enemy lines. Stunned by the violence around him, his humanity is awakened when he stumbles across an abandoned cavalry horse. Both of them are battle-scarred and fearful, but together they discover peace and friendship despite the danger that surrounds. As Ledyard gradually finds his way back to the Allied side, he faces the choice between continuing as a soldier and seeking the safety of solitude. The novel is very much a character study of a man weary, not only of the war, but of the world itself. His horse becomes his only solace, an untainted partner in his search for beauty and peace despite the horrors of humanity.

This historical novel paints a vivid portrait of the First World War, but in every respect is a novel for our time. We look forward to sharing it with you on July 19th. We are confident you'll love it as much as we do.

The Holy Road

2011-06-20T11:39:00.000-07:00

When Michael Blake's first novel, Dances With Wolves, came to a close, there was a suggestion of things to come. The characters - the indomitable John Dunbar, Kicking Bird, Wind In His Hair, Stands With A Fist, and the rest - all seemed to have unfinished business of some kind or other. There was a longing, in those final lines, for that to truly be the end of their story, for all to stay just as it was in the conclusion. But history tells a different story.

As does The Holy Road. Here, Michael Blake continues the tragic narrative of the Comanche people. Unlike the first novel, this story follows multiple characters in the Native American tribe with equal commitment. In this way, the novel stands entirely on its own, recounting with haunting clarity the last days of a beautiful people, and the choices they make when faced with the soulless imprisonment of the reservation - or certain extinction.

We are excited to offer you the new edition of this Native American epic, scheduled for release in July of this year.

The Ones Who Write

2011-06-14T16:30:00.000-07:00

We've been talking to our authors a lot lately. Perhaps not more than usual, as we usually talk to them a great deal, but lately we've been reminded of how important it is to share with you the sort of people they are. We'll be featuring a few of our author's biographies here over the course of the next few weeks, just one or two paragraph snippets to tell you a little about them.

The first is the ever-incredible Michael Blake. We have stayed with Michael on his Arizona ranch, met him for Italian food in Santa Monica after a Hollywood documentary interview, and chatted with him on the phone about everything from his novels to his zoo of peculiar animals. We were introduced to Michael in a circuitous way through Charlie Redner, every writer's favorite advocate and Southern California poet (take a look at his website and be sure to check out his regular literary journal, The Hummingbird Review).

Michael Blake began his writing career developing screenplays in Los Angeles. After discussing a new idea for a historical film with Kevin Costner, the budding actor encouraged Michael to write the story as a novel, concerned that as a script the story would never reach the screen. The novel, Dances With Wolves, immediately became a number one New York Times bestseller. Michael Blake went on to receive an Academy Award for his screenplay, and has been writing novels and film scripts ever since.

In 2001, the sequel to Dances With Wolves, a historical novel depicting the disappearance of the Native Americans from the free plains, was released under the title The Holy Road. Unfortunately, the novel debuted on September 11th, and was largely overlooked until ZOVA Books acquired the rights. The rerelease of The Holy Road, as well as a brand new WWI novel from Michael Blake, are scheduled for release this summer. Michael currently lives on a ranch outside Tucson, where he cares and advocates for wounded horses, especially the swiftly dwindling American Mustang. He's also still writing, which is certainly good news for all of us.

When the Prices Fall...

2011-05-31T11:56:00.000-07:00

In a continuous effort to provide the best possible literature at the most accessible prices in the widest variety of formats, you will be pleased to note that the ebook prices for Jenny Bellington's East to Adonia, Michele Scott's Happy Hour, and Mike Sirota's Fire Dance have all dropped to remarkably appealing digits.

Between the three books, you pretty much have your pick of summer reading. From Mike Sirota's thrilling, chilling Southern California ghost story to Michele Scott's compelling narrative of four friends and their families in the beautiful Napa Valley to Jenny Bellington's rip-roaring adventure on the high seas - and in dark castles - and through mysterious forests . . . you'll have your summer cut out for you.

The magically affordable digital prices range from only $2.99 for Happy Hour and East to Adonia to a startling $0.99 for Fire Dance (I know!! Amazing, right?). In other words, download them now or miss out on the ZOVA Books digital sale of the century (or something like that). If you haven't already converted to the world of e-reading, this just might be the time to do it.

From page to screen

2011-05-10T13:18:00.000-07:00

Faithful followers have already been hearing whispers of the newest development in the life of ZOVA, but the rest of the world is just getting a whiff of the wonderful things to come with Monday's article in The Hollywood Reporter. Already re-posted by Yahoo Movie News and a host of other sites, we're stuffing search engines to overflowing with the buzz. You can read the bulk of the article by Borys Kit below, or peruse The Hollywood Reporter for more Industry news:

The boutique publishing house ZOVA Books has signed with management and production banner Circle of Confusion for representation in film, TV and foreign print rights.

The ZOVA client roster ranges from Dances With Wolves author Michael Blake to Anna Lee Waldo, the Pulitzer Prize nominee for the international bestseller Sacajawea, to best-selling mystery writer Michele Scott (The Wine Lovers Mysteries series).

ZOVA joins Circle of Confusion’s already-formidable literary client list, ranging from comic book and graphic novel publisher IDW Publishing to Walking Dead co-creator Robert Kirkman to Adam Goldberg, the co-creator of Fox’s Breaking In to Matrix directors Andy and Lana Wachowski.

The company is hoping to emphasize the “circle” in their name with the signing, calling it “circular representation,” with plans to identify properties for film and TV translations while also giving the company’s existing clients an outlet for prose work.

Planning your book club?

2011-05-07T17:23:00.000-07:00

I don't know if you've been noticing the new trend, but Culinary Book Clubs have been making an appearance across the country. We have one thing to say to that: Yes, please! If any book group was more tailor made for Michele Scott's Happy Hour, we don't know what it is. With recipes and book club questions included, this book is the perfect way to bring together your own friends for a unique happy hour.

We've been thinking about the book a lot lately, what with Mother's Day literally around the corner and the summer following close behind. It seems that more and more women are ready for the chance to set their busy schedules aside and start prioritizing friendship and quality recreation (which, of course, means reading, preferably in a lounge chair with a shady hat and a glass of red nearby).

So we were more than excited when Michele Scott was featured on the popular online radio show Girlfriendology yesterday. You can listen to the interview yourself below. Michele's work is the perfect antidote to a frazzled mind, and the ideal companion for the relaxing moments this summer promises. If you like the interview, be sure to check out her website. Michele is always available to call in (or visit, if you're local) your own book club, at happy hour or beyond.

Listen to internet radio with Girlfriendology on Blog Talk Radio

What to get the mother who has (almost) everything...

2011-05-03T18:27:00.000-07:00

In a few short days, daughters and sons across America will be showing their love and gratitude to their mothers in a variety of ways. Over at Amazon's book blog, their editors have been suggesting tailored book selections for their readers' mothers. Here at ZOVA, we have one in particular that we simply have to suggest above all the rest.

Michele Scott's Happy Hour has already been hailed as the first beach read of the summer season - and here in Los Angeles, we at ZOVA can all attest to summer already being here. Happy Hour tells the story of four women with distinct backgrounds, struggles, and secrets, who get together once a month for happy hour. Their stories resonate with women everywhere, as each one tells of something at least vaguely familiar to us all - the pain of divorce, buried memories that rise to the surface, financial troubles, realizing that one perspective isn't the whole perspective, losing love, finding love. . . . It's all there.

Author Michele Scott is inviting book bloggers and reviewers to request promotional copies of the book right now at happyhourbook (at) gmail.com. It's a pretty compelling offer for reviewers with a hefty-enough following, but for your beloved mother (who has probably received her share of flowers and chocolates), we might suggest purchasing a copy at your bookseller of choice.

(While you're at it, we might suggest pairing the book with a good bottle of wine. Any suggestions?)

Circle of Confusion Enters Into Management Agreement With Publishing Firm ZOVA Books

2011-04-18T11:27:00.000-07:00

Acclaimed Hollywood production and management company, Circle of Confusion announces partnership with the boutique literary publishing house, ZOVA Books for film, television, and foreign print rights.
Los Angeles, CA, April 18, 2011 - Circle of Confusion, a premier media management and production company, announces it will be representing the publishing firm, ZOVA Books, for film, television, and foreign print rights. Circle of Confusion has received numerous awards and nominations for its production of the acclaimed television series The Walking Dead. Their partnership with ZOVA Books brings them a growing catalog of fiction for representation.
ZOVA Books is a boutique publishing firm with a diverse catalog that includes two New York Times #1 bestselling authors. ZOVA’s authors include Academy Award winning screenwriter and author Michael Blake, best known for the iconic Dances With Wolves, Pulitzer Prize nominee for the international bestseller Sacajawea, Anna Lee Waldo, and mystery bestseller, Michele Scott.
Established as a creative organization focused on the success of individual authors and the development of wide-ranging creative projects, ZOVA has developed a next generation publishing model in a time when most publishers, both small and large, are struggling to reconcile traditional practices with the growing phenomenon of digital publishing.
ZOVA's CEO, Matthew Pizzo, says, “It is an honor to work with David Alpert and Circle of Confusion. The positive and proactive energy they bring to their work is incredible, and inspires us to continue our efforts to create a truly unique media firm.”
“ZOVA is an incredibly exciting new publishing company,” says Circle Partner David Alpert, “They have impeccable taste in material and are building an amazing platform for authors. We’re very excited to be working ZOVA, and think that there are amazing synergies between our two companies.”
The announcement of the partnership between Circle of Confusion and ZOVA Books precedes a series of significant book releases by the publishing company, including the exclusive e-book release of Dances With Wolves, the upcoming novel by Michele Scott, Happy Hour, and the newest release by Anna Lee Waldo, a historical epic entitled Watch the Face of the Sky.

About Circle of Confusion:
Circle of Confusion, a feature film & television production and management company, was founded in 1990. Initially a New York-based literary management company, Circle expanded into production in 2002 while simultaneously opening a West Coast office in Los Angeles.

The Management division of Circle represents screenwriters and directors as well as content creators and comic book libraries. Clients include the Wachowski Brothers (writers/directors of The Matrix Trilogy); directors John and Drew Dowdle (Devil, Quarantine) and Jon Poll (Charlie Bartlett); screenwriters Dan Mazeau (Clash of the Titans 2, The Flash), Gary Whitta (The Book of Eli), Jon Spaihts (Darkest Hour, Alien Prequel), 2009 Blacklist winner Christopher Weekes (The Muppet Man), and 2010 Blacklist winner Wes Jones (College Republicans); television writers Tim Schlattmann (Dexter), Todd Harthan (Psych), and Doug Jung (Dark Blue); comic book creators/screenwriters Brian Michael Bendis (Powers, Jinx) and Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead, Invincible); many journalists with articles appearing in periodicals such as Wired, GQ, Esquire, The New York Times Magazine, Vanity Fair, and Men’s Journal; and libraries which include books from IDW Publishing, Skybound, Seven Seas, and Shadowline Comics.

The Production division is currently prepping season two of the record-breaking hit AMC series The Walking Dead, based on Robert Kirkman’s hugely successful Image Comics series, starring Andrew Lincoln, Jon Bernthal, and Sarah Wayne Callies. Circle is also prepping the recently green-lit Powers for FX Network with Michael Dinner and Charles Eglee. Previously, Circle has produced the pilots Them for Fox and Ultra for CBS.

On the feature side, Circle of Confusion has successfully set up more than thirty feature projects on studio development slates. These include projects such as: Inherit the Earth at Sony (with Michael Bay); Existence 2.0 at Paramount (with Al Gough & Miles Millar adapting); Fire at Universal (with Zac Effron attached to star); Antwerp at Paramount (with J.J. Abrams); and Straight Outta Compton at New Line (with Ice Cube & Dr. Dre).

Circle of Confusion is currently in prep on the 3-D horror film Hellbenders, written and to be directed by J.T. Petty. Circle also produced the recent Magnolia Films release Vanishing on 7th Street directed by Brad Anderson and starring Hayden Christensen, John Leguizamo and Thandie Newton as well as the indie release St. John of Las Vegas written and directed by Hue Rhodes and starring Steve Buscemi, Sarah Silverman, Tim Blake Nelson, and John Cho.

Circle of Confusion established its identity developing elevated “genre” material, but has since expanded the client base to include writers of all types including, but not limited to, comedy, drama, and animation. The company is built to self-generate (either through its own library or elsewhere) high concept ideas and then develop and package the material to ensure success at the studio level. Whether it is breaking new talent or developing projects, Circle works to bridge the gap between the fringes of pop culture and the Hollywood mainstream.

Worth Watching

2011-04-15T15:23:00.000-07:00

If you're interesting in learning a bit about how our authors write, you should definitely check out their blogs. You can find the links in last week's post. Meanwhile, check out this little video interview from the fabulous Michele Scott:

Facebook Following

2011-04-07T16:56:00.000-07:00

We get a lot of questions from readers about how to follow the various events and occurrences of their favorite ZOVA authors. Thankfully, our authors are quite prolific online. You can pretty much find them anywhere. To simplify your search a little, here's a sampling of links to blogs, websites, fan pages and more:

Michael Blake
Website
Blog
Facebook
Twitter

Michele Scott
Website
Blog
Facebook
Twitter

Jeff Sherratt
Website
Blog
Facebook
Twitter

Mike Sirota
Website
Facebook

Jenny Bellington
Website
Blog
Facebook
Twitter

Teresa Burrell
Website
Blog
Facebook
Twitter

Jessica Therrien
Blog
Facebook
Twitter

In Anticipation . . .

2011-04-05T10:39:00.000-07:00

. . . of the newest release from V.M.K Fewings, we have a book trailer just for you.

ZOVA Books Releases Jenny Bellington's Debut Children's Novel, East to Adonia

2011-03-30T15:17:00.000-07:00

ZOVA Books announces the release of East to Adonia, the first novel from debut children's fantasy author, Jenny Bellington

Los Angeles, CA, March 24, 2011 – ZOVA Books announces the release of East to Adonia, the first children's fantasy novel from debut author Jenny Bellington. ZOVA Books is a boutique publishing firm representing such acclaimed authors as Dances With Wolves novelist and Academy Award winning screenplay writer, Michael Blake, as well as the Pulitzer Prize nominated bestselling author of Sacajawea, Anna Lee Waldo. The launch of Ms. Bellington's children's novel opens their catalog to an entirely new body of readers.

Jenny Bellington began her writing career after pursuing dual degrees in geology and theatre. She wrote East to Adonia, the first of what promises to be an extensive series, while working in the film industry in Los Angeles. Now a full-time writer, Ms. Bellington will be touring for her book throughout the year at numerous conferences and book festivals around the country.

East to Adonia is a classic children's fantasy novel, chronicling the adventures of Mercator Robinson – a young boy with a mysterious ability to draw maps of anything, whether he has been there or not. After his uncle gives him an old mapping kit on his twelfth birthday, Mercator uses the gift to draw a map of an island he's never heard of before. All of a sudden, Mercator is transported in time and space to a land beyond our own world. Meeting up with a precocious young princess, Mercator's real adventure begins in earnest when the two are kidnapped by pirates and sold for ransom across the waters to a wicked duke. The story continues with all of the magic, danger, and intrigue that marks the best fantasy of any age. A promising beginning to a compelling series, this book also works as a standalone novel for children between the ages of ten and thirteen.

ZOVA Books has been working with Ms. Bellington on the release of this title since their inception. “East to Adonia is a very personal project for all of us,” says ZOVA Books Publisher, Molly Lewis. “We have been delighted to work with Jenny Bellington to bring her book to readers around the world. Its bold imagination and unrestrained wonder make it a story for readers of all ages.”

The release of East to Adonia this January marked the beginning of a series of significant releases from the company, from Michael Blake's digital edition of Dances With Wolves to the launch of Michele Scott's book club favorite, Happy Hour, this March.

East to Adonia was released on January 18, 2011 and is available at book retailers across the country, on all digital platforms, and through Baker & Taylor Distributors.

About ZOVA Books:

ZOVA Books is an independent publisher of genre and literary fiction based in Los Angeles, California. Established in 2010, they are one of the fastest growing small publishers in the nation, representing such notable authors as #1 New York Times Bestseller Michael Blake, author of Dances With Wolves, #1 New York Times Bestseller Anna Lee Waldo, author of Sacajawea, and acclaimed bestseller Michele Scott.

ZOVA Books has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with Hollywood production and management company Circle of Confusion to represent its catalog for film, television and foreign rights.

Established as a creative organization focused on the success of individual authors and the development of multi-platform creative projects, ZOVA has developed the next generation publishing company that reconciles the best practices of traditional publishing firms with the innovations of small and specialized firms, embracing the opportunities of both print and digital distribution in its commitment to providing the best possible literary works to readers around the world.

# # #

When the authors speak . . .

2011-03-29T16:44:00.000-07:00

This past month, the Ovitt Family Community Library in Ontario, CA, has hosted four ZOVA Books authors for a series of conversations on publishing, writing, and women in the book industry. We're sharing a few of the topics discussed with our authors over the course of the month.

On March 5th, Molly Lewis talked with Jeff Sherratt about women in the book industry. As a past board member of Sisters in Crime, LA, Jeff has developed years of experience addressing inequality in the industry. When asked what beginning authors should be aware of when first sending out their work, Jeff counseled them to be discerning about who they share their work with. There are plenty of questionable organizations out there, and it's important to do your research before entering into a contractual relationship with an agent or publisher. Having written multiple books himself, including the first of his film noir mysteries, Detour to Murder, Jeff knows what he's talking about.

On March 12th, Teresa Burrell brought her Advocate series to the library with advice for writers on how to use personal experience in fiction. As a lawyer herself, writing juvenile defense attorney Sabre Brown was an exercise in doing just that. For those whose personal experiences fall short of their story's needs, the key is to compensate with legitimate research. Teresa suggested referencing the experts - from interviewing real-life versions of your characters to hitting the stacks at your local library. A fitting suggestion, considering the setting.

March 19th saw Jenny Bellington discussing the process of writing East to Adonia and the challenges of developing a full-fledged fantasy world. As fantasy literature for both children and adults is such a weighty genre, carrying with it all the traditions of literary giants like JRR Tolkien, Robert Jordan, RA Salvatore, and a host of others, the most significant questions Jenny fielded related to the material that influenced her. How do you let a book inspire you while keeping your own writing unique? Jenny focused on what she didn't see in current fiction, the elements she felt were lacking in her favorite books and series, and developed East to Adonia from those very things. While we cannot help but be influenced by what we have read (and seen and heard and felt and been . . .) the best we have to offer are the things that set our ideas apart.

And on March 26th, Michele Scott introduced her new book, Happy Hour , while giving practical advice on developing a story arc, establishing constructive writing habits, and managing a host of different characters throughout the life of a series. We asked her what sort of writing exercises she does before beginning a novel. One of the suggestions Michele offered was to write journal entries from the point of view of each of your characters. Examining their individual perspectives of the story not only lends depth to each character, but also helps you discover aspects of the story you may not have expected.

Overall, the contributions of each author were informative and inspiring. We have been so excited to be a part of the library's efforts to join published and aspiring writers throughout the month of March, to celebrate the contributions of women in the industry, and to further develop the library as a place for community involvement.

Unwine(d) with Happy Hour

2011-03-24T12:11:00.000-07:00

This Friday evening, join acclaimed author Michele Scott for the launch of her newest release, Happy Hour, at Warwick's in La Jolla, California.

We'll be there, of course, eager to hear how this compelling story of heartache, romance, and enduring friendship found its way to the page. Come with your questions and your curiosity - and make a little room on your bookshelf for what is bound to be the next summer favorite.

The event begins at 5:00 PM, but there's no reason why you can't come a little early to browse the shelves, get yourself comfortable, and maybe add a few more to that stack bound for home.

ZOVA Books signs Academy Award Winner and #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Michael Blake

2011-03-23T11:30:00.000-07:00

ZOVA Books announces the signing of Michael Blake, Academy Award winning writer best known for his screenplay and novel, Dances With Wolves.

Los Angeles, CA, March 21, 2011 – ZOVA Books, a boutique publishing firm in Los Angeles, announces the signing of Michael Blake, #1 New York Times bestselling author and Academy Award winning writer of Dances With Wolves. ZOVA Books has released the digital edition of the novel Dances With Wolves, and will be reissuing its sequel The Holy Road in print and digital form, as well as the new historical novel, Into the Stars. The agreement includes the entirety of Mr. Blake’s available catalog of fiction and non-fiction novels, which ZOVA Books will rerelease along with new works by the author.

Mr. Blake's first novel, Dances With Wolves, spent seventeen weeks at number one on the New York Times bestseller list before becoming the Academy Award winning film. Followed by The Holy Road, in 2001, the sequel received a starred review by Publishers Weekly, which acknowledged the book as being “a more powerful novel [than Dances With Wolves] with a much wider scope.” Mr. Blake's novels have been bestsellers around the world, including his inspiring work Marching to Valhalla (1997) and the compelling narrative Airman Mortensen (1991). His non-fiction works, Like a Running Dog (2002), Indian Yell (2006), and Twelve the King (2009), have also received wide acclaim.

In addition to the Academy Award, Mr. Blake's writing has garnered such prestigious acknowledgments as the Golden Globe Award, the WGA Award, the Silver Spur Award, and the Golden Quill Award.

With the 20^th Anniversary Blu-ray release of Dances With Wolves earlier this year, the film has been acknowledged as one of the most enduring classic cinematic works. The novel has endured along with its film adaptation, having been incorporated into school curriculum across America and inspiring numerous imitations, both in literature and on screen. ZOVA has the honor of releasing the first eBook of the iconic novel, with a new preface from Mr. Blake. The preface describes a previously unwritten story about the author and Kevin Costner.

The release of Into the Stars later this year will mark Mr. Blake's first fiction publication in ten years. The book tells the story of a young World War I officer who finds solace from the horrors of war in an unlikely friendship with a horse while stranded behind enemy lines. Though fictional, Into the Stars draws on Blake's passion for history, his love of horses, and his fascination with the process of self-discovery as it plays out in narrative.

“We are honored to be working with legendary author and screenwriter Michael Blake,” says ZOVA's CEO, Matthew Pizzo. “Mr. Blake's writing has incredible power. It reflects the author himself – in its clarity of purpose, its breadth of vision, and its integrity. Mr. Blake’s catalog gives us a preeminent place in the literary market.”

About ZOVA Books:

ZOVA Books has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with Hollywood production and management company Circle of Confusion to represent its catalog for film, television and foreign rights.

# # #

ZOVA Books Signs #1 New York Times Bestselling Author and Pulitzer Prize Nominee Anna Lee Waldo

2011-03-23T08:37:00.000-07:00

Pulitzer Prize nominee and bestselling author of Sacajawea, Anna Lee Waldo, signs with boutique publishing firm, ZOVA Books

Los Angeles, CA, March 21, 2011 - Anna Lee Waldo, bestselling author of Sacajawea, has signed with ZOVA Books, an independent publishing house in Southern California, to release her upcoming novel, Watch the Face of the Sky. Ms. Waldo is the author of multiple works of historical fiction. Her first novel, Sacajawea, was on the New York Times bestseller list for eight months following its release in 1979. The novel was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize and is widely acknowledged as the primary reason the historical figure of Sacajawea is a recognized national figure today.

Anna Lee Waldo joins ZOVA Books to launch a new historical novel based on the Welsh legend of Madoc, original European explorer to the Americas. In her upcoming release, Ms. Waldo tells the story of Madoc following the establishment of a colony in the new world. Ranging from the medieval Welsh countryside to adventure on the high seas, finally landing amidst an ancient Mayan tribe in the Yucatan, Watch the Face of the Sky is an epic exploration of the uncharted Americas prior to Columbus.

Ms. Waldo has long been considered a world renowned expert in the Madoc legend, beginning her research with two earlier novels on the same subject, Circle of Stars and Circle of Stones, released through Macmillan in 1999 and 2001 respectively.

ZOVA's CEO, Matthew Pizzo, says, ”The opportunity to release the next epic novel from the celebrated writer and historian, Anna Lee Waldo, is an absolute honor. Having developed one of the most iconic characters in American literary history, Mrs. Waldo established herself as a legend in her own right. But to do all that as woman in the 1970s was in itself an epic feat. Anna Lee Waldo is one of the most successful female American novelist in the history of American literature.”

The release of Watch the Face of the Sky follows a number of significant releases from the Los Angeles based publishing firm, including the launch of Academy Award winning and bestselling author Michael Blake's newest novel, Into the Stars, along with the digital release of his most well-loved work, Dances With Wolves, and the reissue of its sequel, The Holy Road.

Watch the Face of the Sky will be available in July of 2011, at book retailers across the country and on all digital platforms, as well as through Baker & Taylor Distributors.

About ZOVA Books:

ZOVA Books has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with Hollywood production and management company Circle of Confusion to represent its catalog for film, television and foreign rights.

# # #

ZOVA Books Releases Mike Sirota’s Acclaimed Twentieth Novel Fire Dance

2011-03-23T08:34:00.001-07:00

ZOVA Books announces the release of Fire Dance, the twentieth novel by legendary writing coach Mike Sirota.

Los Angeles, CA, March 21, 2011 - ZOVA Books announces the release of Fire Dance, the twentieth novel by award-winning author Mike Sirota. ZOVA Books is a boutique publishing firm representing such acclaimed authors as Dances With Wolves novelist and Academy Award winning screenplay writer, Michael Blake, as well as the Pulitzer Prize nominated bestselling author of Sacajawea, Anna Lee Waldo. Mr. Sirota's well-established career as an editor and writing coach in Southern California brings a wealth of experience and commitment to the company's impressive catalog.

Fire Dance builds on his previous forays into horror/paranormal fiction established with such early releases as The Well (1991). Fire Dance tells the story of a small cast of characters in the Anza-Borrego Desert. A young mother, a bartender with a dark past, and an old prospector find themselves trying to reconcile a hoard of ghosts – trapped since their demise in a horrific fire over a century ago – to the afterlife. These ghosts are harmless enough, but for one – a psychopathic murderer in life, now in death, a terror with unlimited potential for destruction.

Mr. Sirota's work has received wide acclaim since its release. John Lescroart, New York Times bestselling author of Treasure Hunt and Damage, wrote: “Mike Sirota is an absolute pro of a writer and, even for non-aficionados of ghost stories, these pages sing.” Publishers Weekly gave it an equally animated review: “Sirota returns…with this atmospheric tale of horror in the American Southwest. Horror fans will enjoy this updated take on the western ghost town.”

Mr. Sirota's previous publishers have included the Berkley Publishing Group (Penguin-Putnam), Bantam Books, Pocket Books, and Kensington Publishing Corp. He is widely recognized as one of the most respected writers of his genre, having pioneered the sword and planet subgenre of fantasy/science fiction with his original Reglathium series. He has been an established editor of fiction for almost two decades.

For fourteen years Mr. Sirota was an award-winning feature writer and editor for a Southern California newsmagazine. He is an instructor for the University of California, San Diego Extension and is presently a workshop leader for several writers' conferences in Southern California and Alaska. His journalism honors include a prestigious Simon Rockower Prize for investigative reporting, and an award from the San Diego County Medical Association. He was also honored as the first "Person of Letters" by the 2002 La Jolla Writer's Conference "for his ongoing and unselfish contributions to and support of the writing community."

Daniel Silva, Editor-in-Chief at ZOVA Books says, “Anyone who has ever worked with Mike Sirota has come out the better for it. In Fire Dance, we see all his narrative powers at work in a story that manages to be both suspenseful and endearing. It is an honor to partner with him in his success.”

Fire Dance was released on February 8, 2011, and is available from book retailers across the country, on all digital platforms, and through Baker & Taylor Distributors.

About ZOVA Books:

ZOVA Books has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with Hollywood production and management company Circle of Confusion to represent its catalog for film, television and foreign rights.

# # #

ZOVA Books Signs World Renowned Vampire Fiction Author V.M.K. Fewings

2011-03-22T09:17:00.001-07:00

ZOVA Books announces the signing of V.M.K. Fewings, author of the Stone Masters Series, for the first three books in her widely popular vampire series.

Los Angeles, CA, March 21, 2011 – ZOVA Books announces that is has signed world renowned author V.M.K. Fewings for the release of the first three books in The Stone Masters Vampire Series, an epic vampire saga in the tradition of Anne Rice. ZOVA Books is a boutique publishing firm representing such acclaimed authors as Dances With Wolves novelist and Academy Award winning screenplay writer, Michael Blake, as well as the Pulitzer Prize nominated bestselling author of Sacajawea, Anna Lee Waldo. Their partnership with V.M.K. Fewings brings them a wide readership in a genre entirely new to their catalog.

Ms. Fewings’ writing has garnered significant attention in the literary community. A special guest author at The Theatre of The Vampires Ball in New Orleans later this year, fans of Anne Rice have already lauded her series as the most significant contribution to the genre in several years. Previously with a Canadian publishing house, the first two books will be repackaged with a new preface and released and distributed for the first time in the United States. V.M.K. Fewings’ third title in the series, A Vampire's Dominion, will be released in October of this year.

The Stone Masters Vampire Series narrates the dark, seductive depths of London's underworld and its alluring vampire aristocracy. In the series' third book, A Vampire's Dominion, Ms. Fewings takes us to modern day Cornwall, setting the pace for the story of William Rolfe, a vampire tormented by a cruel secret. Ingrid Jansen, an inspector, is lured into the darkest realms of an opulent underworld in her obsession with a murder investigation. Together, William and Ingrid race to find the key that will save the underworld's aristocratic society before it is too late. Writing in the tradition of Anne Rice and Robin McKinley, Ms. Fewings imbues her world with all the depth and internal turmoil that once characterized the genre.

“We are so excited to be working with Ms. Fewings on the Stone Masters series,” says ZOVA Books Publisher, Molly Lewis. “We've been following her success for several years now and are thrilled to be her champion for the next book in the series. Vanessa’s work embodies everything we once loved and feared in vampire fiction, recalling that great tradition with the kind of narrative vision that guarantees a genre classic.”

V.M.K. Fewings' series will join the ZOVA catalog this October, available at book retailers across the country, on all digital platforms, and distributed through Baker & Taylor upon its release.

About ZOVA Books:

ZOVA Books has entered into a ground-breaking partnership with Hollywood production and management company Circle of Confusion to represent its catalog for film, television and foreign rights.

# # #

ZOVA Books Signs Young Adult Debut Author Jessica Therrien

2011-03-22T09:15:00.000-07:00

ZOVA Books announces the signing of young adult novelist Jessica Therrien for her debut novel The Descendants.

Los Angeles, CA, March 21, 2011 - ZOVA Books announces the signing of young adult author Jessica Therrien for the release of her debut novel, The Descendants. ZOVA Books is a boutique publishing firm representing such acclaimed authors as Dances With Wolves novelist and Academy Award winning screenplay writer, Michael Blake, as well as the Pulitzer Prize nominated bestselling author of Sacajawea, Anna Lee Waldo. Their partnership with Jessica Therrien marks a significant expansion of their catalog into the young adult readership.

Jessica Therrien's work was first noticed by ZOVA Books at the Southern California Writer's Conference held in San Diego, where she discussed her manuscript with ZOVA author, Michele Scott, during one of the conference's critical feedback programs. Mrs. Scott, who is currently releasing her novel Happy Hour with ZOVA Books, brought the debut author to her publishers' attention.

Mrs. Therrien's young adult title, The Descendants, tells the story of a young woman who discovers that she belongs to a secret society of individuals with extraordinarily long life spans and unusual abilities. Fearful of prophecies about their only daughter, her parents kept her hidden from the world – and the society – for as long as they could. But when their own untimely deaths leave her to fend for herself, the truth of her origins and the fateful prophecy find her at last. Joining the ranks of such widely popular works as the Twilight Saga, The Hunger Games, and the Mortal Instruments series, Mrs. Therrien's paranormal romance/adventure promises to be the next fan-favorite in its genre.

ZOVA Books Editor-in-Chief, Daniel Silva, says, “We are incredibly excited to launch Jessica Therrien's young adult novel, not only because The Descendants is such compelling work, but because Jessica herself is such a dynamic author. Her energy and enthusiasm is a tremendous addition to our catalog of authors.”

About ZOVA Books:

ZOVA Books has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with Hollywood production and management company Circle of Confusion to represent its catalog for film, television and foreign rights.

# # #

ZOVA Books Releases the first must read of the summer season

2011-03-22T09:12:00.000-07:00

ZOVA Books announces the release of Happy Hour, by acclaimed author Michele Scott.

Los Angeles, CA, March 21, 2011 - ZOVA Books announces the release of Happy Hour, a new novel by Michele Scott. ZOVA Books is a boutique publishing firm representing such acclaimed authors as Dances With Wolves novelist and Academy Award winning screenplay writer, Michael Blake, as well as the Pulitzer Prize nominated bestselling author of Sacajawea, Anna Lee Waldo. Their partnership with Michele Scott brings them a wide body of previously published and wholly new material.

Michele Scott's Wine Lovers mystery series, released through Berkeley Press, achieved wide acclaim upon its release. Scott has since established herself as one of the preeminent writers of the mystery genre, following her original series with the Michaela Bancroft mysteries and a number of other works. The release of Happy Hour with ZOVA Books continues her notable history of developing heartfelt literature with strong female characters that resonate with readers across the nation and around the world.

Already heralded as the first beach read of the summer season, Happy Hour follows the intertwining stories of four women experiencing heartache and loss in the beautiful California wine country. Each woman's story is uniquely compelling. Kat, a sommelier at her husband's five star restaurant, struggles to balance divorce, remarriage, and all the baggage in between. Alyssa, an artist and gallery owner, struggles with a secret from her past that threatens everything she holds dear. Danielle is a vintner on the edge of success, dealing with rebellious teenagers and a careless ex-husband. Jamie is editor-in-chief of a widely read wine magazine, still grieving the loss of her husband several years before while juggling mounting bills and caring for her senile mother-in-law. Together, these women find strength to deal with the hardships of daily life in the power of their friendship.

ZOVA Books has looked forward to releasing Michele Scott's Happy Hour since signing her in the fall of 2010. “We are thrilled to be working with Michele Scott on this release,” ZOVA's publisher, Molly Lewis, says. “Michele brings authenticity and passion to everything she writes, but this book in particular is evidence of her commitment to honoring the power of friendship in the written word.”

The release of Happy Hour follows a number of public appearances for Michele Scott, whose articles, essays, and interviews have been featured in the New York Times, on Fox News, and over a wide number of national book review blogs.

Happy Hour is released on March 22, 2011 and is available in book retailers across the country, on all digital platforms and distributed by Baker & Taylor Distributors.

About ZOVA Books:

ZOVA Books has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with Hollywood production and management company Circle of Confusion to represent its catalog for film, television and foreign rights.

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A Whole New Website

2011-03-21T19:08:00.000-07:00

ZOVA fans have been bugging us for quite a while now (I won't mention just how long) to finish updating our website over at www.zovabooks.com. Well, the day has finally come. If it is possible for a publisher's website to look posher than ours, I'll eat my books. Big thanks go out to Daniel Pearson and most especially Matthew Pizzo for designing such a snazzy home for our web presence. I've enjoyed using the ZOVA blog as our main source of information and book delight for the past few weeks (months) during renovation, but the time has now come to pass the torch.

Fear not, faithful followers! We'll still be updating this with as much frequency as ever - however frequently that is - but I'm sure you'll agree with me when you click through and take a look, that the new website is simply perfect. And now, without further ado, make the jump.

The Authors We Meet

2011-03-21T09:30:00.000-07:00

This weekend has seen the third of four ZOVA author events at the Ovitt Family Community Library in Ontario, CA. Each Saturday during the month of March, we're joining one of our favorite authors to discuss writing, reading, and the place of women in the book industry. The first weekend featured publisher Molly Lewis alongside veteran mystery novelist Jeff Sherratt, for a rousing discussion on the development of the writing craft and the changes in the book industry. Teresa Burrell followed the week after, discussing legal suspense and the integration of life experience and fiction. Both weeks were fun and informative, providing a helpful introduction to both the industry as a whole and the day-to-day work of a writer.

This past Saturday was given to our celebrated children's novelist, Jenny Bellington. For nearly two hours, writers from all walks of life threw out their questions, asking everything from "how do you build your fantasy world?" to "how do you motivate yourself to write everyday?" It was educational, inspirational, and occasionally even a bit funny. Bellington's debut novel, East to Adonia, is a perfect introduction to the art of fantasy, as her young mapmaking protagonist, Mercator, finds himself as lost and confused in the strange "other" world of Threa as the reader does.

We're just as excited about this coming Saturday as we have been about the past three, although this one is particularly exciting. Michele Scott, the well-loved (and frequently imitated) author of the Wine Lovers' Mystery Series, will be discussing the art of writing everything from mysteries to children's fiction to general literary fiction in one of her first appearances following the release of Happy Hour this coming week.

Happy Hour follows the loosely intertwined stories of four women in Napa Valley who, despite the rich, restful beauty of their surroundings, struggle with everything from divorce to illness, bankruptcy, rebellious children, and a host of things in between. It's a story for every woman - and the men who love them. Already hailed as the first beach read of the season, we expect Scott's newest novel to be gracing the laps of book club readers across America before the summer's well underway. Next week promises to be a rare but special opportunity to hound the author with all the questions you've always wanted to ask a successful writer. Be there.

Women's History Month

2011-03-01T16:50:00.000-08:00

ZOVA is excited about March for a dozen different reasons, but in large measure because it's Women's History Month. Every Saturday during the month of March, we're partnering with the Ovitt Family Community Library in Ontario, California, to give a series of presentations and workshops on writing for the community. You can find the full schedule of events on their website, but we'll break it down for you a bit right here and give you updates throughout the month.

This Saturday features publisher Molly Lewis as she discusses the publishing industry and what it looks like to bring a book from manuscript to print and from print into the hands of readers. Joining her is author Jeff Sherratt, past board member of Sisters in Crime, Los Angeles, an organization dedicated to achieving gender equality in the book industry. Jeff will be discussing his own works, along with the challenges that both men and women face as writers.

The following weeks will feature author Teresa Burrell, discussing legal suspense, Jenny Bellington on fantasy and science fiction, and renowned mystery novelist Michele Scott - on mystery, women's fiction, and the life of the writer. Each author comes at the industry from widely different perspectives, and each will offer something unique for both readers and writers alike. Book sales during these events will benefit the library, so be sure to bring as many eager readers as you can stuff in your car and join us every Saturday throughout the month of March to honor the written word and women writers.

Discover Jimmy O'Brien...Again

2011-02-25T13:05:00.000-08:00

This is a big month for Jimmy O'Brien fans - and Kindle users. ZOVA Books is reintroducing the original Jimmy O'Brien series to Kindle readers everywhere, complete with new covers and fully re-edited text. Even the exclusive e-book-only edition of Expectation of Murder has been redesigned - even given a new title - to celebrate the release of the full series on the Amazon platform. Print editions will be coming soon, but for now we're just excited about the new exposure the series is getting. Here are some sneak peeks, especially for those of you who are new to the series altogether:

Guilty or Else is the first in the original Jimmy O'Brien series. O'Brien is new to the courtroom, but no stranger to the criminal underworld of 1970s Los Angeles, having worked the circuit as one of LAPD's finest for several years. When Ernesto Rodriguez, a blue collar gardener, is arrested for the brutal murder of a senator’s beautiful secretary, ex-cop turned lawyer O’Brien is brought in. But Jimmy isn’t asked to defend the man. The judge wants the man put away fast, no trial. Something doesn't smell right to Jimmy O'Brien, so he starts digging. Launching into his own investigation, Jimmy O’Brien must navigate the labyrinthine plot that has put an innocent man in jail to await trial. From Downey to Sacramento to Las Vegas, the trail runs boiling hot with greed and violence.

This is a perfect introduction to the hardened criminal attorney, Jimmy O'Brien, especially at the throw-away price of $0.99. Of course, you'll want to follow it up with the next book in the series...

The Midnight Madonna, previously titled Expectation of Murder, explores two seemingly unrelated murders - the brutal stabbing of a convict behind prison bars, and the fake suicide of a wealthy meat mogul. The first murder is quickly swept aside, because who cares about the death of one more felon? But the second is quickly pinned on the rich man's young wife - a woman with a less than reputable past. When she calls Jimmy O'Brien to help her navigate the suspicions and accusations, he can't help but wonder if there's a connection between the two events. As he explores the histories behind these two men, he begins to uncover a corrupt ring of extortion and greed.

The last of the original Jimmy O'Brien series, The Brimstone Murders will have you guessing on every digital page. After the young man O'Brien is set to defend on a murder charge escapes custody in the middle of the trial, O'Brien will go to any length to track him down again. When the clues lead to a mysterious rehabilitation center in the California desert, O'Brien begins to wonder if he might be in over his head. But there are too many questions - and the stakes are too high for O'Brien to give up altogether. With the help of his associate, Rita, and his eccentric best friend and private detective, Sol Silverman, there might be a chance to uncover the truth before anyone else winds up dead.

If you first discovered the tenacious Jimmy O'Brien with the first of his film noir series, Detour to Murder, this is the perfect opportunity to find out where he came from.

The Southern California Writers' Conference

2011-02-21T12:43:00.000-08:00

This weekend, we headed down to the Southern California Writers' Conference to talk about the state of the publishing industry - where it is and where it's going. We met with several writers, both casually and on purpose, to discuss their projects, their hopes for their writing careers, and their experiences of the conference itself.

On Saturday afternoon, we answered a wide variety of questions on publishing, dealing with everything from the changes in big house publishing to the pros and cons of indie and self-publishing experiences. Of course we love boutique publishing best of all - because that's what we do - but the wide range of practices among small and mid-size publishers makes for an interesting discussion regardless.

Our own Mike Sirota spoke on Saturday morning about what he calls his "three writing careers," the third of which we launched just over a week ago with the release of Fire Dance. Michele Scott, soon to be releasing Happy Hour with us, did a series of probing one-on-one manuscript reviews. Overall, it was a great opportunity to meet with new and growing talent. We're excited to go back, and so thankful to Wes Albers and Michael Steven Gregory for allowing us to take part in the annual event.

The ZOVA Writers Workshops

2011-02-18T10:00:00.000-08:00

This month, ZOVA is announcing the launch of its new writers' workshop program. In a continual effort to provide services and products that reflect our mission of giving opportunities to developing writers and artists, the writers' workshop will offer professional coaching in the craft of writing while building a virtual community of writers committed to improving and sharing their work.

The ZOVA Writers' Workshop is an eight week virtual course designed to develop your skills as an author. The course will walk you through a number of writing exercises and give you an opportunity to present your work to fellow students for critical feedback. Moderated by ZOVA Books' publisher, Molly Lewis, you will have the opportunity to hone your craft under the guidance of an industry professional with many years of writing and editing experience and education.

Beginning in March, the upcoming spring workshop will cover eight weeks of intensive instruction and workshop interaction. By the end of the course, you will have completed one short story, several smaller writing assignments, and a cover letter for the purpose of submission to a literary journal or other relevant press.

The workshop will be held virtually through email and Skype group text chat. For a full course description or for information on our one-on-one manuscript coaching packages, please contact molly@zovabooks.com.

Please note: The ZOVA Writers' Workshop is a collaborative creative program designed for building skills in a professional online setting. Participation in the ZOVA workshop programs is in no way related to our submissions process. ZOVA obligates neither itself nor its workshop participants in any form of publication partnership by working together in the workshop setting.

Listening to Lisa Gardner

2011-01-31T10:25:00.001-08:00

This past Friday, Amazon's Kindle blog pointed out a particularly fine ebook discount on Lisa Gardner's Alone. It's no coincidence that, with the discount, the book has made the top 10 best Kindle sellers. Lisa Gardner has been topping Nook sales lists recently as well - it's hard to pass up an ebook for $0.99.

Thankfully, Gardner's books are not just affordable; they're also good reads. She's a wise woman, too. We all remember her recent blurb for our favorite horror novelist: "So great to have a new book from legendary writing coach Mike Sirota. When he writes, you should listen!" Well, it's time to take her words seriously. Mike's newest book, Fire Dance, will be hitting shelves this February, but you can already download the ebook edition to your Nook or Kindle. Read it now, and you can be the first to review this paranormal thriller before its official print release. We are counting down the days...

Listening to Lisa Gardner

2011-01-31T10:02:00.000-08:00

Sequels

2011-01-28T15:26:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, the LA Times had a conversation with actor and director Kevin Costner, looking back on the success of Dances With Wolves and the future of the man's career. It was a very different conversation between Costner and the film's screenwriter, our own Michael Blake, that inspired the writing of the novel Dances With Wolves in 1988, only a few years before the making of the epic film. Anyone who has seen the film, recently released on Blu-Ray, has asked the same question the article poses to Costner at the beginning of the interview: "What happens next?"

Well, there's a whole novel about what happens next that Blake wrote ten years ago. It's called The Holy Road, and Costner reminds readers of it right away. If you're interested in reading it, hold your proverbial horses. ZOVA will soon be re-releasing the paperback edition of the novel along with the first ebook edition, so you can complete your collection. We are proud, honored, and thrilled to bring Blake's work to a whole new generation of readers. So, be ready!

Bringing Back the Backlist

2011-01-25T13:59:00.000-08:00

One of the things we've been looking forward to in this new year has been the opportunity to re-release the backlist of some of our favorite authors. We're currently working on preparing Jeff Sherratt's earlier Jimmy O'Brien novels to join the current catalog of his work we have in house: the excellent L.A. Noir mystery, Detour to Murder, and the exclusive ebook edition of Expectation of Murder from the same series.

Until then, we're thrilled to announce the e-book re-release of Teresa Burrell's debut novel, The Advocate, now available on both Kindle and Nook. The Advocate is a perfect introduction to Burrell's legal suspense series set in modern day San Diego. Her second novel, The Advocate's Betrayal, was our first book in print, and we are still as proud of it as ever. To have both books in one house is a delight, and we're looking forward to introducing the series to a whole new readership in the coming months.

Announcing...

2011-01-18T11:28:00.000-08:00

If you've been following us at all in the last few weeks, you know that we've been prepping Michael Blake's masterpiece of historical fiction, Dances With Wolves for ebook publication. As of today, the title is now available for both Kindle and Nook users. We are so excited to be introducing this brilliant work to a new generation of readers, and have every hope that it will again receive the accolades and honor it deserves. Now with a new preface by the author, readers will learn the inspiring story behind the novel's creation. We cannot offer enough thanks to Michael Blake for his generosity in sharing his work with us, and look forward to bringing you many more works by this incredible author.

Our surprise release this week is a personal favorite. ZOVA Books welcomes Jenny Bellington's debut novel and the first in her Mapmaker series. East to Adonia (Kindle edition here) is a rip-roaring children's fantasy novel following the adventures of 12-year-old mapmaking genius, Mercator Robinson, as he finds himself dropped onto the fantastical island of Adonia. Our young hero must face the magic and mystery of this new world while trying to find a way home again - and to survive until he can. This is a book for brave children and grown-ups alike. With brilliant illustrations from Jenny and Trish Bellington, this is a perfect book for both reading aloud or curling up in a quiet corner. We are so excited to launch this, our first children's book, as a testament to the power of imagination and creativity. Thank you, Jenny.

On a very different note, our February release is gearing up for a big splash. If you enjoy a good shiver, a quaking in the boots, this one's for you. Mike Sirota returns to fiction with this paranormal thriller - Fire Dance. Recounting the mysterious haunting of a desert ruin, the novel explores the mind of a murderous spirit and the intrepid young woman who will do anything to stop it from killing again. Fire Dance is Sirota's first novel after a 20 year hiatus from his writing career. We look forward to rediscovering his past publications and unearthing yet-to-be-published manuscripts from his writing desk. Thank you, Mike. We are eager for your release.

Developments in the New Year: 2011

2011-01-12T13:23:00.000-08:00

Anyone who's been following our social networks has already heard the news. ZOVA Books has signed two bestselling authors for the coming year.

We've been working with Anna Lee Waldo, author of the bestselling phenomenon Sacajawea, for several months now (all on the sly, of course). Anna Lee is bringing us a new epic historical piece on the discovery of the New World by Welsh hero and explorer, Madoc, a generation prior to the voyage of Columbus. Based on real legends still held strong both among the Welsh and in the American South, the novel challenges the traditional narrative of early American history while delving into the fascinating cultural remnants of early American people groups. We are thrilled to be a part of this new publishing endeavor, and look forward to the day we can share this beautiful masterpiece with you.

Most recently, we've met with the Academy Award winning writer of the novel and screenplay Dances With Wolves, Michael Blake. This week, we'll be releasing the first e-book edition of the historical novel that rocked the bestseller lists about 20 years ago. The timing couldn't be more appropriate, as this week sees the release of the 20th anniversary blu-ray of the epic film. We are delighted to be working with Michael, and are excited to share with you his upcoming work in the coming months.

There's more in store for ZOVA readers, so keep your eyes open for the other unspoken developments we've got up our sleeves in the next few weeks. We love what we do, and we do it all for you!

Roundtable Again!

2010-12-01T12:59:00.000-08:00

You may remember Jeff Sherratt participating in the Thriller Writers Roundtable discussions this past month. Well, Teresa Burrell is joining the conversation this week, answering the question, "Who struggles more to write across gender lines - men or women?" The answers are already up, and the conversation is rumbling. It's a fantastic forum for writers and readers alike to share their varying perspectives. This question is particularly relevant for Teresa, as her novel, The Advocate's Betrayal, shifts back and forth between the point of view of the protagonist, Sabre Orin Brown, and her close friend, a cowboy detective, as they each search for answers to the riddle of a mysterious man's murder. Their stories stretch across the country, and their characters couldn't be more distinct. It takes artistry and craftsmanship to write such diverse perspectives, which puts Teresa in a distinctly knowledgeable position with this conversation. Feel free to join in the buzz!

Steamcon in Review

2010-11-23T10:11:00.000-08:00

This past weekend was a buzz of excitement as we packed our bags and headed north to Steamcon II in Seattle, the second annual celebration of all things Steampunk. Apart from a brief foray into the city (because even we professionals have to pause to watch Harry Potter), we spent the entire weekend between the two hosting hotels - the Marriott and the Hilton - just outside of the Seatac airport.

Altogether, we were on seven panels discussing the future of Steampunk in publishing, the process of a book's publication from page to shelf, and the importance of an editor in a book's preparation. We sat with Nick Valentino, our own author of the Thomas Riley sequel being released in 2011; and Lisa Mantchev, author of the Theatre Illuminata series - a fascinating surrealistic leap into the magic of the ultimate theatre.

Just for fun, we also sat on some panels unrelated to publishing (because we do have a few other interests). From the Victorian Industrialization to the Crimean War to Steampunk as Modern Myth, the topics ranged widely. There was quite a lot to see as well. Costumes and crafts, books and bands, original artwork, inventions, and a host of other delights. If you couldn't make it this year, be sure to mark your calendars for Steamcon III. You won't want to miss it!

Steamcon or Bust . . .

2010-11-16T18:42:00.000-08:00

It's only two days till we fly up to Seattle for Steamcon, and we are abuzz with excitement. Check out the schedule of panels and parties on the website for the delightful details of our upcoming weekend, and look forward to the updates as they come. We're doing all our last minute reading, packing, and general prep work in eager expectation of three full days ahead. Wish us luck - or meet us there!

Headed into the Holidays

2010-11-10T12:42:00.000-08:00

The coming months are full of more than the usual holiday bustle. Between Teresa Burrell's full signing schedule, and the growing line-up of promotions and events for Jeff Sherratt's new release, we're almost full to the brim. There's always room for a little more, of course, which is how we're also able to work on editing multiple manuscripts for our 2011 releases while preparing to head to Steamcon 2010 in just over a week.

Here's a small list of some of the things we've been looking at lately:

Steven M. Thomas dropped a lovely review for Detour to Murder over at the OC Metro.

Jeff Sherratt's holiday newsletter is out, and it includes a rather intriguing giveaway from yours truly.

The Advocate's Betrayal has its very own website. Why? Because it's just that good.

If you haven't already listened in on Suspense Radio's interview of Alan Dershowitz and Jeff Sherratt, you'll find it here.

Riverside's Examiner took a look at Detour to Murder prior to Jeff's signing at the Tyler Galleria last week.

Join Jeff over at the famous Mystery Bookstore in Westwood tomorrow for an exclusive signing and discussion of the new release.

Steamcon or Bust!! There is no expressing the level of our excitement over the fast approaching steampunk convention in Seattle.

International Thriller Writers is hosting an online thriller roundtable for writers and readers of the genre. Jeff Sherratt is posting this week and next, but you'll also find our own Teresa Burrell and Mike Sirota joining in the coming months.

Notes from the Office: Mysteries

2010-10-30T13:02:00.001-07:00

We're hours away from Halloween-day and there's nothing that says spooky like a good murder mystery. Thankfully, we have a good selection of those around here. In the next couple months, our two masters of mystery, Jeff Sherratt and Teresa Burrell, will be running a whirlwind signing tour throughout Southern California. Hitting bookstores in the Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange, and San Diego counties, there will be no opportunity for you to miss them.

Sherratt's Detour to Murder, out just this month, has been hitting the blogosphere big time. Only moments ago, for example, it was a feature title on Death in the Stacks. The big treat of that post is the film trailer for Detour, the classic source of the novel. Check it out!

One of the premier organizations for mystery and thriller writers in the country is ITW (Internation Thriller Writers). Not only is it a fantastic resource for readers and writers alike, the bestower of the annual Thriller Awards, and the host of ThrillerFest in New York every summer, the organization is staffed by the absolutely hands-down nicest people ever. In the coming months, they're launching a Thriller Roundtable in which writers across America participate in a weekly online panel session on various topics relating to the genre.

We at ZOVA are so excited to listen in on these forum-like discussions, not only because they'll be featuring some really dynamic authors, but because three of our own writers will be joining in!!! The discussion starts this Monday, November 1st, and will be joined by our own Jeff Sherratt the following week, on November 8th. Be sure to join in. It's a wonderful opportunity to make your voice heard, and to ask all those questions you've been dying to have answered from all your favorite mystery aficionados!

NaNoWrMo

2010-10-20T17:36:00.000-07:00

November is just around the corner. For all of you who thought about participating in the National Novel-Writing Month last year and didn't, now's your chance to get a head start. Of course, the name of the game is outputting 50,000 words in only thirty days, but there are all sorts of ways to prep for day one. Check out Wired Magazine's How-To wiki for step-by-step suggestions on what to do between now and November first. Only 30,000 of the 165,000 people who participated last year actually made it to the final page. (I know . . . only 30,000.) This year, be one of the few. The proud. The novelists.

K.T. Hanna	Jessica Wentz	Tasha Seegmiller
Melanie Fowler	Jenny S. Morris	Liliana Espinoza
Rebekah Loper	Rachel Morgan	Mark Koopmans
Rachele Alpine	Carrie Butler	Cherie Colyer
Holly Kammier	Miranda Hardy	Kim Chavez
J.C Martin	Wendy	Juliana Brandt
Tia Bach	Bethany Lopez	Magan Bagan
Precious Emily Trunko Susan Francino Ainsley Shay	Jaime Morrow Avery Marsh Marisa Corvisiero	Claire Frith Sarah O'Scalaidhe Jessica Salyer