4RV nominations & standings for P & E - ends 10th

     The following, with links, are the nominations for the Preditors & Editors Readers Poll from 4RV Publishing. I've tried to scan all the categories to find 4RV nominations. Imagine my surprise when I discovered I'd been nominated in the Author division. I would appreciate any votes. I added the current standings of each nomination in parentheses after the link and will update daily. The poll ends January 10 (I thought it was the 9th).

  Author - Vivian Zabel  (2nd  3rd)
     http://critters.org/predpoll/author.shtml 

  Print Book and e Publishing - 4RV Publishing (6th)
     http://www.critters.org/predpoll/ebookpublisher.shtml


  Romantic novel - The Joke's on Me by Laurie Boris (3rd)
     http://www.critters.org/predpoll/novelr.shtml   

  Science Fiction - Time Pullers by Horton Deakins (3rd  4th)
     http://www.critters.org/predpoll/novelsf.shtml   


  Children's - Walking Through Walls by Karen Cioffi  (1st)
     Gunther the Underwater Elephant by Ginger Nielson  (8th)
     http://www.critters.org/predpoll/novelchildrens.shtml


   Other Novels - Sparrow Alone on the Housetop by Jean 
                                           James and Mary James  (1st)
                      Aldric & Annaliese  by Harry Gilleland  (8th 9th)

        http://critters.org/predpoll/novel.shtml


   Book/ebook cover artwork - Strangers in the Stable by  
       Aidana WillowRaven  (6th 5th)
       http://critters.org/predpoll/bookart.shtml  


   Artist - Aidana WillowRaven  

       http://critters.org/predpoll/artist.shtml  (5th)  

     We would appreciate any and all votes. The polls close January 10. Also, votes only count one per category (if you vote again, previous votes are deleted), and voters need to finish the process for votes to count. Many will flood votes the last day.

     Yes, this is mainly a popularity contest, but placing in the top ten or taking first is still an honor.

4RV gets Best Mainstream Novel, Kirk Bjornsgaard's

Preditors & Editors Best Mainstream Novel award goes to Kirk Bjornsgaard's Confessions of a Former Rock Queen, published by 4RV Publishing in 2009.

This honor is well deserved. I just wish Kirk were here to enjoy it. However, we lost Kirk in May of 2009, about a month after his book was released. I'd like to share the interview I had with him just shortly before his death:


Vivian: How did/does your history and home background affect your writing? How did your vocational life as an acquisitions editor affect your writing?

Kirk: In terms of my “history,” I’d long wanted to write a novel that had rock’n’roll as its back story, its narrative vehicle. Too often, rock music has been utilized in novels and in most every case the author knows too little about the mechanics of the music, the instruments, and the performers. As a drummer in innumerable bands over the years I wanted to get the details “right.”

In terms of home background, I’d have to go back to my parents, both of whom were well-educated “book people.” When I excelled at essay contests and spent my free time reading and writing instead of pursuing sports, there was never any quarrel from them! I always had their support in terms of pursuing writing and editing and journalism as my careers. I receive the same love and support from my wife and kids––my number one fans!

Working as an acquisitions editor keeps me abreast with what’s new “out there” in both fiction and non-fiction, as well as publishing trends.

Vivian: Tell us something about your educational background that has made you a better, or more caring, writer.

Kirk: After being graduated from an over-crowded suburban high school, I sought out a small, private college with low teacher-to-student ratios and a disciplined writing program. I found it in Bard College in upstate New York, where at the junior level there were several tutorials in which the professor and I discussed my work. This sharpened by abilities and certainly made me a better writer! Seek out mentors. Seek out writers’ workshops and neighborhood writers groups. Seek those situations in which you can both learn and contribute.

Vivian: Many of us know about your cancer and that it has returned, and we are encouraged by your courage. Will you give us a bit of an idea what that has done to your writing? To your life?

Kirk: Frankly, the cancer and its treatments and side effects have brought writing to a screeching halt. The extreme fatigue brought on by the disease and the side effects of chemo have made further work impossible. It’s even tough to promote the publication of Confessions as I only leave the house for doctor visits. To call this a major setback in my life––after 57 years of near-perfect health––is an understatement; but my family and I are dealing with it to the best of our abilities, thanks to many good friends and colleagues.

Vivian: Confessions of a Former Rock Queen is your recent book. What inspired you to write it? What led you to 4RV Publishing to produce it?

Kirk: The inspiration came in a fully-formed story. This wasn’t one of those “start writing and see where it goes” books. It’s never happened before or since but the narrative arc and the characters came to me, fully-formed, and I just set out to write it as I envisioned it. The first draft from a decade ago looks a lot like the final, published version in its basic form and characters. What led me to 4RV was simply the chance to work with a local, reputable publisher what was starting out. I love small businesses>

Vivian: We at 4RV appreciate your trust in us.

I know you influenced writers in your capacity with University of Oklahoma Press, and that your attendance at the OWFI (Oklahoma Writers Federation) as a representative of OU Press encouraged people to write more nonfiction and historical novels. Did any writing groups benefit you and your writing?

I was a member of the Tulsa Nightwriters fiction group for more than a decade, and it benefited me in many ways. The camaraderie, the advice and critique, the chance to critique and help other writers were both invaluable and personally rewarding. Since moving to Norman I have not been able to attend those regular Monday night sessions, and I miss ‘em still.

Vivian: Does writing help better you as a person? How?

Kirk: It provides an outlet for my emotions and creativity––performing music does much the same thing––that is made sweeter because I can share it with people.

Vivian: What advice would you have for a new author?

Kirk: 1. Read widely and constantly. Writers have to be readers as well.
2. Write every day, if possible; establishing the same time of day to do so can help to make the practice feel natural.
3. Observe people––all sorts of people––because from that comes the characters you need.
4. Be fearless. If you think it, write it.

Vivian: Any other comments or thoughts you’d like to share?

Kirk: Writers are the world’s best people.

Vivian: Thank you, Kirk, for taking time and some of your energy to share with us. I’m sure readers of Confessions will enjoy the novel as much as I did and do. Readers will be encouraged by your interview, too.

Confessions of a Former Rock Queen, Kirk's novel, can be found through any bookstore, Amazon.com, or the 4RV Bookstore.

Congratulations, Kirk. May your family and friends bask in this honor for you.


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Preditors & Editors winding down

Thursday is the final day to vote in the Predidors & Editors Readers Poll. To vote click on the title of the award, scroll down the page to the nomination wanted, and click on the circle beside the nomination. At the bottom of the page add your name and your email. Be sure to check your email to confirm your vote.

The ratings for nominations connected to 4RV Publishing as of January 13, 8:00 PM CST are as follows:


Best Publisher - 4RV Publishing - 2nd


Children's Books - books from 4RV include the following:
1. Tilly's Tale, Harry Porter, 4RV Publishing
2. Would a Kangaraffe Make You Laffe?, Rich Aaron, 4RV Publishing
3. A New Job for Dilly, Rena Jones, 4RV Publishing
4. Tommy Turtle: Exercise Is Fun, Eric Mathe, 4RV Publishing
7. A Puppy, Not a Guppy, Holly Jahangiri, 4RV Publishing
8. Bait for Lunch, K.A. Okagaki, 4RV Publishing
11. Lemur Troops & Critter Groups, Rena Jones, 4RV Publishing
13. Being Jacob: First Day of School, Suzy Stevenson Koch, 4RV Publishing
18. State of Quarries, Elysabeth Eldering, 4RV Publishing
19. Priscilla Holmes, Ace Detective, John Lance, 4RV Publishing
21. The First Miracle, LA Willis, 4RV Publishing



Young Adult Books -
3. Just Breeze, Beverly Stowe McClure, 4RV Publishing
5. The Art of Science, Ransom Noble, 4RV Publishing
16. Second Chance, Galand Nuchols, 4RV Publishing

All Other Novels -
1. Confessions of a Former Rock Queen, Kirk Bjornsgaard, 4RV Publishing
This will be the only nomination, besides the one for Best Publisher, that I will personally promote. Kirk passed away this year, about two months after his book was released. He cannot promote for himself. This opportunity will be the only one for him.

Artwork -
1. Tilly's Tale, Harry Porter/Mandy Hedrick
2. Would a Kangaraffe Make You Laffe? Rich Aaron / Stephen Macquignon
9. A Puppy, Not a Guppy, Holly Jahangiri / Ryan Shaw
9. Just Breeze, Beverly Stowe McClure / Aidana WillowRaven
10. Being Jacob: First Day of School, Suzy Koch /Aidana WillowRaven
10. Priscilla Holmes, Ace Detective, John Lance /Diana Navarro
10. A New Job for Dilly, Rena Jones / Lisa Oakman
11. Lemur Groups & Critter Troops, Jones/Shoemaker
11. The First Miracle, Lisa Willis /Aidana WillowRaven
12. Tommy Turtle: Exercise Is Fun, Eric Mathe / Rey Marz

Book/e-book Cover Artwork -
8. Just Breeze, Beverly Stowe McClure / Aidana WillowRaven
14. A Puppy, Not a Guppy, Holly Jahangiri / Ryan Shaw
21. Priscilla Holmes, Ace Detective, John Lance/Diana Navarro
22. Tommy Turtle: Exercise Is Fun, Eric Mathe /Rey Marz


Author -
1. Brian L. Porter
9. Holly Jahangiri
29. Lea Schizas

Artist -
1. Stephen Macquignon
5. Aidana WillowRaven
7. Ryan Shaw
11. Rey Marz
13. Nikki Shoemaker
18. Diana Navarro
19. Lisa Oakman


Book Editor -
18. Lea Schizas
21. Chris Speakman
22. Crystalwizard


Check on http://www.critters.org/predpoll for a full list of categories and their links.

4RV rankings January 6, 2010 for Preditors & Editors

4RV Preditors & Editors results as of January 6, 2010, rankings so far. Please help keep votes coming in. The link for the list of links per category is http://www.critters.org/predpoll .

Some nominations are slipping, a few stayed the same, and a few rose in the ranking.

Artist:

2^nd – Stephen Macquignon

5th – Ryan Shaw

7^th – Aidana WillowRaven

Tied for 8th – Nikki Shoemaker

Tied for 12^th – Diana Navarro

Tied for 13^th – Lisa Oakman

Art Work

1^st – Tillie’s Tale

2^nd – Would a Kangaraffe Make You Laffe?

Tied for 7th - Being Jacob: First Day of School

Tied for 7th - Priscilla Holmes, Ace Detective

Tied for 7th - A New Job for Dilly

Tied for 8^th – The First Miracle and A New Job for Dilly

Tied for 8^th – Lemur Troops & Critter Groups

Tied for 8^th – A Puppy, Not a Guppy

Tied for 8th - Just Breeze

Author:

2^nd – Brian Porter

4^th – Holly Jahangiri

Tied for 18^th – Lea Schizas

Book Art:

5^th – Just Breeze

Tied for 11^th – A Puppy, Not a Guppy

Tied for 17^th – Priscilla Holmes, Ace Detective

Book Editor:

Tied for 10^th – Lea Schizas - her own editing business, but she edits for us, too

Tied for 14^th – Chris Speakman - edits for 4RV

Best Publisher:

1^st - 4RV Publishing

Novel:

1^st – Confessions of a Former Rock Queen

Children’s Books:

1^st – Tilly's Tale, Harry Porter

Tied for 2^nd – A New Job for Dilly, Rena Jones

Tied for 2^{nd - Would a Kangaraffe Make You Laffe?, Rich Aaron}

Tied for 3^rd – Tommy Turtle: Exercise Is Fun, Eric Mathe

4^th – A Puppy, Not a Guppy, Holly Jahangiri

6^th – Bait for Lunch, K.A. Okagaki

7^th – Lemur Troops & Critter Groups, Rena Jones

8^th –Being Jacob: First Day of School, Suzy Koch

12^th – Priscilla Holmes, Ace Detective, John Lance
12^th – State of Quarries , Elysabeth Eldering

14^th – The First Miracle, LA Willis

Young Adult Novel:

2^nd – Just Breeze, Beverly Stowe McClure

4^th – The Art of Science, Ransom Noble

Tied for 12^th – Second Chance

Here's hoping we have many rank in the top 10 after Jan. 14 (when voting ends) and several place 1st.

http://www.critters.org/predpoll


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'Tis the season to vote, on Preditors & Editors

Preditors & Editors Readers Poll nominations for 2009 releases are up, and 4RV is well represented. Voting ends January 14, 2010, so please be sure to vote.

Check for nominations from 4RV in the following categories (titles are links to category)- more may be added as time passes.

New nominations added - January 4, 2010

1. Best Print/electronic Publisher - 4RV Publishing

2. Children's Books - books from 4RV include the following:

A Puppy, Not a Guppy by Holly Jahangiri, illustrated by Ryan Shaw
Angeline Jellybean Crystalee Calderwood (I'm not sure this qualifies since it was published in 2008)
Bait for Lunch by K.A. Okagaki, illustrated by Ryan Shaw
Tilly's Tale by Harry Porter, illustrated by Mandy Hedrick
Tommy Turtle: Exercise Is Fun by Eric Mathe, illustrated by Rey Marz
Would a Kangaraffe Make You Laffe? by Rich Aaron, illustrated by Stephen Macquignon
A New Job for Dilly by Rena Jones, illustrated by Lisa Oakman
Lemur Troops & Critter Groups by Rena Jones, illustrated by Nikki Shoemaker
The First Miracle by Lisa Willis, illustrated by Aidana WillowRaven
State of Quarries by Elysabeth Eldering, illustrated by Aidana WillowRaven
Being Jacob: First Day of School by Suzy Koch, illustrated by Aidana WillowRaven
Priscilla Holmes, Ace Detective by John Lance, illustrated by Diana Navarro


3. Young Adult Books -

Bubba & Giganto: Odds Against Us by Lea Schizas (not sure this qualifies since published in 2008)
Just Breeze, by Beverly Stowe McClure
The Art of Science by Ransom Noble, illustrated by Stephen Macquignon
Second Chance by Galand Nuchols

4. All Other Novels - Confessions of a Former Rock Queen by Kirk Bjorngaard
This will be the only nomination, besides the one for Best Publisher, that I will personally promote. Kirk passed away this year, about two months after his book was released. He cannot promote for himself. This opportunity will be the only one for him.

5. Artwork -
Tilly's Tale by Harry Porter, illustrated by Mandy Hedrick
Would a Kangaraffe Make You Laffe? by Rich Aaron, illustrated by Stephen Macquignon
A New Job for Dilly by Rena Jones, illustrated by Lisa Oakman
Lemur Troops & Critter Groups by Rena Jones, illustrated by Nikki Shoemaker
Priscilla Holmes, Ace Detective by John Lance, illustrated by Dianna Navarro

6. Book/e-book Cover Artwork -
A Puppy, Not a Guppy by Holly Jahangiri, illustrated by Ryan Shaw
Just Breeze by Beverly Stowe McClure, cover by Aidana WillowRaven

7. Author - Holly Janhangiri and Lea Schizas

8. Artist - Nikki Shoemaker, Ryan Shaw, Stephen Macquignon, Lisa Oakman, and Aidana WillowRaven

9. Book Editor -
The only one listed for 4RV is Chris Speakman
but some who are 4RV staff members include Lea Schizas and Crystalwizard

Check on http://www.critters.org/predpoll for a full list of categories and their links.

I hope others will notify me if I've missed anyone and if any other nominations from 4RV are listed.

Please vote.

Important NOTE: A person's most recent note or nomination in a category is the one that counts.



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