In addition, the deadline is also March 15 to be considered as a writer or illustrator for an upcoming serialized fiction project with Open Heart Publishing. The setting is modern and based around a specific location and a diverse cast of characters; the “story collections” created by this team will be linear and as such the changes to characters within the story will have unique effects to plotline and development, and authors chosen for this episodic serial will receive full credit for the pieces. For more information regarding those writing and illustration opportunities, click here: http://debrincase.com/blog3/opportunities-with-o-h-p/

Artists interested in doing illustration for other projects should send a link to their work to ohpcareers@debrincase.com.

It has come to my attention that many of our students are in possession of “A Children’s Book of Necromancy,” written by Debrin Case and illustrated by Darcy Melton. The book encourages children to mesmerize up to twelve of their friends, then force them to unwillingly participate in ceremonies in which they reanimate the dead.

Although “A Children’s Book of Necromancy” is clearly marked “Not recommended for children” on the cover, it is a coloring book and sells for just $12 from Open Heart Publishing, an amount any child can save from their allowance.

The inherent danger of this book cannot be overstated, and parents should closely monitor their children’s phone calls and activities. Make sure you know where your child is going and what they are doing. If they seem confused or are acting strange, they may have become a victim of a necromancer.

If your child exhibits any of the following signs, especially following a telephone conversation, do not permit them to leave the house, and call a local clergy member to assist with exorcism.

· Swirling spirals in place of eyes
· Sudden willingness to follow commands
· Insistence upon leaving the house without a specified destination
· Penchant for dark robes
· Chanting or humming

As long as these reanimation ceremonies are kept to a minimum, our students need not fear the zombie horde. I know we can count on your help in these troubled times.

Sincerely,

Dr. Nigel Newsom
Headmaster, Schadenfreude Academy

From left: Erin Marissa Russell, Melissa Cantrelle, Alyssa Cooper, Rhia Johnson, Eric Trant, Jon C. Forisha, ME Johnson

Way back in July of this year, several of the Dallas-local authors of An Honest Lie, Vol. 1 met with publisher and fellow author Debrin Case and editors ME and Rhia Johnson at Liberty Hall to rub elbows so when we have events things won’t be all awkward. Also because we are an incredibly talented lot, and it’s always good to share drinks and discussion with a table of authors, editors, and publishers.

You can read Eric Trant’s musings on the evening at his blog, Digging With the Worms.

I’d like to say, before you read Eric’s blog and start wondering, that I only carry batteries in my purse (both AA and AAA) because I usually need them for my digital camera or voice recorder. I have another job as managing editor at the Brookhaven Courier, and it’s the end of the world if my voice recorder runs out of batteries.

From left: Erin Marissa Russell, Melissa Cantrelle, Alyssa Cooper, and Rhia Johnson.

At the time, I was an artist for An Honest Lie- Rhia Johnson was the junior editor as well as an author- and it was fascinating to hear the authors talk about their stories. I’d already drawn the illustrations, based on a scene Debrin had described, but I didn’t know who the people were, what was happening, or even what the stories were really about. The authors had a lot of fun hearing about one another’s work, too.

Don’t forget to support your favorite contributor to An Honest Lie, Vol. 1 by doing one or both of the following:
* Leave them a comment by clicking their name on this link: http://ahlvol1vote.debrincase.com/. A comment earns them one point toward a book deal with Open Heart Publishing.
* Purchase An Honest Lie, Vol. 1 through their portal by clicking on their name here: http://ahlvol1vote.debrincase.com/. A purchase earns them 500 points toward a book deal with Open Heart Publishing!

Also, there are only 95 days left to work on submissions for An Honest Lie, Vol. 2: they’re due March 15, 2010. Read over the submission guidelines here: http://anhonestlie.wordpress.com/2009/10/10/its-that-time-again/

Writers and Illustrators

Open Heart Publishing is recruiting four people to form a creative production team.

Must be comfortable working on a managed and controlled product with expectations for results and serious deadlines.
Product is serialized fiction, setting is modern and based around a specific location and a diverse cast of characters; the “story collections” created with this team will be linear and as such the changes to characters within the story will have unique effects to plotline and development. Authors chosen for this episodic serial will receive full credit for the pieces.

To be considered for this position with Open Heart Publishing

Writers please submit 3 written examples as attachments in a .doc or .docx format, these examples must be
1. Real Life essay
(Humorous encounters from real life only 2,000 words or less)
2. Fiction
(Preferably fantasy fiction. In the areas of contemporary and urban tales, surrealism, magical realism, modern age fairytales, and folktales)
(3,000 words minimum – 5,000 words maximum)
3. The Pitch
(pitch us an interesting story concept revolving around “the heart of a butterfly” 1000 words or less)

Illustrators please send us 3 black and white illustrations of
1. A woman’s hand
2. A housecat
3. The interior of a bathroom in a small apartment
Please keep these illustrations simple and quick.

Send your submission packet to
ohpcareers@debrincase.com
Pay structure is royalty based.
Production begins May 1st 2010, so apply now.
Telecommuting is ok

Promotions

O.H.P. is looking for talented individuals who love the arts, namely the literary arts. These passionate people can help us expand our ever growing fan-base, and we can in turn compensate them handsomely for their efforts. If you are interested in learning more about this exciting position with O.H.P. send an email to ohpcareers@debrincase.com