NaNoWriMo: Are We There Yet?

It's the final week of NaNoWriMo.org's national novel writing challenge, and eager writers are frantically tapping keys in hopes of hitting the 50k goal by the 30th!

Hitting the goal means typing an *average* of 1667 words daily, and those following that plan should cross the 40k mark today. Some will have fewer words and can catch up with a big burst of word count at the end, and others will already have made the goal. I am happy to say I crossed the goal on day 18, and completed the novel a few days later. Yippee!

So where are you at with writing for this month? 0 words, or 50k+? With 1 week left to go, I challenge YOU to write 10k words! By the end of November you could have written a short story, or 20 percent of your next (first?) novel! Happy writing...

Cast Your Vote for Best Trailer Today!

On my Tuesday Trailers segment this week, I posted the two videos that Dragonfyre Entertainment has entered in a book trailer contest over on You Gotta Read Videos' blog.

If you liked the videos we did, please hop on over there today and cast your vote! Kata Sutra's trailer is number 17, and Their Secret Paradise's trailer is number 18 on the list. There are lots of great videos up there, so take a look and vote for your fave! (Hope it's one of ours, LOL!)

One Lovely Blog Awards!

No one wrote in for a dream interpretation during my week off, so I thought I'd share this great smile-booster I received!

Imagine my surprise when I came back from vacation to discover I'd been given this award by the oh-so-awesome J.A. Saare! You rock in so many ways I can't begin to count...and your upcoming DEAD, UNDEAD, OR SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN is a faboo read!

Here are my three choices for a ONE LOVELY BLOG award:

1. Kealie Shay over at Menagerie Authors. This blog has loads of great book preview commercials, and if nothing else, you MUST scroll down halfway to get a load of the lovely eye candy on this blog! ;)

2.Susan Albert with her Lifescapes blog.Susan's got one of the loveliest blogs around, and with her knowledge of all things garden she helps her readers find more than great books, but the beauty in their outdoor realm as well.

3.Martha Cheves over at A Book and a Dish. Because you have GOT to love a blog that offers you not only a great read, but a great recipe to enjoy while you're taking it in!

All are truly lovely, and I hope you'll check them out!

BLOG BINGO--Winners!

Photo courtesy of Stock Xchg

THAT'S IT!
Blog Bingo week is over...thanks to everyone who played!



WINNERS

Winner of TWIST OF FATE anthology: Babyblue22
Winner of drawing: LORETTA CANTON

Loretta wins a free read of my newest short story, otherwise available exclusively to my Birthday Club members!

LORETTA...please email me at writerlisalogan@verizon.net so I can give you details about your prize.


I can't believe my birthday week is over already! C'est la vie! I hope everyone had a good time playing bingo. Stay tuned for future fun and contests!

BLOG BINGO #7

Photo courtesy of Stock Xchg

HERE ARE YOUR ROUND 7 BINGO CALLS:
Southern California
Editor
MysteryAuthors.com
“Visions”
“A Grand Seduction”


Mark the above off on your squares accordingly.

WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?

Every day during myBirthday Bash week July 5-12, I'll be posting bingo calls for an exclusive game of Author Bio Bingo here on my blog!
THERE'S STILL TIME TO PLAY:

1. Get a bingo card! Email me at writerlisalogan@verizon.net. Include BINGO in the subject line, and I'll send you one free. Join in at any time before July 12, 2009 for your chance to win!

When you get your card you'll note it does not contain typical bingo numbers. Each square contains a tidbit of info about me that might appear in an author bio.

2. Play the game! If you're not already, be sure to follow/subscribe to this blog so you can keep up with the posts! Every day starting July 5, I'll be choosing and posting bingo calls at random. Check my blog and mark off your squares accordingly.

3. How to win: Any straight line, be it horizontal, vertical, or diagonal wins. To shout "BINGO!" just post it in the comments, along with the card number you were assigned for verification of your win.

PRIZES!!


The FIRST player to correctly post "BINGO!" will win a pdf copy of the TWIST OF FATE anthology. ALL remaining players who post a correct "BINGO!" during the week will be entered in a drawing for a fun little conciliatory prize as well.

So get in on the party and request your game cards today. Best of luck to all players!

BLOG BINGO #6

Photo courtesy of Stock Xchg

HERE ARE YOUR ROUND 6 BINGO CALLS:
Author Promoter
Muse Conference Presenter
Video Workshop
Ice Skater
Valley Girl...Not


Mark the above off on your squares accordingly.

WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?

Every day during myBirthday Bash week July 5-12, I'll be posting bingo calls for an exclusive game of Author Bio Bingo here on my blog!
THERE'S STILL TIME TO PLAY:

1. Get a bingo card! Email me at writerlisalogan@verizon.net. Include BINGO in the subject line, and I'll send you one free. Join in at any time before July 12, 2009 for your chance to win!

When you get your card you'll note it does not contain typical bingo numbers. Each square contains a tidbit of info about me that might appear in an author bio.

2. Play the game! If you're not already, be sure to follow/subscribe to this blog so you can keep up with the posts! Every day starting July 5, I'll be choosing and posting bingo calls at random. Check my blog and mark off your squares accordingly.

3. How to win: Any straight line, be it horizontal, vertical, or diagonal wins. To shout "BINGO!" just post it in the comments, along with the card number you were assigned for verification of your win.

PRIZES!!


The FIRST player to correctly post "BINGO!" will win a pdf copy of the TWIST OF FATE anthology. ALL remaining players who post a correct "BINGO!" during the week will be entered in a drawing for a fun little conciliatory prize as well.

So get in on the party and request your game cards today. Best of luck to all players!

BLOG BINGO #5

Photo courtesy of Stock Xchg

HERE ARE YOUR ROUND 5 BINGO CALLS:
“The Christmas Present”
“Sindarella”
Graphics Designer
Ward Clerk
Four Grandkids


Mark the above off on your squares accordingly.

WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?

Every day during myBirthday Bash week July 5-12, I'll be posting bingo calls for an exclusive game of Author Bio Bingo here on my blog!
THERE'S STILL TIME TO PLAY:

1. Get a bingo card! Email me at writerlisalogan@verizon.net. Include BINGO in the subject line, and I'll send you one free. Join in at any time before July 12, 2009 for your chance to win!

When you get your card you'll note it does not contain typical bingo numbers. Each square contains a tidbit of info about me that might appear in an author bio.

2. Play the game! If you're not already, be sure to follow/subscribe to this blog so you can keep up with the posts! Every day starting July 5, I'll be choosing and posting bingo calls at random. Check my blog and mark off your squares accordingly.

3. How to win: Any straight line, be it horizontal, vertical, or diagonal wins. To shout "BINGO!" just post it in the comments, along with the card number you were assigned for verification of your win.

PRIZES!!


The FIRST player to correctly post "BINGO!" will win a pdf copy of the TWIST OF FATE anthology. ALL remaining players who post a correct "BINGO!" during the week will be entered in a drawing for a fun little conciliatory prize as well.

So get in on the party and request your game cards today. Best of luck to all players!

BLOG BINGO #4

Photo courtesy of Stock Xchg

HERE ARE YOUR ROUND 4 BINGO CALLS:
Mystery
College After 35
Avid Reader
20 Years Writing
Web Design

Mark the above off on your squares accordingly.

WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?

Every day during myBirthday Bash week July 5-12, I'll be posting bingo calls for an exclusive game of Author Bio Bingo here on my blog!
THERE'S STILL TIME TO PLAY:

1. Get a bingo card! Email me at writerlisalogan@verizon.net. Include BINGO in the subject line, and I'll send you one free. Join in at any time before July 12, 2009 for your chance to win!

When you get your card you'll note it does not contain typical bingo numbers. Each square contains a tidbit of info about me that might appear in an author bio.

2. Play the game! If you're not already, be sure to follow/subscribe to this blog so you can keep up with the posts! Every day starting July 5, I'll be choosing and posting bingo calls at random. Check my blog and mark off your squares accordingly.

3. How to win: Any straight line, be it horizontal, vertical, or diagonal wins. To shout "BINGO!" just post it in the comments, along with the card number you were assigned for verification of your win.

PRIZES!!


The FIRST player to correctly post "BINGO!" will win a pdf copy of the TWIST OF FATE anthology. ALL remaining players who post a correct "BINGO!" during the week will be entered in a drawing for a fun little conciliatory prize as well.

So get in on the party and request your game cards today. Best of luck to all players!

BLOG BINGO #3

Photo courtesy of Stock Xchg

HERE ARE YOUR ROUND 3 BINGO CALLS:
600+ DVD's
Actor husband
Romance
Erotica
Paranormal

Mark the above off on your squares accordingly.

WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?

Every day during myBirthday Bash week July 5-12, I'll be posting bingo calls for an exclusive game of Author Bio Bingo here on my blog!
THERE'S STILL TIME TO PLAY:

1. Get a bingo card! Email me at writerlisalogan@verizon.net. Include BINGO in the subject line, and I'll send you one free. Join in at any time before July 12, 2009 for your chance to win!

When you get your card you'll note it does not contain typical bingo numbers. Each square contains a tidbit of info about me that might appear in an author bio.

2. Play the game! If you're not already, be sure to follow/subscribe to this blog so you can keep up with the posts! Every day starting July 5, I'll be choosing and posting bingo calls at random. Check my blog and mark off your squares accordingly.

3. How to win: Any straight line, be it horizontal, vertical, or diagonal wins. To shout "BINGO!" just post it in the comments, along with the card number you were assigned for verification of your win.

PRIZES!!


The FIRST player to correctly post "BINGO!" will win a pdf copy of the TWIST OF FATE anthology. ALL remaining players who post a correct "BINGO!" during the week will be entered in a drawing for a fun little conciliatory prize as well.

So get in on the party and request your game cards today. Best of luck to all players!

BLOG BINGO #2

Photo courtesy of Stock Xchg

HERE ARE YOUR ROUND 2 BINGO CALLS:
Costumer
Show Biz
Gardening
Environment
Seven Kids

Mark the above off on your squares accordingly.

WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?

Every day during myBirthday Bash week July 5-12, I'll be posting bingo calls for an exclusive game of Author Bio Bingo here on my blog!
THERE'S STILL TIME TO PLAY:

1. Get a bingo card! Email me at writerlisalogan@verizon.net. Include BINGO in the subject line, and I'll send you one free. Join in at any time before July 12, 2009 for your chance to win!

When you get your card you'll note it does not contain typical bingo numbers. Each square contains a tidbit of info about me that might appear in an author bio.

2. Play the game! If you're not already, be sure to follow/subscribe to this blog so you can keep up with the posts! Every day starting July 5, I'll be choosing and posting bingo calls at random. Check my blog and mark off your squares accordingly.

3. How to win: Any straight line, be it horizontal, vertical, or diagonal wins. To shout "BINGO!" just post it in the comments, along with the card number you were assigned for verification of your win.

PRIZES!!


The FIRST player to correctly post "BINGO!" will win a pdf copy of the TWIST OF FATE anthology. ALL remaining players who post a correct "BINGO!" during the week will be entered in a drawing for a fun little conciliatory prize as well.

So get in on the party and request your game cards today. Best of luck to all players!

It's Time for BLOG BINGO!

Photo courtesy of Stock Xchg

HERE ARE YOUR ROUND 1 BINGO CALLS:

Movie Buff
Johnny Depp Fan
Ghostly Encounters
Award-Winning Writer
Ex-Trivia Champion

Mark the above off on your squares accordingly.

WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?

Every day during myBirthday Bash week July 5-12, I'll be posting bingo calls for an exclusive game of Author Bio Bingo here on my blog!
THERE'S STILL TIME TO PLAY:

1. Get a bingo card! Email me at writerlisalogan@verizon.net. Include BINGO in the subject line, and I'll send you one free. Join in at any time before July 12, 2009 for your chance to win!

When you get your card you'll note it does not contain typical bingo numbers. Each square contains a tidbit of info about me that might appear in an author bio.

2. Play the game! If you're not already, be sure to follow/subscribe to this blog so you can keep up with the posts! Every day starting July 5, I'll be choosing and posting bingo calls at random. Check my blog and mark off your squares accordingly.

3. How to win: Any straight line, be it horizontal, vertical, or diagonal wins. To shout "BINGO!" just post it in the comments, along with the card number you were assigned for verification of your win.

PRIZES!!


The FIRST player to correctly post "BINGO!" will win a pdf copy of the TWIST OF FATE anthology. ALL remaining players who post a correct "BINGO!" during the week will be entered in a drawing for a fun little conciliatory prize as well.

So get in on the party and request your game cards today. Best of luck to all players!

Friendship Blog Award

I interrupt your regularly scheduled "Mystery Date Monday" for a special post about blog friends and this award that I'd like to pass on.

I had a rather rough morning, dealing with a kid sick enough to prompt me to call off work, and I'd strongly considered not posting my Monday blog today at all. Imagine the irony when I logged on to find Anita Davison was kind enough to share a "Let's Be Friends" blog award with me via The Disorganised Author. A hearty thanks to Anita, and your friendship is accepted AND valued!

About the award:

Blogs that receive the Let’s Be Friends Award are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers.

I'd hereby like to deliver this award to the following exceedingly charming, friendly bloggers:

1. Courtney Mroch, author and blogger at Haunt Jaunts...and an absolutely inspiring friend!

2. Helen Ginger, the always fun and informative blogger at Straight From Hel

3. Tabitha Shay, follow Eternal Press author and always fun to hang out with at Fall Under My Spell

4. Hywela Lyn, author and blogger who is always ready for a kind word. Speaking of which, her Monday's Words blog is not to be missed!

5. Debra Kayn, romance author whose blog I "lurk" at often. I like her Tuesday Catch-up posts a lot!

6. Norm Cowie, author and blogger at FangPlace. Hilariously entertaining, I first "met" Norm while we were busy promoting our first novels with the same pub.

7. Abigail Ly, aka MicroBlogginMom. I've lurked on her blog for a while and always find it informative and friendly.

8. Karen Syed, author/publisher and always helpful and friendly blogger at The Life of a Publisher. I love the variety and spice on her blog, and especially enjoy her refreshing insight on alternative publishing.


To all of you I give the Let's Be Friends blog award, and I hope folks will hop on over and check out your blogs.

It's Coming....BIRTHDAY BLOG BINGO!!

Photo courtesy of Stock Xchg

Every day during my upcoming Birthday Bash week July 5-12, I'll be hosting an exclusive game of Author Bio Bingo on my blog! The first round of bingo calls will appear on my blog Sunday, July 12, and more every day that week. I'll be suspending my usual blog format, and will be blogging about other fun topics to accompany my bingo calls.

TO PLAY:

1. Get a bingo card! Email me at writerlisalogan@verizon.net. Include BINGO in the subject line, and I'll send you one to use during that week.

When you get your card you'll note it does not contain typical bingo numbers. Each square contains a tidbit of info about me that might appear in an author bio.

2. Play the game! If you're not already, be sure to follow/subscribe to this blog so you can keep up with the posts! Every day starting July 5, I'll be choosing and posting bingo calls at random. Check my blog and mark off your squares accordingly.

3. How to win: Any straight line, be it horizontal, vertical, or diagonal wins. To shout "BINGO!" just post it in the comments, along with the card number you were assigned for verification of your win.

PRIZES!!


The FIRST player to correctly post "BINGO!" will win a pdf copy of the TWIST OF FATE anthology. ALL remaining players who post a correct "BINGO!" during the week will be entered in a drawing for a fun little conciliatory prize as well.

So get in on the party and request your game cards today. Best of luck to all players!

Contest: Get Your GREEN On!

April 22 is just a week away, meaning Earth Day is almost here. In honor of this event, I'm holding a pair of contests for readers AND writers!

GET YOUR GREEN ON Contests
Show your Earth Day spirit by spreading the word about my "Green" Challenges! 

Do either of the following for YOUR chance(s) to win!

1. Post a message about either challenge on your groups, discussion boards, or social networks (like Twitter, Ning, Facebook, etc.). Include a link to the challenge in your post (http://squidoo.com/greenwriter OR http://squidoo.com/greenreader). Post links to these promo spots in the comments, and I will give you 1 entry for each different place you promote the challenge. (No "Spam" type posts, please; one post per group, network, etc.) --TIP: Earn your first entry right now if you're on Twitter by clicking the TWEET THIS button at the bottom of this post!

--OR--

2. Grab one of the "Green" challenge icons on this page (right click the graphic, then choose Save Image As...). POST THIS ICON with a link back to the challenge (http://squidoo.com/greenwriter OR http://squidoo.com/greenreader) on your blogs, websites, MySpace pages, etc. and Post the URLs where the graphics are located here in the comments. You'll get 1 entry for every different place you post this graphic.

CONTEST ENDS on EARTH DAY, WEDNESDAY APRIL 22nd 2009, AT MIDNIGHT PST.

PRIZES:

For GREEN READERS: a free, eco-friendly pdf copy of my TWIST OF FATE anthology!

For GREEN WRITERS: a promotional package including a blurb on my site, plus your choice of either a guest post or author interview on my blogs on MySpace and Blogger, along with a promo shout out on Facebook and Twitter (with links to your site or twitter/facebook account)!


BONUS ENTRIES!!!!!!!!! --1 entry for TAKING the challenge yourself and posting in the comments one thing from the challenge list you will do this year to "green" your reading or writing. (Writers: GREEN WRITING CHALLENGE. Readers: GREEN READING CHALLENGE.)



So celebrate Earth Day this year by Getting your green on. Spread the word about green writing and reading practices, earn chances to get a prize--and either way, by participating we ALL win!

Book Trailer Contest on MysteryAuthors.com

Got a mystery trailer or been wanting to make one? ENTER MysteryAuthors.com's SIZZLING SUMMER BOOK TRAILER contest!

If you have a promotional trailer for a book in the Mystery genre (or subgenre) you are eligible to enter. To submit, send a link to your trailer to MysteryAuthors@verizon.net during the month of July. Put BOOK TRAILER CONTEST in the subject line. Please include your name, title of your book, and the name of your trailer's creator. Deadline for entries is August 1, 2007. NO entry fee!

All entries will be posted for viewing on the site, and visitors will have a chance to watch and vote on their favorites during the first two weeks of August. Winners will be posted on August 15.

The winner of JUDGE'S CHOICE will win a FREE YEAR of membership on MysteryAuthors.com! Other winners will receive a special award they can add to their trailer and/or display proudly on their website. Winning entries will also be showcased on MysteryAuthors.com through the end of September, and will be acknowledged in Lisa Logan's Do-It-Yourself Trailer Workshop.

CATEGORIES:
VIEWER'S CHOICE
JUDGE'S CHOICE
MOST MYSTERIOUS

Don't have a trailer yet? Visit http://lisalogan.net today and check out the free how-to workshop! It's easier than you think.

Good luck!

Call for Entries: Writing Contest

Here's the skinny on the writing contest I'm helping organize and judge on mysteryauthors.com!

Do you like to write mysteries and/or flash fiction? Enter MysteryAuthors.com's Dead Giveaway Flash Fiction contest for a chance to win a cash prize, and have your work published on a popular mystery site!

Tell us your best mystery in 1,000 words or less, but there's a twist! Your story MUST begin with one of the following sentences, each taken from an existing published mystery:

That looks more like human sacrifice than a wedding ceremony.
--(taken from Driven to Death by Carolyn Rose)

He fought for breath, his heart pounding fast.
--(taken from Cock of the Walk by Wendy Laing)

It lay in wait, blazing eyes of amber piercing the inky darkness.
--(taken from A Kink in the Tale by Lisa Logan)

Amelie would never forgive them for murdering Mathieu.
--(taken from Beneath the Morvan Moon by Courtney Mroch)

Contest opens for entries June 15, 2006. Deadline for entries is August 1, 2006. First prize is 1/2 of total entry fees received and the entry published on mysteryauthors.com. Honorable mention will also have their story published on the site. Entry fee: $5.

For complete rules, information on our judges, and entry details, visit MysteryAuthors.com. Good luck!