Fantasy Dreamer's Ramblings

In an effort to allow myself more time outside of my Google Reader, I've implemented the Pareto Principle also known as the 80/20 rule on my Wednesday postings with the news and giveaways. The giveaways and free reads will now take over the Wednesday postings. Looking at the giveaways, most include an interview or guest post from an author. Ultimately the purpose of most giveaways are to get author's book(s) out there for notice to the readers.

As much as I like to report the news in the book world, as some of you have commented, it's very time consuming. This is probably the most time consuming part of any of my postings plus it ties me to my reader, daily. The giveaways don't. I want to devote more time to reading and a few other things in the real world instead.

In the future, if time allows, I will resume the news postings because it's something I love sharing with everyone. I'll most likely do random posts on news items, just not scheduled. I couldn't cut myself off completely. *grins*

Here are several sites that do a superb job of getting the latest and hottest news out on books plus extras. If your not already following these sites in your reader, I highly recommend you do:

• Dark Faerie Tales - Angela amazes me with her finds on the latest upcoming books and their covers. She's already doubled my wish list for future releases.
  
• Literary Escapism - Jackie puts out news postings usually a couple of times a week. She's always unearthing a tantalizing piece of news on books or their authors and where they are being interviewed.
  
• SciFiGuy.ca - Doug does a very thorough Urban Fantasy Weekend Report every Saturday plus his always spotlighting new book covers in the speculative fiction genres.
  
• Stumbling Over Chaos – Usually about once a week, Chris posts a links roundup of interesting bits she's found around the web. I've always found something in these roundups.

Free Reads:

• Sony is offering Hotter After Midnight by Cynthia Eden as free ebook download for a limited time, 11/17-11/21.

Giveaways Around the Virtual World:

As always, I hope you find a new a book or an author that you've not heard of before listed here. Good Luck! The ongoing contest list is on my blog's sidebar.

• Fantasy Dreamer's Ramblings: Guest Post & Giveaway: Never Judge a Witch by her Leather by Heather Long
  Heather Long is guest blogging about witches and how they play into her upcoming release Prime Evil. Stop by and comment for a chance to win $10 Amazon Gift Certificate. Open to Everyone. Deadline to enter is at 8PM CST on Monday, November 23rd.
   
• Fantasy Dreamer's Ramblings: Interview & Giveaway: Author Nancy Holder
  Fantasy Dreamer's Ramblings has interviewed Nancy Holder and she has generously offered to giveaway to one lucky commenter five of her books and a tin of Wicked mints. Open to Everyone. Deadline to enter is at 8PM CST on Friday, November 27th.
   
• Book Talk with J & J: Interview with Jennifer Rardin
  Book Talk has interviewed Jennifer Rardin and they are giving away an autographed copy of Jennifer's latest Jaz Parks' book Bite Marks. Deadline to enter is before Thursday, November 19th.
   
• Grasping for the Wind: Giveaway: 3 copies of 7th Son: Descent by J. C. Hutchins
  John is giving away 3 copies of 7th Son: Descent by J. C. Hutchins, courtesy of St. Martin’s Griffin. Open to the US & Canada. Deadline to enter is before midnight on Thursday, November 19th.
   
• Magic District: ARC Giveaway Contest!
  N.K. Jemisin giving away ARCs of her upcoming novel The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms, due to release on February 25, 2010. Deadline to enter is one week from the post date of 11/12/2009.
   
• Book Chick City: Interview & Giveaway with Paul Magrs
  Book Chick City has interviewed Paul Magrs and she is giving away two copies of his book Hell's Belle's with signed bookplate, courtesy of Headline Review. Open to the UK & US. Deadline to enter is by Thursday, November 19th.
   
• Silk & Shadows: Diane Whiteside interview!
  Silk & Shadows has interviewed Diane Whiteside and Diane is giving away copies of her books Captive Desires and Captive Dreams to a commenter. Deadline to enter is by Thursday, November 19th.
    added 11/12
• Deadline Dames: WANTED: Writing Tips for Stressed NaNoers
  Deadline Dames is giving away a copy of new release Betrayals, Book 2 in the Strange Angels series by Lili St. Crow (Dame Lili). Deadline to enter is end of day on Friday, November 20th.
   
• Once Upon a Bookcase: News and Contest: FALLEN by Lauren Kate
  Once Upon a Bookcase is giving away 5 copies of Fallen by Lauren Kate, courtesy of Random House. Open to Everyone. Deadline to enter is Saturday, November 21st.
   
• Teflon Panties: Contest: Print copy of One Snowy Knight plus Godiva Mug & Cocoa
  Teflon Panties (I love their name!) is giving away a copy of One Snowy Knight by Deborah MacGillivray, and a Lady Godiva 2010 Limited Edition Mug with a box of delicious Godiva Hot Cocoa. Open to the US. Deadline to enter is before Saturday, November 21st, when the winner will be randomly selected.
   
• Jocelynn Drake: Contest Round 19: Kim Harrison
  Jocelynn Drake is giving away a signed hardback copy of White Witch, Black Curse by Kim Harrison. Open to Everyone. Deadline to enter is Midnight EST on Saturday, November 21st.
   
• Number One Novels: Erica Hayes: Shadowfae
  Number One Novels has interviewed Erica Hayes and giving away an autographed copy of Erica's debut novel Shadowfae. Open to the United States, Canada, and Australia. Deadline to enter is at Midnight on Sunday, November 22nd.
   
• Suburban Vampire: Interview and Contest: Gail Carriger's SOULLESS...a steampunk vampire novel
  Suburban Vampire has interviewed Gail Carriger and Orbit Books has offered to give away two copies of Gail's new release Soulless. Open to the US and Canada. Deadline to enter Sunday, November 22nd, a winner will be drawn on November 23rd.
   
• Graeme's Fantasy Book Review: Giveaway! 'The Templar Magician' (Paul Doherty)
  Graeme is giving away a copy of The Templar Magician by Paul Doherty, courtesy of Headline. Open to the UK and Europe. Deadline to enter Sunday, November 22nd.
   
• Book Reviews by Jess: The Van Alen Legacy (Blue Bloods, Book 4) by Melissa De La Cruz (Contest Too!)
  Jessica has reviewed The Van Alen Legacy by Melissa De La Cruz and she is giving away an used copy of the book. This is the fourth book in the Blue Bloods series. Open to the US and Canada. Deadline to enter is at Midnight ET on Sunday, November 22nd.
   
• Vampire Wire: Interview & Contest with Molly Harper, Author of NICE GIRLS DON'T LIVE FOREVER
  Molly Harper has been interviewed by Marta and Molly is giving away a copy of her second Jane Jamieson novel Nice Girls Don't Date Dead Men. Open to the US and Canada. Deadline to enter is by Sunday, November 22nd.
   
• Enchanted by Books: Guest Author Devon Monk
• 
  Devon Monk is guest blogging at Enchanted by Books and she is giving away two signed copies of Magic in the Shadows (Book 3, Allie Beckstrom Series) to two lucky winners. Deadline to enter is at 10PM ET on Monday, November 23th.
   
• Stumbling Over Chaos: Book Giveaway: Max Brenner’s Chocolate: A Love Story
  Okay, I know this isn't Speculative Fiction but it's about CHOCOLATE! Chris is giving away 5 copies of Max Brenner’s gorgeous new cookbook, Chocolate: A Love Story, courtesy of the Hatchette Book Group. Open to the US and Canada. Deadline to enter is at 7PM CST on Monday, November 23th.
   
• Rachel Vincent: Celebrate! (And a contest!)
  Rachel Vincent just finished the first draft in the final Shifter book Alpha and is celebrating by giving away a signed set of the first four Shifters books Stray, Rogue, Pride and Prey along with a Godiva milk chocolate cat. Open to Everyone. Deadline to enter is 11:59 pm CST on Tuesday, November 24th.
   
• Literary Escapism: Guest Author: Judi Fennell
  Judi Fennell is guest blogging at Literary Escapism. And Literary Escapis and Judi are giving away a copy of the first two novels in Judi Fennell’s Mer series In Over Her Head and Wild Blue Under to one lucky commentator. Deadline to enter is Midnight on Tuesday, November 24th.
   
• Writings Of A Wicked Book Addict: Interview & Contest With Terri Garey
  Terri Garey has been interviewed at Writings Of A Wicked Book Addict. Wicked Lil Pixie will be personally giving away a copy of one of Terri's books. One lucky reader will get to choose which book in the series they want. Open to the US and Canada. Deadline to enter is 11:59PM EST on Tuesday, November 24th.
   
• Lisa McMann: 2nd Annual Freaking Huge Contest-O-Thanks!
  Lisa McMann is giving away three ARC of the final book in her Wake trilogy, Gone plus a few other prizes. Open to everyone. Deadline to enter is at Midnight EST on Thursday, November 26th.
   
• Ellz Readz: Author Interview and Giveaway: Alyson Noel
  Ellz Readz has interviewed Alyson Noel, author of The Immortals Series. And Ellz Readz is giving away a copy of Evermore, the first book in The Immortals Series. Open to the US and Canada. Deadline to enter is Friday, November 27th.
   
• Book Blather: Immortal: Love Stories with a Bite
  Book Blather is giving away a copy of Immortals: Love Stories with a Bite edited by P.C. Cast, courtesy of BenBella Books. Deadline to enter is Friday, November 27th.
   
• The Lateiner Gang Book Review Spot: THE MEGA CONTEST BEGINS! **Celebrate the Countdown To Our Site's "New Look", Our Publisher Partners, & You Guys!**
  The Lateiner Gang has a mega contest going. The prizes are too numerous to list here so head over and check it out for yourself. Open to the US. Deadline to enter is at 11:59 p.m. EST on Saturday, November 28th.
   
• Planetalyx Information Bureau: Another review, and a contest announcement...
  A.M. Dellamonica, author of the new fantasy Indigo Springs, is giving away one free fiction critique, for a story or novel fragment not to exceed 6,000 words. Head over to her place to find out the specifics. Deadline to enter is Saturday, November 28th.
   
• Book Reviews by Jess: Contest! Blue Bloods Book 1 – 4 by Melissa De La Cruz
  Jessica is giving away her gently used copies of the first four books of the Blue Bloods series by Melissa De La Cruz: Blue Bloods, Masquerade, Revelations and The Van Alen Legacy. Open to the US and Canada. Deadline to enter is at Midnight ET on Sunday, November 29th.
   
• VampChix: The Rise (and Fall?) of Vampire Romance — and a Contest!
  Michele Hauf is having a contest: What I'm looking for, simply, is a new title I don't list at the VampList and/or a correction to an existing listing (wrong pub date, author, publisher, etc.). There will be 3 winners who will get one of these: Blood Ties book by Tanya Huff, or Vampires by Joules Taylor, or a very cool chapbook pubbed in 1993 by Preternatural Productions by Meg Thompson. Deadline to enter Monday, November 30th.
   
• The Book Faery Reviews: Curse of the Tahiéra, Wendy Gillissen - Author Guest Post & Giveaway
  Wendy Gillissen is guest blogging at The Book Faery Reviews and giving away a copy of her book Curse of the Tahiéra. Deadline to enter Monday, November 30th.
   
• LiyanaLand!: Betrayals Launch Contest
• 
  Lili St Crow has offered a signed copy of her latest Strange Angels novel, Betrayals over at LiyanaLand. Open to the US. Deadline to enter Monday, November 30th.
   
• The Discriminating Fangirl: Giveaway: Draw Star Wars: The Clone Wars!
  TDF Pamela is giving away five copies of Draw Star Wars: Clone Wars and one of the five winners will receive a copy signed by Bonnie Burton. Open to the US. Deadline to enter is Monday, November 30th.
   
• SciFiGuy.ca: Giveaway - Star Wars Clone Wars
  Doug is giving away five copies of Draw Star Wars: Clone Wars and one of the five winners will receive an autographed copy, signed by Bonnie Burton. Open to the US and Canada. Deadline to enter is at Midnight EST on Monday, November 30th.
   
• Confessions of a Wandering Heart: GIVEAWAY! Better Part of Darkness by Kelly Gay
  Suzie is giving away a copy of Better Part of Darkness by Kelly Gay. Deadline to enter is by Midnight on Tuesday, December 1st.
   
• Parajunkee's View: Sins of the Flesh - Review & Contest
  ParaJunkee has reviewed Sins of the Flesh by Caridad Pineiro and is giving away 5 copies of the book, courtesy of Hatchette. Open to the US and Canada. Deadline to enter is Tuesday, December 1st.
   
• Bites: Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater + Contest!
  Donna at Bites is giving away two ARCs sets of Lament and Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater. There will be two lucky winners. Open to the US. Deadline to enter is at midnight EST on Thursday, December 3rd.
   
• Froggaritaville's Bookcase: Sins of the Flesh Blog Tour and Giveaway
  Froggy is giving away 5 copies of Sins of the Flesh by Caridad Pineiro, courtesy of the Hatchette Book Group. Open to the US and Canada. Deadline to enter is Friday, December 4th.
   
• Dark Faerie Tales: Author Interview: Tempest Rising by Nicole Peeler
  Dark Faerie Tales has interviewed Nicole Peeler and giving away a copy of Nicole's debut novel Tempest Rising. Open to Everyone. Deadline to enter is at 11:59 PM EST on Monday, December 7th.
   
• The Book Butterfly: Interview with Author Rachel Vincent & Contest
  The Book Butterfly has interviewed Rachel Vincent and Rachel is giving away a copy of her book My Soul to Take, book 1 in the Soul Screamers series. Open to the US. Deadline to enter is Monday, December 8th.
   
• LoveVampires: Blue Bloods Series Giveaway!
  LoveVampires is giving away the entire set of Blue BLoods books - Blue Bloods, Masquerade, Revelations and The Van Alen Legacy by Melissa De La Cruz. Open to the US and Canada. Deadline to enter is Tuesday, December 9th.
   
• /- LA FEMME READERS -/: Pre-Holiday Giveaway! Whoop Whoop!
  In celebration of the upcoming holidays, Eleni is giving two winners their choice of book from Amazon.com, up to a $25 value per book. Open to US and Canada. Deadline to enter is at Midnight on Monday, December 20th.