Newsletter (Jan 2007)

Happy New Year to all of you, dear friends!

It’s been quite an exciting time for everyone here at Ex Machina Press. After reading through 400 submissions (a new record), we made our selections for the third volume of Silent Voices, a creative mosaic of fiction. We were quite pleased at the quality and diversity of the submissions that came in -- we had some hard choices to make. Now, as our third volume is being formatted -- with a new look and tone -- we wanted to keep all of you posted on the current and upcoming events.
 

Silent Voices Volume Two Authors Nominated for the 2007 Pushcart Prize

Two authors published in Silent Voices, Volume Two -- Marie Lecrivain (“The Word Thief”) and Susan E. Briggs (“Going Under”) -- have been nominated for the 2007 Pushcart Prize. Congratulations to Marie and Susan and we wish them luck as the final verdicts come in late April, 2007.
 

Writer’s Digest Recognizes Authors of Silent Voices, Volumes One and Two

Silent Voices, Volumes One and Two, were recognized for their participation in the Writer’s Digest 15th Annual International Self-Published Books Awards, praising the following writers:

Volume One:

Sheila Lamb-Onton (Switchyard)

Switchyard is a snapshot of a young Estonian boy and his parents who are rounded up by the Nazis during World War II and dispatched on a train, destination unknown. A terrific case of “Be careful what you wish for,” as the family hopes to be sent to Germany, the mother fears being sent to Moscow or the camps in Siberia. The final conversation between the boy and his father sums up the story very succinctly.

“Why do Jews get to go to Germany, where it is safe?” I ask Papa. He sighs and pauses before he answers.

“It is war-time,” Papa says finally, “No one is safe.”

The character development was terrific. The tone and pace of the story had the rhythm of a train, speeding up more and more, as it moved down the tracks. The tension escalated throughout the story, as the reader knows the outcome for the train travelers, based on their destinations.

Tamar Love (When Grief Was a Country)

When Grief Was a Country consists of selected readings from a young woman’s diary. Reminiscent of Bridget Jones’ Diary, it follows the ups and downs of the writer’s romantic/dating life. Realistically written, it is an interesting read with a great synopsis at the end:

“Twenty-eight is not that old. You are in no hurry. There is still time.”

About Volume One Overall

The fun of anthologies is never knowing what you will discover -- Volume I fulfills that promise.

Volume Two:

Rebecca Epstein (Where We Go)

The author researched the topics of anorexia and bulimia and the resulting affects on those who suffer from these maladies. She is not too removed age-wise from the characters in her story, and her writing reflects that truth in its tone and nuances.

Congratulations to all! If you want purchasing information about these two volumes, link onto www.exmachinapress.com/books.htm. Check out where the true magic of storytelling is taking place.
 

Silent Voices Volume Three Featured Authors and LA Times Festival of Books (4/28-4/29)

Our third volume will feature the highest quality in literary fiction, including stories by well-renowned authors Tod Goldberg (“Simplify”), Pete Duval (“Rear View”) and Marlon James (“John Crows Devil”). If you want to take a little look at their works, here are their Amazon links:

• Tod Goldberg

• Marlon James

• Pete Duval

We will also be exhibitors at the LA Times Festival of Books at UCLA on April 28 and 29, where Silent Voices Volume Three will make its debut. Check out the LA Times Website for more information:
Los Angeles Times Festival of Books

Autographed Silent Voices Volume Two by New York Times Best Seller George Saunders

We have three copies of Silent Voices, Volume Two that have been autographed by George Saunders (In Persuasion Nation), whose interview is featured in our book.

Order an autographed edition of Silent Voices Volume Two  

More Success with our Community Board

We at Ex Machina Press believe that writing doesn’t have to be a lonely journey. Therefore, we created our Community Board as a forum where writers can help each other in their craft, especially the Peer Review Section. Three authors were published in other journals because of the Forum. Here is one testimonial from one satisfied published writer.

“Thanks for stopping in on my story. Sorry, it's gone. In fact, it is being published in the summer issue of Duck & Herring Co.'s Pocket Field Guide. I thought it was worth mentioning that I received some really helpful feedback on this site -- concrete suggestions to improve LOVE AT THE WAWA. I followed the advice, kindly shared, and now I am being published. I have really benefited from my membership on this forum and hope that others take advantage of this site, too.”

More people have submitted their works for peer review. Come on in and check them out.
 

Staff Recognition

Mark D’Anna
2007 was a good year for Mark. After having three of his stories published, his website is up and rolling. For his publication credits, personal links and everything else you wanted to know about him, click on:
www.MarkdAnna.com

On August, 2007, his collection of short stories, Big Brown Bag, will make its publication debut through Ex Machina Press. Stay tuned!

Ex Machina Press on KCSN FM
Martin Perlich features Ex Machina Press on his radio show “Arts and Roots Forum.” Want to know more about Ex Machina Press, Silent Voices and their origins, click on to this link to hear the broadcast:
www.exmachinapress.com/sv/audio/ARF.htm
 

We want to thank you for your support in Ex Machina Press. We will keep you updated with all events as they come along. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to write me at Exmachinapab@aol.com

In the meantime, take care, many thanks again and KEEP WRITING.

Best regards,
Peter A. Balaskas Editor/Manager Ex Machina Press, LLC

If you want to be added or taken off our mailing list, send the subject heading “Please add” or “Please remove” to Exmachinapab@aol.com.
 

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