Nicole Givens Kurtz :: Blog

Yes! It came in the mail today. My book contract for my Cybil Lewis novel, SILENCED. The terms of the contract shall remain confidential, but the publishing company that had the vision to see Cybil for her true potential was, Parker Publishing. They're new to the publishing scene, but already they've added some awesome African American writers to their stable, namely L.A. Banks of the Vampire Huntress fame and Bevery Jenkins whose romance novels are the stuff of legends. Awesome.

I'm quite proud and a little nervous that they wanted to add me to their house of authors. Any place that publishes L.A. Banks gets major kudos from me. But to ask to publish my little novel alongside hers? Wow. I am floored and flabbergasted.

So who is Parker Publishing?

Well, Parker isn't a print on demand publisher, a self publisher, or vanity press. Nope. They're the real deal and I suspect they'll be here a long time. Time will tell, but I think they're fantastic, slick and serious enough about African American literature to accept it in all its many diverse genres and forms--including Sf. If you want to know more about Parker, head on over to their website. While you're there, purchase some of their truly amazing books, you know, try them out. The hooks on these puppies will net you for life! You'll love Parker Publishing and their authors' works.

As for Cybil, stay tuned. I've got great ideas for our girl, and her adventures are only just beginning. I'm excited to watch her grow, love, lose, and triumph. Moreover, I'm thrilled that readers will get the opportunity to take those little joyrides with me--and Cybil, of course.


Anyway, that's my big news. Cybil has finally found a home.

The tentative release date for SILENCED is June 2008. But stay logged in and subscribe to this blog because I plan to start introducing snippets of Cybil, and Jane for that matter, shortly.

Trust me. These two ladies, you're going to want to know a lot about...
N

It happens to me often. I've got some really good news, but I can't talk about it. Strange, right? But it seems to be something I have in common with Neil Gaiman. He too had interesting work that he couldn't discuss either, and he wrote about not being able to talk about it in his "journal."

You must love the British, right?

But I'm not trying to duplicate the great Gaiman's "journal" *snigger*. However, I did receive two very good and fantastic tidbits of information today. One of which, I can openly discuss as it is no secret to anyone who knows me.

I have a job. I'm moving to North Caroline in about 14 days. Yes, from New Mexico that is quite a jaunt and a drive, but moreover, I have employment. My husband already had a job and a few interviews lined up to boot.

But not me.

I wasn't worried about it, but my hubby was. He's going back to school and he will be a full time student. So, he needed someone to provide medical insurnance and food. Oh, and let's not forget shelter and the all expense- eating, greedy gas bill for his auto. So, yes, he was a little fretful about me not having a job before we moved.

Nevertheless, I got the call today. I'm hired! I'm going to do what I sometimes love--teach at middle school *I'm kidding of course. I love Mid School.

Anyway, the other bit of good news, well, FANTASTIC news, really, I can't talk about too much. I should be posting later to let you know my wonderful news, but I think it's a secret until I get the papers, sign them and return them.

Oh, darn! I've said too much already. *blush*

Nevertheless, I'll post again as soon as I am authorized to discuss anything, uh, FANTASTIC!

N

Can you feel it?
Hear it swooshing in on the wind?
Watch it as it prattles and slithers about interivews, speculation, and hot gossip?

Put your hands to your ears to hear those scarlet whispers and I pray they don't bleed.

What are they about?

Well, it's all about this summer's anxiously awaited movie. It has big stars, a billion dollar franchise, and the next installment…no, this isn’t the next Star Trek movie, though gods know we need another one.

And, no, I'm not talking pirates, ogres, or transformers!

No, it’s the latest Spiderman movie. And loyal fans, I know exactly what you’re thinking. Because I’m thinking it too. I woke up last night in a cold sweat at the terrorizing possibility.

See, the last time there was a billion-dollar franchise release with a host of big name stars and a comic book hero of great renown, we got Batman Forever with wimpy Val Kilmer!You can stop screaming now. I’m sorry I had to mention it in this column, but yes, you’re worried that the latest Spiderman movie will be reduced to such, such, well, crap, don’t be.

For one thing, this installment of Spidy has the same director and the same essential cast. We’ve come to trust Kirstin, Toby and the gang to do their jobs well. That already puts this third-timer a foot of growth over the Val Kilmer uninspired Batman thirdster.

But that remains to be seen, of course, as the movie hasn’t opened yet Come on FRIDAY!

As an avid comic book reader and movie watcher, Spiderman isn’t my favorite, Batman is, of course, followed closely by X-Men, but Spidy is definitely worth watching because you know the cast, director, and script writer will give a good damn show.‘

Nuff said.

Nicole