Patrick Witz's Blog
February 1, 2018
EXTENDED OPEN CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
EXTENDED OPEN CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
Opportunity is knocking! Placer Gold Writers Ink has released a Call for Submissions in search of talented writers to supply high-quality short stories for inclusion in PGWI’s next publication.
1) BASIC SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
DATES: Submit story by our new extended deadline of February 28, 2018
GENRE: Speculative Fiction i.e. Sci/fi, Fantasy, Paranormal, etc. (see below for full genre list)
TIME FRAME: Stories may be set in the past, present or future.
REQUIREMENTS: Our anthologies are designed with common plot points…there are two:
• The setting / location MUST be set in Sierra Nevada Foothills of the Eastern California.
(See section 3 below)
For example: a real or fictional town, location, or area located in the Sierra Nevada foothills stretching from Chico/Susanville in the north to Mt. Whitney in the South.
Here are a few charming and historical towns and areas: La Porte, Sierra City, Alleghany, Nevada City, Grass Valley, Auburn, Forest Hill, Placerville, Jackson, Angels Camp, Columbia, Sonora, Yosemite, and Jamestown.
The story may, but does NOT have to be related to the “49er Gold Rush”.
• Use the word or concept of "gold" as some minor or major plot point. Note: "gold" does not have to refer to the precious metal. It could be someone’s hair, their personality, their luck or social status…be creative!
WORD COUNT: 2000 - 8000 words
ROYALTY: $20 - $30 sliding scale
FEES: There are no submission or reading fees
WHAT WE DO NOT WANT
We are finding many writers want to re-tell the history of the Gold Rush in their stories. This is not needed or even helpful. We look to publish a fresh and exciting story, not a history lesson — unless, of course, you are telling a tale of an alternate past where your story re-writes the history with zombies, fairies, monsters, etc. . . . Please keep the Wikipedia back-story to a minimum.
WHAT WE WANT
• Enticing, engaging, entertaining Speculative Fiction stories (see list in Section 2 below) that are based in the past, present or future;
• That occur within the physical localities of the California Gold Country;
• That include the plot element “gold” in some fashion;
• And is written at an adult-interest level (“rated” as if for Prime-Time Broadcast TV: a few swear words are acceptable, no F-bombs – more info on this online).
HOW TO SUBMIT STORIES – MORE INFORMATION
Please visit our website at http://www.PlacerGoldWritersINK.com for the style sheet, additional detailed requirements, and the submission form.
ABOUT THE ANTHOLOGY
From the pile of submitted stories, the editors will select several outstanding manuscripts to be published in 2018. We are looking for previously unpublished stories (exceptions apply, see detailed guidelines on our website), which we will purchase and acquire exclusive “First Publishing Rights” for a year. The anthology will be released in both quality paperback and e-book formats.
ABOUT PLACER GOLD PUBLISHING
Placer Gold Publishing is a boutique publisher located in California’s Sierra Gold Country. Our recent release, “Through Button Eyes: A Collection of Short Fiction” under the Placer Gold Writers Ink imprint, was selected from thousands of national and international entries as one of the five medaled finalists in the Anthology Division of the 2017 Next Generation Indie Book Awards (NGIBA). Contact: submissions@PlacerGoldWritersInk.com for more information.
2) SPECULATIVE FICTION
To assist authors, PGWI found Wikipedia’s description of Speculative Fiction to be succinct.
“Speculative fiction is an umbrella genre encompassing narrative fiction with supernatural or futuristic elements. This includes the genres science fiction, fantasy, horror and supernatural fiction, as well as their combinations.” Source: Wikipedia.com
WE HAVE ADAPTED THEIR CHART TO OUR PURPOSES: Name Description Examples
Fantasy: Includes elements and beings from human cultural imagination, such as mythical creatures (dragons and fairies, for example), magic and magical elements, sorcery, witchcraft, etc. The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter
Science fiction: Features technologies that do not exist in real life (but may be supposed to do in the future), including time travel, interstellar travel, flying cars and also beings and societies from other planets (aliens). Planet of the Apes, Star Trek, Star Wars
Horror: Somewhat similar to fantasy, but focusing on terrifying, evil and often powerful beings, such as monsters and ghosts. Also aims to transmit actual fear and confusion to the reader/watcher. A Nightmare on Elm Street, Case 39
Utopia: Takes place in a highly desirable society, often presented as advanced, happy, intelligent or even perfect or problem-free. Island, Ecotopia, 17776
Dystopia: Takes place in a highly undesirable society, often plagued with strict control, violence, chaos, brainwashing and other negative elements. 1984, Brave New World
Alternate History: Focusing on historical events as if they happened in a different way, and their implications on the present. Fatherland, The Tales of Alvin Maker
Apocalyptic: Takes place before and during a massive, worldwide disaster. The Day After Tomorrow, 2012
Post-apocalyptic: Focuses on groups of survivors after a massive, typically worldwide disaster. Waterworld, Metro 2033, The Stand, Fallout, Mad Max
Superhero: Centers on superheroes (i.e. heroes with extraordinary abilities or powers) and their fight against evil forces such as supervillains. Spider-Man, Avengers, Batman
Paranormal: Includes: Modern or Ancient Myths, Tall Tales, and Folk Tales. Also Gods and Angels/Demons, Were-X, Occult, Psychic Phenomenon and ordinary people with exceptional or supernatural abilities. American Gods, Twilight
3) THE SIERRA NEVADA LOCALE
There are many conflicting ideas as to exactly what is included in the geographical area of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and the “Gold Country” found in its foothills. For our purposes, we look to have our stories set on the western slopes of the Sierras. Some stories, especially stories involving the historic Gold Rush, may require including key cities such as Sacramento, San Francisco, Reno, Carson City and Monterey which were hubs of commerce, transportation and political power. In any event, we look for our stories to include significant action within the locales of the actual Sierra foothills and mountains.
Opportunity is knocking! Placer Gold Writers Ink has released a Call for Submissions in search of talented writers to supply high-quality short stories for inclusion in PGWI’s next publication.
1) BASIC SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
DATES: Submit story by our new extended deadline of February 28, 2018
GENRE: Speculative Fiction i.e. Sci/fi, Fantasy, Paranormal, etc. (see below for full genre list)
TIME FRAME: Stories may be set in the past, present or future.
REQUIREMENTS: Our anthologies are designed with common plot points…there are two:
• The setting / location MUST be set in Sierra Nevada Foothills of the Eastern California.
(See section 3 below)
For example: a real or fictional town, location, or area located in the Sierra Nevada foothills stretching from Chico/Susanville in the north to Mt. Whitney in the South.
Here are a few charming and historical towns and areas: La Porte, Sierra City, Alleghany, Nevada City, Grass Valley, Auburn, Forest Hill, Placerville, Jackson, Angels Camp, Columbia, Sonora, Yosemite, and Jamestown.
The story may, but does NOT have to be related to the “49er Gold Rush”.
• Use the word or concept of "gold" as some minor or major plot point. Note: "gold" does not have to refer to the precious metal. It could be someone’s hair, their personality, their luck or social status…be creative!
WORD COUNT: 2000 - 8000 words
ROYALTY: $20 - $30 sliding scale
FEES: There are no submission or reading fees
WHAT WE DO NOT WANT
We are finding many writers want to re-tell the history of the Gold Rush in their stories. This is not needed or even helpful. We look to publish a fresh and exciting story, not a history lesson — unless, of course, you are telling a tale of an alternate past where your story re-writes the history with zombies, fairies, monsters, etc. . . . Please keep the Wikipedia back-story to a minimum.
WHAT WE WANT
• Enticing, engaging, entertaining Speculative Fiction stories (see list in Section 2 below) that are based in the past, present or future;
• That occur within the physical localities of the California Gold Country;
• That include the plot element “gold” in some fashion;
• And is written at an adult-interest level (“rated” as if for Prime-Time Broadcast TV: a few swear words are acceptable, no F-bombs – more info on this online).
HOW TO SUBMIT STORIES – MORE INFORMATION
Please visit our website at http://www.PlacerGoldWritersINK.com for the style sheet, additional detailed requirements, and the submission form.
ABOUT THE ANTHOLOGY
From the pile of submitted stories, the editors will select several outstanding manuscripts to be published in 2018. We are looking for previously unpublished stories (exceptions apply, see detailed guidelines on our website), which we will purchase and acquire exclusive “First Publishing Rights” for a year. The anthology will be released in both quality paperback and e-book formats.
ABOUT PLACER GOLD PUBLISHING
Placer Gold Publishing is a boutique publisher located in California’s Sierra Gold Country. Our recent release, “Through Button Eyes: A Collection of Short Fiction” under the Placer Gold Writers Ink imprint, was selected from thousands of national and international entries as one of the five medaled finalists in the Anthology Division of the 2017 Next Generation Indie Book Awards (NGIBA). Contact: submissions@PlacerGoldWritersInk.com for more information.
2) SPECULATIVE FICTION
To assist authors, PGWI found Wikipedia’s description of Speculative Fiction to be succinct.
“Speculative fiction is an umbrella genre encompassing narrative fiction with supernatural or futuristic elements. This includes the genres science fiction, fantasy, horror and supernatural fiction, as well as their combinations.” Source: Wikipedia.com
WE HAVE ADAPTED THEIR CHART TO OUR PURPOSES: Name Description Examples
Fantasy: Includes elements and beings from human cultural imagination, such as mythical creatures (dragons and fairies, for example), magic and magical elements, sorcery, witchcraft, etc. The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter
Science fiction: Features technologies that do not exist in real life (but may be supposed to do in the future), including time travel, interstellar travel, flying cars and also beings and societies from other planets (aliens). Planet of the Apes, Star Trek, Star Wars
Horror: Somewhat similar to fantasy, but focusing on terrifying, evil and often powerful beings, such as monsters and ghosts. Also aims to transmit actual fear and confusion to the reader/watcher. A Nightmare on Elm Street, Case 39
Utopia: Takes place in a highly desirable society, often presented as advanced, happy, intelligent or even perfect or problem-free. Island, Ecotopia, 17776
Dystopia: Takes place in a highly undesirable society, often plagued with strict control, violence, chaos, brainwashing and other negative elements. 1984, Brave New World
Alternate History: Focusing on historical events as if they happened in a different way, and their implications on the present. Fatherland, The Tales of Alvin Maker
Apocalyptic: Takes place before and during a massive, worldwide disaster. The Day After Tomorrow, 2012
Post-apocalyptic: Focuses on groups of survivors after a massive, typically worldwide disaster. Waterworld, Metro 2033, The Stand, Fallout, Mad Max
Superhero: Centers on superheroes (i.e. heroes with extraordinary abilities or powers) and their fight against evil forces such as supervillains. Spider-Man, Avengers, Batman
Paranormal: Includes: Modern or Ancient Myths, Tall Tales, and Folk Tales. Also Gods and Angels/Demons, Were-X, Occult, Psychic Phenomenon and ordinary people with exceptional or supernatural abilities. American Gods, Twilight
3) THE SIERRA NEVADA LOCALE
There are many conflicting ideas as to exactly what is included in the geographical area of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and the “Gold Country” found in its foothills. For our purposes, we look to have our stories set on the western slopes of the Sierras. Some stories, especially stories involving the historic Gold Rush, may require including key cities such as Sacramento, San Francisco, Reno, Carson City and Monterey which were hubs of commerce, transportation and political power. In any event, we look for our stories to include significant action within the locales of the actual Sierra foothills and mountains.
October 1, 2017
"Through Button Eyes" Accolades
I was more than pleased when I received a personal note from a fellow author friend I’ve known for many years. She is a kind soul, lives several hours away, is a world traveler and has been successful in having a couple books of her own published. Which makes this snail-mailed handwritten note even more special considering her fascinating and busy lifestyle.
Dear Patrick,
I opened “Through Button Eyes” with happy expectations. The origin of the title fascinated me, and I wasn’t disappointed. Bravo to David for honoring his extraordinary mother and what a window through which an author can focus a story. After all, stories are what we hunger for. We can warm our hands, our hearts and our psyches with your anthology.
“Infatuation!” Cynthia is bad to the bone. You devil you!
Congrats to all and success!
Christie
Writing tends to be a lonely craft, so we, as authors, LOVE to hear from our readers, regardless of them being family, friends, new or old fans, or unknown soon to be acquaintances! If you would like to share your "Through Button Eyes" reading experiences with us, please drop us a snail-mail note, send an email, or contact any of the authors via the editors at Editors@PlacerGoldWritersINK.com.
It would be especially nice and very helpful to us, if you could as well share your opinion with the world as a review on Amazon.com, Goodreads.com, Smashwords.com, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Indie Bound, or other retail sites… none of these sites require you to have purchased the book from or through them to leave a review, and you can leave a review with one or all of them.
Dear Patrick,
I opened “Through Button Eyes” with happy expectations. The origin of the title fascinated me, and I wasn’t disappointed. Bravo to David for honoring his extraordinary mother and what a window through which an author can focus a story. After all, stories are what we hunger for. We can warm our hands, our hearts and our psyches with your anthology.
“Infatuation!” Cynthia is bad to the bone. You devil you!
Congrats to all and success!
Christie
Writing tends to be a lonely craft, so we, as authors, LOVE to hear from our readers, regardless of them being family, friends, new or old fans, or unknown soon to be acquaintances! If you would like to share your "Through Button Eyes" reading experiences with us, please drop us a snail-mail note, send an email, or contact any of the authors via the editors at Editors@PlacerGoldWritersINK.com.
It would be especially nice and very helpful to us, if you could as well share your opinion with the world as a review on Amazon.com, Goodreads.com, Smashwords.com, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Indie Bound, or other retail sites… none of these sites require you to have purchased the book from or through them to leave a review, and you can leave a review with one or all of them.
September 6, 2017
OPEN CALL FOR SPECULATIVE FICTION SHORT STORIES
OPEN CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
Placer Gold Writers Ink (PGWI) has released a Call for Submissions in search of exceptionally written Speculative Fiction short stories, for publication in our second anthology “Miner Detours”. These previously unpublished stories will be released in both quality paperback and all major e-book formats mid-2018.
Please visit ‘Current Projects’ on our website for more information: www.PlacerGoldWritersINK.com
GENERAL DETAILS
DATES: Submit story between September 1 - October 12 – selection by December 31
GENRE: Speculative Fiction (see brief description below)
REQUIREMENTS: Our anthologies always follow a theme or common thread. This time:
• Location must be set in California’s "Gold Country" -- in the past, present or future.
• Use the word/concept of "gold" as some minor or major plot point. Note: "gold" does not have to refer to the precious metal!
WORD COUNT: 2000 - 8000 words
ROYALTY: $20 - $30 sliding scale – exclusive first English-language world publication rights for 1-year.
SPECULATIVE FICTION
“Speculative fiction is an umbrella genre encompassing narrative fiction with supernatural or futuristic elements. This includes the genres science fiction, fantasy, horror and supernatural fiction, as well as their combinations.”
-Wikipedia
PGWI encourages the creative use and blending of genres. Action/adventure, romance, mystery, etc., are all acceptable in this project so long as your story fits into speculative fiction:
• Fantasy and anything magic including Modern or Ancient Myths, Tall Tales, and Folk Tales;
• Science Fiction, Technopunk, Steampunk, Urbanpunk, Superhero, and any advanced technology;
• Horror, Zombies, Shape-Shifters, and other Monsters;
• Alternate History, Utopia, Dystopia, Apocalyptic and Post-apocalyptic;
• Paranormal, exceptional or supernatural abilities, Psychic Phenomenon, Gods and Angels.
ABOUT PLACER GOLD PUBLISHING
Placer Gold Publishing is a boutique publisher located in California’s Sierra Gold Country. Our recent release, “Through Button Eyes: A Collection of Short Fiction” under the Placer Gold Writers Ink imprint, was selected from approximately 5000 national and international entries as one of the five medal finalists in the Anthology Division of the 2017 Next Generation Indie Book Awards (NGIBA).
Contact: submission@PlacerGoldWritersINK.com for more detailed information.
***** Sept 15, 2017 UPDATE *****
Placer Gold Writers Ink has extended the deadline for submissions.
NEW DATES: Submit story between September 1 - December 15 – selection by December 31
Placer Gold Writers Ink (PGWI) has released a Call for Submissions in search of exceptionally written Speculative Fiction short stories, for publication in our second anthology “Miner Detours”. These previously unpublished stories will be released in both quality paperback and all major e-book formats mid-2018.
Please visit ‘Current Projects’ on our website for more information: www.PlacerGoldWritersINK.com
GENERAL DETAILS
DATES: Submit story between September 1 - October 12 – selection by December 31
GENRE: Speculative Fiction (see brief description below)
REQUIREMENTS: Our anthologies always follow a theme or common thread. This time:
• Location must be set in California’s "Gold Country" -- in the past, present or future.
• Use the word/concept of "gold" as some minor or major plot point. Note: "gold" does not have to refer to the precious metal!
WORD COUNT: 2000 - 8000 words
ROYALTY: $20 - $30 sliding scale – exclusive first English-language world publication rights for 1-year.
SPECULATIVE FICTION
“Speculative fiction is an umbrella genre encompassing narrative fiction with supernatural or futuristic elements. This includes the genres science fiction, fantasy, horror and supernatural fiction, as well as their combinations.”
-Wikipedia
PGWI encourages the creative use and blending of genres. Action/adventure, romance, mystery, etc., are all acceptable in this project so long as your story fits into speculative fiction:
• Fantasy and anything magic including Modern or Ancient Myths, Tall Tales, and Folk Tales;
• Science Fiction, Technopunk, Steampunk, Urbanpunk, Superhero, and any advanced technology;
• Horror, Zombies, Shape-Shifters, and other Monsters;
• Alternate History, Utopia, Dystopia, Apocalyptic and Post-apocalyptic;
• Paranormal, exceptional or supernatural abilities, Psychic Phenomenon, Gods and Angels.
ABOUT PLACER GOLD PUBLISHING
Placer Gold Publishing is a boutique publisher located in California’s Sierra Gold Country. Our recent release, “Through Button Eyes: A Collection of Short Fiction” under the Placer Gold Writers Ink imprint, was selected from approximately 5000 national and international entries as one of the five medal finalists in the Anthology Division of the 2017 Next Generation Indie Book Awards (NGIBA).
Contact: submission@PlacerGoldWritersINK.com for more detailed information.
***** Sept 15, 2017 UPDATE *****
Placer Gold Writers Ink has extended the deadline for submissions.
NEW DATES: Submit story between September 1 - December 15 – selection by December 31
July 21, 2017
Book Reading of a Sort!!
I was just asked by a local Comedy Club to participate in their “Lit Up” show, where they take a local author’s book and read the first page or two on stage. Then the actors sitting on stage have to complete the book in purest improvisational theater style, where dialogue, action, story and characters are create collaboratively without use of an already prepared, written script. Books are allowed to be sold by the author in the lobby. Should be a whole lot of fun!
May 22, 2017
Indie Book Awards
🎖️Out of somewhere around 5000 U.S. and International book entries, "Through Button Eyes, A Collection of Short Fiction" was selected as one of the five "Finalists" in the Anthology Division of the 2017 Next Generation Indie Book Awards (NGIBA).
May 4, 2017
Book Clubs
Placer Gold Writers Ink is looking for Book Clubs interested in discussing stories from "Through Button Eyes, A Collection of Short Stories" with one or more of the authors. Authors would be happy to answer questions via email or scheduled live by phone, FaceTime, or Skype (if local, even face-to-face) Please contact us if interested at editors@placergoldwriters.org . We are currently in discussions regarding a second book and would love readers feedback on what worked and what didn't work with the first book.
March 23, 2017
Extended $0.99 Promotion
We are extending our $0.99 promotion for three (3) more days, from March 23 to March 25, 2017.
This 5-Star rated anthology was ranked March 21 on Amazon/Kindle at #25 in eBooks, Literature & Fiction, Short Stories in the United States.
Please…
* Reward yourself with a wonderful intriguing and entertaining read;
* Take this opportunity to gift this book to a friend, relative, or maybe an in-law (if you like them). Think about individuals you know that would enjoy these short stories… isn’t one or more of them worth a dollar?
* AND PONDER THIS… if you forgo just one cup of Starbucks coffee, you could buy 4 books, keep on and gift three! PLUS, you could savor this enjoyably entertaining collection of short stories for several hours, way beyond any java fix!
Thanks,
Patrick Witz
Author, Co-Editor, Co-Publisher
Placer Gold Writers Ink
This 5-Star rated anthology was ranked March 21 on Amazon/Kindle at #25 in eBooks, Literature & Fiction, Short Stories in the United States.
Please…
* Reward yourself with a wonderful intriguing and entertaining read;
* Take this opportunity to gift this book to a friend, relative, or maybe an in-law (if you like them). Think about individuals you know that would enjoy these short stories… isn’t one or more of them worth a dollar?
* AND PONDER THIS… if you forgo just one cup of Starbucks coffee, you could buy 4 books, keep on and gift three! PLUS, you could savor this enjoyably entertaining collection of short stories for several hours, way beyond any java fix!
Thanks,
Patrick Witz
Author, Co-Editor, Co-Publisher
Placer Gold Writers Ink
March 20, 2017
15 Stories for $0.99
We are happy to inform everyone that we have sold to date over 240 copies of the book. To celebrate our startup success through Kickstarter and the first quarter of this year’s sales, we are offering our first big promotion of ALL eBook formats: $0.99 for three days only, Monday March 20th through Wednesday March 23, 2017.
Please tell or share with your friends, relatives, and if you like them, your in-laws, about this promotion, so they too can enjoy our intriguing and diverse fictional stories.
Available in Various Formats of eBooks:
* Kindle
http://a.co/1Wt7TbB
* Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
* Barnes & Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/throu...
* Apple iBooks
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/thro...
* Kobo / Sony
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/thro...
Quality 1st Edition Paperback
* Amazon:
http://a.co/b26f7Xu
* Barnes & Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/throu...
* And other fine online Book Retailers
Visit us at Placer Gold Writers Ink - for links, bios, excerpts, & writer support.
* http://www.placergoldwriters.org/
Please tell or share with your friends, relatives, and if you like them, your in-laws, about this promotion, so they too can enjoy our intriguing and diverse fictional stories.
Available in Various Formats of eBooks:
* Kindle
http://a.co/1Wt7TbB
* Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
* Barnes & Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/throu...
* Apple iBooks
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/thro...
* Kobo / Sony
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/thro...
Quality 1st Edition Paperback
* Amazon:
http://a.co/b26f7Xu
* Barnes & Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/throu...
* And other fine online Book Retailers
Visit us at Placer Gold Writers Ink - for links, bios, excerpts, & writer support.
* http://www.placergoldwriters.org/
