The Liar's Diary

Patry Francis is a remarkable human being. A poet, writer, wife, mother, friend, and former waittress, she consistently shares her love of writing, her heart, and her compassionate view of the world on her blog. Diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer in November, she has continued to write posts that inspire and comfort. She spreads gratitude and hope.

Now it is our turn to return the love. Patry's book "The Liar's Diary" is being released today in paperback. Thanks to the organization of Laura Benedict, Susan Henderson, Robin Slick, and many others, the litblogging community is taking on the joyous task of promoting Patry's book so that she can rest and recover from her illness.


Here's what the publisher, Penguin Group has to say about "The Liar's Diary:"

A seductive psychological thriller about a woman facing the dark truths at the heart of her family

Jeanne Cross’s contented suburban life gets a jolt of energy from the arrival of Ali Mather, the stunning new music teacher at the local high school. With a magnetic personality and looks to match, Ali draws attention from all quarters, including Jeanne’s husband and son. Nonetheless, Jeanne and Ali develop a deep friendship based on their mutual vulnerabilities and long-held secrets that Ali has been recording in her diary. The diary also holds a key to something darker: Ali’s suspicion that someone has been entering her house when she is not at home. Soon their friendship will be shattered by violence—and Jeanne will find herself facing impossible choices in order to protect the people she loves.

I was fortunate enough to receive a signed copy of the hardback from Patry several months ago, and I can honestly say that this book is impossible to put down. The characters are complex, the plot is intricate, and it unfolds in wonderfully shocking ways. I found myself thinking about this book day and night, unable to avoid the deep psychological questions it addresses. To say I was invested in the characters and their situation would be putting it mildly indeed. It is one of the most compelling books I have ever read.

You can find the newly released paperback online at Amazon, Powell's, and Barnes & Noble. It's a fantastic thriller and a great read. Please check it out and help us spread the word about "The Liar's Diary."

FIVE!

I can't get enough...

...snow! We had a smattering earlier this week, but all it did was make me wish for a real storm, the kind that turns the world white and muffles all the ugliness of winter.

...sleep. I like sleep. I need sleep. I'm a firm believer in at least 8 hours a night. Naps are good, too. Yawn.

...chocolate. Does this really need an explanation? Addiction can be a sweet thing.

...bluegrass music. I defy anyone to listen to good bluegrass and not at least tap a toe. It makes me smile. It makes me sing. It makes me wish I knew how to play the mandolin or the fiddle.

...hugs from my daughters. They're still willing to give them; I'll always be willing to receive them.

...poetry. See chocolate above.

...sock yarn. And believe me, I've tried. It's soft, it's beautiful, and there is nothing as luxurious as handknit socks. Socks That Rock by Blue Moon Fiber Arts is my favorite, but Koigu and Lorna's Laces are quite lovely too.

...Crowded House. They're back. They're better than ever. Neil Finn is the best songwriter going these days.

...time. Time to read all the books stacked beside the bed. Time to knit all the projects I'd like to. Time to play with the kids. Time to write. Time to hold hands with my hubby. Time to pet the cat. Time to clean the house. Time to just sit and be.

...smiles. Doesn't it make your day better whenever you see one? I need to give more, too.

...of my husband. He's the best and I don't tell him that nearly often enough.

What can you not get enough of?

2008 Per Contra Prize

I'm pleased to share this announcement from the editor of Per Contra, a wonderful online magazine which regularly features exquisite fiction and poetry:

Per Contra has featured winners of The MacArthur Award, the Caine Prize, the Orange Prize, the Walt Whitman Award, the Flannery O'Connor Award, the Pushcart Prize and more. Per Contra has published authors from the United States and North America, South America, Europe, Africa and South Asia .

Our March 2008 issue features former poetry consultant to the Library of Congress (the position now known as the U.S. Poet Laureate) Daniel Hoffman, Pulitzer Prize Winning former poetry consultant to the Library of Congress (the position now known as the U.S. Poet Laureate) Maxine Kumin, Pulitzer Prize winning author and poet John Updike, poetry consultant to the Library of Congress (the position now known as the U.S. Poet Laureate) William Jay Smith and O. Henry Prize winner Stephen Dixon, as well as great emerging writers from around the world.

You may have seen our ad in the Fall 2007 Edition of Poets and Writers.

We are now accepting submissions for the 2008 Per Contra Prize. Because of the public interest generated by our lineup for the Spring, we are working hard to find talented emerging writers to submit manuscripts for the Prize. The grand prize winner will be published in our Spring 2008 issue.

Grand Prize is $1,000 and publication at our regular professional rates. The top ten stories submitted will be published at our regular professional rates during the 2008 editorial calendar.

Deadline for Entry is January 31, 2008. We would appreciate it if you would spread the word in your writer's group and to friends. This is an excellent opportunity for an emerging writer to be published with several elite writers and poets.

You can find us on the web at http://www.percontra.net/ .

Thanks for your time and consideration.

Best Wishes,
Bill Turner
Editor