63 Writing Contests in December 2023 - No entry fees - Publishing ... and Other Forms of Insanity

Always read the entry rules.

Today's trip into the Catosphere took Panzer to the Publishing ... and Other Forms of Insanity site. There he found a post about writing contests.

 

Erica Verrillo lists 63 writing contests with deadlines in December. The contests are for both fiction and nonfiction. Entry categories include novels, scripts, short stories, poetry, flash fiction, and biographies. Some of the contests have entry restrictions, so be sure to read the entry guidelines before submitting.

Panzer says, "Some of the contests have December 1 or December 2 deadlines."

 

This is a very long post. You'll need to decide what to bring to snack on while you read.

To read the post tootle over to December Writing Contests

Two New Solicitation Bewares: DiscoverPublishers.com and Reseller Ventures - Writers Beware(R)

Watch out for these guys!

As Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere today, the Panzermobile was suddenly shaken by booing and hissing outside. Following all the noise, took our brave kitty boy to the Writer Beware(R) site. There he found a post about two online companies writers need to ignore.

 

 In her post Victoria Strauss documents her investigations of two online companies, DiscoverPublishers.com and Reseller Ventures, soliciting writers about their books through emails. She has determined both are scams. Her investigation of both are very thorough, so you should read the details yourself.

Panzer says, "If you hear from either of these guys, turn around and run away as fast as you can."

Note: This is a long post. Bring a cup of hot cocoa and a muffin to snack on while you read.

 

To read the post tootle over to Solicitations

4 Distinctive Writing Conferences and Workshops in December 2023 - Publishing ... and Other Forms of Insanity

News slows down this time every year.

Today Panzer made a stop at the Publishing ... and Other Forms of Insanity site. There he found a post that lists the December writers' workshops and conferences.

 

As Erica Verrillo says in her post, there are only four in December because of the holidays. Three of them are available online only and three are free to attend.

Panzer says, "They're only one or two days long too."

Note: This is a short-medium length post. Bring a cup of tea to drink while you read. If you plan to go to the individual sites and read about the workshops or conferences, bring a muffin too.

 

To read the post tootle over to Writing Conferences

Your Monday Panzerism

 Panzer on the serious topic of love:

Cats are not fickle with their love the way humans are.

This makes our love superior.

Cats examine the world as young kittens ...

And ...

Decide who their true love for life will be.

You are a distant second though.*

Stop smiling Mom ...

It's not you,

You silly human.

It's me.

*From Cat Wisdom for humans

Your Free Sunday Jigsaw Puzzle: Mom! Help! I can't get down!

Hint

Here's your Sunday jigsaw puzzle.

As always remember at the puzzle site to click the square in the lower left corner to see the finished puzzle.

Have fun!

To do the puzzle tootle over to Mom! Help! I can't get down!

Your Free Mystery Movie: Philo Vance's Gamble

Save me some popcorn.

For your Saturday night at the movies Panzer found a mystery movie at the Hasting's Mystery Theater channel on YouTube.

 

The Hasting's Cable Access movie Philo Vance's Gamble is in black and white. Made in 1947 it's 1 hour long.

 

Get a cup of hot chocolate, some popcorn and enjoy the movie.

To watch the movie tootle over toPhilo Vance's Gamble

Your Free Mystery Audiobook: The Man Who Called Himself Hamilton Cleek

 

I'll be right back.

For those of you who like mystery audiobooks Panzer found one at the Bitesized Audio Classics channel on YouTube.

The audiobook The Man Who Called Himself Hamilton Cleek is written by Thomas W. Hanshew. It's narrated by Simon Stanhope and 1 hour long.

Grab a blanket and snuggle on the couch while you listen to this mystery.

To listen to the mystery audiobook tootle over to mystery audiobook

Your Free Agatha Christie Audiobook: Murder in the Mews and 3 Other Stories

My work is finished. See you tomorrow.

For the mystery fans visiting here Panzer found an Agatha Christie collection at the Joy Field channel on YouTube.

 

The audiobook Murder in the Mews and 3 Other Stories is a collection of Agatha Christie's Poirot Investigates stories. It's narrated by Nigel Hawthorne and 6 hours 43 minutes long.

 

Make a cup of tea, sit down and see if you can guess who-done-it before Poirot.

 

To listen to the audio tootle over to Agatha Christie

 

 

Your Free High Fantasy Adventure Audiobook: Blades of Wolfsbane

I'll look for one more for you.

For the epic fantasy lover visitors Panzer found a high fantasy adventure audiobook for you.

 

The audiobook Blades of Wolfsbane is written by Jon Cronshaw and is part of the Ravenglass Universe. The novella is 1 hour 41 minutes long.

 

Get a cup of your favorite drink, lean back and enjoy the adventure.

 

To listen to the audiobook tootle over to Jon Cronshaw

 

 

 

Your Free Contemporary Romance:Miss Match, No Match for Love

I'll see what else I can find for tonight.

For today's romance-loving visitors Panzer found a contemporary romance audiobook.

 

The audiobook Miss Match, No Match for Love is written by Lindsee Armstrong. It's narrated by Tiffany Williams and 7 hours 44 minutes long.

Make a cup of hot chocolate, grab your favorite snuggle bunny and enjoy the romance.

To listen to the audio tootle over to Lindsee Armstrong

 

 

Thanksgiving (USA)

 

From Panzer, Mom, and What's His Name

 

Workers at Two B&N Stores Vote to Unionize - Publishers Weekly

I wonder if this will impact prices at the stores?

Today, Panzer made a quick trip to the Publishers Weekly site. There he discovered a post about some of Barnes and Noble's store employees unionizing.

According to the post by Claire Kirch, two Barnes and Noble stores have voted to unionize. One store is in San Jose, CA and the other is in Bloomington, IL. The two stores join three others which have already unionized.

Panzer says, "Interesting."

Note: This is a short-medium length post. Bring a small cup of hot chocolate to drink while you read today's selection.

To read the post tootle over to Barnes and Noble

 

 

Everand Is New Home for Books at Scribd - Draft2Digital

Everand what? A day? A week?

Today, Panzer made a stop at the Draft2Digital site. There our traveling kitty pilot found a post about Scribd.

 

According to the blog post, Scribd is making changes to the different reading materials locations. Ebooks, and audiobooks etc. are being moved to the Everand platform. This separates them from the manuals, etc. which will remain on the Scribd platform. With the separation the company feels it will be easier for readers to find the materials they want.

 

Panzer says, "This little kitty wonders who picked that name Everand?"

Note: This is a short post. Bring a small cup of cocoa to drink while you read. 

To read the post tootle over to Everand

Your Monday Panzerism

 Panzer on how to tell when you've had enough catnip:

1. Try this test:

You know how sometimes colors make noise and the noise floats around like a rainbow?

If you don't see it yet ... Then you haven't had enough.

2. Try this test:

Count from zero to one with whole numbers.

If you keep losing your place and have to start over ... Either that's enough ... or ... you need a nap.

3. Finally ... Try this test:

It's never enough.*

Roll around in a pile of catnip ... and ... If suddenly this thing appears behind you ... and ... Starts following you everywhere you go ... Oh ... Wait ... That tail thingy has nothing to do with catnip ... Keep rolling.

*From Cat Wisdom for humans

Your Free Sunday Jigsaw Puzzle: Mom! Help!

Hint

Here's you Sunday jigsaw puzzle.

As always remember at the puzzle site to click the square in the lower left corner to see the finished puzzle.

Have fun!

To do the puzzle tootle over to Help! Mom!

Your Free Cozy Mystery Audiobook:Chocolate Bunny Betrayal

Nap time.

For those of you who prefer cozy mystery audiobooks Panzer found one for you for tonight.

The cozy mystery audiobook Chocolate Bunny Betrayal is written by Tonya Kappes. It's narrated by Christina Sagnamini and is 5 hours long.

Make some cocoa to go with the book's chocolate bunny and enjoy the mystery.

To listen to the audiobook tootle over to Tonya Kappes

Your Free Saturday Sci-Fi Adventure Movie: Unknown World

Looks like fun.

Panzer thought you might like to watch a sci-fi movie tonight. He found a sci-fi adventure movie on the Sallis65 YouTube Channel.

The movie he found for you is Unknown World. It's in black and white and was made in 1951. It's 1 hour 13 minutes long.

Make yourself some popcorn, grab something to drink, and enjoy the movie.

To watch the movie tootle over to Unknown World

Your Free Steampunk Audio Story: Lord Sidebottom and the Pirate Pandemonium

See you tomorrow.

For you adventure-seeking, steampunk lovers Panzer found one for you.

 

The steampunk short audio Lord Sidebottom and the Pirate Pandemonium is written by Jon Cronshaw. It's 19+ minutes long.

 

Grab your drink of choice and relax while you enjoy this fun steampunk romp over England.

 

To listen to the audio tootle over to Jon Cronshaw

Free Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine's Fiction Podcast: Double Fly Rocket 87

I see one more in your future.

For those of you who prefer short mysteries Panzer found one at the Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine's Fiction Podcast site.

 

The audio episode Double Fly Rocket 87 is written and narrated by author Eli Cranor. It's 38 minutes long including the intro.

 

Make a cup of cocoa, grab a warm blanket and snuggle up for your mystery.

 

To listen to the episode tootle over to EQMM

Your Free Sweet Romance Audiobook: Crash Into Cash

Be back soon.

For his romance audiobook lovers Panzer found a sweet romantic comedy for your listening tonight.

 

The romance audiobook Crash Into Cash is written by Susanne Ash. It's 5+ hours long.

As always it's free, so fix your cup of tea and find a comfortable chair to sit and listen.

To listen to the sweet romance tootle over to Crash Into Cash

 

 

Heading to the Polls - The Rap Sheet

Twenty books to read?

Panzer's Catosphere stop today was at The Rap Sheet site. There he found news about Goodreads Choice Awards.

J. Kingston Pierce's post lists the 20 nominees in the Mystery and Thrillers division for the Goodreads Choice Awards. A link to vote is included in the post as well.

Panzer says, "You might want to read the books before you vote."

Note: This is a short-medium length post. Bring a cup of tea to drink while you read.

To read the post tootle over to Goodreads Voting

Judge Will Toss Part of Authors' AI Copyright Lawsuit - Publishers Weekly

When Panzer was out cruising around in the Catosphere today, he stopped at the Publishers Weekly site. There he found a post about one of the lawsuits about AI's unauthorized use of authors' copyrighted material.

I'll just lay here and watch.

According to Andrew Albanese's post, Judge Chhabria has dismissed part of the case he is overseeing. In his explanation he said the case was based on the premise that AI could be asked to produce an author's book and the AI's output would be similar to the author's book. The judge, however, didn't believe that would be true and he dismissed the case. He did leave it open for the attorneys to make changes and refiling the lawsuit. He did leave the infringing part in place in the lawsuit.

Panzer says, "These lawsuits get more complicated every day."

Note: This is a medium length post. Bring a cup of cocoa to drink while you read today's selection.

To read the post tootle over to AI Copyright Lawsuit

Artificial Intelligence and Copyright: SFWA's Comments to the US Copyright Office - Writer Beware(R)

Today's trip into the Catosphere took Panzer to the Writer Beware (R) site. There our traveling kitty pilot found a post about Artificial Intelligence-generated (AI-generated) written material.

 

There's a lot of AI written garbage.

The post contains a letter written to the US Copyright Office by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA). The letter was sent in response to the Copyright Office's request for comments about AI issues with "creating" material. The SFWA believes AI-generated work should be uncopyrightable. The letter lists the reasons why from a writer's point of view. Then, if at a point in the future the Copyright Office does decide to allow AI work copyright status, the SFWA lists four criteria which should be met.

Panzer says, "It all makes sense to this little kitty."

Note: This is a very long post. Bring a cup of cocoa and a large muffin to snack on while you read this post.

 

 To read the post tootle over to Artificial Intelligence 

Your Monday Panzerism

 Panzer on training your human:

Never wake up a cat with a stupid question like:

"Who's a good kitty?"

This is doubly true in the Winter ...

Wake me when Spring come.*

Because we're not sleeping ...

We're hibernating much like bears.

The only difference between them and us is ...

Cats are meaner when you wake us up.

 

*From Cat Wisdom for humans

Your Free Sunday Jigsaw Puzzle:Mine

Hint

Here's your Sunday jigsaw puzzle.

As always remember at the puzzle site to click the square in the lower left corner to see the finished puzzle.

Have fun!

To do the puzzle tootle over to Mine

Free Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine's Fiction Podcast: The Picardy Third

You do remember it's a holiday here, right?

If you like your mysteries short, Panzer found one for you at the Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine's Fiction Podcast site.

 

The episode The Picardy Third is written and read by author Jacqueline Freimor. It's 37 minutes long including the intro.

 

Make a cup of tea, snuggle up in a blanket and enjoy!

 

To listen to the episode tootle over to EQMM Podcast

Your Saturday Free Sci-Fi Movie: The Earth Dies Screaming

It wasn't easy finding this.

For those of you who like sci-fi movies Panzer found this one on the Vintage Escape channel on YouTube.

It's called The Earth Dies Screaming and was made in 1964. It's in black and white and 1+ hour long.

Make some popcorn and enjoy the movie.

To watch the movie tootle over to The Earth Dies Screaming

Veterans' Day

 

Free Cozy Mystery Audiobook: Seems Like Murder

No spoilers! I'll listen later.

For those of you who prefer cozy mystery audiobooks, Panzer found one for you on YouTube.

 

The audiobook Seems Like Murder is written by Dorothy Howell and narrated by Janine Bartell. It's 7 hours 35 minutes long.

 

Grab a cup of cocoa and snuggle up in a blanket while you try to figure out whodunnit.

Have fun! 

To listen to the audiobook tootle over to Seems Like Murder

Free Sweet Small Town Romance Audiobook: Battling Ben

Next stop: Mystery.

For all you enemies-to-lovers romance audiobook lovers, Panzer found one for you.

 

The audiobook Battling Ben is written by Ranee Clark and narrated by Sky Alley. It's 3 hours 37 minutes long.

 

As with all the romance audiobooks your friendly kitty finds, it's free for your listening.

Enjoy!

To listen to the romance tootle over to Battling Ben

Additional Daggers Due - The Rap Sheet

Know the answer?

Panzer made a quick trip to The Rap Sheet site. There our inquisitive kitty found a post about the British Crime Writers Association's (CWA) Dagger Awards.

 

J. Kingston Pierce posts about "two brand new Dagger awards being handed out in 2025" as reported in a CWA press release. They are the Twisted and Whodunnit Daggers.

 

 Panzer says, "Well, this little kitty knows those two tropes. Do you?"

This is a medium length post. Bring a cup of cocoa for your reading today.

To read the post tootle over to Daggers

Taking a Closer Look at the FTC Lawsuit Against Amazon - Publishers Weekly

There's a lot of information included.

Today, Panzer made a stop at the Publishers Weekly site. With a little digging in the posts our adventuresome kitty found one about the FTC's lawsuit against Amazon. He told you about the lawsuit when it was filed in September.

Jim Milliot's post contains newly available information in the FTC's lawsuit. Not only are Amazon's sales tactics at issue, but also the company's ability to gather customer information and present personalized purchase choices.

Panzer says, "It looks like they accuse Amazon of everything except stealing the neighbor's dog.""

Note: This is a very, very long post. Bring a cup of warm cocoa, a muffin, a brownie and a chocolate chip cookie (biscuit) to snack on while you read this.

 

To read the post tootle over to FTC Lawsuit

To read Panzer's previous post about the FTC lawsuit tootle over to Lawsuit Against Amazon

Murder, He Wrote - The Rap Sheet

Today, Panzer* made a trip to The Rap Sheet site. There he discovered a post about Peter S. Fischer and the TV series Murder, She Wrote.

 

According to J. Kingston Pierce's post, Peter S. Fischer was the co-creator of Murder, She Wrote. The post describes the other TV series he wrote scripts for and his later career as an author. He died on October 30 in California.

 

 Panzer says, "This little kitty didn't know any of the things in the post about him."

 To read the post tootle over to Murder He Wrote

 

 *For some reason Blogspot/blogger is blocking my images, so no photo of your favorite kitty today. : (

Amazon Sues Scammers Targeting Authors - Publishers Weekly

As Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere he heard clapping and cheering outside the Panzermobile. Following all the noise took him to the Publishers Weekly site. There our intrepid kitty traveler found a post about Amazon was causing the hoopla.

 

Not smart at all.

According to Andrew Albanese's post, last month Amazon filed a lawsuit against a group which scams authors into believing they're dealing with Amazon's websites and representatives. The victims think they're paying Amazon for publishing services, but, instead, they get either nothing for their money or worthless junk..

Panzer says, "The scammers should know you don't mess with Amazon."

Note: This is a short medium length post. Bring a cup of cocoa for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Amazon Sues Scammers

Your Monday Panzerism

 Panzer on ownership:

 

Finders keepers. It's yours.*

Why are you telling me there's a mouse in the kitchen?

 

You saw it first.

 

Seriously ...

 

It's okay. You can have it.

 

 

 

 

*From Cat Wisdom for humans

Your Free Sunday Jigsaw Puzzle: Peek-a-Boo

Hint

Here's your Sunday jigsaw puzzle.

As always, remember at the puzzle site to click the square in the lower left corner to see the finished puzzle.

Have fun!

To do the puzzle tootle over to Peek-a-Boo

Your Free Saturday Classic Sci Fi Movie: Phantom From Space

A short nap. Then popcorn.

For those of you who like sci fi movies Panzer found one on the Broken Trout channel on YouTube.

The vintage 1953 movie Phantom From Space is in black and white. It's 1 hour 12 minutes long.

Make some popcorn and enjoy the movie.

To watch the movie tootle over to Phantom From Space

Free Mystery Podcast: MysteryRat's Maze Podcast - When A Prank Goes Bad

Ready for the time change?

Today, Panzer is taking you to the Mysteryrat's Maze Podcast.

 

The podcast episode When A Prank Goes Bad is written by Frank R. Clark and narrated by Theodore Fox. It's 8+ minutes long including the intro and exit..

 

As always the episode is free for your listening.

This is a Halloween themed episode. 

 

Enjoy!

To listen to the episode tootle over to MysteryRat's Maze

Free Post Apocalyptic Dystopian Audiobook: Addict of the Wasteland

Nap time.

For those of you who like dystopian audiobooks Panzer has one for you.

 

The Addict of the Wasteland is written by sff author Jon Cronshaw. It's a novella and 1 hour long.

 

As always with all Panzer's treasures, it's free for your listening.

To listen to he audiobook tootle over to Addict of the Wasteland

Free Amish Romance Audiobook: The Amish Bachelor

Remember the cookies.

Today Panzer thought you might like a clean Amish romance audiobook to listen to.

 

The audiobook The Amish Bachelor is written by Samantha Price. It's part of the seven book series about seven brother. It's 3 hours 13 minutes long.

 

Make a cup of hot cocoa, snuggle up in a warm blanket and enjoy the romance.

To listen to the audiobook tootle over to The Amish Bachelor

Free Self Publishing With Dale Podcast: Huge News: KDP Publishing Audiobooks???

It's Friday.

Panzer thought you might like to watch a podcast about Amazon and AI narrated audiobooks. He told you about Amazon's beta test of AI narrated audiobooks earlier this week.

Dale L. Roberts' podcast episode is 32 minutes long. It covers not only Amazon's original announcement, but his speculation about what the future might be for Amazon's audiobooks market.

Enjoy!

To watch the video tootle over to KDP and AI Audiobooks

London: Top Publishing Organizations on AI Protection - Publishing Perspectives

We need to watch what happens.

Today's trip into the Catosphere took Panzer to the Publishing Perspectives site. With just a tiny bit of digging in the posts he found one by Porter Anderson about AI's place in publishing.

The post describes what the UK's Publishers Association, the Society of Authors, the Association of Authors and Agents, and the Authors Licensing and Collecting Society have said in a statement explaining their position on the use of AI in publishing. The post includes the statement as well as links to other information on each group.

 

Panzer says, "Here's what this little kitty thinks it says: AI can't think, feel and create on its own like a human can. So, no it can't write books. Only humans can write books."

Note: This is a long post because it includes the statement. Bring a cup of tea and a chocolate chip cookie (biscuit) to snack on while you read.

 

To read the post tootle over to On AI Protection

Kindle Direct Publishing Will Beta Virtual Voice-Narrated Audiobooks - Publishers Weekly

How many voices will there be?

Today Panzer was shaken from his nap in his kitty bed by loud ooohing and aaahing and "It's about time," coming from the Catosphere. Hopping in the Panzermobile, our brave kitty boy followed all the noise to the Publishers Weekly site. There he discovered a post about Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) audiobooks.

 

According to the post, KDP announced in the Kindle Direct Publishing Community Forum they will begin beta testing virtual voice narrated audiobooks. (That means AI-narrated audiobooks.) The books chosen for the beta testing will be by invitation only. The post includes a link to the Community Forum announcement.

 

 Panzer says, "Interesting. ... Google has been letting authors do AI narrated books for several months now."

 

 Note: This is a short post as is the announcement at the Community Forum. Bring a cup of tea for your reading today.

 To read the post tootle over to KDP virtual voice audiobooks