S&S Inks Joint Venture with Urano World Publishing - Publishers Weekly

Interesting fiction and non-fiction translations.

Today, Panzer went to the Publishers Weekly site. There he discovered a post about Simon and Schuster's latest expansion plans.

 

According to Jim Milliot's post, Simon and Schuster have signed an agreement with Urano World Publishing for translations (and distribution). The post includes information about when the program begins and some of the first books to be translated.

 

Panzer says, "This little kitty wonders who picked the first books, both fiction and non-fiction, to be translated."

 

Note:This is a short-medium length post. A cup of tea should be enough for while you read.

 

To read the post tootle over to Simon and Schuster

AGATHA AWARD WINNERS 2025: Malice Domestic - Mystery Fanfare

All that digging makes a cat tired.

With a little digging at the Mystery Fanfare site Panzer found a post by Janet Rudolph listing this year's Agatha Award Winners.

 

Panzer says, "The winners were announced at Malice Domestic."

 

Note: This is a very short post. You don't need to bring any snacks.

 

To read the post tootle over to Agatha Award Winners 2025 

Nods from the North - The Rap Sheet

That's a lot of Canadian crime writers.

Today, Panzer made a stop at The Rap Sheet site. There our talented kitty boy found a post about the Crime Writers of Canada (CWC).

 

J. Kingston Pierce's post lists the nominees for the Crime Writers of Canada Awards for Excellence. There are ten divisions. The post includes a link to the CWC's announcement with more information.

Panzer says, "There are a lot of nominees total in the ten divisions."

 

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 The Rap Sheet

64 Writing Contests in May 2025 - No entry fees - Publishing ... and Other Forms of Insanity

Didn't want to wait until tomorrow to post this.

Today Panzer made a quick trip into the Catosphere to the Publishing ... and Other Forms of Insanity site. There our inquisitive kitty boy found a post about writing contests in May.

 

Erica Verrilla's post lists 64 writing contests with submission deadlines in May. There are contests for fiction, short stories, and novels and for nonfiction. None charge an entry fee.

 

Panzer says, "Be sure to read the guidelines. Some of these have submissions deadlines of May 1 and some have entry restrictions."

 

Note: Since there are 64 contests listed this is a long post. You'll need to decide what to bring to snack on. 

To read the submission rules for the contests tootle over to 64 Writing Contests

A Monday Panzerism

Even Mom is right once in a while.

Panzer on choices:

 

Mom figured she could have a kitty

 

OR

 

a nice couch.

 

 She made the right choice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

* From Cat Wisdom for humans

Sunday Jigsaw Puzzle: What? I fit. It's mine.

Hint

Here's today's jigsaw puzzle.

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

 

Have fun with this one.

 

To do the puzzle tootle over to What? I fit. It's mine.

Free Classic Mystery Movie: Lady in The Death House

Enjoy the movie.

If you like a little bit of a thriller in your mystery movie, Panzer found this one on the PizzaFlix channel on Youtube.

 

Lady in The Death House is a black and white 1944 crime movie. It's 55 minutes long.

 

Grab your beverage of choice, make some popcorn or pizza and see if you can solve the crime before the end.

To watch the movie tootle over to Classic Mystery Movie

Free Regency Romance Audiobook: Love in Disguise

I'll find something else while you start with this one.

Panzer found this regency romance on the author's channel on Youtube.

 

The clean romance Love in Disguise is written by M.A. Nichols. It's 7 hours 52 minutes long.

 

Find a comfortable place to relax and enjoy this romance.

 

To listen to the audiobook tootle over to Love in Disguise

Free Cozy Mystery Audiobook: Iced Coffee Corruption

Another long week.

Panzer found this cozy mystery on the author's channel on Youtube.

 

Iced Coffee Corruption is written by Tonya Kappes. It's 6 hours 8 minutes long.

 

Find a comfy place to relax and see if you can solve the murder before the end.

 

Note: The first time I listened to this there were no ads, but the second time there were ads.

 

To listen to the audiobook tootle over to Cozy Mystery Audiobook

Free Regency Romance Audiobook:To Forge Her Fate

Wow! 10 hours long.

If you're a fan of regency romances, Panzer found this one on the author's channel on Youtube.

 

To Forge Her Fate is written by Kasey Stockton. It's narrated by Vicki-Jo Eva and 10 hours long.

 

The audiobook is so long you'll need to enjoy it both days this weekend.

 

To listen to the audiobook tootle over to Regency Romance

Reaching for Theakston Renown - The Rap Sheet

Read the novels on the list?

Panzer's next stop in the Catosphere today was at The Rap Sheet site. There our traveling kitty boy found an announcement about a prize for British crime novels.

 

J. Kingston Pierce's post lists all 18 of the novels nominated to the long list for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year.

 

Panzer says, "You'll need to go to The Rap Sheet to see the list and read about the prize."

 

Note: This is a medium length post. Bring a cup of tea and a muffin to snack on while you read."

 

To read the post tootle over to Theakston Crime Novel of the Year

Albert Whitman Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy - Publishers Weekly

This doesn't look good.

When Panzer stopped at the Publishers Weekly site today, he discovered some news about publisher Albert Whitman.

 

According to Claire Kirch's post, the 106 year old children's book publisher filed for bankruptcy. Included in the post are links to other information about the company, the creditors, and the bankruptcy.

 

Panzer says, "Authors who have contracts with the publisher are going to get pulled into this bankruptcy."

 

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

 

To read the post tootle over to Albert Whitman Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

37 Marvelous Writing Conferences and Workshops in May 2025 - Publishing ...and Other Forms of Insanity

See you tomorrow.

Panzer made a stop at the Publishing ... and Other Forms of Insanity site. There our travelling kitty found a post Writing Conferences in May.

 

Erica Verrillo's list includes 37 conferences and workshops happening in May. Some are online and some in-person and some are free to attend and some have fees to attend. Some have restrictions, so be sure to read the attendance guidelines.

 

Panzer says, "Some start the beginning of May, so you better hurry and apply to attend."

 

 Note: This is a long list. You'll need to decide what to bring to snack on.

 

To read the list tootle over to May Writing Conferences and Workshops

Facing US State Department Grant Terminations, Christopher Merrill Wins the 2025 Ottaway Award - Publishing Perspectives

I don't understand terminations. Why?

Today Panzer went to the Publishing Perspectives site where he found a post about the Ottaway Award.

 

According to Porter Anderson's post, it was announced yesterday that Christopher Merrill won the Ottaway Award for the Promotion of International Literature. Christopher Merrill is the director of the International Writing Program (IWP). Several links are included in the post to more information.

 

Panzer says, "The post also contains information about the U.S. government grant terminations and the impact that's had on the IWP."

 

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

 

To read the post tootle over to International Writing Program

Canva's New Visual Suite 2.0 Offers AI-Powered Design Tools for Everyone - PetaPixel*

It makes me tired just watching the video.

If you've ever wondered what Canva was or used it, Panzer found an announcement about major changes to the design tool.

 

Kate Garibaldi gives and indepth look at each of the new options Canva offers users. The end of the post contains a link to Canva's full video announcement.

 

Panzer says, " Canva is a totally different product now."

 

 Note. This is a long post. You'll need to decide what to bring to snack on while you read. If you follow the link at the end of the post, the video is one hour long.

 

To read the post tootle over to Canvas Visual Suite 2.0

 __________

 

*A tip of the kitty fedora to Nate Hoffelder's Morning Coffee newsletter for the link to this announcement.

More Killer Nashville Magazine April Issue Online

Every month they add to the Table of Contents.

Today, Panzer discovered another short story and more writers craft articles added to the Table of Contents list on the April issue of Killer Nashville Magazine on the site.

 

At the page click the tittle of interest to you in the Table of Contents list and you'll be taken to that page.

 

To read the issue tootle over to Killer Nashville Magazine

A Monday Panzerism

 Panzer on the look of innocence: 

Did you pay that bill yet?*

Oh, your credit card bill came today?

 

Who joined the Catnip of the Month Club?

 

Hmm ...

 

How would I know?

 

 

 

 

 

*From Cat Wisdom for humans

Sunday Jigsaw Puzzle: Happy Easter

Hint

Here's your weekly jigsaw puzzle.

 

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

 

This puzzle is one of the hardest to date.

 

Happy Easter!

 

To do the puzzle tootle over to Happy Easter!

Free Classic Mystery Movie: The Big Bluff

Tomorrow will be here sooner than you think.

Panzer found this mystery movie on the Timeless Classic Movies channel on Youtube.

 

The Big Bluff is a 1955black and white noir drama movie. It's 1 hour 11 minutes long.

 

Grab your berage of choice, make a bowl of popcorn and enjoy the movie.

 

To watch the movie tootle over to The Big Bluff

Free Classic Horror Audio: The Lawyer and the Ghost

Well, that wasn't what I expected.

If you like your short stories a little creepy, Panzer found this one on the Classic Audiobooks with Elliot channel on Youtube.

 

The Lawyer and the Ghost was written by Charles Dickens. It's 7 minutes long.

 

Make a cup of tea, find a comfortable place to sit and listen to this scary little piece of fiction (or is it?).

 

To listen to the audio tootle over to Horror Short Story

Free Clean Fantasy Romance: Midian

It's a romantasy.

For those of you who like romantasy Panzer found this one on the author's channel on Youtube.

 

Midian is written by Andrea Pearson. It's 1 hour 49 minutes long.

 

Find a comfy place to relax and enjoy this clean romance.

 

To listen to the audiobook tootle over to Fantasy Romance Audiobook

Free Clean Romance: Finding Liberty

See you tomorrow.

Here's a clean romance Panzer found on the author's channel on Youtube.

 

Finding Liberty is written by B.E. Baker. It's narrated by Jennifer Araya and 10 hours 54 minutes long. 

 

The weekend is a perfect time to listen to this clean romance. Enjoy!

 

Note: This audiobook has ads. 

 

To listen to the audiobook tootle over to Clean Romance

Free Cozy Mystery Audiobook:Cupcakes and Chaos

I'll be back with your romance.

Panzer found this cozy whodunit on the author's channel on Youtube.

 

Cupcakes and Chaos is written by Lisa Siefert. It's 5 hours 33 minutes long.

 

This cozy mystery is long enough you'll probably want to listen to it while you're running errands. Have fun!

 

To listen to the audiobook tootle over to Cozy Mystery Audiobook

International Thriller Writers Thrillerfest Schedule Announced

All day long both days? No nap times.

If you're planning to attend Thrillerfest, the full schedule has been posted online.

 

Thrillerfest is June 20 - 21 in New York. Panels will run all day both days. Saturday evening will be the Awards Banquet. To see the attendance prices, click the Registration drop down, then click Prices.

 

You can read the schedule online or download it as a PDF.

 

To see the schedule tootle over to Thrillerfest Schedule

Impressive Efforts All Around - The Rap Sheet

Mom recognizes some of them.

Today Panzer went to The Rap Sheet site. There he discovered a post about the Crime Writer Association's Dagger Awards.

 

J. Livingston Pierce's post lists the 11 categories and the nominees in each for the CWA awards..

 

 Panzer says, "This little kitty is sure you'll recognize some of the names in the nominee lists."

 

Note: Because the post lists all the categories and all the nominees in each category, this post is huge. You'll need to decide what to bring to snack on.

 

To read the post tootle over to CWA Awards Shortlist

Meta AI Lawsuit U.S. Publishers File Amicus Brief - Publishing Perspectives

Take it without permission and you think it's yours?

Panzer's trip into the Catosphere today took him to the Publishing Perspectives site. There our inquisitive little kitty found a post about the lawsuit against Meta's AI training.

 

According to Porter Anderson's post, the Association of American Publishers (AAP) has filed an amicus brief in the copyright infringement lawsuit against Meta. The case surrounds Meta's training of their AI with books used without the authors permission. Also included in the post are links to more information about the lawsuit including a copy of the amicus brief.

 

Panzer says, "It came out in court that Meta got the books they used from a pirate site. Come on. A pirate site? And you think that's legal?"

 

Note: This is a humongous post. You'll need to decide what to bring to snack on; especially, if you're going to follow the links..

 

To read the post tootle over to Meta AI

Spotify Expands Audiobook Service to German-Speaking Markets - Publishers Weekly

They've got 350,000 audiobooks.

Today, Panzer stopped in at the Publishers Weekly site where he found a post about Spotify.

 

According to Ed Nawotka's  post, Spotify is opening in the German-speaking market today. The expansion won't be limited to Germany, but will instead be opening in German-speaking countries.

 

Panzer says, "It hasn't taken Spotify very long to start nipping at Amazon's heels."

 

Note: This is a long post. You'll need to decide what you want to bring to snack on.

 

To read the post tootle over to Spotify Expansion

Kerry Greenwood, author of th Phryne Fisher series, dies aged 70 - ABC News

Last week Panzer told you about the death of mystery author Kerry Greenwood.  Today on his travels in the Catosphere he found a post at the ABC News site with more indepth information about the Australian author.

 

To read the post tootle over to Kerry Greenwood - Author

To read the previous post tootle over to Kerry Greenwood RIP 

The Crime Lady: Changing Guard

It's always interesting when a new editor take over.

In February Panzer told you about the sale of Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine (EQMM). Today, he found a follow-up interview with the new Editor In Chief.

 

Sarah Weinman's post covers the new EIC's plans for EQMM in the future.

 

Panzer says, "If you're a mystery writer, you'll want to read the interview."

 

Note:This is a long post. You'll need to decide what to bring to snack on.

 

To read the post tootle over to Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine

To read the previous post about the magazines' sales tootle over to Analog Asimov's and SF&F 

A Monday Panzerism

 Panzer on the human misconception of their own importance:

 

Mom told me that if parents compliment children it boosts their confidence.

She said that's a good thing.

 

But ...

 

She needs to learn you don't ever compliment a cat.

N-o-o-o-o ... a real bad idea.

 

Cats will always take such sentiments and turn them into moments of disbelief

 

and ...

 

then hilarity.

 

Where's the dog?*

How dare a mere human ... an inferior species to cats ... pass judgement on us ... 

with statements like "Good kitty" and "What a smart boy." 

*From Cat Wisdom for humans

Your Sunday Puzzle: Let me in. Now!

Hint

Here's today's jigsaw puzzle.

 

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

 

This one is a big challenge.

 

Have fun!

 

To do the puzzle tootle over to Let me in. Now!

Free Classic Mystery Movie: The 39 Steps

See you tomorrow.

If you like classic murder mysteries, Panzer found this movie on the Youtube Movies and TV channel on Youtube.

 

The 39 Steps is a 1935 black and white spy movie that takes place in London. (90 years old. Now that's a classic movie.)

 

Grab your beverage of choice, make some popcorn and enjoy the movie.

 

To watch the movie tootle over to Murder Mystery Movie

Free Audio: The Magic Shop

I'll be right back.

If you like you audios short with a little magic thrown in, Panzer found this one on the Sherlock Holmes Stories Magpie Audio channel on Youtube.

 

The Magic Shop was written by H.G. Wells. It's read by Greg Wagland and 27 minutes long.

 

Find a comfortable place to relax and enjoy the story.

 

To listen to the audio tootle over to H.G. Wells

Free Romance Audiobook: Married to My Boss

A little laughter to lighten your weekend.

Panzer found this romantic comedy audiobook on the author's channel on Youtube.

 

The marriage of convenience audiobook Married to My Boss is written by Laura Burton. It's narrated by Shaina Summerville and Samuel James and is 5 hours 26 minutes long.

 

Find a comfy place to relax and enjoy this romcom.

 

To listen to the audiobook tootle over to Romance Audiobook

Free Mystery Audiobook: A Body on the Beach

Another day to mark off the calendar.

Here's a mystery thriller audiobook Panzer found on the Ada D. Jones channel on Youtube.

 

 A Body on the Beach is written by P. F. Ford. It's narrated by Andy Creswell and is 7 hours 21 minutes long.

 

If you've got some errands or housework to do, you can enjoy this mystery while you do them.

 

To listen to the audiobook tootle over to Mystery Thriller Audiobook

Free Regency Romance Audiobook: The Barrister and the Wallflower

Off to find a mystery next.

Panzer found this Regency-era clean romance on the author's channel on Youtube.

 

The friends to lovers romance The Barrister and the Wallflower is written by Angela E. Johnson. It's narrated by Grace Noble and is 7 hours 7 minutes long.

 

This audiobook is long enough you might want to plan your listening around your errands and jogging times. 

To listen to the audiobook tootle over to Regency Romance

 

 

Generative AI and Copyrightability: Report From the US Copyright Office - Writer Beware (R)

It's easier to understand if you read both posts.

Here's another AI copyright post Panzer found today. This one is at the Writer Beware (R) site.

 

 In the post Victoria Strauss explains various areas of a new report released by the U.S. Copyright Office. The report covers when and why the Office will and will not copyright material.

 

Panzer says, "This post fits right into the post from Publishers Weekly." 

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

 

To read the Writer Beware (R) post tootle over to Generative AI and Copyrightability

 

 

Politicians Assert U.S. Constititution Mandates Protecting Creativity - Publishers Weekly

It's interesting reading,

Today, Panzer made a trip to the Publishers Weekly site. With a little digging in the posts he found one about AI and copyright protection for creators.

 .

The post by Ed Nawotka includes information from U.S. senators and the history of U.S. copyright and its inclusion in the U.S. Constitution.

 

Panzer says, "This little kitty didn't know copyright protection was in the U.S. Constitution."

 

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

 

 To read the Publishers Weekly post tootle over to Protecting Creativity

Kerry Greenwood R.I.P. - Mystery Fanfare

 Janet Rudolph reports the death of Australian mystery author Kerry Greenwood at Mystery Fanfare blog.

 

To read the full announcement tootle over to  Kerry Greenwood R.I.P.

Bigme B7 is a color E Ink tablet with 4G LTE, a camera, and a digital pen - Liliputing

This kitty wants to know.

Here's a post Panzer found about the Bigme B7 at the liliputing site today.

 

Brad Linder's post explains all the features of the Bigme B7 and the price. The post includes links to other information about the device as well.

 

 Panzer says, "Inquiring kitties want to know: Is it a tablet? Is it a camera? Is it a phone?"

 

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

 

To read the post tootle over to Bigme-B7

New Killer Nashville Magazine Online

Enjoy the issue.

Panzer found this week's April Killer Nashville Magazine online.

 

There's short stories, poetry and nonfiction included in the magazine.

 

Panzer says,"Of interest to (U.S.) mystery writers is an article about Miranda Rights."

 

Note: You'll need to decide what to bring to snack on.

 

 To read the issue tootle over to Killer Nashville

A Monday Panzerism

 

It takes practice.*

Panzer on empathy:

 

You must open your heart to feel

As you must open your eyes to see.

 

Usually, I just jump on anything that moves and rip it apart.

 

 

 

 

* From Cat Wisdom for humans

Your Sunday Jigsaw Puzzle: I see you. Do you see me?

Hint

Here's you Sunday puzzle.

 

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

 

Have fun with this one. Hope you're keeping track of your time to finish it. 

To do the puzzle tootle over to I see you. Do you see me?

A Little Music For A Better Day

Tomorrow is a new day.

If you're caught up in this week's craziness, here's something to help you feel a little more in control.

 

Panzer found this music online at the singer's channel on Youtube.

 

To listen to the song tootle over to Panzer loves it.

Free Classic Movie: Patterns

I am so tired of this week.

If you'd like a movie where nobody gets shot, killed or kidnapped, Panzer found this one for you on the PizzaFix channel on Youtube.

 

Patterns is a 1956 black and white movie with a look at business ethics and morals.

 

This is not a murder mystery movie. 

Grab your beverage of choice, make some popcorn and enjoy the movie.

 

To watch the movie tootle over to Patterns

Free Fake Relationship Romance Audiobook: The Uptight Billionaire

After this week I need to laugh at something.

Panzer found this sweet romance on the Krista Wagner Avid Writer channel on Youtube.

 

The Uptight Billionaire is written by Christina Ryan. It's 4 hours 7 minutes long.

 

Find a comfortable place to relax and enjoy this funny romance.

 

To listen to the audiobook tootle over to Fake Relationship Romance

Free Mystery Audio: Blotted Out

See you tomorrow.

Here's a mystery suspense audiobook Panzer found on the Storytime Haven channel on Youtube.

 

Blotted Out is written by Elizabeth Sanxay Holding. It's 3 hours 20 minutes long.

 

Find a comfortable place to relax and enjoy this mystery.

 

To listen to the audio tootle over to Blotted Out

 

 

Free Cowboy Romance Audiobook: Craving the Cowboy

Off to look for something else.

If you like cowboy romances, Panzer found this one on the Feel Good Fiction channel on Youtube.

 

The clean romance Craving the Cowboy was written by Liz Isaacson. It's narrated by Caroline McLaughlin and 5 hours long.

 

If you've got some errands or a hike planned, you can listen to this romance while you do them.

 

Note: The audiobook does have ads, so this may not be for you.

 

To listen to the audiobook tootle over to Craving the Cowboy 

Free MysteryRat's Podcast Episode: Pleasant Drive

We'll start here.

 For those of you who like your mystery short Panzer found this one at the MysteryRat's Maze podcast.

 

 Pleasant Drive was written by Chelle Martin. It's read by Sean Hopper and 23 minutes long.

 

Make a cup of tea and enjoy the mystery.

 

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

SMFS Official Announcement: 2025 Derringer Award Finalists - SMFS Blog

We didn't enter, so we're not on the list. Maybe next year.

If you read on the top of the right side column here, you'll see Mom and Panzer are members of the Short Mystery Fiction Society (SMFS).

 

As the headline above says, the SMFS just announced this year's Derringer finalists. Only members of the SMFS can vote, but the list of finalists can be viewed by anyone. The winner in each of the categories will be announced May 1.

 

To read the list of finalists in each category tootle over to SMFS Derringer Award Finalists

NaNoWriMo shut down after AI, content moderation scandals - TechCrunch

Haven't done it for a while. It wasn't fun anymore.

Panzer was shaken from his kitty nap by loud noises coming from the Catosphere. Hopping into the Panzermobile, our brave kitty boy followed all the hoopla to the TechCrunch site. There he discovered a post that explained all the angst.

 

According to a post by Amanda Silberling, NaNoWriMo has announced it is shutting down. The post includes a link to a video about the closure.

 

Panzer says, "This little kitty quit doing it a few years ago."

 

Note: This is a short-medium length post. A cup of tea will be enough to snack on. If you want to watch the video, bring a muffin too.

 

To read the post tootle over to NaNoWriMo

Irish Author Bruen Passes On - The Rap Sheet

You will be missed.

Today, Panzer stopped in at The Rap Sheet site. There he found a post about the death of crime fiction author Ken Bruen.

 

J. Kingston Pierce's post contains links to several posts and tributes to the Irish author.

 

To read the post tootle over to Ken Bruen