The Final Sacrament by Forrester Giveaway, IWSG Contest, and Book Posters

t's giveaway day!

A short while ago I reviewed James Forrester's The Final Sacrament. Now you can enter to win a copy of the book -- just leave a comment below!

The Final Sacrament Spotlight and Giveaway

"A royal scandal, a secret code, a Tudor mystery, non-stop action and vivid historical detail – it's no wonder historical novelist James Forrester's Elizabethan trilogy has received international acclaim:

"For twists and turns, codes and clues, Mr. Forrester beats Dan Brown, and when it comes to social detail, he is up there with Patricia Finney" -- The Wall Street Journal

"A winner for any reader who loves historical, action-packed novels." -- Kirkus Reviews (Starred)

"James Forrester captures the sights, smells, and dangers of Tudor England and tells a gripping story." -- Philippa Gregory, author of The Other Boleyn Girl

To celebrate the last chapter in the series, look for opportunities to win a print copy of The Final Sacrament every day this week, with bloggers around the book blogging community!

December Giveaway Schedule for The Final Sacrament:

12/9 – A Bookish Affair
12/10 – Mina's Bookshelf
12/11 – The Girdle of Melian
12/12 – Tales of a Ravenous Reader
12/13 – So Many Precious Books, So Little Time
12/16 – Books by the Willow Tree

ABOUT THE BOOK

1566. William Harley, Clarenceux King of Arms, has risked his life to protect a secret document, one which could endanger Queen Elizabeth's legitimacy on the throne. But when his family goes missing, Clarenceux is put to the test. Will he abandon queen and country to save the ones he loves, or sacrifice everything to keep the country from plunging into civil war?

Filled with Forrester's signature historical detail, vivid characters, and secret clues that slowly reveal the mystery of Anne Boleyn, The Final Sacrament delivers a gripping conclusion to this Elizabethan adventure, where religious tensions, political intrigue, and personal vendettas collide.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

James Forrester is the pen name of acclaimed British historian Ian Mortimer, author of nonfiction works including The Time Traveler's Guide to Medieval England (a Sunday Times bestseller). He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society in 1998, and was awarded the Alexander Prize in 2004 by the Royal Historical Society for his work on the social history of medicine."

As if that wasn't enough, the wonderful hosts of Insecure Writer's Support Group Day are hosting a contest!

"Let people know the two ways they can benefit from the IWSG website:

1 -- It's a database of information, focusing on major links, other databases, and resources for writers. Topics include writing tips; publishers, agents, and queries; self-publishing; marketing; contests; publications; and services. Each page is a wealth of information, leading to some of the top sites for authors, and we also post information to help writers every Monday.

2 -- The IWSG itself – the first Wednesday of every month is the official posting day for those with blogs. Members post their insecurities, frustrations, and concerns, and others stop by to offer encouragement and advice. The kindness and words of wisdom have kept writers going when they were ready to quit. Many have discovered solutions to their problems. Friendships have been forged and critique partners established.

Help us spread the word –
Tweeting – one entry
Google+ post – two entries
Facebook post – five entries
Blog post – ten entries

We have two prize packages that will be awarded:

Package one – North America only –
Autographed copy of Dead Witness by Joylene Nowall Butler
Autographed copy of The Circle of Friends, Book V... Heather by L. Diane Wolfe
Autographed copy of Overcoming Obstacles with SPUNK by L. Diane Wolfe
Autographed copies of The Keepers of Sulbreth and The Greater Good by Susan Gourley, plus swag

Package two – International –
5 page critique of a manuscript and a blog badge/banner from Michelle Wallace
EBook of How to Publish and Promote Your Book Now by L. Diane Wolfe
First chapter critique from Lynda R. Young
All three eBooks of the Cassa series by Alex J. Cavanaugh
EBooks Christine's Odyssey and Saving Sam by J. L. Campbell

As you spread the word, come back and fill out the form below.

Contest is open until December 16 – winners will be announced December 18."

Our Forum collaborative story is in full swing! It's titled Winter Solstice and begins with the main character, Gabriel, affirming that "the shortest day of the year would not be his last."

Of course, things rarely go smoothly on a dark and stormy night, and Gabriel has had many, shall we say, interesting run-ins with his neighbours so far...

My first contribution went up today, and I'll be doing another closer to the end. Still twenty days to go! Who knows what will happen next?

Also this week:

(you maybe can't tell from the photo but this is the giant poster I saw in Times Square, New York, back in October)

Speaking of posters, here's a stirring one I saw at the New York Public Library (which, if you're lucky enough to live in NYC, is hosting, this Sunday, Neil Gaiman reading Dickens' A Christmas Carol (squee!)):

Do you know of any other contests or giveaways?

Are you lucky enough to live in/near New York City?

How would you advertise books?