Dorchester and TextNovel.com have announced the top vote-getters for America’s Next Best Celler contest. These entries are now semi-finalists in the contest to win a book contract. Dorchester editors will choose 10 from the following list to be our finalists. On Nov. 16th voting will open once again. [Edited: Sorry, my mistake.]
Meantime, take a look and tell us your favorites.
1. Manhunt
2. Muse Struck
4. Stay
7. Confessions of the World’s Oldest Shotgun Bride
8. Fae Nights
9. How to Lose a Demon in 10 Days
11. Courting Demons
12. Daughter of Fire
13. Vampire Vacation
15. Enchanted Season
16. Death Waylaid: Passion of the Psychic
17. Primitive Nights
18. Tossing the Gloves: How to Love a Hockey Player
19. Highland Magic
20. The Hooded Man
21. Enchantment
November 5, 2009 at 9:04 pm
I loved Fae Nights! Definitely my favorite! (I hope she makes it to the finals…)
November 6, 2009 at 9:34 am
Vampire vacation is a must read. Couldn’t stop reading it.
November 6, 2009 at 9:58 am
First of all, I have to say thanks for sponsoring this contest. This has been such an educational experience and TN has provided a great forum for networking and feedback.
I like many of the stories that made it to the top twenty, there’s a ridiculous amount of talent there. So many of the authors have a lot to offer the industry and not just with the quality of the work they produce, but with the kind of people they are.
I don’t envy you the choice of having to choose just one. They’re like Pringles. Once you pop, you can’t stop. My TBR pile has seen no movement since August because I’ve been trying to keep up with all of the stories I’ve gotten attached to on TN.
Best of luck to everyone!
*If this is a double post, my apologies. I tried to post yesterday, but I was denied like a chubby girl at prom.
November 6, 2009 at 10:57 am
Vampire Vacation is an excellent book! The characters are complex and have great chemistry! Definitely the one that I hope makes it all the way!
November 6, 2009 at 11:15 am
How could one possibly pick a favorite from so much talent? I know one thing.
I’ve met 20 ladies who will be on the bookstore shelves in record time. And while the competition has been fierce, I’ve made many, many new (and outrgeously gifted) friends.
All of the stories are amazing. I don’t envy Dorchester’s editors their task but I am ever so grateful for this opportunity.
November 6, 2009 at 11:20 am
I enjoyed most of the books in the competition, but my favorite would have to be Muse Struck. Dante and Chamille make me laugh and I want to see what it would take for Chamille to finally give Dante that kiss. They’re so completely different and great foils to each other. Their interactions make me smile and laugh, not to mention Dante is just such a cad. :] I’d love to see Muse Struck make the finals, and even better, see it win.
November 6, 2009 at 11:44 am
I’m another Muse Struck fan! I would love to see Muse Struck make it to the shelves.
November 6, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Yes, thank you Dorchester for such an amazing experience. I thought I was just going to put up a novel to get used to exposure and gain some criticism. Instead, I came out of this end with a novel that landed as one of the top 10 in popular votes and half of the authors as friends, supporters, and partners in writing. This whole experience is mind-blowing to a newbie such as myself.
I can never have just one of anything, but here are a few stories in the top 21 that get the tingles flowing when I see updates.
Muse Struck: I haven’t seen any one take on the mythology tale quite like Liane. It’s laugh-out-loud funny and the characterization is so well done that there is no need to have “he said/she said”. You know who is speaking just by the way the sentence reads.
Confessions Of the World’s Oldest Shotgun Bride: I wasn’t a contemporary romance fan until I read this. Gail’s writing flows so naturally that it produced an instant jealousy streak in me. The storyline is timely and really, who wouldn’t wan their own flyboy? Just thinking about her characters makes me sigh.
How To Lose A demon In 10 Days: I was warned not to partake of liquids while reading this one. I should have listened. My computer screen would have thanked me for it. Saranna wit and intelligence shines throughout her work, whether it’s manifests between her main characters, demon crabs (you didn’t hear me, but I just snort-laughed) or truly evil mobsters.
Tossing The Gloves: I hate sports. Christy has shown me the error of my ways with her spunky heroine, Sarah, and her dreamy hero, and part-time lug, Nathan. My heart gets all gooey just thinking about them.
Last one, promise.
Highland Magic: From the first page, I knew that this wasn’t my typical time-travel romance (a la Jamie and Claire). Valorie wove magic with reality in such a way, I was hooked. Then and there, I became her supporter. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. I’ll cry for the publisher that doesn’t pick this novel up.
Oh, man, Daughter of Fire, Death Waylaid…you certainly do not have an easy decision with some absolutely fabulous writers on your plate. I picked only a few of the gems in the semi-finals, but by no means are they the limit. Everyone up there blows me away with their talent. I’m happy to be part of this select group!
November 6, 2009 at 12:35 pm
I love this contest. So many good reads to choose from.
I really enjoyed The hooded man. It was a different way of looking at Robin Hood.
I also liked Redeeming Characters and Daughter of Fire.
November 6, 2009 at 12:41 pm
It is too difficult to choose a favorite from this list. Every one is a gem. What I love about the semi-finalists listed is the diversity of the entries. You have something for everyone here. Contemporary, Paranormal, you name it.
Even the paranormal is diverse. With this contest we have Greek Gods, Demons, Pele the Goddess of Fire, powerful pyschics, and vampires.
Personally I am burnt out on the vampire angle in romance and the textnovel contest has delivered beyond the usual paranormal offerings.
November 6, 2009 at 12:55 pm
I LOVED How to Lose a Demon in 10 Days! I enjoyed each and every chapter and I recommended it to friends. It was great fun, never a dull moment in there. I think this story deserves to go all the way.
November 6, 2009 at 1:07 pm
So many were really good,but my favorite was Vampire Vacation. I really liked the unique take with the married couple and the suspense. Who says there can’t be romance when you’re married?
Why aren’t there more books like this out there? I can’t wait to buy my copy!
November 6, 2009 at 1:07 pm
It’s hard to pick just one favorite. Daughter of Fire and The Hooded Man are two of my favorites. I LOVE the way the author seamlessly writes. You are taken captive from the moment you start reading. I can’t wait to read more!!!!!
Congratulations to all of the authors.
November 6, 2009 at 1:09 pm
What a great arena – thank you for holding this contest. Out of all of the wonderful characters, books and authors, I’d have to say that The Hooded Man is my favorite to date.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
November 6, 2009 at 1:11 pm
Our pick for favorite book has to be Daughter of Fire. It’s so full of colorful characters and what a great story!
November 6, 2009 at 1:34 pm
So much talent on here! I’m honored to be among the semi-finalists because these are some super stories. I’ve enjoyed reading every single one!
November 6, 2009 at 1:39 pm
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November 6, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Great contest. I enjoyed the chance to read works from up and coming authors. I loved Daughter of Fire. Fun story with lots of real history in it. Engaging and accurate. A taste of Hawaii. The Hooded Man was wonderful. What a great new twist! Can’t wait to read the rest of these two wonderful stories.
November 6, 2009 at 1:57 pm
‘How to Lose a Demon in Ten Days’ has it all–wit, snark, wild humor, hotness, great characters & an imaginative plot! It’s my hands-down favorite!
November 6, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Dante and Camille in musestruck keep me in stitches. Also love how to lose a demon in 10days. These authors kill me with the humor.
November 6, 2009 at 2:41 pm
I’m so glad you started this thread. First, I want to thank Dorchester and of course Textnovel for putting on this contest. This has been the most amazing experience. No matter how far I go in this contest, I will take away what I’ve learned from it. Daily promoting and networking allowed me the opportunity to meet and read some of the most talented group of writers out there.
These are a few of my favorite stories:
Fae Nights, Muse Struck, How to Lose a Demon in 10 Days,
Confessions of the World’s Oldest Shot Gun Bride, The Hooded Man, Redeeming Characters,Death Waylaid: Passions of the Psychic,Tossing the Gloves: How to Love a Hockey Player.
And that’s just a few.
November 6, 2009 at 3:29 pm
Redeeming Characters became one of my favorite stories on textnovel as soon as I read the first chapter – and as the others I’ve co/written and know what happens, I’m a little biased. It really is an extraordinary work and I hope you send it through to the final round. It deserves to!
November 6, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Hands down, How to Lose a Demon in 10 Days~ Excellent fic!
November 6, 2009 at 5:24 pm
I really enjoyed Redeeming Characters. I hope it wins because I HAVE to know how it ends. Dorchester- don’t leave me hanging!
November 6, 2009 at 6:11 pm
My favorite is How To Lose a Demon in Ten Days. LOVE this one!
November 6, 2009 at 6:19 pm
All the stories are good butMuse Struck has it all! It pushes the envelope in all the right laces.
November 6, 2009 at 6:38 pm
My Goldstar, Five Diamond, Black Pearl vote goes for Liane Gentry Skye’s Musestruck..It’s a Gotta Win!!!.It was a ‘page-turner’ from beginning to end. Watching, waiting, anticipating that ‘culmination,’…that consummation…between Camille and Dante…hot, hot, hot!!! Two thumbs up!
November 6, 2009 at 6:42 pm
It’s going to be a tough competition.
Good luck to everyone!
Cheryl Kaye Tardif,
aka Cherish D’Angelo,
author of Lancelot’s Lady (Dorchester Next Best Celler Semi-Finalist)
November 6, 2009 at 7:07 pm
‘How to Lose a Demon in Ten Days’ has wit, style and panache. And it’s hot. Definitely my favourite.
November 6, 2009 at 7:22 pm
Redeeming Characters strikes just the right balance, having just enough detail to deliver great imagery but leaving enough to my imagination to keep me interested. And I appreciate a novel that I can recommend to my friends and relatives.
November 6, 2009 at 7:26 pm
I liked the Hawaii one, Daughter of Fire. Felt like I was really there. Very cool idea using Hawaiian myth. I haven’t seen that before.
November 6, 2009 at 7:42 pm
Vampire Vacation is HOT HOT HOT!!!
November 6, 2009 at 8:31 pm
XD Musestruck is great. Dante’s hilarious, and I’d love to see how he wins Chamille’s heart, helping her believe in true love again.
November 6, 2009 at 8:54 pm
Such a wonderful collection of stories! I’m in awe of all this wonderful talent.
I am especially fond of Muse Struck. It is an amazing story and one that I could read again and again!
November 6, 2009 at 9:26 pm
Muse Struck warmed my heart with the amazing plot and imagery. Liane Gentry Skye has oodles of talent and I can’t WAIT to read more of her work!!!
JAE EL
November 6, 2009 at 9:29 pm
I loved Vampire Vacation. It was a unique take on a old genre. I think this author is going to go far.
November 7, 2009 at 3:35 am
I have to vote for Vampire Vacation. the characters are intelligent and witty, the story flows very smoothly. it is a very enthralling book. I hope that it makes it all the way
November 7, 2009 at 2:13 pm
“How to Lose a Demon in Ten Days” has to be, by far, one of *the* best things I have read in years. I really really want to read the end and really really want to own a physical copy.
The story was smart, snarky, sexy, and just plain fresh. The author has a wicked sense of humour and a wicked way with words.
Having worked in a bookstore and retail for many years, I could easily sell this book and be confident that my customers will be just as delighted as I was by the story Saranna DeWylde weaves.
November 7, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Cheryl K. Tardif knows her audience and delivers admirably in her story, Lancelot’s Lady. I’m glad to see it high on the list.
November 7, 2009 at 3:08 pm
Vampire Vacation is a MUST read!! Awesome!!!
November 7, 2009 at 6:40 pm
Death Waylaid: Passion of the Psychic is a must read. Couldn’t stop reading it! What will Aurora do now?
November 7, 2009 at 6:47 pm
I won’t get any points for originality here – I’m humbled to have made the semi-finals with such a talented group of writers, and grateful to Dorchester Publishing Co. for giving us this opportunity.
How to Lose a Demon in 10 Days, Muse Struck, and Fae Nights are funny and smokin’ hot, a combination I love.
I’d also recommend Tossing the Gloves, Daughter of Fire, and Highland Magic.
Of course, I love my own story, Confessions of the World’s Oldest Shotgun Bride, but then, I have to admit I’m biased.
November 7, 2009 at 6:49 pm
If I have to pick just one… Redeeming Characters. It is rare that both my wife and I can enjoy the same book, and this one appealed to both of us.
November 7, 2009 at 7:50 pm
The Dorchester contest through Textnovel.com has been an amazing competition to watch. I feel certain a number of these aspiring authors will wind up with books on the shelves as a result of boldly stepping out and trying true serialization, boldly testing their writing in a public venue and experimenting with networking.
Everyone here has worked to identify and grow their target audience and actively improve their writing skills. They should ALL be congratulated for pushing themselves so hard.
I do not envy Dorchester the choice they must make (there is truly something for everyone represented in this contest).
That said, I have to say that I hope to see the following in the top ten because not only am I becoming acquainted with the quality of their writing, but in these cases I’m also fortunate to be getting to know something about the women behind the writing. Each of them is distinctly different (as are their stories) and each would represent Dorchester proudly at signings and events like RWA Nationals.
In no particular order:
MUSE STRUCK by Liane Gentry Skye
HOW TO LOSE A DEMON IN 10 DAYS by Saranna DeWylde
CONFESSIONS OF THE WORLD’S OLDEST SHOTGUN BRIDE by Gail Hart
FAE NIGHTS by Robin Wright
STAY by Candi Wall
DAUGHTER OF FIRE by Courtney Sheets
REDEEMING CHARACTERS by Jennifer Hart
HIGHLAND MAGIC by Valorie Dorr
LANCELOT’S LADY by Cheryl K. Tardif
I would be proud to be on a panel with any one of them (or perhaps all…
.
I wish all the competitors great luck!
~Shannon
November 7, 2009 at 7:54 pm
My favorite is Tossing the Gloves. I’m addicted and can’t wait for each episode!!!
November 8, 2009 at 12:14 am
I agree with all the choices. Especially love Redeeming Characters, Tossing the Gloves, How to Lose a Demon, Highland Magic, Shotgun Bride, Musestruck, and Daughter of Fire, and Fae Nights
November 8, 2009 at 12:46 am
I think Christiana did a great job with Death’s Angel, and I really like Christy’s Tossing the Gloves. Fun voice. And How to Lose A Demon is smoking hot and hilarious. I definitely want a copy, but it isn’t one I’d pass on to my mother-in-law.
November 8, 2009 at 1:33 am
Vampire Vacation was my favorite and I read all of these. Vampire Vacation had my attention from the very first word to the last word. I loved every minute of it. YAY Vampire Vacation!!!!
November 8, 2009 at 2:05 am
Vampire Vacation was interesting and innovative. Who would have thought to create a world in which vampires have a vacation spot! Great read!
November 8, 2009 at 7:23 am
All of the stories I’ve read are good but I think Muse Struck has it all. It’s funny and original. There’s plenty of real emotion and it’s hot without being too smutty.
November 8, 2009 at 10:10 am
I have to admit I have not read all of these stories. I discovered Vampire Vacation and the author, C.J. Ellisson, on facebook where I got to read her chapters as she wrote them. She asked for feedback from her readers and clarified passages based on our responses.
It was amazing to be a part of this new writer’s journey and I’m grateful I got to be a part of it. The first person present tense style she uses is bold and fresh – it’s difficult to find a book that does it well and I think this story accomplishes that and more.
I felt transported into her world – like I was living the adventure as it unfolds. All of us on Facebook know C.J. came into the game really late on this contest and we were pulling for her.
I’d follow this writer anywhere – she appeals to both male and female readers alike. No small feat in the Urban Fantasy genre!
Here’s to hoping Vampire Vacation makes it to the next round!
November 8, 2009 at 11:20 am
Without a doubt…Vampire Vacation!!!!
November 8, 2009 at 3:20 pm
I am very biased of course, but I am forever impressed by the depth of Candi Wall’s work (STAY, WHAT SHE WAS MISSING, PRIMITIVE NIGHTS). Her characters haunt me long after I read their stories and I constantly root for a happy ending for them as I read along. The writing never deceive.
And oh, her heroes are ever so sexy
November 8, 2009 at 5:45 pm
This has been an incredible contest.
The talent is staggering, well beyond the list above, and the amazing stories that come in everyday are a must read for anyone.
I cannot, honestly, choose a favorite. There are too many who deserve a chance at publishing. Many I’m certain will grace my bookshelf someday.
I’m grateful for the wonderful friends and readers who’ve supported me and my stories throughout this contest and wish every one of the semi-finalists the very best luck.
Dorchester will be lucky to have any one of them.
November 8, 2009 at 6:53 pm
Lots of praise for Dorchester. This was both an entertaining and rewarding contest for fans and writers alike. And certainly congrats to all ABC semi-finalists.
My favorite… I do love a novel with memorable characters that linger in your mind long after you’ve set the book aside. The kind of book where such characters become pleasurable company that inspires you to read their story again,just for the enjoyment of spending more time with them.
“Stay”
“What She Was Missing” and
“Primitive Nights”
Are such stories with characters of heart, emotion, and persuasive qualities of strength, yet laced with endearing flaws. Characters who love and war while the author has you rooting for them when all seems lost. Passionate, fast-paced storytelling! My choices for the top ten.
Thanks to all of you for the fun journey.
John!
November 9, 2009 at 12:29 pm
This was such a great contest! A lot of good entries, but I def. liked Death’s Angel. Very unique and I loved the characters.
November 9, 2009 at 1:35 pm
[...] out to my critique partner and friend, author Liane Gentry Skye for making the semi-finals in Dorchester Publishing’s America’s Best-Celler Contest. Her novel, Muse Struck is wonderful and definitely deserves to be there. Fingers crossed, [...]
November 9, 2009 at 6:11 pm
I have to agree with most of the people on here…there are too many good stories to pick just one. So, I won’t!
I will, however, say thank you to Dorchester and Textnovel.com for this wonderful opportunity. I have met and made friends of some terrific authors and have enjoyed the compeition very much.
And now for a shameless plug for DEATH’S ANGEL…Death has a name; it’s Devlin O’Neal.
November 9, 2009 at 8:15 pm
I was lucky to read Vampire Vacation by C.J. Ellisson on facebook. This is a great start for C.J. She opened herself up to strangers and trusted our feedback as her fans. I have enjoyed following this journey with the new author and will enjoy the future projects. Vampire Vacation is a great read and I can not wait till it is out in stores to read over and over again.
November 9, 2009 at 8:25 pm
Hooded Man all the way!
November 9, 2009 at 8:32 pm
Vampire Vacation is my favorite. The author has given a unique twist to vampire-themed stories. There’s just enough action and adventure, flavored with the right amount of spiciness.
November 9, 2009 at 9:54 pm
[...] of course support our own Candi, if you like her stories, please please go tell Leah Hultenschmidt at Romantic Reads to help Candi make the cut as a finalist in the Best-Celler Dorchester contest! Possibly related [...]
November 9, 2009 at 9:59 pm
[...] of course support our own Candi, if you like her stories, please please go tell Leah Hultenschmidt at Romantic Reads to help Candi make the cut as a finalist in the Best-Celler Dorchester [...]
November 9, 2009 at 10:45 pm
Vampire Vacation – I think I’m over due for one of those! Great idea about vamps and hot monogomy in the land of the midnight sun. Looking foreward to the next e-book in the series.
Travis T.
November 10, 2009 at 1:26 am
What a great opportunity! Thanks to Leah and Textnovel.com for allowing me the opportunity to share my work.
I’ve enjoyed very much meeting and competing with such a great group of authors.
Thanks,
Christiana Cameron
author of semi-finalist–DEATH’S ANGEL
November 10, 2009 at 3:56 am
Death’s Angel was a special treat. Superb premise! It deserves to be a semi-finalist!
Congratulations to all the semi-finalists for a well done job.
November 10, 2009 at 8:34 am
Thanks to the editors of Dorchester for holding such a great contest on textnovel.com. And kudos to the founders of textnovel for such a unique platform!
I can see why the cell-phone noveling craze took off so well in Japan – it was great to have something new to look forward to in my inbox.
I haven’t had a chance to get to know all the writers in the contest yet, I was a late arrival in the game, but I can say that I’ve been impressed with the support and kindness they have shown to me.
I know my story isn’t a traditional romance and I know it’s not what everyone is used to reading – so for that I thank Dorchester for such an amazing opportunity to get my work out there and viewed.
I’m grateful to be included among such talented writers and I wish all of them the best in the next round.
C.J.
author of Vampire Vacation
November 10, 2009 at 8:39 am
I adored Death’s Angel! What a fun contest.
Congratulations to all the semi-finalists. Well done!
November 10, 2009 at 11:28 am
This was an awesome contest, and many great entries. But I love Vivienne and Justin, and even Devlin in Death’s Angel.
November 10, 2009 at 9:08 pm
Death’s Angel is my favorite.
November 11, 2009 at 2:39 am
Loved Death’s Angel!! It’s a wonderfully original premise and I’m fascinated with Devlin. I’ve been following the contest these past months and have enjoyed reading the excerpts. I hope I get a chance to read the rest of this story in print!
Congratulations to all of the semi-finalists! There are some great stories here.
November 13, 2009 at 12:25 pm
I enjoyed 18 out of 21 competing reads that finaled amazingly for completely different reasons (in my humble opinion)… But since I would never include myself, because this whole contest (to me) is not about me, (but about author authenticity, positivity and true talent, past and present, as well as devotion to the number of people that read her story, -> reaching out to readership & fan base, etc., etc.)
I’d have to say my favorite on this list is … (drum role please)…
Good luck to all 21!
HIGHLAND MAGIC by VALORIE DORR Congrats on making it this far (and to all the 18 out of 21 who made it thus far! You all know who you are
November 13, 2009 at 11:10 pm
My favourite by far is “Redeeming Characters.” Good luck to the author!
November 14, 2009 at 11:47 am
Another brilliantly crafted novel by Cheryl Tardif (Cherish D’ Angelo). This is a beautiful love story rippling with suspense and just the right amount of sensuality.Its great dialogue will sweep you along and its well stocked cast of colorful characters will draw you in and make you feel what they feel.A definite number one, for me!
November 14, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Death’s Angel is a terrific read filled with characters I care about and want to see find a successful outcome. As soon as the book is in print, I’m buying two copies, one for me and one for my sister!
November 23, 2009 at 10:19 pm
I LOVED reading Enchanted Season! The characters were so endearing and I loved the story concept!