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See Jane Write

With chick lit novels popping up on every bestseller list, millions of readers are all thinking the same thing: I could write this stuff and never go back to the office again! And here’s the guide that will show you how. Bestselling novelist Sarah Mlynowski and veteran chick lit editor Farrin Jacobs cover every stage of developing and selling your novel, with chapters on:

Developing an idea
Deciding on a point of view
Making your characters likable
Learning the basics of plotting, pacing, and conflict
Finding an agent
This book also features humorous tips and advice from scores of established writers (including Meg Cabot, Melissa Senate, and Sophie Kinsella). If you’ve got stories to tell, See Jane Write will take care of the rest!

SARAH MLYNOWSKI is the author of Fishbowl, As Seen on TV, Monkey Business, Me vs. Me, Bras & Broomsticks, and Frogs & French Kisses and coeditor of the bestselling chick lit anthologies Girls’ Night In and Girls’ Night Out. Her first novel, Milkrun, sold more than 700,000 copies worldwide. She lives in New York City.

FARRIN JACOBS is a former chick lit editor for Red Dress Ink.

Posted by impart

Creepy Cute Crochet

If you’re a fan of amigurumi, you already know that super-sweet crocheted bunnies and kitties and pandas have taken the indie craft world by storm. Well, the dolls in Creepy Cute Crochet eat your typical amigurumi for breakfast. This unique craft book contains more than 20 patterns for zombies, ninjas, Vikings, vampires, aliens, robots, and even Death himself. Each easy-to-follow pattern is presented with step-by-step diagrams, hilarious commentary, and full-color photographs of the creatures in their natural environments. Plus each pattern is ranked according to difficulty so that even beginners can share in the fun.

The scary-cute photographs, accessible text, and illustrated patterns are sure to be a hit with indie crafters, angsty teens, and hip moms everywhere.

CHRISTEN HADEN, a.k.a. NeedleNoodles, is a crafting dynamo who lives in Virginia.

Posted by impart

The Sherlock Holmes Handbook

The first Sherlock Holmes adventure appeared in 1887, but today the detective is more popular than ever-witness the upcoming release date of Sherlock Holmes, starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. For every reader who dreams of solving crimes in turn-of-the-century London, The Sherlock Holmes Handbook features skills that all would-be sleuths should know:

    * How to Use Deductive Reasoning
    * How to Analyze Fingerprints-Without Computers
    * How to Master a Dozen Disguises
    * How to Survive a Plunge over a Waterfall

Readers will also discover a host of information about Holmes and his universe: How was the real Scotland Yard organized? Could people back then really buy cocaine over the counter? And why were the British so terrified of Australia? Packed with fascinating trivia, evocative illustrations, and a classic Victorian design, The Sherlock Holmes Handbook will appeal to “Baker Street Irregulars” of all ages.

RANSOM RIGGS is a lifelong Holmes aficionado and a regular contributor to mental_floss magazine. He lives in Los Angeles.

Posted by impart

Cook’s Cards: Semi-Homemade Cooking

Food Network star Sandra Lee presents 70 favorite recipes from her best-selling cookbooks, including Dijon Chicken and Mushrooms, Pumpkin Ravioli in Brown Butter, French Apple-Raisin Sandwiches, and Gooey Mud Pie. Sandra’s stress-free recipes combine both store-bought and fresh ingredients to create gourmet-tasting meals in no time. The perfect gift for busy moms!

SANDRA LEE is the best-selling author of the Semi-Homemade Cooking series, which has sold more than 250,000 copies. She is the host of Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee on the Food Network.

Posted by impart

The Smart Family’s Passport

Budget Travel magazine is dedicated to providing great travel experiences at affordable prices-which is harder than ever when you’ve got a brood of screaming kids in the backseat! Thankfully, their dedicated readers are here to help. This companion volume to The Smart Traveler’s Passport (100,000 copies in print!) features 350 tips for anyone traveling with children. Readers will learn:

    * how a camera phone can help you overcome language barriers.
    * why a jar of peanut butter is the ultimate traveling companion.
    * memorable souvenirs that won’t break your budget.
    * how to answer the dreaded question, “Are we there yet?”

Full of tips on planning, booking, packing, fl ying, safety, getting around, and much more, this passport-sized anthology makes the perfect bon voyage gift!

BUDGET TRAVEL is one of America’s favorite travel magazines, with a circulation of 550,000.

Posted by impart

Smart Traveler’s Passport

Budget Travel magazine isn’t just about the best travel experience at the lowest price-it’s also about traveling “the right way.” Their philosophy, “Vacations for real people,” has led them to their readership for guidance, and this collection of their readers’ best 399 travel tips is an essential addition to any traveler’s library. In The Smart Traveler’s Passport, you’ll learn:

    * 13 different uses for Ziploc bags
    * How dental floss can double as a tape
    * Where to find the best street food in cities worldwide
    * How a digital camera can help you find your rental car
    * Why clearing your Web browser’s cache will lead to lower prices on airfare and hotel reservations
    * How to avoid long lines at the world’s most popular attractions

Designed to look and feel like an actual passport, this handy reference provides expert advice on planning, booking, packing, flying, safety, security, and getting around. It makes the perfect bon-voyage gift!

BUDGET TRAVEL is one of America’s favorite travel magazines, with a circulation of 550,000.

Posted by impart