All About eChook Digitial Publishing and Giveaway

A good amount of emails I receive for book review requests are from media relation companies on behalf of an author. A few weeks ago I was sent a very nice gift package from Meryl L. Moss Media Relations, Inc showcasing a new digital publishing company called eChook This was the first time I was sent such a package and it really caught my attention.

Some eChook goodies I was sent (They're was also hot chocolate as well, but I drank it ;)

I went right to the eChook website to learn more about this digital publishing company that publishes short-short stories and are actively searching for writers to submit their short stories up to 2,000 words. And since I'm a writer myself, I asked the creator, Tessa McGovern for an interview about her company. She said yes as you can see here...

KB: How did you come up with the idea of eChook?

Tessa: I was playing with my iPhone one day, thinking how much I love its gorgeous colors, and it hit me how lovely it could be to put short stories with a photo of their settings - mine are usually set in London or the English countryside - and readers would be instantly transported to, say, the River Thames in London, and then they could read the story uninterrupted. Then, having done the first app, I realized I had become a publisher. I love to share great stories, and so eChook was born.

KB: Why is it so important, now more than ever, to take a break in the middle of the day?

Tessa: We're all so busy these days that it's hard to get enough rest and relaxation. A ten-minute story is a simple way of taking a break - no matter where we are, we can escape to a different world and get lost in a beautifully-written, moving story. It's a way of changing gears that's rejuvenating; a ten-minute boost during a busy day.

KB: How do you think it will change people?s perceptions of short stories?

Tessa: I think people who don't typically read short stories will see how much fun they can be, especially when the stories are linked and you can follow the same characters throughout as you can in 'London Road: Linked Stories', and people who already love short stories will have a reliable place to go when they want to be moved and entertained.

KB: How is eChook available?

Tessa: On Kindle, from the app store on your iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Android, online at www.eChook.com, or iTunes. It costs $3.99, once you download it, you own it forever.

KB: Who is the ideal reader for eChook?

Tessa: Anyone with ten minutes to spare who loves to read!

KB: How do you select stories for eChook?

Tessa: People submit their fiction, memoir or essay at echook.com. We pay up to $100 for between 750 - 2,000 words, and have standard entries as well as competitions with cash prizes. We love stories that move us, and leave us feeling okay or good at the end - not necessarily happy endings, but not a tragic ending that's going to cause floods of tears if we're reading whilst waiting in the post office!

KB: Do you think eChook will inspire people to write short stories for the first time?

Tessa: I do. There are 70 million people writing blogs, and writing has become a form of fulfillment and entertainment for many people. Creative writing is different, it takes longer, but I believe everyone can learn the points of craft that creative writers use. To that end, we blog free writing tips and also have a newsletter, 'Literary Delights', that offers stories for readers and instruction for writers. And in our forthcoming Memoir app, we have writers who've been published in the New York Times as well as writers who're being published for the first time. We're writers ourselves - we're not judgmental and we will edit to make a piece as strong as possible.

KB: How long have you been working with short stories?

Tessa: I began writing in 1992 and my first short story was published in 1996. I began writing novels, moved to flash fiction, and then finally found my favorite length - short shorts (approx. 1500 - 2,500 words). I discovered how meaningful and compelling these short stories can be, and I love the (never-attainable) process of trying to make each word perfect.

It's something I'll do until I'm too old to sit up and peck away at a keyboard. I love how reading can change how you look at the world, and writing can change how you feel about it. That's just amazing to me. And a few years ago, I realized how the type of story I write affects the quality of my life. Dark stories that end badly are so sad to write. They put the focus on everything that's wrong with the world. Depressing! Moving stories that end positively in some way (or include something funny) give me hope and restore my energy. They remind me that most things can be overcome, and what can't be overcome can be accepted. They open the door to joy again. I just love the whole process.

KB: Tell us a little more about the eChook app? London Road.?

Tessa: London Road: Linked Stories is part fiction and part memoir. The lead story, When Janice Bailey Walked, is about a woman on the morning of her release from prison. She makes her way into London to a half-way house and each story is from the point of view of one of the residents there. The collection is based on a very crazy time in my life when, after my parents’ divorce, my mother ran a bed and breakfast in south London. It was in the seventies, Maggie Thatcher had closed many of the psychiatric hospitals, and we had ex-psychiatric patients and regular bed and breakfast guests living in our house.

KB: Which short story gives you a breath of fresh air in the middle of the day?

Tessa: I've just discovered Vanka, by Chekhov, which is amazing - he's such a simple writer, despite being so famous. (Our newsletter 'Literary Delights' includes 'Vanka' and a writing tip that illuminates writing technique as practiced by Chekhov)), I love anything by William Trevor, Gail Godwin, Alison Lurie, Alan Bennett (who's so funny).

KB: If you could have any writer contribute to eChook (dead or alive), who would you choose?

Tessa: The writers above, as well as Elizabeth Berg, Jodi Picoult, and Anne Tyler.

KB: What is next for eChook?

Tessa: We're thrilled with our first multi-author app, Memoir, Vol 1. The stories are wonderful - a whole range of women's voices (and one man!), and we're so delighted to present these talented writers to readers.

KB: How can writers submit stories for the next collection?

Tessa: Visit echook.com and go to the Submissions page. All the details are there. We look forward to reading!

How would you like to win the eChook gift pack I was sent? One lucky person will be able to if they leave a comment here by Monday 4/4. (US residents only)

The eChook gift pack includes: (to help you relax and enjoy a good story)

-eChook bag
-eChook mug
-eChook free app code
-tea
-mouse pad
-lip balm
-chocolate candy
-hot chocolate

... for those writers who would like to enter their Mother's Day contest:

Father isn’t the only one who knows best! In honor of Mother’s Day this year, celebrate your favorite quips and quotes from mom (or any other wise woman in your life) by submitting them to our “Wise Women’s Words” club on BookTrib.

We will choose our favorite and the winner will receive a fabulous gift bag from eChook filled with goodies to help you (or mom) sit back, relax, and enjoy the restorative power of a good short story.

…but that’s not all! The winning quote will be immortalized in a special post on our BookTrib blog, in eChook’s blog and “Literary Delights” newsletter. Winners will be announced on Monday, May 2nd at 1 p.m. ET.

To satisfy your literary craving on the go, check out eChook, the new publishing app and digital publisher that brings beautifully-written short stories to the palm of your hand.