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Deborah Layne
Date: 2009-11-20 11:03
Subject: The Clock Ticks on Polyphony 7
Security: Public
Music:Jump - Van Halen

In 2002, the Polyphony anthology series debuted. Conceived as a short fiction venue for stories that would skate gracefully across the boundaries of science fiction, fantasy, magic realism, and literary fiction, it was quickly recognized as the standard bearer for cross genre work. Since then, the series' six volumes have become a vital, unique collection of voices in literature of the fantastic.

Polyphony has been twice nominated for a World Fantasy Award and the stories therein have been featured in several "Year's Best" anthologies, along with garnering accolades from several award judges and committees. Polyphony authors range from multiple-award-winning seasoned writers to the previously unpublished. The series is truly a melodic interweaving of many voices: old and new, speculative and literary, heralded and unknown. Polyphony has not merely crossed literary boundaries, it has reformed and redefined them.

The harsh economic climate threatens to kill this vital series. Wheatland Press is asking for your help.

The authors have graciously made concessions to make Polyphony 7 a reality. They've agreed to a reduced pay rate to see the volume published. Now we need readers.

In order to publish Polyphony 7, Wheatland Press must receive 225 paid pre-orders via the website by March 1, 2010. If the pre-order quantities cannot be met, Polyphony will cease publication. It's that simple. The preorder link is here: http://www.wheatlandpress.com/
(mid page)

If the preorder number is met, then Polyphony 7 will be published on or about July 1, 2010.*

We have heard from many in the SF/F literary community that Polyphony is a vital part of landscape. We agree, but we cannot continue without your support. We hope that you will support our fine authors and their art by becoming part of the Polyphony community and pre-ordering a copy of Polyphony 7.


*The fine print: If we do not receive enough orders by March 1, then all preorders will be refunded immediately.

Do feel free to buy another Wheatland Press title while you are stopping by the website! Those will, as always, ship immediately.

And, also feel free to repost this announcement with impunity

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Deborah Layne
Date: 2009-11-03 10:38
Subject: It's the economy, stupid.
Security: Public
Music:I've Got A Dark Alley and a Bad Idea...FOB

World Fantasy was pretty good except for that part where the dealer room was, uh, quiet. Quiet and roomy. Plenty of room in the aisles for people to walk around.

Sigh.

Could definitely see the recession at work.

Luckily, I'm still selling books via the World Wide Web. http://www.wheatlandpress.com

Thanks again to everyone who donated to help my cousin. The total came to $751 which is coming in handy!

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Deborah Layne
Date: 2009-10-28 10:09
Subject: What? And give up show business?
Security: Public
Music:Dance Dance - FOB

Off to World Fantasy Con tomorrow morning. My schedule is as follows: I will be in the Dealers' Room.

See yinz there!!

Also, something I shouldn't laugh at:

The first sentence of the excerpt from the recent Connie Willis interview in Locus:

"All the genres are tools."

Yeah, my thoughts exactly.

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Deborah Layne
Date: 2009-10-19 11:44
Subject: Monday Updates
Security: Public
Music:Testify - RatM

Since the last update, I've had another $200 in donations.

I'll keep at this until the end of October.*

If you would still like to donate, here's that info again:

You can do one of two things...

Buy a book from me. I will send $10.00 from each book purchased from now until the end of October directly to Pam. No middlemen.
http://www.wheatlandpress.com

Or, if you have all the WP books you can stand, then here's one of those donate buttons:









Thank you!


*In case you missed it: (Long story short) My cousin's house burned down. She owns a bookstore and her husband has emphysema and they had no insurance. I'm trying to help them out by asking you to buy books or make donations.

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Deborah Layne
Date: 2009-10-15 16:42
Subject: Another Update
Security: Public

Since the last update, I've had another $101 in donations (including book purchases).

I'll keep at this until the end of October.*

If you would still like to donate, here's that info again:

You can do one of two things...

Buy a book from me. I will send $10.00 from each book purchased from now until the end of October directly to Pam. No middlemen.
http://www.wheatlandpress.com

Or, if you have all the WP books you can stand, then here's one of those donate buttons:









Thank you all so much!


*In case you missed it: (Long story short) My cousin's house burned down. She owns a bookstore and her husband has emphysema and they had no insurance. I'm trying to help them out by asking you to buy books or make donations.

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Deborah Layne
Date: 2009-10-12 11:48
Subject: Pam Update
Security: Public
Music:Justified - Smokie Norful

I talked to Pam today. She sounds pretty good all things considered. She said she's finding out that she has the best friends and family in the world. The house is a complete loss. Since her husband has emphysema and can't rebuild it, they will probably start looking for a trailer.

When I told her about your donations we both got a little choked up. I'm mailing a check for $450 today.

You rock!!

Also, here's a link to the book store's web page. She doesn't do web orders, but if you want to see a picture of the store and the inventory it's there:
http://www.pamsbookshelf.com

If you would still like to donate, here's that info again:

You can do one of two things...

Buy a book from me. I will send $10.00 from each book purchased from now until the end of October directly to Pam. No middlemen.
http://www.wheatlandpress.com

Or, if you have all the WP books you can stand, then here's one of those donate buttons:









Thank you all so much!

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Deborah Layne
Date: 2009-10-10 12:08
Subject: Please Help If You Can
Security: Public

I posted this last night. Today I heard more details... the power had gone out because of storms. Pam's husband had lit a candle (with a glass cover on it) and gone outside to feed the outside animals. When he started back in, he saw flames. No power meant no water and no phone.

As I figured, they had no insurance. No one would sell them insurance because the house was too old.



Just heard last night that my cousin Pam's house caught fire this afternoon. Pam is my age. We grew up together. She bit my nose when we were about four years old because I wouldn't stop talking and she wanted to go to sleep. That's love, my friends.

One of her cats didn't make it out, but the rest of her animals are okay. And there are a lot of animals. I wouldn't want to name names for fear of leaving someone out. The house may be a complete loss. This wasn't a fancy house. She and her husband had been building it from the inside out for at least twenty years. It was full of books and cats and dogs and who knows what else. It's on a river with a pasture for her horse. People outside the family have been known to see it as a shack, but it was her home.

It's going to be hard for Pam to get through this. She lives in Alabama in an area that has been hit very hard by the recession. She owns a bookstore. She deals mostly in used books. She has a loyal clientele, but like everyone else, they're broke. She's been hanging on by a thread, trying to keep the store open. She didn't need her house to burn.

I've never sent out a plea for help like this before, but Pam really needs it.

If you're inclined to do so, you can do one of two things...

Buy a book from me. I will send $10.00 from each book purchased from now until the end of October directly to Pam. No middlemen.
http://www.wheatlandpress.com

Or, if you have all the WP books you can stand, then here's one of those donate buttons:









Pam is a good person. She loves animals and books. What more do you need to know?

Thanks.

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Deborah Layne
Date: 2009-10-09 21:01
Subject: Please Help If You Can
Security: Public

Just heard that my cousin Pam's house caught fire this afternoon. Pam is my age. We grew up together. She bit my nose when we were about four years old because I wouldn't stop talking and she wanted to go to sleep. That's love, my friends.

One of her cats didn't make it out, but the rest of her animals are okay. And there are a lot of animals. I wouldn't want to name names for fear of leaving someone out. The house may be a complete loss. This wasn't a fancy house. She and her husband had been building it from the inside out for at least twenty years. It was full of books and cats and dogs and who knows what else. It's on a river with a pasture for her horse. People outside the family have been known to see it as a shack, but it was her home.

It's going to be hard for Pam to get through this. She lives in Alabama in an area that has been hit very hard by the recession. She owns a bookstore. She deals mostly in used books. She has a loyal clientele, but like everyone else, they're broke. She's been hanging on by a thread, trying to keep the store open. She didn't need her house to burn.

I've never sent out a plea for help like this before, but Pam really needs it.

If you're inclined to do so, you can do one of two things...

Buy a book from me. I will send $5.00 from each book purchased from now until the end of October directly to Pam. No middlemen.
http://www.wheatlandpress.com

Or, if you have all the WP books you can stand, then here's one of those donate buttons:









Pam is a good person. She loves animals and books. What more do you need to know?

Thanks.

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Deborah Layne
Date: 2009-10-06 21:10
Subject: PSA: 1 Million Women Needed for Breast Cancer Research
Security: Public

Click on this link to learn more about the Love/Avon Army of Women.

http://www.armyofwomen.org/

The idea is to have one million women register as volunteers to be called upon by researchers. Sounds good to me!

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Deborah Layne
Date: 2009-09-23 10:44
Subject: Just in case you were wondering...
Security: Public
Music:This Ain't a Scene - FOB

...this would be a very good time to buy some books.

http://www.wheatlandpress.com

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Deborah Layne
Date: 2009-08-13 11:45
Subject: Email from the White House: Health Insurance Reform
Security: Public
Music:Unstoppable - Santagold

I reproduce this here in its entirety without apology for the length. This isn't about politics, it's about life and death. Imagine a time when we wouldn't have to have emergency online fundraisers for writers who are dying because they have no insurance.



The White House, Washington


Dear Friend,

This is probably one of the longest emails I’ve ever sent, but it could be the most important.

Across the country we are seeing vigorous debate about health insurance reform. Unfortunately, some of the old tactics we know so well are back — even the viral emails that fly unchecked and under the radar, spreading all sorts of lies and distortions.

As President Obama said at the town hall in New Hampshire, “where we do disagree, let's disagree over things that are real, not these wild misrepresentations that bear no resemblance to anything that's actually been proposed.”

So let’s start a chain email of our own. At the end of my email, you’ll find a lot of information about health insurance reform, distilled into 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without coverage, 8 common myths about reform and 8 reasons we need health insurance reform now.

Right now, someone you know probably has a question about reform that could be answered by what’s below. So what are you waiting for? Forward this email.

Thanks,
David

David Axelrod
Senior Adviser to the President

P.S. We launched http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck this week to knock down the rumors and lies that are floating around the internet. You can find the information below, and much more, there. For example, we've just added a video of Nancy-Ann DeParle from our Health Reform Office tackling a viral email head on. Check it out:

Health Insurance Reform Reality Check

8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without coverage

1. Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance companies will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical history.
2. Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays: Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much they can charge for out-of-pocket expenses.
3. Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies must fully cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you prevent illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.
4. Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance companies will be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for those who become seriously ill.
5. Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be prohibited from charging you more because of your gender.
6. Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies will be prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive.
7. Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.
8. Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be required to renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full. Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because someone became sick.

Learn more and get details: http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/health-insurance-consumer-protections/

8 common myths about health insurance reform

1. Reform will stop "rationing" - not increase it: It’s a myth that reform will mean a "government takeover" of health care or lead to "rationing." To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are currently being used by insurance companies.
2. We can’t afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford. It’s a myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the President has identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs by cutting waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs; ending big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with such steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long term, reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a fiscal crisis.
3. Reform would encourage "euthanasia": It does not. It’s a malicious myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for seniors. For seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about end-of life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private consultations for those who want help with these personal and difficult family decisions.
4. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It’s a myth that health insurance reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage under the VA, extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously excluded. The VA Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible veterans.
5. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It’s a myth that health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary, reform will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to help them pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big firms who pay much less to cover their employees on average.
6. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It’s myth that Health Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To the contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of Medicare, ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary subsidies to insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare "doughnut" hole to make prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.
7. You can keep your own insurance: It’s myth that reform will force you out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors. To the contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.
8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is an absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts. Health insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and more convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just like paying a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or by a direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they will be easier to understand. The choice is up to you – and the same rules of privacy will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people make.

Learn more and get details:
http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck
http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck/faq

8 Reasons We Need Health Insurance Reform Now

1. Coverage Denied to Millions: A recent national survey estimated that 12.6 million non-elderly adults – 36 percent of those who tried to purchase health insurance directly from an insurance company in the individual insurance market – were in fact discriminated against because of a pre-existing condition in the previous three years or dropped from coverage when they became seriously ill. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/denied_coverage/index.html
2. Less Care for More Costs: With each passing year, Americans are paying more for health care coverage. Employer-sponsored health insurance premiums have nearly doubled since 2000, a rate three times faster than wages. In 2008, the average premium for a family plan purchased through an employer was $12,680, nearly the annual earnings of a full-time minimum wage job. Americans pay more than ever for health insurance, but get less coverage. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/hiddencosts/index.html
3. Roadblocks to Care for Women: Women’s reproductive health requires more regular contact with health care providers, including yearly pap smears, mammograms, and obstetric care. Women are also more likely to report fair or poor health than men (9.5% versus 9.0%). While rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure are similar to men, women are twice as likely to suffer from headaches and are more likely to experience joint, back or neck pain. These chronic conditions often require regular and frequent treatment and follow-up care. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/women/index.html
4. Hard Times in the Heartland: Throughout rural America, there are nearly 50 million people who face challenges in accessing health care. The past several decades have consistently shown higher rates of poverty, mortality, uninsurance, and limited access to a primary health care provider in rural areas. With the recent economic downturn, there is potential for an increase in many of the health disparities and access concerns that are already elevated in rural communities. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/hardtimes
5. Small Businesses Struggle to Provide Health Coverage: Nearly one-third of the uninsured – 13 million people – are employees of firms with less than 100 workers. From 2000 to 2007, the proportion of non-elderly Americans covered by employer-based health insurance fell from 66% to 61%. Much of this decline stems from small business. The percentage of small businesses offering coverage dropped from 68% to 59%, while large firms held stable at 99%. About a third of such workers in firms with fewer than 50 employees obtain insurance through a spouse. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/helpbottomline
6. The Tragedies are Personal: Half of all personal bankruptcies are at least partly the result of medical expenses. The typical elderly couple may have to save nearly $300,000 to pay for health costs not covered by Medicare alone. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/inaction
7. Diminishing Access to Care: From 2000 to 2007, the proportion of non-elderly Americans covered by employer-based health insurance fell from 66% to 61%. An estimated 87 million people - one in every three Americans under the age of 65 - were uninsured at some point in 2007 and 2008. More than 80% of the uninsured are in working families. Learn more: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/inaction/diminishing/index.html
8. The Trends are Troubling: Without reform, health care costs will continue to skyrocket unabated, putting unbearable strain on families, businesses, and state and federal government budgets. Perhaps the most visible sign of the need for health care reform is the 46 million Americans currently without health insurance - projections suggest that this number will rise to about 72 million in 2040 in the absence of reform. Learn more: http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/assets/documents/CEA_Health_Care_Report.pdf

Visit WhiteHouse.gov


This email was sent to deborahlayne@wheatlandpress.com
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Please do not reply to this email. Contact the White House

The White House • 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW • Washington, DC 20500 • 202-456-1111

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Deborah Layne
Date: 2009-08-07 19:08
Subject: Writers! Try this!
Security: Public
Music:Electric Feel - MGMT

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Deborah Layne
Date: 2009-07-31 19:28
Subject: Later on, y'all
Security: Public
Music:Dance, Dance - Fall Out Boy

Following the example of the wise John Klima, I am declaring my independence from the internet for the month of August.

I'll be checking email, WNBA scores and Accuweather but that's it.

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Deborah Layne
Date: 2009-07-27 13:31
Subject: No ArmadilloCon for us this year, alas
Security: Public

Much to my dismay, I've had to cancel the trip to ArmadilloCon.

Here's hoping that business picks up some day.

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Deborah Layne
Date: 2009-07-16 11:07
Subject: Space Magic in Signed Limited Edition
Security: Public




Space Magic by David D. Levine is now available in a signed limited edition hardcover. This edition was produced last year in a 100-copy printing. Copies 1-50 were available exclusively from Wrigley-Cross Books. Wheatland Press is now selling copies 51-100 via the website or through direct email orders at inquiries (at) wheatlandpress (dot) com.

Each copy is $30 plus shipping and handling. The order link will be up at http://www.wheatlandpress.com very soon.

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Deborah Layne
Date: 2009-07-16 09:31
Subject: Sale still going on!
Security: Public

Until July 31, 2009 at midnight (Pacific Time), buy any two Wheatland Press titles and get a third title absolutely free. Just specify the title of your free book choice in the comment box of the PayPal form.

As always, if you prefer not to use Paypal, you may email your order to me directly (inquiries(at)wheatlandpress.com).

http://www.wheatlandpress.com

Operators are standing by!

Thank you for your support!

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Deborah Layne
Date: 2009-07-13 10:58
Subject: RIP Charles
Security: Public

As you all know by now, Charles N. Brown, Locus founder, passed away yesterday. I didn't know him as well as many of you on my flist, but I respected him and what he did. From the first day I met him, he treated me with respect and kindness. He encouraged me and supported Wheatland Press from the beginning. I will always be grateful for that.

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Deborah Layne
Date: 2009-06-30 17:25
Subject: Endeavor Award News
Security: Public




Space Magic by David D. Levine is a finalist for the Endeavor Award!



And would you look at the company he keeps...

FINALISTS FOR 2009
Anathem by Neal Stephenson
Ill Met in the Arena by Dave Duncan
Long Walks, Last Flights and Other Stories by Ken Scholes
Space Magic by David D. Levine
A World Too Near: Book Two of the Entire and the Rose by Kay Kenyon

Congratulations, David!

In case you missed it, you can get yours here: http://www.wheatlandpress.com and take advantage of the big summer sale (buy two, get one free!).

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Deborah Layne
Date: 2009-06-30 12:53
Subject: Books for sale!
Security: Public

Let's try that summer sale thing...

Starting right now and ending on July 31, 2009 at midnight (Pacific Time), buy any two Wheatland Press titles and get a third title absolutely free. Just specify the title of your free book choice in the comment box of the PayPal form.

As always, if you prefer not to use Paypal, you may email your order to me directly (inquiries(at)wheatlandpress.com).

http://www.wheatlandpress.com

Thank you for your support!

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Deborah Layne
Date: 2009-06-23 10:59
Subject: PSA for Buckeyes, Past and Present
Security: Public

The Columbus Public Libraries are in trouble. Facing massive state budget cuts, many branches are in danger of closing. They've set up a website to try to rally support:

http://www.columbuslibrary.org/save_our_library

There's an email form.

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