“Bad Things Happen” when a “Ring of...

“Bad Things Happen” when a “Ring of Lies” by “Motherless Children” begin “Wrecking Civilization Before Lunch.” No, not a Hollywood pitch but the titles of novels competing in an Amazon.com contest mimicking “American Idol.” Last fall when Amazon announced its Breakthrough Novel Award, more than 5,000 unpublished manuscripts were submitted. Editors from Penguin Group USA, along with feedback from Amazon customers, narrowed the list to 10 finalists. Until March 31, the public can read, review and vote; the winner of a $25,000 publishing contract will be announced April 7.

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-- Liesl Bradner