It was a big week here in the news blog. For those that missed it, we had 21 new stories posted as part of the Secret Santa Short Story Contest! We've only had a few votes come in so far, but don't worry, there's still plenty of time for you to get your vote in!!! Votes have to be in by 2:00 PM EST on the 23rd of December. There's lots of great stories, and picking a favorite might be hard, but you never know, the story you pick could have been written by one of your favorite authors.

Monday and Tuesday were both posts for our Signature Author Week. This month's feature is Graeme's story, Heart of the Tree. On Monday we posted the banner and members' reviews of the story. Then on Tuesday, we posted an excerpt from the story!

Friday brought us a couple of new prompts from the prompt guru. Hopefully one of them will inspire you to create!

Anthology Announcements:

***NOTE: All Deadlines are for submission to the Anthology Proof Team**

• 2016 Spring Anthology: Crossing the Line - Due February 26th, 2016
• 2016 Summer Anthology: Wicked Games - Due May 26th, 2016
• 2016 Fall Anthology: Blindsided - Due August 26th, 2016
• 2016 Winter Anthology: The Forgotten - Due November 26th, 2016
• All Pre-2016 Anthology Themes - Due December 14, 2016
  

By our Promoted Authors:

*Note* Though they'll be a week late, the stories in the Secret Santa Contest will be added to the weekly wrap up next week after the reveal.

The Degan Paradox by Rob Colton; Book 3 of Galactic Conspiracies *Premium*

Cards on the Table by Headstall

Headstall's Reflections by Headstall

The Secret Life Of Billy Chase 9 by Comicality; Book 9 of The Secret Life Of Billy Chase

Aditus' prompts and circumstances by aditus

Thwarted by Renee Stevens

It Had to be Good! - Christmas at Famous-Barr 1929 by AC Benus

No Flash by Cia

The Holly and the Ivy by aditus

My Brother Daniel by Nephylim

Sword of Kings: Tempered by Fate by Bill W; Book 3 of Sword of Kings

Holding Back by Thorn Wilde

The G. M. Os. by CarlHoliday

Innocence & Carnality by Mann Ramblings

Don't forget.... Read, Write, and REVIEW!!!