This week, TIME published their list of the “140 Best Twitter Feeds.”
It’s a dumb list.
Don’t get me wrong–I follow seven of the people on it. But there’s no “best” about it; it comprises Twitter feeds that have a lot of followers. And not necessarily even the best of those. They claim these are the feeds that are “shaping the conversation,” to which I say, “not any conversation I’m involved in or listening to.”
So with encouragement from Pop Culture Nerd, I have compiled My Own Damn List.
Everyone is on this list for a reason, but not all for the same reason. Interestingly, more of them don’t follow me than do…which leads me to the conclusion that only following people who follow you back is a poor way to get the most out of Twitter (in case you were wondering).
TIME categorized their list and ranked it using some bizarre voting system that really just illustrates who has the most interns. I’m going with alphabetical. With the exception of the first person on the list, who occupies that position because she’s the primary reason I like Twitter at all. Rather than categorize everyone, I’ve included their Twitter bios, most of which are fairly descriptive.
And because I’m on a roll, I figured I’d hand out some awards too…
- Best Author: Alafair Burke (Runners-up: Colette Caddle, Hilary Davidson, Brad Parks and Marcus Sakey)
- Best Publisher: Tyrus Books
- Best Family: The Jordans (Runners-up: The Palmers)
So without further ado, here’s the list:
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1
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A book blogger who has a special love of crime fiction! Crafter on the side. And always momma to my furry babies.
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2
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Author of HOGDOGGIN’, YELLOW MEDICINE, and Editor of PLOTS WITH GUNS ezine
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3
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Author of Ellie Hatcher and Samantha Kincaid thrillers, law professor, pop culture fiend, political junkie, dog walker, foodie, good egg
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4
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Speak only when it improves the silence. Fierce bibliophile. Love Bulldogs, Boston, kettlebells, kettle ponds and THISISBANDIT.COM.
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5
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Bearded expat Nebraskan. Digital Developer with The New York Times Regional Media Group. Former reporter. Likes: books, bikes and booze. Dislikes: Fascists.
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6
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Executive Editor for Carina Press, Harlequin’s digital-first imprint. Dragging the world to the digital dark side, one reader at a time.
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7
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My tweets are often full of typos, but read carefully, there might be a gem! I’m a writer. Sometimes I’m on the radio. Most of the time I’m a mom!
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8
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Novelist; Blogger; Former CIA
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9
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Official BBC feed reflecting top news stories and programmes broadcast across BBC World News television, BBC World Service radio and online
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10
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11
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Blogger, book reviewer, author interviewer, author –but above all, a reader.
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12
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Guy who eats bacon and writes, including the Skin Kadash mysteries DAY ONE, CHASING SMOKE, LOST DOG and COUNTY LINE (June 2011).
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13
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Bookseller (manager of @wordbrooklyn), book reader. Don’t judge my exclamation points.
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14
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Author of crime fiction. Winner of the Nero and Shamus Awards. Leader of the dubious. User of prepositional phrases.
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15
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Breaking news alerts around the world from hundreds of sources 24 hours a day.
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16
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Award winning thriller author of the Jonathan Quinn international thriller series, among other things, and a refugee from the entertainment industry.
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17
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A news wire bringing the online mystery/crime fiction community to you
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18
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Novelist Starvation Lake and The Hanging Tree. Chicago Bureau Chief, The Wall Street Journal.
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19
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Writer, astronaut, skinny – well, 1 out of 3 ain’t bad. Author of Mousetrapped: A Year and a Bit in Orlando, Florida. Frequently over-caffeinated. Likes pink.
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20
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Chapters Bookstore, Parnell Street, Dublin 1. Ireland’s largest independent bookstore.
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21
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A mom and reader living by the great, blue Atlantic.
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22
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Writer. Scientist. Technophobic hypocrite.
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23
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Journalist, politics addict, webhead. I work for the Comment is Free section of the Guardian website.
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24
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25
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I’m an Irish novelist who warns would-be authors not to prevaricate, then wanders off to tweet, drink tea and pare pencils
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26
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Publishing browncoat. Cat herder. Queer human. Professional nerd. TARDIS fan.
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27
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Crime novelist; author of Edgar/Anthony nominated Hector Lassiter series
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28
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I’m an independent book publicist and blogger.
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29
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Thriller writer, Beloit College and Marmion Acad alum
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30
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Tech thriller writer, musician.
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31
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Author of When One Man Dies and The Evil That Men Do. Blogger at Do Some Damage & On the Banks
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32
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Irish author, arts journalist. Editor of ‘Down These Green Streets: Irish Crime Writing in the 21st Century’ (Liberties Press)
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33
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The Twitter site for the blog site for some of today’s coolest crime fiction writers.
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34
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I write crime novels, comic books, and other stuff that will rot your brain.
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35
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Reading enthusiast (especially crime fiction) and book reviewer / blogger who also loves cooking, wine, and hard rock music.
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36
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Writer, editor, researcher, amateur theater impresario
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37
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Consultant, publisher, blogger and book lover.
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38
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I write. I sell books. I sell my own books. Perfect.
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39
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If I were an animal, I’d be a human.
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40
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Style tips for proper writing.
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41
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Founded in 1838, Putnam is one of the oldest and most prestigious imprints in the publishing industry.
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42
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The First Word on the Book Publishing Industry
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43
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Grand Central Publishing (formerly Warner Books) founded in 1970.
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44
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My latest thriller novel is THEY’RE WATCHING. I also write comics, TV (ABC’s V), and scripts, mostly about suspense and mayhem. It beats working.
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45
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The Gutter Bookshop is an independent bookshop in Dublin, Ireland selling books, gifts and stationery. Owner Bob Johnston tweets on behalf of the shop.
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46
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mystery author, Emmy winning investigative news reporter, Beatles fan, crime fighter, theater lover, romance writer, Intl Thriller Writers, not Phillipi
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47
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#1 International Bestselling author of such novels as TELL NO ONE, CAUGHT and the Myron Bolitar series. Also a snazzy dancer.
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48
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49
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Blogging about Hawaiʻi’s authors, books, and literary events!
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50
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Freelance writer with criminal tendencies. Author of THE DAMAGE DONE (Forge, 2010) and the upcoming THE NEXT ONE TO FALL.
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51
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You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.
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52
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53
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Bookish Web developer. Trying out book orientated web ideas. Fascinated by: who reads what & why; social media; punctuation; grammar. Keen #FridayReads promoter
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54
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55
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I’m all about Crime Fiction, Chocolate and Team Building.
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56
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Bestselling crime writer/upcoming ZEKE BARTHOLOMEW series for young readers. Huffington Post and Daily Beast contributor. Publishing wonk. New Yorker. Dork.
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57
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I’m the quiet guy who writes thrillers. My next books: Adrenaline, out in US on 7/1 from Grand Central. The Last Minute, out in 6/11 in the UK from Sphere.
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58
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Book Blogger/Reviewer.Book Club Leader.
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59
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She writes, she reads, she walks upright! Unless she hasn’t had her caffiend. Then she grunts, she trips, she starts fights with walls!
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60
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Politics Junkie – Current Affairs Addict – Law Lecturer – Caffeine Addict – Occasionally Sane
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61
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Author of HORNS, Heart-Shaped Box, 20th Century Ghosts, and Locke & Key
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62
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63
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Author of the Charlie Parker mysteries, THE GATES, and THE BOOK OF LOST THINGS.
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64
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Publisher of CRIMESPREE MAGAZINE ~ We never sleep, nope not ever.
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65
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Writer, forensic pathologist, reformed Englishman, happy New Yorker, slowly coming out of hibernation. Profanity Risk Level: Orange.
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66
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NYT bestselling thriller writer, Dad, Red Sox fan
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67
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I’m a writer of nonfiction books, noir stories, and a novel, DIAMOND RUBY.
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68
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International and bestselling author. Lover of stories, wine, golf and husband, not necessarily in that order.
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69
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Book Babe Extraordinaire (mkting/PR.) Unrepentant liberal. Queen of food allergies. Her indoors. Turn ons: pro cycling, baseball, footie, politics, photography.
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70
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Journalist. Photographer. Medillian. Social media for media
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71
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A bookish broad, unpredictable tweeter, mother of two, lover of sports, reader of books. I’m also CEO of KMSPR, my book publicity company.
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72
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Keith likes hardboiled crime, noir, cheeseburgers, beer, ne’er do well writer, publisher of Crimefactory magazine
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73
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Crime fiction writer, noirhead, fedora-lover. Author of the Miranda Corbie series (City of Dragons) and Roman noir (The Curse-Maker), both from Macmillan.
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74
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Blogging about crime fiction and the mystery scene.
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75
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Literary Agent at Bradford Literary Agency. I made it myself.
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76
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NY mystery & romance writer with 3 crazed Irish Terriers.
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77
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Believer in the greater good, healing qualities of a good book, the unparalleled love of a dog, and the existence of quality television
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78
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Book reviewer, book blogger & librarian.
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79
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I’m me…and that’s enough for now.
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80
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I write about cancer, grief & loss, family. Mom to 3 kids, cancer survivor. Creator of #mondaypleads + #dailynag. I have very bad luck–but it’s not contagious.
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81
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New York Times bestselling and award winning author.
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82
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One of the U.S.’s oldest and most distinguished publishing houses
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83
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I write. Yes, I know you do too. It’s a commonality, don’t you love those? New: King of the Marshmallows MG story series, Quake.
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84
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I’m a professional liar. My upcoming book is THE TWO DEATHS OF DANIEL HAYES. Buy it and you’ll lose those last 5 lbs while saving a baby seal under a rainbow.
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85
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What to read next? Shelf Unbound magazine features the best of indie publishing.
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86
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Mother of four, writer, dreamer, chocolate eater, shoe lover, diet hater, positive thinker. I write women’s fiction & blog for Hello!
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87
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Crime writer. Very average comedian. Looking out of the window a speciality.
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88
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I write crime fiction. I have a bull named Hemingway & I do my own stunts.
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89
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Author of the Evan Delaney and Jo Beckett novels. Edgar award winner. Escaped lawyer. Recovering mime. Californian in London. Mom of three.
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90
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I’m an aspiring crime writer, delighted to be represented by Curtis Brown UK. I blog at High Heels and Book Deals and write a bit of this and that, as you do.
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91
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father, Mac admin, boomer or joneser (depending how you cut it), and on occasion golfer (duck!)
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92
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I am a crime novelist, journalist and documentary producer. I live in Chicago.
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93
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St. Pete Times staffer. 2009 Green Eyeshade winner. 2010 AASFE winner. 2011 ASNE winner. Davidson grad. Lover of Lauren Electric. I let people keep talking.
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94
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New York Times Bestselling Author.
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95
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Events Coordinator at RiverRun Bookstore. Writer. Reader. Critic. Member of the NBCC. Freelance Public Radio Producer.
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96
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A 20-something reader, book blogger, lawyer, dancer, & new runner. I adore music, Michigan football, baseball, good beer, questionable tv, and my cats.
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97
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Book Blogger, Mother, Wife, Management Accountant, and Bibliophile Extraordinaire
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98
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Author, mathematician, tinkerer. Crime, finance, and technology.
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99
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Publisher of mystery, thriller, and suspense novels, Minotaur is the Beast of Crime Fiction!
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100
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Reader, writer. Also, the Marketing Director for Little, Brown’s new Mystery/Suspense imprint @mulhollandbooks.
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101
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Little, Brown’s new imprint devoted to Suspense fiction.
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102
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We are MURDERATI – 14 mystery writers dedicated to Mysteries, Murder and Marketing.
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103
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104
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JOURNALIST/COLUMNIST/MEDIA CRITIC/AUTHOR OMNI alum. Much AdoAboutPublishing humor col, INDEPENDENT PUBLISHER mag. PANDEMONIUM: NPRMiami84-98 satire writer/perf
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105
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News & opinions about pop culture from inside Hollywood, advance reviews of books & movies
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106
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Newly 40! Writer. Married. Slightly demented. Passionate abt writing, the Arts, dogs, books, singing & handbags. Vocal abt mental & invisible illness. Atheist.
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107
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Random House book and author news
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108
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RIF is the nation’s oldest and largest children’s literacy nonprofit providing free books and literacy resources to children and families across the U.S.
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109
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Novelist who writes the Hannah Vogel mystery series, starting with A TRACE OF SMOKE
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110
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Panty-throwing, book-loving wild woman. Reader, critic, lover of indie bookstores. NBCC member.
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111
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Unitarian Universalist preacher, teacher, knitter, swimmer, reader, coffee drinker, lover of life!
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112
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All about books, mainly crime fiction.
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113
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Author of crime novels and books for younger readers, reader, father, YA, crime novels
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114
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R.J. Ellory is the multi-award winning author of A Quiet Belief In Angels, A Simple Act of Violence, The Anniversary Man and Saints of New York.
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115
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A book-sniffing weirdo who loves nothing more than being surrounded by dead trees. Also aspiring to one day give myself the title of journalist.
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116
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Irish blogger sharing info about aromatherapy, massage, holistic health while striving to make the world a more positive place. Lover of quotes + also a Foodie
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117
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Updates from Poynter’s Romenesko column.
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118
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Washington Post Book World, Fiction Editor and weekly critic.
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119
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Journalist, blogger, sub editor. Also: TV addict, music lover, Justin Bieber admirer.
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120
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Crime writer, bookseller, miscreant.
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121
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122
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A graduate of the ‘where’s the content?’ school of PR. Oh and I have a BA in English too. Now tweeting from Little Condo on the Prairie
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123
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I am a grasshopper by day, creator of a really lame book blog, wife, mother to two adorable beagles, and a lover of books and eating. My friends call me Kate.
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124
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News Editor for Publishers Marketplace (@publisherslunch); crime fiction columnist for LAT; deadline slave; chocolate chip scone addict; expat Canadian.
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125
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I’m Sarah from Smart Bitches, I like Trashy Books
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126
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Simon & Schuster is one of the largest English language publishers in the world.
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127
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Freelance public relations; plastic Geordie; dance music; vinyl records; dogs; skinhead.
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128
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My mild-mannered husband lives quite a colorful existence in his dreams.
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129
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I got on the New York Times bestseller list once, but I hate to keep mentioning it. Let’s just say I write books, O.K.? The silly, made-up kind. How about you?
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130
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writer
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131
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Journalist, dancer, prancer, chancer. Deputy Editor of TheJournal.ie
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132
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Blogger. Book Reviewer. Freelance Copyeditor. NBCC Member. Beer Snob.
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133
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Weekly journal of opinion, featuring analysis on politics and culture. Founded in 1865.
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134
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An Irish website allowing you to read, share and shape the news.
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135
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Publisher of SF, Fantasy, Horror, Paranormal Romance, Mystery, Thriller and Suspense, and other speculative fiction
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136
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Book nerd. Blogging nerd. Knitting nerd. Espresso nerd. You can talk nerdy to me. Co-founder of TLC Book Tours.
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137
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One of the indie presses that all the kids talk about.
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138
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You can rock or you can leave
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139
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Writer, Mum, director Inkwell Writers Workshops, founder www.writing.ie, PRO Irish PEN
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140
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Updates from the WMNF Community Radio News Team
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Please chime in and let me know what you think of the list. Who did I forget? Who is new to you?
Thanks!
Wow! What a great list, and not just because I’m on it! I see a lot of familiar faces, some not so familiar! Thanks for “introducing” them to me!
Have to agree….following only because they follow you is not going to get you anywhere, except to the medicine cabinet for a tylenol to quelch your aching head (Honestly, can you read EVERY one of those feeds?)….and not really utilizing (in my opinion) the opportunity to interact that Twitter gives. I follow if I’m interested in what you’re tweeting about not because it’s a popularity contest. If I don’t follow, it doesn’t mean you don’t rock, you probably do…it just means I opted not to right now. Love the post…go you and your list (I follow probably 10 on your list as opposed to only about 5 on theirs)! That PopCultureNerd can be pretty persuasive…. ^_^
I’m so flattered to be included on your list with all those wonderful people!
I’m not much for speech-a-fyin, but..
(E;vis voice here) – “Thenk yew, thenk yew very much”
Hooray for Elvis impersonations!!
Once I stop crying these tears of joy, I’ll be back with a speech.
thanks for putting me on the list. I agree..only follow people whose tweets you want to read.
Thanks for including me in such great company!
Hell of a list! I’m honored to be included.
Wow! What they said up there. This is great, I must tweet it. Or would that be ridiculously narcissistic?!!
Hey, hey. Thanks for the mention. Also, for pointing me in the direction of some cool folks.
Follow. Follow. Follow. Repeat.
I love this list, and not just because I’m on it. Also because Steve Weddle is on it.
But seriously, it is a privilege to be included among so many amazing folks.
Am honored to be included, and agree that these are some really great and consistently interesting Twitter feeds. Thank you for the list!
Why… you forgot me 🙂
I agree with “It’s a dumb list.” comment but from some reason people love lists.
Congratulations on being included Awesome Book Blogs You Should Also Check Out: http://bestdamncreativewritingblog.com/2011/03/30/spotlight-awesome-book-blogs-you-should-also-check-out/
What a great list (except it’s missing that hip chick, @erinfaye)! Geez, I feel like I got invited to sit at the cool kids’ table. 🙂 Thank you, Erin!
Missed this the other day. Thanks for including me. I happen to think you should be on the list as well.
Great list, I follow alot of them already and I have to agree that they are an interesting bunch! (“,)
You did a spectacular job compiling this list ~ now this is more like it! Glancing through the list, I follow the majority already ~ but when time allows, I’ll go thru it to make sure I’m up to speed.
So wonderful to see so many friends on this list!
@katcop13
Kathleen A. Ryan
Thanks much! It seems I’m in good company…
What an idiot I am – I just noticed you’d put me on this list. Very flattered to be here. It may be a smallish echo chamber, but it’s certainly one with no in-fighting and a whole lot of expertise. 🙂
Great list! I see a few familiar names. Just got here from your “most popular posts” widget.