Prizes announced for second annual short story contest:

First Place:

-Publication in Paranormal Underground e-Magazine
-A Zoom H4 Handy Recorder;
-The option to take part in an upcoming “Paranormal Underground Presents” podcast (Skype and headset required)

About the Zoom H4 Hi-Def Recorder:

Introducing the H4 Handy Digital Recorder. The next big thing from Zoom.

It’s a Mobile Field Stereo Recorder

The Zoom H4 Handy Digital Recorder fits in your palm and is ideal for recording live musical performances, interviews, podcasts, meetings, classes and seminars. The H4 allows you to record 24-bit/96 kHz digital audio as well as in MP3 format with bitrates up to 320kbps.

The H4 features two studio-quality electret condenser microphones configured in an X/Y pattern for true stereo recording. It also includes 2 combination XLR-1/4-inch input jacks with phantom power for use with any external microphones of your choice. And the H4 is loaded with on-board studio effects such as compression, limiting and mic modeling. An 1/8-inch headphone jack is also provided for monitoring.

The H4 records on to Secure Digital (SD) media, a 512MB SD card is included with the unit. With a 16GB SD memory card, the H4 provides up to 24 hours of stereo WAV file recording in 44.1kHz/16-bit mode (CD Quality), or as many as 280 hours in MP3 stereo mode. And to move your recordings to a PC or Mac, the H4 includes a USB mass-storage interface.

The H4 provides four hours of continuous recording operation from 2 AA batteries. A back-lit, 128×64 pixel LCD provides the visual interface. An AC adapter, USB cable, windshield cover and tripod adapter are also included.

It’s also a 4-Track Recorder!

Unlike other field recorders, the H4 also has a 4-track recording mode for easy-to-use mobile multi-track recording. The H4 will also render 4-track audio with CD quality, 16-bit/44.1 kHz resolution.

Songwriters and musicians can use the combination XLR-1/4-inch high-impedance phone inputs for vocals, guitars, bass or keyboards. Also on-board are Zoom’s most incredible guitar and bass amplifier modeling effects. These effects accurately reproduce the sounds of the most famous guitar amps ever made.

And by-the-way, it’s also an Audio Interface

Recording directly to your computer has never been easier than with the Zoom H4 Handy Recorder. The H4 is the only portable digital recorder that also serves as your USB audio interface, allowing direct recording of instruments and vocals to your computer. And, if you don’t already have a DAW, that’s okay because every H4 comes bundled with Cubase LE, the perfect 48-Track Digital Audio Workstation for easy editing, mixing and mastering of your recordings on either Windows or Mac.

Together, these features make the Zoom H4 Handy Digital Recorder the most versatile portable recording device ever offered.

Second Place

-Olympus VN-4100PC digital voice recorder
-Possible publication in Paranormal Underground e-Magazine.

About the Olympus VN-4100PC digital audio recorder:

-Large LCD for easy, quick viewing of file locations, recording status and battery life.

-Voice activation extends recording time by recording only when the microphone senses sound.

-Select from four recording modes to meet your specific needs: XHQ for extra high quality, HQ for high-quality; SP and LP for extended recording.

- Transfer audio files quickly and easily to a computer with the convenient PC link
- Slow and Fast Playback modes let you listen to audio 25 percent slower or 50 percent faster than real time.
- Four folders and each folder stores up to 100 files.
- Easy file management functions allow you to erase single files, multiple files as well as transfer files.
- Record up to 144 hours and 20 minutes of uninterrupted audio in LP mode.
- Index marks let you specify a particular point in a recording or playback for easy retrieval.
- Use timer recording option to set a start and end time for a particular recording.
- Playback a pre-selected file at a specific time for reminders or wake-up calls.

Third Place
-Any book listed in Paranormal Underground’s Bookstore
-Possible publication in Paranormal Underground e-Magazine.

The contest is open to members AND nonmembers of Paranormal Underground. Contest rules include:

—Due by September 1, 2009.

—1,000 to 3,000 words (submissions under 1,000 words and over 3,000 words will not be considered eligible for the contest).

—All submitted works must not have been previously published.

—If you are submitting artwork and/or photos to accompany your fiction, please site the source of the artwork/photos.

—Submit to editor@paranormalunderground.net.

The first-place winner will be published in our October issue. They will also have the option to become a regular contributor in our Featured Author column.

Our judges include Paranormal Underground’s Publisher Chad Wilson, Managing Editor Karen Frazier, and Science Editor J.D. Harrison. Judging criteria includes:

—Story originality

—Paranormal theme creativity

—Text fluidity

Submissions will be compiled and sent to the judges by the editor-in-chief, and all judges will not know who wrote each submission until after judging is completed. Winners will be announced based on a ranking system, which will be compiled from first to last place.

When e-mailing your submission to the editor, also include your name, story title, e-mail address, word count, and illustrations/photos, if any. If you have any questions regarding the contest, please e-mail editor@paranormalunderground.net.

Last year we had a great response, and we hope to see even more writers join us in our second short story contest. Good luck everyone, and we look forward to reading your submissions!