We left the house at the 7 AM hour to attend a press check at Epic Litho. Around here, at Fusion Communications, press checks are our Christmas times. They are our Santa Claus. They're what we work for.
The project on the press was a book created to tell the story of the extraordinary "refinery that could"
(American Refining Group). Of the man—Harry Halloran, Jr.—who, in buying the once-endangered plant for a dollar (and the promise of considerable other investments), saved the jobs of employees and strengthened the surrounding community. Of the people who were trusted to lead. Of management's great respect for the environment. Of the town itself that has rallied, in recent years, thanks to committed educational, cultural, and health care visionaries.
I had the pleasure of researching and writing this book. My husband took the exquisite photography and designed the book with his trademark care. The company's leadership and administrative team (including Harry, of course) were there at every turn to help us bring the story to life.
To print and bind this cloth-bound project, we turned to an old friend, Jarred Garber, with whom we have worked for many years. Jarred is the senior account manager at
Epic Litho in Phoenixville, PA. He and has team have delivered—time and again—stellar projects. They are not just knowledgeable and personable; they work with some of the best equipment around, all in a building, by the way, that once housed a roller skating arena. These people know their stuff. They're trusted by clients ranging from Godiva, Ferrari, and Dansko to Bucknell University to Dunwoody Village to the little communications company that also can, Fusion Communications.
When it's press check time, they open their doors and let the eager writer/designer in.
A post, then, to thank Harry Halloran, Jr. and his entire team. A post to thank Jarred and Epic Litho for taking such great care of us.
Oxford University Press staff love to read, but we were kids once too, so we’ve gathered together a few recommendations from our staff to keep the little ones entertained through the long winter. (Books we’ve read, but may not have been published this year.)
Dogwalker by Arthur Bradford
Benny’s Brigade by Arthur Bradford
“Arthur Bradford is the co-director of Camp Jabberwocky, a summer camp for people with disabilities; he’s also the author of the unfairly neglected short story collection Dogwalker, along with a slew of cheerfully bizarre and wonderful fiction in magazines. Benny’s Brigade ties together these two threads, presenting an endearingly absurd tale about a courtly miniature walrus named Benny, fleshed out by Lisa Hanawalt’s lavish illustrations. I enjoy it every bit as much as I’m hoping my little half-siblings will (it’s their Christmas gift — don’t tell).”
–Owen Keiter, Publicity Assistant
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg
“Great book about finding adventure in an unlikely place when a brother and a sister are trapped in a museum.”
–Jeremy Wang-Iverson, Senior Publicist
Struwwelpeter by Heinrich Hoffman
The Happy Hocky Family by Lane Smith
“One book I recommend for cold-averse, snowbound readers this winter is Struwwelpeter, a classic collection of cautionary tales for readers of any age and humor. The original is written in German by Heinrich Hoffman, but the English translation is just as delightful and sure to make young, obstreperous children sit up and fly right. Another favorite children’s book that I think contains insightful lessons for the mature and miniature reader alike is The Happy Hocky Family by Lane Smith. The art and sentiment within is simple and exquisite. he tale of the red balloon reminds me there are riches and joys to be thankful for and shared in the aftermath of adversity.”
–Purdy, Director of Publicity
A Stranger Came Ashore by Mollie Hunter
“This book has it all: shipwrecks, magic, and a villain who may or may not be a Selkie (a seal in human form). If there’s any justice for Mollie Hunter, Selkies will become the new vampires.”
–Jonathan Kroberger, Associate Publicist
Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley
“Harriet the Spy: For aspiring writers. The Phantom Tollbooth: Bored? So was Milo… The Hero and the Crown: A beautiful, short, surprisingly sexy coming-of-age girl’s adventure story.”
–Anonymous editorial submission
We Are In A Book by Mo Willems
It’s a Book by Lane Smith
“What’s better than holding a book? Perhaps being in one! Mo Willems’ Elephant and Piggie series always delivers a good laugh, but We Are In A Book takes a unique, meta approach to literature that will educate and delight children. For the mature sense of humor or technology-obsessed friend, check out Lane Smith’s It’s a Book.”
–Alana Podolsky, Publicity Assistant
Oxford University Press staff like to spend their holidays reading.
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The post OUP staff pick the best kids books of 2012 appeared first on OUPblog.
It's official: Liz over at FlirtyGirl is the Empress of all things Interactive. Check out her blog post about all of the fun goings-on we have planned for the launch of the second novel in the Bradford series, Fashionista, and watch the Bradford 2 trailer, if you've got a moment for some fun, scandalicious procrastination on this fine Friday morning.
Right now I'm in my parents' house. Mom and I are heading back to Stone Hearth after lunch to enjoy a weekend with some friends and pets, but currently I'm recuperating from a fab author visit to my hometown library last night! Dave and I had a great time talking So Punk Rock with teens, librarians, and parents, and we worked in some Brad-chat, as well.
Living in the information age means that even when I'm sequestered away on deadline lockdown, as I am this month, I'm always connected to other writers and readers, but it's actually pretty rare that I meet teens face to face. Seeing middle school girls getting as excited about books as I always did is beyond rewarding. Now I get to bask in the post-human contact glow all weekend long.
What are YOUR plans for weekend relaxation?
For serious people, I have many many things to share with you! So exciting! For starters, in Bradford news, yesterday was the Biggest Teen Author Signing Ever at Books of Wonder in NYC. Not only did I get to sign copies of GoldenGirl, but I also got to meet Bradford friendlies Sharon Anne, and Khyrinthia! I am pleased to report that both are every bit as awesome in person as online.
You may recall that Sharon Anne was our grand prize winner from the Bradford Blog Bash! Here's a pic of her humbly accepting her prize package (above). (Please to disregard my slouching! I can hear my mother in my ear with the: "stand up straight!" And she would be correct. But oh, well.)
Other things Bradford: Spencer's birthday contest continues! Today, she announced on her blog that she'll be giving away as her present to YOU a signed copy of The Season by authoress extraordinaire Sarah MacLean. Rumor has it that Sarah will even be doing a short Q&A with Spencer on Wednesday in honor of the close of the contest. Swing by Spencer's blog between now and midnight Wednesday and post your own six word memoir, and you'll be entered for a chance to win the book. (And believe you me, it's a good book. Worth the pain of the creative process.) You might think that that is more than enough news from my corner of the world.
But I have MORE THINGS TO TELL YOU YET! Namely, that I can be found this week in two places: firstly, at author KC Dyer's Darby Speaks blog, chatting about--what else?--the Bradfordlies. ALSO, an excerpt for the Ellen Hopkins anthology from SmartPop, Flirtin' With the Monster, (coming in May) can be found here. I was so flattered to be asked to contribute an essay, and let me tell you, it was nice to put those VCFA critical writing skills to use!
As you can see, it's been all kinds of bizzy here in Ostow-ville. But I wouldn't have it any other way!
That's really the gist of it.
My friendliest people:
This Wednesday marks the inaugural Bradford launch event: a reading at the New York Public Library!
Not only will I be regaling you with a snarkalicious, scandal-filled snippet from book one, GoldenGirl, but you will also get to hear from some other fabu teen authors, including a few personal favorites. (I won't name names. A lady never. Suffice it to say, they are all groove-tastic).
I hope you'll come out to hear the reading, prepped with lots of question-y thoughts and comments. Bonus points (possible bribery involved, in point of fact), if you have an actual teen in tow.
The gory deats:
January 7 -- Teen Author Reading Night (6-7:30, Jefferson Market Branch of NYPL, 425 6th Ave , at 10th St .)
Claudia Gabel, Friends Close, Enemies Closer
Bill Konigsburg, Out of the Pocket
Micol Ostow, Golden Girl
Marie Rutkoski, Cabinet of Wonders
Eliot Schrefer, School for Dangerous Girls
We'd love to see you!
Muchos besos,
Meeks
