Check out this video by John Green. More importantly, if you get a chance to read through
the comments by his fellow nerdfighters, they're definitely worth reading!
These are very intelligent observations (not surprisingly, most are by teenagers) about
the book industry and about the state of pleasure reading in today's society.

I'm not sure if non-nerdfighters can view the comments, but I think anyone who hasn't yet
joined the nerdfighter ning really should.

If you're reading my blog, you're probably interested in books, and that means you'll have a lot
in common with these folks! Trust me!

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So, remember how I said I just HAD to have a chat with Sarah Mlynowski about how she managed to put such a unique spin on things in her Magic in Manhattan series?
Well I finally got the chance to do just that.
Check it out!

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Great picks this month, I think!
http://www.alan-ya.org/2009/01/alans-picks-january-2009/#more-239

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I was glad to see ALVIN HO short-listed in the CYBILS middle grade fiction category, because I'd read it a few weeks prior and really enjoyed it. I haven't read the others yet, so I'm definitely looking forward to getting my hands on those!

Will be posting my review of this one pretty soon. What a fantastic and fascinating read!

My writing partner has been bugging me for ages to read this one. After really enjoying Catherine Gilbert Murdock's PRINCESS BEN, and then enjoying a lovely conversation over dinner with the author, I decided I really should read DAIRY QUEEN. Holy moly has this one got voice! What I learned: if my writing partner says, "you've got to read this one," I WILL!


I'm going to have to chat with author Sarah Mylnowski, because this book is so funny. I need to find out how she put such a unique spin things. 
                                                                            

So...what have you been reading?

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I feel so blessed this year, with all my friends and my wonderful (growing) family.

My book reviewing has been so fun and has had the added bonus of teaching me a lot.
My guest-editing gig at Teacher-Librarian Magazine doing author interviews for their monthly column continues to give me the opportunity to meet and talk to so many inspiring authors.
Most of all, my writing has grown as I work on my craft and learn what works and what doesn't. I'm glad I'm doing what I've always wanted to do. Writing full-length fiction is much harder than I ever dreamed, and focusing on it has been a challenge, but thanks to my fantastic critique partners (and in particular, my local writing partner who gives me all the nudges and shoves I need to stay focused), I have trudged along and not given up.

This year has also been a hard one. It's our first Christmas without my father, and even writing those words brings me to the brink of tears. But, I feel him near me and hold all of our memories close to my heart.

It is with much love and admiration that I send out Christmas wishes to all of you who have become a part of my life, virtually or otherwise!

Merry Christmas to You!!
           

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For those aspiring and newer writers out there who haven't yet gone to The Writers Workshop at Chautauqua, you really ought to treat yourself to a glorious week dedicated to you and your writing. The Chautauqua Workshop so utterly fantastic, words cannot describe it.  Just ask ANYONE who's attended.

If you can't swing the funds to get yourself there, consider applying for the generous financial aid offered by the Highlights Foundation for this specific purpose. Now's the time to set your 2009 writing goals, starting with putting your writing on the top of your priority list.

Here're the details from the HF:

"We are currently accepting applications for financial aid to our 25th
anniversary Chautauqua.  Although deadline is mid-February, we are
encouraging folks to apply as soon as possible. For an application, they can
e-mail me at [email protected].  And, visit web site to see
great faculty for 2009. There will likely be few more faculty added, and
there will be some special visitors during our anniversary celebration as
well."

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I absolutely LOVE this book. For those who read and loved I HEART YOU, YOU HAUNT ME, you're in for a real treat with Lisa's new book. It's every bit as riveting as her other novel in verse, but best of all, the story is unique and absolutely stunning in execution. Well done, Lisa!

I do NOT want to be entered in the fabulous contest because I already won a great book in afraclose 's giant giveaway, and I don't want to be piggish. Plus, my TBR pile literally toppled over this morning and Hubby says I have to move some books out before I can move more in. *le sigh* The nerve! 

But, this is such a great contest, I have to pass on the word in hopes that other people get lucky as well! So, here are the details:

"Lisa Schroeder, author of I HEART YOU, YOU HAUNT ME, is celebrating the release of her upcoming YA novel, FAR FROM YOU, and hosting a contest with LOTS of great prizes!

For three days leading up to the book’s release date of December 23rd, you can watch VLOGs and hear some excerpts read from the book. The VLOG schedule is as follows:

Sunday, December 21^st – Liv’s Book Reviews - http://livsbookreviews.blogspot.com/

Monday, December 22^nd – What Vanessa Reads - http://whatvanessareads.wordpress.com/

Tuesday, December 23^rd – Lisa Schroeder, author - http://lisa-schroeder.livejournal.com/ AND http://myspace.com/writerlisa

Help spread the word, and you might win a fabulous prize!

Copy and paste THIS entire blog entry into your blog between now and December 21st, then come back to Lisa’s blog at either Livejournal OR Myspace and leave a comment with the link to your blog and you will get TWO enteries to win a number of prizes.

Wondering what you might win? Here is the list (there will be multiple winners):

~ An Advanced Review Copy of THE FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH, by Carrie Ryan

~ An Advanced Review Copy of SOMETHING, MAYBE, by Elizabeth Scott

~ Young adult novel GIRL, HERO by Carrie Jones

~ Young adult novel, THE POSSIBILITIES OF SAINTHOOD by Donna Freitas

~ Young adult novel, UGLIES by Scott Westerfield

~ Pair of YA fairy tale retellings by Cameron Dokey (BELLE and BEFORE MIDNIGHT)

~ TWILIGHT movie soundtrack

~ $15.00 Barnes and Noble gift card along with some Harry & David’s chocolate moose munch

~ And of course, a signed copy of FAR FROM YOU

For more chances to win, watch one or all of the VLOGs and leave a comment on that vlogger’s page, and you get another entry. That means if you post the schedule on your blog AND comment on all three VLOGs, you can have FIVE entries for the contest!

A live drawing with winners announced will be done by Lisa Thursday morning, December 24^th, in a special holiday VLOG."

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annemariepace  has started a virtual cookie exchange. Since I'm hungry (and procrastinating), I thought I'd participate.
Okay, so this isn't exactly a "cookie" recipe, but it's very nummilicious.

I was born in a small town called Circleville, Ohio, which is home of The Pumpkin Show. If you're not familiar with The Pumpkin Show and all of it's many pumpkiny goodness features (pumpkin fudge, pumpkin doughnuts, pumpkin ice cream, etc), let's just say Circleville peeps know how to do pumpkin right!   


So, here is my contribution to the Virtual Cookie Exchange: Pumpkin Crunch Cake
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Pumpkin-Crunch-Cake/Detail.aspx

Enjoy!

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am I tired. Yeah, I know that's not how the saying goes, but I didn't think I'd have enough energy to handle the collective, internet-wide groans

Seriously, though, the 2008 ALAN Workshop was such a fantastic experience, made all the more fantastic because this year's ALAN president (now past-president...congrats on passing the gavel, David), our own thunderchikin ran the whole thing beautifully. He was a fantastic host, introducing folks and making sure everyone had what they needed, on top of watching the clock to be sure the workshop stayed on track.

I was lucky to have the opportunity to meet so many internet buddies:

rebeccael</lj> (Rebecca Leach), who bailed me out by snapping a great picture of John Green and me after my camera went wacky. She rocks!


professornana</lj> (the goddess of YA), whose speech left my jaw on the table, it was so great.

cynleitichsmith</lj> (Cynthia Leitich Smith) and greglsblog</lj> (Greg Leitich Smith) who were both so amazingly charming it was easy to see why they work so well together. I don't think I ever saw either of them without a smile all weekend.

cfaughnan</lj> (Cindy of course!) who approached me when I was too chicken to walk up to her and ask if she was truly her.

halseanderson</lj> (The incomparable Laurie Halse Anderson) who amazed me with her generosity, sincerity, and warmth.

Sheri Sinykin, who also came up to me when I was lost in a sea of faces.

John Green, who says he reads my blog, even though I still don't entirely believe him. It was such a pleasure working with him, however briefly, at the workshop.

davidlubar</lj> (David Lubar) who cracked me up with his rapid-fire speech on stage. I'm so glad I got to read & review his books for YA Books Central before I left.

coebooth</lj> (Coe Booth) who had brilliant insight to share about why some teens need realistic fiction, and how/why teachers and librarians should include it in their schools.

A special thanks to melissa_writing</lj> (Melissa Marr), who didn't say a word when I turned into super-moron and invited myself into her group's cab after I got separated from my own group and was all flustered as I tried to make my way to the right restaurant for dinner. It took about 1 minute too long for me to figure out that just because the cab said she could take six people, she didn't necessarily mean six random people and I should've waited politely for the next cab. D'oh!

Luckily, I sat next to the wonderful Laura Ruby, who was friendly and welcoming during that embarrassing ride and helped ease my feelings of utter shame.

I'm so sad that I missed tanyaleestone</lj> (Tanya Lee Stone), who I was so looking forward to meeting. I should've jumped on any opportunity to say hello, but my desire to be unobtrusive pops up at the strangest times (despite my cab hijacking instincts) and I was always unsure of the right time to approach.

Congratulations to Jeanne McDermott for winning the 2008 Hipple Award. Anyone who has ever had the pleasure of meeting her knows why she deserves the honor! She goes above and beyond, and all with friendly words to everyone!

I know I met more people, but I'm so tired my brain is failing me at the moment. I just loved the whole experience. All that collective wisdom and kindness in one room is fantastically overwhelming

Two other reasons I'm tired:
I've read well over 100 books for children and young adults so far this year (nothing compared to some, but it's aplenty, believe me)!

Oh, and one more little thing:

Hubby, Son, and I are expecting The Littlest Prince to come along this spring. It's been a long time since I've had this experience (12 years to be exact), and I must say, it was ever so much easier in my 20s, although it certainly is every bit as exciting now! So, that's my best excuse for the fact that I haven't updated my blog for over a month. Pure exhaustion.

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Things are as busy as ever around my house (busier, actually), and I'm also trying to revise my heart out.
But the good thing is I'm keeping up with my reading. It's my only guilty pleasure (which I justify with my reviews), so I don't feel too bad.
The latest few reads: 

That last one I listened to on audio. I've "read" several books on audio recently, which allows me to "read" when I wouldn't otherwise be able to (in the car, while cleaning, and occasionally at work while I'm doing data entry).
Some books are definitely better than others on audio. For instance, I really enjoyed this one on audio:  All those accents would never have come across so wonderfully in print. On the other hand, I was glad to have the book on my shelf so I could see the few illustrations that were referenced.

What have you been reading?

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Today is BIC day in my world, and I have much to do. There are two scenes waiting to be written and a slew of critique partner notes to read through and consider. Many revisions must be made. I'm excited.

I want my book to be an ALAN Online Pick one day. A Cybils Contender. 

And so much more! I have many writerly dreams, and I'm working my hardest to make them come true. Starting with some BIC time. I wouldn't want to disappoint my fellow jonowrimo</lj>  peeps!

In related news, I recently finished SAVVY by Ingrid Law
I've also read this fantastic book by David Lubar:  and I've started the sequel:  

Fantastic! Nothing like three good books in a row to make a reader's heart sing!

What are you reading?

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When did SOUL ENCHILADA get an actual cover?  

    When did JoNoWriMo get to the next official check in mark?

When did Chris Crutcher have to stand up to book banners AGAIN?  

When did it become time to nominate books for CYBILS 2008? 

Holy Moly! Brace Yourselves: It's October!

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  jonowrimo  2008 continues to keep me on track with revisions and writing (although I can't say the same for critiquing. I'm a bit behind schedule there, but luckily, my friends are patient with me. Plus, I think they want me to finish and submit something already!

While briefly *ahem* stopping by Facebook, I happened upon my friend Dianne's "status," (which for those of you who aren't "Facebook-friendly" is just a little one-liner that tells people what you're doing or thinking at any given moment when you choose to update said status). In it was a link to her daughter Eliana's cooking blog. Eliana is eight-years-old, and from what I can see, she's quite the chef already. This shouldn't come as any shock, since as anyone who knows Dianne de Las Casas knows that creativity and passionate hobbies run in that family.

Anyway if you're a cook (which I most definitely am NOT), you should totally check out some of Eliana's recipes! I mean, check out the presentation here!                                                                           



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Combine that with this pudem: 
















And you've got a hit TV cooking show in the making!

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She did the research (not just on scones, but on sensibilities, too!), she did the work (I mean, this woman cranks out awesome manuscripts like nobody's business), and now, she's reaping the reward(s) in the form of a 2-book deal from Egmont USA, starting with SCONES AND SENSIBILITY, a fantastic middle grade, starring a girl named Polly who decides, after reading PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, that match-making is her calling. Polly (also a fan of ANNE OF GREEN GABLES) is a girl after my own heart.

I guess this means I'll have to change my website page where it says  Lindsay "will probably be the next Elite Critiquer with a signed contract in hand."  It also means I'm pretty good at predictions. I should go out and buy one of those fancy turbans or get some Miss Cleo outfits or something. 
                                                                    

Or, maybe I'm just confident that I'm in the best dang critique group in the world!

If you haven't met Lindsay yet, the best way to get to know her writing style is to go read her blog. It's frickin' full of Lindsayisms!
I love her. Love her!

Anyway, congratulations, Linds!!!! We're all so proud of you, and I can't wait to see what you come out with next, or which of the gazillion fabulous manuscripts in your drawer you and Rebecca Sherman decide to put out there for the world.

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A writer who receives the Funds For Writers eNewsletter saw an ad there and entered a contest. She's a finalist, has already won $10,000, and is now vying for the $100,000 grand prize! Congratulations to her! I wish her luck (although judging by the current votes, she won't need it). However, my own vote went to the Hospice House dream. I had a hard time choosing between the used bookstore and that one, but in the end, I just felt the Hospice House resonated with me a little more. How about you?  You do have to register to vote, but it's on the same page as the videos play (they continue to stream as you're completing the brief registration). Check it out! There are some good causes and some stories that will bring tears to your eyes, especially if you're the type to cry over a sentimental commercial.

In other news, I'm honored to be a judge on this year's CYBILs middle grade panel! How exciting is that?!
                                                                                                           

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Thanks to everyone who responded to my last post, about authors marketing their books to other writers. It was a fun discussion!

I am so ready to start this year'sjonowrimo! There are a lot of participants this year, and everyone is geared up and ready to go. Have you joined yet?                                                                
                                 And, have you seen the super-cool mascot?! 

Last, but certainly not least, you should totally head on over to my friend Amy's blog and help celebrate Book Blogger Appreciation Week! 

Awards will be awarded, giveaways will be given away, and there are many book blogs participating that I didn't even know existed. Cool!

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First of all, any of my writerly friends who aren't familiar with Hope Clark and her Funds For Writers Newsletter and other resources really should hop on over and check it out! 

Next, I'd like to discuss one of the articles in this week's FundsforWriters Newsletter.  The article is "A Promotional Rant," and can be found partway down this page.

Specifically, I'm interested in your opinion about whether marketing your book to other writers is a silly concept. I've never been the least bit bothered by people blurbing their published book to me, but I understand from this article that other people find this very "spammy" and offensive and dumb. Now, I don't know if it's just because the kidlit community is different from other writing communities, since it's kind of a small, tight-knit world, or if the places I tend to hang out, like Verla Kay's Blue Boards, are just known for their support and interest in other people's projects, or what. Maybe it's that so many people who write for children and teens HAVE children and teens for whom they'll purchase books (like, since I'm always on the lookout for books that will get Son to love reading).

Or maybe, *gasp*, there are people in the kidlit community who get irritated when other kidlitters bombard them with marketing ploys for their books?

So, talk to me! Tell me what you think of this idea that it's silly to market within the same network of people who support your writing.

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jonowrimo  starts soon. Are you ready?!
                        

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                                                                                                            "The Dream" by Pablo Picasso (1932)

So, the other night I had a recurring dream that seemed to go on and on all night long. The thing is, I didn't want it to end, because it was basically the plot (including character) of a book I'd like to read. Which, of course, means it's a book I'd like to write. The best part is that the starring character is the one I was journaling about a few months ago. I couldn't, no matter how hard I tried, figure out her story. I knew her, and I knew some basic traits and fears she had, but I couldn't figure out what her story was. Now I know. Isn't the unconcious mind fascintating? So, I got up in the morning and noted everything I could remember and added a few plotlines and characters that seemed to match. Today (my writing day), I'm trying hard to get some strong plotting done. 
 
So, now I'm trying to revise the same book I've been working on for over a year, work on the YA I started and love, and now plot the next one. How do you work? How do you choose what you're going to work on? 

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You might want to see if you've been drafted to participate in brian_ohio 's Survivor: LJ version.
Go, Eye-nsteins!!!!

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The Assembly on Literature for Adolescents (ALAN) Online has posted the September Book Picks. 
                                                       

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   My heart. My love. My soul.

This, my friends, is the reason I can function on a daily basis.
He is the best husband a woman could ask for.  My best friend.

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Coming up: Book Blogger Appreciation Week. Check it out.

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