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Fun Fridays – Dec. 23, 2011
I just love the delight in this young man's performance of "The Little Drummer Boy." He is sixteen years old who plays in his church band.
Christmas Melodies
The good news for us in Virginia is that we rarely experience a white Christmas. Of course, for snow lovers, that is bad news. No sleigh rides for us. Not even to a groovy beat. What I love is that winter is cold enough to call for a coat, but usually boots are more of a fashion statement than a necessity.
But here we have plenty of seasonal atmosphere, with an abundance of holly berry scents …
Before You Say “I Do”
Thirty-two years ago today I said those very words to my darling hubby, Don, in a candlelit service, surrounded by friends and family. Ours was a whirlwind courtship and marriage. From the time we met to the wedding was a total of 8 months—and we were apart for 3 of those months. Yes, we were young. And yes, in many ways, we were incredibly foolish. But now, 32 years later, I can tell you that …
News You Can Use – Dec. 20, 2011
Don't Support You Local Bookstore - An outrageous and inciting article from Farhad Manjoo, Slate's technology columnist. Great responses from Tim Redmond and Will Doig.
The Rise of the Cowboy Romance Novel - Time magazine article on secular cowboy romance novels.
Pirates are Stealing my Books! - Karen Ranney is justifiably angry. I am surprised her publisher is not doing more to help. Maybe …
Fun Fridays – Dec. 16, 2011
This fun video was put together by the Kuinerrarmiut Elitnaurviat 5th Grade class in Quinhagak, Alaska. They spent 10 hours shooting the video over a weekend. Originally intended only for an audience of the 200 residents of Quinhagak village.
What Role Do Influencers Play?
One of the services a traditional publisher provides is working with authors in regard to getting publicity about books through word of mouth. This piece of the publicity puzzle is more important for trade books than for mass market books because they fit into an established line and are less author-focused than trade books. Trade books rely more on author identity and brand recognition to be …
Threads in the Fabric (Part three)
Wednesday again! The days go by so fast this time of year! Well, my office Corgi, Mr. Kirby, and I are happy to welcome you inside once again.
Last week we visited the kitchen. Today, let’s meander into the main office, where, no surprise, you’ll see bookcase after bookcase, all overflowing. Oh, I try to decorate and straighten, but more and more I’m embracing the chaos. I’m persuaded true …
News You Can Use – Dec. 13, 2011
Paying Authors More Might be in the Best Interest of Publishers - Mike Shatzkin is a really smart guy and every published writer will want to read every part of this 2,300 word article. Brilliant.
The Twelve Most Dangerous Words for Writers - A provocative title. Worth reading and thinking it through.
The Basic Laws of Human Stupidity - I know I shouldn't have enjoyed this article but I …
Fun Fridays – Dec. 9, 2011
Cello Wars! (the Star Wars version)
These guys had way too much fun doing this. Please do yourself a favor and watch the whole thing right through to the credits (four minutes long).