Tenderfeet actually.
So, I'm having a great morning. I was awakened by Boo kitty chewing on my hair (that is not the great part), checked my email, worked out (treadmill, Shania Twain), formatted an upcoming interview on cynsations with KWH, and got ready to have lunch with GB at ZTejas on 6th.
For some insane reason, I decide to (a) wear my 3 inch wedges and (b) walk down the steep side of Castle Hill via the asphalt-paved street. It's a big hill. A Hillcountry hill. People from San Francisco would say, "Hey, that's a hill!"
About half way down, it became clear I was going to wipe out. So, I take off my shoes and walk babysteps down the rest of the gravely, glass-ridden alley street in my bare feet. In Texas. In the summer. On asphalt. Can we say "ouch"?
On the upside, GB was lovely company and ZTejas is running this special chili menu. Try the green chili chicken soup.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Blood In The Mail
Today I sent in my documentation in support of my membership in the Horror Writers Association. Proof that my advance and royalties were at a certain level and that my manuscript contains an element of horror. Basically, copies of excerpts from my contract and the second half of my advance for T.
It's much harder for a children's/YA writer to become a full member of the HWA than, say, SCBWI. Among other things, there's a word minimum for manuscripts to qualify, and some YAs, most middle grades, and all picture books would be shorter. T is an upper (14-up) YA though.
I also sent postcards for GLS announcing Tofu and T. rex (Little Brown, 2005). I'm such the devoted wife, I know.
Spooky Links
Angel and Apostle by Deborah Noyes (Unbridled Books, 2005); debut novel from the anthologist of Gothic! Ten Original Dark Tales (Candlewick, 2004).
Thanks to AS for the cyber anniversary card!
It's much harder for a children's/YA writer to become a full member of the HWA than, say, SCBWI. Among other things, there's a word minimum for manuscripts to qualify, and some YAs, most middle grades, and all picture books would be shorter. T is an upper (14-up) YA though.
I also sent postcards for GLS announcing Tofu and T. rex (Little Brown, 2005). I'm such the devoted wife, I know.
Spooky Links
Angel and Apostle by Deborah Noyes (Unbridled Books, 2005); debut novel from the anthologist of Gothic! Ten Original Dark Tales (Candlewick, 2004).
Thanks to AS for the cyber anniversary card!
Monday, September 05, 2005
Remembering Rehnquist
I was saddened this weekend to hear that Chief Justice Rehnquist had died. Given his status in the history of American law, it's somewhat remarkable and tragic that there's so much bad news at the moment that this isn't still the lead story.
Anniversary Retreat
Just back from two days and nights with GLS at the Hillcountry Hyatt in celebration of our 11th anniversary. (We cancelled our 10th anniversary trip last year after my dad died, so...).
The Hyatt is a golf/spa resort just outside of San Antonio--particularly suited to family vacations (maybe more so than couples). Overall, it's a great destination, though the service is occasionally uneven. The crowd was mixed, but mostly middle class, Anglos/Mexican Americans (lots of mixed families), and ready to soak in the last weekend of the summer.
Pros: the faux river for inner tube rafting, a very hillcountry activity; Viceroy butterflies; waterfall in the hot tub; private feel to rooms; well-behaved child guests en masse; loooong copper bar; throwing peanut shells on the floor (you're supposed to); peeking in on the Laredo/Oregon wedding crowd.
GLS and I also watched "The Incredibles," which I recommend (compare to "Spy Kids"--"TI" was better written but its focus more on the adult than kid characters) and "Bewitched," which I do not recommend (as GLS said, "Nicole Kidman playing Melanie Griffith playing..."....who's being marketed as a 20something "dumb blonde" these days? And when will that stereotype finally die out?).
Back to reality and, so, Katrina. Austin SCBWI is donating children's books to shelters housing survivors locally, so I'm pulling titles today.
The Hyatt is a golf/spa resort just outside of San Antonio--particularly suited to family vacations (maybe more so than couples). Overall, it's a great destination, though the service is occasionally uneven. The crowd was mixed, but mostly middle class, Anglos/Mexican Americans (lots of mixed families), and ready to soak in the last weekend of the summer.
Pros: the faux river for inner tube rafting, a very hillcountry activity; Viceroy butterflies; waterfall in the hot tub; private feel to rooms; well-behaved child guests en masse; loooong copper bar; throwing peanut shells on the floor (you're supposed to); peeking in on the Laredo/Oregon wedding crowd.
GLS and I also watched "The Incredibles," which I recommend (compare to "Spy Kids"--"TI" was better written but its focus more on the adult than kid characters) and "Bewitched," which I do not recommend (as GLS said, "Nicole Kidman playing Melanie Griffith playing..."....who's being marketed as a 20something "dumb blonde" these days? And when will that stereotype finally die out?).
Back to reality and, so, Katrina. Austin SCBWI is donating children's books to shelters housing survivors locally, so I'm pulling titles today.
Saturday, September 03, 2005
Happy Anniversary, GLS!
GLS and I were married eleven years ago on Sept. 4th in Kansas City, Missouri. I'm going to take off the rest of the holiday weekend to celebrate.
To all of you spookycyn readers, play and travel safe.
To all of you spookycyn readers, play and travel safe.
Friday, September 02, 2005
Opening Doors
I just got a note from my law school ('94) saying that we'd open our doors to visiting students from Loyola of New Orleans and Tulane Law School, which I suspect any number of schools are doing. The Tulane site, for example, has been moved this week over to Emory. My transcript reflects a summer of credits from Tulane, as they co-sponsored the classes I took at the University of Paris after my 1L year. GLS and I went on our honeymoon in New Orleans. We stayed at the Fairmont, which was just outside the Quarter, and paid for it with money we got at the wedding. It's our 11th anniversary this weekend. I'm just free associating, I know. Just sad.
Manuscript Tips Circa 1927
I had brunch this a.m. with FH at the South Congress Cafe, which is much improved, food-quality-wise, since the first time I tried it with DL. GLS had already told me this as he'd had lunch there with AL during WF, but it was my first time back. Have the Mexican omlette with green chili sauce. Yum.
Went on to shop in great detail, which is the only way to do it, down the street at Uncommon Objects. FH found a (Thai?) puppet, a wooden mushroom, and tiny dolls. I picked up a very 1970s-esque embroidered black jacket and How To Prepare Manuscripts by George Milburn (Little Blue Book No. 1143, edited by E. Haldeman-Julius (Haldeman-Julius Publications, 1927), published in Girard, Kansas.
Some manuscript observations/tips circa 1927:
"...I saw the editors' mail cascade from strong cloth sacks. If there is any more disheartening spectacle in the world, I do not care to witness it while I'm young."
"...the amateur writer was the most chld-like, the most gullible, the most addlepated creature in the world."
"They are simply chasing a vain illusion that writing is a soft short-cut to Fame and Japanese valets." (Cyn note: Japanese valets?)
"Typewriters are accessible to almost everyone nowadays."
"Editors for established publishing houses are not likely to be untrustworthy, and the writer can generally depend on them for an honest evaluation of the work."
"It is seldom necessary to accompany your manuscript with a letter to the editor. Often, too often, such a letter is a serious detriment."
"Don't send the same manuscript to different editors at the same time. Suppose both of them should accept it--an uncomfortable situation."
Went on to shop in great detail, which is the only way to do it, down the street at Uncommon Objects. FH found a (Thai?) puppet, a wooden mushroom, and tiny dolls. I picked up a very 1970s-esque embroidered black jacket and How To Prepare Manuscripts by George Milburn (Little Blue Book No. 1143, edited by E. Haldeman-Julius (Haldeman-Julius Publications, 1927), published in Girard, Kansas.
Some manuscript observations/tips circa 1927:
"...I saw the editors' mail cascade from strong cloth sacks. If there is any more disheartening spectacle in the world, I do not care to witness it while I'm young."
"...the amateur writer was the most chld-like, the most gullible, the most addlepated creature in the world."
"They are simply chasing a vain illusion that writing is a soft short-cut to Fame and Japanese valets." (Cyn note: Japanese valets?)
"Typewriters are accessible to almost everyone nowadays."
"Editors for established publishing houses are not likely to be untrustworthy, and the writer can generally depend on them for an honest evaluation of the work."
"It is seldom necessary to accompany your manuscript with a letter to the editor. Often, too often, such a letter is a serious detriment."
"Don't send the same manuscript to different editors at the same time. Suppose both of them should accept it--an uncomfortable situation."
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Call Me "Lois Lane"
I heard from my CW editor that I should be getting copyedits on T in about 2 weeks. Can't wait!
In the meantime, I'm going to work on a related article(s). Or at least get started. I try to do a couple of articles a year that spring from my own writing. They've been published in such venues as Book Links, Library Talk, The Horn Book, and the Journal of Children's Literature in addition to more mainstream outlets like Better Homes & Garden and Career World magazine.
I enjoy being part of the dialogue within the industry and raising awareness of it beyond. Plus, as a trained journalist, I appreciate the opportunity to put that hat back on every now and again. It also raises awareness of my name and work, I suppose, which may increase the odds of receiving event invitations or interview requests.
The 4th is my 11th wedding anniversary, and so I fully intend to take some time off this weekend to play with GLS. This reminds me, if you don't read cynsations (and why not?), there are new online interviews with him here and here (scroll for update).
Comic O The Week: Wonder Woman #220 (guest starring Batman).
In the meantime, I'm going to work on a related article(s). Or at least get started. I try to do a couple of articles a year that spring from my own writing. They've been published in such venues as Book Links, Library Talk, The Horn Book, and the Journal of Children's Literature in addition to more mainstream outlets like Better Homes & Garden and Career World magazine.
I enjoy being part of the dialogue within the industry and raising awareness of it beyond. Plus, as a trained journalist, I appreciate the opportunity to put that hat back on every now and again. It also raises awareness of my name and work, I suppose, which may increase the odds of receiving event invitations or interview requests.
The 4th is my 11th wedding anniversary, and so I fully intend to take some time off this weekend to play with GLS. This reminds me, if you don't read cynsations (and why not?), there are new online interviews with him here and here (scroll for update).
Comic O The Week: Wonder Woman #220 (guest starring Batman).
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
My Stunning Popularity Pales Next To Crickets
In the past week, I've (suddenly!) received multiple speaking queries for fall 2007.
Fall 2007!
Multiple queries!
When did I become so popular? Beats me.
Anyway, after a moment O panic, it occured to me that now, today was the time to adopt the SC event organization method.
It's very sophisticated. You staple together every piece of correspondence on each event and then stack them recent to distant, top to bottom, beside your desk. I know, I know, and yet...
I've been doing this five years, and I still needed SC (who granted was, like, Michigan Librarian of the Year before/while she became a famous author) to explain this to me.
Nevertheless, I feel better now.
Also, had dinner yesterday with AB, who now is SO cool/sweet that she gets phone messages from Crickets!
Fall 2007!
Multiple queries!
When did I become so popular? Beats me.
Anyway, after a moment O panic, it occured to me that now, today was the time to adopt the SC event organization method.
It's very sophisticated. You staple together every piece of correspondence on each event and then stack them recent to distant, top to bottom, beside your desk. I know, I know, and yet...
I've been doing this five years, and I still needed SC (who granted was, like, Michigan Librarian of the Year before/while she became a famous author) to explain this to me.
Nevertheless, I feel better now.
Also, had dinner yesterday with AB, who now is SO cool/sweet that she gets phone messages from Crickets!
Buffy: The Vampire Sing-A-Long
Last night, GLS and I went out at 9 p.m. and met up with SP (vote for him!) and GB at the Alamo Drafthouse Downtown (on Colorado) for the Buffy Sing-A-Long.
Picture an old central Austin theater full of Scoopies, seated behind long tables for food and drink (this is a movie theater with a kitchen, menu, and wait staff), watching "Restless" and then singing along (there are subtitles) to "Once More With Feeling" (see lyrics).
The draft house gave away bubble potion with wands, vampire teeth, and lighters. Wild dancing, underwear throwing ("The Parking Ticket Song"), heckling of Dawn, and singing while holding upheld, swaying hands (as in the entire crowd) were both encouraged and executed.
Actually, I skipped the wild dancing (GLS wouldn't so, you know, marital solidarity, though SP made an impressive effort), underwear throwing, and fire. But all the guys were firey with the flames, and I did do my part in blowing bubbles.
What impressed me most is how strongly the MC emphasized that it was great to be loud and have fun, but nevertheless to show all due respect for the quality of "Buffy," least one be shown the door (this was stated in a somewhat more aggressive fashion than one will find at spookycyn). "A religious experience," he also called it.
Big picture: despite so-so popcorn, highly recommend the Buffy Sing-A-Long. I feel just a little bit spookier than I did yesterday.
Spooky News & Links
Big congrats to GB on his recent admission to VC!
According to my incredible housecalls vet, "[s]ome coat colors are associated with gender in cats; many orange cats are male and most calico cats are female."
Picture an old central Austin theater full of Scoopies, seated behind long tables for food and drink (this is a movie theater with a kitchen, menu, and wait staff), watching "Restless" and then singing along (there are subtitles) to "Once More With Feeling" (see lyrics).
The draft house gave away bubble potion with wands, vampire teeth, and lighters. Wild dancing, underwear throwing ("The Parking Ticket Song"), heckling of Dawn, and singing while holding upheld, swaying hands (as in the entire crowd) were both encouraged and executed.
Actually, I skipped the wild dancing (GLS wouldn't so, you know, marital solidarity, though SP made an impressive effort), underwear throwing, and fire. But all the guys were firey with the flames, and I did do my part in blowing bubbles.
What impressed me most is how strongly the MC emphasized that it was great to be loud and have fun, but nevertheless to show all due respect for the quality of "Buffy," least one be shown the door (this was stated in a somewhat more aggressive fashion than one will find at spookycyn). "A religious experience," he also called it.
Big picture: despite so-so popcorn, highly recommend the Buffy Sing-A-Long. I feel just a little bit spookier than I did yesterday.
Spooky News & Links
Big congrats to GB on his recent admission to VC!
According to my incredible housecalls vet, "[s]ome coat colors are associated with gender in cats; many orange cats are male and most calico cats are female."
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
MC Essay In Progress
After a summer of much travel and excitement, I'm back to the thrill of BIC (butt in chair).
Today, I put together a draft of an article to appear in a university press book about multicultural children's literature. It's supposed to be eight to 10 pages, and right now I have eight full.
I plan to show it to GLS and my crit group for feedback, and then go ahead and send early to the editors. Truth is, I'm not entirely sure what they're looking for, but there's plenty O time to adjust. Their deadline isn't until December.
You know, it keeps occuring to me that VC requires its students to write essays like this one, and that it's a valuable skill. I wonder how many of them realize that published authors put together pieces like this all the time. It's part of the greater discourse of the literary community, and it raises awareness of our titles in thoughtful circles.
Today, I put together a draft of an article to appear in a university press book about multicultural children's literature. It's supposed to be eight to 10 pages, and right now I have eight full.
I plan to show it to GLS and my crit group for feedback, and then go ahead and send early to the editors. Truth is, I'm not entirely sure what they're looking for, but there's plenty O time to adjust. Their deadline isn't until December.
You know, it keeps occuring to me that VC requires its students to write essays like this one, and that it's a valuable skill. I wonder how many of them realize that published authors put together pieces like this all the time. It's part of the greater discourse of the literary community, and it raises awareness of our titles in thoughtful circles.
Monday, August 29, 2005
Gas To Go
Communication with each of my book editors, including a revision request. Very exciting. Will wait to apply comments until I see marked mss.
Talk to GG (about TLA) and TLS (about ABBCBGFAG) on the phone.
Put gas in the car $33; have decided that gas prices are a karma thing against SUV drivers.
Talk to GG (about TLA) and TLS (about ABBCBGFAG) on the phone.
Put gas in the car $33; have decided that gas prices are a karma thing against SUV drivers.
Sunday, August 28, 2005
10 Cantaloupes for $1
GLS and I had breakfast at Waterloo Ice House (scrambled eggs and whole wheat toast), grocery shopped at Randall's, and ran out to the Arboretum Mall so he could autograph stock at the B&N and I could buy feeders for the squirrels and birds. I finished my fifth packet for VC, and I'm going to start working on a few articles. One is for a university press and the other two will be submitted in support of T.
Randall's is having a special on cataloupes--10 for $1. How many people can store/eat 10 cataloupes while they're still fresh? Think about it!
In other news, I've noticed that GLS is wearing his red Brooklyn ballcap a lot, despite the fact that he claims to be "not a hat person" and that the Chicagoan in him is vaguely competitive of all things NYC. Perhaps it is because the cap is a gift from the ever effervescent Rebel Angel that is LB. I think it looks cute on him.
Shouting out: Happy Birthday to Grandma Melba!
Randall's is having a special on cataloupes--10 for $1. How many people can store/eat 10 cataloupes while they're still fresh? Think about it!
In other news, I've noticed that GLS is wearing his red Brooklyn ballcap a lot, despite the fact that he claims to be "not a hat person" and that the Chicagoan in him is vaguely competitive of all things NYC. Perhaps it is because the cap is a gift from the ever effervescent Rebel Angel that is LB. I think it looks cute on him.
Shouting out: Happy Birthday to Grandma Melba!
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Tilted Kilt and Hello Kitty (More Wholesome Than It Sounds)
Had a somewhat hilarious time post GLS's signing at Tilted Kilt (we ended up there because it was in the same mall as the B&N) with everybody who'd stuck around until four p.m. -- FH, BY, AL, her not-so-shy daughter, and SP. The place is like Epcot gone naughty. Most delightfully mockable, though the food was utterly inedible.
In more wholesome news, yesterday brought a surprise gift of a plush stuffed kitty and kitty card from HB! Thanks! Kitty is resting comfortably on my bed as I type.
And finally, filing this under wicked happy: I got my check for the remainder of my advance for T!
Spooky Link
Julie Kenner's Scary Boyfriend List from E. Lockhart's blog.
In more wholesome news, yesterday brought a surprise gift of a plush stuffed kitty and kitty card from HB! Thanks! Kitty is resting comfortably on my bed as I type.
And finally, filing this under wicked happy: I got my check for the remainder of my advance for T!
Spooky Link
Julie Kenner's Scary Boyfriend List from E. Lockhart's blog.
Friday, August 26, 2005
Welcome Home, Greg
GLS was back late yesterday from a business trip to San Francisco! He's been gone since Monday, and I've really missed him.
I have one more VC packet to finish (have already emailed comments back to the rest). It's a full YA novel mss, which requires a bit more head/heart time. But I'll be done by the end of the weekend for sure. No worries.
Today is a busy one. I did an interview with The Marion Star (Marian, Ohio) on multiculturalism in children's/YA literature and then boogied over to lunch at Hyde Park Bar & Grill with the always charming JL and MS, who I was meeting in person for the first time. Lovely! MS is an illustrator whose debut title, Oliver's Must-Do List (Boyds Mills, 2005), was written by STB.
Spooky Link
Twilight Time from The Goddess of YA Literature. (You would've thought I'd have had a chance to read this by now; talk about your crazy summer!).
I have one more VC packet to finish (have already emailed comments back to the rest). It's a full YA novel mss, which requires a bit more head/heart time. But I'll be done by the end of the weekend for sure. No worries.
Today is a busy one. I did an interview with The Marion Star (Marian, Ohio) on multiculturalism in children's/YA literature and then boogied over to lunch at Hyde Park Bar & Grill with the always charming JL and MS, who I was meeting in person for the first time. Lovely! MS is an illustrator whose debut title, Oliver's Must-Do List (Boyds Mills, 2005), was written by STB.
Spooky Link
Twilight Time from The Goddess of YA Literature. (You would've thought I'd have had a chance to read this by now; talk about your crazy summer!).
Thursday, August 25, 2005
How Hot Is It?
"Truth is stranger than fiction,
but it is because Fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities;
"Truth isn't."
-- Mark Twain
but it is because Fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities;
"Truth isn't."
-- Mark Twain
It's so hot that I requested a bag of ice to put in the bag with my spicy salmon brown rice sushi so I could walk home from Whole Foods without worrying, and the bag was mostly water by the time I hit the back door. (Sushi was still cold, though).
GLS went to see "Cursed," a werewolf movie, without me. He noted that it, "Had Scott Baio in a minor role, the pompous guy from Dawson's Creek, and the guy who plays Lex on 'Smallville' with hair." For the record, I never thought of Pacey as pompous and I was a devoted "Joanie Loves Chachi" fan, possibly the only one.
Spooky Links
For those of you who like to indulge in pretentious reader-related purchases (but are on a budget), I'd like to point you to the Levenger Outlet (a great source, by the way, for editor/agent gifts). On a related note, Hold Everything is having a 15% off sale on shelves.
On a more esoteric note, this scares me.
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Emily Undaunted
Finished up my third VC packet yesterday (I'm going to let them all sit until I'm done and then re-read the letters to ensure I'm making some sense), waited an extra hour for my annual doctor's appointment (brought Teach Me by R. A. Nelson (Razorbill, 2005) to read in the waiting room), and then promptly went to Hyde Park with AB to chow down on a turkey burger.
Spent most of the night in bed and online, continuing to read Teach Me. I'm normally a super-speedy reader, but this one has been slowing down to look up the various ED references. I'm now even more vexed by the NBC coverage. So far (pg. 165), this is a very smart, very thoughtful literary trade novel with no trace of gratuitousness or sensationalism.
Clearly, this is another example of Fear News, which seems to be the trend. Why are parents so vulnerable to this kind of thing? Don't they remember being teenagers?
Starting on packet #4 today.
Spent most of the night in bed and online, continuing to read Teach Me. I'm normally a super-speedy reader, but this one has been slowing down to look up the various ED references. I'm now even more vexed by the NBC coverage. So far (pg. 165), this is a very smart, very thoughtful literary trade novel with no trace of gratuitousness or sensationalism.
Clearly, this is another example of Fear News, which seems to be the trend. Why are parents so vulnerable to this kind of thing? Don't they remember being teenagers?
Starting on packet #4 today.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
There's a Lizard In My Bathtub!
"Don't say the old lady screamed . . . bring her on and let her scream."
--Mark Twain (on "show, don't tell")
--Mark Twain (on "show, don't tell")
Yesterday a surprise came in the mail: a thank you gift of Southwestern Corn Chowder from WF Royal KGL AKA Victoria, Empress of Germany.
I had another surprise, too. There was a teeny gecko in my bathtub. It looked bigger at first glance. I, um, screamed, which wasn't even slightly manly, then felt really guilty for scaring the wee thing, took it outside in a cup, and finally gave it water and a couple of long grass strands.
I'm hoping it is happily relocated.
For my efforts, though, I got two bug bites. One on my right hand and one on my neck (my neck, vampire insect!). Mother Nature owes me some serious karma.
Beyond that, I was all about reading my VC students' packages. Two down, three to go. Fascinating! And I read Thou Shall Not Dump The Skater Dude (And Other Commandments I Have Broken) by Rosemary Graham (Viking, 2005); more on that to come at cynsations!
Spooky Links
How To Work With Control Freaks by Albert J. Bernstein from MSN.com.
Monday, August 22, 2005
The Spark Sparkles
While bathing, a novel idea I've been nurturing (as in "of which I have a full first draft") sparked brighter, offering up a better plot structure, new kickoff setting, and even some thematic thoughts. I so seldom have thematic thoughts at this stage, but it was one of those built-in kind of things. I could even dive back in now, except that I need to grade my packets (yay!) and do my essays (also yay!) first.
I find that water is very condusive to ah-ha moments. (Not that you should have literal sparkage and water together, just metaphorically speaking).
Otherwise, yesterday was kind of all over the place. I spent most of the morning working on my site with LF, then went with GLS for pizza at Mangia (I had the spinach dip, but he had deep dish), and after that, we hit the mall to pick up a couple of shirts and packs of socks for him.
On the "Buffy" front, since when is Spike a Texan? He actually uses the phrase "all hat and no cattle" in "I Only Have Eyes For You." Also Principal Snyder refers to a vegan protester who chains himself to the snack machine. This delighted GLS as one of his two POV characters in Tofu and T. rex (Little Brown, 2005) is a vegan. Finished season 2 with all its heartwrenching-ness. Take a break now.
I find that water is very condusive to ah-ha moments. (Not that you should have literal sparkage and water together, just metaphorically speaking).
Otherwise, yesterday was kind of all over the place. I spent most of the morning working on my site with LF, then went with GLS for pizza at Mangia (I had the spinach dip, but he had deep dish), and after that, we hit the mall to pick up a couple of shirts and packs of socks for him.
On the "Buffy" front, since when is Spike a Texan? He actually uses the phrase "all hat and no cattle" in "I Only Have Eyes For You." Also Principal Snyder refers to a vegan protester who chains himself to the snack machine. This delighted GLS as one of his two POV characters in Tofu and T. rex (Little Brown, 2005) is a vegan. Finished season 2 with all its heartwrenching-ness. Take a break now.
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Why Would Chiropractors Exhibit at the Home and Garden Show?
GLS and I hit the Home and Garden Show at the convention center yesterday, which was quirky fun. Lots of pool people, deck people, air conditioning people (it is Texas), and the occasional chiropractor offering a free back alignment check. Then we hit The Four Seasons Town Lake for perfect margaritas and a cheese plate. By the way, when will I ever learn to not wear heels to a convention center?
Continued our "Buffy" marathon with "Surprise," "Innocence," "Phases," "Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered," "Passion," and "Killed by Death." It is with "Innocence" that the mythology arc of the series kicks into much higher gear. "Phases," though, is my all-time fave ep, probably because it's so Willow/Oz driven and because it's the first ep I ever watched on TV, necessitating my having to talk GLS into trying the series. The downside of my entering the timeline then was that I never felt, say, the full-impact of the Angel/Angelus transition. In "Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered," I was confused about Amy's use of Dianna as the goddess of love, as were apparently the nice people at the Buffyguide (scroll to goofs and gaffes). "Passion" reminded me that I always cry when Willow cries (it's worse when Buffy's mom dies and Willow/Tara breakup).
Continued our "Buffy" marathon with "Surprise," "Innocence," "Phases," "Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered," "Passion," and "Killed by Death." It is with "Innocence" that the mythology arc of the series kicks into much higher gear. "Phases," though, is my all-time fave ep, probably because it's so Willow/Oz driven and because it's the first ep I ever watched on TV, necessitating my having to talk GLS into trying the series. The downside of my entering the timeline then was that I never felt, say, the full-impact of the Angel/Angelus transition. In "Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered," I was confused about Amy's use of Dianna as the goddess of love, as were apparently the nice people at the Buffyguide (scroll to goofs and gaffes). "Passion" reminded me that I always cry when Willow cries (it's worse when Buffy's mom dies and Willow/Tara breakup).
Saturday, August 20, 2005
To Whom It May Concern
Spent yesterday afternoon writing another VC rec for another WF Royal (which could potentially make five of us there next semester, depending), and then GLS and I went to Olive Garden for dinner. They now have whole wheat linguine with any pasta dish, which is just dishy.
Indulged in a "Buffy" marathon of sorts. "The Dark Age" is all about Giles' Ripper past and features a return of Ethan and a brief, but traumatic break in Giles/Jenny. It's interesting in the whole series that that was Giles' only real relationship, despite the "Band Candy" fling with Joyce and, later, whatever was going on with Olivia (clearly a wonderful actress, but no storylines were ever built around her).
"What's My Line," a two-parter, is Career Day (reminder that Buffy just wants a normal life), the intro of Kendra, the whole second/multi-slayer plotline that would climax at the series finale, and the Spike/Dru power reversal. Have I mentioned lately how much Dru freaks me out?
"Ted" and "Bad Eggs" are stand-alones. On the former, GLS is much critical of Whedonverse's sci fi efforts, but I find the bots intriguing (though perhaps overused). I also thought John Ritter was fabulous as "Ted" and so annoying with the "little lady" business that I really didn't care if Buffy had killed him as a human being (I know, bad Cyn). On the latter, I agree with the BuffyGuide that it's weird Willow and Xander's egg-raising mates never appear. Why even make it a team project, under the circumstances, except to emphasize the Buffy/Joyce single mother parallel?
Spooky News & Links
Ghost on the Stairs from The Clarity of Night blog. Its author is another gothic fantasy/law type.
Summer Weather and Cat Behavior from GLS on our weird kitty Blizzard Bently, named after, well, ya know.
Comic(s) O The Week (3-way tie): Ultimate Spider-Man Annual #1; Birds of Prey #85; Batgirl #67
Indulged in a "Buffy" marathon of sorts. "The Dark Age" is all about Giles' Ripper past and features a return of Ethan and a brief, but traumatic break in Giles/Jenny. It's interesting in the whole series that that was Giles' only real relationship, despite the "Band Candy" fling with Joyce and, later, whatever was going on with Olivia (clearly a wonderful actress, but no storylines were ever built around her).
"What's My Line," a two-parter, is Career Day (reminder that Buffy just wants a normal life), the intro of Kendra, the whole second/multi-slayer plotline that would climax at the series finale, and the Spike/Dru power reversal. Have I mentioned lately how much Dru freaks me out?
"Ted" and "Bad Eggs" are stand-alones. On the former, GLS is much critical of Whedonverse's sci fi efforts, but I find the bots intriguing (though perhaps overused). I also thought John Ritter was fabulous as "Ted" and so annoying with the "little lady" business that I really didn't care if Buffy had killed him as a human being (I know, bad Cyn). On the latter, I agree with the BuffyGuide that it's weird Willow and Xander's egg-raising mates never appear. Why even make it a team project, under the circumstances, except to emphasize the Buffy/Joyce single mother parallel?
Spooky News & Links
Ghost on the Stairs from The Clarity of Night blog. Its author is another gothic fantasy/law type.
Summer Weather and Cat Behavior from GLS on our weird kitty Blizzard Bently, named after, well, ya know.
Comic(s) O The Week (3-way tie): Ultimate Spider-Man Annual #1; Birds of Prey #85; Batgirl #67
Friday, August 19, 2005
Sales, Celebrations, and Spookiness
Today, I'm off to lunch with KA and AB at Magnolia Cafe on Lake Austin Boulevard. Very exciting.
Yesterday was big fun, too! GLS and I celebrated his 38th b-day at Sullivan's in the Warehouse District.
I also was thrilled to learn yesterday that another 2005 WriteFest Royal's manuscript has sold to a major literary trade house. I'll give you the whole who's, what's, and when's later on. The details are not yet mine to share, but may I just say, "Wahoo, honeys!"
Kept watching "Buffy," season 2. Highlights of "Halloween" were the costume-fantasy element that sets up the Willow-Oz costume joke in a season 4 Halloween episode, "Fear Itself," and the introduction of Giles' "Ripper" past. Highlights of "Lie To Me" are Angel arguing that the wannabes don't even know how vamps dress--until one walks by wearing an outfit identical to his and Willow realizing what that song is really about. By the way, if you aren't clicking the links, BuffyGuide.com rules.
Comic O Last Week: Supergirl #1
Yesterday was big fun, too! GLS and I celebrated his 38th b-day at Sullivan's in the Warehouse District.
I also was thrilled to learn yesterday that another 2005 WriteFest Royal's manuscript has sold to a major literary trade house. I'll give you the whole who's, what's, and when's later on. The details are not yet mine to share, but may I just say, "Wahoo, honeys!"
Kept watching "Buffy," season 2. Highlights of "Halloween" were the costume-fantasy element that sets up the Willow-Oz costume joke in a season 4 Halloween episode, "Fear Itself," and the introduction of Giles' "Ripper" past. Highlights of "Lie To Me" are Angel arguing that the wannabes don't even know how vamps dress--until one walks by wearing an outfit identical to his and Willow realizing what that song is really about. By the way, if you aren't clicking the links, BuffyGuide.com rules.
Comic O Last Week: Supergirl #1
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Happy Birthday to Greg!
I'm pleased to report that my very cute husband GLS is 38 years old today! Surf over to his blog and wish him the best. Congrats to him also on the brisk paperback sales of Ninjas, Piranhas, and Galileo (Little Brown, 2005)!
I arrived home yesterday from Kansas City after visting with family and friends and speaking at a meeting of Kansas SCBWI. Highlights included my cousin SC and I taking Grandma D to high tea at the Fairmont, meeting my new cousin Autumn Lynn at Aunt Gail's, and lunching with Aunt Linda and Grandma M at Le Peep while looking at baby pictures of my other new cousin, Kaitlin Rose.
Grandma D, by the way, was the grandma featured in my short story, "The Naked Truth," which appeared in In My Grandmother's House: Award Winning Authors Tell Stories About Their Grandmothers, illustrated and edited by Bonnie Christensen (HarperCollins, 2003). I had the pleasure of visting Bonnie's apartment and meeting her charming daughter when I was in Burlington last month with the lovely TLS.
Anyway, the KC trip was sweet and bittersweet as August 13 also was the first anniversary of my father's death. I went with my mother to see the stone for the first time, and it's beautiful. A turquoise granite, the design includes their wedding date, "loving parents of Cynthia," an Air Force insignia on his side, and her tribal affiliations.
All in all, the trip was a wonderful one, but as always, I'm glad to be home.
I arrived home yesterday from Kansas City after visting with family and friends and speaking at a meeting of Kansas SCBWI. Highlights included my cousin SC and I taking Grandma D to high tea at the Fairmont, meeting my new cousin Autumn Lynn at Aunt Gail's, and lunching with Aunt Linda and Grandma M at Le Peep while looking at baby pictures of my other new cousin, Kaitlin Rose.
Grandma D, by the way, was the grandma featured in my short story, "The Naked Truth," which appeared in In My Grandmother's House: Award Winning Authors Tell Stories About Their Grandmothers, illustrated and edited by Bonnie Christensen (HarperCollins, 2003). I had the pleasure of visting Bonnie's apartment and meeting her charming daughter when I was in Burlington last month with the lovely TLS.
Anyway, the KC trip was sweet and bittersweet as August 13 also was the first anniversary of my father's death. I went with my mother to see the stone for the first time, and it's beautiful. A turquoise granite, the design includes their wedding date, "loving parents of Cynthia," an Air Force insignia on his side, and her tribal affiliations.
All in all, the trip was a wonderful one, but as always, I'm glad to be home.
Friday, August 12, 2005
Who's Been Relaxing?
Relaxing? Imagine. Must be someone else.
After a couple of days of R&R and low-key socializing, I have the following musings.
1. Relaxing = good. Must indulge more often.
2. Embassy Suites in Overland Park has the advantage of the suite at a bargain, but the service is abysmal. I came down for my grati breakfast at 9:31 a.m. and was scolded--scolded!--that they cut it off at 9:30. Got my two eggs scrambled anyway. But does that say "good morning?"
3. On the upside, the room service spinach dip is pretty good.
4. I'm saddened by the death of Peter Jennings. He looked a bit like my dad, and when news was really bad, it was always his broadcast that I'd watch. He reassured me and never stooped to "fear TV" to drum up ratings.
5. Watched TV in bed. Fabulous. Two chick flicks at $12-ish each. "Monster In Law" is a less charming remake of "My Best Friend's Wedding" with Jane Fonda in the MIL role replacing Julia Roberts as best friend and J. Lo taking over from Camron Diaz as the bride. Along those same lines "The Wedding Date," is a less charming "Pretty Woman" remake. My analysis: Julia Roberts is underrated. It's much harder to pull off these girly fluff roles than people realize.
6. Ripped pg. 116 of "People Magazine" out on the flight. "Fab or Flab?" It's about the Dove campaign, featuring real, "everyday" women, size 6 to 12 (the average American woman is a size 14, according to the article) instead of emaciated supermodels. Apparently, on July 19, Chicago Sun-Times columnist Richard Roeper opined, "If I want to see plump girls baring too much skin, I'll go to Taste of Chicago, okay?" For context, I'd like to remind the world that a size 6-8 generally translates to small and 10-12 generally translates to medium. So, basically, we have a guy with a platform who's so out of whack that he's incapable of recognizing what healthy women's bodies are supposed to look like . (Not at all to say it's bad or unhealthy to be above a 12; that's just the sample relevant in his particular, um, analysis.). Apparently, he has already received more than 1,000 letters explaining to him that he's not only an idiot but that his attitude can have destructive consequences. However, I happen to know that spookycyn readers are well known and appreciated for their writing superpowers, and I'm pretty sure a few hundred more notes wouldn't hurt. My pasting ability is somewhat limited at the hotel computer lab, but I'm sure you can all Google the necessary contact information. Consider this my hint to the universe for today, and by the way, I've always considered the women of Chicago *quite* fetching.
7. Must run now. Am having high tea this afternoon at the Fairmont Hotel on the plaza with Grandma D and my cousin SC. Can't wait!
After a couple of days of R&R and low-key socializing, I have the following musings.
1. Relaxing = good. Must indulge more often.
2. Embassy Suites in Overland Park has the advantage of the suite at a bargain, but the service is abysmal. I came down for my grati breakfast at 9:31 a.m. and was scolded--scolded!--that they cut it off at 9:30. Got my two eggs scrambled anyway. But does that say "good morning?"
3. On the upside, the room service spinach dip is pretty good.
4. I'm saddened by the death of Peter Jennings. He looked a bit like my dad, and when news was really bad, it was always his broadcast that I'd watch. He reassured me and never stooped to "fear TV" to drum up ratings.
5. Watched TV in bed. Fabulous. Two chick flicks at $12-ish each. "Monster In Law" is a less charming remake of "My Best Friend's Wedding" with Jane Fonda in the MIL role replacing Julia Roberts as best friend and J. Lo taking over from Camron Diaz as the bride. Along those same lines "The Wedding Date," is a less charming "Pretty Woman" remake. My analysis: Julia Roberts is underrated. It's much harder to pull off these girly fluff roles than people realize.
6. Ripped pg. 116 of "People Magazine" out on the flight. "Fab or Flab?" It's about the Dove campaign, featuring real, "everyday" women, size 6 to 12 (the average American woman is a size 14, according to the article) instead of emaciated supermodels. Apparently, on July 19, Chicago Sun-Times columnist Richard Roeper opined, "If I want to see plump girls baring too much skin, I'll go to Taste of Chicago, okay?" For context, I'd like to remind the world that a size 6-8 generally translates to small and 10-12 generally translates to medium. So, basically, we have a guy with a platform who's so out of whack that he's incapable of recognizing what healthy women's bodies are supposed to look like . (Not at all to say it's bad or unhealthy to be above a 12; that's just the sample relevant in his particular, um, analysis.). Apparently, he has already received more than 1,000 letters explaining to him that he's not only an idiot but that his attitude can have destructive consequences. However, I happen to know that spookycyn readers are well known and appreciated for their writing superpowers, and I'm pretty sure a few hundred more notes wouldn't hurt. My pasting ability is somewhat limited at the hotel computer lab, but I'm sure you can all Google the necessary contact information. Consider this my hint to the universe for today, and by the way, I've always considered the women of Chicago *quite* fetching.
7. Must run now. Am having high tea this afternoon at the Fairmont Hotel on the plaza with Grandma D and my cousin SC. Can't wait!
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
KC Cyn
Remote blogging makes me feel so cosmopolitan. I'm here in the KC area, writing from the hotel computer lab. Plane flights went well; apparently the combo of Drammamine and Sudafed knocked out both potential motion sickness and ear pain.
I took a private taxi car with its own driver to the hotel, which in the end was no more expensive than a shuttle, and I didn't have to stop umpteenth times. All good. I 635 has a monster detour. With my sense of direction, I'd probably be in Oklahoma by now.
I'm taking a couple of down days to push back against the burnout of the busiest summer of my life. Plan for tonight is bathing, a chick flick (if I'm feeling really ambitious), and sleep--the kind you can only get when four cats aren't competing for the right to wake you up first.
The downside: I miss G already.
I took a private taxi car with its own driver to the hotel, which in the end was no more expensive than a shuttle, and I didn't have to stop umpteenth times. All good. I 635 has a monster detour. With my sense of direction, I'd probably be in Oklahoma by now.
I'm taking a couple of down days to push back against the burnout of the busiest summer of my life. Plan for tonight is bathing, a chick flick (if I'm feeling really ambitious), and sleep--the kind you can only get when four cats aren't competing for the right to wake you up first.
The downside: I miss G already.
More Buffy: Oz and Johnathan
Best thing about "Inca Mummy Girl" is the intro of Oz.
Best thing about "Reptile Boy" is the intro of Johnathan. Btw, I think I've been to that frat party.
Best thing about "Reptile Boy" is the intro of Johnathan. Btw, I think I've been to that frat party.
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
Errand Girl
Spent all of today on to-dos. Hit Daya for mani-pedi (gold shimmer over brown) and bronzing massage. Feeling sunkissed.
Zoomed back home to meet with the kitty vet. Leo will be having eyedrops. Poor Leo!
On to the mall for new undies at VS (love their hi-cut briefs) and choco-covered strawberry from Godiva ($4).
Picked up two boxes of paper for G at Office Max (sale--2 for $40; shop today!); required assistance loading them into my cart and then my car. Not my most glowing feminist moment.
Continued onto drug store for travel-sized whatnots. Observation: anything in miniature is cute. Even Scope.
Must continue packing, checking in with VC students, figuring out which book to bring. Maybe Libba's Rebel Angels (Delacorte, 2005).
KC tomorrrow!
Zoomed back home to meet with the kitty vet. Leo will be having eyedrops. Poor Leo!
On to the mall for new undies at VS (love their hi-cut briefs) and choco-covered strawberry from Godiva ($4).
Picked up two boxes of paper for G at Office Max (sale--2 for $40; shop today!); required assistance loading them into my cart and then my car. Not my most glowing feminist moment.
Continued onto drug store for travel-sized whatnots. Observation: anything in miniature is cute. Even Scope.
Must continue packing, checking in with VC students, figuring out which book to bring. Maybe Libba's Rebel Angels (Delacorte, 2005).
KC tomorrrow!
Monday, August 08, 2005
Time Special Report: "Being 13"
The YA affectionado in me was quick to snatch up the August 8, 2005 issue of Time magazine with its special report on "Being 13: inside that mystifying age when kids are shaped by the push to achieve and the pull of pop culture."
Not to be narcissistic, but the first thing I thought was: "Well, I'm 37 and still feeling the push to achieve and the pull of pop culture." You think?
That said, it's an interesting issue, well worth checking out, especially for those of us with a particular affection for teens and 'tweens. I have a myriad of related thoughts.
According to the lead, Little Red Riding Hood was a seduction story, which I've heard before, but also her cape was "a symbol of menstruation." News to me. Speaking of which, though, the average age for first periods has dropped about one month per decade. (It's still about 12). Experts are freaked because this shows no sign of stopping. One wonders aloud if it will hit the floor at nine. As in--gasp!--nine! Since we're on the subject, I first started my period at age nine, which was a drag but probably did not trigger the apocalypse. (I feel free to be candid about such things as I'm already published on the subject).
And since everybody seems to be talking about Rainbow Party (Simon & Schuster, 2005)(regardless of your opinion of the novel itself, we all must say "bravo!" to S&S marketing), a recent People/NBC poll found that "12% of 13-and-14-year-olds said they'd had oral sex, but three times that many admitted they didn't know what oral sex was."
The tie-in article "You Wanna Take This Online?" focuses on "cyberbullies," a phenomenon that allegedly "peaks at about age 13" and is all about girls--something like 21 percent of eighth graders reporting themselves as victims.
"The Push To Perfect" zeroes in on cheerleaders, but I disagree with its assessment that "cheerleading has changed a lot." Or, at least, I'd like to ask, since when? Like so much media coverage, what's new seems to be from a boomer perspective, totally skipping over GenX. There were girls with a decade plus of competitive dance and gymnastics on cheer squads in the mid 1980s. I'm not saying it's not worth talking about, but it's not new.
Other articles touch on keeping secrets and faith, which is apparently "in" in a big way.
Much to muse on, I say. And that's enough for me. Must pack!
Kansas City Bound
Today is all about getting ready to go to Kansas City. The 13th is the first anniversary of my father's death, so I expect that it will be an emotionally loaded trip. Among other things, I'll see his tombstone for the first time. I'm actually quite fond of cemeteries and tombstones, though, which should help.
Dad's marker is a custom job with a nod to his service in the U.S. Air Force. But it is not the marker that he was entitled by virtue of his veteran's benefits. After almost a year of filing the appropriate paperwork, last month, I finally got the verification document (dated July 19th) that would've allowed my mother to get a marker through the military. That is, if we'd been willing to let the grave go unmarked for a year while the paperwork was processed. We were not.
Anyway, trip highlights will include my cousin SC and I taking Grandma D (dad's mom) to high tea at the Fairmont Hotel. It's pretty schmoozy for us, but I wanted to create a really positive distraction from the memories of last year. I love the Fairmont. G and I got married there back when it was the Ritz-Carlton (but of course, being a native Kansas Citian, I still tend to think of it as the Alameda Plaza). I'll also get to meet my cousin LM's new baby girl.
In other news, my bronze Egyptian Mau kitty, Leo Galilei, appears to have a cold. His housecalls vet is coming over tomorrow afternoon to check him out. I'm hitting Daya tomorrow morning myself for a manicure, pedicure, and massage (cheaper than therapy).
On a much lighter note, I just registered for the Emerald's drawing for a $50 gift certificate. I highly recommend this to Austin area shoppers. Emerald's is my fave local boutique, and I've already won the drawing once. I suspect not a lot of the clientele bothers to enter.
Still watching "Buffy"...
Regarding "Prophecy Girl," I can't figure out why Buffy didn't just stake Colin AKA "The Annoited One" when she first encounters him. She says she knows who he is, and then she allows him to lead her into the Hellmouth. But the prophecy makes it clear that Colin's role is a key component, so...why not just cut it (and/or his head) off then and there? Also, why did Buffy feel stronger after Xander brought her back? As I recall, at the time, a lot of Scoobies theorized that she'd been turned, but apparently not. And it was never explained.
Regarding "School Hard," which is the first appearance of Dru (Miss Edith, anybody?) and Spike, as if they weren't intrinsically creepy fun enough, William's killing of The Annointed/Annoying One was enough to endear him all by itself. For an infinitely more intriguing child bloodsucker, see Kristin Dunst's Claudia in "Interview With The Vampire."
Speaking of which, per Spike's reference, "People still fall for that Anne Rice routine?"
Dad's marker is a custom job with a nod to his service in the U.S. Air Force. But it is not the marker that he was entitled by virtue of his veteran's benefits. After almost a year of filing the appropriate paperwork, last month, I finally got the verification document (dated July 19th) that would've allowed my mother to get a marker through the military. That is, if we'd been willing to let the grave go unmarked for a year while the paperwork was processed. We were not.
Anyway, trip highlights will include my cousin SC and I taking Grandma D (dad's mom) to high tea at the Fairmont Hotel. It's pretty schmoozy for us, but I wanted to create a really positive distraction from the memories of last year. I love the Fairmont. G and I got married there back when it was the Ritz-Carlton (but of course, being a native Kansas Citian, I still tend to think of it as the Alameda Plaza). I'll also get to meet my cousin LM's new baby girl.
In other news, my bronze Egyptian Mau kitty, Leo Galilei, appears to have a cold. His housecalls vet is coming over tomorrow afternoon to check him out. I'm hitting Daya tomorrow morning myself for a manicure, pedicure, and massage (cheaper than therapy).
On a much lighter note, I just registered for the Emerald's drawing for a $50 gift certificate. I highly recommend this to Austin area shoppers. Emerald's is my fave local boutique, and I've already won the drawing once. I suspect not a lot of the clientele bothers to enter.
Still watching "Buffy"...
Regarding "Prophecy Girl," I can't figure out why Buffy didn't just stake Colin AKA "The Annoited One" when she first encounters him. She says she knows who he is, and then she allows him to lead her into the Hellmouth. But the prophecy makes it clear that Colin's role is a key component, so...why not just cut it (and/or his head) off then and there? Also, why did Buffy feel stronger after Xander brought her back? As I recall, at the time, a lot of Scoobies theorized that she'd been turned, but apparently not. And it was never explained.
Regarding "School Hard," which is the first appearance of Dru (Miss Edith, anybody?) and Spike, as if they weren't intrinsically creepy fun enough, William's killing of The Annointed/Annoying One was enough to endear him all by itself. For an infinitely more intriguing child bloodsucker, see Kristin Dunst's Claudia in "Interview With The Vampire."
Speaking of which, per Spike's reference, "People still fall for that Anne Rice routine?"
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Baby Cousins!
Today, shopping for back-to-school (which basically is anything clothes) is tax free in Texas. I indulged in shoes. A pair of uber goddess-y gold-and-bronze beaded thong sandles from Emeralds (the best boutique for shoe shopping in Austin) and some black slip-on wedges from Coldwater Creek.
More significantly, I'd like to send out congratulations to my cousin Laura on the birth of her daughter, Autumn Lynn, and to my cousin Melissa on the birth of her daughter, Kaitlin Rose. Congratulations also to the grandmas, my aunts Gail and Linda, and the great-grandma Melba. It's been an exciting week for my mama's side of the family!
More significantly, I'd like to send out congratulations to my cousin Laura on the birth of her daughter, Autumn Lynn, and to my cousin Melissa on the birth of her daughter, Kaitlin Rose. Congratulations also to the grandmas, my aunts Gail and Linda, and the great-grandma Melba. It's been an exciting week for my mama's side of the family!
Spotted Black Lizards
Yesterday afternoon, my chat with Absynthe Muse was canceled and rescheduled (for September 10) due to tech problems with their chat room.
G took me out to dinner at Houston's (Chicago-style spinach dip with roasted chicken and black beans and brown rice; have no clue why serving tortilla chips with spinach dip would make it "Chicago-style"). Does anyone know if Houston's was first launched in the city of Houston or if it was named after the original owner (as in "Sam Houston")? The architecture and menu have something of a midwest feel (plus fish).
Anyway, later, we watched more "Buffy" episodes. We're up to "Out of Mind, Out of Sight." It's interesting that we never again see the federal recruitment program for the invisibles, though once Riley (yawn) hits the scene, we do realize that the feds aren't as in denial about monsters as most adults in Whedonverse.
By the by, have I mentioned the giant lizards in my back yard? They're either six inches or a foot long (I'm not good at proportional relationships)--black with spots and huge heads. I tried to sneak up on one for a better look, and rather than run away, it puffed up at me and its belly turned a bright blue! Perhaps it is related to the yellow-spotted lizards from LS's Holes!
Spooky News & Links
Any pals of SA out there? Or SA herself? I have a dim VC memory of her needing books for her school library, and I have books to send (but I need contact info; can't find e addy on LJ).
G took me out to dinner at Houston's (Chicago-style spinach dip with roasted chicken and black beans and brown rice; have no clue why serving tortilla chips with spinach dip would make it "Chicago-style"). Does anyone know if Houston's was first launched in the city of Houston or if it was named after the original owner (as in "Sam Houston")? The architecture and menu have something of a midwest feel (plus fish).
Anyway, later, we watched more "Buffy" episodes. We're up to "Out of Mind, Out of Sight." It's interesting that we never again see the federal recruitment program for the invisibles, though once Riley (yawn) hits the scene, we do realize that the feds aren't as in denial about monsters as most adults in Whedonverse.
By the by, have I mentioned the giant lizards in my back yard? They're either six inches or a foot long (I'm not good at proportional relationships)--black with spots and huge heads. I tried to sneak up on one for a better look, and rather than run away, it puffed up at me and its belly turned a bright blue! Perhaps it is related to the yellow-spotted lizards from LS's Holes!
Spooky News & Links
Any pals of SA out there? Or SA herself? I have a dim VC memory of her needing books for her school library, and I have books to send (but I need contact info; can't find e addy on LJ).
Saturday, August 06, 2005
Steele A Fan
I slept much of rainy yesterday, highlighted nevertheless by shrimp night at the UT Club with AB and a new episode of "Monk." Finished reading Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie by DL (Dutton, 2005), which I'm ga-ga over and will soon blog up on cynsations. Also heard from D S-B, author of The History of Counting (Morrow, 1999), for the first time in a long time and hope to get together with her next month.
Today's highlights included breakfast at Katz's, a shopping expedition to Lowe's (we may someday replace the dripping master bathtub faucet), the Aboretum, the antique mall on Burnett (I have my eye on this rotating barrister bookshelf, but it's $2,500--ouch!), and the DVD store (where I bought season one of "Remington Steele").
With the exception of "Monk" and (cough) "Desperate Housewives," I'm temporarily giving up on television because there is so little good writing.* Yes, I have heard about the wonder that is "Veronica Mars," but at this point, I've missed so much that I'd rather wait for the DVDs and enjoy the whole, unfettered experience much like I have with "Six Feet Under."
*this is not a slam on TV writers; it's a slam on "reality" TV.
Spooky News & Links
Thanks to G, for adding links to the sidebars of my cynsations and spookycyn blogs. G's latest book, Tofu and T. rex was released in July 2005 along with the paperback of his debut novel, Ninjas, Piranhas, and Galileo.
Today's highlights included breakfast at Katz's, a shopping expedition to Lowe's (we may someday replace the dripping master bathtub faucet), the Aboretum, the antique mall on Burnett (I have my eye on this rotating barrister bookshelf, but it's $2,500--ouch!), and the DVD store (where I bought season one of "Remington Steele").
With the exception of "Monk" and (cough) "Desperate Housewives," I'm temporarily giving up on television because there is so little good writing.* Yes, I have heard about the wonder that is "Veronica Mars," but at this point, I've missed so much that I'd rather wait for the DVDs and enjoy the whole, unfettered experience much like I have with "Six Feet Under."
*this is not a slam on TV writers; it's a slam on "reality" TV.
Spooky News & Links
Thanks to G, for adding links to the sidebars of my cynsations and spookycyn blogs. G's latest book, Tofu and T. rex was released in July 2005 along with the paperback of his debut novel, Ninjas, Piranhas, and Galileo.
Friday, August 05, 2005
Back To "Buffy"
It occured to me this week that since T is a wrap (at least until the copyediting), for a while, I can dive back into other creators' verses like the rabid fangirl I am. G and I decided to go through all our "Buffy" eps sequentially.
We just finished "Never Kill A Boy on the First Date." I woke up thinking about "The Witch," which preceeds it and highlights how trying out for cheerleading can be as dangerous on the Hellmouth as it is in Texas (also first ep featuring Amy). Definitely a fave, though it just occured to me to wonder why the Sunnydale High Razorbacks would be playing basketball so early in the school year.
The Buffy Episode Guide addresses this under "Goofs and Gaffes."
Comic O the Week: Aquaman #33
Comic O last Week: Wonder Woman #219 (and Diana was completely justified, regardless of whether Superman agrees, and by the way, it's really easy for him to judge now that she saved his sanity).
Spooky Link
Sexy Texas Cheerleader Plan Clears First Hurdle from ABCsport Online.
We just finished "Never Kill A Boy on the First Date." I woke up thinking about "The Witch," which preceeds it and highlights how trying out for cheerleading can be as dangerous on the Hellmouth as it is in Texas (also first ep featuring Amy). Definitely a fave, though it just occured to me to wonder why the Sunnydale High Razorbacks would be playing basketball so early in the school year.
The Buffy Episode Guide addresses this under "Goofs and Gaffes."
Comic O the Week: Aquaman #33
Comic O last Week: Wonder Woman #219 (and Diana was completely justified, regardless of whether Superman agrees, and by the way, it's really easy for him to judge now that she saved his sanity).
Spooky Link
Sexy Texas Cheerleader Plan Clears First Hurdle from ABCsport Online.
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Inner Wolf
I found the photograph that is framed in my office online at Coldwater Creek. It was my model for K's inner Wolf in T. I also drew inspiration from the Donald Vann painting, which for some reason I can't find on his Web site.
In other news, I picked up the latest issue of Gothic Beauty magazine at DL yesterday, along with comics, and received a surprise gift of biscotti via Two Smart Ladies from JJ. What a sweetie!
Also, I heard that uber-hip and sassy APL YA librarian MG is North Carolina bound. We will most certainly miss her.
Slept through the night with no coughing!
Spooky Links
Rebel Angels by Libba Bray/The Secrets of Spence Sweepstakes is an online scavenger hunt in which you will be asked to search for and gather clues on outside web sites. With each clue you uncover you will be entered for chances to win awesome prizes - like Alloy gift certificates and free books! Plus, clues will grant access to exclusive Rebel Angels features. And once you've gathered all the secrets from the scavenger hunt you'll get a chance to listen-in with Gemma as she overhears midnight whispers in the ill-fated burned wing of Spence Academy. YA fans, definitely check this out, and then surf by Libba's LJ and tell her how infinitely goddess-like she is. I'm cross-posting this link to both blogs because it should be of interest to both spooky and cynsational types.
In other news, I picked up the latest issue of Gothic Beauty magazine at DL yesterday, along with comics, and received a surprise gift of biscotti via Two Smart Ladies from JJ. What a sweetie!
Also, I heard that uber-hip and sassy APL YA librarian MG is North Carolina bound. We will most certainly miss her.
Slept through the night with no coughing!
Spooky Links
Rebel Angels by Libba Bray/The Secrets of Spence Sweepstakes is an online scavenger hunt in which you will be asked to search for and gather clues on outside web sites. With each clue you uncover you will be entered for chances to win awesome prizes - like Alloy gift certificates and free books! Plus, clues will grant access to exclusive Rebel Angels features. And once you've gathered all the secrets from the scavenger hunt you'll get a chance to listen-in with Gemma as she overhears midnight whispers in the ill-fated burned wing of Spence Academy. YA fans, definitely check this out, and then surf by Libba's LJ and tell her how infinitely goddess-like she is. I'm cross-posting this link to both blogs because it should be of interest to both spooky and cynsational types.
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Feeling Better; Catching Up
Last night, G took me to Musashino for dinner (I highly recommend the asparagus roll) and then went on to the lobby lounge at the Four Seasons to watch the bats fly and listen to the pianist sing. It felt perhaps a bit ambitious, health-wise, but I can now swallow with only minimal discomfort. I'm also significantly less cranky.
Lots of glamorous writer to-dos are now to-done: My autographed copy of Supergirl by NFM is now on my shelf. My laundry from VC is sorted into piles. I just packaged up and sent a copy of Rain Is Not My Indian Name (Listening Library, 2001) on audio to a Native radio station in Toronto that has requested permission to air it. I also sent an email inviting Austin area friends to G's signing of Tofu and T. rex (Little Brown, 2005) at 2 p.m. Aug. 27 at B&N Round Rock. And I wrote a rec letter for a first-rate writer. Must get comics, folders to organize my students, and check the P.O. Box.
Spooky Link
Maker of Atkins diets files for bankruptcy from MSN Money. Just desserts, says Cyn.
Lots of glamorous writer to-dos are now to-done: My autographed copy of Supergirl by NFM is now on my shelf. My laundry from VC is sorted into piles. I just packaged up and sent a copy of Rain Is Not My Indian Name (Listening Library, 2001) on audio to a Native radio station in Toronto that has requested permission to air it. I also sent an email inviting Austin area friends to G's signing of Tofu and T. rex (Little Brown, 2005) at 2 p.m. Aug. 27 at B&N Round Rock. And I wrote a rec letter for a first-rate writer. Must get comics, folders to organize my students, and check the P.O. Box.
Spooky Link
Maker of Atkins diets files for bankruptcy from MSN Money. Just desserts, says Cyn.
Monday, August 01, 2005
JELLO, movies, and bedrest
Still under the weather, though pink eye appears to be clearing. Went back into the doc at 1:45 p.m. for another look at the ears and they're all better, too. I'm currently bonding with the JELLO that G made me yesterday. A much underappreciated delicacy, JELLO.
Watched two movies yesterday, "Eulogy," and "To Wong Foo. Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar." On the first, it was lovely to see Debra Winger in a film, and fans of "Six Feet Under" would enjoy "Eulogy." I of course was most appreciative of the teen love subplot. I'd seen "To Wong Foo..." before and mostly rewatched it because it was on TV and because I'm something of a Stockard Channing fan (who by the way was age 34 when she played Rizzo in "Grease.").
Currently reading The World According To Humphrey by Betty G. Birney (Putnam, 2004).
Thanks to KA for filling in for me at Houston SCBWI tonight.
Watched two movies yesterday, "Eulogy," and "To Wong Foo. Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar." On the first, it was lovely to see Debra Winger in a film, and fans of "Six Feet Under" would enjoy "Eulogy." I of course was most appreciative of the teen love subplot. I'd seen "To Wong Foo..." before and mostly rewatched it because it was on TV and because I'm something of a Stockard Channing fan (who by the way was age 34 when she played Rizzo in "Grease.").
Currently reading The World According To Humphrey by Betty G. Birney (Putnam, 2004).
Thanks to KA for filling in for me at Houston SCBWI tonight.
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Taking Stock
Okay, okay, I'm in. I do believe in taking stock every once in a while, and besides, I can't talk right now. So, let's see...
10 years ago— I lived in a postage-stamp-sized apartment in a high rise in downtown Chicago where I'd just quit my day job working for the Office of the General Counsel of HHS/SSA after a heart-to-heart discussion with some ducks in Lake Michigan. (I have never since eaten duck; I have a treaty with the ducks). G and I were somewhere on course to move to Austin the first time (we moved back to Chicago a year and a half later, then back down to Austin again). At that point, I didn't even have a manuscript to send anyone. I did have tens of thousands of dollars in student debt. And I believe for sometime it took more money than we made each month just to squeak by. As a strategy, I can't recommend it. But I don't regret it either. And I'll always be grateful to G for his faith.
5 years ago—My first book, Jingle Dancer, had just been released after some angst. I'd first sold it to Lodestar, which was downsized in the Penguin-Putnam merger, then resold it to Morrow, just prior to the HarperCollins buyout. It stands as one of those rare books that first sold to one publishing company, was produced by another, and released by a third. Talk about a nail-biter!
1 year ago—I'd just wrapped up WriteFest I in June, sold T to CP, and was packing to visit my family in Kansas City.
Yesterday—I was still recovering from a bad cold (sore throat, laryngitis, and now pink eye) I contracted while in Vermont, but neverthless still smiling over great memories from the residency. Hugging my cats, catching up on my reading and email, eating chicken noodle soup.
Tomorrow—Plan to stay in bed and read. I absolutely must get well immediately!
5 snacks I enjoy—dark chocolate covered strawberries; turbo hummus and sliced cucumbers; pecans; SunChips; chicken legs (no treaty with the chickens).
5 bands/artists that I know the lyrics to most of their songs: Meatloaf; Eartha Kitt; Walela; ABBA; Cher. Note: I also have an almost absurd love for the "Footloose;" "Xanadu;" and "Buffy: The Musical (Once More With Feeling)" albums.
5 things I'd do with $100,000,000—pay off my debts.
5 locations I'd like to run away to—Paris; Round Top; Chicago; Lawrence; Kona.
5 bad habits I have—anything related to my mild O-C (checking burners, door locks, etc. multiple times before leaving); borrowing G's razor; writing on my skin; writing on my skin while driving; leaving the CDs out of their cases.
5 things I like doing—dining out; touring old houses; touring old cemeteries; walking to tunes; blogging.
5 things I will never wear—no promises.
5 TV shows I like(d)—"Monk;" "My So-Called Life;" "Six Feet Under;" "Buffy: The Vampire Slayer;" "Northern Exposure."
5 people I'd like to meet—Julius Lester; Santa Claus; Lance Armstrong; Dick Jackson; Aretha.
5 biggest joys at the moment— G, kitties, friends, Daya, comics.
5 favorite toys: tiara; bat sunglasses; devil duckie; multi-colorful nail polish; sparkly stickers.
10 years ago— I lived in a postage-stamp-sized apartment in a high rise in downtown Chicago where I'd just quit my day job working for the Office of the General Counsel of HHS/SSA after a heart-to-heart discussion with some ducks in Lake Michigan. (I have never since eaten duck; I have a treaty with the ducks). G and I were somewhere on course to move to Austin the first time (we moved back to Chicago a year and a half later, then back down to Austin again). At that point, I didn't even have a manuscript to send anyone. I did have tens of thousands of dollars in student debt. And I believe for sometime it took more money than we made each month just to squeak by. As a strategy, I can't recommend it. But I don't regret it either. And I'll always be grateful to G for his faith.
5 years ago—My first book, Jingle Dancer, had just been released after some angst. I'd first sold it to Lodestar, which was downsized in the Penguin-Putnam merger, then resold it to Morrow, just prior to the HarperCollins buyout. It stands as one of those rare books that first sold to one publishing company, was produced by another, and released by a third. Talk about a nail-biter!
1 year ago—I'd just wrapped up WriteFest I in June, sold T to CP, and was packing to visit my family in Kansas City.
Yesterday—I was still recovering from a bad cold (sore throat, laryngitis, and now pink eye) I contracted while in Vermont, but neverthless still smiling over great memories from the residency. Hugging my cats, catching up on my reading and email, eating chicken noodle soup.
Tomorrow—Plan to stay in bed and read. I absolutely must get well immediately!
5 snacks I enjoy—dark chocolate covered strawberries; turbo hummus and sliced cucumbers; pecans; SunChips; chicken legs (no treaty with the chickens).
5 bands/artists that I know the lyrics to most of their songs: Meatloaf; Eartha Kitt; Walela; ABBA; Cher. Note: I also have an almost absurd love for the "Footloose;" "Xanadu;" and "Buffy: The Musical (Once More With Feeling)" albums.
5 things I'd do with $100,000,000—pay off my debts.
5 locations I'd like to run away to—Paris; Round Top; Chicago; Lawrence; Kona.
5 bad habits I have—anything related to my mild O-C (checking burners, door locks, etc. multiple times before leaving); borrowing G's razor; writing on my skin; writing on my skin while driving; leaving the CDs out of their cases.
5 things I like doing—dining out; touring old houses; touring old cemeteries; walking to tunes; blogging.
5 things I will never wear—no promises.
5 TV shows I like(d)—"Monk;" "My So-Called Life;" "Six Feet Under;" "Buffy: The Vampire Slayer;" "Northern Exposure."
5 people I'd like to meet—Julius Lester; Santa Claus; Lance Armstrong; Dick Jackson; Aretha.
5 biggest joys at the moment— G, kitties, friends, Daya, comics.
5 favorite toys: tiara; bat sunglasses; devil duckie; multi-colorful nail polish; sparkly stickers.
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Call Me "Catwoman"
Incoming mail yesterday brought a surprise thank-you gift from the fair FB in honor of WF. She sent a kitty sachet, letter set, and rhinestone earrings (which she said G and I could fight over but of course he only wears clip-ons).
Thanks to KD and DMF for your laryngitis insights. You'll be pleased to know I'm off to bed for the rest of the day with Funny Little Monkey by AA (Harcourt, 2005), which I notice is blurbed by my VC workshop partner RK.
Spooky Links
More VC blogging can be read at Dear Diary (kelcrocker); thanks for the cyber hot tea with lemon and honey!
Scientists Determine Why Cats Are Finicky Eaters: Genetics Leave Felines Without Sweet Tooth by the AP from MSNBC.
"Monster Mice" Are Eating Island's Sea Birds: Rodents Evolved To Triple Normal Size; Attack Much Larger Chicks by Reuters from MSNBC. Can anyone say "ROUSes"?
Thanks to KD and DMF for your laryngitis insights. You'll be pleased to know I'm off to bed for the rest of the day with Funny Little Monkey by AA (Harcourt, 2005), which I notice is blurbed by my VC workshop partner RK.
Spooky Links
More VC blogging can be read at Dear Diary (kelcrocker); thanks for the cyber hot tea with lemon and honey!
Scientists Determine Why Cats Are Finicky Eaters: Genetics Leave Felines Without Sweet Tooth by the AP from MSNBC.
"Monster Mice" Are Eating Island's Sea Birds: Rodents Evolved To Triple Normal Size; Attack Much Larger Chicks by Reuters from MSNBC. Can anyone say "ROUSes"?
Friday, July 29, 2005
Haunted House by Jan Pienkowski
Haunted House by Jan Pienkowski (Candlewick, 2005). A first-rate spooky (but not too scary) pop-up book. As young readers approach the door, a note beckons, "let yourself in." A voice calls out to the entering doctor in the foyer, and a disembodied listing of symptoms and observations follow. Appetite is down. Not many visitors. Not sleeping well. And the patient is... Yikes! A remake of the classic 1979 book. Ages 4-up. Highly recommended, especially for Halloween, with the caveat that some care should be taken with handling the book; perhaps best kept in adult hands while younger fans see and listen.
Spooky News & Links
Yesterday, my doc informed me that my laryngitis and sore throat will go away if I can only manage to be quiet for the next few days. (This, for me, is roughly akin to torture.) He also gave me something to soothe my post-flight cranky eardrum. I'm going to take refuge in bed and read.
Thanks to LHA for commenting on spookycyn's LJ syndication.
TLS writes about the VC MFA special weekend on short stories and SA writes about the residency more globally (note her reference to me as "goddess;" I must say, it takes one to know one).
Spooky News & Links
Yesterday, my doc informed me that my laryngitis and sore throat will go away if I can only manage to be quiet for the next few days. (This, for me, is roughly akin to torture.) He also gave me something to soothe my post-flight cranky eardrum. I'm going to take refuge in bed and read.
Thanks to LHA for commenting on spookycyn's LJ syndication.
TLS writes about the VC MFA special weekend on short stories and SA writes about the residency more globally (note her reference to me as "goddess;" I must say, it takes one to know one).
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Erupting Eardrums
Had big fun with KA, staying overnight at the Doubletree Hotel in Burlington (highly recommended; the restaurant is even good) before flying out yesterday morning.
Found out the hard way during descent from Cincinnati to Austin that flying with fluid in the ear results in the kind of pain one might associate with being stabbed in said ear with a roasting skewer. The flight attendant gave me a Styrofoam cup filled with hot, wet paper towels. I'm not sure that helped, but it gave me something to do and made me feel less helpless.
On the other hand, the attendant also said, "Don't worry. If it just really started hurting, I'm sure your eardrum won't erupt."
As if I'd previously considered the possibility my ear could go volcanic!
Thing is, I do remember thinking that maybe I should take a decongestant, but discounted it on the theory that it was more important to take Dramamine. I'm doing to ask my doc today if both can be taken together.
Yes, I feel wimpy of late. I absolutely detest being sick.
I got in about 3:30 p.m. G picked me up at the airport, tucked me into bed until 9 p.m. or so, and then fed me homemade chicken soup. By then, I could hear normally again, though the air was still popping in my left ear. After 10 days in the dorm, my house seems huge, opulent, the kitties fascinating (not that they aren't always), and MVCH ("my very cute husband") divine.
Spooky Links
Tips to avoid ear pain in the air from about.com.
Found out the hard way during descent from Cincinnati to Austin that flying with fluid in the ear results in the kind of pain one might associate with being stabbed in said ear with a roasting skewer. The flight attendant gave me a Styrofoam cup filled with hot, wet paper towels. I'm not sure that helped, but it gave me something to do and made me feel less helpless.
On the other hand, the attendant also said, "Don't worry. If it just really started hurting, I'm sure your eardrum won't erupt."
As if I'd previously considered the possibility my ear could go volcanic!
Thing is, I do remember thinking that maybe I should take a decongestant, but discounted it on the theory that it was more important to take Dramamine. I'm doing to ask my doc today if both can be taken together.
Yes, I feel wimpy of late. I absolutely detest being sick.
I got in about 3:30 p.m. G picked me up at the airport, tucked me into bed until 9 p.m. or so, and then fed me homemade chicken soup. By then, I could hear normally again, though the air was still popping in my left ear. After 10 days in the dorm, my house seems huge, opulent, the kitties fascinating (not that they aren't always), and MVCH ("my very cute husband") divine.
Spooky Links
Tips to avoid ear pain in the air from about.com.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Last Day at VC
Last night's reading of my short story from Boy Meets Girl, Girl Meets Boy (Roaring Brook, TBA) went well, I thought, especially given that I was editing on the sly to fit into the time slot. I poured sheer force of will into my voice (not to mention a couple of cups of hot, herbal tea), and it worked.
It occured to me afterward that only a few of the faculty members read works in progress. Most read already published work. No big, but a different psychology to be sure.
Today is my last for this residency at VC. Last workshop. Last lecture. Graduation.
Overall, it's been a tremendous experience. I've enjoyed getting to know the faculty and students, seen aspects of children's/YA lit anew--laughed, cried, grew (you know the drill).
I'll spend tonight in Burlington with KA and maybe RWG. Then Wednesday a.m., I'm Texas bound.
Spooky News and Links
How out of touch am I? Just heard that our man Lance had wrapped up his 7th Tour de France win. Wahoo from Vermont! Filled here with Austinite pride (and, okay, a little homesicknesses).
Vampires stalk Taylor, courtesy of 'The Insatiable' by Julien Devereux from the Taylor (TX) Daily Press. Thanks to TC for this link!
It occured to me afterward that only a few of the faculty members read works in progress. Most read already published work. No big, but a different psychology to be sure.
Today is my last for this residency at VC. Last workshop. Last lecture. Graduation.
Overall, it's been a tremendous experience. I've enjoyed getting to know the faculty and students, seen aspects of children's/YA lit anew--laughed, cried, grew (you know the drill).
I'll spend tonight in Burlington with KA and maybe RWG. Then Wednesday a.m., I'm Texas bound.
Spooky News and Links
How out of touch am I? Just heard that our man Lance had wrapped up his 7th Tour de France win. Wahoo from Vermont! Filled here with Austinite pride (and, okay, a little homesicknesses).
Vampires stalk Taylor, courtesy of 'The Insatiable' by Julien Devereux from the Taylor (TX) Daily Press. Thanks to TC for this link!
Monday, July 25, 2005
I Am Sharon Darrow (Well, not really. But I'd like to be)
Really excellent convos with MA (among others) have been a highlight of the residency. Another great one last night at dinner with RWG.
Mistaking me (seated, from the back, hair up) for SD, MTA greeted me for the first time in a strange and vaguely disconcerting way. So far, I like him. Has Elvis-like effect on the students, too, which is most amusing. Was, btw, the second person this a.m. to think I was SD.
Reading is tonight. Voice is better but nowhere near 100%.
Mistaking me (seated, from the back, hair up) for SD, MTA greeted me for the first time in a strange and vaguely disconcerting way. So far, I like him. Has Elvis-like effect on the students, too, which is most amusing. Was, btw, the second person this a.m. to think I was SD.
Reading is tonight. Voice is better but nowhere near 100%.
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Memorable Firsts at VC (So Far)
Considering writing non-fiction;
Considering writing poetry;
Eating salad for lunch for five straight days;
Joking with an American Indian and an Indian American about Indian time;
Being away from G for more than four straight days;
Meeting a living legend in her bra and undies;
Hiding cheese in the waist line of my panties (long story).
Readings last night had a kismet-ish connection, especially EW's and RK's. In other news, I had a nice visit with EW afterward. Witty and whip smart. We've known each other for years online, and I've interviewed her for CLSCLR. But it was our first chance to really sit and talk.
Chatted at breakfast about the decline in multiculture pb in particular. Conclusions were that it was a combo of: (1) budget cuts in school/library market (traditional supporter); (2) decline in indie bookstores (ditto); (3) distrust/lack of awareness of related children's books by historically underrep'd communities; (4) impatience on the part of publishers; (5) larger market forces affecting all pbs. Hope is that at least some of these are cyclical.
Btw, did I mention how charming MC is?
Considering writing poetry;
Eating salad for lunch for five straight days;
Joking with an American Indian and an Indian American about Indian time;
Being away from G for more than four straight days;
Meeting a living legend in her bra and undies;
Hiding cheese in the waist line of my panties (long story).
Readings last night had a kismet-ish connection, especially EW's and RK's. In other news, I had a nice visit with EW afterward. Witty and whip smart. We've known each other for years online, and I've interviewed her for CLSCLR. But it was our first chance to really sit and talk.
Chatted at breakfast about the decline in multiculture pb in particular. Conclusions were that it was a combo of: (1) budget cuts in school/library market (traditional supporter); (2) decline in indie bookstores (ditto); (3) distrust/lack of awareness of related children's books by historically underrep'd communities; (4) impatience on the part of publishers; (5) larger market forces affecting all pbs. Hope is that at least some of these are cyclical.
Btw, did I mention how charming MC is?
Saturday, July 23, 2005
Jeremiah Wasn't The Only Bullfrog
Good news: students for fall semester! Thrilled about all five of them.
Bad news: sore throat. Sound like something inhuman--possibly rodent, possibly amphibian.
Am in the midst of short story weekend.
Bad news: sore throat. Sound like something inhuman--possibly rodent, possibly amphibian.
Am in the midst of short story weekend.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Bright and Beautiful
The crows were silent this morning. They know I'm onto them. With a full tummy and in cooler weather, I got excellent sleep last night. I'm looking forward to my workshop, the lectures, and finding out who my students will be.
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Thai Fueled
Fading Cyn-ness was resolved by leaving campus for Thai dinner and great convo with a few fellow faculty. Lesson learned. I need to be a lot more attentive to my need for, say, calories. I'd had oddly low energy, a stomach ache, and mild tremors in my fingers for the past couple of days when it dawned on me that I was taking in about 1/5 of the energy that I do normally, and that probably wasn't a good thing. I need to remember that just because I'm busy doesn't mean that I'm a machine.
The real show of the day, though, was the speed-dating-esque faculty advisor/student interviews. I was excited and intrigued by all of the students who stopped by to visit and eager to see who's assigned to me! Just finished figuring out final deadlines for their various incoming packets.
I've sounded like a baby O late--what with reference the heat, the crows (nevermore!), and the need for nourishment, so I want to emphasize that I'm having a really fantastic time. Learning, growing, changing. I can feel it buzz, buzz, buzzing in my toenails.
Spooky Definition
ramose: having many branches (write KA and tell her you know what it means).
The real show of the day, though, was the speed-dating-esque faculty advisor/student interviews. I was excited and intrigued by all of the students who stopped by to visit and eager to see who's assigned to me! Just finished figuring out final deadlines for their various incoming packets.
I've sounded like a baby O late--what with reference the heat, the crows (nevermore!), and the need for nourishment, so I want to emphasize that I'm having a really fantastic time. Learning, growing, changing. I can feel it buzz, buzz, buzzing in my toenails.
Spooky Definition
ramose: having many branches (write KA and tell her you know what it means).
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Poe Me
Since arriving at VC, I have been rudely awakened earlier and earlier each morning in a "My Cousin Vinnie" manner by what I could only deduce (especially after yesterday's snake story) was a 60 foot goose lurking in the woods behind Noble Hall.
This morning I had had enough! I dressed quite fetchingly but still tough in an all-black ensemble (which is also supposed to make me look like a writerly intellectual for today's scheduled speed-dating ritual) with my treasured MVP (multiple viewpoint) baseball cap and shades. I stalked out onto the campus, tracking the nepharious goose-honking noises with full intent to butcher whatever creature had been plaguing me.
And then I spotted them. Three of them! These gorgeous Poe-esque birds of probably, oh, a mere 15 pounds but nevertheless impressive. We are not friends, these birds and I. But I will let them honk on today so long as they let me sleep in tomorrow.
Spooky News
Congrats to G on the brisk sales of his audio book of Ninjas, Piranhas, and Galileo (Recorded Books, 2004)! (Miss you!).
This morning I had had enough! I dressed quite fetchingly but still tough in an all-black ensemble (which is also supposed to make me look like a writerly intellectual for today's scheduled speed-dating ritual) with my treasured MVP (multiple viewpoint) baseball cap and shades. I stalked out onto the campus, tracking the nepharious goose-honking noises with full intent to butcher whatever creature had been plaguing me.
And then I spotted them. Three of them! These gorgeous Poe-esque birds of probably, oh, a mere 15 pounds but nevertheless impressive. We are not friends, these birds and I. But I will let them honk on today so long as they let me sleep in tomorrow.
Spooky News
Congrats to G on the brisk sales of his audio book of Ninjas, Piranhas, and Galileo (Recorded Books, 2004)! (Miss you!).
The Computer Lab Is Air Conditioned
Did I mention that I got to see AN last night? She is the cutest, funniest person. I just adore her. She's a VC alumnae and showed up at the end-of-day informal faculty gathering in the lounge.
MA spoke on non-fiction today (did you know he has a Ph.D. in history?) and RWG on social consciousness and voice. I need to make more of an effort to read YA lit trade non-fic. Appreciated R's reading from No Laughter Here (HarperCollins, 2003). RB's name keeps coming up because so many of us here are edited by her.
I also sat in on DE's graduating student lecture on writing from outside your culture. It was informative and enjoyable, especially the grandbaby picture. It got me thinking about folks who've talked to me over the years about writing crossculturally. Many seemed to be looking for information, permission, protection, or absolution. Hm.
More personally, rumor has it that T is sitting at the foot of my CW editor's chair. I hope this means that she loves it so much that she wants it close and handy to delight in.
Spooky Links
Is Giant Rattler in W. Va. Real or Rumor? by Vicki Smith from Netscape News.
Mexican Myth or Texas Terror? by Holly Fenner from Netscape Fun & Games.
MA spoke on non-fiction today (did you know he has a Ph.D. in history?) and RWG on social consciousness and voice. I need to make more of an effort to read YA lit trade non-fic. Appreciated R's reading from No Laughter Here (HarperCollins, 2003). RB's name keeps coming up because so many of us here are edited by her.
I also sat in on DE's graduating student lecture on writing from outside your culture. It was informative and enjoyable, especially the grandbaby picture. It got me thinking about folks who've talked to me over the years about writing crossculturally. Many seemed to be looking for information, permission, protection, or absolution. Hm.
More personally, rumor has it that T is sitting at the foot of my CW editor's chair. I hope this means that she loves it so much that she wants it close and handy to delight in.
Spooky Links
Is Giant Rattler in W. Va. Real or Rumor? by Vicki Smith from Netscape News.
Mexican Myth or Texas Terror? by Holly Fenner from Netscape Fun & Games.
Monday, July 18, 2005
Speaker Cyn
I gave my speech today! I'm done! I'm done! I was first, which made me a tad nervous because I wasn't entirely sure what was expected and I didn't want to disappoint anyone. However, everyone seemed pleased and informed. The handouts were a good idea.
I enjoyed NW's informal Q&A this morning. Had a stimulating conversation with MA at lunch about non-fiction. Co-led my first workshop with RK. And discovered that TWJ used to write for FR. KA's reading made me cry, and I had a fascinating adventure in town with RWG. All in all, a very full day.
Today, I'm thinking about books that work more for the mind versus the heart, whether all of them skew one way or the other, and whether that's maybe okay because all readers tend to skew one way or the other, too.
I enjoyed NW's informal Q&A this morning. Had a stimulating conversation with MA at lunch about non-fiction. Co-led my first workshop with RK. And discovered that TWJ used to write for FR. KA's reading made me cry, and I had a fascinating adventure in town with RWG. All in all, a very full day.
Today, I'm thinking about books that work more for the mind versus the heart, whether all of them skew one way or the other, and whether that's maybe okay because all readers tend to skew one way or the other, too.
Sunday, July 17, 2005
My Hair Has Doubled In Volume
Apparently, summer in the northeast means big humidity. I have curls! It's remarkable.
Great day so far, mostly spent in orientation-related meetings and activities. I also got to see KB (live from Indonesia), DD, SM, AM, and DE--among others.
Must run to hose myself down before NW's talk. We're neighbors tonight in the dorm. She's looking amazing these days. I can't wait to hear what she'll say tonight.
Great day so far, mostly spent in orientation-related meetings and activities. I also got to see KB (live from Indonesia), DD, SM, AM, and DE--among others.
Must run to hose myself down before NW's talk. We're neighbors tonight in the dorm. She's looking amazing these days. I can't wait to hear what she'll say tonight.
Saturday, July 16, 2005
New England
I'm here in Vermont! At the computer lab to be precise, and it's blessedly air conditioned (though really it's not hot here. People in these parts seem to think that 88 degrees is hot).
My flights from Austin to Cincinnati and Cincinnati to Burlington both were fairly interesting.
On the first flight I sat beside this young couple in their 20s who'd met in the terminal right before the flight. She was a college student in business and he was in some branch of the armed service (didn't catch which one), and I pretended to read a paperback romance while eavesdropping on them flirting. (Hey! I'm a writer. It's part of my job to eavesdrop).
Then on the next flight, I sat beside a returning Army soldier (Hi, George!), who was bringing a stuffed bear dressed in Army fatiques home for his seven year old son. George had been flying from the Middle East for about the last 24 hours straight, so he was pretty dazed but also really excited to see his girlfriend and family.
The lovely TLS picked me up from airport and introduced me to all the sights, sounds, and celebrities (I was wowed!) of Burlington. It's a charming city with a first-rate Thai restaurant.
I'm now on campus. I've unpacked, made my bed, and had a KA custom tour with helpful and informative commentary. Faculty dinner tonight!
P.S. Events on my mind include KW.
My flights from Austin to Cincinnati and Cincinnati to Burlington both were fairly interesting.
On the first flight I sat beside this young couple in their 20s who'd met in the terminal right before the flight. She was a college student in business and he was in some branch of the armed service (didn't catch which one), and I pretended to read a paperback romance while eavesdropping on them flirting. (Hey! I'm a writer. It's part of my job to eavesdrop).
Then on the next flight, I sat beside a returning Army soldier (Hi, George!), who was bringing a stuffed bear dressed in Army fatiques home for his seven year old son. George had been flying from the Middle East for about the last 24 hours straight, so he was pretty dazed but also really excited to see his girlfriend and family.
The lovely TLS picked me up from airport and introduced me to all the sights, sounds, and celebrities (I was wowed!) of Burlington. It's a charming city with a first-rate Thai restaurant.
I'm now on campus. I've unpacked, made my bed, and had a KA custom tour with helpful and informative commentary. Faculty dinner tonight!
P.S. Events on my mind include KW.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Supergirl
I have packed my favorite book from childhood, my flash drive, vitamin C, my crits, my speech, my own books, a pillow case, Tevas sandles, two rolls of quarters (for water and laundry machines respectively), Dramamine (don't ask), my cell phone and charger, a travel alarm clock (that G still needs to show me how to set), my hot pink toiletries bag, a small umbrella, my employment forms, something with sleeves (my alumnae sweatshirt), and clothes.
I have also packed my rather worn, much beloved copy of Supergirl by Norma Fox Mazer (Sphere Books, 1984)(novelization of the movie starring Helen Slater), which I bought at Shakespeare and Company in Paris in 2001. As I have mentioned before, it is one of my most prized possessions. I'm very hopeful she'll autograph it for me and only slightly worried that she'll think I'm a dork for bringing it with.
Random Thought: I will miss Justice SDO, and it vexes me that people were talking about her replacement in the same breath as her retirement. When did we become such a "next!" nation?
I have also packed my rather worn, much beloved copy of Supergirl by Norma Fox Mazer (Sphere Books, 1984)(novelization of the movie starring Helen Slater), which I bought at Shakespeare and Company in Paris in 2001. As I have mentioned before, it is one of my most prized possessions. I'm very hopeful she'll autograph it for me and only slightly worried that she'll think I'm a dork for bringing it with.
Random Thought: I will miss Justice SDO, and it vexes me that people were talking about her replacement in the same breath as her retirement. When did we become such a "next!" nation?
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Target and Fortune Cookie Wisdom
After dinner at Katz's, I went to Target to get a new makeup bag for my trip, and of course this mandated that I buy at least one thing that was not on my shopping list. Today, it was an umbrella. I was seduced by its small cuteness.
I'd be interested to know what subliminal shopping messages are laced throughout Target that affect me so profoundly. I'm not a shopaholic, but it's a miracle when I manage to get out of there for under $100.
Fortune that I stuck in my purse since the last time I've cleaned it:
"A friend is a present you give to yourself."
You bet! I'm very excited to see TLS at the airport on Friday.
Will be back in town the 27th! Please forgive any temporary falloff in posting regularity. I'm not sure how often I'll be able to log in between now and then.
Comic of the Week: JLA #116
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Go Lance!
I've never been what you'd call a big bicycling fan, and I honestly think it's about the most boring sport to watch on TV next to, say, golf. But I am an Austinite, and therefore, I am rooting for Lance! Just in case anyone was worried.
I've finished reading my mss for the workshop at VC that I'm leading with RK, and I've typed up talking points. At this point, it's just a matter of filling out the employment forms and packing. I may run a couple of errands today, just to get them off the checklist.
Spooky Link
On the off chance that I'm not the last person on earth on dial-up...
I've finished reading my mss for the workshop at VC that I'm leading with RK, and I've typed up talking points. At this point, it's just a matter of filling out the employment forms and packing. I may run a couple of errands today, just to get them off the checklist.
Spooky Link
On the off chance that I'm not the last person on earth on dial-up...
Sunday, July 10, 2005
San Marcos Outlet Shopping
Apparently, I am bonded with I-35 this weekend. Roadtripped to the outlet mall in San Marcos today for cotton T-shirts ($9) and shorts ($12) from The Gap to wear at VC. By the way, if you're headed that way, the mega lot is empty at 10 a.m. and absolutely full at 11 a.m. Seriously.
Then later this afternoon, upon dropping off borrowed fruit bowls, BY told me I might need a bit of cold weather wear too. This seems impossible. How can I possibly wrap my mind around such a thing when it is 100 degrees every day? At least in...Texas?
Just read on Lara M. Zeises' LJ (girl uninterrupted) that she mentioned spookycyn and cynsations at her SCBWI conference this weekend. Thanks, Lara, and welcome to any conference-going blog surfers!
Then later this afternoon, upon dropping off borrowed fruit bowls, BY told me I might need a bit of cold weather wear too. This seems impossible. How can I possibly wrap my mind around such a thing when it is 100 degrees every day? At least in...Texas?
Just read on Lara M. Zeises' LJ (girl uninterrupted) that she mentioned spookycyn and cynsations at her SCBWI conference this weekend. Thanks, Lara, and welcome to any conference-going blog surfers!
Gruene (That's Pronounced "Green" for Y'all Non-Germans)
Yesterday, G took me to Gruene, Texas, which is a historically German, honkytonk-and-antiques town about an hour south on I-35. We had lunch and shopped without really buying anything though I was tempted by some 1930s jewelry and a Japanese punch bowl with matching cups.
I did, however, pick up a book Texas Cemeteries by Bill Harvey (U of Texas Press, 2003) from Texectera, a small regional indie bookstore that's going under in a couple of months.
Tried to watch "Napolean Dynamite" on the recommendation of several people and couldn't get past the part where the farmer shoots the cow. It just wasn't funny to me. Maybe if you watch the whole thing, there are some long-building jokes, but I just didn't care enough to find out.
I ended up watching "Back To School" instead. I don't really find Rodney Dangerfield's humor funny (more groaners), but something about him was charming.
Spooky Links
Once Upon A Time (She Said) (NESFA Press, 2005): What am I? The font of all information? See Jane Yolen's site for details (painting by Ruth Sanderson, one of my former houseguests, by the way).
AB sent me a newspaper article about The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova (Little Brown, 2005), which offers new blood for all us Drac fans.
I did, however, pick up a book Texas Cemeteries by Bill Harvey (U of Texas Press, 2003) from Texectera, a small regional indie bookstore that's going under in a couple of months.
Tried to watch "Napolean Dynamite" on the recommendation of several people and couldn't get past the part where the farmer shoots the cow. It just wasn't funny to me. Maybe if you watch the whole thing, there are some long-building jokes, but I just didn't care enough to find out.
I ended up watching "Back To School" instead. I don't really find Rodney Dangerfield's humor funny (more groaners), but something about him was charming.
Spooky Links
Once Upon A Time (She Said) (NESFA Press, 2005): What am I? The font of all information? See Jane Yolen's site for details (painting by Ruth Sanderson, one of my former houseguests, by the way).
AB sent me a newspaper article about The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova (Little Brown, 2005), which offers new blood for all us Drac fans.
Friday, July 08, 2005
Yummy Food, Cool Air, Good Friends, Good Books
I had a divine lunch at Z Tejas yesterday with a writer who's well published for adults and shifting to upper YA. Charming. We met when he took my class at the LTW.
Plus, the air conditioner is fixed! And it ended up costing $67, not $700--woo woo!
In other news, G and I received lovely thank-you cards for WF from FH, BY, LB, and SC. What sweeties! Speaking of which, Libba Bray has posted her WriteFest report to her LJ.
And as if all of that weren't enough, I'm reading the entirely fascinating Anyone But You by Lara M. Zeises (Delacorte, 2005)(more on that soon). What can I say? Life is good.
Spooky Link
New Light on Medicine: Pigments that turn caustic on exposure to light can fight cancer, blindness and heart disease. Their light-induced toxicity may also help explain the origin of vampire tales. By Nick Lane from ScientificAmerican.com.
Plus, the air conditioner is fixed! And it ended up costing $67, not $700--woo woo!
In other news, G and I received lovely thank-you cards for WF from FH, BY, LB, and SC. What sweeties! Speaking of which, Libba Bray has posted her WriteFest report to her LJ.
And as if all of that weren't enough, I'm reading the entirely fascinating Anyone But You by Lara M. Zeises (Delacorte, 2005)(more on that soon). What can I say? Life is good.
Spooky Link
New Light on Medicine: Pigments that turn caustic on exposure to light can fight cancer, blindness and heart disease. Their light-induced toxicity may also help explain the origin of vampire tales. By Nick Lane from ScientificAmerican.com.
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Beyond Feathers & Fangs
I just finished writing a speech, "Beyond Feathers & Fangs: a discussion of conveying cultural context in stories, be they multicultural or magical realism," for VC, keyed up a handout, and selected what I'm going to read at the podium. I'm going to show it all to G tonight and see if he has any suggestions.
We also have a title for our holiday picture book with Dutton. (I'll tell you what it is closer to pub date). But the great news is that MM loves it. And the winner was not "Santa and the Secular Humanist" (G's idea of course). We had asked for suggestions at WF, and WF royal AB came through with the perfect idea last week. AB rules! Thanks, AB! We love you!
Congrats also to G! Today is the official release date of his new novel, Tofu and T. rex (Little Brown, 2005) as well as the paperback edition of his debut novel, Ninjas, Piranhas, and Galileo (Little Brown, 2005).
We also have a title for our holiday picture book with Dutton. (I'll tell you what it is closer to pub date). But the great news is that MM loves it. And the winner was not "Santa and the Secular Humanist" (G's idea of course). We had asked for suggestions at WF, and WF royal AB came through with the perfect idea last week. AB rules! Thanks, AB! We love you!
Congrats also to G! Today is the official release date of his new novel, Tofu and T. rex (Little Brown, 2005) as well as the paperback edition of his debut novel, Ninjas, Piranhas, and Galileo (Little Brown, 2005).
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
"Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous" and "Lost Boys"
I watched Miss Congeniality 2 on DVD yesterday, having found the first one (especially Candice Bergen's Texas/gun line) entertaining. I adore Sandra Bullock movies.
Anyway, it was cute, occasionally funny, a buddy story, and did a good job of circling around to the beginning of the first movie. Basically a reverse Pygmalion. OTOH, the pacing was all over the place, and the falling action dragged on forever.
We also re-watched "Lost Boys," which is a 1980s vampire retelling of Peter Pan (hence, the title). Worth watching for the male hairstyles alone. But that said, this time it reminded me more of "Buffy: The Vampire Slayer." Edward Herrman's head vampire Max has a vibe similar to the mayor from Buffy's senior year, and the lost boys' lair (created by a California earthquake) was somewhat reminiscient of the Hellmouth. Actually, "Lost Boys" predated the Buffy series, but I'd seen the latter more recently and (given that it lasted from 19970-2003) more extensively.
Anyway, it was cute, occasionally funny, a buddy story, and did a good job of circling around to the beginning of the first movie. Basically a reverse Pygmalion. OTOH, the pacing was all over the place, and the falling action dragged on forever.
We also re-watched "Lost Boys," which is a 1980s vampire retelling of Peter Pan (hence, the title). Worth watching for the male hairstyles alone. But that said, this time it reminded me more of "Buffy: The Vampire Slayer." Edward Herrman's head vampire Max has a vibe similar to the mayor from Buffy's senior year, and the lost boys' lair (created by a California earthquake) was somewhat reminiscient of the Hellmouth. Actually, "Lost Boys" predated the Buffy series, but I'd seen the latter more recently and (given that it lasted from 19970-2003) more extensively.
Monday, July 04, 2005
Happy Independence Day
Having spent last weekend at ALA and the weekend before that hosting WF, G and I are taking it easy this holiday. Yesterday, we did highly American things like shop at Target and eat sushi.
The air conditioner went out on the second floor ($700 repair incoming on Tuesday, delay due to the holiday weekend). So, we've put the futon and the daybed mattresses in the middle of the downstairs parlor and are "camping out" AKA "having a slumber party."
Last night, I had to explain what I meant by "light as a feather, stiff as a board" because apparently boys don't do that in sixth grade. Not that we had enough people to play anyway.
Spooky Link
10 Things Your Teen Won't Tell You...But She Did Me: The editor of a teen magazine tells what's on the adolescent mind. Note: On the writer of this piece, I don't see who or from what magazine, but I'm willing to take it with a grain O salt.
The air conditioner went out on the second floor ($700 repair incoming on Tuesday, delay due to the holiday weekend). So, we've put the futon and the daybed mattresses in the middle of the downstairs parlor and are "camping out" AKA "having a slumber party."
Last night, I had to explain what I meant by "light as a feather, stiff as a board" because apparently boys don't do that in sixth grade. Not that we had enough people to play anyway.
Spooky Link
10 Things Your Teen Won't Tell You...But She Did Me: The editor of a teen magazine tells what's on the adolescent mind. Note: On the writer of this piece, I don't see who or from what magazine, but I'm willing to take it with a grain O salt.
Sunday, July 03, 2005
"Teen Titans:" Raven
The Cartoon Network has a pretty great line-up of superhero shows on Saturday nights. I'm fond of "Teen Titans," especially Raven.
In "The End," her father, Trigon, who is basically evil incarnate, is urging her to "fulfill her destiny" and unleash him (and, therefore, doomsday) on earth. It's sort of "Return of the Jedi" meets the DCU. But I don't think that that's necessarily a bad thing.
Not long ago, I was talking about what's "derivative" versus "original."
The obvious point is that nothing in storytelling is completely original (ever notice how many awards go to stylistic deviations--some of which work and some of which couldn't be less kid-friendly?).
But the counterpoint is that it's okay, even desirable, to build so long as you brilliantly execute the twist(s). Mixed metaphor, but you know what I mean. Offer something familiar enough that the audience has a context for it, but new enough that they're eager to see how it plays out.
In "The End," her father, Trigon, who is basically evil incarnate, is urging her to "fulfill her destiny" and unleash him (and, therefore, doomsday) on earth. It's sort of "Return of the Jedi" meets the DCU. But I don't think that that's necessarily a bad thing.
Not long ago, I was talking about what's "derivative" versus "original."
The obvious point is that nothing in storytelling is completely original (ever notice how many awards go to stylistic deviations--some of which work and some of which couldn't be less kid-friendly?).
But the counterpoint is that it's okay, even desirable, to build so long as you brilliantly execute the twist(s). Mixed metaphor, but you know what I mean. Offer something familiar enough that the audience has a context for it, but new enough that they're eager to see how it plays out.
Saturday, July 02, 2005
HWA Stoker Awards
Author Anastasia Suen blogs about the winners of the Bram Stoker Work for Young Readers Award, sponsored by the Horror Writers Association.
Spooky Link
Do Great Books Make Great Movies?: a quiz from MSN Encarta.
Spooky Link
Do Great Books Make Great Movies?: a quiz from MSN Encarta.
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