In theory, a good hostess would be turning down sheets and plumping pillows for her tired guests. I, however, am on the computer, and via Ali and Anastasia @ Ypulse, I’ve found these interesting nuggets:
There’s a Phillip Pullman comic strip, to be included in a new Random House magazine, which looks SOcool — “Only completely original material will be published in the DFC. No advertising, just 100% storytelling delight. Joy in an envelope,” David Fickling comments. A story magazine for kids? With a weekly strip by Phillip Pullman!? BLISS!
Nancy Yi Fan, together with her family emigrated to the U.S., just before the attacks in New York in 2001. What an awful time of confusion it was. Nancy had a strange dream about birds — one she turned into a story. Hoping to receive writing tips, she sent it to publishing houses. HarperCollins gave her more than writing tips — they gave her a contract. “Nancy’s first book, Swordbird, is a fantasy about warring birds. Nancy Yi Fan was 12 years old when Swordbird was published last year. Within weeks, it reached the top of the New York Times list of best-selling Children’s Chapter Books.” Visit VOA News for the rest of the story. Has anyone of you read Nancy’s book? They’re calling her a prodigy, and talking about her next one!
PW has a heartfelt piece on everybody’s favorite girl-next-door author, Sarah Dessen. Why do we (and teen readers) all love her? ‘Cause her heart is still in high school. Go, Sarah!
Do you swear as a conversational filler? How about the characters in your stories? Do they? Some interesting thoughts on YA’s and profanity. Should parents, as is suggested in this article in the Sacramento Bee teach their kids swearing ‘etiquette?’ What would you consider etiquette? I am honestly asking this question ’cause I think of weird stuff like this when I’m writing. When do your characters swear? Or do they?
All righty. Off to pretend I’m a good hostess.