Michael Stearns at Upstart Crow blogged about software called Freedom. It shuts off your crack supply Internet connection for however many minutes you specify, leaving you free to develop new distractions, like grooming your arm hair write. Read more here.And get the software (Mac-only) here.
You have to read this blog
It's celebrating the 35th anniversary of Greenwillow books--a truly amazing imprint at HarperCollins.Editors there are posting about all sorts of things, including making test cakes for Amelia Bedelia books, upcoming debuts that I will for sure read (MISTWOOD by Leah Cypess), and a book that I will probably read many times, and possibly eat and... Continue Reading →
Book trailer by Jennifer Wolf
Jennifer Wolf made this book trailer for SING ME TO SLEEP. Contact her if you're interesting in her services, or her advice if you're going to do it on your own. davenjenwolf AT comcast.net.
Look at the cute busines cards!
Lida Enche, winner of our cookie-decorating contest, is at it again. This time, it's business cards, which she is making to hand out at our annual conference. Have you registered yet? We've sold out the last few years and are on track to doing that again. So hop to it!
What Chris Richman wants
One of my favorite agents in the world, Chris Richman of Upstart Crow Literary, has posted an extensive wish list for queries in the New Year. Here's the top:Genuinely hilarious: Humor is tough. I get it. It’s also incredibly subjective. I’ve found, though, that because I say I’m looking for funny books for boys, I... Continue Reading →
More on queries
Agent Kristin Nelson is annotating more queries and opening pages on her blog. If you're thinking of querying, do check these out.Here's what intrigued Kristin: I have to say that Megan’s query immediately caught my attention as she had a whole different take on utilizing ghosts that I’ve never seen before. Besides, I like complex... Continue Reading →
On the road less traveled
Nathan Bransford gives some great advice on his blog:While I was away I was chatting with a friend who reads grants for a living, a job that bears some striking resemblance to query letter answering. And if you happen to be thinking about writing a grant at this very moment, I have a piece of... Continue Reading →
Kathleen Kemly at Secret Garden
On Feb. 23 at 7 p.m., the delightful and incredibly talented Kathleen will be reading at Secret Garden as part of their Ultimate Tuesday series.Check out her site, then catch her in person.
There be pirates!
It's not just the music and movie industries being pecked at by pirates.Here are some confessions of a book thief at The Millions:The Real Caterpillar: In the past month, I have uploaded approximately 50 books to the torrent site where you contacted me. I am much less active then I once was. I used to... Continue Reading →
Kidlit contest: submit your first 500 words
Mary at Kidlit.com is holding a contest:Since the query contest worked out so well in October, I’m going to do another contest at the beginning of 2010… novel beginnings! That’s right, the beginning (up to 500 words) of your YA or MG novel!It’s too messy to have people post their entries in comments, so please... Continue Reading →