Words from the Aether

Crazy Stuff

2009-06-25T13:48:00.000-07:00

Crazy Stuff --is full of unusual, well, crazy things. Its a fun book to page through. There are even practical items as well as the unusual. From high-tech to low-tech and everything in between, Crazy Stuff is a wonderful gift idea. Who doesn't need to know how to get their hands on the world's best off-beat, insane and plain fun stuff. Well, maybe not everyone, but then again, not everyone would want this book. If you're a bit tilted away from the side of normal, then this book is right up your alley. At first it reminded me of the Sky Mall catalog that you can get when you are flying. Crazy Stuff is different, however. Its not a catalog and its purpose is to showcase all the weird stuff that is definitely not main stream. Unlike Sky Mall, Crazy Stuff is meant to be fun, not a shopping experience. Check it out, who knows, you might just find something you like.

Embarrassing names decline in the UK

2009-03-26T07:59:00.000-07:00

According to a researcher in the UK, the names Cockshot, Balls, Death and Daft have decreased remarkably in the last few decades. When something like this happens, it is usually due to extenuating circumstance rather than natural selection. Outside of the obvious reasons like marriage or mass emigration to other areas the reasons seem to demonstrate how language has evolved. Names, which were once considered acceptable are now embarrassing due to modern definitions and innuendos given to them. The researcher, Richard Webber, has a site called "mapyourname" where anyone can go and do their own surname research. Knowing the various surnames of the modern world can be an important tool for writers and genealogists. A writer can use names which are common to a geographic area or choose to make up a name which does not exist. The genealogist can compare the evolution of their own surnames and predict the future of their family lineage. They know that the spelling of their family name has changed and branched out over time. Understanding the trends and reasons behind this in invaluable in creating links in their ancestral chain. The meanings of words changes with the times. An offensive word in ancient Rome is not necessarily offensive today.
Changing your name is a big deal. It not only affects you but also your decendents. You may decide that you are protecting your children and grandchildren from public ridicule. If you had some of the names listed in the research, you would be right.

Saucer Fleet

2009-03-19T11:04:00.000-07:00

The Saucer Fleet is a guidebook of fictional sci-fi saucers. You know, the kinds from the War of the Worlds and my all time favorite, Forbidden Planet. Star Wars has its guidebooks, now we have one for the rest of the sci-fi world. I grew up watching these eerie space vehicles land in fields where the locals would stare then shoot. Sometimes they would wait to see if someone or something would emerge, but, in the end, shooting always ensued. This is a fine addition to any geek or sci-fi buff's library. This book is a follow up on to the authors’ previous title the Spaceship Handbook. I recommend this to anyone who loves flying saucers and the genre from which they came. Here's to flying saucers, long may they invade fiction!

From the Publisher:

An ideal companion for any sci-fi fan, space buff, or alien aficionado, this movie guidebook discusses six of the most famous and significant science fiction films ever produced. Each film’s backstory and production histories along with plot synopses and detailed analyses of the featured flying saucers are included. Featuring film classics such as The Day the Earth Stood Still, Earth vs. the Flying Saucers, Forbidden Planet, This Island Earth, and War of the Worlds, this guidebook also includes an extensive look at the groundbreaking television show Lost in Space.

Pirate Parenting

2009-03-17T05:10:00.001-07:00

With all the self-help books out there, it isn't any wonder that another, more helpful, book should emerge. Enter Pirate Parenting by Tim Bete. As one who admires the art of parody, I decided to take a gander at this unique parenting book. I mean, who isn't curious about pirates and their parenting techniques? Pirates had to be children first, they didn't start out that way. Thanks to Pirate Parenting, the underground world of raising a pirate has surfaced for the rest of us. No longer is it a dirty little secret only known among a select few. Now we can raise our little pirates out in the open. The book lays out the parenting tips in an easy to follow guide for new parents.
This book would make a great baby shower gift. You certainly wouldn't have to worry about the recipient already getting one. Also, humor is the greatest gift of all. Everyone knows an expectant mother needs all the humor she can get before the baby arrives. Better yet, give the book to the expectant father, who really needs a good laugh after putting up with the expectant mother for nine months.
From the publisher:
In Guide to Pirate Parenting you’ll learn:
• Ten benefits of raising a pirate
• At what age your child should be able to remove a bottlecap by taking out his glass eye and using it as an opener
• Which offense requires administering The Flying Dutchman Wedgie
• How to prevent sogging the quartermaster
• The best place to maroon your disobedient child
• How to remove chewing gum or a giant octopus from your child’s hair
• The difference between plundering and pillaging
• How to convert your minivan into a pirate schooner

Corny? yes, dull, no! Hey, if you don't like it after shelling out your hard earned money for it, you can always kidnap the author and make him walk the plank. At the very least, you'll feel better and know you did your part for the pirate community.
That about sums up this literary enigma full of fun and tongue-in-cheek advice. Of course, I like sock puppet shows, so what do I know?

Kindle 2

2009-02-27T05:42:00.000-08:00

The Kindle, Amazon's latest greatest gadget, has been re-invented. Is it worth the high price tag?

The screen is not illuminated like a phone or laptop. As a result, the battery consumption is low. You use power only when you actually turn the page, The image remains on the screen without power. You don't have to worry about turning it off.

Its wireless connection. Thanks to Sprint’s cellular Internet service, is always online, like a cell phone.

This sort of service costs $60 a month for laptops, but Amazon pays the Kindle’s wireless bill, in hopes that you’ll buy the e-books. You can buy and download books in seconds.

It’s all a thousand times more convenient and more exciting than loading books from a PC with a cable, as you must with Sony’s Reader, the Kindle’s competition. As a bonus, the Kindle includes a simple Web browser, great for quick wireless Wikipedia checks and blog reading.

The new Kindle is priced at $359. Amazon calls it the Kindle 2. The upgrades are noticeable, yet minor.

The page-turn buttons are now much smaller — and the clicky part is on the inward edge of each button — so you no longer set off page turns just by picking the thing up.

The new, square plastic joystick gets the job done. The back is now brushed aluminum. Turning pages on the Kindle is a tad faster now. The screen shows 16 shades of gray now, not four, so photos look sharper; you can also zoom in and rotate them.Too bad the image isn't full color. Now that would be an improvement worth making. Amazon says that it is trying to keep the price from sky rocketing. I would hate to think what they consider sky rocketing since the current price is far from cheap.

The memory card is built in and not expandable. However, it holds 1.500 books, which is a tidy sum, to say the least.

The battery is also sealed inside. Amazon says, however, that it lasts 25 percent longer per charge (four days of reading with wireless turned on, or two weeks if it’s off). If that battery ever needs replacing, Amazon has to do it ($60).

The Kindle will also read aloud to you through its tiny stereo speakers or headphone jack, and even turn the pages as it goes. It is a computer voice with no emotion, which still makes the audio book more appealing. Nevertheless, it can come in handy when driving and listening.

As before, your books, annotations and clippings are auto-backed up on Amazon.com. But now, if you buy multiple Kindles, all of them remember where you stopped reading in each book. (This feature will be more useful if, as Amazon has hinted, you’ll soon be able to read your e-books on other machines, like your laptop or iPhone.

The Kindle catalog is bigger, too; now 240,000 books are available. New York Times bestsellers are $10 each, which is less than the hardcover editions. Older books run $3 to $6.

You can have any of 30 newspapers wirelessly beamed to your Kindle each morning ($10 to $14 a month) — minus ads, comics and crosswords. Magazines (22 so far, $1.50 to $3 monthly) and blogs ($2 a month) can arrive automatically, too.

Finally, you can send Word, text, PDF and JPEG documents to the Kindle using its private e-mail address for 10 cents each. Or transfer them over a USB cable for nothing.

Not to worry, the printed book is still alive and well. The average, budget conscious, individual will find the Kindle too pricey. Also, who can resist the second hand bookstore where you can buy tons of books for pennies on the dollar? Not only that, not every book is available in e-format.

The Kindle has the usual list of e-book perks: dictionary, text search, bookmarks, clippings, MP3 music playback and six type sizes. No trees die to furnish paper for Kindle books, either.

But as traditionalists always point out, an e-book reader is a delicate piece of electronics. It can be lost, dropped or fried in the tub. You’d have to buy an awful lot of $10 best sellers to recoup the purchase price. If Amazon goes under or abandons the Kindle, you lose your entire library. And you can’t pass on or sell an e-book after you’ve read it.

Some claim that the Kindle has missed its window. E-book programs are thriving on the far more portable (and far more popular) iPhones and iPod Touches.

Regardless, this is the dawn of a new age in publishing. E-books are convenient and won't fill up your book cases. That being said, however, book cases are a wonderful way to show case your library. In an e-reader, no one can see all the wonderful, intelligent books you've read. You will have to be content with the knowledge that only you know. Plus, how can you pass your book along to your friend or relative?

Honoring Edgar Allen Poe's 200th birthday

2009-01-20T05:56:00.001-08:00

Edgar Allen Poe's 200th
birthday is a cause for
remembering the great author of wonderful, eerie tales of woe and suspense. He died at the young age of 40, yet is still remembered today through his literary works.
There are several sites who honor the famed author. There is the the Baltimore Poe House and Museum.
Richmond Virginia has even set up a site commemorating the author's 200th birthday.
Philadelphia has their own claim on the author. Not to be left out, Bronx, New York has preserved Poe's cottage for visitors who wish to see where Poe had written and lived. It was here that Poe's beloved wife, Virginia, died. Poe, himself, died two years later.
In honoring his bicentennial, we shall put an excerpt from one of his works.
"I looked upon the scene before me - upon the mere house, and the simple landscape features of the domain - upon the bleak walls - upon the vacant eye-like windows - upon a few rank sedges - and upon a few white trunks of decayed trees - with an utter depression of soul which I can compare to no earthly sensation more properly than to the after-dream of the reveller upon opium - the bitter lapse into everyday life - the hideous dropping off of the veil. There was an iciness, a sinking, a sickening of the heart - an unredeemed dreariness of thought which no goading of the imagination could torture into aught of the sublime. What was it - I paused to think - what was it that so unnerved me in the contemplation of the House of Usher?"

-All that we see or seem
Is but a dream within a dream.—A Dream within a Dream

The Longest Trip Home

2008-12-08T06:28:00.000-08:00

John Grogan, author of the best selling book, Marley and Me, has penned his memoir entitled, The Longest Trip Home. Delving into his Detroit childhood and subsequent metamorphosis into adulthood, Grogan chronicles not only his life but the transformation of middle class suburbia in the 1960s and beyond. He comes to terms with his parent’s conservative Catholic teachings and the pilgrimages to holy sites disguised as family vacations. Grogan vividly draws the reader in to the world as he saw it. I could feel the unrest of the 60s and almost smell the church incense from his Catholic youth. He faced the usual adolescent hurdles as he began to question his own faith within the strict dogmatic teachings of his environment. His anecdotal humor took a light hearted glimpse of Catholic schools, from being an alter boy to his first confession. His narrative approach, like Ralphie in A Christmas Story, gave his youth a witty retrospective from the eyes of the man he had become. Grogan doesn’t blame his parents, which he could have easily done, but rather celebrates their stability and devotion. It’s refreshing to read a memoir from an author who is able to see all sides of his family without unnecessary finger pointing.

Grogan wraps up his book with a heart felt picture of his aging parents and the roles he and his siblings portrayed in their care. I would highly recommend this book for its moving sensitivity, humor and unique insight. It caused me relate to my own childhood amidst the backdrop of the turbulent 60s and 70s. The vibrant imagery and tender story made this book a wonderful, easy read.

There I Grew Up

2008-10-29T06:25:00.000-07:00

In 1859 Abraham Lincoln wrote about his youth in Indiana when asked to enlighten the public about his life.
“We reached our new home about the time the State came into the union. It was a wild region, with many bears and other wild animals in the woods. There I grew up.”
Taking from this autobiographical paragraph, William Bartelt titled his book on Lincoln's time in Indiana. It is a thorough account of Lincoln's "coming of age" years when he and his family cleared the forest in southern Indiana in order to make a life for themselves. Bartelt, in true academic form, delved into the research and writings from Lincoln's contemporaries, including William Herndon, Lincoln's law partner and biographer. Herndon painstakingly interviewed and researched Lincoln's life in order to write a precise biography of his former partner and friend. He wanted, not only to enlighten, but to set the records straight. After Lincoln's death, many tales were being imparted about the former president which weren't always accurate. The public wanted a legend and the writers of the day set about giving them what they wanted. Bordering on legend and fantasy, Lincoln began to become something of a mythical icon.
Herndon interviewed Lincoln's family and friends who knew him best. Bartelt covered Herndon's interviews and his notes concerning these examinations. The book also reveals, through the words of those who knew him, Abraham Lincoln’s humor, empathy, and quest knowledge. It gives a distinct overview of the community where the Lincolns settled in southern Indiana during the years 1816 to 1830.
Bartelt is a retired educator who, for more than fifteen summers, was employed as a ranger and historian at the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial. He is a member of the Federal Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission's Advisory and Education Committees and serves as vice chair of the Indiana Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission.
Many books have been written about Abraham Lincoln and many more still to come. With the approaching Lincoln's bicentennial, this book makes a fine addition to any Lincoln library.

Fly -Like The Wind

2008-10-02T05:18:00.000-07:00

Fly a work by Bridgette Z. Savage is written with the unique perspective of a horse. Fly. was a mare who served in the civil war with her owner, George M. Barrett. George treasured his beloved, Fly. When George enlisted in the Calvary at the start of the Civil War, he brought Fly with him. The army encouraged soldiers to bring their own horses. Fly, fit in well and was a quick learner. One day when George was sick, Fly broke free and joined the other horses and their riders. Fly followed the maneuvers perfectly. Fly's personality and dedication set her apart from the rest.
The editorial description: Based on the true story of a horse and her rider in the American Civil War, "Fly Like the Wind" recounts the adventures of two life-long friends from Posey County, Indiana. A young man and his treasured mare travel with the Indiana Cavalry into the deep South where their friendship and faithfulness carry them through unimaginable events. Strength of character and sense of purpose are important elements in this historic adventure. Woven around stories that have been told and retold for more than one hundred years, this book brings Fly to life in the hearts and minds of readers of all ages.

What's even more amazing is that you can actually see Fly's skeleton at the Workingman's Institute in New Harmony Indiana. This hidden treasure is a remarkable tribute to the mare who not only served but survived the Civil War. Not only that, Fly lived a long life for a horse. She was an example of what love and dedication can accomplish, even for a horse.

Neil Gaiman's Graveyard Book

2008-10-01T11:22:00.001-07:00

For those of you who prefer to see the reader, here is a link to do just that. Neil's people have uploaded videos of him reading the chapters. They will, in time, upload videos of him reading each and every chapter. So, in effect, he will have gifted the entire book to his fans. Why, would he do this? First, I'm sure it won't stay up forever. Second, he has realized that it pays off in the long run. After having given out, for a limited time, American Gods and Neverwhere, his publisher has noted an increase in sales across the board for all of his books. It makes sense really. There are so many books available on this planet that it boggles the mind. If you can get someone to actually read your book you have a potential reader for all your books. You can't catch a fish without bait. Its a win win situation for the author and his fans or potential readers. How great is that?

Banned Books Week

2008-09-30T07:57:00.000-07:00

This is Banned Books Week, an event founded by the American Library Assn. back in 1982 and observed -- and debated -- ever since. Is there a fine line between protecting impressionable minds vs. the freedom of speech? It seems obvious that young readers shouldn't read adult oriented material. When is it OK to ban a book from the entire reading population? Should all books be available to every grown adult? The debate over "dangerous" books is never ending. The definition of what is considered dangerous or harmful is arguably the most difficult definition to come up with. Maybe a book called "1001 ways to commit suicide" or possibly a book called "how to kill people without getting caught" could be considered dangerous. The problem is, it isn't that clear cut. You won't see books with those titles. You will see such subject matter hidden inside works of fiction and and non fiction. Who's to judge? I can honestly say I couldn't take on such an ominous task. Nonetheless, books Americans have grown to love have, over the course of history, been banned. The freedom of speech must be defended, but to what extent? We would like to think that we enjoy freedom in our American democracy. As such, we expect to be able to exercise the free choice in what we read and write. Do we need censorship? I would like to say emphatically, no! However, I know what danger lurks between the leaves of those pages of many marketed novels. Yet, who am I to say you can't read it?

Back from the Aether

2008-09-29T12:11:00.000-07:00

Life has its way of grabbing you by the lapels and shaking you awake. I've been reading, writing and then reading again. That is when I'm not working for a living and maintaining a home. After a hiatus I'm back and loaded with books and things to discuss. Check back soon as I've got some great books to review and enlighten.

Book lovers love free books

2008-05-07T07:58:00.000-07:00

A wonderful "YA" novel is available for free.I put "YA" in quotations because the book is great for all readers, it just happens to be marketed within this category. The author, Cory Doctorow, believes in the free flow of information for all. If you like the book, then by all means, buy a hard copy of it. Pass it along to your friends. Doctorow mentions how Neil Gaiman stated that he was all for free use and passing along books to friends. The idea is that authors can get their work read easily through the free exchange of words. In other words, if its readily available, it might just get read. How does one discover a new author? Not by going out and buying their books. Something has to make them want to buy it in the first place. More often than not, someone is loaned a book or picks up one at the library and finds a great read. As such, they are inclined to purchase the wonderful author's other books. Even the best marketed writers must grab an audience. It isn't easy in the competitive literary marketplace to find a reader. There are millions of titles full of millions of stories looking for you, the reader. When a book isn't sitting in the front display then it is more difficult to capture someone's attention. Offering your writing for free is a way of telling others that you are a good writer, go ahead, take a look. It is a win-win situation for both parties. The author gets noticed, and hopefully liked and the reader gets a free book. For one who loves to read and write I can definitely empathize with the need to connect people to great reads. Kudos to Gaiman and Doctorow who understand how it really works, at least in an ideal world.

Books, beautiful inside and out

2008-04-14T06:12:00.000-07:00

As a self proclaimed book lover, I truly appreciate books. Now I've discovered there is an artist who appreciates books in a whole new way. Nicholas Jones is a book artist. He takes books and turns them into his own sculptural art forms. What a unique idea. I can't help but feel a bit sorry for the words written on the pages, which after being turned into art, are not able to be read and enjoyed. Of course, there are plenty of books out there, and unless he is sculpting the only copy, a duplicate can be read. Is he destroying the book or recreating it? It is obviously a little bit of both. Destroy, however, is a strong word which I don't think applies here in its literal sense. Jones is passionate about his art. In his own way, he is paying tribute to the books he uses. Not only is he honoring the author but also the publisher and printer. He is demonstrating that there are more uses for a book than just reading and shelving. I guess, if someone has an artist's eye, he could see design in just about anything. Take an inanimate object and carve, paint, paste, sculpt, etc and create something new and fresh. As one who appreciates art in all its forms, I can value Jones intrinsic view upon the printed word. He sees potential in the volumes of bound paper around him.
I remember, as a child, I was taught to create a Christmas tree out of a Reader's Digest. We folded each page into a triangle. Then we spray painted our fanned out Digests and added glittery decorations. I wonder if Jones had created the same thing as a child? I always thought that it was a wonderful craft idea but, even then, I hated to see the written words destroyed so easily. I knew that the Digests had already been read and would only end up in the trash. The Christmas trees created from them was surely a tribute to the small magazine.
Michelangelo once said that within every block of marble there is a great sculpture waiting to come out. Apparently, Jones sees the same thing in the books he uses. Here's to art in all its wonderful forms. May each one of us learn to see the potential in all things.

Support coming from all sides

2008-04-09T04:50:00.000-07:00

Since Amazon blacklisted many of the POD and small publishers who refused to sign with Booksurge, support has been filtering in from all over. Several groups have stepped up to the plate like Nothing Binding, You Write On, Google, American Society of Journalists and Authors with more each day. On the surface, it makes sense that Amazon would support it's own POD business over its competitors. However, Amazon isn't just a POD publisher. Amazon is a huge retailer.
Walmart has spent years trying to be everything. They force manufacturers to cut back on their product quality in order to sell for less. Walmart even forces the music industry to cut out offensive lyrics in their CDs if they want to sell through America's largest retailer. Amazon, like Walmart, seems to be dealing in ultimatums rather than good old fashioned marketing.
Booksurge customers are beginning to speak up about the poor quality of their books. Amazon has to decide who they want to be. If they want to be a huge online retailer, then they must play by the rules that govern retailers. If they choose to be a publisher, then they must follow those guidelines. The laws which curtail monopolistic practices must be carefully considered when analyzing this latest move by Amazon. Amazon depends on the publishers more than the publishers depend on Amazon. Publishers have shown, much to Amazon's chagrin, that they can sell their own books very well. Read this. Without the product to sell, Amazon wouldn't exist. There comes a time when the hard working manufacturers, publishers, writers, etc. must band together in the effort of fair play. There is power in numbers. Amazon's numbers exist because of the millions of people behind the products they sell. Most independent countries of the world exist because a group of people banned together and said "enough!"

Amazon monopolizes the small publishing industry

2008-03-31T06:17:00.000-07:00

Amazon has decided to remove the "buy" button from all self published and select small or independently published books. Amazon has decided that if the company doesn't print their books through their own Booksurge, then they will stop selling their books. Not only is this a monopolistic attempt to rule the publishing industry, it is also unfair. Authors deserve to have their dreams encouraged. A book will stand on its own merits regardless of how it was published. The book, The Celestine Prophecy, started out as a "self published" title before being picked up by a mainstream publisher. It has since gone on to top the New York Time's Best Seller List and has been made into a movie. This is, by far, not the only book to have become successful after a small start.
There is a petition against Amazon's strong arm tactics here.
Amazon, like Walmart, has become too big for their own good. What started out as a wonderful avenue for readers and writers to unite has turned into a "big brother" type of company who can tell readers what to buy. Amazon is still allowing secondary sellers to peddle the books they removed. However, the prices on some of the books are inflated and unfair. Also, when buying from a secondary seller, you must pay shipping costs on each seller. That would really add up if you have more than one seller in your basket.
Book burnings and banned books have long since been condemned in modern society. Amazon must be brought to task for their refusal to sell competitor's books. Otherwise, the millions of authors who are ostracized should ban together and create their own Amazon-like company where ALL books are sold in the effort of fair play.

Coraline in 3D

2008-03-18T10:43:00.000-07:00

Neil Gaiman's book, Coraline, is on its way to becoming a 3D animated film. Reminiscent of The Nightmare Before Christmas or Corpse Bride, Coraline is a dark fantasy with a whimsical side to it.
The official link is here.
Coraline, who discovers a door to an alternate universe, journeys into a bizarre domain of talking cats and chocolate eating dogs. In this parallel world resides her "alternate" parents who enthusiastically greet her. Eventually, Coraline begins to miss her "real" parents. She ensues a dangerous, precarious journey back to find the "real" world in which she left.
Gaiman, a master story teller, weaves a full tapestry of fantastic happenings and wonderful mysteries. If the movie is half as good as the book, it should be a sight to see. Here is a trailor.

When I Crossed No-Bob

2008-03-05T10:39:00.000-08:00

This book is the sequel to, How I Found The Strong, by Margaret McMullan. Fresh from the Civil War, families in Mississippi strive to adjust to the reunited country with all of its new problems. The book is written from the perspective of Addy, an abandoned twelve-year-old girl who was taken in by the reluctant Frank Russell and his new bride. Frank's, coming-of-age story was portrayed in the prequel, How I found the Strong. Now, Frank is married and facing a life of added responsibilities due to the addition of Addy. Addy's past and family reputation precedes her as she is from the aggressive O'Donnell clan.
Addy's attempt to please is overshadowed by her former life as an O'Donnell. Unfortunately, the past which she is determined to defeat comes back to haunt her. Addy, like the man who took her in, must face some tough decisions.
McMullan takes the idealistic adolescent girl and infuses a coarse, tomboyish charm. Addy is full of the idiosyncrasies and flaws which come from living a hard life. Addy's loyalties are put to the test. She rises above her circumstances and demonstrates that ancestry doesn't have to define you. No, Addy proves that character is not guided by blood.
Written in the language of the times, this story develops a genre all its own. Historical references along with life changing events weave an intense vignette of post war life in nineteenth century Mississippi.
No-Bob, like the patch of woods it is named after, takes the reader off the beaten track deep into the grueling life facing the war-torn, post-war south.

Free Book!

2008-02-28T19:42:00.000-08:00

Author Neil Gaiman and his publisher, Harper Collins, asked fans what Gaiman book would they like free. The votes were tallied and the winner was American Gods. On his blog, Gaiman has posted the link to the free book. He asked that everyone spread the word since it will only be free for a limited time. So, I'm doing my part and letting people know. What a great idea this is. It gets his work out there for those who had never read it, plus it promotes reading. Its a win win situation. So read and enjoy.

Why writers have day jobs.

2008-02-15T06:28:00.002-08:00

One case in point illustrates the reason why many, very good writers, must work in big buildings following corporate warlords in order to survive. The author of The Cheetah Girls thought life was taking a turn for the better when Disney opted to use her stories in a movie franchise. We're talking Disney here. Deborah Gregory had visions of a debt-free world where she could actually live off her craft. See link
What wonder of wonders, her creation, The Cheetah Girls, had actually hit the big time. Now, as time has passed and merchandising has hit an all time high, Deborah Gregory has yet to see her riches! It turns out that Hollywood accounting is so creative that it baffles the mind. The corporations behind the movie/book franchise is covered but not the creative genius behind it. To think that during the writer's strike, there were those who actually accused the writers of being greedy. We need to have the accounting books, for writing related franchises, laid out for all to see. People would be amazed at how much the corporations are making off the creative minds who feed them the ideas that make them rich. The profit is sometimes funneled into the expense and overhead category. Those who work for the corporation could, say, go to Macy's and buy a new wardrobe. Then, they could write off the cost as a work-related expense. This happens more often than most people realize. The problem isn't just the questionable expenses, though. The problem is that once the money is pushed through the accounting funnel, there doesn't seem to be any left for the creative mind that started the whole thing to begin with.

The art of writing a love letter

2008-02-14T11:57:00.001-08:00

For Valentine's day we bring you:
Other People's Love Letters: 150 Letters You Were Never Meant to See This is a compilation of random personal letters from people who are joyfully in love or living in a dark place over their romantic situation. People tend to enjoy being an anonymous witness to other people's lives. Looking through individual notes and letters from strangers is slightly tantalizing. The reader becomes a voyeur as he spies through the keyhole. He views the romantic scene within, unbeknown to the participants. As a result, the lovers are candid and forthright with their words. This letters come from a whole gamut of emotional states, love, lust, hate, confusion, etc.
Exactly what should a love letter say? What style should it be? The answer can come from a grammatical stance or from a psychological one. There is no one easy answer. The bottom line is, a love letter should come from the heart. It should say what needs to be said. These letters do just that. The letters are examples of relationship deepening love and relationship ending apathy. There are sometimes graphic descriptions and sexual jargon, but that's they way these types of letters are sometimes.
Read the book as if you were doing so illicitly. Let your inner voyeur emerge as you slip into the pages and absorb the lover's written words. It will make the experience that much more arousing.

Sister Light: Book One: Of Shadows

2008-02-11T17:18:00.000-08:00

In B.B. Walter’s debut novel, a prophecy is revealed, mystics abound and journeys are tread in a war-torn medieval-like world. The book is a new, lurid take on dark fantasy, aimed at intelligent readers who want something that has all the rumor of a classic but also an unrefined real-world depth.

Walter opens her dark fantasy, Sister Light: Book One: Of Shadows, with a prophecy: “Beware the child with the pale blue eyes.” From there she takes you on a compelling journey through the fantastical alternate world terrorized by the blood thirsty Kijack. The Kijack are bird like creatures with no conscience and a passion for torture. As such, an imminent sense of danger looms over the characters throughout the entire book.

The tale follows Rose, a former Sister of Light who can summon lightening at will. We accompany Rose along her predestined path, one that even she is unaware of. As the story develops, we understand a little more of what motivates our heroine. Rose, surprised at her feelings, is haunted by her past. Rose’s fear of intimacy is clouded by her flashbacks of being witness to the rape and torture of her fellow Sister of Light. She is willful and intelligent but emotionally vulnerable due to these deep-rooted traumas which plague her dreams.

The supporting character is David, an heir to his father’s dynasty. That is until his sister turns of age in this matriarchal society where the female inherits the titles. David is betrothed to Lady Timera of Mervar, due to his father’s arrangement between noble houses. David rescues Rose from certain death after a Kijack attack. He becomes her devoted caregiver where he ultimately becomes attached to the mysterious yet vulnerable Rose.

The author inextricably weds the characters to the land from which gave them life. She plays with the eeriness of a beleaguered homeland scattered with defenseless villages and wavering kingdoms.

Loosely woven initially, Sister Light finds its voice as the story progresses. As a new writer, Walter demonstrates her literary potential fluently with her enduring style.

Her ample use of superlatives can be forgiven by the fact that much of the language is invented jargon exclusive to her world. This author defies convention by shocking the reader with disturbing imagery and gothic vengeance. The divided provinces in this fabricated old world domain reach out beyond the pages to lure the reader within.

I was captivated throughout the story due to the nonstop intensity and visual strength. There's a quality to Walter’s storytelling that makes this novel very much like a disturbing fable.

The story progresses with a glimpse into the sinister and ominous sovereigns where the enemies are plotting against the kingdom. There is no neat and tidy ending to this book. It openly entices the reader to continue the journey into the next book. I look forward to, not only seeing how the author hones her literary skills, but also to find out how it all turns out.

Sister Light: Book One: Of Shadows is a must read for those who love a good fantasy with all the trappings of a gothic world full of turmoil, intimacy and horror.

Promo by proxy

2008-01-30T06:04:00.000-08:00

Promoting a new book is a tenuous ordeal for authors. You can have a wonderful novel with all the twists and turns of a potential classic. Nonetheless it is still competing among the millions of other literary masterpieces, or so each writer will proclaim. It is especially difficult if you are unable to promote your book in person due to illness. Such is the case of Patry Francis, who is suffering from cancer. Her book The Liar's Diary is out in paperback. Author bloggers are promoting her book by proxy in order to assist this talented writer in her PR campaign. So many books come out everyday that it is difficult for a reader to know what to choose. They depend on the advertising and shameless plugs in order to make the all important decision as to where to put their literary money.

From Publishers Weekly:
A case study in the explosive effects of extreme denial, Francis's debut relies completely on its very unreliable narrator, with mixed results. When local violinist and composer Ali Mather, a very sexy 46, comes to teach music at the Bridgeway high school where narrator Jeanne Cross, a very plain 37, is the secretary, teachers and students alike are abuzz. Ali is separated from her mild husband George, and is soon sleeping with the 31-year-old shop teacher, Brian Shagaury (and also with car dealer Jack Butterfield). Jeanne is married to a buff orthopedic surgeon, Gavin, with whom she has an overweight, dyslexic 16-year-old son, Jamie, who attends the school. An unlikely friendship develops between the seemingly steady Jeanne and acting-out Ali, and Jeanne's purposefully flat narration is effective in doling out disorienting incongruities (as in the offhanded way Jeanne develops a serious pill habit). Ali's provocative lifestyle eventually intersects directly with Jeanne's home life. When tragedy strikes, Jeanne's Stepford routine holds for a while, then becomes a giveaway.
So, there you have it. The Liar's Diary, another thriller/mystery that deserves to sit on top of the heap.

A flowery blanket of fiery softness.

2008-01-18T09:24:00.000-08:00

Adjectives, adverbs and repetitive prose can take a great story down a shadowy path. What makes good writing? Well, it's a combination of elements. First off, there must be a good story or subject matter. At the very least, the writing must have some type of audience. The story must evoke a minimal of emotional response. A reader needs to be able to feel that they are part of the story, if only as an observer with their own opinions about the matter at hand. Let's say you have the perfect story, now what? If you want to write about it, then by all means do it. Here comes the tricky part. Depending on what type of genre you're writing about you need the appropriate jargon. Jargon is the language or vocabulary, unique to a particular trade, profession, or group. You may even need to invent new words to use in your imaginary tale.
Ok then, you've got your story and your words, now let's assemble them together into an intelligible book. Here's where some writers become entangled in their own texts. A good writer paints a picture with words. We must remember, however, it is not a painting. Novels leave the reader some room for interpretation. Do you really need to tell the reader that the protagonist's nostrils flared like a bull in heat? Sometimes the emotional background to the scene itself gives the reader enough information. The reader can easily visualize an angry mob without being told what each individual in the mob looked like. A writer should not talk down to his audience. Give your readers credit for having enough brains in their heads to be able to read and actually buy your story.
Imagine vines with beautiful red roses on them. Each crimson rose interspersed between the vine's green leaves. That is a good story. Now imagine the vine overloaded with roses. No green can be seen as the vine is buried beneath. So many roses that you can't tell where one begins and another ends. A story buried in adjectives can be lost in it's own words. A seasoned writer knows how to paint his picture without rubbing the reader's nose in it.

The Wormhole Adventures: Travel Is Relative

2008-01-16T06:27:00.000-08:00

Does anyone really understand Einstein's theories? Even when Einstein was alive and being lauded for his remarkable papers in physics, people had trouble understanding them. Nonetheless, he became an icon for genius and as such was embraced into American society. Einstein, being a great thinker, preferred the world of numbers and academics over the world of socializing and public displays. He especially enjoyed the company of unpretentious children who enjoyed life on a different level than most adults.
This children's chapter book portrays Einstein and his theories in a whole new way. His theories are laid out in simple terms that anyone can understand. Three children, Paul, Sebastian and Lynn, meet a talking raven named Barnaby. Barnaby takes the children through a wormhole in time to meet Albert Einstein. In their fascinating exchange Einstein offers the children sage advice. He also explains his ideas to them using analogies such as cookies on a cookie sheet. The reader is able to visualize the concepts in a clear tangible fashion. The story integrates many historical references and concepts on a variety of subjects. The reader will be entertained, informed and left with a desire to read more adventures through the wormhole.
Check out the author's sites. P.M.Russell
The Wormhole Adventures

Cloverfield

2007-12-21T05:30:00.001-08:00

Today we show you a sneak preview of a sci-fi, scary movie coming soon to a theater near you. Remember the writers who made this possible.

Support Writers

2007-12-14T10:50:00.000-08:00

Check out fans4writers.com to see how you can support the writer's strike. You don't have to belong to the Writer's Guild to support the writer's cause. Its all about the creative pie and how its doled out. I record my favorite shows on my DVR. Lately I've noticed the list is getting shorter. I miss the new run shows. I don't even watch that much t.v., but I do enjoy a select few. I gravitate towards comedy and specialty type programming. I can still get my fill of the old classic movies and such.
I'm not sure how the powers that be can justify taking such a large percentage of money from the talent that creates it. Sure, I realize it's a symbiotic relationship. Since it is, the monies should be shared at an equitable rate. Let's see how the media can get along without writers who can make people laugh, cry and just watch something for more that twenty minutes. It isn't an easy task. With the new technologies getting the writer's work to millions of people, shouldn't the creators enjoy some of the benefits? The media mogul provided the means for the entertainment to get out there but the mogul did not create it. There would be nothing to distribute in the first place, hence no money in the mogul's pocket, if it had not been for the creators. The writer's brain is the source for all this media income, is it not?
I realize that the machine needs all its parts to work. Each part has a purpose and needs its share of the oil in order for the machine's optimum function.
Imagine Leonardo DaVinci paints a masterpiece. He sells it for money to an individual. Does he deserve a royalty if the new owner makes millions of prints off his painting and makes himself rich? In today's world, he sure would. Now, let's say that by some inter-dimensional fluke the Internet and i-pods were introduced into Leonardo's world. Would he deserve a share of the money made from the downloads of his prints? With any new technology, new precedents need to be made. If he deserved a royalty from his prints then it would only stand to reason he would deserve a royalty from the downloads. Now it gets complicated. What percentage would he deserve? That's where we need to call in King Solomon to help decide the matter. Hmmm, maybe he would tell the mediators to split the download in half and give each one an equal share.
That's where Leonardo would come in and exclaim, "No, wait! I cannot bear to see my beloved art destroyed. Give it all to the painting owner."
As Leonardo covers his tearful face with his hands, King Solomon would rise and say, "Since Leonardo is so passionate about this work of art, give him all of it."
And so it is done....in a perfect world.

Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life

2007-12-11T06:09:00.000-08:00

Steve Martin is not only a comedian but also a writer. He has written screen plays and produced his own movies. He has even created his own independent artsy films where he takes on dramatic roles. He is versatile and well known for his wild and crazy humor. Unlike many celebrity biographies, he writes his own insightful book. Only Martin could tell his story the way it should be told. He lets the reader know how he really feels. Being funny is not an easy task. He lived through the sixties and is able to relate historical events within the context of his own life. It is always interesting to read different perspectives of major events. Martin describes the Kennedy assassination and how it affected him. He lets the reader know that life is never easy and how you react to it makes all the difference. He refuses to deny the national controversies surrounding him. He has opinions and insights and conveys them eloquently. From his "King Tut" dance to his hosting of the Oscars in 2003, Steve Martin is and always will be one of the good ones. He has something to say, and say it he does. This book is fascinating, yet poignant. Here's to many more years of Martin's crazy, embracing humor!

Back with a list

2007-12-04T08:42:00.000-08:00

Ok, we've compiled a list of book ideas that were submitted without accompanying graphics.

We've grouped these together due to the subject matter.
1001 things to do after a funeral. -Thanks Judy!
1001 foods to serve at a wake. -Thanks Ben!
1001 things to do at a funeral. -Thanks Dave!
uh, we're pretty sure that's an untapped market.

Dog tricks for lazy people and dogs. -Thanks Carl!
Like, "play dead" ?

Funny things to do at church. -Thanks Betty!
I can think of some unfunny things to do.

The book of yo-yo collecting. --Thanks Jason!
There are books for yo-yo tricks, not so sure about collecting.

The King Jame's Bible translated into hip hop -Thanks Tristan!
I see potential issues here due to the varying meanings of many hip hop slang. How about a pig latin translation? Ok, just joking, sheeesh.

Cooking for three. -Thanks Jared!
There are cooking for two books, but three? Interesting.

Funny things to write in a will. -Thanks Dexter!
Yes it's similar to the funeral genre, but unique nonetheless. I can't wait to read this one.

This is all for now. Keep the ideas coming. We won't be doing this forever. This is a book review blog, isn't it?

On track

2007-11-19T05:57:00.000-08:00

We've been reading, researching and organizing. There are more book ideas and reviews coming soon. What have we been reading? This and that and the other thing.
Oh, and I couldn't forget Too Far From Home. A Story Of Life And Death In Space by Chris Jones. This true life adventure looks at space travel in today's world. It seems routine, at least until the shuttle Columbia disintegrated like the Challenger before it, reminding us, once again, that the dangers are all too real. Too Far from Home vividly captures the hazardous realities of space travel. Every time an astronaut makes the trip into space, he faces the possibility of death from the slightest mechanical error or instance of bad luck: a cracked O-ring, an errant piece of space junk, an oxygen leak ... There are a myriad of frighteningly probable events that would result in an astronaut's death. In fact, twenty-one people who have attempted the journey have been killed. This book comes from a humanistic view rather than a scientific one. It is written for the average reader who wants to know the story behind the story. Space has always fascinated mankind. Those who actually dare to embark on this mysterious territory become heroes. Its easy to forget how fragile life is and how dangerous space travel can be. The book is well written for all readers who wish to live vicariously through the brave astronauts who have journeyed beyond our pale blue orb. Unfortunately, astronauts are not invulnerable. We see them for what they truly are, heroes and adventurers who make the ultimate sacrifice to further our scientific knowledge.

What?

2007-11-08T08:31:00.000-08:00

I guess you would have to buy the book to find out.
Thanks, Jude!

More books

2007-11-07T11:06:00.000-08:00

I would like a home full of classic stained glass windows, wouldn't you?
Thanks Brenda!

We interupt this blog to bring you...

2007-10-29T08:59:00.000-07:00

30 Second Tales of Terror (by famous writers no less)

Only a good writer can tell a 30 second scary story. So, for Halloween, listen to the petite tales in a darkened room with only the monitor's light for comfort.

Here's my contribution to really short scary stories:
It was a dark and stormy night as Mr. Collinsworth signed and concluded his will. He thought he heard the floor squeak but decided it was his over active imagination. Suddenly a quick and decisive blow to the head ended Mr. Collinsworth's life prematurely.
When I arrived at the Estate the next morning I felt a cold chill run down my spine. This was the room my unsuspecting Uncle had drew his last breath. There were still spots of blood on his desk. The butler was being interrogated by the police as I walked about the gloomy study. Just then a blood curdling scream came from the kitchen where the maid was found lying in a pool of blood. I ran back to the study only to find the, now murdered, butler lying limply across a divan. Being terrified by the sudden deaths, I began to panic. The detective told me, as I stood shaking in my shoes, that the maid and butler had been listed in the will my Uncle had just completed. The only other names listed were me and a long lost cousin! I had been studying my shoes in order to avoid the detective's insinuating glare. To my shock, when I looked up, no one was there. Where had the detective gone? For that matter where is everyone else? They had just been here. I could hear the floor squeak behind me and I ran to the now locked front door.

Guides for everything.

2007-10-25T10:41:00.001-07:00

Crazy furniture, I like it.
Thanks, Robin!

Bizarre collections, yes there are.
Thanks, Mary!

We're filling in the literary void.
By the way, has anyone noticed how the publishing industry is cashing in on the "spawned from a blog" books?
Disapproving Rabbits, MySpace/Our Planet,
Post Secret
Hey, there's hope for the rest of us.

National Novel Writing Month

2007-10-25T06:21:00.000-07:00

We still cover the latest in the written word whether it be fictional or non. This is a reminder that November is National Novel Writing Month. Check it out.
On November 1st you begin your novel and it must be finished by November 30th at midnight. You can submit it for recognition to NaNoWriMo . If you don't want to write they have NoNoWriMo celebrations all over or you can start one. Here's an excerpt from their site:

"National Novel Writing Month is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to novel writing. Participants begin writing November 1. The goal is to write a 175-page (50,000-word) novel by midnight, November 30.

Valuing enthusiasm and perseverance over painstaking craft, NaNoWriMo is a novel-writing program for everyone who has thought fleetingly about writing a novel but has been scared away by the time and effort involved.

Because of the limited writing window, the ONLY thing that matters in NaNoWriMo is output. It's all about quantity, not quality. The kamikaze approach forces you to lower your expectations, take risks, and write on the fly.

Make no mistake: You will be writing a lot of crap. And that's a good thing. By forcing yourself to write so intensely, you are giving yourself permission to make mistakes. To forgo the endless tweaking and editing and just create. To build without tearing down."

So, they are looking for quantity vs quality huh? Looks like a chance for our submitted book ideas to get to work. Now we can make some of our best submitted ideas into real books. Let's get started! I eagerly await some of the best ideas to be put to paper in the form of real paragraphs. If you don't want to write your idea, let me know, I might make a go at it. I can just see it now, a real work about stick figure dancing or the secret life of gnomes. I challenge you all to contribute to this worthy cause.

Dancing with the sticks.

2007-10-24T11:54:00.000-07:00

Thanks, Julie!

...and now on TV, Dancing with the Sticks! a
great new animated show featuring all your
favorite stick figures competing for the top
dance team. See Marie Stick faint on live TV.

Gnomes

2007-10-24T05:08:00.000-07:00

Thanks Bob!

I've always wondered...

Don't get caught reading this at work.

2007-10-23T11:39:00.000-07:00

Thanks, David!

If only.....

Who doesn't love sock monkeys?

2007-10-23T08:24:00.000-07:00

I'm starting to see a pattern here.

Thanks Jeff!

Armadillos, oh my!

2007-10-23T05:30:00.000-07:00

The book ideas are coming in!

Sounds like a conspiracy to me.

Thanks Jen!

Words from YOU!

2007-10-17T11:03:00.000-07:00

OK, I know about the interesting literary items from the past and present. At least I know what I find interesting. Now here's the thing. What do you find interesting? What would you like to see as a book? See the link to my email? It's over there in the upper right hand corner. Yeah, that's it. Click on it and tell me what you want to see. I mean, what kind of book would you run out and buy? Maybe a picture book of people in strange places? No, how about a book about Pygmy Eskimos who emigrated to Australia? Well, whatever that secret dream book is, let me know about it and I will post it here. No pornography or illegal stuff...that's not my style, plus, its a cop out. That stuff is way too simple and crude. I'm talking about the creative, odd, unusual, fresh or unique books that would fill a hole in the literary world. It may take a bit to draw in the ideas. I will keep it all anonymous, I will post a first name if you give it to me. If you worry about your email address (don't worry I won't keep it) you can make a temporary one through mail.com or Yahoo. Now that you're off the hook I know you'll come up with some great ideas. If you want credit, that's ok too. Just create a mock up of your book cover. Use any simple graphic program. (you can download free ones like PhotoFiltre which is easy to use) Like its been said before, if you ask they will come....or was that build? Whatever it was, they shall come.

I'll start it off with my idea. How about a book about disgruntled kittens? It could be a nice coffee table book full of fluffy little disgruntled kittens. You say the idea's been taken by other animals? Do rabbits and bull dogs hold the license to bad moods? So what, kittens make great subject matter, so there!

October and the frightful tale

2007-10-02T06:26:00.001-07:00

Macabre and dark literature reigns the month of October. Edward Gorey is right up there when it comes to the deep, soulful tale of gloom and doom. His house is open to the public as a shrine to his time on Earth. He wove his words into a poetic stance and paired them with his dreary inspired illustrations. Gorey was a master at depicting pessimistic fables with a hint of sarcastic humor. Like Poe, Gorey saw life's darker side and did not hesitate to utilize it in his writing. There's a difference between a pessimist and a misanthropist (one who hates humankind). Gorey was a bit of both and none. He put all the negative thoughts that whirled around in his head onto paper. Yet he lived his life in the public eye. He wrote and illustrated many books. His illustrations were also used for he PBS Mystery series.
Edward St. John Gorey (February 22, 1925-April 15, 2000) was a writer and artist noted for his wry, macabre illustrated books. Born in Chicago, he attended Harvard University from 1946 to 1950, where he studied French and roomed with future poet Frank O'Hara.
Although Gorey was not into television himself, he did become a Star Trek fan. As a result a fan gave tribute, in Gorey style, to the episode "Trouble With Tribbles", which can be seen here. Or Here
Its always interesting when you find out that an enigmatic icon, such as Gorey, turns out to be, well, dare I say it...human. So, he wasn't a minion of Mephistopheles portraying his master's deep philosophies. He was a man, like many, who had a passion and acted on it. He used his creative forces as an outlet for his inner cynic. Its a good thing too. Just think what might have become of him had he buried it inside?

He's not a foe, he's Edgar Allan Poe

2007-09-21T06:53:00.000-07:00

So much for poetic titles. If you're ever roaming around the country and end up in Richmond Virginia, you might want to stop by the Poe Museum. If for no other reason than to satisfy a strange curiosity about the enigmatic writer. They even host an "unhappy hour" for guests on special dates. What a perfect way to honor this author of tragic tales!
Other places around the country lay claim to Poe, like Baltimore Maryland where they have a Poe house and the Poe Society. New York has their claim, like the others, a place where Mr. Poe once resided and even written, no less. Poe Cottage was his final residence where his wife passed away. However, Baltimore was where he died. Like George Washington, people want to know where he slept while he was alive. Once I've left this terrestrial plane no one will be marking my sleeping places I can be sure of that. No matter, Mr. Poe left his mark on the world of the macabre and rightly so.
At the Poe Museum, in person or online, you can buy the ever sought after Edgar Allan Poe action figure (see picture). Who wouldn't want to play with their own little Poe with his own tiny raven perched on his tiny shoulder? Or how about the Poe shot glass? When you feel the urge to imbibe on your favorite shot you can see Poe's etched face staring back at you. The Poe bobble head, of course, is a obligatory gift shop item. Everyone who's anyone has a bobble head made in their likeness.
Like most people. Poe had his ups and downs. Trying to get literary notice and still make a living took up much of his young life. Like any writer who toils away at the novels and poems floating around in his or her head, Poe kept writing. Try as he might he couldn't get the literary big wigs of his day to care about torture chambers, death and tell-tale hearts. But, eventually he won out and became a published author much to the delight of readers everywhere.
So, here's to the wonderful world of Edgar Allan Poe and his museum in Virginia. Check it out and wallow in its misery.

Disapproving Rabbits

2007-09-14T06:39:00.000-07:00

A book about rabbits? Disapproving ones, no less. What could it be all about? I mean really, does anyone really care if rabbits approve of you or anything for that matter? Well, apparently people do care. Not to be left out, the powers that be at Harper Collins decided they wanted a piece of the disapproving action. They contacted a disapproving rabbit's owner and asked her to tell all.
Sharon Stiteler usually known as Birdchick has a rabbit named Cinnamon. She noticed that her endearing pet rabbit always had the countenance of disapproval on his little furry face. Not to be undaunted, she loved her furry friend unconditionally. Even when Cinnamon decided to take on the neighbor's cat by overpowering the annoying feline, she still supported him in all his fluffiness. Cinnamon has a blog where people who are interested or simply "not amused" can keep up with the rabbit's disapproval ratings. Believe it or not, Stiteler cares for rabbits, birds and even bees! I have to admire anyone who is able to care for other living things. I do well to care for myself and that isn't saying much.
Since we love the elusive literary works, Disapproving Rabbits is our kind of book. Sure, it is'nt out yet and sure, it's been published by a major publisher, but hey, that doesn't make it any less elusory. Ok, we haven't actually been sent a book to review (hear that Harper Collins?) but we do, nonetheless, eagerly await the book's debut on October 16th 2007. And yes, this blog is more elusive than the books it reviews, so there!

Shadows Of Medusa

2007-08-31T17:47:00.000-07:00

Shadows of Medusa is a science fiction novel intended to be part of a series. It is written by space enthusiast Brian Enke. He writes about future Mars settlements sponsored by secret beneficiaries with a hidden agenda. The story intertwines real science with interpersonal human issues. It is a suspense and a mystery novel along with the intrigue of Mars. Being a space enthusiast, Enke appreciates the science involved in a Mars mission. It is frustrating when a science fiction story takes you on a trail of the improbable and downright impossible science behind the tale. It is acceptable when the story is supposed to be a fantasy. When the laws of physics are completely ignored without any reference to magic or anything like that, well, that makes the story laughable. Enke, understands what would actually work and uses it to his advantage. You don't have to shake your head in disbelief like so many do when watching the old Sci-fi movies. They, of course, are in a genre all their own. So, here's to real science fiction the way it should be.

The word for today is...

2007-08-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

Minion
From dictionary.com:
–noun

1.	a servile follower or subordinate of a person in power.

2.	a favored or highly regarded person.

3.	a minor official.

4.	Printing. a 7-point type.

–adjective

5.	dainty; elegant; trim; pretty.

American Heritage dictionary says:

An obsequious follower or dependent; a sycophant.
A subordinate official, especially a servile one.
One who is highly esteemed or favored; a darling.

When thinking of the word minion, submissive followers with an evil over lord comes to mind. Little did I know that the word minion was one of the few words that can actually contradict itself. It is a dichotomy in the sense that its definitions have totally opposite meanings. Obviously, the average person who may read comic books or watch super hero shows, would probably think the more negative definition is the accurate one. A correct sentence might be: 'To the disciples, Jesus was their minion'. That may be correct using the more positive meaning, saying he was esteemed and favored. If a preacher said this to his congregation, the people might take offense thinking that the disciples led Jesus around like a puppet.
Language is a strange and wonderful art. Individuals are products of their upbringing. What will mean one thing to one person may have an entirely different meaning to someone else. So, kids, study semantics and language so you know whether or not, when someone calls you a minion, if it was a compliment or an insult.
Till next time, my minions of this blog, till next time.

Fairies in New York?! Who knew?

2007-08-02T17:48:00.000-07:00

The Good Fairies Of New York
A fantasy is always a great backdrop for a tale. A good fantasy which comes from a mind that exists on a whole different level than most people is even better. Millar may not be Neil Gaiman but who is?
The Good Fairies of New York finds two Scottish thimble fairies transported to lower Manhattan. Morag and Heather, who didn't completely fit in back in the old country, are a bit bewildered by their new surroundings, but make do as best they can. They're not entirely alone-as it turns out, New York is heavily populated by fairies, including Italian, Chinese, and black ones.
They meet up with some humans; Morag joins Kerry, who suffers from Crohn's disease, while Heather hooks up with the asocial Dinnie. The humans aren't entirely enthralled by the fairies, with Dinnie telling Heather: "I've decided not to believe in you in the hope you'll disappear." His efforts are, of course, futile.
Neil Gaiman writes: "I owned this book for more than five years before reading it, then lent my copy to someone I thought should read it, and never got it back. Do not make either of my mistakes. Read it now, and then make your friends buy their own copies. You'll thank me one day."
Fairies make great subjects for stories if only to vindicate them. Sure, modern folklore puts them in the ranks of pretty little imps who playfully protect nature and only appear to those who really believe. Unfortunately, mythology has also painted a dark side to these tiny, mostly invisible pixies who bear no resemblance to Tinker Bell. Of course we all know that Tinker Bell had a murderous side to her being that she attempted to kill Wendy in a jealous rage. Does this book show their lighter side? Well, that would be telling, wouldn't it?

Krazy Kat

2007-06-08T17:55:00.000-07:00

A study in the history of cartooning brings out the likes of Peanuts, Pogo, Dennis the Menace and the Laurel and Hardy like team of Krazy and Ignatz. The comic strip created by George Herriman appeared in U.S. newspapers between 1913 and 1944. The strip focuses on the curious "love" triangle between its title character, Krazy, a carefree and innocent cat of indeterminate gender (referred to as both male and female), her antagonist Ignatz Mouse, and the protective police dog, Officer Bull Pupp. Krazy nurses an unrequited love for the mouse, but Ignatz despises her and constantly schemes to throw a brick at her head; which Krazy takes as a sign of affection. Officer Pupp, as Coconino County's administrator of law and order, makes it his unwavering mission to interfere with Ignatz's brick-tossing plans and lock the mouse in the county jail.
It was the detailed characterization, combined with Herriman's visual and verbal creativity, that made Krazy Kat one of the first comics to be widely praised by intellectuals and treated as serious art. Gilbert Seldes, a noted art critic of the time, wrote in 1924, calling it "the most amusing and fantastic and satisfactory work of art produced in America today." Famed poet E. E. Cummings, as another Herriman admirer, wrote the introduction to the first collection of the strip in book form. In more recent years, many modern cartoonists have cited Krazy Kat as a major influence, including Calvin and Hobbes creator, Bill Watterson who deserves his own article.
Studying the history of graphic art and cartooning is important in order to learn the true history of story telling in its true form. So many talents throughout history deserve to be resurrected. Today's reader, for the most part, is ignorant of the treasures buried in the archives of old newspapers and books. Graphic novels are not a new art form and have their roots firmly planted in the Sunday newspapers.

Man Burns Books?!!!

2007-05-29T12:28:00.000-07:00

A protest to those who don't read.
By M&C News May 29, 2007

Tom Wayne has collected thousands of books in a warehouse throughout the 10-year span of running his used book store- Prospero's Books. ...he found that libraries didn’t want them, and nor did thrift stores. All said they were full. So Wayne began burning his books in protest of what he sees as “society's diminishing support for the printed word.”

I understand why he feels the way he does. Reading is fast becoming a lost past time. The internet and television is monopolizing the time of the average brain. It is indeed a sad state of affairs. But burning unwanted books? Pleeeeze! Why not offer them for free to the public? Put up ads and signs in poor schools and libraries. I know I would be there! I'm sure he burned some antique books along with some great classics. Just because the charities did not want the books, surely there are those individual readers who would jump at the chance to enrich their library. According to the article, there was a turn out of people who paid to rescue some of the books. That in and of itself should have stopped him. For someone who seemingly loves books, it seems an odd way to protest the diminishing literary mind. I find it a ghastly way to make a scene for books.

Words from where?

2007-05-23T11:03:00.000-07:00

This is a literary blog for new and old literature. We cover offbeat, Sci Fi, Fantasy, Philosophy, Poetry, comic and anything else that is noteworthy. Not every great work falls on the front page of Amazon or Time. Sometimes, there are wonderful literary masterpieces hiding in the aether. It is our job to expose these works for what they are. Interesting, entertaining or provocative reads. Not every book has to be picked up by a big publisher to be good. At the same time, there are great works within the big publishing industry. That is usually because they started out small and were noticed and later picked up by a bigger group. Or, an agent actually noticed or was lucky enough to discover the next great author. There are so many writers out there who deserve notice. For a myriad of reasons, they are over looked. There's big money in the publishing industry and books that appeal to the masses are sought out. There are as many readers as there are ideas. Not every reader can be pigeon-holed into a specific segment or market. This blog is for the rest of us. The discriminating reader who likes to escape now and then to another world. Then, sometimes, enjoys a short humorous piece to read during the ever lessening down time. From the bathroom reader to the library showcase, all readers and writers must connect...and connect they will. Here's to a bit of help now and then to those who deserve it!