Friends

I've now made it through my first official fresh meat assessment and lived through two scrimmages. At first I was reluctant to even want to scrimmage - my approach to derby has been one of caution and patience, because I can't imagine ever being ready to bout. But luckily just seeing other meaties passing the assessment (and me not) the first time made me realize I DO want to get better faster, and compete, and scrimmage. All that good stuff of derby I want but am terrified to get.

I find it really interesting seeing what derby has brought out in me and in the other meat. Some people have quit, some people have effortlessly gotten better. Some people are competitive to succeed and some people reluctant. For me it changes constantly. One minute I'm terrified, the next thrilled, then frustrated, then ready to vomit. All I know for sure is that I LOVE this, even though sometimes it feels like I have to force myself to do it. It's a test for me. I've always thought I was a person who craved action with a tad bit of violence ... But it's easy to tell yourself that's "you" when you've never even tried anything that brings that out in you. I've always preferred to not try things that are scary or new. I'm dedicated, but I can frustrate easily.  I hate sucking at things. 

Somehow derby has shown me that I was completely wrong about all of these things I thought about myself. Does that mean every new experience brings something new out in you, or was it there all along? I guess you never know until you try.

Verse of the day for Saturday, November 28, 2009, compliments of biblegateway.com

everyone is just hanging out and we're going to Helsinki in an hour or so.
it's been a good trip so far... i just can't wait to get to a bed. definitely going to catch a lot of z's. i don't mean Zac's. i mean sleep.

i listened to The Cardigans on the way here and had "You're The Storm" on repeat for quite a while. i enjoy love songs... though, there aren't many that i actually understand. that one, i do. i like that she wants someone to claim her so much. "IF YOU WANT ME I'M YOUR COUNTRY" and what i like most is that she realizes she'd do whatever it takes and that this love could be a risk. "ALL THIS PEACE HAS BEEN DECEIVING". most of the love songs that i really like have a hint of sadness mixed up in them. which to me, makes perfect sense because i don't really believe that love can be even half way understood unless you've felt some degree of what is opposite of love. or if you've had your heart mistreated. so, the contrast is drastic and you see love at it's brightest and fullest potential. is it even cool to talk about love like this anymore? i mean, it feels kind of important to me. it's not like i'm saying anything that's never been heard before... but i guess it's all worth restating in a round-a-bout sorta way. it takes a lot of faith to give love... and even more faith to let yourself be loved. such a risk that seems so worth it. but what do i know, i'm only 20, right?

check out this song if you've never heard it. The Cardigans rule.

sincerely,
hayley

Verse of the day for Friday, November 27, 2009, compliments of biblegateway.com

So I totally missed my thankful things on tuesday. Have them on thanksgiving instead. :) I am thankful for...

1. Bible study on Tuesday night and fellowship afterward. Every time I go, it just fills me up, even and maybe especially when I don't want to go. To be able to study John and share with other women...such a blessing.


2. Having good people in my life who are an example of how to love people


3. The opportunity of multiple options


4. The ability to make my own decisions


5. A functioning computer that has NOT been stolen


6. SAFETY. I did not get run over by the car that brushed my back wheel when biking to bible study and no one was hurt at school this week


7. Pumpkin pie. Mmmm...


8. My dear, dear friends, even when I miss them like burning


9. My family, even though they're far away and I miss them


10. A wonderful life where I have never been on drugs, shot at, homeless, hungry, oppressed, impoverished, seriously betrayed or in grief

Thanksgiving day recap:

Served a 12-pound turkey, green bean casserole, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, cloverleaf dinner rolls (burnt), roasted carrots, lettuce salad, cranberry-pineapple relish (YUM!) a cherry crumb pie, and a pumpkin pie.

The turkey was nicely browned and crisp and over 180 degrees when I tested it with a meat thermometer but when Russ started carving, all the juices came out pink! I had a little flailing freakout and begged everyone not to eat the turkey or surely they would all perish. But both the dark and white meat were well-cooked and (so I was told) tasted delicious. I declined the turkey because I hate turkey and get nauseous every time I eat it. Everyone else spent a lot of time poking their forks at the various slices of turkey and saying, "Well, it looks okay! I'm sure it's fine." I'll feel a lot better in about 12 hours when I'm certain that no one has developed food poisoning.

My parents shared the day with us. My mom had all of her tests yesterday and no results are in yet, but her physician started her on a different medication which he feels will be helpful with her symptoms. It's a bit sedating, so she spent the first part of the Thanksgiving meal kind of blissed out and loopy. She snarfed most of the roasted carrots and I wished I had more for her because she hasn't been able to eat much of anything lately and it was great to watch her enjoy herself. After the meal we all piled on the couch and watched part of Home Alone until it was time to eat pie.

I've always hated pumpkin pie. I've never been able to eat more than one or two bites of the slimy, spicy goo without shuddering. Zack shares my hatred. But today we are pumpkin pie converts. I used homemade pie crust and tweaked the filling recipe a little and the pie was creamy and mild and Russ was very disappointed because he used to have a pumpkin pie all to himself. Now he has to share.

This is my favorite part of Thanksgiving. It's evening. We shared a peaceful meal with people we love. The dishes are washed and put away. Russ is relaxing on the couch watching ESPN. Zack is curled up in bed reading. We have enough leftovers to carry us through the weekend. We're all comfortable and cozy and looking forward to a long weekend together. I'm such a lucky woman.

Hope everyone who celebrated had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

This is how I feel at work:

Fuck, I need a laugh.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Verse of the day for Thursday, November 26, 2009, compliments of biblegateway.com

Hi, there. I was wondering whether anyone happened to have S1.24 The Jem Jam Part 2, S1.25 Culture Clash, S1.26 Glitter and Gold, and/or S2.1 Talent Search Part 2; please? Since apparently the DVDs will never be released, I burned my own, but stupidly managed to delete these episodes. I'd really appreciate it!
(If anyone needs avis of the other episodes, I have them, btw.)

I feel like I'm forgetting something. What is it? I know there was something I was supposed to do. Let's see...

I've baked two pies with made-from-scratch pie crust (I rock); completed a thorough, 6-hour house cleaning; made green bean casserole, stuffing, bread dough, cranberry relish, and salad; crafted a centerpiece for the dining room table; made phone calls to parent volunteers for the First Reconciliation reception next week; washed two loads of laundry; took a nap...

What am I forgetting?

Oh CRAP. that's right. I forgot to post yesterday. I forgot to post after I sent a text message to snoopylover1967 while I was in the midst of a panic attack. Sorry, R. It wasn't a heart attack after all. Ha,ha, imagine that! *sheepish*

I almost forgot to post today, too, but here I am! Hi! *waves*

To all of my LJ friends who celebrate Thanksgiving, I hope you have a wonderful, peaceful, enjoyable day and safe travels and a minimum of family strife. To all of my LJ friends who do not celebrate Thanksgiving, have a wonderful Thursday and can I come visit you next year?

My love to you all!!

Verse of the day, Wednesday November 25, 2009, compliments of biblegateway.com

Happy Holidays from Bats Day in the Fun Park.

From now until 12/25/2009, you can save 20% on all orders over $40* by using the coupon code: HOLIDAY2009, when you checkout. What a great way to save some money on holiday presents. Take advantage of this sale now before its too late.

Happy Holidays everyone

~Noah K

http://www.batsdaystore.com

*Terms and Conditions: Coupon Code: HOLIDAY2009 is good for 20% on all orders over $40. This code is only valid on items at the Bats Day Scream Store. (www.batsdaystore.com) This offer is not valid for Bats Day in the Fun Park event tickets or payments towards vendor spots at the Bats Day Black Market. Coupon Code expiration date is 12/25/2009.

Hey there! It's that time of the year again! Would you like to bring
a goofy smile to the face of a nerdy comic artist and in turn receive a
thank you card with an original drawing on them? If so, please peruse the list on the link below and send the gift of your choosing. A scribbled pic will be on its way to whomever supplies an address. ^_^ Thanks so much for all your support all year long! You guys really are the best! =D

I've set up an Etsy storefront to sell my comic pages and illustrations, and raise money for Drink & Draw Like a Lady. I'll be adding new Chiggers pages and other artwork indefinitely, so keep an eye on it if original comic art is your thing! Once Mercury comes out I'll list some pages from that, too.

If you aren't in a buying mood, it's still worth a look because I've uploaded high-res, uncorrected scans of all the art. Pencil lines, whiteout, patches, ink drips... It's all there. You can figure out my whole comics-drawing process by looking at the pages.

SEEDLESS U 6u6u!!


CLICK TO IVEW

The more these get, the more I like 'em. I maight have to say this is the finest looking Seedless yet.

In fact, I'm gonna gonna go ahead and post this week's Seedless right HYEAH

Swah! swah swah swah!

I love my little Seedlerz. They're my micro cosmic DBZ/Megaman/GurrenLagann everything I need for 4 hours bursts every week. I'm hyped on the latest few strips coz they are leading into some multi-narrative stuff coming up. If this one intrigues you, I suggest checkin out SEEDLESSCOMIC.com, as the FULL STORY archive has returned! Read that shit from the START. NUH

I am about pissing myself, coz Sharknife 2 is actually getting graytoned by a Mr. Daniel Ciurczak (of Sattelite Soda fame & lore), and he is actually quite suited for the monumental task that is toning this book that is this book that has been talked about a lot but rarely seen but will very soon be actually seen.

In fact, there are solid, sturdy plans to reveal the first ever, fully completed, fully readable Sharknife first chapter... A prelude to the entire saga that is DOUBLE Z. The second volume of Sharknife begins with a flashback to Ceasar's daring childhood...

AND HERE'S A GLIMPSE!



Oh good times. PEEPS.

Here's a crazy thing I randomly did tonight for my band of friends:


And here's a Carl Sagan music video that if you claim to be a science or hip-hop neard of any kind, you MUST WATCH.



And here's a remix of this one Black Kids song I like been listening to a lot while comicking


Want to plug an old internet friend of mine, G (formerly known as Zakoni), who has a very interesting website, and one song I'm really really into right now you can listen to HEREEEE.

There are cool things being made around the universe. Sweet.

Learn about David Lubar.

What do you love most about your creative life? Why?

I love solving problems. And, really, that's the main job of a fiction writer. We solve our characters' problems.

We have the added pleasure of giving them the problems in the first place.

What is the one craft book that you refer to again and again? Why?

The Art of Answering Interview Questions by Askya Qanda.

How do you psyche yourself up to write and to keep writing?

I don't need to psyche myself up. I love writing.

So far, what's the most fun you've ever had working on a book? Why?

I've been walking around with a giddy grin ever since starting my new series, Nathan Abercrombie, Accidental Zombie (Starscape, 2009).


I get to write sentences such as, "Even though I don't feel pain, I didn't want to give birth to a pile of chicken wings," and do dreadful things with defibrillators.

How do you define artistic success?

I write the books I want to write, and I've found an audience. I'm not stuck in a rut, writing the same sort of thing all the time.

(I've always seen Bruce Coville as a role model. He writes everything.)

I've written horror, humor, real life, science fiction, fantasy, YA novels, chapter books, and short stories. As for success, I can make my living writing. I get lots of positive feedback from kids, teachers, and librarians.

You can always look a couple rungs up the ladder. It's easy to fall into the trap of envying someone who just won a big award or got a movie deal. But I'm sitting in my office in sweat-shorts and a T-shirt, listening to a nice CD and answering questions that will appear on a popular blog.

If I want to take a break and play a video game or go for a walk, there's no boss to tell me what to do. I have eight books scheduled to come out in the next four years. Really, I have no reason and no right to complain or to want more than I have.

What do you love most about being an author? Why?

I love making something out of nothing. I love the infinite possibilities of the unwritten book. Paradoxically, once the path is set, I love paring those possibilities into a story that seems, in the end, both inevitable and surprising. And I love answering interview questions like this one.

How do you reach out to teachers and librarians?

First, I have to extricate myself from their hugs. Having accomplished that, I try to speak at lots of conferences. I'm fortunate to have a publisher that takes me to plenty of national events. I'm also fortunate to be invited to speak at lots of state conferences.

How do you approach the task of connecting your books to young readers?

Nails are far too painful, and even staples draw more blood than I'd like, so I've settled for string or those "Live Strong" yellow wristbands.

How have you come to thrive in such a competitive, unpredictable industry?

By some stroke of luck, my interests mesh pretty well with those of the typical sixth or seventh grader.

So far, what has been the highlight of your professional career? Why?

A couple things come to mind. The New Jersey branch of NCTE gave me the first Muriel Becker Literary Award. She was an amazing woman and an important scholar in the science fiction world. As a Jersey boy, that was especially thrilling.

Speaking of New Jersey, another highlight was being asked by the NJ Educational Media Association to give the keynote at their conference many years ago. I've given tons of talks since then, but this really felt like I was coming home.

How do you define professional success?

Years ago, I told myself, "If I could make my living writing short stories, I'd be happy." I really love stories.

Much to my amazement, I actually make a good part of my living from the Weenies collections. The fourth one, The Battle of the Red Hot Pepper Weenies (Starscape, 2009), is already in a third hardcover printing.

Everyone in the industry will tell you that stories don't sell, but I seem to have found an exception to that rule and a loyal readership.

In your own words, could you tell us about your latest book?

My Rotten Life (Starscape, 2009) tells how Nathan Abercrombie becomes a zombie after getting splashed with an experimental formula. Throughout the first book, he and his friends attempt to find a cure.

If I may boast a tiny bit, I have to say that the book has the finest ending I've ever written.



What can your fans look forward to next?

Book two, Dead Guy Spy comes out in January. And, after several more books in this series, I'll be working on a fifth story collection. Also, with luck, some awesome blogger will ask me for another interview. A guy can only hope....

Cynsational Notes

The Craft, Career & Cheer series features conversations with children's-YA book creators about positive aspects of their creative and professional lives.

The Eyeball Collector by F.E. Higgins (Feiwel & Friends 2009): a recommendation by Greg Leitich Smith from GregLSBlog.

Seven Characteristics You Need to Get Published by Carolyn Kaufman from QueryTracker.net. Peek: "The first thing every real writer needs is a willingness to learn and grow. All agents or editors—no matter how busy—are interested in quality work."

2009 Cybils Widget is now available from JacketFlap. Show your support by adding it to your blog!

Balancing Acts by Kelly Bingham from Through the Tollbooth. Peek: "How do you take all those reams of writing advice, all the lessons you have gleaned from novels and books on craft, and make them balance out? Because haven't you heard pieces of advice that contrast with one another? Who is right? Who is wrong?"

Top 10 Myths About E-Books from Nathan Bransford - Literary Agent. Peek: "...because e-books are (usually) much cheaper than print books, it doesn't take long before an e-reader pays for itself - since most hardcovers that sell for $25 or more are available for $9.99, all it takes is roughly 20 e-books for an e-reader to pay for itself."

Unlocking Your Potential by Kristi Holl from Writer's First Aid. Peek: "Some of my most brilliant students gave up after a rejection or two and never were published. But I have books on my shelf from medium-talented students who refused to give up on their dreams–books published by large New York publishers."

Congratulations to Nicola I. Campbell, whose picture book Shin-chi's Canoe (Groundwood), "about a little boy leaving home for a residential school, has won the $25,000 TD Canadian Children's Literature Award." Note: the illustrator of the book is Kim LaFave. Sources: CBC News; Debbie Reese from American Indians in Children's Literature.

Attention Central Texans: children's author Dianna Hutts Aston will be reading and signing in the Buda (TX) Public Library in conjunction with Budafest at 1 p.m. Dec. 5.

The Importance of White Space by R.L. LaFevers from Shrinking Violet Promotions. Peek: "White space could be wielded as effectively as the most brilliant prose, and to equally devastating effect. What you leave out is as important as what you leave in."

Altitude and Attitude by Susan Uhlig from Kidlit Central. Peek: "As an adult we think it is funny or cute when kids do certain things. Unless they are trying to be funny, often what they are doing is very serious business."

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers’s "List of Attributes that Make a Good Children’s Book" from Michael Stearns at Upstart Crow Literary. Source: Cynthia Lord.

Winners of Royal Mail Awards for Scottish Children's Books: compiled by Michael Thorn at ACHOCKABLOG. Peek: "John Fardell, Lari Don and Keith Gray have been named as this year's winners for the 2009 Royal Mail Awards, Scotland's largest children's Book Prize which is voted for exclusively by Scottish children themselves."

National Book Award Dinner Photo Montage by Lorie Ann Grover at readergirlz.

Writers' Conferences: Approaching Other Writers by Ami from Write Out Loud. Peek: "Once you’ve made a connection, the easiest way to start a conversation is to introduce yourself and ask what type of writing the person does."

Writing While White by Justine Larbalestier. Peek: "What we all have to remember when we write about people—any people—is that the risks of reinforcing stereotypes and thus hurting people is very high. So the onus is on us to do the very best job we can. We also have to remember that even when we do a wonderful job, even if we are a member of the group we’re representing, there are still people who will be offended."

Wasted by Brian Yansky from Brian's Blog: Writer Talk. Peek: "Here I’m referring to the idea that every manuscript does not become a published book even from writers who have published books and even from famous writers who have published books."

Choose Cybils Books for the Holidays from Jen Robinson's Book Page. Peek: "I've always felt that one of the biggest benefits that comes out of the Cybils process is these categorized lists of nominees and finalists. I hope that if any of you are planning to buy children's or young adult books for the holidays, you'll take advantage of this resource."

Cynsational Screening Room

In the video below, "Author Mary Amato demonstrates how she wrote Invisible Lines (Egmont, 2009), her new novel for ages 10 and up."



Take a sneak peek at the film, "Beastly," based on the novel of the same title by Alex Flinn (HarperCollins). Read a Cynsations interview with Alex.

Beastly Teaser Trailer

Trailer Park | MySpace Video

The video below celebrates the New Zealand Book Council: Where Books Come to Life. Note: this is much cooler than I'm making it sound--definitely do click to view. Source: Janet Reid, Literary Agent.



Remember Shayne Leighton, the amazing young filmmaker who created my book trailers for Rain Is Not My Indian Name (HarperCollins, 2001), Tantalize (Candlewick, 2007), and Eternal (Candlewick, 2009)?

Here's a peek at her latest project, "The Incubus." See also a Cynsations interview with Shayne.



More Personally

Happy (American) Thanksgiving to those who celebrate it!

Special cheers to readergirlz, Through the Tollbooth, and of course American Indians in Children's Literature for their thoughtful and respectful posts on Native children's-YA literature and related educational considerations!

Thanks to MissAttitude at Reading in Color for featuring the Native American Youth Lit widget from JacketFlap on her blog!

Cynsational Giveaways

Enter to win one of two author-signed copies of Soap Soap Soap Jabón Jabón Jabón by Elizabeth O. Dulemba (Raven Tree, 2009), one of three author-signed copies of My Father's House by Kathi Appelt, illustrated by Raul Colón (Viking, 2007), an author-bookplate-signed copy of Operation Redwood by S. Terrell French (Amulet, 2009) and a contributor-signed copy of Immortal: Love Stories with Bite, edited by P.C. Cast (BenBella, Oct. 2009)!

To enter, email me (scroll and click envelope) with your name and snail/street mail address and type "Soap Soap Soap Jabón Jabón Jabón" and/or "My Father's House" and/or "Operation Redwood" and/or "Immortal" in the subject line (Facebook, JacketFlap, MySpace, and Twitter readers are welcome to just privately message me with the name in the header; I'll contact you if you win). Deadline: midnight CST Nov. 30.

Read a Cynsations interview with S. Terrell French. See also a PDF excerpt of Immortal which highlights my short story, "Haunted Love." The story is set in the same universe as Tantalize (Candlewick, 2007, 2008) and Eternal (Candlewick, 2009) and features new characters.

Cynsational Events

Destination Publication: An Awesome Austin Conference for Writers and Illustrators is scheduled for Jan. 30 and sponsored by Austin SCBWI. Keynote speakers are Newbery Honor author Kirby Larson and Caldecott Honor author-illustrator Marla Frazee, who will also offer an illustrator breakout and portfolio reviews. Presentations and critiques will be offered by editor Cheryl Klein of Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic, author-editor Lisa Graff of FSG, agent Andrea Cascardi of Transatlantic Literary, agent Mark McVeigh of The McVeigh Agency, and agent Nathan Bransford of Curtis Brown, Ltd. Advanced critique break-out sessions will be led by editor Stacy Cantor of Bloomsbury. In addition, Cheryl and author Sara Lewis Holmes will speak on the editor-and-author relationship, and Marla and author Liz Garton Scanlon will speak on the illustrator-and-author relationship. Note: Sara and Liz also will be offering manuscript critiques. Illustrator Patrice Barton will offer portfolio reviews. Additional authors on the speaker-and-critique faculty include Jessica Lee Anderson, Chris Barton, Shana Burg, P.J. Hoover, Jacqueline Kelly, Philip Yates, Jennifer Ziegler. See registration form, information packet, and conference schedule (all PDF files)!

2010 Houston-SCBWI Conference is scheduled for Feb. 20, 2010, at the Merrell Center in Katy. Registration is now open. The faculty includes author Cynthia Leitich Smith, assistant editor Ruta Rimas of Balzer & Bray/HarperCollins, creative director Patrick Collins of Henry Holt, senior editor Alexandra Cooper of Simon & Schuster, senior editor Lisa Ann Sandell of Scholastic, and agent Sara Crowe of Harvey Klinger, Inc.