L'Editrice

My extracurricular activities are also literary

2012-02-03T09:55:00.001-05:00

Here's a little plug for my upcoming performance as "Beth" in "Little Women: The Musical"--on the off chance that any of you reading this are close enough to come.

- L'Editrice

Your February must-read

2012-02-01T17:19:00.002-05:00

Looking for a trenchant, imaginative, beautifully writtennovel to read this month? Look no further: it's The Scourge, by A. G. Henley.

Both Stephanie and I worked on this novel, and when the author said she had no formal writing experience,I almost couldn’t believe it—this definitely does not read like a first novel,this reads like the work of a talented, long-published author. Her use oflanguage is beautiful, the world she's created so detailed and fascinating andconsistent, and the personal story of protagonist Fenn is just wonderful. I love all the characters—especiallythe star-crossed lovers at the heart of this dystopian YA (though definitely ageless) novel.

Honestly, when a manuscript is this strong, whatI end up having to do is nitpick in the hopes of helping an author make it evenmore perfect. Now it is ready for all readers to enjoy, so don't wait--download it now!

Congratulations, Aimee!

- L'Editrice

Dear Houston

2012-01-31T10:49:00.003-05:00

Here's a link to a fabulous post from one of my new favorite blogs.

- L'Editrice

A cupcake of a quandary

2012-01-27T14:35:00.000-05:00

So, I'm heading to Austin this weekend for a little getaway, and the last time I was there I bought enough cupcakes (for the whole family, I promise!) from Hey Cupcake! to get a 40%-off coupon for any of their merch. I thought I'd take a look at their site just now to see if I want to go buy anything there on this trip . . . and of course I have come upon my usual (oh-so-tragic-and-important) quandary of loving everything!

I'm only going to buy one thing (for now), so I thought I'd see if any of my readers want to help me choose. Right now I'm waffling between T-shirt or hat, in either classic trailer (that's really what the trailers look like!), whale, or breakfast. (Don't even get me started on all the gifts that I now want to get the men, babies, and kids in my life.)

. . . Ugh, though now I see that all the T-shirts are made by American Apparel (which I never have and never will buy from, ever), so I guess my decision may have been made for me. . . . Still, your thoughts on the cutest design you would vote for in a perfect world in which our sweatshop-free clothes also came misogyny free?

- L'Editrice

A feather in Heather's cap

2012-01-20T09:28:00.001-05:00

Rekha and I edited Heather Lyons's amazing fantasy/magical-realism YA novel, and now she has a cool website up for the series. I know exploring it will make you as impatient as I am for her to release the first book, A Matter of Fate, in a couple of months.

Heather has also created a great author site for herself and her books. On it you will find her blog, which explores her super-coolness as related to her love of indie music, among other things.

Keep up the awesome marketing and writing work, Heather!

- L'Editrice

On the 12th day of Christmas

2012-01-13T21:19:00.000-05:00

Despite certain people who shall not be named making fun of me for continuing with this Christmas thread till the 13th day of January, here I am! Thanks for holding out with me.

Here are some last gifts:

1) I can totally relate.

2) Still have yet to watch this, but here's yet another motivation for me. I love being absorbed in a new world in all my media forms.

3) Some long-needed progress. We can only hope societal attitudes begin to catch up.

- L'Editrice

On the 11th day of Christmas

2012-01-12T21:00:00.000-05:00

Appropriately enough, my BFF sent me the link to this. It sounds just like my friend-seeking experiences as an adult, so maybe I'll learn from it. Or at least commiserate long distance in my misanthropy/despair.

Melodramatically,
L'Editrice

Out with the old, in with the new, I suppose

2012-01-11T20:52:00.001-05:00

But this still made me kind of sad.

On the 10th day of Christmas,
L'Editrice

On the 9th day of Christmas

2012-01-06T12:48:00.004-05:00

It looks like several of my authors have already accomplished their New Year's publication resolutions! The latest is Mindy Hardwick:

You can buy her wonderful middle-grade novel Stained-Glass Summer through these links, or on Smashwords. (The Barnes and Noble link will be working soon. They take a little longer to upload the books into their system.)

Congratulations, Mindy! And happy Three Kings' Day to all!

- L'Editrice

On the 8th day of Christmas

2012-01-04T15:29:00.001-05:00

Since this time of year always has many thinking about resolutions, and many of those resolutions have to do with weight/getting "in shape" (which I put in quotation marks for a reason), I thought sharing this article with you (if you haven't already read it) would be appropriate.

Then read the author's follow-up article, which has many important takeaways, such as:

- "I think it’s important to tell people that while it’s certainly possible to lose weight, a number of biological factors that have nothing to do with character or willpower can make it extraordinarily difficult."

- " 'A society that stigmatizes people for a physical attribute that they can’t change is the real fat trap we ought to be trying to escape.' ”

- "But the best and most surprising responses I have received are from several readers who start by telling me that they don’t have a weight problem, but they now have a better understanding of the challenges overweight people face. 'I don’t think I’ll look at an overweight person in the same way again,' one reader wrote ‘You made some part of the world a more compassionate place with this article.' ”

I agree, and hope that this can once and for all stop us from being so fat-phobic and judgmental toward other people and ourselves. I really think it's one of the last accepted forms of discrimination in our society, especially since people now have the convenient excuse of "fighting the war on obesity" or worrying about "health" to mask their lookism, classism, self-loathing beneath.

Wishing you a strong, successful 2012 on *your* terms,
L'Editrice

.

On the 7th day of Christmas

2012-01-02T11:56:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year, all! So far my 2012 is going great, and I hope yours is, too. Its wonderful start began on New Year's Eve, when my disco pants (see below) received much acclaim at the downtown celebration I attended. Someone asked to take my picture, some others asked to touch them, and others said, "Sweet pants!" So what if they were all preteens or stoner kids? ( : P )

I also have an update from my author Eric Robespierre: The price on Amazon.com for the Kindle edition of Cracking the Walnut: How Being a Little Nuts Helped Me to Beat Prostate Cancer is now a measly $0.99. Why don't you download it right now?

- L'Editrice

On the 6th day of Christmas

2011-12-30T10:57:00.003-05:00

The good news just keeps on coming from Miranda Kenneally: Another of her manuscripts that Rekha and I edited, The Girl I Used to Be, will be published October 2012!

Congratulations, Miranda!

- L'Editrice

On the 5th day of Christmas . . .

2011-12-28T15:14:00.001-05:00

. . . I received an update from Catherine Stine:

Fireseed One has gone live on B&N for the Nook.

And on iBook for iPads, iPod Touch and iPhone.

Finally, the Amazon link from yesterday is good for the Kindle edition as well.

- L'Editrice

12 days of Christmas: Day number 4

2011-12-27T09:44:00.003-05:00

(Yes, I am aware that Christmas day has passed, but I like to celebrate the Christmas season till Three Kings' Day (January 6 in my family), as much of the world does.)

I’m excited to announce that Fireseed One, a futuristic YA thriller by Catherine Stine, is out, with nine of her own illustrations. It’s a journey into a tricked-out near future. Watch out for invasive hybrid vines, a menacing desert cult, odd birds that just won’t stop trailing you, island farms that power up like boats, and a girl who knows way, way too much about things that are none of her business.

Edited by both Rekha and me, it's a great read for the holiday break or to add to your New Year's reading list:
- Paperback on Amazon
- Very, very soon, to be an eBook on B&N Nook, Sony Reader, iBook, and Kindle

What people are saying about Fireseed One:

"Action, adventure, love, and loss plus superb world building all adds up to an incredibly imaginative story - one that should not be missed."
-Carolyn MacCullough, author of Once a Witch and Always a Witch

"Fully imagined, fast-paced, and thoroughly captivating, Catherine Stine's Fireseed One sucks you into its fascinating world on page one and doesn't let go until the very end."
-Dale Peck, award-winning author of Sprout and The Drift House series

"Fireseed One is so full of startling ideas that I couldn't stop reading! Recommended for fans of science fiction, thrillers, or for anyone looking for a story full of big surprises."
-Amy Kathleen Ryan, author of Glow, the first novel in The Sky Chasers series

"Extraordinary thriller with a fascinating setting and rich, engaging characters who feel recognizable and human."
-Katia Lief, international bestselling author of You Are Next and Soul Catcher

Check out www.catherinestine.blogspot.com for interviews, contests and more.

“Like” the Fireseed One book page on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fireseed-One/160174947415366

- L'Editrice

12 Days of Christmas: Day number 3

2011-12-16T11:36:00.002-05:00

For some reason Blogger is not letting me comment on my own blog, so here's my comment back to Steph:

"Cool!"

Oh, and everyone: and I fixed the link to buy the book, so hopefully it will work now. If it still times out, you can get the book at the Rice University Campus Store (713-348-4052), Picnic Restaurant (http://www.picnicboxlunches.com/), or by calling the Rice Athletics Online Store at 713-348-4052.

Finally, since I've been getting such great author news lately, I thought I'd try to see if I can make 12 days of it--true, I am counting December 1 as the first one, and they're not necessarily going to be consecutive days . . . and it may go a bit past Christmas day . . . but whatevs!

- L'Editrice

RICE'S OWLS come home to roost

2011-12-14T10:53:00.000-05:00

If you're still looking for that perfect holiday gift that will thrill everyone on your list, look no further: Rice's Owls is here! To quote the Rice University Athletics Department's press release, "[a] photographic chronicle of the daily life of a family of owls who took up residence on the Rice campus in 2010 has become a unique holiday gift opportunity that will also benefit the student-athletes at Rice University."

The author-photographer, Robert Flatt, has generously funded this project entirely himself and is donating all proceeds to "the Owl Club, which supports the overall goals for the Rice University Athletic Department by generating the funds for scholarships for . . . student-athletes in 16 varsity sports."

And did I mention that I edited the book, giving me the inspiring experience of working alongside the amazing Mr. Flatt on a project that has additional meaning for me, as I'm also a Rice alum, just recently back to my (and Rice's) hometown of Houston? Also, I brought Victoria Jamieson on board to do the design work--it was so fun to work with her again, and she did an amazing job, as always.

- L'Editrice

P.S. Check out these videos to see why Robert says, "Life is good!"

I know it's been over a month since I've posted . . .

2011-12-01T14:11:00.001-05:00

. . . but I'm back, with a doubly (times infinity) exciting post!

Author Jen Doktorski just let me know that Simon Pulse has made an offer on her novel Getaway, which both Rekha and I edited! Congratulations, Jen! This is the second book I've worked on with Jen, and now the second one to be published. We're "two for two," as Jen says!

Also, I picked up a very exciting package from my mailroom on Monday: my very own copy of Catching Jordan, by my author Miranda Kenneally! What an amazing day-after-birthday surprise it was for me. Go buy your copy today! (If my recommendation isn't enough, check out all the amazing reviews it already has on Amazon.) Congratulations, Miranda!

Justifiably exclamatory,
L'Editrice

Announcing the virtual launch of MY SUCCESS JOURNAL

2011-10-26T08:02:00.000-04:00

I'm excited to announce that a book I edited, My Success Journal, by Jill Hickman, is launching on Wednesday, November 9, at 2pm CST--and you're invited to the party!

- L'Editrice

All hail Halloween!

2011-10-25T13:07:00.001-04:00

My favorite holiday of the year is fast approaching. I already have my costume all planned out (Elle Woods!), but it was--as always--a difficult decision. Let me share my short list with you, in the hopes that it will give someone some last-minute inspiration:

Cheerful
- air hostess (I thought of this long before Pan Am, I'll have you know.)
- Little Red Riding Hood
- cupcake
- Pippa Middleton (I would have put together the outfit myself, but you can "cheat.")
- Amelia Earhart
- T-Mobile spokeswoman (Didn't know about their publicity campaign around her before I googled her image--smart.)
- Morton Salt girl
- Paddington Bear

Scary
- The Black Swan (with the husband as The White Swan)
- A toddler in tiara!

Wishing you only treats,
L'Editrice

Listetrice: Traveler's Edition

2011-10-01T22:45:00.003-04:00

Happy October, everyone! I've just returned from a lovely vacation in the UK, which was especially fun given that one of the books I'm currently editing is set in early-20th-century London.

Related to our travels, my husband has finally posted an entry to his blog that we commoners can understand, so I thought I'd share it.

Also, while watching Food Network UK in my hotel, I learned that it was (or had recently been) National Cupcake Week there! You can be sure that my stay in Cardiff thus included a visit to Cupcakery Number 10 on this list.

- L'Editrice

Currently obsessing over . . .

2011-09-15T12:34:00.000-04:00

1) "Big Sexy."

2) Mae Whitman's new haircut (so much that I'm considering getting it myself!).

3) Victoria Jamieson's Olympic blog post (I'm finally catching up on my blog reading). For the record, I remember Vicki playing it quite cool when we met Sasha Cohen. However, I cannot say the same for when we met Hayden Panettiere (and unfortunately photos were not allowed).

- L'Editrice

Two for two (for L'Editrice, and for Miranda!)

2011-09-08T11:43:00.003-04:00

"My" prolific author Miranda Kenneally strikes again! Congratulations, Miranda!

- L'Editrice

Great news from an author!

2011-09-07T11:15:00.004-04:00

Mindy Hardwick, whose middle-grade novel, Stained Glass Summer, I worked on about a year and a half ago, just announced to me that it will be published December 11, 2011, by Musa Publishing! I'll let her tell you all about it.

Congratulations, Mindy!

- L'Editrice

You might give some serious thought to thanking your lucky stars you're in Texas

2011-08-10T14:53:00.012-04:00

I've been managing to keep busy. . . .

Baba Yega: Where I hosted a very successful surprise birthday brunch for my mother-in-law, if I do say so myself.

Luby's: My family used to go here every Sunday after church. I always get the same thing: veggie platter of corn, green beans, and macaroni and cheese, with a clover roll on the side. (And if Mom lets me, Jello for dessert. : P)

Yogurtland: Though I do appreciate the other yogurt places I've discovered, especially as they're native Texans, Yogurtland is my first and true love for serve-it-yourself yogurt spots. Plus they're cheaper. Plus they have this awesome Sanrio promotion going on that totally combines two of my favorite things (froyo and childishly cute characters). I am not ashamed to say that I bought myself a T-shirt with the above logo when I happened into the store last week. Nor am I ashamed to say that I entered their sweepstakes wishing and hoping that I would win a Hello Kitty beach cruiser, despite the fact that I just bought a new bike last weekend. . . .

Boone's: This is the awesome store where I got my bike.

Black Walnut Cafe: Open early on the weekends, this is a great place to just undo all the biking you did by indulging in a delicious Tex-Mex Omelet.

Kuhl-Linscomb: Amazing design and gift store that I can't believe I never entered until the other day. May be coming to close to tying with Liberty of London for my #1 fave store. If I didn't already have two jobs, I definitely would have responded to their "help wanted" ad in the front window.

And because I'm beginning to fear for both my waistline and my wallet, I'll just quickly list the recent rest:

Up: www.uprestaurant.com

Benjy's: www.benjys.com

Crave Cupcakes: www.craveupcakes.com

Straits: www.straitsrestaurants.com

Sweet: www.sweethouston.com (A nice replacement for my Sweet Boston: www.sweetcupcakes.com)

Dessert Gallery: www.dessertgallery.com

Celebrity Cupcakes: www.celebritycupcakes.com

- L'Editrice

Maintenant nous sommes trois Editrices!

2011-07-28T17:05:00.004-04:00

Stephanie and I now have a third musketeer to help us--meet Rekha Radhakrishnan! Rekha will be doing mostly developmental editing to start, but may also bring in her copyediting skills at some point soon. Here's a bit about her qualifications in her own words:

"While I've spent the last four years working in communications planning at a global advertising agency in Chicago, my academic background is steeped in the literary arts. I have both a BA and MA in literature, and am incredibly invigorated by the multitude of diverse voices available to readers today. I spent two years teaching rhetoric and composition to undergraduate students at The University of Massachusetts, and have worked with several literacy-oriented non-profit organizations tutoring students of all ages, and encouraging them to express themselves through writing."

It's rad having you join us, Rekha Rad!

. . . Now I really have to update the bio page on the website, huh?

- L'Editrice originale : )

Listetrice

2011-07-27T12:26:00.009-04:00

Though the Académie française will think it an abomination, and it sounds a little bit like "Listerine," I've decided to make my made-up Frenglish/Franglais word "Listetrice" the new title of my posts listing yummy or otherwise fun places I go to. Most of them will be in H-town, but as my out-of-town agendas almost always center around food, there will be field trips. . . .

Here are the first honorees:

- What's Up Cupcake? (despite their lack of necessary comma)

- Swirll

- Berripop

- Simone

It is telling to note that I have been back in Houston for less than a month, but have been to all of these places at least once--Swirll twice and Berripop thrice!

Droolingly,
L'Editrice

Fight fat-o-phobia! (I know the "o" isn't really necessary, but I like it.)

2011-07-13T13:32:00.005-04:00

As you probably know by now, I'm quite the armchair sociologist--and hey, good writers have a lot in common with sociologists, with their incessant observing and (over-)analyzing--so here's some sociological fodder for ya . . . . I felt this guest post on my favorite blog was too right-on and important not to share.

[I'll wait for you to read it.]

Now, is your interest piqued? Are you as pissed off by those horrible comments (perfectly illustrating the misogny and just downright meanness that Internet anonymity can bring out in people) she received as I am? Or are you still cynical about fat-o-phobia? In any of these cases, I strongly recommend this awesome book to you.

Joyous in July (at any size),
L'Editrice

L'Editrice becomes Les Editrices!

2011-06-23T17:48:00.004-04:00

I'm thrilled to announce that my editorial staff is growing--in fact, doubling in size! Stephanie Wardach has joined my team to offer her copyediting expertise (and may be doing developmental editing in the near future as well). Here's what Stephanie has to say about her background:

"While I work full-time as an advertising content manager, I have also done freelance copyediting for nearly 7 years. My experience has encompassed a wide range of topics and genres including scholarly articles and dissertations, technical product manuals, and sci-fi/fantasy novels. My most recent project was copyediting and indexing a collection of essays titled Fashion and Film, published by Indiana University Press. In addition, I am currently enrolled in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies at NYU to expand on my current knowledge of copyediting and the publishing process."

So happy to have you aboard, Stephanie!

Sometime soon I will be making further changes to the website to reflect this exciting development . . . and others, so stay tuned.

- L'Editrice originale : )

Are all true bookworms introverts?

2011-06-18T16:07:00.006-04:00

This is re-posted [with modifications] from a blog I read (whose author re-posted it from someone else's blog . . . so who knows what the original source is), but I thought it articulated a lot of my personality well. Good to know there are others out there like me (though I guess we're all reading at home instead of going out and that's why we don't find each other)!

"Myth #1 – Introverts don’t like to talk.
This is not true. Introverts just don’t talk unless they have something to say. They hate small talk. Get an introvert talking about something they are interested in, and they won’t shut up for days.

"Myth #2 – Introverts are shy.
Shyness has nothing to do with being an Introvert. Introverts are not necessarily afraid of people. What they need is a reason to interact. They don’t interact for the sake of interacting. If you want to talk to an Introvert, just start talking. Don’t worry about being polite.

"Myth #3 – Introverts are rude.
Introverts often don’t see a reason for beating around the bush with social pleasantries. They want everyone to just be real and honest. Unfortunately, this is not acceptable in most settings, so Introverts can feel a lot of pressure to fit in, which they find exhausting.

"Myth #4 – Introverts don’t like people.
On the contrary, Introverts intensely value the few friends they have. They can count their close friends on one hand. If you are lucky enough for an introvert to consider you a friend, you probably have a loyal ally for life. Once you have earned their respect as being a person of substance, you’re in.

"Myth #5 – Introverts don’t like to go out in public.
Nonsense. Introverts just don’t like to go out in public FOR AS LONG. They also like to avoid the complications that are involved in public activities. They take in data and experiences very quickly, and as a result, don’t need to be there for long to 'get it.' They’re ready to go home, recharge, and process it all. In fact, recharging is absolutely crucial for Introverts."

[Note from L'Editrice: Actually, I really love going out and doing things, they're just not the things that most social people are interested in--and I'm perfectly happy being on my own or with just one other person when I'm out and about.]

"Myth #6 – Introverts always want to be alone.
Introverts are perfectly comfortable with their own thoughts. They think a lot. They daydream. They like to have problems to work on, puzzles to solve. But they can also get incredibly lonely if they don’t have anyone to share their discoveries with. They crave an authentic and sincere connection with ONE PERSON at a time.

"Myth #7 – Introverts are weird.
Introverts are often individualists. They don’t follow the crowd. They’d prefer to be valued for their novel ways of living. They think for themselves and because of that, they often challenge the norm. They don’t make most decisions based on what is popular or trendy.

"Myth #8 – Introverts are aloof nerds.
Introverts are people who primarily look inward, paying close attention to their thoughts and emotions. It’s not that they are incapable of paying attention to what is going on around them, it’s just that their inner world is much more stimulating and rewarding to them.

"Myth #9 – Introverts don’t know how to relax and have fun.
Introverts typically relax at home or in nature, not in busy public places. Introverts are not thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies. If there is too much talking and noise going on, they shut down. Their brains are too sensitive to the neurotransmitter called Dopamine. Introverts and Extroverts have different dominant neuro-pathways. Just look it up.

"Myth #10 – Introverts can fix themselves and become Extroverts.
A world without Introverts would be a world with few scientists, musicians, artists, poets, filmmakers, doctors, mathematicians, writers, and philosophers. That being said, there are still plenty of techniques an Extrovert can learn in order to interact with Introverts. (Yes, I reversed these two terms on purpose to show you how biased our society is.) Introverts cannot 'fix themselves' and deserve respect for their natural temperament and contributions to the human race. In fact, one study (Silverman, 1986) showed that the percentage of Introverts increases with IQ."

Openly,
L'Editrice

May day!

2011-05-26T08:58:00.003-04:00

Somehow it's almost June, and I've yet to publish up a single post for May . . . until now.

In my busyness, I'll make this a quick linky-love post:

1) Often I roll my eyes at the NYT Styles section, but sometimes they have an article that I'm totally in sync with. Here's one of them. (And it explains one of the reasons I don't have my birthday up on FB.)

2) An awesome slideshow that reminds me of the project my mom and I dreamed up when we were in India a year and a half ago--I want to photograph libraries around the world, and my mom wants research/explore houseboats.

Finally, I'm going to put a little something out there for all 5 of you who read this: I've recently been thinking of adding another editor to my little freelance business, as I am fortunate to have so many awesome writers asking to work with me, and not enough time to help all of them by their desired deadlines. Anyone interested in talking to me about the possibility of joining my team? If so, shoot me an email. (Look at me--using cheesy business jargon like a true entrepreneur. : P)

- L'Editrice

Why I'm happy to still have my vintage dumbphone, and other link-related musings

2011-04-18T19:58:00.004-04:00

- Once again, David Carr says it best. (And, to give people some credit, maybe this is why so many are glued to their tiny screens. I know this feeling well, but I have it mostly in terms of real-world experiences I'm afraid to miss. Surrender, Dorothys!)

- Speaking of experiences, had this opportunity been available to me at 18, I wonder if I would have had the guts to apply . . . and study and live in my birthplace.

Not sent from my 6-year-old flip-phone,
L'Editrice

Just another man-ic Friday

2011-04-15T13:29:00.004-04:00

As I eat my Friday lunch and TGIF, I wanted to share some food for thought with you.

I was skeptical when I read their titles, and I think some of the ideas about marketing to men are dumb (but perhaps still necessary at this point in society), but overall I found these two articles to be quite excellent. (. . . If a bit "duh"-inducing; I mean, this is what feminism is and always has been about--equal opportunities to break the limits in both genders.)

Macho libre,
L'Editrice

But why?! . . .

2011-04-06T22:00:00.001-04:00

Here's the FBI affadavit.

A hard-boiled blog post: The Thrilling Conclusion . . . or is it?

2011-04-05T21:10:00.004-04:00

Then on April 3, at 8:45 am, I get this email from the hubby:

Alleged Kidnapper Arrested on Roof of Malden Center Building

4/2/2011 11:45 pm: Police have taken down the yellow tape and allowed residents of 160 Pleasant Street back into the building. Several residents said they saw police in the building as early as 10 a.m. this morning, and they were allowed to exit and enter the building until at least 7 p.m.. After that, however, police locked the facility down, leaving many out in the cold.

“I was in the building earlier tonight when my wife said the FBI were outside and surrounding the building,” said 160 Pleasant Street resident Justin Hall. “ We called Channel Five to ask if they knew what was going on and they said someone had been kidnapped and taken into the building but then escaped.”

Hall said he was upset that police and building management apparently knew but did not tell residents that a potentially dangerous individual was inside the residential complex.

“I am so irate right now if they knew about this first thing this morning but didn’t tell the residents.”

4/3/2011 12:10 am: The FBI, SWAT, Malden Police, K-9 units and officers from several area police departments have arrested a man accused of kidnapping a Providence man and taking him into 160 Pleasant Street.

The suspect was found on the roof of the building and arrested, according to police. He’s been taken to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Police confirmed he had kidnapped a Providence man and taken him into Malden. Officers declined to provide further details on the incident or the arrest.

The search of the building took approximately six hours, according to police.

-------

MALDEN, Mass. -- State police, FBI agents and a SWAT team searched an apartment complex in Malden where an alleged kidnapping victim was found Saturday.

According to police, a 20-year-old man said he was kidnapped in Providence Saturday and then taken by force that apartment complex. He said he escaped his kidnapper, ran to the apartment complex lobby and called police.

It appeared police were searching for someone in the building. Police were not letting anyone in that apartment building Saturday night; Anyone who left the building was forced to show identification. The building was not evacuated.

Residents said investigators took pictures on the second floor. K-9 units were seen entering the building.

It was not known what officials were searching for as of Saturday night. Residents at the apartment complex said the area was normally quiet.

“We’ve lived here for almost three years and have never had any activities like that,” said one woman.

FBI agents have not released any information about the alleged kidnapper. They said the victim was safe.

The investigation continues and so far no arrests have been made.

----------- -

April 4, 8:03am

A summary of the day's events

A hard-boiled blog post

2011-04-04T22:09:00.005-04:00

Here is a guest post (well, actually e-mails that I am turning into a post) by my husband, who is (sometimes infuriatingly) good at so many things--and one of them turns out to be writing narrative nonfiction.

While I was in London this past weekend having what I thought was an exciting time, it turns out the real action was back at home . . .

Saturday, April 2, 8:47pm

So, earlier today, I heard walkie-talkies in the hallway. It sounded like people were looking for someone. I figured someone had locked themselves out and the maintenance people were looking around.

Just now, Froupie and I were sitting on the couch studying when we hear a dog outside the door. Maybe one of our neighbors has gotten a dog and is bringing it home. The dog seems very agitated, and Froupie gets progressively more concerned. The dog gets more worked up and now it sounds like someone is torturing the poor thing. Then I hear walkie talkies right outside our door and the dog starts scratching at things.

Froupie jumps off and heads to the bedroom. I go to the door and and look through the peephole and I finally see what's been going on all day.

There are police officers with a police dog outside our door. The dog is scratching at the door of our neighbor across the hall. They knock on her door.

"Police. Let us in."

I worry about what the dog is smelling. Drugs? Not our neighbor. Dead body? My heart sinks. Poor girl. Dying so far from home with no friends to notice her passing. Maybe her lab people finally got worried after she hadn't shown up for a week and called the police.

The door opens slowly and an Asian woman comes out. I can't make her out through the peephole, but I think it's our neighbor.

She bends at the waist. I'm momentarily confused until I realize she had opened the door holding her slippers and has dropped them down and is now putting them on.

Meanwhile, the police ask her several times if she's alone. She assures them that she is, but the police seem unconvinced.

They walk in with their dog and with their guns drawn. I notice that someone who looks like Dennis [our building manager] is with them. He stays outside and again asks her if anyone has come into her apartment.

By now, Froupie has gained some courage and comes out and sits under the dining table.

Maybe the guy had sneaked in and she wasn't even aware of it. Maybe it's an undocumented relative. Who knows?

I step away from the door, worried that there could be a shoot-out and I may get hit by a stray bullet.

I hear them walk out of her apartment and move their search down the hall.

I worry that someone might have sneaked in to our place while I was letting Froupie wander outside earlier with the door open. I do a full search of the place, with the phone in my hand just in case. No one is here.

Then I worry that the police and the dog may come into our place and scare Froupie. Plus, the bathroom is a mess and, if the guy is Dennis, Froupie will be discovered. I can't do anything about the last two, but I can clean up.

So, the bathroom is a little cleaner now.

-------

Providence, Mass. police investigating kidnapping

By NBC 10 News

Published: April 02, 2011

Providence Police as well as Malden, Mass. police are investigating a kidnapping early Saturday morning at the Regency Plaza.

Officials say a person was kidnapped and taken by force to Malden at about 2 a.m. The victim was found at 160 Pleasant St. according to Malden police.

According to police a second victim was involved in the incident but was not taken from the Regency Plaza.

Officials say no arrests have been made in the case. Malden police as well as Providence, state and the FBI Task Force is investigating the incident.

--------------

Saturday, April 2, 9:35pm

The laundry has been put away. The bed has been made. I hear voices down the hall and I know our apartment is next. I'm rushing to hang my pants, but can't find a hanger. I quickly fold them and leave them on your vanity chair.

I hear a key turning in our door and then a knock. It's an older man in a fireman's outfit, asking if he can come in. I say sure. He has a kind face and a smile.

A lady cop follows. Short hair and a muscular build. They're standing outside our door, waiting for something. I hear the dog from up the hall.

"Blood! Come here," she yells.

She asks for confirmation that they can come in. I say sure, but that I have a cat, who'll be scared of the dog.

The fireman laughs. She doesn't see the humor and keeps looking at me, trying to size me up. Does she think I'm their suspect?

She turns and motions down the hall with her hand to her partners.

"The cat won't run out?" asks the fireman.

"We have permission to search this unit," she yells down the hall.

"No. He's been hiding under the bed since all this started," I answer.

He laughs. "They're just finishing up another unit," says the fireman.

A few seconds later, the guy that looked like Dennis through the peep hole comes over. He's wearing a sweater with a police badge at the neck. He asks me again if they can come in. I stand out of the way and let them in. He and another male cop come in. No guns drawn this time. Just flashlights. I turn to make sure the dog isn't coming in, but Blood and the lady cop have disappeared.

They do a pretty cursory search. One of them opens and closes the laundry room door, walks into the bathroom with his flashlight, then into the office.

The other one, Dennis's double, goes into our room.

The one who went into the office is now out. It didn't take that long. I wonder if he really looked around that much.

"Has anyone has come knocking on your door?" he asks. "Have you seen or heard anyone running frantically down the hall?"

I tell them I just heard commotion from them earlier, but that no one had come knocking.

Dennis's twin is now done with our room and heads straight toward me with his Blackberry facing out.

I see a picture of an Asian guy. I see his name: Hui X...? I can't make out the rest of the name. He looks like a young guy. Kind of nerdy. A little awkward.

"If this guy or anyone comes knocking on your door, asking to be let in... Anyone with a sob story," he says.

I complete his sentence with a question: "I'll call 911?"

"You call 911," he confirms.

I feel like I'm a pro at this cop stuff because I knew that I should call 911. A second later I feel stupid for feeling like a pro.

They leave. I close the door and lock it. Froupie is still scared under the bed, but I'm finally relaxed. I was worried about Dennis seeing Froupie and the cops seeing a messy apartment. But that's over now. However, there may or may not be an Asian kidnapper on the loose, and I'm still not entirely convinced he's not in the apartment.

I search again. This time looking under the sinks and the cupboards. I look in the little AC inlet. No one is here.

I'm going to put on "Psych" and iron my shirts.

Then I'll have a drink and put a bunch of chairs behind our apartment door before going to sleep.

TOMORROW: The conclusion to our mystery . . .

Feast your eyes on this

2011-03-13T17:44:00.004-04:00

I don't know if this was meant to be sincere, campy, or what, but I love this on every level. (Though I think seeing it on actual TV, without knowing who the company was until the very end of the commercial, made my initial discovery of it much more satisfying.):

Also, though I have proudly managed not to watch or know too much about this madness (no disrespectful pun intended) and almost hate to sully my blog with the topic of this person, I did think this very intelligent article (which is not allowing me to hyperlink it right now) was too astute not to share: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/28/business/media/28carr.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=david%20carr%20charlie%20sheen&st=cse.

- L'Editrice

Love, stars, and all that

2011-02-14T20:08:00.002-05:00

Hi, Valentines!

Have you checked out The Gatekeepers Post yet? Here's my first post on it.

I saw "Black Swan" this weekend. I'd read a lot about it, and so it was pretty much what I expected . . . I agree with this very astute critique. In watching the credits at the end, I couldn't help but notice that not a single woman's name was listed (in terms of director, producers, writers, etc.) until the names for costume design came up. . . . Anyway, it was interesting, if nothing else, and no matter my ambivalence, I can't help myself from already planning my Halloween 2011 costume (the Black Swan, of course!).

Hearts and flowers,
L'Editrice

The Written Wardrobe, inaugural issue . . . starring one of my authors/friends!

2011-02-06T11:20:00.005-05:00

Here's what you do:
1) Go to this site (and try to hold off on shopping for a moment).
2) Click on the bottom row, second-to-last icon.
4) Be awed and inspired by Julie Gissler's contribution!

I'm so proud of Julie, who worked on The Suits for a long time, never gave up, and found a really modern (no pun intended) way to get her story out there. And she beat out hundreds (if not thousands) of entrants to be featured in this anthology--and is even mentioned in the editors' introductory letter. Congrats, Julie!

In other fabulousness, I bought myself an e-book for my Kindle for the first time yesterday. (Before that the hubster had been getting them for me.) It was pretty amazing how it was wirelessly sent to my device, White Magic, in seconds. (Yes, that's its name. Because it's white. And magical. My iPod is blue and named Tangled Up in Blue.)

- L'Editrice

Drumroll, please . . .

2011-01-30T11:35:00.003-05:00

Hey, y'all (yes, I am a Texan, but even if I weren't, I'd fight for "y'all"--other languages have "you" plural, so why don't we?)--

I'm excited to hint at a new venture I'm going to be a part of: The Gatekeepers Post, a new social-media book-publishing community. It officially launches on Tuesday, February 1, and I'm supposed to be keeping somewhat mum about all the official details till then, but when it does launch expect to hear from me there as well as on L'Editrice. (And, yes, the title and concept do bear a resemblance to The Huffington Post, which y'all know how I feel about, but I'm pretty sure they're just mimicking the good parts of it.)

See you there soon . . .
- L'Editrice

Let it snow . . . books!

2011-01-13T21:56:00.002-05:00

I'm thrilled to let you all know that two of my authors just released their books this week--and interestingly, both are going the self-published route, and offering traditional and digital options.

They are . . . Eric Robespierre's hilarious and poignant memoir Cracking the Walnut: How Being a Little Nuts Helped Me to Beat Prostate Cancer and Neesha Meminger's boundary-breaking YA novel Jazz in Love. As you can probably already guess, they are very different books, but what they have in common are authors who told a story only they could tell--and to awesome effect. I'm so honored to have worked with these amazing writers.

Speaking of self-publishing, I thought this story was pretty cool and inspiring. I'd already been very interested My Princess Boy just because of the subject matter, and then reading about My Name Is Not Isabella made my to-read list even longer.

In other "Cool People I Know" news, my friend Sarah Pitre is featured in this article, giving me even more reason to want to emulate her (and her awesome fashion sense), as I have since I first met her in college.

Finally, on a non-book-related topic, if you haven't yet come up with any New Year's resolutions (or already let yours slide), how about resolving to be nice/polite to telemarketers? I've always thought this was so important (they're people, too, no matter how annoying it is that their jobs force them to interrupt your dinner), but an incident today really drove this home for me. I promise, civility is the gift that keeps on giving . . .

Bittersweetly,
- L'Editrice

Coulda, woulda, shoulda

2011-01-06T15:09:00.006-05:00

There are loads of books that I wish I had written because they're awesome and brilliant and define why I love literature. But there are only a handful that I feel I could/should have written--because their subject matter, sentiments, etc. are so in line with what I think I would write about and how, if I someday just got around to it--and some other writer beat me to it.

That's not to say I'm jealous--in fact, it makes me happy to feel I have kindred spirits in these writers. . . . and that they are much more disciplined than me and do rather than just thinking about it. (And honestly, I am more than happy editing others' great writing!) Here's the list:

- Good Enough, by Paula Yoo.
- Boys, Girls, and Other Hazardous Materials, by Rosalind Wiseman.
- Acceptance, by Susan Coll.
- The Avery Sisters trilogy, by Rachel Vail: Lucky, Gorgeous, & Brilliant. (Super-cool concept that I can't explain well here, so just read them. It is also slightly freaky how much the Avery girls mirror my sisters and me, and I love how they show that the role you--and others--feel you fit in your family does not actually define who you are.)

Although I have a Kindle now, there are always going to be books I want to own and put on my bookshelf, and these are definitely on the list.

However, if you have tons of shelf space to fill, maybe you should check out this article. I thought this quote was especially fascinating: " 'The more that objects become replaced by digital virtual counterparts--from records and books to photo albums and even cash--watch for people to fetishize the physical object. Books are being turned into decorative accessories, for example, and records into art.' "

Thoughts?

Bibliophilically,
L'Editrice

A Christmas gift that's both classic and very "now"

2010-12-18T19:58:00.003-05:00

1) From Martha Mihalick, my colleague at my alma mater, Greenwillow (Isn't that a cute way of thinking of it? It just came to me):

"Greenwillow Books has been developing an iPhone app version of one of our classic picture books-- FREIGHT TRAIN, by Donald Crews--over the last several months. And now it's finally available in the Apple store!

It's really a cool app (and you can get it for iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad), so please please please check it out and download it if you have an i-Thing and a spare $2.99 lying around. It's perfect for preschoolers, those of you who have toddlers yourselves, and those of you who just see a lot of your friends' and family's kiddos. Or just to download because you like me and support the efforts to bring books into the future so that I still have a job in 5 years. :) Tell all your friends.

Here's the link right to the app store: http://bit.ly/epbBtc"

2) Also, my present to you is this article I am loving today.

Rapturously repellent,
L'Editrice

At-long-last lists

2010-12-03T15:45:00.002-05:00

I'm back! . . . and am finally blogging about the awesome cover article of the fall issue of Ms. as I hav been meaning to do ever since I read it weeks and weeks ago. It's called "Kick-Ass Girls and Feminist Boys" and is all about feminist YA. You need to run to a newstand and pick up the issue . . . and if you're a dork like me, check off which of their recommended books you've already read and add those you haven't to your GoodReads queue ASAP (I had read 50%). (Speaking of great reads, I'm sure the whole magazine will inspire you to subscribe, as I have proudly for 10 years now.)

Also, I need to finally start reading these "Mad Men"-mentioned books. The only book I've read of the list is Atlas Shrugged, though I've seen several of the movies they mention (and the movie verson of The Best of Everything--publishing back in the day!). If only I had a fainting couch like Betty's to read on . . .

I think I will add all these titles to my new Kindle, which I received as a birthday gift from my lovely family last weekend. That's right--I have entered Life, Act II, according to Jane Fonda--The Building Act. Can't wait to see what I build.

One thing I know I will be building up tonight is fat cells, as I plan to finally go here. The hubby and have been waiting for this place to open for ages, and I love their website (check out the interactive comic-inspired tabs at top) and their origin story--well done, non-Belgians!

- L'Editrice

First International Red Panda Day!

2010-11-10T17:51:00.002-05:00

I love pandas, and am quite partial to my fellow redheads, so I was intrigued when my talented friend Leeza Hernandez told me about the red panda. She is currently shopping around a fabulous book she's written about this adorable, endangered creature, and has gotten quite involved with the nonprofit organization The Red Panda Network.

So, if any of you live near Flemington, NJ, stop by the Hunterdon County Library this Saturday, November 13, from 10:00am to noon to meet Leeza and join her in some family-friendly activities celebrating and raising awareness for the lovely firefox (that's another name for the red panda--cool, huh?).

If you can't make the event, Leeza is selling a commemorative pin that she designed, and 100% of the proceeds will go to The Red Panda Network.

- L'Editrice

And the winner is . . .

2010-11-07T09:01:00.003-05:00

Thanks to my five (: P) lovelies for voting. I wrote out all of your names (and, boy, is my hand tired), dropped them into a hat (well, actually, a gift bag I had on hand), and drew out . . . Nancy K! Nancy, e-mail me your mailing address and I will send you your very own L'Editrice-stamped copy of Forget-Her-Nots!

And what stamp did I decide on, you ask? Well, despite the overall love for bee, I decided to go with the French one--I just felt its layout would work best for the text I am going to input in. But I'm going to try to incorporate bees somewhere else, because I just love them.

Bzzzzz (or should I say, Bises),
L'Editrice

A score with SCORE!

2010-11-04T14:10:00.003-04:00

I'm honored to announce that one of my clients, Miranda Kenneally, has gotten herself a book deal! I will let her tell you all about it in her own fabulous words.

Miranda is such a prolific writer with such great range that Score is just one of several manuscripts I've worked with Miranda on over the past year or so. I just know that the others are going to get snatched up soon as well.

Also, take a moment to surf on over to Sourcebooks Fire, the cool new imprint Miranda's book is being published under, and check out the entire Sourcebooks-at-large's amazing founding story. (I'm having difficulty linking to these right now, but they are worth Googling.) Inspired yet?

- L'Editrice

P.S. Stay tuned this weekend, when I'll (finally) announce the results of my first-ever survey and contest! (Meaning: it's not to late to enter!)

1 is the loneliest number . . .

2010-10-18T22:57:00.003-04:00

Anybody there? I am keeping my contest/survey open for another week, so please join in! (And unlike most sweepstakes, family and friends are eligible to enter. : P)
- L'Editrice

Centennial contest!

2010-10-10T20:58:00.002-04:00

This, on 10.10.10, is my 100th L'Editrice post! To celebrate, I'm conducting my first contest/survey!

Here's the deal: I'm in the market for a new correspondence stamp, and I'd love my readers' feedback. I am going to keep the voting open until Sunday, October 17. Please post your choice in the comments section (if the first time it doesn't go through, please try again--I know sometimes it is finicky) or send me an email. I will take everyone's opinions into consideration, and let you know of the results on the 18th.

Then, I will draw names of all those who responded from a hat, and the winner will be sent a copy of Amy Brecount White's Forget-Her-Nots. (I'll even stamp it with my new stamp, if you want.)

Here are the choices:
A. French-inspired (to go with my blog name)
B. A nod to what editing is largely about
C. Tying into my website logo
D. Mod and professional
E. Because I'll work like a busy bee for you! (And I love bees.)

Can't wait to hear from y'all!

- L'Editrice

P.S. Both Alex Mack and Doyle on "Mad Men" in the same episode? I was in heaven!

Updated October

2010-10-04T09:24:00.002-04:00

I've finally made some long overdue updates to the Biography, Hiring Sarah, and Resume sections of my website. Check them out and let me know what you think!

Next on my remodeling list: the Testimonials page. So, if you have worked with me and would like to write a testimonial, or if you've already done one but would like to update your bio line (maybe you have a new project you're shopping around, a new website of your own, etc.), I'd love to hear from you.

- L'Editrice

Dramatically wicked

2010-10-03T17:30:00.002-04:00

Seeing as we're getting close to Halloween (my favorite holiday), I thought I'd comment on a couple of costume-related things:

1) My "Mad Men" costume
Alas, these people each somehow got about 20,000 more votes than me. But I like quality over quantity, so I sincerely thank all of you who voted for me.

2) "Wicked" awesome
It had witches, amazing costumes, and the most female-centered storyline I've ever seen in a musical. I finally saw "Wicked" the other night at the Boston Opera House, and it did not disappoint. I love how the story was ultimately all about female friendship. Amazing stuff. Of course, I would expect nothing less from Winnie Holzman, who I discovered (upon perusing my program) wrote the show's book*. (*That's theater-speak for script/book-to-stage adapatation. The original book book was written by Gregory Maguire, and I have been inspired to take another stab at reading it. The first time I tried it was just too high-fantasy for me.)

This past week actually has rekindled my obsession for Holzman, as I've been watching the excellent "Huge", and found myself thinking, This gives me the kind of feeling I get watching "My So-Called Life," right before discovering that MSCL creator Holzman co-created "Huge" with her (quite young) daughter! And her husband is an actor (appearing in "Huge" as well)--what a creative power family! (Of course, W.G. Snuffy Walden's score may also have triggered the connection in my brain. He does the music for all my favorite shows, really.)

Gone a little crazy with the IMDB-connect-the-dots game,
L'Editrice

Kindred bloggists

2010-09-29T12:35:00.003-04:00

Today my favorite blog re-posted a spot-on video from what may very well become one of my new favorites.

This supremely well-articulated op-ed has me wishing I had been less moderate in my P.S. in this previous post. So now I will let it all out:

I've never understood how mainstream European newspapers (and I'm sure some in other countries as well, but I'm only familiar with the Euro ones) can print features like "Topless Model of the Day" or what have you and still be considered legitimate news sources. I agree completely with Sarkeesian (especially on the hypocrisy of this "progressive" rag), and will add that the crazy juxtapositions in The Huffington Post makes the New York Post look like classy, subdued reading material in comparison.

Arianna, I love your accent and your politics in general, but I've got no love for the HuPo.

- L'Editrice

My name in lights . . . err, print

2010-09-28T20:10:00.002-04:00

I finally got my hands on a copy of Book Markets for Children's Writers 2010--and you should, too, because I wrote an article in it! It's called "Hungry for More: Exploring Middle-Grade and YA Series Fiction."

(Well, now they've already got the 2011 edition ready to go, so 2010 might be hard to find, but if you can, check it out.)

- L'Editrice

This should be called "Inappropriate Quotation Marks". . .

2010-09-20T18:44:00.003-04:00

. . . because the way people use them is not unncessary, it is *wrong.* (Also, notice how I put little asterisks around words I want to emphasize--that is what you can do to emphasize a word. Or you could italicize it, capitalize, bold it, underline it . . . But do NOT put quotation marks around it, because technically that serves to undermine it.)

Oh, but I think slide number 12 is fine. The "real" world as opposed to the school world is an expression/subjective concept, so quotation marks are appropriate there.

- L'Editrice

P.S. I don't love The Huffington Post uniformly. I feel like the trashy, Euro-tabloid-style celebrity gossip and photos they include on the site undermine the credibility of their real reporting.

More TV fangirl-ing (and some book stuff as well)

2010-09-17T12:24:00.004-04:00

- As my BFF said when she sent this to me, "So, I think Jon Stewart has a crush on your TV BF, too . . . " (I can't believe he was in Boston this week and I missed him!)

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Jon Hamm

http://www.thedailyshow.com/

Daily Show Full Episodes

Political Humor

Tea Party

- "Gilmore Girls," the movie?

- When I first heard rumors of this yesterday, I thought, What the heck, Oprah? But now I'm thinking it's simply more evidence of her genius. Though I still think Franzen is pretentious.

- Hmm, maybe this is what I should do to get people to RSVP (and come!) to my parties.

- For all the dog lovers out there.

Happy Friday!
L'Editrice

In which I obsess about TV (potential spoilers)

2010-09-15T13:32:00.004-04:00

Indulge me for a bit, please, as I'm reveling in all the fall shows starting up again:

- Not that this is a unique plot point or anything, but I feel like the meh "Life, Unexpected" is totally stealing from the far-superior "Pretty Little Liars" (read the books before you watch the show!) with the whole teen-and-teacher-fall-in-love-without-knowing-the-age-of-each-other thing. (I keep debating taking L,U off my DVR schedule, but it does make for good background TV while I'm doing housework . . . )

- Is Oprah God? I kind of think when you have that much money, you pretty much have all earthly powers, and luckily she seems to use them for good.

- "Gossip Girl" is definitely stealing from "Mad Men" with that whole Chuck-assumes-a-new-identity thing.

- Speaking of "Mad Men," if you can get your hands on the September 13th issue of Rolling Stone, the article on MM is excellent. I especially thought the insight on Joan's character and her place in society was profound, and relates to how awesome the past two episodes of the show have been. (The September 5 episode is my favorite episode of the whole show thus far.)

- I'll end with some MM-related self-promotion: Friday is the last day to vote for me in the Mad Men Casting Call Contest. : )

TTFN,
L'Editrice

Things that are inspiring me today

2010-09-14T16:36:00.004-04:00

- Cake pops (anyone want to make me some?)

- Ever-approaching Halloween

- Voting!

- Kate DiCamillo's and Alison McGhee's answers to the question, "Can a tall person and a tall person truly be friends?" I love DiCamillo's perspective on making appearing "benign" as a short person work for you--as my similarly short and young-looking sister says, "We could easily be spies!"

Not short, but fun size--
L'Editrice

Fierce

2010-08-28T15:05:00.004-04:00

A thought-provoking read in the Times's T Magazine. Beautifully written, too. (Though again, I don't always agree with the writings of the author.)

My favorite line: "All the same, it is hard to imagine that flesh in all its ungainly specificity will ever be given its due so long as a woman's power continues to hinge more often than not on her beauty, and so long as beauty equals thin." (Though I would have put quotation marks around "power.")

- L'Editrice

Sharing stories

2010-08-26T17:24:00.003-04:00

This is so cool! Give it a listen. And coincidentally, I just finished reading my first Perrotta novel, The Abstinence Teacher.

Maybe I can read the story while lounging on this communal hammock! Awesome Foundation, indeed.

- L'Editrice

Little Red Riding Hood and the Red Cross

2010-08-23T16:14:00.003-04:00

I've got one more picture here of absolute pajama cuteness, very appropriate to kid lit . . .

. . . and then I'm going to get serious, and encourage everyone to do as I did last week--please give to the millions suffering in Pakistan. For these people, cooing over baby pajamas is a luxury that they probably wouldn't even entertain in their wildest dreams. Here are many organizations you can donate through.

- L'Editrice

From the cocoon

2010-08-19T11:49:00.002-04:00

For some reason my hometown is only ever in the national news for bad things. (I guess because no news is good news?) Anyway, I was sad to hear about this ignorance there (and by a librarian, no less), but I hope that there's still time enough for H.I.S.D. to educate themselves and retract their stance, thus allowing Hopkins and her compatriots to go to the Teen Lit Fest in 2011. (Also, an "annual" event? How cool. We definitely never had that when I was a teen--though I guess we never had teen lit as it is today, either.)

Speaking of "emerging adults," I found this article fascinating.

- L'Editrice

2 cute

2010-08-16T18:10:00.004-04:00

1) Although the above photos have next to nothing to do with the alleged focus of this blog (aside from the fact that they are for kids, and inspire me/make me happy), I saw these today while running some errands, and I just had to share.

Note that I do not have baby fever, I just want to buy awesome baby things for someone. Will someone have a little girl soon, please, so I can buy her one of these as a present? Normally I dislike the prissy, pink offerings for baby girls, and look to the boys' department for more gender-neutral gear when I have a baby present to buy--for boy or girl--but I was impressed by these offerings. Especially love the cars on the romper and the positive, non-stereotypical message on the T--very rare finds in baby-girl clothes! (Honestly, it's a good thing they didn't have these in adult sizes, or I would probably have come home with several pairs of novelty pajamas.)

2) This is more relevant: Saw this ad for the Sharjah International Book Fair, and it made me smile. I would love to finally visit my birth country for a reason as cool as this. (Plus my parents did live in Sharjah proper for a while.)

- L'Editrice

Blogger to blogger

2010-08-13T09:13:00.003-04:00

One of my clients is also a blogger, and she recently blogged about revising her manuscript with my edits in mind. I thought you all would be interested in (and impressed by!) her post.

Also, if you haven't read this yet, The Times is (finally) acknowledging what the rest of us have known for so long. (Embarrassed to be seen reading YA, really?)

- L'Editrice

Marvelous "Mad"-ness

2010-08-03T22:10:00.004-04:00

As some of you may remember from last year, I am one of the many who has fallen under the spell of the TV show "Mad Men." So I would love it if you would indulge me once again and vote for my photo (you can vote once a day, through September 17) and help me win a chance for a walk-on role on the show!

Relatedly, I thought this discussion of the show was quite interesting (though I've never been a fan of the author's).

I heard "Mad Men" creator Matthew Weiner on "Fresh Air" the other day, and found myself disagreeing with his assessment of the characters--characters he created, and so ostensibly knows best . . . but yet I still think it's okay that I felt I knew the "truth," because that's what's so cool about storytelling and art, that it means something different to every person.

Truly, madly, deeply,
L'Editrice

Sorry for the delay, folks . . .

2010-08-01T13:11:00.003-04:00

. . . I am back from the old country, and busier than ever. So here are just a few links for your enjoyment:

- This should be required reading for every adult in America (as they all seem to have forgotten what they learned in school).

- A story on my new role model. We seem to have a lot in common already:
Live in Boston? Check.
Majored in political science? Check.
Contemplated career as a lawyer? Check.
Into planning elaborate theme parties? Check.
Known for good looks, engaging manner, and whimsical designs? Check--ha, just kidding.

- A cool article about my town and its library.

Literally yours,
L'Editrice

An American in Brussels

2010-07-03T19:38:00.006-04:00

Hello, friends. This will be my last post for a couple of weeks, as I'm leaving on vacation Monday morning. So I thought I'd leave you with some morsels to work your way through while I'm gone:

- "The iPad and I: Of Love and Meh." I found the author's comments on the weakness of adapted e-books being like that of TV--in that it's a "one-way experience" that doesn't engage the brain of the "reader" much at all--very interesting. It related to what I've always said: that I feel letting kids watch very "mature" movies and TV shows is much worse than letting them read a book with the same content--because with a book a reader can interpret the material for himself, and may not understand the parts that are still too adult for him, but with a movie a child is pretty much handed the director's vision on a platter, with little room for dissection and introspection by a naive audience. Do you know what I mean?

- I saw this advertised on GoodReads, and thought it was pretty funny.

- "Compelling Stories, If Not Literature." One of my clients sent me this one, and I thought it was worth sharing. Writing as therapy, indeed.

- While we're at the NYT, anyone else see this article? "Food Is the Thrill at Some Bachelor Parties." While I'm still not certain I understand the point of bachelor/bachelorette shindigs, I sure do understand the point of eating delicious food. And though as a vegetarian, much of the meat-heavy meals described in the article have no appeal for me, I do think it's a welcome alternative to treating people like pieces of meat! (Badum-bum. Thanks, folks! I'll be here all week. . . . Umm, well, actually, not really.)

- As my husband earnestly said the other day (and then tried to retract right after), "I don't understand why Oprah's ending her show. She helps so many people." Just one example: Her Debt Diet series (which just ended) was so great, and the Spending Plan Pie Chart they talked about on the show is so simple yet so smart that I want to share it with everyone.

- Finally, some bleak-and-yet-inspiring words via the Yes Means Yes blog: "At this point, thinking you are beautiful the way you are is an act of rebellion."

Indeed, "We all have a right to our own beauty." So embrace and fight for all your rights! . . . And have a very happy Independence Day!

- L'Editrice

Things that are making me happy today

2010-06-24T12:31:00.003-04:00

- Barbara's summer reading list.

- A magical cottage (I will make one someday, only mine will be a treehouse!) and terrariums. (And apparently both these things fall under the label "Victoriana," so finally I have a word to describe my aesthetic tendencies toward chandeliers, canopy beds, and all things whimsical and cute--but not in a treacly, "country" way.)

- Pretty boys in great outfits. (Which also applies to this.)

- And on a more serious note, this piece on fellow Texan Bill Moyers. (I am behind on my podcasts, clearly.)

My favorite quotes from the interviews:

"There are things in this country that the market will not provide: public education, public art, public schools, public broadcasting, public toilets. I mean, there are things that are not profitable, but that still serve a value. And I think the most important thing that we can do is to continue to treat Americans as citizens, not just consumers. If you look out and see an audience of consumers, you want to sell them something. If you look out and see an audience of citizens, you want to share something with them--and there is a difference."
". . . [P]residents shouldn't go to war unless it's a war of necessity, not a war of choice, beccause you can't fight a war in a democratic way without undermining the success of the war. And if you don't fight in a democratic way, you undermine democracy itself. . . . [I]f you start a war on tragic-- on flawed premises, you're going to have terrible things happen, and ultimately, you're going to come to grief."
On the importance of the Freedom of Information Act: "I really do think that we need more openness, not more secrecy. . . . We are living in a closed society today."

- L'Editrice

Dads, daughters, mothers, sons

2010-06-21T09:32:00.003-04:00

Hope everyone had a lovely Father's Day. Though hopefully all of you already gave your dad his present, if not (or for any future occasion) I thought these ideas were great.

And here's a priceless gift you can give for free, which I'm sure many hard-working dads (and moms) would be very grateful for: Take a minute to speak out in support of the very important DREAM Act.

- L'Editrice

Short and to the (important) point

2010-06-11T12:15:00.002-04:00

. . . At least my post today is. The must-read in this week's PW Shelftalker is quite long, but necessarily so.

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

- L'Editrice

Listen up

2010-06-03T14:19:00.002-04:00

My recent NPR-listening has my to-read list growing longer and longer!

Here are a couple of recent books--and links to the fascinating, worth-a-listen discussions they prompt--that piqued my interest:

- Getting it Wrong: Ten of the Greatest Misreported Stories in American Journalism, by W. Joseph Campbell. Certainly such myths continue today, so it's a good wake-up call to us to always analyze the news/"facts" we hear/see/absorb/consume--whatever the source--with a critical mind.

- Losing Our Cool: Uncomfortable Truths about Our Air-Conditioned World, by Stan Cox. Just in time for summer! (Here's an abstract of the Adaptive Model of Thermal Comfort Cox mentions.) Not to sound like a luddite, but does anyone else also feel that sometimes our "advanced" technology (be it in digital media, air conditioning, or what have you) sometimes takes us too far, leading us to forget the simple facts and pleasures of nature and being human?

- I also learned about this amazing series/project this morning: Hidden World of Girls.

Finally, I love librarians, not least because of their staunch defense of civil liberties. For example, there have been many instances when libraries have refused to release the list of books a particular patron has checked out, even when the government/court tried to get force them to, because they belief in personal privacy. So, I hope that everyone else's librarian keeps in mind this importance of respect for and liberty of the individual, and there is no one else out there who gets snarky comments from the librarian on the books she is checking out, as I did this morning.

Bookishly,
L'Editrice

Long time no blog

2010-05-23T19:04:00.003-04:00

I've been quite busy working and traveling the last few weeks, so here are a few quick highlights:

- My brother-in-law, Frankie, was in town last weekend, and we had a lot of fun doing touristy things with him and just hanging out.

We went on a Duck Tour (I was even called upon to drive the boat on the Charles!), and our tour guide told us some things that really confirmed that Boston/Mass. is a perfect fit for me:

1) The official drink of Massachusetts is cranberry juice,

2) the official dessert of Massachusetts is the chocolate-chip cookie, and

3) Massachusetts consumes more ice cream than any other state. (Not sure if that's per capita or what, but I'm sure the numbers went up even higher when I moved here. Also, this "statistic"--because not really sure how scientific these claims are--is especially impressive when you consider the fact that almost all ice-cream places in MA are closed from Labor Day to April. Which I think is just silly, but anyway . . . when the ice-cream shops do open, they seriously give you about a pint of ice cream per cone.)

. . . These are three of my very favorite things!

- More evidence that a great kids' book is not just for kids: To congratulate Frank on passing the bar, we gave him the adorable Frankie Works the Night Shift. (No more night shift for you, Frankie!) As you can see from the above photo, Frankie and his big brother really enjoyed reading it together.

- After Frank left, I headed to NYC to celebrate my sister's grad-school graduation. (Congratulations, Stephanie!) It was held at the beautiful St. John the Divine, and I thought this part of the cathedral was especially cool.

- And finally, because the New York Public Library was such an important part of my life in New York, I'm still on their mailing list. Recently I learned about the proposed $37 million budget cut, which would greatly hurt the city's libraries and all who benefit from them. If you're a New Yorker (in real life, or at heart) or just a library lover, speak out here.

- L'Editrice

Today's Highlights

2010-05-06T16:45:00.003-04:00

Today I received an e-mail from Elinor Teele, an author I've worked with over the past few years, announcing some good news: Her short story, entitled 'Yard Sale,' is appearing in the June 2010 issue of Highlights Magazine. Check it out!

She's also published her girls' mystery novel, The Doll's Head, as an e-book, and has generously offered a free download of it to my readers! (Enter the coupon code EF65C (which expires 6/4/10) at checkout.)

Elinor says, "I'm thinking of it as an advance copy. The more feedback, critiques, reviews, comments, suggestions for website improvement I get the better"--so let her know what you think!

Elinor is a great example of a self-motivated, creative author who is successfully working to get her writing published, rather than seeing "traditional" publishing as the only path.

- L'Editrice

Room for genre revulsion, but not snobbery

2010-05-05T19:01:00.003-04:00

I was watching Twilight in Forks, a documentary on the real-life town the Twilight books are set in and their impact on the town, and found this quote from author John Granger interesting:

"I'm not putting people down that have genre revulsion, except when they say she's a bad writer. When they come after her and say, This isn't just a matter of taste, I can't get that. Basically they say that, No, these are stupid readers who have no taste, and their experience is not real. That's the part that gets me: Wow, can you really say that? That these people are having what they feel are profound literary experiences, engagement in this text, and resonance at their core being, that's not real. That's something that they're faking?"

Now I'm no Twihard--I read the first book and didn't like it enough to read the second one, but I could see why they are popular--but I think Granger makes an interesting point, especially when we're talking about kids' books. If kids are reading, should we be snobby about what they're reading? I mean, there are obviously limits to this flexibility, but it is food for thought.

Granger also notes that Stephen King has panned the Twilight books for bad writing. However, King himself has had to defend himself against the critics who say his books are "just" genre fiction, and has said "If my book sells, I'm a good writer."

By that measure, Granger argues, "Well, Stephenie Meyer is a great writer."

What do you think? All I know is, I love this new term I've learned: genre revulsion. I'm going to apply it to lots of things from now on . . .

- L'Editrice

Julieta!

2010-04-29T21:18:00.003-04:00

If you're anything like me, you can't wait to see the upcoming movie Letters to Juliet. If you're even more like me, as soon as you heard the film's plot, it reminded you of Suzanne Harper's amazing YA novel, The Juliet Club (now out in paperback!) . . .

Check out the cool trailer Suzanne made, with that very connection in mind, and read her book if you haven't yet!

- L'Editrice

Happy Earth Day!

2010-04-22T12:51:00.002-04:00

As we know, Earth Day is Every Day, but I do think today is a great opportunity to make new resolutions on how to be more earth-friendly (a plus: you can then feel less badly about those New Year's resolutions for 2010 that have gone way by the wayside by now).

Here's one resolution suggestion I have: Don't buy this product! Really, Kleenex? Even public bathrooms are moving away from paper towels in favor of hand dryers. I mean, if you are going to market a home-bathroom product similar to something found in public bathrooms (but, really, why in the world would you?) at least go for something more modern, like the hand dryers. For shame.

Tree-huggingly,

L'Editrice

Late-breaking post!

2010-04-19T16:12:00.004-04:00

I forgot to mention that tomorrow, April 20, I will be wearing red (and seeing it) in solidarity with Equal Pay Day. As the National Organization for Women says, "If we're going to be 'in the red,' we might as well wear it proudly to show our determination to end the wage gap."

Did you know that if women worked the equivalent of what their work is valued, they’d be clocking out at 3:15 p.m. every day?! This is just what NOW-NYC members and supporters (and maybe others in your area!) will be doing in commemoration of Equal Pay Day tomorrow. They figure that if women earn only 78 cents to every dollar a man makes (and the numbers are even bleaker when you look specifically at the data for women of color), why should we work more than 78% of the workday?

Learn more here and here.

- L'Editrice

Lame, Actually

2010-04-19T14:16:00.002-04:00

So I've been catching up on my "Parenthood" episodes, and I watched one yesterday in which teenage Haddie gets mad at her new boyfriend, Steve (aka "YoYo"), because he does not think "Love Actually" is at all romantic. He says it is superficial and should be called "Lame, Actually." Hee! (Though in the end Steve tells Haddie (lies?) that he was wrong, and they make up. Blah, blah, blech.)

Anyway, I squealed when I heard that one-liner, because remember my post on that film back in December? I was sure that's what I'd called it, too, and thus surmised that:

a) Someone on the "Parenthood" writing staff is reading my blog. (Far-fetched, I know, but a girl can dream.)
AND/OR
b) I have what it takes to be on the "Parenthood" writing staff.

Turns out I had re-named the movie "Love, Crappily," which, IMHO, I think is better, but I like that there are some people in Hollywood thinking like me. Hey, Jason Katims (who, by the way, was also show runner on "My So-Called Life"): call me!

- L'Editrice

P.S. Hooray for a Lauren Graham project being a success! The poor actor gets no respect in the movies, but I think TV people appreciate her.

And it's okay if she is slightly typecast as the harried single mom who dates her daughter's teacher--at least they always cast yummy men (and this one a younger one = love it) in the roles.

L'Editrice quoted in The Boston Globe . . .

2010-04-16T13:57:00.003-04:00

. . . website.

Two whole words! (Which is actually a relief, because I rambled on and on to the reporter nervously, whilst giggling. It felt like she was interrograting me.)

About cupcakes! (I think it's pretty funny, too, that from her article she seems to be a serious baker of cupcakes, even though she's a cupcake skeptic, while I earnestly love cupcakes but baked some for the first time in my life this past Tuesday.)

I am actually in the accompanying photo as well--major cupcake points to whoever can spot me.

Anyway, the whole event was amazing, so don't be fooled by Ms. Dreilinger's jaded descriptions: even the "amateur" cupcakes put my first-ever batch of cupcakes to shame. All that I sampled (chocolate-chocolate, chipotle-chocolate, s'mores, and yellow-cake-in-an-ice-cream-cone) were beautiful and delicious! (I'm very glad my homemade funfetti-with-chocolate-icing were gobbled up at my house long before I could even contemplate bringing them to camp.)

- L'Editrice

Linky love

2010-04-14T11:56:00.002-04:00

Here are some things I've found interesting as of late, and thought you might, too:

- "The Danger of Always Being On" (which I stole from my former colleague/forever friend : P Martha Mihalick)

- What it really means to work your way up in publishing

- Growing success in self-publishing

- Super-cool clothing/style site ModCloth is writing a book--and asking for submissions!

- L'Editrice

A momentous occasion

2010-04-06T12:13:00.003-04:00

Great news! One of my clients, Jen Salvato Doktorski, just sold her YA manuscript Dead Lines to Eve Adler at Henry Holt BFYR!

This is a momentous occasion for her, as it will be her first published book, but it's also a momentous occasion for me--because this is the first book that I've worked on as an independent editor that has been acquired. And, hey, it's pretty close to the one-year anniversary of my starting my freelance business, so nice timing there! Peep cupcakes all around! (See photo.)

Anyway, my work with Jen has been especially rewarding, because there's some history there. I first heard Jen read the first page of Dead Lines aloud at a New Jersey SCBWI conference in the spring of 2008, when I was still working at Greenwillow. I was intrigued by her premise of a precocious-yet-naive New Jersey teen who finds she fits in better at the obituary desk of her local newspaper than at her high school, and asked her to send me the full manuscript. Once I read the whole thing, I felt it still needed work, but knew amazing potential was there, and encouraged Jen to keep revising.

Fast-forward to June 2009, when Jen found out about my new business and hired me to look at her revision of the manuscript. Not too long after this she landed an agent, and today she is an official published-author-to-be!

Jen's is definitely an inspirational story, showing the importance of persistence, patience, and hard work.

Congratulations, Jen! We will be waiting impatiently for your 2012 publication date--and of course wishing that it will be bumped up to even sooner!

- L'Editrice

Say hello to your friends

2010-04-02T13:51:00.006-04:00

So sad that I missed this!

Appropriately, this write-up was forwarded to me by BFF-since-second-grade/fellow-BSC-fanatic, Rekha Rad. We shared our BSC collection (both owned by us and borrowed from the library, as we did not have the kind of parents who were going to buy us the new installment every month or so, which I agree was reasonable of them), and instead of playing outside after school, we would read our respective copies together in companionable silence.

Nerdy since the beginning,
L'Editrice

P.S. Major props to whoever can tell me what the title of this post has to do with the subject matter of this post.

This is for my Peeps

2010-03-31T10:16:00.003-04:00

The winner and finalists of this year's Washington Post's Peeps Diorama Contest are up!

I have been slightly obsessed with Peeps ever since a good friend of mine introduced me to them years ago (and since I heard the perhaps-urban-legend about their indestructability). These entries are so clever, it makes me want to enter next year--though it looks like I may have to live in the D.C. area to be eligible?

- L'Edi-Peeps

Doing the tap dance

2010-03-25T13:06:00.002-04:00

It's World Water Week, and I just heard about this awesome nationwide project for UNICEF.

Perhaps this week will even get you used to drinking tap water all the time, and you will no longer waste your money (or the valuable resources used to bottle, ship, and dispose of the plastic bottles housing what is pretty much just tap water that you've already paid for in taxes) on bottled water anymore.

I strongly believe that access to clean water is a human right, and that rights should not be privatized. When we privileged few start paying high prices for things that should come to us free, all that happens is the poor people who can't afford this newly commodified resource will end up with no access at all. (For an analagous, if less serious example, see the rise of cell phones and the decline of pay phones.)

Activistically yours,
L'Editrice

W/b/s!

2010-03-04T13:36:00.002-05:00

It just occurred to me that my job allows me to do not just one but TWO of my favorite childhood pasttimes for a living: The first one is obviously reading, but the second one is writing to penpals.

When I read authors' manuscripts, I'm learning so much about them and their characters and different worlds, just like I did when I was little and would write to all my penpals (some of whom were, ahem, better correspondents than others). And then I get to write back these long letters to everyone. And even though I've never met the majority of them--just like I never met my Romanian penpal, Laura--I feel I know them so well and that we're friends. (I hope my authors feel the same way--or at least recognize my niceness through my constructive criticism/bossiness. Come to think of it, bossiness may also have been one of my childhood hobbies . . .)

All that's missing is the Lisa Frank stationery. I may just have to remedy that. . . .

TTFN!

L'Editrice

P.S. Woah, I just came across a bakery that makes Lisa Frank cupcakes. And they're in my hometown!

Cool things I learned from this week's PW Children's Bookshelf

2010-02-26T07:58:00.003-05:00

- Publishers introduce a high-tech way to share storytime (with a super-cute name)--now that's a smart way for old media to embrace new media without compromise.

- John Grisham is writing a middle-grade series. My dad and I (cautiously) squeal! (Though it would have been even better news had the 13-year-old legal-whiz protagonist been named Theodora.)

- And I didn't even know they'd replicated that famous cookie test with marshmallows recently, but I'm glad to see it confirmed that one's childhood lack of self-control involving sweets has nothing to do with one's long-term self-control on more important things. I mean, I was a good kid who followed instructions, but I have never been able to turn down a cookie or a marshallow--and I think I've done okay in life. So stop maligning us sweet-tooth types!

- L'Editrice

Think (and re-think, and say out loud) before you write

2010-02-25T12:28:00.004-05:00

I don't mean to make fun of what I'm sure are fine establishments, but I've now seen one too many Universal Technical Institute commercials and I have to say something: Did no one realize that their acronym (which they definitely go by) is also shared with urinary tract infection?

It reminds me of a store I passed when I was home last month: its name was PooLife, which I was hoping was some sort of ayurvedic vitamin store with an unfortunate transliteration, but no, it is a pool-cleaning store.

Listen, when one of your needed words has "poo" in it, you can't make a cutesey compound name. Just call it "Pool Life." Because "poo" is one thing you don't want in a pool--unless they are advertising their ability to help you get rid of it.

Scatalogically yours,
L'Editrice

An epiphany (of sorts)

2010-02-18T12:53:00.002-05:00

I often tell authors of picture books to leave room in their manuscript for the illustrator to tell an equal part of the story (and perhaps even add more), and in turn, I tell illustrators to not just illustrate exactly what's happening in the text. Out of the blue today, a great example of this came to me (and perhaps it's really obvious, but it felt genius to me): commercials, epecially pharmaceutical commercials.

You know how they tell this amazing story of running through fields and being in side-to-side bathtubs with your partner and being attractive but not intimidatingly so, and you are captivated by it and start to get convinced that that drug would give you that kind of life, even though you don't even need that drug and even though you're very aware that the announcer is telling all these horrible side effects at the same time? Talk about successful synergy. That's kind of like what a picture book should be like--the illustrations should add to the story, and make it even fuller, and it's not up to the text to tell the whole story, because then it's not as moving.

Now, I'm not saying you should have a horrible, depressing text or that your picture book should be used to manipulate people (no offense to anyone in the advertising and/or pharm industries), but I still like my example. And yes, maybe it could work with any commercial or even a movie, but I just think those sneaky pharm ads are so darn smart in achieving their goals. What do you think?

- L'Editrice

Don't throw in the TOWEL

2010-02-12T11:18:00.002-05:00

I regret not being able to make it to this panel, but I still learned a lot from its write-up--and think you might, too.

I thought this was interesting, since I often advise authors to write what works best for their voice, rather than what they think will sell: "But aside from coming to their careers as if by accident, the four panelists seemed to have something else in common—something that may be a sort of secret weapon for staying the game for as long as they have. Over the course of their careers, they have been willing and able to write many types of book, from picture book to YA, and on many different subjects. "

Hmm, so, yes, write different genres if you can and want to--but I think the important thing is to stay true to your voice in every format. Otherwise I think your writing will be forced, and thus not good. Also, Marilyn Singer's advice is so great: "She sums up a successful career with the acronym TOWEL, which she said stands for talent, optimism, widespread interests, endurance, and luck. 'This is a marathon, not a sprint,' she said. 'Don’t throw in the towel, use it.'"

With those words to inspire you, I hope you all have a great Valentine's weekend, and if you're looking for a last-minute V-Day gift for someone you care about (including yourself!), check out author-illustrator Julie Gissler's super-cool jewelry line.

XOXO,
L'Editrice

All the Scholar Ladies

2010-02-10T12:37:00.003-05:00

If you haven't already seen this in the PW Shelftalker blog, here's a remake of one of my fave Beyonce songs, made even cooler--and more age-appopriate to its stars. (Though I could do without the mention of lipgloss and the hip-smacking. But I'm a fuddy-duddy like that.)

- L'Editrice

Make my Valentine

2010-02-01T15:57:00.003-05:00

Anyone who really knows me knows that I am obsessed with greeting cards and stationery-type things. I have this dream of one day working as a writer at a greeting-card company (no matter what Joseph Gordon-Levitt said about the job at the end of "500 Days of Summer") and/or owning a stationery-shop-and-bakery with my best friend. I would also love to design cards, but I can't illustrate at all, so they'd all have to be collage-y and basic, like my homemade cards already are.

For those of you who share my obsession (calling all author-illustrators!), check out this super-cool contest from Kate's Paperie. (True, you may go broke buying the supplies--since they have to be from Kate's--but wouldn't seeing your creation in the store window be worth it?)

Luv,
L'Editrice

Inscripted

2010-01-25T16:16:00.004-05:00

Blasts from my reading past:

First of all, I apparently thought "stage fright" was an adjective. Secondly, that was so not true--I was totally shy, but really wanted to be a star in spite of this. So I guess I was trying to brainwash myself.

So ambitious/modest! George Bush, Sr. was on the cover of this book, so, no, they are not eighty years old, despite looking that way. I guess paperbacks don't age well.

I was very careful about keeping my books in pristine condition, and demanded this of those who borrowed from me. (I may or may not have just had an unfortunate discovery of one of my precious BSC books littered with food stains, after my best friend let her sister read it.)

A slightly creepy inscription from one of my parents' friends. (But it was Where the Sidewalk Ends, so a great book choice.)

A super-cool collection, with different illustrators and styles for each story. I also had a chocolate cake with gummi bears on it that year. No idea, then, what has me crying in the photos from that day.

So much better than another My Little Pony.

A Christmas present from my fifth-grade teacher. I still love this book. . . .

I've been at my parents' house for the past week, and decided to go through my old room and see what stuff I could give away. The accumulation of stuff (I won't say "junk" because it offends my dad--who asked me, "Do you want to bring any of this twine back with you? I could roll some up for you.") in a big suburban house (and in my bedroom alone) is really just astounding, and it has me wanting to never give or receive any thing as a gift ever again, except for really practical things (like super-cute stationery on recycled paper), edible things (in reusable packaging that you can then pass on to your next friend, rather than throw them out or just let them pile up in your cupboards), or BOOKS!

I really think books are the perfect gift, and the one that keeps on giving. In looking at some of the inscriptions in my childhood books (made both by myself and by others), I was struck with a really fun idea for a new tradition: writing in your name and when you read the book, and then passing it on to your friend, who will do the same, and then pass it on to the next person. . . . Then it would be like when you used to look in the inside front covers of your textbooks at the beginning of the school year and see all the names and dates of the students had used them before you, and feel like you were part of this legacy. Or maybe it was just nerds like me who thought that. . . .

Anyway, this past Christmas a friend of mine had a great idea for our yearly Secret Santa exchange that I thought was just great--we were each to send one of our books that we had read and loved in the previous year to the person whose name we had drawn. So maybe next year I'll suggest that we add my little inscription idea to this new tradition.

- L'Editrice

Spotlight on my peers

2010-01-21T15:45:00.003-05:00

One of my clients, Sharon Biggs, made a suggestion for a blog post, and I will happily indulge her (and myself, because it means an easier posting for me):

"I so agree with your blog on words we can retire. You should do one on words and phrases writers should retire. The one I hate the most is: 'I swallowed hard.' I stopped counting how many times Alyson Noel wrote that in her latest book Shadowland. My other favorite is: 'She tossed her head' (where exactly?). 'Chuckling,' 'strolling,' or 'padding barefoot' into rooms should also be axed. Descriptions of eyes as 'liquid pools' of amber/topaz/emerald should also be sent on their way. : )"

Anyone want to add their own writing bugaboos?

Also, I'm going to take this opportunity to make a shout-out to my former colleague Martha Mihalick's blog (and Twitter feed and Flickr stream). (I would have it and many others on my blog roll, if I could only figure out how to post one on here.) It's a charming representation of Martha's personality, smarts, and many talents. (But here's a warning: don't look at her "Crafty" photos if you're on a diet, or trying to save money--they will make you want to eat many delicious desserts and go on an Etsy shopping spree. How adorable are these?)

- L'Editrice

Ode to Estonian sheep gloves

2010-01-14T13:16:00.004-05:00

In five years of taking the subway in New York, I never lost anything, but I'm already on my second loss on the MBTA after living in Boston for less than a year. Last March I lost a puffy coat, and while I am still perplexed as to how this was possible (I really remember wearing the coat the whole evening, since it was cold enough to have taken it with me, plus it was kind of a big, noticeable thing that would be hard to leave behind), I'd had it for several years, and was happy with the idea of some cold, coatless person adopting it from me.

But this week I lost my Estonian sheep gloves, which makes me very sad. I bought them from a market in Tallin back in August for far too much (the kroon was very strong), but they were worth it--adorable white gloves with a three-dimensional, fluffy gray sheep embroidered onto each of them, and of course memories of my trip sewn in as well. So far no one has turned them into the lost-and-found, either. My only consolation is imagining some little child with big hands finding them and loving them (since most adults don't have my childish tastes), and then coming up with a great story about the new adventures my gloves are going on.

I try to do that with all the material things I lose, or things I give away--be happy for the life they spent with me, and be even happier for the new lives they are embarking on. Just like with books.

Sentimentally,
L'Editrice

Today's guest blogger is Jezebel (and, distantly, Ann M. Martin)

2010-01-06T13:09:00.003-05:00

. . . because they're just spot on with this (also love how that post title could also totally be an Onion headline) and this (hey, as much as I love the originals, I don't mind getting a little snarky and academic in analyzing them).

(This is pretty amazing, too.)

- L'Editrice

Were Meg Cabot and I separated at birth?

2010-01-02T09:08:00.002-05:00

I've been catching up on all the blogs I missed when I was away, and saw that Meg Cabot had a post on the inexplicably addictive Lifetime Christmas-movie marathon, too.

Then in this post, not only does she admit to reading quinceañera magazines (which is totally something I would do), she also made me feel a whole lot less sheepish about the fact that my TeenVogue subscription won't expire until I'm almost 31, by making it known that the average subscriber is 27. Hooray!

Meg, call me! We'd totally be BFF.

- L'Editrice

2009-12-31T15:36:00.002-05:00

It is sweet and surreal to be back home after two weeks in India, especially with the snow coming down strong and frosting everything like so many sheetcakes. (I just learned firsthand the real value of salted roads and snow tires—yikes!)

I'm looking forward to 2010 and hope it brings the best for all of you. "Baby-Sitters Club" fans definitely have something to look forward to! (Though I know a sequel with the girls all grown-up would do wonderfully, too. Don't give up on that idea yet, Ms. Martin!)

I also found this discussion of L. Frank Baum's influences on and intentions for The Wonderful Wizard of Oz fascinating. I think I will have to add it to my growing list of 2010 to-reads.

Have a happy and safe New Year's Eve!
L'Editrice

Indian winter

2009-12-15T09:34:00.004-05:00

This will be my last post before the holidays, as I'm off to spend my Christmas vacation abroad. (Doesn't that sound glamorous/pretentious?)

To get my fill on holiday Americana before I leave, I've been enjoying the Christmas-movie marathon on Lifetime that's been running for weeks now. One of the best (and by that I mean cheesiest) so far was the one featuring Joanna Garcia, Luke Perry, and a Christmas wedding--a lethal combination!

So obviously, I love a good romantic comedy, and can generally look past their plot holes and overly simplistic (and overly gendered) characters. However, there's one holiday rom-com that so many women love, and I just can't understand why. I know this is going to be controversial, but it's . . . "Love Actually."

That movie is not romantic at all, at least not for women. It's been a while since I've seen it (and I've seen it only once, because I hated it so much), so forgive me if I'm getting the details a bit wrong, but here's what happens at the end to the "regular" women:
- Karen's husband leaves her for a younger woman.
- Sarah has to give up the opportunity to be with the hot foreign guy to be caretaker to her handicapped brother. (Which is love, sure, but do women always have to sacrifice? Can't they get both romantic and family love?)
- And, yes, Aurelia the maid gets to marry Colin Firth (Jamie, the fancy-pants novelist), but she and her husband don't even speak the same language, and she leaves her home country, once again, to be with him.

As for the guys:
- Hugh Grant, the prime minister, gets his assistant (who is beautiful and so not anywhere near fat, despite what the movie purports).
- Bill Nighy, the old fogie, runs of with some hot young thing.
- Jamie, as we know, marries the hot young Portuguese maid even though they can't even communicate. (Notice any pattern with the power differentials here?)
- And that one perverted guy goes to Wisconsin, where three hot young things very unrealistically submit to his every fantasy.
- Sure, there's the one boy who's in love with Juliet and doesn't get her, but good, because he shouldn't break up a happy young marriage between his best friend and his wife.

Perhaps this movie just showed on one hand what happens realistically to women and on the other what men would like to happen, but for this reason I just can't understand why it's such a holiday favorite with us females. I would like to rename it "Love, Crappily."

On that note, I wish you all actual love this holiday season, and only truly feel-good movies.

Merrily,
L'Editrice

The debate continues

2009-12-09T11:45:00.003-05:00

I read this article, about a Canadian private school going totally electronic with their textbooks, with interest.

I can remember lugging my huge backpack full of heavy textbooks home from school every night, so I definitely see the advantage on that end. And of course environmentally this makes much more sense.

But I still can't imagine flipping through my e-reader to find the page I remembered X on, like I did (and still do) with physical books. Maybe kids today find this totally natural, though?

It's true that it's quite easy to do a "Find" search with a computer document, so maybe this has replaced for them the visual memory of us old-fashioned types. (Does anyone else have my frustratingly incomplete visual memory, one that can call up what the page looks like, but not exactly what was written on it?)

- L'Editrice

All about books

2009-12-05T14:54:00.003-05:00

While we were all recovering from our Thanksgiving overeating last Friday, "On the Media" was talking about books and their future. Interesting stuff.

A few days later, Sherman Alexie made it clear to Stephen Colbert that he's very much in the traditionalist camp when it comes to book dissemination:

The Colbert Report

Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Sherman Alexie

http://www.colbertnation.com/

Colbert Report Full Episodes

Political Humor

U.S. Speedskating

- L'Editrice

Decadent December

2009-12-01T07:55:00.002-05:00

L'Editrice is back, after some busy days. I hope everyone else is likewise basking in a nice Thanksgiving afterglow. As George Burns once said, "Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city."

Ha! But honestly, I had a really nice reunion with my family, almost completely drama free.

To kick off December, I thought I'd share the etymology of the word "cookie," one of my favorite words all year round, but especially appropriate at this time of year. Here's what The Improper Bostonian says:

"From the Dutch word for little cakes, 'koekje,' cookies started as test batter to gauge an oven's temperature, but evolved into pats of butter and dough that represented their baker's ingenuity, pastry skills and, during the holidays, affection for the lucky recipient."

Wishing you a cookie-filled holiday season,
L'Editrice

The quotable L'Editrice

2009-11-12T14:07:00.002-05:00

Yours truly was quoted in GalleyCat yesterday.

Though I definitely thought the assumption that a book being "orphaned" might be reason for its poor sales was a big one (in my experience, publishers and editors make every effort for the entire list to succeed, no matter who acquired a book and where he or she might be now, so definitely take heed of Liz Scheier's closing words), the question of how to overcome a weak freshman try is an interesting one.

(Note that I would have worded the introduction to my second quotation differently, so that it was clear that a publisher might request the psuedonym, not the genre change.)

- L'Editrice

L'Editrice

My extracurricular activities are also literary

Your February must-read

Dear Houston

A cupcake of a quandary

A feather in Heather's cap

On the 12th day of Christmas

On the 11th day of Christmas

Out with the old, in with the new, I suppose

On the 9th day of Christmas

On the 8th day of Christmas

On the 7th day of Christmas

On the 6th day of Christmas

On the 5th day of Christmas . . .

12 days of Christmas: Day number 4

12 Days of Christmas: Day number 3

RICE'S OWLS come home to roost

I know it's been over a month since I've posted . . .

Announcing the virtual launch of MY SUCCESS JOURNAL

All hail Halloween!

Listetrice: Traveler's Edition

Currently obsessing over . . .

Two for two (for L'Editrice, and for Miranda!)

Great news from an author!

You might give some serious thought to thanking your lucky stars you're in Texas

Maintenant nous sommes trois Editrices!

Listetrice

Fight fat-o-phobia! (I know the "o" isn't really necessary, but I like it.)

L'Editrice becomes Les Editrices!

Are all true bookworms introverts?

May day!

Why I'm happy to still have my vintage dumbphone, and other link-related musings

Just another man-ic Friday

But why?! . . .

A hard-boiled blog post: The Thrilling Conclusion . . . or is it?

A hard-boiled blog post

Feast your eyes on this

Love, stars, and all that

The Written Wardrobe, inaugural issue . . . starring one of my authors/friends!

Drumroll, please . . .

Let it snow . . . books!

Coulda, woulda, shoulda

A Christmas gift that's both classic and very "now"

At-long-last lists

First International Red Panda Day!

And the winner is . . .

A score with SCORE!

1 is the loneliest number . . .

Centennial contest!

Updated October

Dramatically wicked

Kindred bloggists

My name in lights . . . err, print

This should be called "*Inappropriate* Quotation Marks". . .

More TV fangirl-ing (and some book stuff as well)

In which I obsess about TV (potential spoilers)

Things that are inspiring me today

Fierce

Sharing stories

Little Red Riding Hood and the Red Cross

From the cocoon

2 cute

Blogger to blogger

Marvelous "Mad"-ness

Sorry for the delay, folks . . .

An American in Brussels

Things that are making me happy today

Dads, daughters, mothers, sons

Short and to the (important) point

Listen up

Long time no blog

Today's Highlights

Room for genre revulsion, but not snobbery

Julieta!

Happy Earth Day!

Late-breaking post!

Lame, Actually

L'Editrice quoted in The Boston Globe . . .

Linky love

A momentous occasion

This should be called "Inappropriate Quotation Marks". . .