Random Notes on a Monday
So many things to share, so little time…
First, if you haven't seen this wonderful youtube ditty about booksignings, you should take a peek…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZoJ5OKmEJY&feature=email
Second, I want to suggest two websites to check out —
Publishing Perspectives offers a really interesting take on the industry [ www.publishingperspectives.com ]
and the folks at www.absolutewrite.com/forums solicit a lot of fascinating people to talk about the industry.
Third, take a look at what one excellent writer, novelist Mark Bertrand, has to say about the future of publishing at www.cardus.ca/comment/article/2010/
Fourth, if you haven't yet read Jon Acuff's Stuff Christians Life, you are missing not only a hilariously funny look at contemporary Christianity, but some really insightful stuff on how we live out our faith. Jon was just profiled on CNN.com this past weekend, so he's getting huge press.
Fifth, you might want to check out what Barnes & Noble is doing with PubIt — B&N's own version of self-publishing, which lets you leverage the world's #1 bookstore by making your book available on the Nook. Lots of details online: www.fastcompany.com
Sixth, people have been asking me when I'm teaching a seminar next… Bestselling novelist Susan May Warren and I are teaching "How to Create Bestselling Fiction" in Denver June 18 & 19. It's easy to get to, is on a Friday/Saturday, and we'd love to have you join us. Susan is simply the best writing instructor I know. You can find out all the details at www.themasterseminars.com
Seventh, you probably already know the names Lisa Samson and Susan Meissner. They are bestselling, award-winning novelists who are respected by everybody in the industry. The two of them have been teaming up to do a weekend retreat entitled "How to Add Depth to Your Fiction," and people are raving about it. They were going to do it in Detroit in July, but instead they have moved the workshop to Lexington, Kentucky, so that Lisa can host it at her new tea shop! A more relaxe
d, intimate setting, with lots of small group face-time with Lisa and Susan. Frankly, I don't know where else you'd get this type of access to someone like that. Anyway, it's coming up July 23-24 in Lexington. For more details write to Tiffany Colter at tiffcolter (at) gmail.com.
Eighth, Anna Miller has put together something interesting — 50 Literary Tours All Over the World. If you're into literary vacations, do yourself a favor and take a quick peek at her site: http://www.onlinedegree.net/50-fascinating-literary-tours-all-over-the-world/
Ninth, remember that Book Expo America (BEA) starts in New York tomorrow. And the CBA version (ICRS) will take place in St Louis at the end of June.
Tenth, and perhaps most importantly, is the announcement of the birth of Maelie MacGregor, my very first grandchild. She was born on May 22nd, weighing 7lbs 8 oz. Maelie and mom are doing fine. Here they are: