Ned Vizzini's Blog, page 4
May 6, 2011
Recap & Video + Barnabas the Cat
Publishers Weekly on the 2011 LATimes Festival of Books
May 1, 2011
"Things were a little more sober on the YA stage, where panelists Blake Nelson (Recovery Road), Ned Vizzini (It's Kind of a Funny Story) and Lauren Strasnick (Nothing Like You) talked about addiction and madness and memoir and fiction. Fans stood up to say how much the authors had helped them. One shy girl asked her mother to ask Vizzini if he could give her a tidbit from his life that was not already on the Internet. Vizzini said she'd have to ask the question herself. ("Well, I have a cat named Barnabus," he told her. [correction: Barnabas, see below])..." [more]
Barnabas The Cat
photo credit Sabra Embury
At the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, I mentioned Barnabas because he has not made his online debut yet. Now he has. My wife and I picked him up at a shelter in LA on Valentine's Day, 2010 and he has been the best V-Day present ever. I don't want to get too boring waxing how he is the best cat in the world because all cat owners say this, but he is.
I picked his name out when I was reading David Cordingly's authoritative book on pirates, Under the Black Flag :
It mentioned a pirate named "Barnabas." I remarked it would be a good name for a cat. Sabra held me to it. I'm dopey for them both.
Figment in the Field: Ned Vizzini | Figment Blog
Thanks very much to online writer and book-nerd community Figment for posting this short video interview, recorded in Park Slope's Brooklyn Lyceum!
You can hear the coffee grinder quite well at one point. Special thanks to Figment co-founder Jacob Lewis and interviewer Trevor Ingerson.
May 1, 2011
"Things were a little more sober on the YA stage, where panelists Blake Nelson (Recovery Road), Ned Vizzini (It's Kind of a Funny Story) and Lauren Strasnick (Nothing Like You) talked about addiction and madness and memoir and fiction. Fans stood up to say how much the authors had helped them. One shy girl asked her mother to ask Vizzini if he could give her a tidbit from his life that was not already on the Internet. Vizzini said she'd have to ask the question herself. ("Well, I have a cat named Barnabus," he told her. [correction: Barnabas, see below])..." [more]
Barnabas The Cat
photo credit Sabra Embury
At the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, I mentioned Barnabas because he has not made his online debut yet. Now he has. My wife and I picked him up at a shelter in LA on Valentine's Day, 2010 and he has been the best V-Day present ever. I don't want to get too boring waxing how he is the best cat in the world because all cat owners say this, but he is.
I picked his name out when I was reading David Cordingly's authoritative book on pirates, Under the Black Flag :
It mentioned a pirate named "Barnabas." I remarked it would be a good name for a cat. Sabra held me to it. I'm dopey for them both.
Figment in the Field: Ned Vizzini | Figment Blog
Thanks very much to online writer and book-nerd community Figment for posting this short video interview, recorded in Park Slope's Brooklyn Lyceum!
You can hear the coffee grinder quite well at one point. Special thanks to Figment co-founder Jacob Lewis and interviewer Trevor Ingerson.
Reading in Pasadena 5/7/11 + Recap & Video + Barnabas the Cat
Reading alert for Saturday, May 7, Southland folks:
Art.Write.Now. Opening Night in Southern California
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards helped start my career by giving me "Honorable Mention" in 1996. I'm happy to support the 2010 winners at Art.Write.Now. opening night in Pasadena, CA.
I will read "Horrible Mention" from Teen Angst? Naaah... (first time reading it live!) and sign books. Stay after the reading to see the work of current Scholastic Art & Writing Award winners. This event is free and open to the public.
when: Saturday, May 7 at 7pm
where: Lineage Dance, 89 S Fair Oaks Ave Pasadena, CA 91105 [map]
more: [Facebook event page]
In other news:
Publishers Weekly on the 2011 LATimes Festival of Books
May 1, 2011
"Things were a little more sober on the YA stage, where panelists Blake Nelson (Recovery Road), Ned Vizzini (It's Kind of a Funny Story) and Lauren Strasnick (Nothing Like You) talked about addiction and madness and memoir and fiction. Fans stood up to say how much the authors had helped them. One shy girl asked her mother to ask Vizzini if he could give her a tidbit from his life that was not already on the Internet. Vizzini said she'd have to ask the question herself. ("Well, I have a cat named Barnabus," he told her. [correction: Barnabas, see below])..." [more]
Barnabas The Cat
photo credit Sabra Embury
At the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, I mentioned Barnabas because he has not made his online debut yet. Now he has. My wife and I picked him up at a shelter in LA on Valentine's Day, 2010 and he has been the best V-Day present ever. I don't want to get too boring waxing how he is the best cat in the world because all cat owners say this, but he is.
I picked his name out when I was reading David Cordingly's authoritative book on pirates, Under the Black Flag :
It mentioned a pirate named "Barnabas." I remarked it would be a good name for a cat. Sabra held me to it. I'm dopey for them both.
Figment in the Field: Ned Vizzini | Figment Blog
Thanks very much to online writer and book-nerd community Figment for posting this short video interview, recorded in Park Slope's Brooklyn Lyceum!
You can hear the coffee grinder quite well at one point. Special thanks to Figment co-founder Jacob Lewis and interviewer Trevor Ingerson.
Art.Write.Now. Opening Night in Southern California
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards helped start my career by giving me "Honorable Mention" in 1996. I'm happy to support the 2010 winners at Art.Write.Now. opening night in Pasadena, CA.
I will read "Horrible Mention" from Teen Angst? Naaah... (first time reading it live!) and sign books. Stay after the reading to see the work of current Scholastic Art & Writing Award winners. This event is free and open to the public.
when: Saturday, May 7 at 7pm
where: Lineage Dance, 89 S Fair Oaks Ave Pasadena, CA 91105 [map]
more: [Facebook event page]
In other news:
Publishers Weekly on the 2011 LATimes Festival of Books
May 1, 2011
"Things were a little more sober on the YA stage, where panelists Blake Nelson (Recovery Road), Ned Vizzini (It's Kind of a Funny Story) and Lauren Strasnick (Nothing Like You) talked about addiction and madness and memoir and fiction. Fans stood up to say how much the authors had helped them. One shy girl asked her mother to ask Vizzini if he could give her a tidbit from his life that was not already on the Internet. Vizzini said she'd have to ask the question herself. ("Well, I have a cat named Barnabus," he told her. [correction: Barnabas, see below])..." [more]
Barnabas The Cat
photo credit Sabra Embury
At the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, I mentioned Barnabas because he has not made his online debut yet. Now he has. My wife and I picked him up at a shelter in LA on Valentine's Day, 2010 and he has been the best V-Day present ever. I don't want to get too boring waxing how he is the best cat in the world because all cat owners say this, but he is.
I picked his name out when I was reading David Cordingly's authoritative book on pirates, Under the Black Flag :
It mentioned a pirate named "Barnabas." I remarked it would be a good name for a cat. Sabra held me to it. I'm dopey for them both.
Figment in the Field: Ned Vizzini | Figment Blog
Thanks very much to online writer and book-nerd community Figment for posting this short video interview, recorded in Park Slope's Brooklyn Lyceum!
You can hear the coffee grinder quite well at one point. Special thanks to Figment co-founder Jacob Lewis and interviewer Trevor Ingerson.
April 25, 2011
Vegetative Hope
It's spring here in Los Angeles, which means the weather is same as always -- gorgeous with occasional extended cold rain. Also, taggers are hitting the cacti again:
Spring is supposed to be a time of rebirth and vegetative hope, so thankfully there are some new things to announce:
Barnes & Noble Teen Writing Workshop -- 4/29/11
From 2005-2010, I had the distinct pleasure of hosting the Barnes & Noble Teen Writing Workshop in Brooklyn. It is now coming to Los Angeles at the Glendale Galleria.
We will focus on a specific writing skill, give out a prompt, write scenes, and share. The best work will be featured on our online literary journal, Give Us Money.
This event is FREE and Barnes & Noble will provide refreshments. Middle & high school students are welcome.
210 Americana Way, Glendale, CA 91210
Friday, April 29, 2011 at 5pm
More info: http://bit.ly/etczbj
Los Angeles Times Festival of Books -- 5/1/11
I'm participating in 2011's LATimes Festival of Books on the panel "Hard Truths: Writing Addiction for Teens".
The panelists will be Blake Nelson, Lauren Strasnick, and myself. A book signing will follow. This event is free and open to the public.
YA Stage, USC Campus, Los Angeles, CA
(note that the festival is at USC, not UCLA as in past years)
Sunday, May 1, 2011 at 1:30 pm
More info: http://bit.ly/iaG2eC
Interview on Confessions of a Bookaholic
Thanks very much to Jessica at Confessions of a Bookaholic for posting this interview about It's Kind of a Funny Story, the books I've been reading, and my new essay in The Girl Who Was on Fire: http://bit.ly/hQ12aA
"GIVEAWAY CONTEST!!! WIN A COPY OF IT'S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY"
Readingjunky's Reading Roost is giving away five copies of It's Kind of a Funny Story to people who fill out a two-question survey about the book. Enter here:
"Talk Therapy May Improve Long-Term Depression"
From my mom. Two facts jumped out at me on this one:
"About 15 million adults in America suffer from major depressive disorder."
Always nice to see this figure get updated.
"As of August 2010... average monthly costs for antidepressants were as low, for example, as $19 for fluoxetine (the generic form of Prozac), $26 for sertraline (Zoloft), and $35 for citalopram (Celexa)."
So for all we hear about expensive drugs, Prozac costs less than your high-speed internet. Is that driving patients to medicate instead of trying therapy (which may be more effective)?
I don't think so. What's really inviting about medication isn't that it's cheap -- it's that it externalizes the problem. I've been on antidepressants. The placebo effect, just from thinking, "I'm doing something about this now," is huge. Perhaps to properly compete with drugs that are newly generified and cheap, therapists will have to lower their rates.
"America's Medicated Kids" on BBC
This programme with Louis Theroux aired in 2010. It was sent to me in its entirety by a reader named Jamie in the UK, who took the time to put it on a flash drive and mail it to my PO box. Thanks Jamie.
The hour-long documentary follows affable Louis Theroux as he enters the homes of American families with kids on psychoactive drugs. They include a hyper six-year-old, a toothy teenage girl, and, most interestingly, a 10-year-old Asperger's sufferer named Hugh who looks like he escaped from The Royal Tennenbaums.
Hugh
The documentary isn't ham-fisted, in part because the doctors come off so well. They don't seem eager to prescribe medications; they seem responsive to the needs of their clients (parents who want their kids fixed quick). Drug companies aren't vilified, nor is the the US compared with the UK at any point (which makes me wonder how medicated England's kids are).
In other words, this documentary didn't go anywhere I expected it to and I really enjoyed it. It introduced me to a hilarious, depressed, detached kid who tells Louis at one point "I don't like my sister, I don't even love my sister" and shoots rubber darts at his window and will probably do just fine when he gets older. Maybe we can get Hugh a copy of Teen Angst? Naaah...; he's old enough for it.
The History of "Take Your Child to Work Day"
Speaking of Teen Angst, this week, on April 28, 2011, "Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Day" will be celebrated throughout America.
Eighteen years ago, the first such day was held. But it was different. It was sponsored by The Ms. Foundation and called "Take Your Daughter to Work Day" (emphasis mine).
In 1994, one year into "Take Your Daughter to Work Day," I became a conscientious objector from junior high school and protested the event as sexist with my friend Ike on the streets of Park Slope. (See "Are We Alternative Now?" in Teen Angst? Naaah... .)
In 2003, "Take Your Daughter to Work Day" was changed to "Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Day."
Any boys who are doing to work this Thursday: you're welcome.
Spring is supposed to be a time of rebirth and vegetative hope, so thankfully there are some new things to announce:
Barnes & Noble Teen Writing Workshop -- 4/29/11
From 2005-2010, I had the distinct pleasure of hosting the Barnes & Noble Teen Writing Workshop in Brooklyn. It is now coming to Los Angeles at the Glendale Galleria.
We will focus on a specific writing skill, give out a prompt, write scenes, and share. The best work will be featured on our online literary journal, Give Us Money.
This event is FREE and Barnes & Noble will provide refreshments. Middle & high school students are welcome.
210 Americana Way, Glendale, CA 91210
Friday, April 29, 2011 at 5pm
More info: http://bit.ly/etczbj
Los Angeles Times Festival of Books -- 5/1/11
I'm participating in 2011's LATimes Festival of Books on the panel "Hard Truths: Writing Addiction for Teens".
The panelists will be Blake Nelson, Lauren Strasnick, and myself. A book signing will follow. This event is free and open to the public.
YA Stage, USC Campus, Los Angeles, CA
(note that the festival is at USC, not UCLA as in past years)
Sunday, May 1, 2011 at 1:30 pm
More info: http://bit.ly/iaG2eC
Interview on Confessions of a Bookaholic
Thanks very much to Jessica at Confessions of a Bookaholic for posting this interview about It's Kind of a Funny Story, the books I've been reading, and my new essay in The Girl Who Was on Fire: http://bit.ly/hQ12aA
"GIVEAWAY CONTEST!!! WIN A COPY OF IT'S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY"
Readingjunky's Reading Roost is giving away five copies of It's Kind of a Funny Story to people who fill out a two-question survey about the book. Enter here:
"Talk Therapy May Improve Long-Term Depression"
From my mom. Two facts jumped out at me on this one:
"About 15 million adults in America suffer from major depressive disorder."
Always nice to see this figure get updated.
"As of August 2010... average monthly costs for antidepressants were as low, for example, as $19 for fluoxetine (the generic form of Prozac), $26 for sertraline (Zoloft), and $35 for citalopram (Celexa)."
So for all we hear about expensive drugs, Prozac costs less than your high-speed internet. Is that driving patients to medicate instead of trying therapy (which may be more effective)?
I don't think so. What's really inviting about medication isn't that it's cheap -- it's that it externalizes the problem. I've been on antidepressants. The placebo effect, just from thinking, "I'm doing something about this now," is huge. Perhaps to properly compete with drugs that are newly generified and cheap, therapists will have to lower their rates.
"America's Medicated Kids" on BBC
This programme with Louis Theroux aired in 2010. It was sent to me in its entirety by a reader named Jamie in the UK, who took the time to put it on a flash drive and mail it to my PO box. Thanks Jamie.
The hour-long documentary follows affable Louis Theroux as he enters the homes of American families with kids on psychoactive drugs. They include a hyper six-year-old, a toothy teenage girl, and, most interestingly, a 10-year-old Asperger's sufferer named Hugh who looks like he escaped from The Royal Tennenbaums.
Hugh
The documentary isn't ham-fisted, in part because the doctors come off so well. They don't seem eager to prescribe medications; they seem responsive to the needs of their clients (parents who want their kids fixed quick). Drug companies aren't vilified, nor is the the US compared with the UK at any point (which makes me wonder how medicated England's kids are).
In other words, this documentary didn't go anywhere I expected it to and I really enjoyed it. It introduced me to a hilarious, depressed, detached kid who tells Louis at one point "I don't like my sister, I don't even love my sister" and shoots rubber darts at his window and will probably do just fine when he gets older. Maybe we can get Hugh a copy of Teen Angst? Naaah...; he's old enough for it.
The History of "Take Your Child to Work Day"
Speaking of Teen Angst, this week, on April 28, 2011, "Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Day" will be celebrated throughout America.
Eighteen years ago, the first such day was held. But it was different. It was sponsored by The Ms. Foundation and called "Take Your Daughter to Work Day" (emphasis mine).
In 1994, one year into "Take Your Daughter to Work Day," I became a conscientious objector from junior high school and protested the event as sexist with my friend Ike on the streets of Park Slope. (See "Are We Alternative Now?" in Teen Angst? Naaah... .)
In 2003, "Take Your Daughter to Work Day" was changed to "Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Day."
Any boys who are doing to work this Thursday: you're welcome.
April 2, 2011
Keyano College + The Girl Who Was on Fire
Thanks again to everyone in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada, who made my Keyano College Global Speaker Series talk so successful.
Keyano College is a great place and their Facebook page has 820 "likes" as of this writing so please visit it and try to make it 1000:
[image error]
Also, The Girl Who Was on Fire is now in stores:
I contributed an essay to this anthology about The Hunger Games. As it turns out, I am the only male contributor. Some good reviews are cropping up, including this one from Confessions of a Bookaholic, which keeps it simple:
"If you enjoyed The Hunger Games series, and would like to see how authors feel about the story, you gotta read this book." [more]
Thanks!
Keyano College is a great place and their Facebook page has 820 "likes" as of this writing so please visit it and try to make it 1000:
[image error]
Also, The Girl Who Was on Fire is now in stores:
I contributed an essay to this anthology about The Hunger Games. As it turns out, I am the only male contributor. Some good reviews are cropping up, including this one from Confessions of a Bookaholic, which keeps it simple:
"If you enjoyed The Hunger Games series, and would like to see how authors feel about the story, you gotta read this book." [more]
Thanks!
East Coast Events + Keyano College + The Girl Who Was on Fire
I have a few events on the East Coast this week:
Saturday, 4/2/11, 1:45pm: Empire State Book Festival
I am appearing on the "Fiction 2 Film" panel at the Empire State Book Festival on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at 1:45 pm. The book festival will take place in Albany, NY and the panel is in Meeting Room 4.
Following the panel, at 2:45pm, I will sign and sell books at a "Meet & Greet" just outside the Bookstore.
"Fiction 2 Film" focuses on young adult books that have been turned into films. Joining me will be
* Rachel Cohn, co-author of Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (film released 2008)
* Jarrett J. Krosoczka, author of Lunch Lady (film in development)
Empire State Plaza Convention Center, Meeting Room 4, Albany, NY 12230 [more info]
Wednesday, 4/6/11, 12:00pm: "Lunch with the Author" at Crossroads
In October 2010, I spoke at Passages Academy in Brooklyn, a school serving students in the juvenile justice system. I'm excited to return to Brooklyn to speak at Crossroads, another school in the system.
This event will not be open to the public. I will have lunch with students and answer questions about my books. I'll also be signing books. Thanks to Crossroads for having me!
17 Bristol St., Brooklyn, NY 11212
Thursday, 4/7/11, 4:30pm: "Meet the Authors" dinner at Wallkill Senior High School
In anticipation of my visit to Wallkill Senior High School the following day, I will be having dinner with invited school guests on Thursday, April 7.
NuCavu Restaurant, 857 Plains Road Wallkill, NY 12589
Friday, 4/8/11, 8:30am: Authors' Day at Wallkill Senior High School
As part of "Author's Day" at Wallkill Senior High School, I will present three sessions of my acclaimed workshop "From Personal to Published" to students interested in creative writing as a career.
Other authors participating in Author's Day include:
* Da Chen
* Iza Trapani
* Amy Axelrod
This event is only open to Wallkill students.
Wallkill Senior High School, 90 Robinson Street, Wallkill, NY 12589-3149 [more info]
Also, thanks again to everyone in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada, who made my Keyano College Global Speaker Series talk so successful.
Keyano College is a great place and their Facebook page has 820 "likes" as of this writing so please visit it and try to make it 1000:
[image error]
And finally, The Girl Who Was on Fire is now in stores:
I contributed an essay to this anthology about The Hunger Games. As it turns out, I am the only male contributor. Some good reviews are cropping up, including this one from Confessions of a Bookaholic, which keeps it simple:
"If you enjoyed The Hunger Games series, and would like to see how authors feel about the story, you gotta read this book." [more]
Thanks!
Saturday, 4/2/11, 1:45pm: Empire State Book Festival
I am appearing on the "Fiction 2 Film" panel at the Empire State Book Festival on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at 1:45 pm. The book festival will take place in Albany, NY and the panel is in Meeting Room 4.
Following the panel, at 2:45pm, I will sign and sell books at a "Meet & Greet" just outside the Bookstore.
"Fiction 2 Film" focuses on young adult books that have been turned into films. Joining me will be
* Rachel Cohn, co-author of Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (film released 2008)
* Jarrett J. Krosoczka, author of Lunch Lady (film in development)
Empire State Plaza Convention Center, Meeting Room 4, Albany, NY 12230 [more info]
Wednesday, 4/6/11, 12:00pm: "Lunch with the Author" at Crossroads
In October 2010, I spoke at Passages Academy in Brooklyn, a school serving students in the juvenile justice system. I'm excited to return to Brooklyn to speak at Crossroads, another school in the system.
This event will not be open to the public. I will have lunch with students and answer questions about my books. I'll also be signing books. Thanks to Crossroads for having me!
17 Bristol St., Brooklyn, NY 11212
Thursday, 4/7/11, 4:30pm: "Meet the Authors" dinner at Wallkill Senior High School
In anticipation of my visit to Wallkill Senior High School the following day, I will be having dinner with invited school guests on Thursday, April 7.
NuCavu Restaurant, 857 Plains Road Wallkill, NY 12589
Friday, 4/8/11, 8:30am: Authors' Day at Wallkill Senior High School
As part of "Author's Day" at Wallkill Senior High School, I will present three sessions of my acclaimed workshop "From Personal to Published" to students interested in creative writing as a career.
Other authors participating in Author's Day include:
* Da Chen
* Iza Trapani
* Amy Axelrod
This event is only open to Wallkill students.
Wallkill Senior High School, 90 Robinson Street, Wallkill, NY 12589-3149 [more info]
Also, thanks again to everyone in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada, who made my Keyano College Global Speaker Series talk so successful.
Keyano College is a great place and their Facebook page has 820 "likes" as of this writing so please visit it and try to make it 1000:
[image error]
And finally, The Girl Who Was on Fire is now in stores:
I contributed an essay to this anthology about The Hunger Games. As it turns out, I am the only male contributor. Some good reviews are cropping up, including this one from Confessions of a Bookaholic, which keeps it simple:
"If you enjoyed The Hunger Games series, and would like to see how authors feel about the story, you gotta read this book." [more]
Thanks!
March 20, 2011
It's Kind of a Funny Story Eventful Program Tour + Returning to B&N Park Slope
Back in 2010, Focus Features sponsored a contest with Eventful to bring me to high schools across America. I am now preparing to visit the winning schools from March 21 - March 25, 2011 in the "It's Kind of a Funny Story Eventful Program Tour":
Monday, 3/21/11, 4:00 pm: Lassiter High School
My first stop will be Marietta, GA. On Monday, March 21 at 4:00 pm, I will speak at the Mountain View Community Center to students from Lassiter High School.
I will present my "How Not to Go Crazy in High School" talk about writing, mental health, and the real story behind It's Kind of a Funny Story.
3400 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta, GA 30066 [more info]
Tuesday, 3/22/11, 12:13 pm: Utica High School
My second stop will be Utica, MI. On Tuesday, March 21 at 12:13 pm, I will speak to students at Utica High School.
I will present my "How Not to Go Crazy in High School" talk about writing, mental health, and the real story behind It's Kind of a Funny Story.
Following the talk, I will take Q&A about how to get your writing published with some tips from my "From Personal to Published" presentation.
47255 Shelby Road, Utica, MI 48317 [more info]
Thursday, 3/24/11, 12:00 pm: Bayonne High School
My third stop will be Bayonne, NJ. On Thursday, March 24 at 12:00 pm, I will speak to students at Bayonne High School.
I will present my "How Not to Go Crazy in High School" talk about writing, mental health, and the real story behind It's Kind of a Funny Story.
Following the talk, I will take Q&A about how to get your writing published with some tips from my "From Personal to Published" presentation.
669 Avenue A, Bayonne, NJ 07002 [more info]
Friday, 3/25/11, 3:00 pm: Fort Myers High School
[image error]
My final stop will be Fort Myers, FL. On Friday, March 25 at 3:00 pm, I will speak to students at Fort Myers High School.
I will present my "How Not to Go Crazy in High School" talk about writing, mental health, and the real story behind It's Kind of a Funny Story.
2635 Cortez Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL 33901 [more info] [Facebook event listing]
Please note: I will be signing at all of these events. If you have a book of mine that you want me to sign, please bring it. I am working to ensure that books are available for sale at the events but I can't guarantee it.
Also note: These events are not open to the public; they are only open to students!
Once the Eventful Program Tour is over, I am traveling to New York, where I will lead a session of the Barnes & Noble Teen Writing Workshop:
Friday, 4/1/11, 5:00 pm: Returning to Barnes & Noble Park Slope!
Since I moved to Los Angeles in 2010, one of the things I've missed the most is working with students at the Barnes & Noble Teen Writing Workshop in Park Slope.
I am starting a California chapter of the workshop, but in the meantime I'm happy to announce that I will be returning to Brooklyn for a special session of the Park Slope Workshop on Friday, April 1 at 5pm. (No, it's not an April Fool's joke!)
I look forward to seeing everyone who can make it from our old workshops, which ran 2005-2010. New guests are welcome as well!
267 7th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215 [more info]
Please note, too, that Give Us Money , the online journal of the Barnes & Noble Teen Writing Workshop, has been revamped and has a new story by student Christina McCarthy:
"Thumbs Down, Bro"
Thanks and I look forward to seeing people at the events! I will post pictures as they become available and will also announce more events in April.
Monday, 3/21/11, 4:00 pm: Lassiter High School
My first stop will be Marietta, GA. On Monday, March 21 at 4:00 pm, I will speak at the Mountain View Community Center to students from Lassiter High School.
I will present my "How Not to Go Crazy in High School" talk about writing, mental health, and the real story behind It's Kind of a Funny Story.
3400 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta, GA 30066 [more info]
Tuesday, 3/22/11, 12:13 pm: Utica High School
My second stop will be Utica, MI. On Tuesday, March 21 at 12:13 pm, I will speak to students at Utica High School.
I will present my "How Not to Go Crazy in High School" talk about writing, mental health, and the real story behind It's Kind of a Funny Story.
Following the talk, I will take Q&A about how to get your writing published with some tips from my "From Personal to Published" presentation.
47255 Shelby Road, Utica, MI 48317 [more info]
Thursday, 3/24/11, 12:00 pm: Bayonne High School
My third stop will be Bayonne, NJ. On Thursday, March 24 at 12:00 pm, I will speak to students at Bayonne High School.
I will present my "How Not to Go Crazy in High School" talk about writing, mental health, and the real story behind It's Kind of a Funny Story.
Following the talk, I will take Q&A about how to get your writing published with some tips from my "From Personal to Published" presentation.
669 Avenue A, Bayonne, NJ 07002 [more info]
Friday, 3/25/11, 3:00 pm: Fort Myers High School
[image error]
My final stop will be Fort Myers, FL. On Friday, March 25 at 3:00 pm, I will speak to students at Fort Myers High School.
I will present my "How Not to Go Crazy in High School" talk about writing, mental health, and the real story behind It's Kind of a Funny Story.
2635 Cortez Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL 33901 [more info] [Facebook event listing]
Please note: I will be signing at all of these events. If you have a book of mine that you want me to sign, please bring it. I am working to ensure that books are available for sale at the events but I can't guarantee it.
Also note: These events are not open to the public; they are only open to students!
Once the Eventful Program Tour is over, I am traveling to New York, where I will lead a session of the Barnes & Noble Teen Writing Workshop:
Friday, 4/1/11, 5:00 pm: Returning to Barnes & Noble Park Slope!
Since I moved to Los Angeles in 2010, one of the things I've missed the most is working with students at the Barnes & Noble Teen Writing Workshop in Park Slope.
I am starting a California chapter of the workshop, but in the meantime I'm happy to announce that I will be returning to Brooklyn for a special session of the Park Slope Workshop on Friday, April 1 at 5pm. (No, it's not an April Fool's joke!)
I look forward to seeing everyone who can make it from our old workshops, which ran 2005-2010. New guests are welcome as well!
267 7th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215 [more info]
Please note, too, that Give Us Money , the online journal of the Barnes & Noble Teen Writing Workshop, has been revamped and has a new story by student Christina McCarthy:
"Thumbs Down, Bro"
Thanks and I look forward to seeing people at the events! I will post pictures as they become available and will also announce more events in April.
March 15, 2011
My Next Book Will Be Published in Fall 2012 -- What Should I Call It?
Urgent! If you get a chance to vote in this poll before midnight, March 16th, 2011, you will seriously influence the title of my next book!
View Poll: Title for Ned's Next Book
I'm not going to explain what the book is about, just pick the title that sounds best to you without knowing.
Note: this poll is only open to LiveJournal members. If you are not a LiveJournal member, you can comment below as to which title you like best. I will count your comment as a vote. Thanks!
View Poll: Title for Ned's Next Book
I'm not going to explain what the book is about, just pick the title that sounds best to you without knowing.
Note: this poll is only open to LiveJournal members. If you are not a LiveJournal member, you can comment below as to which title you like best. I will count your comment as a vote. Thanks!
February 16, 2011
It's Kind of a Funny Story DVD T-Shirt Contest
I'm going to keep this one really simple. It's Kind of a Funny Story is now available on DVD (and BluRay!).
If you buy the DVD/BluRay and reply to this entry with a picture of yourself holding it, or with it in your possession, like this (from Facebook) --
-- you will be entered to win one of these Funny Story t-shirts:
That's it! (Back of the shirt is plain white.)
To enter, just comment on this blog entry with a picture (or link to a picture) of the DVD/BluRay in your possession. I will cover shipping and send the T-shirt to you in your requested size (if available) in March.
Thanks!
If you buy the DVD/BluRay and reply to this entry with a picture of yourself holding it, or with it in your possession, like this (from Facebook) --
-- you will be entered to win one of these Funny Story t-shirts:
That's it! (Back of the shirt is plain white.)
To enter, just comment on this blog entry with a picture (or link to a picture) of the DVD/BluRay in your possession. I will cover shipping and send the T-shirt to you in your requested size (if available) in March.
Thanks!
February 4, 2011
Boy, Interrupted + Links + Upoming Events in Los Angeles, San Jose, Chicago
Some critics who have issues with
It's Kind of a Funny Story
peg it as "Boy, Interrupted", but there is actually a movie called Boy Interrupted, an HBO documentary about the life of Evan Scott Perry, who jumped out a window when he was 15.
This is a devastating and important film for one particular group of people: teenagers who want to kill themselves. Watch it, guys. You might be a little tired of meeting experts and getting told by counselors what your problems are. It's helpful to see them from the outside.
Evan Scott Perry started talking about suicide at age five. In the middle of the film, at age nine (his family took a lot of video), he sits with a guitar and sings about wanting to kill himself in a way that makes me think he could have made his bones as a musician. The film spends a lot of time with his family -- mother, father, grandmother, step-brother, girlfriend of his paternal uncle who killed himself -- and if you ever needed a reason to stick around on this planet, you can watch Evan's mom choke out lines like:
"I can't believe that I gave birth to this boy and buried him."
Jeez. It's not even nine in the morning. I'm going to need extra coffee.
At the end of the film there's footage of Evan's funeral. When his mother realizes that they didn't dig a hole for her son's ashes (he's going to be interred next to his uncle who killed himself), she tries to laugh it off, and you see on her face the rictus of madness. Evan, I know you had problems but it's too bad you had to put your mom through that. Good inoculation: a movie about suicide without any of the romance that the suicidal brain infects itself with.
Links
Tall Tales, Big Words and Gator-Wrestling... It's Swamplandia!
A review I wrote for The L Magazine of Karen Russell's debut novel. The upshot: "In her florid descriptions, Russell, a Miami native, succeeds; with her precocious teen narrators she has more trouble."
Webquest for It's Kind of a Funny Story
Thanks to Arizona State University for setting up a Webquest for the book and film. A webquest is a page that anyone can edit, like a wiki, focused on teaching strategies. This one currently has reviews, reflections, interviews and suggested pre- and post-reading activities for teachers.
Upcoming Events
With It's Kind of a Funny Story coming to DVD this month (and somehow more popular now on IMdB than it ever was in theatrical release), I'm doing some events around the county. I hope to see you at one of them:
2/8/11 - Speaking at UCLA's NRB Auditorium
I'm honored to be speaking at UCLA. I will deliver my keynote speech "How Not to Go Crazy in College", detailing the story behind It's Kind of a Funny Story.
Following the talk I will take questions about writing and mental health with Dr. Bowen Chung, who will answer questions about medical help.
I will also sign books and copies of my books will be available for purchase.
This event is free and open to the public but it does require registration. Please register here, thanks!
When: Tuesday, February 8th, 2011
What time: 7pm
Where: UCLA NRB Auditorium, 635 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90024
2/12/11 - Reading & Teen Book Swap at Hicklebee's
Hicklebee's is the legendary bookstore in San Jose where authors sign the walls and leave something behind for the "museum." J.K. Rowling read here to around 20 people to celebrate the publication of the first Harry Potter book. Suzanne Collins is also a recent visitor.
I will read from It's Kind of a Funny Story and take questions about the book and film, writing, and mental health. Then I will sign books.
This will be followed by a "Teen Book Swap" where attendees can trade books that they bring to Hickelebee's. This event is free and open to the public! More info here.
When: Saturday, February 12th, 2011
What time: 6pm
Where: Hicklebee's 1378 Lincoln Ave. San Jose, CA 95125
2/17/11 - Chicago Public Library: Albany Park Branch
I'm coming to the Albany Park Branch of the Chicago Public Library, where I will read from It's Kind of a Funny Story, sign books, and discuss the book, film, and my life and favorite authors.
This will be a great evening for teens, parents and educators. It is free and open to the public for everyone in the Chicago area but registration is required. To register, please call (312) 744-1933.
Check here for more details.
When: Thursday, February 12th, 2011
What time: 5:30pm
Where: 5150 N. Kimball Ave., Chicago, IL 60625
This is a devastating and important film for one particular group of people: teenagers who want to kill themselves. Watch it, guys. You might be a little tired of meeting experts and getting told by counselors what your problems are. It's helpful to see them from the outside.
Evan Scott Perry started talking about suicide at age five. In the middle of the film, at age nine (his family took a lot of video), he sits with a guitar and sings about wanting to kill himself in a way that makes me think he could have made his bones as a musician. The film spends a lot of time with his family -- mother, father, grandmother, step-brother, girlfriend of his paternal uncle who killed himself -- and if you ever needed a reason to stick around on this planet, you can watch Evan's mom choke out lines like:
"I can't believe that I gave birth to this boy and buried him."
Jeez. It's not even nine in the morning. I'm going to need extra coffee.
At the end of the film there's footage of Evan's funeral. When his mother realizes that they didn't dig a hole for her son's ashes (he's going to be interred next to his uncle who killed himself), she tries to laugh it off, and you see on her face the rictus of madness. Evan, I know you had problems but it's too bad you had to put your mom through that. Good inoculation: a movie about suicide without any of the romance that the suicidal brain infects itself with.
Links
Tall Tales, Big Words and Gator-Wrestling... It's Swamplandia!
A review I wrote for The L Magazine of Karen Russell's debut novel. The upshot: "In her florid descriptions, Russell, a Miami native, succeeds; with her precocious teen narrators she has more trouble."
Webquest for It's Kind of a Funny Story
Thanks to Arizona State University for setting up a Webquest for the book and film. A webquest is a page that anyone can edit, like a wiki, focused on teaching strategies. This one currently has reviews, reflections, interviews and suggested pre- and post-reading activities for teachers.
Upcoming Events
With It's Kind of a Funny Story coming to DVD this month (and somehow more popular now on IMdB than it ever was in theatrical release), I'm doing some events around the county. I hope to see you at one of them:
2/8/11 - Speaking at UCLA's NRB Auditorium
I'm honored to be speaking at UCLA. I will deliver my keynote speech "How Not to Go Crazy in College", detailing the story behind It's Kind of a Funny Story.
Following the talk I will take questions about writing and mental health with Dr. Bowen Chung, who will answer questions about medical help.
I will also sign books and copies of my books will be available for purchase.
This event is free and open to the public but it does require registration. Please register here, thanks!
When: Tuesday, February 8th, 2011
What time: 7pm
Where: UCLA NRB Auditorium, 635 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90024
2/12/11 - Reading & Teen Book Swap at Hicklebee's
Hicklebee's is the legendary bookstore in San Jose where authors sign the walls and leave something behind for the "museum." J.K. Rowling read here to around 20 people to celebrate the publication of the first Harry Potter book. Suzanne Collins is also a recent visitor.
I will read from It's Kind of a Funny Story and take questions about the book and film, writing, and mental health. Then I will sign books.
This will be followed by a "Teen Book Swap" where attendees can trade books that they bring to Hickelebee's. This event is free and open to the public! More info here.
When: Saturday, February 12th, 2011
What time: 6pm
Where: Hicklebee's 1378 Lincoln Ave. San Jose, CA 95125
2/17/11 - Chicago Public Library: Albany Park Branch
I'm coming to the Albany Park Branch of the Chicago Public Library, where I will read from It's Kind of a Funny Story, sign books, and discuss the book, film, and my life and favorite authors.
This will be a great evening for teens, parents and educators. It is free and open to the public for everyone in the Chicago area but registration is required. To register, please call (312) 744-1933.
Check here for more details.
When: Thursday, February 12th, 2011
What time: 5:30pm
Where: 5150 N. Kimball Ave., Chicago, IL 60625
January 31, 2011
Field Trip to a Goth Party
Not a lot of subcultures have definite birthdays, but goth does: February 27, 1981, when an article entitled "The Face Of Punk Gothique" was published Sounds, the UK music paper.
"This is Brussells and if you avoid the sex shop neon of the shopping arcades you'll discover a city as lifeless as a month old leg of lamb. The few people you may see wandering about have a glassy-eyed zombie-like appearance and it's only the apparent lack of gaping crimson wounds that assures you haven't waltzed unsuspecting onto the set of a new George A Romero fear fest." [more]
I was never too into goth, although I found the goth kids in my high school both refreshingly accepting of social outcasts and less likely than other groups to brag about sex they weren't having. (If they bragged about sex, generally, they were having it.) But as it turns 30, I'm really impressed by goth's resilience: here in Los Angeles there are goth parties held every weekend at places like Bar Sinister and Club Monte Cristo.
A month ago I went to one, hosted by La Carmina, Japan Goth fashion blogger and writer --
[image error]
-- and Sebastiano Serafini, model:
.
I met La Carmina ago through Marty Beckerman (as always, PARENTAL ADVISORY on all Marty Beckerman links). When she told me about the party I thought it would be a good reason to shave my beard. My wife got into my goth look too, though, and brought it to an entirely new level with Shiseido Perfect Mascara. (I never knew that you put mascara on your lower eyelashes.)
Before
After
I went off to the party. For tonight, I wasn't going to be Ned Vizzini, I was going to be "Ned Edison" (the name I used to use when I played psychedelic metal band):
[circa 1999]
When I arrived at Bar Sinister, the first thing I noticed was the huge line in front, which included a guy with bright green hair. Goths are very polite about waiting in line. I didn't know any of them would have green hair. Luckily it took me so long to park that by the time I came around, the line was gone. I paid and entered.
Inside (Bar Sinister looked like a vampire boudoir), no one was taking pictures. One of the things you pay for when you go to these parties is the comfort of not having anyone take your picture, which goes hand in hand with the comfort of being surrounded by people dressed like you. Luckily La Carmina was authorized to take photos:
There were a few people who decided to wear normal clothes. I felt bad for them; they walked around like people who "don't care" about Halloween but secretly know they're missing out.
I went upstairs, where there was a large metal crucifix that you could get whipped on:
I sat and watched some curious people get whipped by Bar Sinister's "master whipper", who seems to have a great job but could be dissatisfied, you never know. He looked like a maître d' but instead of seating people he twirled flails theatrically in between lashes and arched his eyebrows.
A man sat next to me with a nose ring, tribal earrings, and a close-cropped gelled mohawk. The woman in front of us was getting whipped in a straitjacket (how had I not seen that in a movie before?) but this guy was distracted by something in his lap. I looked over he had his iPhone out:
Some random notes from the party:
"normal"-dressed man throws drunken punch at dark-clad bouncers, carried off after younger women try to intervene, making obscene gestures
band Julien-K plays "Surrounded by Cowards"... good song!
no sugar-free red bull? What do goths drink
a lot of bald guys in black coats with janging chains
"did you see that b____ try to put her hair in my drink?"
shirt: "DANCE F___ FIGHT KILL"
dancer dancing with Slash-like top hat -- keep the hat on, it's sexier!
With the exception of the people who wore normal clothes, not a single person at the Bar Sinister Hollywood Goth Party looked uncomfortable. That's probably why goth is as old as I am and doesn't show signs of slowing down. More than anything else it felt like the Magic tournaments I used to go to, where once you got in the door, you were surrounded by people as damaged as you and nobody would give you any problems.
Unfortunately, the absinthe served at the goth party proved detrimental to La Carmina and Sebastiano Serafini. I'm not sure if they've recovered:
Frankly I'm not sure if I have either:
"This is Brussells and if you avoid the sex shop neon of the shopping arcades you'll discover a city as lifeless as a month old leg of lamb. The few people you may see wandering about have a glassy-eyed zombie-like appearance and it's only the apparent lack of gaping crimson wounds that assures you haven't waltzed unsuspecting onto the set of a new George A Romero fear fest." [more]
I was never too into goth, although I found the goth kids in my high school both refreshingly accepting of social outcasts and less likely than other groups to brag about sex they weren't having. (If they bragged about sex, generally, they were having it.) But as it turns 30, I'm really impressed by goth's resilience: here in Los Angeles there are goth parties held every weekend at places like Bar Sinister and Club Monte Cristo.
A month ago I went to one, hosted by La Carmina, Japan Goth fashion blogger and writer --
[image error]
-- and Sebastiano Serafini, model:
.I met La Carmina ago through Marty Beckerman (as always, PARENTAL ADVISORY on all Marty Beckerman links). When she told me about the party I thought it would be a good reason to shave my beard. My wife got into my goth look too, though, and brought it to an entirely new level with Shiseido Perfect Mascara. (I never knew that you put mascara on your lower eyelashes.)
Before
After
I went off to the party. For tonight, I wasn't going to be Ned Vizzini, I was going to be "Ned Edison" (the name I used to use when I played psychedelic metal band):
[circa 1999]
When I arrived at Bar Sinister, the first thing I noticed was the huge line in front, which included a guy with bright green hair. Goths are very polite about waiting in line. I didn't know any of them would have green hair. Luckily it took me so long to park that by the time I came around, the line was gone. I paid and entered.
Inside (Bar Sinister looked like a vampire boudoir), no one was taking pictures. One of the things you pay for when you go to these parties is the comfort of not having anyone take your picture, which goes hand in hand with the comfort of being surrounded by people dressed like you. Luckily La Carmina was authorized to take photos:
There were a few people who decided to wear normal clothes. I felt bad for them; they walked around like people who "don't care" about Halloween but secretly know they're missing out.
I went upstairs, where there was a large metal crucifix that you could get whipped on:
I sat and watched some curious people get whipped by Bar Sinister's "master whipper", who seems to have a great job but could be dissatisfied, you never know. He looked like a maître d' but instead of seating people he twirled flails theatrically in between lashes and arched his eyebrows.
A man sat next to me with a nose ring, tribal earrings, and a close-cropped gelled mohawk. The woman in front of us was getting whipped in a straitjacket (how had I not seen that in a movie before?) but this guy was distracted by something in his lap. I looked over he had his iPhone out:
Some random notes from the party:
"normal"-dressed man throws drunken punch at dark-clad bouncers, carried off after younger women try to intervene, making obscene gestures
band Julien-K plays "Surrounded by Cowards"... good song!
no sugar-free red bull? What do goths drink
a lot of bald guys in black coats with janging chains
"did you see that b____ try to put her hair in my drink?"
shirt: "DANCE F___ FIGHT KILL"
dancer dancing with Slash-like top hat -- keep the hat on, it's sexier!
With the exception of the people who wore normal clothes, not a single person at the Bar Sinister Hollywood Goth Party looked uncomfortable. That's probably why goth is as old as I am and doesn't show signs of slowing down. More than anything else it felt like the Magic tournaments I used to go to, where once you got in the door, you were surrounded by people as damaged as you and nobody would give you any problems.
Unfortunately, the absinthe served at the goth party proved detrimental to La Carmina and Sebastiano Serafini. I'm not sure if they've recovered:
Frankly I'm not sure if I have either:
Ned Vizzini's Blog
- Ned Vizzini's profile
- 3005 followers
Ned Vizzini isn't a Goodreads Author
(yet),
but they
do have a blog,
so here are some recent posts imported from
their feed.
