Sarah Ockler's Blog, page 20
April 14, 2009
Workspace Show & Tell: First Vlog Ever
Sharon at Seven Book Babes talked me into doing a guest video post with only a few threats of violence. She’s learning to be nice, and I’m learning how to talk in front of a camera with smaller doses of rambling, stuttering, lisping, and fidgeting. Enjoy!
Posted in books, Buffalo, home, writing
April 12, 2009
Amazon Fails with Gay “Book Burning” B.S.
Monster-sized online book retailer Amazon.com is “burning” books, stripping from sales rankings and search results books featuring homosexual characters and themes, feminism, help for rape and suicide prevention, and any other books with content Amazon now deems “adult.” Even books written specifically for or about young adults and children — including kids’ picture books — aren’t immune from AMAZONFAIL!
Since when does gay automatically = adult content? Since never, in my book, but thanks to Ama
April 7, 2009
Survey & Book Store Gift Card Winner!
Thanks to all of you who participated in the Connecting with YA Authors Online survey! With 246 responses, you guys have given us lots to think about! Your feedback will directly help me and other young adult authors develop our sites and social network pages to best meet reader needs.
The most surprising finding? Two things, actually:
Most of you aren’t that interested in downloading extras like wallpaper, flair, screen savers or other book-related glitz.More than half of you (53%) would prefer tApril 6, 2009
Reader’s Choice Potluck Blog
I recently asked readers for blog topic suggestions via my Facebook and Twitter status. Some might call this the lazy blogger’s way, but to them I say, *yawn* *stretch* *shrug* pass me the white cheddar popcorn? I’m gonna need some coffee, too. Thaaanks!
Lazy blogger? No way. I’m just connecting with my people. Taking part in the ongoing discussion. Good Internet citizenry, customer service, solutions not problems, readers know best and all. Dig?
So, the people have spoken, and after filtering out
April 3, 2009
Sydney Salter’s Character Debut Party
I’m super excited today to party with Sydney Salter! Not only is she a fellow 2009 Deb, she’s also my agent sister, and I’ve been looking forward to her book since I first signed with my agent back in June 2007! Plus, do you see that adorable cover?! I’m totally judging the book by it and I’m not ashamed to say it, either! Yay!
About MY BIG NOSE & OTHER NATURAL DISASTERS
Seventeen-year-old Jory Michaels wakes up on the first day of summer vacation with her same old big nose, no passion in her life
April 1, 2009
Josh Berk Update (Hint: Date!)
Okay, I can only let people think I’m crazy for so long, even in the name of spirited author BFF mischief! Now that everyone thinks I’m an extremist militant vegan whack job with enough free time on my hands to stage a blog battle against free speech and a full-scale (albeit largely unsupported) protest against the sweet, unsuspecting, MC-Hammer-underpants-wearing1 debut author Josh Berk…
APRIL FOOLS!
Judging from the intense commentary here and on Josh’s various Web sites, this one was even more
March 31, 2009
Josh Berk’s Book Supports Animal Cruelty: Urgent Petition
I’ve got a beef with fellow YA author, Josh Berk, and readers, I need your help.
Some of you know that I’m vegetarian. That means I don’t eat any meat, chicken, or fish1, and I don’t support the cruel practices of factory farms and most other modern food production facilities. It’s not something I generally evangelize, because to me, eating is like religion and sexual orientation and lots of other things that should be grouped into the broad category of “don’t you worry ’bout what I be doin’.” Bu
Cynthea Liu’s Character Debut Party
Today we’re partying with Cynthea Liu, prolific author, bunny-lover, and the multitasking site guru / creator / manager / powerhouse mama for AuthorsNow!
About THE GREAT CALL OF CHINA
Chinese-born Cece was adopted when she was two years old by her American parents. Living in Texas, she’s bored of her ho-hum high school and dull job. So when she learns about the S.A.S.S. program to Xi’an, China, she jumps at the chance. She’ll be able to learn about her passion—anthropology—and it will give her the
March 30, 2009
Awards & Updates
Guess what? I’m now officially an award-winning author! Awards! Me! I know, right? My book isn’t even out yet! Doesn’t matter. Thanks to Yan at Books By Their Cover, I’m worthy. She’s bestowed upon me the highly coveted… Zombie Chicken Award!
Zombie Chicken Award
The blogger who receives this award believes in the Tao of the zombie chicken - excellence, grace and persistence in all situations, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. These amazing bloggers regularly produce content so remarkable
March 29, 2009
Erin Dionne’s Character Debut Party
Welcome, Erin Dionne! I hope you brought chocolate cookies. Because if Celeste isn’t going to eat them, well… hello, cookies, where have you been all my life?
About MODELS DON’T EAT CHOCOLATE COOKIES
Thirteen-year-old Celeste Harris is no string bean, but comfy sweatpants and a daily chocolate cookie suit her just fine. Her under-the-radar lifestyle could have continued too, if her aunt hadn’t entered her in the HuskyPeach Modeling Challenge. To get out of it, she’s forced to launch Operation Ski
