Heidi R. Kling's Blog: Witch's Brew (Spellspinners 1) Launched!, page 40
May 29, 2011
What I Bought and How I Lied
Okay, I didn't really LIE, but I did feel like a bit of an infiltrator perusing the grown-up book section of my local indie store where I usually only shop YA (for me), MG (for Boy) and PB's (for Little Miss).
But today was Boy and Mom day, so after we spent a couple hours in this crafty pick your own over-priced but worth it to spend together time ceramic and hand painted a giant dragon (Boy) and a blue with yellow polka dots pasta boy (me), we ended up where we always end up: at the bookstore.
Boy bee-lined to the Wimpy Kid books, and I had one book in particular I was after. THE PEACH KEEPER. Amazon recommended it to me after I searched A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES (which, incidentally I bought at the same indie, but needed a "If you like this you may like this" recommendation, which is where THE PEACH KEEPER popped up.
I fell hard for this charming cover. Who wouldn't want this on their night stand? I've heard wonderful things about the author and Twitter concurred that yes, good author, good Book. (When in doubt always ask Twitter.)
Twitter also told me I must read THE HELP and the NPR quote on the front agrees, so a paperback version of that came home, too, along with a paperback copy of my own pick (no Amazon or Twitter help here) one that I've wanted a long time, even before it started winning awards like a mad dog, which is, A VISIT FROM THE GOON SQUAD by Pulitzer Prize winner Jennifer Egan.
Incidentally, this summer read celebrates its year anniversary June 10 and was happy to see copies in the store for summer reading lists.
What are you reading this summer?
[image error]
May 28, 2011
U-Pick 'Um berries on the beach.
Two ripe and juicy...
U-Pick 'Um berries on the beach.
Two ripe and juicy baskets full later? Yum.
For Bay Area peeps: head South on Highway 1 from S.F. toward Santa Cruz. The farm is on your right near Ano Nuevo-home of the Elephant Seals.
Today is opening day, so berries are a plenty! Dress warmly, cool breeze off coast.
May 27, 2011
"If donors and policymakers are serious about reducing child mortality rates, then providing..."
-
Dr. Isabelle Defourny, MSF program manager for Niger.
Read the full press release on the impact of highly nutritious supplemental food here.
(via doctorswithoutborders)
On Persistence & Patience
I'm not one to dish out a whole lot of writing or publishing advice. Every experience is different, each of our struggles unique. But once in awhile I'm inspired into thinking I have something relevant to say to the newest among us. So, this morning after I received a terrific morning pep-talk from a writer buddy, and a writer on my SCBWI thread asked for advice on persistence and patience, I gave her my two-cents.
This was my reply.
The general rule of thumb among the published authors I know (because it's not easier once you're published) is work on the next thing while whatever you have completed is on submission. The worse thing you can do is take a break and wait on editors/agents etc. Publishing is one of the slowest careers on the planet.
It takes forever to write. It takes even longer to wait on
rejections/acceptances. It's like getting a PhD in patience.
I haven't mastered any of it, for me it's a day to day process, but I find
keeping myself open to new opportunities—YA taking too long? Try a MG—waiting to hear back on series? Well, maybe accept that invitation to lunch or for that short-story anthology— is the way I afloat in this zany game. Reaching out to other authors for ideas and tips is a huge way to stay in touch and inspired as well. Lean on each other, don't be afraid to admit you're struggling and keep inching forward bit by bit.
May 24, 2011
Not at all upset by this casting choice.
In fact, I think...
Not at all upset by this casting choice.
In fact, I think it's pretty inspired.
May 21, 2011
P4 was good fun! Especially the killer mermaids-
After the original, this was most definitely my fave.
Yo ho!
May 20, 2011
Make My Bed? But You Say the World's Ending
Loving this New York Times article. Can practically feel the teens embarrassment around their Dooms Day parents dragging them to NYC to render their prophesies about the rapture onto strangers.
Thanks, Ashley Parker for taking the teens POV in this telling article on perspective.
(A YA novel begging to be told!)
May 18, 2011
May 17, 2011
The CW announced today that it picked-up a new show for its Fall...
The CW announced today that it picked-up a new show for its Fall line-up: The Secret Circle.
I'm stoked about this for three reasons.
A) Vampire Diaries scribe L.J. Smith also penned the YA series this show will be based on.
B) It stars my girl Lux (Britt Robertson) from Life Unexpected! Brilliant move picking her up and placing her in a new show because this girl is a gem and one of my two hand picks for Sienna if SEA THE MOVIE is ever made (the other Perfect Sienna is the darling Aimee Teehouse from FNL/Prom fame.)
C) Kevin Williamson is on board, and he is pretty much a Everything He Touches Turns to Gold kind of guy.
D) Okay, this is more than three reasons but it's a biggie. WITCHES! The world needs more witch stories. And like fellow author Scott Tracey predicted on Twitter after hearing this news, "Secret Circle getting picked up only proves that 2011 is the Year of the Witch. #calledit"
Look how darling she is? Could she be any cuter? LOVE.
Check out the WHOLE cast in the video above!
May 16, 2011
Whilst perusing Big Girl Beds for Little Miss, I stumbled upon...
Whilst perusing Big Girl Beds for Little Miss, I stumbled upon this.
I'm not sure if it's hilarious or awesome or both.
I only know that I want it for my very own. ;P
Witch's Brew (Spellspinners 1) Launched!
WITCH'S BREW is book 1 in a multi-book series about estranged witches and warlocks, as they fig ...more
- Heidi R. Kling's profile
- 457 followers
