Red Tash's Blog, page 239
December 15, 2011
December 14, 2011
npr:
Welcome to NPR's Back-Seat Book Club, where author Neil...
npr:
Welcome to NPR's Back-Seat Book Club, where author Neil Gaiman is here to answer your questions about The Graveyard Book. Gaiman explains how Nobody Owens, a young boy raised in a graveyard, learns the value of life from the dead.
(via Kids' Book Club: A 'Graveyard' Tour With Neil Gaiman)
Illustration: Emily Davis for NPR
tivoyourebay:
Sweet Dreams, I'm out.
Feeling low about...
Sweet Dreams, I'm out.
Feeling low about Christmas? Maybe the Krampus can help you out:
Yes? No? Krampus, anyone? No? No? Fine. More for me.
A guest post this Writer Wednesday by my friend Claudia LeFeve....
A guest post this Writer Wednesday by my friend Claudia LeFeve. It's so good, you'll want to send it to all your relatives, especially if you are a lady writer type!
Here's Claudia!
Every year, I'm faced with the dreaded question, "What do you want for Christmas?" And every year I respond with, "I don't really want anything." Really. So for those of you who are stuck with trying to find the perfect gift for the writer in your life, here are a few suggestions, based on what I know of writers (i.e. myself):
1. Chocolate
Writers seem to love chocolate. We can't write without it and we reward ourselves with it when we reach another 1,000 word goal. Whenever there's a word count to be had, you can be sure that chocolate is not far behind. Indulge their craving and gift them a box of decadent chocolates, or at the very least, a bag of Hershey's kisses. And if sweets aren't their thing, try bacon…that seems to be a hit among writers as well.
(What Claudia doesn't know is that I bought Tim a bacon/chocolate bar last year for Christmas! Ha! Okay, pardon the interruption…)
2. Caffeine
Writers would get nowhere without {insert favorite caffeinated beverage here}. The majority of writers I know enjoy coffee, while others may prefer something a little more trendier like Red Bull, and then there are those that are strictly old school who stick to the classics, like Mountain Dew. So how about a gift card to Starbucks, or a lifetime supply of Dr. Pepper? Personally, I'd love to get a cappuccino machine for Christmas, then I wouldn't have to leave the house for my fix.
3. DVD Box Sets
If you follow writers on twitter, you should be well aware by now that writers love to talk about their television shows. I know many writers who would be thrilled to get the entire Buffy the Vampire Slayer box set collection, or better yet, how about a couple of seasons of Fringe or Bones? Those seem to be a favorite among YA paranormal circles.
4. An eReader
You'd think all writers would invest in an eReader, but hey, maybe they haven't published their first novel yet or perhaps they're simply waiting until their first royalty check to purchase one. Why should they have to wait? Kindles and Nooks are relatively inexpensive nowadays and would turn some writers into very happy readers. Even if they're not sold on the whole ebook thing, at the very least they can review their formatted ebook on the device.
5. A trusted babysitter, housekeeper, etc.
I don't know how some writers manage to work on a WIP and handle the chaos known as raising children and maintaing a home. Now, I'm not suggesting you splurge for a babysitter/housekeeper for a year or anything, but how about chipping in for a babysitter for a night (or you might even volunteer yourself). Me? I could certainly use the services of a housekeeper for a day or maybe a dog sitter.
So there you have it folks, five ideas to get you started this holiday season. Although if you're anything like me, you'll probably wait until the last minute.
The lovely Claudia LeFeve is the author of Parallel. I started Parallel and it really sucked me in. I haven't written a review for it yet, but her story of a foster child flitting in and out of parallel realities is a very good one. I recommend it, in particular if you are a young reader! Heck, buy it for that babysitter she recommended.
Furthermore, I want to add that I asked Claudia to do this post for me months ago, because she's a writer with a whole lot of heart, style, grace, and class. Claudia is one of the GOOD GUYS, folks. Get to know her. Click on the mug of cocoa way up top to visit her site, okay?
Get out your technicolored My Little Pony Unicorns, today I...
Get out your technicolored My Little Pony Unicorns, today I nearly got into the Battle of the Bands chapter of Troll or Derby. You have the 1980s to thank for what's about to come.
We're on the edge. I find it's getting easier to describe Harlow from Deb's perspective, and vice-versa, now that they've been separated for awhile and are on the verge of joining forces again. So…he's led us up to the cliff, and she's going to push us over. I just think that's the only way to go. Feels right. Feels good. Looks good.
You know what looks good? Michelle Muto, that's what:
Her books and her blog are a feast for the eyes. In a sea of covers, styles, and personalities, Michelle has absolutely beautiful taste. What a stand-out. Michelle is the author of the Book of Lost Souls, which so far I'm enjoying very much, and Don't Fear the Reaper (not Don't Fear the Realtor, like my iPhone tried to tweet last night.) I would be so honored if you'd go and enter her giveaway of my spanking new book!
In case you haven't seen the lovely thing, this is it:
Uncalled For Writerly Aside: As far as I'm concerned, when it comes to putting out paperback editions and ebook editions, I don't think I will do one before the other again. I was having a talk with my dear friend Heather recently and she mentioned how many more last-minute saves she was getting in the paperbacks than in the ebooks, and I was like *Hello! Lightbulb moment!* So, from now on, if I'm pubbing something myself, I'll be doing the paperback and ebook release at the same time, as one final check.
But enough of that boring book talk. You didn't come here for that. You came for the blaringly flashy unicorns, the lascivious pickle pack, the creepin' and ballin' authors, and Writer Wednesday, which is coming up next, with a really great post from Claudia LeFeve that I'm all too happy to share.
And, hey, as if that weren't merriment enough, the 15th starts another Hop, and you could win a Kindle Fire in that bad boy. My own Girl Power Roller Derby prize pack will go live on the 15th.
Did I promise you a blog party or WHAT? And I haven't even wheeled out my trademark "the best prizes in life are free" contests yet.
Are you not entertained?
fistcityvintage:
Bing and Bowie sing Little Drummer Boy. Just...
Bing and Bowie sing Little Drummer Boy. Just as weird today as it was 35 years ago.
December 13, 2011
Congrats to Darian Wilk, winner of Alexandra Lanc's Clara...
Congrats to Darian Wilk, winner of Alexandra Lanc's Clara Claus!
And thank you to Alexandra for generously giving a copy of her book to our winner, along with a matching ornament. That was really cool. Alexandra's relatively new to blogging, so kudos to her for getting out there and figuring these things out. I know they can be tricky.
Speaking of figuring things out, This Brilliant Darkness went up for sale officially today. So…if that's something you're after, check the buy links on the TBD page there in the sidebar on the right. (Or, if you're not reading this at RedTash.com, just click here.)
If you're not really in the Christmas spirit yet, maybe a little holiday naughty list activity will turn you around, huh? I'm dying to hear your pickle puns, and so is Axel! Visit either of our blogs to contribute yours, and you could win the Pickle Party Prize Pack, as part of the 12 Days of Creepfest! I'm doing it early in the Creepfest to make sure I can get it to you, for your tree, by the 25th. Axel Howerton's blog. My entry. Comment at one or the other with your wicked words, friends!
Tomorrow brings more fun, wonder, and merriment, but I shan't tell you just yet what I mean by that. Stay tuned! I'll have a Writer Wednesday guest, naturally, and there may just be a special giveaway for you to take part in! Did I tell you there would be a bunch of giveaways going on around here, or what?
Click on the lovely lady in pink with the tinsel tree to visit Alexandra's blog.
Image reblogged from:
kim-am-i:
Single Ladies Skeleton Study by `yuumei
Whaat?...
Single Ladies Skeleton Study by `yuumei
Whaat? Mindblown.
(this is not my photo, just to clear that up)
Later today, I'll announce the winners of Alexandra...
Later today, I'll announce the winners of Alexandra Lanc's Clara Claus giveaway! Stay tuned!
If the above vintage Christmas pic fills your mind with dirty jokes, PLEASE tune in for my silly Christmas Pickle contest with Axel Howerton. It's live, right here! (You hear me? I gotcher Christmas Pickle right here, baby.)
