out with the old…
Last week I gave away eight bags of books and I’m taking the last bag to the Free Black Women’s Library tomorrow. Yesterday I recycled three old pairs of eyeglasses and today I took my two old laptops to Apple. I checked with the Sanitation Dept last night and if my Super fills out a form, they’ll come pick up my TV from 1995. Fifteen years ago Laura gave me a nightstand she found by the side of the road; yesterday I stained it to hide the damage caused by my humidifier—I didn’t quite follow the directions but it still looks pretty good. I want to buy a new rug for the living room but can’t bring myself to throw out the rattan one I’ve had for ten years…there’s got to be a way to mend the bits that are worn down. The fake leather is flaking off my ottoman; I’m thinking a staple gun and some gold-tinted African fabric should do the trick. I want a fresh start and that means unloading a lot of stuff that I don’t need anymore. But I don’t want to fill my new apartment with things I don’t really need. Strategic shopping and a little DIY—that should give me the kind of updates that will make my new home feel fresh and familiar. And with the money I save on new furnishings, I can pay for illustrations for a new picture book! I’ve got sixteen manuscripts and no takers so…
I just updated my list of spring presentations; I don’t put them all on my CV, but I do try to keep track of every paid and unpaid book talk or panel or writing workshop I conduct. I’ve already got a few NYC gigs booked for the fall—including a November 1 event for fifth graders at the BPL! I’ll also be traveling—last week I was invited to give one of two keynotes at the Writer’s Digest IndieLAB conference in Cincinnati. The program looks fantastic so if you’re an indie author or thinking of becoming one, join us! Turns out many of my radical librarian friends will be in Cincy that weekend for another conference so I’ll also get to join them for a pizza party…
We got our second starred review for DRAGONS IN A BAG from School Library Journal! I really appreciate how this reviewer teased out the overlapping themes in the story:
Historically, most chapter books featuring magical tales of witches and dragons center the experiences of white protagonists and characters; Elliott offers something much needed in the genre: a black protagonist in an urban setting. Elliott skillfully introduces themes about creating positive change, examines issues of othering and the fear of differences, and touches upon the complexities of family, gentrification, and segregation. VERDICT A promising start to a new series, this fantasy should find a home in all libraries.
I also found out that MOTHER OF THE SEA has been selected as the August read for the State of Black Science Fiction book club! I have more exciting news about that title but can’t share yet…stay tuned!
