I suppose you were all wondering if I was alive (all...one of you who reads this, anyway. Hey, if you read and I don't know about it, let me know, k? I'd like to get to know my lurkers.)
ANYWAY. I'm alive. I'm just ridiculously busy lately. I'm moving tomorrow, and some friends left the country this past weekend, so I had to say goodbye to them, and there's been stuff to buy for my new place, and I'm generally just overwhelmed.
But I'm here now, and that's what matters, right?
In the world of publishing, my news is all kid-focused lately. First off, a couple children's books that should never have been published. The first one is just reasserting what society has already made perfectly clear: that even nature should not mess with our bodies, because we have to look fantastic ALL THE TIME. Or else no one will love us. Also, kids? Mommy wouldn't need to have work done if it weren't for YOU. Right?
Next up: a picture book in which little Janie catches her parents smoking a joint. Clearly, she's going to ask questions. Now they can be answered with fun, colorful pictures!
Hey, Janie. I know a better way to see fun colors if that's what you're really after.
I feel like this book did not need to be written. Yes, some kids are exposed to pot at an early age. But generally, the parents who are smoking pot around their kids are the least likely to want to explain it to them in this fashion. Am I right?
Finally, I was in the bookstore a few days ago and I noticed that they've reprinted Sweet Valley High. It's been 25 years since the first book in this series was originally published, and apparently the books are still relevant. I agree wholeheartedly, and will very likely buy the 12 titles that are being reprinted. Because what's a book collection without Francine Pascal?
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Monday, April 14, 2008
Bright Shiny Harry Potter
I haven't been around in awhile, and I apologize. Sometimes life just gets kind of hectic, and it's hard to juggle 17 million things at once. And since I get paid to do my work, and not this, then that had to take priority. (Of course, so did sleeping, watching movies, going to an art gallery, going out for supper with friends...)
Moving on. Have you guys heard about this? J.K. Rowling is involved in a lawsuit. It appears that Steve Vander Ark has attempted to publish a reference guide for her books called The Harry Potter Lexicon, titled after the website of the same name. Rowling is kind of pissed about this – she claims it infringes on her intellectual property rights, and that she was planning on publishing her own reference guide. Vander Ark's counter-argument is that Rowling is just trying to claim a monopoly on all things Harry Potter.
To which I have to say, that's her RIGHT. As a writer, I definitely have to take Rowling's side in this. Harry Potter is her creation, and she has a right to say who can and cannot make a profit off of her imaginary world. And I don't see this as a strictly individual case. Artists have been struggling with the issue of intellectual property rights for an extremely long time, and maybe it will take someone as famous and rich as Rowling to get us what we need. If that's the case, so be it. As long as artists get what they're asking for, I personally don't care where the fairness originates.
In other news, I got a comment on my last entry asking whether I recommend James Frey's work. My answer is 100 percent YES. It's so "yes" that I plan on buying his novel as soon as it comes out without a clue as to what it's about.
My thoughts on the whole Frey scandal are this: Who cares whether A Million Little Pieces was fact or fiction? It was a good read either way. And for those of you claiming that you were "misled" and getting your money back? Suck it the hell up. You bought a book. You probably enjoyed it. Even if you didn't, you still were willing to put out the money in the first place. I honestly don't know how you can feel that it is a personal attack against ANY of you if the work was not entirely factual. How did it honestly affect your daily life? (Unless, of course, you know Frey personally and were depicted in the book, in which case you probably shouldn't have paid for your copy anyway, you sucker.)
Anyway, back to the point. James Frey is an amazing storyteller and obviously has an extraordinary imagination. I will gladly pay for (and read) anything he writes.
Signing off to go send some rejection letters. This has been avery jenner.
Moving on. Have you guys heard about this? J.K. Rowling is involved in a lawsuit. It appears that Steve Vander Ark has attempted to publish a reference guide for her books called The Harry Potter Lexicon, titled after the website of the same name. Rowling is kind of pissed about this – she claims it infringes on her intellectual property rights, and that she was planning on publishing her own reference guide. Vander Ark's counter-argument is that Rowling is just trying to claim a monopoly on all things Harry Potter.
To which I have to say, that's her RIGHT. As a writer, I definitely have to take Rowling's side in this. Harry Potter is her creation, and she has a right to say who can and cannot make a profit off of her imaginary world. And I don't see this as a strictly individual case. Artists have been struggling with the issue of intellectual property rights for an extremely long time, and maybe it will take someone as famous and rich as Rowling to get us what we need. If that's the case, so be it. As long as artists get what they're asking for, I personally don't care where the fairness originates.
In other news, I got a comment on my last entry asking whether I recommend James Frey's work. My answer is 100 percent YES. It's so "yes" that I plan on buying his novel as soon as it comes out without a clue as to what it's about.
My thoughts on the whole Frey scandal are this: Who cares whether A Million Little Pieces was fact or fiction? It was a good read either way. And for those of you claiming that you were "misled" and getting your money back? Suck it the hell up. You bought a book. You probably enjoyed it. Even if you didn't, you still were willing to put out the money in the first place. I honestly don't know how you can feel that it is a personal attack against ANY of you if the work was not entirely factual. How did it honestly affect your daily life? (Unless, of course, you know Frey personally and were depicted in the book, in which case you probably shouldn't have paid for your copy anyway, you sucker.)
Anyway, back to the point. James Frey is an amazing storyteller and obviously has an extraordinary imagination. I will gladly pay for (and read) anything he writes.
Signing off to go send some rejection letters. This has been avery jenner.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
My Friend James
This morning I got an e-mail from amazon.ca listing all the much-anticipated spring titles being released by various publishers in the next few months. I took the bait and headed on over to their site (mainly to research whether any of our titles made the list [none did]).
In my journey, though, I did come across something pretty interesting: James Frey's first novel, Bright Shiny Morning, has been published and will be in bookstores in May.
In case you don't remember, James Frey is the guy who caused a buttload of controversy in late 2005 with his 2003 memoir, A Million Little Pieces. The book was a runaway bestseller until The Smoking Gun website revealed that parts of it were fabricated. The news resulted in an appearance by Frey on Oprah (who helped sell millions of copies of the book when she added it to her book club), during which she made him shed a few tears.
The publisher of the book, Doubleday, received a ton of complaints and ended up refunding readers over $2 million because they felt "cheated". Doubleday also pulled out of pending book deals with Frey, one of which included the publication of Bright Shiny Morning. In September 2007, Harper Collins struck a deal with Frey to publish the novel.
In other James Frey news, the NY Observer reported last week that he recently purchased the single-bedroom apartment next door to his current 3-bedroom dwelling for nearly $1 million.
In my journey, though, I did come across something pretty interesting: James Frey's first novel, Bright Shiny Morning, has been published and will be in bookstores in May.
In case you don't remember, James Frey is the guy who caused a buttload of controversy in late 2005 with his 2003 memoir, A Million Little Pieces. The book was a runaway bestseller until The Smoking Gun website revealed that parts of it were fabricated. The news resulted in an appearance by Frey on Oprah (who helped sell millions of copies of the book when she added it to her book club), during which she made him shed a few tears.
The publisher of the book, Doubleday, received a ton of complaints and ended up refunding readers over $2 million because they felt "cheated". Doubleday also pulled out of pending book deals with Frey, one of which included the publication of Bright Shiny Morning. In September 2007, Harper Collins struck a deal with Frey to publish the novel.
In other James Frey news, the NY Observer reported last week that he recently purchased the single-bedroom apartment next door to his current 3-bedroom dwelling for nearly $1 million.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Disney + Harper Collins = Publishing News
At the end of February 2008, a meeting between Robert S. Miller and Jane Friedman mutated into what could very well be the new face of publishing.
Miller, the founding publisher of Hyperion (the adult books division of the Disney corporation) met Friedman, the CEO of Harper Collins, to discuss the launch of a new publishing program. The program is being put in place to cut costs in the publishing world. The program will no longer allow retailers to return unsold copies of books to publishers, and will pay little or no advances to authors for their work.
As well, the imprint is unlikely to continue the common practice of paying good money for quality shelf space in book stores. Instead, it will put that money towards internet marketing, where book sales have increased dramatically in recent years (in tandem with the decrease in book sales at retail stores).
The new program has yet to be named.
Miller, the founding publisher of Hyperion (the adult books division of the Disney corporation) met Friedman, the CEO of Harper Collins, to discuss the launch of a new publishing program. The program is being put in place to cut costs in the publishing world. The program will no longer allow retailers to return unsold copies of books to publishers, and will pay little or no advances to authors for their work.
As well, the imprint is unlikely to continue the common practice of paying good money for quality shelf space in book stores. Instead, it will put that money towards internet marketing, where book sales have increased dramatically in recent years (in tandem with the decrease in book sales at retail stores).
The new program has yet to be named.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Snorting Dorito Dust is Fun, Right?
I don't know what happened, but I ate my lunch, and ever since I've had absolutely no motivation to actually do my job. I'm about as useful as a Smurf.
I'm having a Blueberry Pomegranate White Tea Refresher from Nestle right now. I'm still not a hundred percent convinced I like these things (you can totally taste the artificial sweetener), but I got a case of 35 bottles, so I really have no choice but to drink them. And I will.
I'm so boooored and uncreative. And very tempted to finance (!) a laptop. It just doesn't seem bad when you only have to pay 9 dollars a month. Except then you actually take a minute to THINK about it, and it's like "Why the crap would someone pay $700 for a $500 laptop?"
Because it's not all at once. That makes it better.
Right?
Do you think I'll have more or fewer amusing anecdotes about my day-to-day life when I live with just a cat as opposed to a cat and my ex-boyfriend? I think more, because I'll get to actually date people and then blog about their shortcomings and insecurities like the lovely, thoughtful person I am. Right now, my ex uses my computer, so if I blog about his shortcomings and insecurities, there's a good chance that he'll find my indiscretion in my browser history. And then kick me out early or something. That would suck.
Feel free to weigh in. Feel free to not judge me for breaking up with a guy and then continuing to live with him for 3 months. You don't know.
Well, I should obviously be working. So I'm going to the convenience store for Doritos and Pepsi. Anyone?
I'm having a Blueberry Pomegranate White Tea Refresher from Nestle right now. I'm still not a hundred percent convinced I like these things (you can totally taste the artificial sweetener), but I got a case of 35 bottles, so I really have no choice but to drink them. And I will.
I'm so boooored and uncreative. And very tempted to finance (!) a laptop. It just doesn't seem bad when you only have to pay 9 dollars a month. Except then you actually take a minute to THINK about it, and it's like "Why the crap would someone pay $700 for a $500 laptop?"
Because it's not all at once. That makes it better.
Right?
Do you think I'll have more or fewer amusing anecdotes about my day-to-day life when I live with just a cat as opposed to a cat and my ex-boyfriend? I think more, because I'll get to actually date people and then blog about their shortcomings and insecurities like the lovely, thoughtful person I am. Right now, my ex uses my computer, so if I blog about his shortcomings and insecurities, there's a good chance that he'll find my indiscretion in my browser history. And then kick me out early or something. That would suck.
Feel free to weigh in. Feel free to not judge me for breaking up with a guy and then continuing to live with him for 3 months. You don't know.
Well, I should obviously be working. So I'm going to the convenience store for Doritos and Pepsi. Anyone?
Thursday, April 3, 2008
A Myriad
First off, I know I said that this blog wasn't going to get all political on your ass, but I have to throw this out there. Have you guys heard about the latest Sask-scandal? Brad Wall (our Premier) and Tom Lukiwski (Tory MP) star in the latest video release from the Saskatchewan government. The 16 year old tape features the two of them making all kinds of juicy derogatory comments about women and homosexuals. Oh, and they threw in a few racial slurs for good measure. The blockbuster was found by the Saskatchewan NDP when they moved into the opposition offices in the fall of '07.
The event was quite clearly filmed in a campaign office during the 1991 provincial election.
Lukiwski has apologized for the comments he made on the tape. Whether his apology is sincere is up for debate (as is whether it will make a difference in his punishment). Wall, on the other hand, simply claims that he has no recollection of that tape ever having been made. This, despite him STARING into the camera.
I'm amused. It's a terrible thing, and the NDP is also sort of at fault for giving the tape to the media, but when this kind of ignorance/intolerance/stupidity is highlighted, it makes me giggle. Way to represent Saskatchewan, boys. Way to represent.
Moving on, I shall talk NHL. I cried a little bit on Tuesday night.
Well not really, but I gave myself a sore throat with all the screaming I did. (I'm an Edmonton Oilers fan. The Calgary Flames knocked them out of the playoff race on Tuesday). Now? I'm cheering for the Washington Capitals. Why? Well because they're the semi-underdog in the East. Also, who would EVER expect the friggin Washington Capitals to win the Stanley Cup?
That's right. No one.
I'm back in publishing. April 1 was my first day back at my old job as a marketing assistant, and I'm remembering why I loved it so much already. The people I work with are absolutely wonderful, I care deeply about what I do, and I'm actually GOOD at it. Never mind that I spent three hours ripping my hair out yesterday while trying to fix the website. I figured it out eventually. And it was the best feeling ever.
Also, today, my third day back, we all went for lunch. For two and a half hours. And there was beer. Who WOULDN'T love my job? Hmm?
My application for my new apartment was approved today. I move May 1. I guess I'd better start packing. I'm very very excited about this. I've never lived on my own before. Hopefully I'm good at it.
ANYWAY. I have nothing left to write about. Next time, I'll try to be more creative. Right now, all I can think about is pizza. I'm going to go eat some now.
The event was quite clearly filmed in a campaign office during the 1991 provincial election.
Lukiwski has apologized for the comments he made on the tape. Whether his apology is sincere is up for debate (as is whether it will make a difference in his punishment). Wall, on the other hand, simply claims that he has no recollection of that tape ever having been made. This, despite him STARING into the camera.
I'm amused. It's a terrible thing, and the NDP is also sort of at fault for giving the tape to the media, but when this kind of ignorance/intolerance/stupidity is highlighted, it makes me giggle. Way to represent Saskatchewan, boys. Way to represent.
Moving on, I shall talk NHL. I cried a little bit on Tuesday night.
Well not really, but I gave myself a sore throat with all the screaming I did. (I'm an Edmonton Oilers fan. The Calgary Flames knocked them out of the playoff race on Tuesday). Now? I'm cheering for the Washington Capitals. Why? Well because they're the semi-underdog in the East. Also, who would EVER expect the friggin Washington Capitals to win the Stanley Cup?
That's right. No one.
I'm back in publishing. April 1 was my first day back at my old job as a marketing assistant, and I'm remembering why I loved it so much already. The people I work with are absolutely wonderful, I care deeply about what I do, and I'm actually GOOD at it. Never mind that I spent three hours ripping my hair out yesterday while trying to fix the website. I figured it out eventually. And it was the best feeling ever.
Also, today, my third day back, we all went for lunch. For two and a half hours. And there was beer. Who WOULDN'T love my job? Hmm?
My application for my new apartment was approved today. I move May 1. I guess I'd better start packing. I'm very very excited about this. I've never lived on my own before. Hopefully I'm good at it.
ANYWAY. I have nothing left to write about. Next time, I'll try to be more creative. Right now, all I can think about is pizza. I'm going to go eat some now.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Holy HELL
OMG.
One of my old classmates, Mr. Dustin Milligan, has been CAST AS ETHAN WARD ON THE 90210 SPINOFF!
Can I just take a moment to catch my breath? This is HUGE. Because a) I WENT TO HIGH SCHOOL WITH HIM, and b) HE'S GONNA BE LINKED TO THE LIKES OF LUKE PERRY! AND SHANNON DOHERTY! AND JASON PRIESTLEY!
Do you guys think this means I'll get to meet Tori Spelling?
Yeah, me neither. But it's still HUGE. 'Specially for Dustin. Well done, guy. You're really there.
Back to work it is.
One of my old classmates, Mr. Dustin Milligan, has been CAST AS ETHAN WARD ON THE 90210 SPINOFF!
Can I just take a moment to catch my breath? This is HUGE. Because a) I WENT TO HIGH SCHOOL WITH HIM, and b) HE'S GONNA BE LINKED TO THE LIKES OF LUKE PERRY! AND SHANNON DOHERTY! AND JASON PRIESTLEY!
Do you guys think this means I'll get to meet Tori Spelling?
Yeah, me neither. But it's still HUGE. 'Specially for Dustin. Well done, guy. You're really there.
Back to work it is.
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