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Research (For Reals)
So, I’ve often been told that you have to write what you know (incidentally, this has always made me feel burdened to know everything). As a side effect, whenever I get to know something, I feel the need to write it. Last week, while picnic-researching a potential location along the northern coast of California, I came to an understanding of what is meant by the phrase “elephant seal.” I now present you with some evidence of my research (complete with family).
At this point, I can almost promise the elephant seals an appearance in some future adventure.
Dandelion Fire Tour Schedule
The time has come (the walrus said) to get out and push the new book. Dandelion Fire releases on February 24th, and I will be on the road celebrating that fact in the traditional way (with readings, school visits, a smiling face, a cramping and inky right hand). For those interested parties, here’s a list of the public bookstore events on the roster:
Tuesday, February 24th, 7:00 p.m.
CHANGING HANDS BOOKSTORE
Address: 6428 s. McClintock Drive, Tempe, AZ
Wednesday, February 25th, 7:00 p.m.
BORDERS BOOKS & MUSIC
Address: 1 N. La Grange Road, La Grange, IL
Thursday, February 26th, 7:00 p.m.
BARNES & NOBLE
Address: 55 Old Orchard Center, Skokie, IL
Friday, February 27th, 7:00 p.m.
BARNES & NOBLE
Address: 7433 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI
Saturday, February 28th, 2:00 p.m.
COVER TO COVER
Address: 3560 N. High Street, Columbus, OH
Sunday, March 1st, 1:00 p.m.
JOSEPH-BETH BOOKSELLERS
Address: 2692 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH 45208
Tuesday, March 3rd, 7:00 p.m.
BOOKS & CO.
Address: The Greene, 4453 Walnut Street, Dayton, OH
I would, of course, love to see any of you at any of these places. Cheers.
Muggles, Muggles
Mugglenet has recently posted enthusiastic reviews of both 100 Cupboards and Dandelion Fire. In their general excitement about the series, they have also announced a 100 Cupboards inspired writing contest. (Another shot at free books anyone?)
You can read about it on their site, but I’ll give you my favorite line from their announcement here: “MuggleNet is ready to admit that magic awaits beyond the world of Harry Potter!”
Muchas gracias muggles.
On Reading (and Occasionally Not Finishing) Books
I am currently in a compressed binge of narrative ingestion. When I am writing, books begin to pile up, either physically teetering on my desk, scribbled on a mental post-it, or in an Amazon shopping cart/wish list. Reading is dangerous while writing. But reading is an absolutely essential part of being a writer. And so the binge system develops. I meet a deadline and collapse into the words and stories of others. When I am once again refreshed and itchy with my own ideas, I reemerge feeling like a hen backed up with eggs. Read the rest of this entry »