Cheryl Rainfield's Blog, page 113

Take a listen to (or read) this FUNNY Christmas song by agent Miss Snark! (literary agent) It made me laugh. I think we're all overworked–writers, editors, agents–and a bit of humor can sometimes help. What do you think?

Check out the link above for her lyrics.

I will be on Among Friends (LGBT) radio show this Monday at 7pm PDT/10pm EST talking about Scars, self-harm, being lesbian, if you'd like to listen or call in and ask a question.

Teachers, social workers, administrators–did you know that you can order a free copy of the DVD Bullied: A Student, a School & a Case That Made History to help deal with anti-gay or homophobic bullying? It looks like a good resource! It's available from Teaching Tolerance.

It's 42–at least in Canada, at least according to one recent survey. (This is traditional publishing–publishing through a publisher, not self-published or print on demand.)

Lee Wind (of I'm Here, I'm Queer, What the Hell Do I Read?) asked me if I had a personal story behind Scars that made it the book I HAD to write. Check out my answer: The Personal Connection That Makes An Author's Book The One They HAD To Write, as well as responses from other great authors, including some quotes from Ellen Hopkins.

I'm thrilled to see a pic of the display of SCARS at the 2010 NCTE! The sign above SCARS made me laugh–but that may be the writer in me enjoying/noticing words, and me being extra sensitive to some words that relate to cutting. Either way–I LOVE how WestSide is behind Scars 100%. They are a wonderful publisher!

I wish I was at NCTE–but seeing the pic is happy-making. Thank you, Joanna, for the pic!

Do you like children's book illustrations? (I LOVE them.) Then you might want to check out these 2011 calenders with art by children's book illustrators. They might also make a nice gift idea for someone you know.

Canadians–if you've been trying to get a copy of Scars, it's now available in Chapters/Indigo brick & mortar stores (not just online), as well as some good independents. Yay!!! I'm so happy about that!

Did you know it's the 1st annual Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day on Dec 4th? Get a kid in your life reading, support bookstores & authors…and a love of reading! I think it's a fantastic idea. It's important for kids to find the pleasure and joy of reading. So if you have a child in your life that you care about, I hope you'll take them to a bookstore on Dec 4th–and many other days!

Interesting article about celebrity-author children's books & Obama's upcoming picture book. Thanks to kidlit author Margriet Ruurs for the link.