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Friday, October 9, 2009

Thank you, Libba Bray


I think it's high time I created a blog, something I have studiously avoided for quite some time. Everyone says aspiring authors should have one. I am part of Sharing the Brain, the blog my critique group, the Wordslingers share, but I have been pretty lame of late.

I've been toying with the idea of what I'd like to speak about in my blog. I can't imagine dispensing daily, or even weekly words of wisdom that anyone would want to read. I totally admire the noble efforts of my friends Mary Lindsey and Elana Johnson who spout consistently great bits of blog advice that I gobble up religiously. And then there is the amazing Heidi Ayarbe (Freeze Frame, 2008) who bubbles with humorous tidbits and has me laughing constantly.

And another thing I don't want to do is whine. Lords knows I could whine from sun-up till sundown. It's my birthright. But no. I don't want to do that(well, maybe just a little). So, I was left thinking I have nothing I want to say to the world until I can say...hey, I have an agent and my book is coming out...not. Not yet, anyway.

Another thing I refuse to do is post negative reviews of books I have read. I respect the work ALL authors put into their writing and who am I to dash their hopes when I am struggling myself?

So, this morning, while tearing through the pages of Going Bovine (while I should really be putting the final touches on a massive project for work with an ominously looming deadline) I had a revelation. I want to tell everyone how this book has me absolutely floored. How lately I've bought one YA book after another (no names, please) only to slam them shut after 50 pages, with the notable exception of all things Suzanne Collins (The Hunger Games, Catching Fire). Of course, Libba's previous series, The Gemma Doyle Trilogy, are my absolute favorites. How I've been on a quest for something to read that will remind me why I WRITE.

So THANK YOU, LIBBA BRAY, you funny, brilliant, poignant and wonderful woman for sharing your genius with me. For giving me something to blog about. For reviving my excitement for writing. I'm not nearly half way through and my only fear is that I will read it too fast.

10 comments:

  1. Oh, my gosh! Have you seen Libba Bray's video interview about Going Bovine in which she wanders the streets of NYC in a cow costume? If not, you MUST! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KloEAoKvBqA

    Thanks for the mention and congrats on your shiny new blog. I love the title of it!

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  2. Thanks, M. I'm going to check that out. I LOVE that woman.

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  3. This book is at the top of my list. I just got Scott Westerfeld's Leviathan on my doorstep today! I'm going to devour that this afternoon. Okay, maybe over the weekend. :)

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  4. OH NO!!! I also have Fire by Kristin Cashore to read. Let me know about Leviathan. It looks amazing. I'm adding your link.

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  5. LOVE LOVE LOVE Libba...So I am right there with you!

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  6. Can't wait to see the cow costume video. I'll add the book to my list - can't wait to read it! I'm reading Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott. Intense, dark book - so dark - but wow, what a powerful story.

    Linking to your blog right now. :D

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  7. I'm so glad you are blogging! Welcome. You'll be a great addition.

    --Wiggy

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  8. Welcome to the Blogosphere :D I'll definitely have to add all these awesome books to my list. Adding you to my link list! :D

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  9. Hey, Wiggy and Elky!!! I've linked Wiggy along with Suzy. Now for you, Michelle. (Gosh anyone reading this might wonder where I get those names from. :)) I'm going to find Heather and Carolyn soon.

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