One of the best things about what I’ve been reading/blogging about lately is that I can walk away from not being able to write about a book featuring bent and broken cops to do a quick write-up about a children’s D&D book. I mean, those cops are still weighing on my mind, like they have been for two weeks—but at least I produced something.
It feels like I’m on the verge of a long ramble, but today is an oddly busy Saturday, so I’m going to shut up and move on with the Miscellany…
This is another week without any new releases catching my eye—is it me or is there something going on in the publishing world? It seems like we’ve had more of those this year than I’m used to. I will say the next two weeks will not find me saying that, however.
Odds ‘n ends about books and reading that caught my eye this week. You’ve probably seen some/most/all of them, but just in case:
Bryant & May novelist Christopher Fowler has died aged 69—I didn’t read as much Bryant & May as I intended to, but any time I spent with Fowler was a reward.
Roald Dahl is the last thing we should worry about on World Book Day—great perspective
Autism can be a huge publishing strength—and challenge—really glad I read this
The Indie Fantasy Fund—what a great idea, definitely worth throwing a couple of bucks at
How Two Jewish Kids in 1930s Cleveland Altered the Course of American Pop Culture: On Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster, and the Birth of Superman—I don’t know that I want to take the time to read the whole book, but I really liked this excerpt
Suspiciously Suspect: Who Is—and Isn’t—an Unreliable Narrator?—I don’t spend much time doing it, but I do appreciate chewing on the idea of what makes an unreliable narrator—and what supposedly doesn’t.
Why You Shouldn’t Write to Market: Book Berne-ing ep 002—Even if you ignore what he says about The Irresponsible Reader, this discussion about the relationship between authors and readers is well worth your time. Berne hits on things that I think we’re prone to ignore. The fact that my friend includes a shout-out to this here website was a pleasant surprise and a bonus.
Witty and Sarcastic Book Club is in the middle of another great series. These Conversations on Hope in the Fantastical are my favorite non-book reads of the week.
…Featuring Dorian Hart
An Interview with DH Willison
…Featuring Ricardo Victora
An Interview with Raina Nightingale
Why is every character suddenly an ‘antihero’ now? What happens when no one can call a villain a villain—The author has some strange ideas about “suddenly.” And honestly, I think a lot of what he says/concludes is flawed. But I did enjoy the piece…any thoughts?
World Book Day 2023: Books That Are Special To Us—to commemorate Wold Book Day, “the FanFiAddict team wanted to share some of the books that are special to us, whether it be an old favourite from our childhoods or a new found love.” If this post doesn’t cause your heart to grow three sizes, something’s wrong with you. At the same time, if your heart does grow three sizes…you should consult a physician immediately, something really could be wrong with you.
The Slow Horses, but Muppets—Spy Write’s bringing the grins lately, this casting of Herron’s Slow Horses with the Muppets made me chuckle—and some of the pictures sealed it (Kermit’s in particular). I’m not sure I was prepared for Scooter’s picture though, some things are still too fresh…
Lastly, I’d like to say hi and extend a warm welcome to Mike Finn, who followed the blog this week. I hope you enjoy the content and keep coming back.
WS_BOOKCLUB
Wow! Thank you for the compliment (and the inclusion)! I don’t know how I tricked such great guests into contributing to the series, but I have loved getting their thoughts.
HCNewton
My pleasure, as always–great guests, indeed. Whatever you’re doing to get them, keep it up!