Banned

My word of the week is banned.
This is Banned Books Week. I highly encourage everyone to go out and read one today, and exercise those brain cells in new, expansive ways. Your brain will thank you for it. Two books from the list of popularly targeted books are in my top ten, all time favorite books. If you haven't read them, do so. If these don't appeal, check out this list of banned books.

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison.
This book rocked my world. I've never looked at racism in the same light since.

William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying.
A tour de force of characterization, setting, and skillful use of multiple narrative style. Sheer brilliance. 15 points-of-view, and it works! Stream of consciousness in it's finest.

Articles of interest

I've stumbled onto several intriguing articles in the blogosphere in the past week. I thought I'd share:
Allison Brennan on writing Taboos at Romancing the Blog. Basically, write what you love and write well, then the taboos and "rules" need not apply. But, the key is to write well.

Last year, John Scalzi, author of Old Man's War (which comes highly recommended by the better half), wrote openly about money & how much he's made writing fiction.

Heather at The Galaxy Express on Science Fiction Romance and a discussion of possible directions for that genre.

Generation-R (for Reader). Teen/YA sales are "booming". Is this a second golden age for YA?

The Next Big Thing: Space Wenches, by Rose Fox at Publisher's Weekly.

Sorrow

The word of the day, is sorrow.

010913-N-1350W-003 New York, N.Y. (Sept. 13, 2001) -- A New York City fire fighter looks up at what remains of the World Trade Center after its collapse during a Sept. 11 terrorist attack. U.S. Navy Photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Jim Watson. (RELEASED)

Source: http://www.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=1465

Kick A$$ Characters

Kick A$$ Characters By Authors Who Know How To Kick A$$

September 12-13 at Romance Divas

Featuring:

Bob Mayer
Lori Avocato
Maggie Price
Lindsay McKenna
Barry Eisler
Linnea Sinclair
Larissa Ione
Merline Lovelace

Want to know how to write authentic action, suspense, law enforcement, and military romance? Ask authors who know firsthand! Romance Divas is hosting a 2-day workshop with some of the hottest names in the genre. It will take place at the Romance Diva Forum. All are welcome. To get access to the forum you will need to register by entering the site and clicking on Forum.

I'm looking forward to attending this one!