Literary citizenship

I try to live by these principles, but never thought to define it.

The world needs more of "what can I do for the community?" rather than "what's in it for me?" This applies to everyone, writers included.

Thanks, Cathy Day!

Home & Garden Show tips

I braved the crazy crowds to attend the Minneapolis Home & Garden Show on March 5. I talked with a variety of vendors on a wide array of products. I had some great conversations, others not so great. I thought I would share a few tips from a customer's point of view.

I'm guessing that vendors spend A LOT of money to have a space at the Home & Garden Show. I would think for that kind of money, they would want to get some business. So act like you want my business:

* Have some brochures handy. I realize that printing can be expensive, but even a simple flyer would give me some information. I don't want to stand there and hear your spiel; I want to take information with me so I have some to refer to later.
* Give me some specifics. I could work at a solar energy booth and say, "Solar energy is better for the environment and more efficient." Duh! But how does it work? What do I need to do to my house to make it work? How much will it cost? What will be my savings? At least put someone in your booth who knows something.
* But don't give me too much information. Spare me the scientific, technical mumbo jumbo. I have no idea what you're talking about. Plain English, please.

Just my opinion :)

Bygone era

Card catalogs. Check-out cards in the back of books. Marginalia.

For some reason, there seem to be a lot of stories out there lately about the book world of the past. It's making me nostalgic :)

MY RUBY SLIPPERS

I had the pleasure of sitting next to Tracy Seeley one day at lunch at the Nonfiction Now! conference in Iowa City in November. I can't wait to read her memoir, MY RUBY SLIPPERS: THE ROAD BACK TO KANSAS, published by the University of Nebraska Press. Looks like something right up my alley: Midwestern, quiet, lyrical. Long live the quiet memoir, huzzah!

Follow Tracy on Twitter: @tracy_seeley

Excited about new book!

A YA novel featuring female cyclists? What a great idea! Love, love, love books that showcase strong girls. I've already read parts of CHASING ALLIE CAT (available in February) and I'm so impressed by the characters, the plot, and the mystery. Another reason why Minnesota should be so proud of its authors. And Becky Fjelland Davis (JAKE RILEY: IRREPARABLY DAMAGED) has given us another reason to read.

Matt Foley: So you want to be a writer

Matt Foley: So what do you want to do with your life?

Teen: I want to be a writer.

Matt Foley: You want to be a writer? Well, la-dee-frickin' da!

Man on Wire

This documentary was absolutely spellbinding. It only strengthened my admiration for the documentary and nonfiction story. With stories like this in the world, why would we need to make anything up?

MAN ON WIRE had all the requirements for an amazing story--unique characters (especially the main character--what a charmer!), love story that goes awry, faithful friends, a seemingly impossible journey. I just cannot believe that something like this actually happened.

Before I watched this, I oftened wondered why it wasn't titled "Man on a Wire" or something like that. I found out that the police report which was filed after the World Trade Center highwire act actually said "man on wire" for the nature of the complaint. Ha!