Peddling Plots

Hey, all of you would-be mystery writers, if you're having plot troubles, Chasing Ray's got you covered. No, seriously. She's giving away plots for free.

If you want to write a YA nonfiction book of which Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke would approve, write one about money. Kids, Bernanke says, have to learn to be a bit more savvy with money. Um. Mr. Bernanke? Young adults did not create the recession. I'm just sayin.'

Mr. Federal Reserve's remarks that young adults' ability to handle money is "an essential part of their well-being and a critical factor for the nation's economic health," is somewhat true, yet somehow really, really bugs me. Yes: I'm all about everyone being able to balance their checkbook and pay their debts, and I'm positive that's something you should learn in school -- preferably before college when credit card companies start sending you applications. However: EVERYONE should be taught to live within their means. Everyone. Not just young adults. I really hate to think Mr. Federal Reserve Chair is inferring that "Sheesh, the world is screwed. You kids had better be prepared to deal with it and/or fix it." Let's hope he didn't mean that at all.

Okay, in my opinion? Jen just showed us her bookshelves to make me jealous. It was all a vicious plot as far as I'm concerned...

Speaking of people with lots of books, the Shrinking Violets are soliciting the name of your favorite indie bookstore! Their National Independent Bookseller Month celebration is a chance for your favorite little corner of bookland to be honored. Let them know all about it!

And speaking of announcements and dates, MotherReader has announced the June 6-8 48 Hour Book Challenge! Go! Sign up! Don't make the woman track you down! Also -- authors and artists, this is a great chance to donate a signed copy of your book or ARC or a fun book or reading or cool giftie for a prize. I am the proud owner of both a framed flower photograph (with an inspiring quote) taken by the awesome flower photographer cloudscome as well as handmade jewelry by MotherReader, a signed copy of Sara Lewis Holmes' book, Letters from Rapunzel, among other signed author copies, a Buddhist prayer flag, a handmade coffee sleeve and matching journal cover, and quite a few other awesome things that just made my day to receive them. I'm not telling you everything I won to make you jealous (although you should be: The prizes? AWESOME.) but to remind you that you have something to share with the kidlitosphere, too! You *definitely* need to get involved in the fun. Happens but once a year, so sign up today!

If you've tried calling over to Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast and gotten the machine, and Eisha's voice sounding like she's on helium... well, there's a reason for that. The Imps have hitched a ride to Paradise...

You're cordially invited to join a couple of ducks as they learn to dance. Kelly was Writing and Ruminating and got the ball rolling with the logic behind poetry revision, and Sara followed in three quarter time -- and came up with a bunch of raccoons. (You have to go there.)

Everywhere, writers are working -- constructing manuscripts and poetry, and they're also working on pulling together the best Summer Blog Blast Tour ever. Books are being scrutinized and lists of questions drawn up for our panel of guest authors and illustrators. Stay tuned for some challenging questions, thoughtful answers and some good fun next month!