December 01, 2009

Happy December! And Stuff.

Today's post is on the order of "random notes and errata" since I still haven't quite managed to sit down and write a few more overdue reviews...but NUMBER ONE on the list of items is something important I forgot to include in my LAST batch of reviews--I meant to include information about where I got each title, in the interests of full disclosure. So: I received Katman at random (but happily) from the publisher. I requested Skulduggery Pleasant: The Faceless Ones from Derek Landy's publicist prior to our WBBT interview. I bought Zoe's Tale at my local B&N. And, last but not least, I borrowed Peeps from my mom.


Now, I know that I don't usually go into much personal detail on this blog, because this is the Not About Me blog (as opposed to the All About Me blog). But I had to include a quick personal digression today because it is, in fact, writing-related. On Sunday, I experienced for the first time the oddness that is being an interview subject--a local college student had an assignment to interview someone in her desired career, which in this case happened to be novel writing. I was quite happy to help, newbie though I might be. But it was such a bizarre experience. I think I blather when I'm nervous. And I sure did blather. Blah blah blah, me me me. It was weird, because I was being asked about myself, my writing, etc., but talking about myself for an hour made me feel really self-obsessed. And I also realized that I CAN in fact spend a fair amount of time on self-blather, and that disturbed me because of its implications for everyday conversation: DO I actually spend more time talking about myself than I realize? Being interviewed made me very conscious of that possibility. As a result, I am now officially whipping out my bud-nippers and nipping this topic in the bud (to misquote Redd Foxx on Sanford & Son).


To conclude: a few links I ran across recently. Ever read The Annotated Alice? Ever wish more books had educational annotations like that? Bookdrum is a site that uses multimedia internet resources to annotate and illuminate various books. And they need reviewers to help add to the site. (Via Donna @ Bites.) Also, there's a new silent auction running for YA writer and librarian Bridget Zinn, to help her offset the costs of cancer treatment. Check out the details at Jone's Deowriter blog, and bid on exciting items including manuscript critiques.

5 comments:

Belle said...

I love random-notes posts - they are such fun to read! I must admit, I find I can do the self-blathering thing quite well, too, which is rather disconcerting because I'm really quite an introvert. But if I start talking something I'm doing that excites me, I can go on and on, AND I wave my hands all over the place, too! I'm sure the interview went well, though.

I have the Annotated Anne of Green Gables and love it.

Belle said...

Sorry - left the wrong url! (This is what happens when one juggles multiple blogs).

tanita✿davis said...

I've only had to do one or two live interviews, and taught a handful of college classes that were an hour and fifteen minutes long. WHOA, those were so hard. I took extensive notes and tried to talk slowly. The faster I speak, the greater likelihood the babble is escaping.

Saints and Spinners said...

I for one am always glad to know more about you, a.fortis.

Sarah Stevenson said...

Thanks, Farida!! And, guys, you have no idea how reassuring it is to find out I'm not the only introvert who has moments of uncontrollable blather.