A Few Random Notes Amid the Chaos

This week I'm just trying to put my head down and charge forward, step by lagging step, on my WIP, while attempting valiantly not to be distracted by FUN things like figuring out what I could put on a Bookprint at YouAreWhatYouRead.com (I only get to pick FIVE influential books in my life??) or indulging my organizational fetish over on Pinterest (which I've joined, but am forbidding myself from doing anything with until I finish this dang chapter).

But it is also a priority for me to let you know when I've found interesting writing- and book-related things online, and so I will take a moment to note a couple of things that have crossed my desk. First, remember early last month when I posted wondering whether there was such a thing as a Book Boxing Day or the like? Well, there IS! And I couldn't be happier. I found out via Zoe Toft of Playing by the Book that February 14th is International Book Giving Day (read about it here on Delightful Children's Books). If you could not possibly care less about yet another corporate candy-buying holiday (particularly one that advocates spending two months' salary or whatever on blood diamonds) then why not do something worthwhile instead, like giving books? Fantastic. Check Zoe's site for more book giving ideas and a lengthy list of charities--or do a quick search of ARCs Float On for teachers in your area who need books for their classrooms.

Lastly, a bit of sad news. Via Sheila at Wands and Worlds, I found out today that John Christopher, the pioneering YA sci-fi great who penned the Tripods books, has died. There's a very nice obituary and remembrance of his work over on Tor.com.