Let’s start the week with a super fun grammar video:
I didn’t know that was how the possessive apostrophe s came to be; what a cool bit of language history. Although now I do want to bring up “haet” in everyday conversation.
(via The Dish)
Category: Video
Write What You Know You Know and John Hodgman’s Other Advice for Writers
John Hodgman shares his advice for writers, including finding what makes you passionate and want to share your story:
One piece of advice he doesn’t mention but I think is just as important–wear cool sunglasses.
In the Artist’s Studio
As someone who writes YA, I’m fascinated by the picture book process. You’ve got barely a few hundred words to work with, and you need to have art that both connects to your narrative and takes the story to the next level. So I really dug this video by children’s book artist Oliver Jeffers about his process:
Oliver Jeffers Author Film 2013 from Oliver Jeffers on Vimeo.
I need to start hunting for my breakfast, too. Watch out, scones!
(via swissmiss)
Looking Back, Looking Forward
At the end of the year, it’s easy to look back on former resolutions and feel sad about those goals you didn’t quite accomplish. But author T. Michael Martin is here to tell you that it’s okay if you didn’t have the most amazing year of accomplishments ever. Sometimes those disappointments and setbacks are leading you on the road to your ultimate writerly goals:
Let’s be honest: setbacks suck, and it’s okay to feel disappointed. But writing is also a really hard career without a set path. There’s no reason you should feel like your novel has to be published by the time you’re 30 or that you have to have an agent before the end of the year or that this is the year you need to support yourself by writing books full-time. Being a writer means always having to deal with bumps in the road and insecurities and setbacks. Everyone is dealing with this–you’re not alone. Even if you see fellow writers who seem to have it all, I’m guessing they’re dealing with their own stresses and disappointments behind the scenes.
Case in point: author Jo Knowles and her post about her goals and dreams for 2012. In case you don’t know Knowles, she has several awesome and (what I consider) successful YA/MG books out. In her post, she talks frankly about financial disappointments and missed promotional opportunities. I was really relieved to see that she continues to face challenges in her writing career as well. She also mentions a lot of great things that happened this year–a necessary reminder to not forget the good things that happen, too.
So tonight, I hope you can accept any disappointments you may have experienced over the last year and remember all the good things that happened. And don’t worry–whatever path you’re on, whatever challenges you may face, there are a lot of other writers who are right there beside you.
One Does Not Simply Jump Over Electric Fences
Two Lord of the Rings fans are doing their best Frodo and Sam impressions by walking to Mordor–aka, the filming location of Mordor in New Zealand.
I’m looking forward to seeing more beautiful New Zealand views and farm animal chasing in the next episode.
The Answer Is in a Book
Another classic PBS show remixed:
Books are awesome, guys, and so is Reading Rainbow.
You Will Honor District 12
Love this mashup of Mulan and The Hunger Games:
Mulan and Katniss would probably get along pretty well, come to think of it. Although thank goodness the Emperor of China is way cooler than President Snow.
The Gift of Books
For me, it’s a given that books are presents. Most of the time, they’re my go-to gift. But finding the right book for friends and family can be hard. You want something that they’ll enjoy but haven’t necessarily experienced yet.
Fortunately, author John Green has some great suggestions that span fiction and nonfiction, adult lit and YA, etc. John also breaks his suggestions into “if you liked X, you may like Y,” which can help fit your individual gift list. Plus John’s really fun:
Which books are you giving or recommending this year?
Critical Reading With John Green
As part of the Crash Course, a great video by John Green on why we read critically:
I know that in middle/high school, I also asked, “But did the author really mean for us to analyze all this?” I like that John points out that authors are trying to use precise and layered and interesting language to communicate deep emotions, not just to torture English students. (That’s a bonus, of course. Mwahaha!)
Can’t wait to read the see of this series!
Law School, Cannibalism, and Heath Ledger: What You May Not Know About the Brothers Grimm
You may know the stories, but do you know the Brothers Grimm? Check out the fun trivia in this video from AbeBooks:
I was curious to hear about the editing to stories like Rapunzel. We tend to think Disney tones down classic fairy tales for family audiences, but apparently the Grimms felt that some versions were a bit too scandalous as well.