plot and character

"Plot springs from character... I've always sort of believed that these people inside me- these characters- know who they are and what they're about and what happens, and they need me to help get it down on paper because they don't type." Anne Lamott (b. 1954)

we are the world

Written by Michael Jackson & Lionel Richie MJ RIP

the importance of reading to your babies

My little friend found a favorite certain children's Storybook and started reading it first to herself and then to all her babies. See how her babies are so well behaved and looking at the pictures and listening so carefully. Even as such a young age. I think they must have their listening ears on. (Plus she must be quite a compelling reader that they can even overcome even the disadvantage of being plastic).

new forest donkey

I think he's interested in taking it to go. There aren't just New Forest Donkeys. There are also the famous New Forest Ponies who run free across the open heather-covered heath, wander through the ancient forests, across roads, stroll into shops. It's true. They really do. I went to boarding school in the New Forest (which of course is extremely ancient) and they are part of the scenery. They had free reign of the place. Actually so did we. It was a different time and a quite magical place to be a child.

Being a Pig Is Nice book trailer

check out this uber cool Book Trailer Random House made of the new book. WOW! I love it!

bad days

"If you are a genius, you'll make your own rules, but if not -- and the odds are against it -- go to your desk, no matter what your mood, face the icy challenge of the paper -- write."
J. B. Priestly


"Being a real writer means being able to do the work on a bad day."
Norman Mailer

"The mere habit of writing, of constantly keeping at it, of never giving up, ultimately teaches you how to write."
Gabriel Fielding

books that ask questions

"I believe that good questions are more important than answers, and the best children's books ask questions, and make the readers ask questions. And every new question is going to disturb someone's universe." - Madeleine L'Engle

daily routines: Roz Chast

here's a very funny article in this Sunday's New York Times re. Roz Chast and her daily routine. (For anyone who doesn't know she's the brilliant New Yorker cartoonist, illustrator, all round general genius.) Here's a sample of her work ...