Great Scot! Highland Flings are all the Rage
What could be sexier than say, Russell Crowe and George Clooney wanting to fulfill your every desire? Russell Crowe and George Clooney in kilts sporting mucho attitude. With tongue firmly planted in (get your mind out of the gutter!) cheek, The Scotsman reports on the recent American craze for romance novels set in Scotland featuring hunks in kilts. Huh? "Books with covers showing brooding, muscular, kilted heroes gazing out over the hills and glens are topping the best-seller lists," they report. The craze started after the release of Braveheart, Mel Gibson's Scottish historical epic, which sparked an interest in Scottish history and more to the point, Scots in kilts. "This year’s publishing sensation is the racy plaid-ripper, where the men are smouldering Scots, the countryside is wild and rugged and the women are all a-quiver." As one online fan of the Scottish romances says, "Just the thought of trying to tame one makes me feel weak at the knees." Clearly, plaid-clad lads are rad. Who knew?
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Horror Authors to Play Poker for Charity
A poker tournament featuring twenty prominient horror authors will raise money for charity at the 2005 World Horror Convention in April. Horrormeisters including F. Paul Wilson, Jack Ketchum, John Skipp, Tom Monteleone, Michael Arnzen, David Morrell, Christopher Golden, Carlton Mellick III, Monica O'Rourke will ante up using Texas Hold 'em rules at the Park Central Hotel in New York. The winner's take will be donated to charity. The game will be followed by a book signing and a launch party for writer Michael Arnzen's latest book, Play Dead. Get more info.
A poker tournament featuring twenty prominient horror authors will raise money for charity at the 2005 World Horror Convention in April. Horrormeisters including F. Paul Wilson, Jack Ketchum, John Skipp, Tom Monteleone, Michael Arnzen, David Morrell, Christopher Golden, Carlton Mellick III, Monica O'Rourke will ante up using Texas Hold 'em rules at the Park Central Hotel in New York. The winner's take will be donated to charity. The game will be followed by a book signing and a launch party for writer Michael Arnzen's latest book, Play Dead. Get more info.
Anarchist Book Fair Bigger than Ever
From a small group of left wing radicals talking politics, this festival has grown to a weekend of cultural events, reports AP (via the Monterey Herald). The current political climate has caused a boom in anarchis literature and ideas, say participants.
"The Bush era," says Joey Cain, 50, a longtime organizer, "has been good for anarchist consumerism." Check it out online.
From a small group of left wing radicals talking politics, this festival has grown to a weekend of cultural events, reports AP (via the Monterey Herald). The current political climate has caused a boom in anarchis literature and ideas, say participants.
"The Bush era," says Joey Cain, 50, a longtime organizer, "has been good for anarchist consumerism." Check it out online.
New Literary Board Game hits Shelves
Booktastic! is about more than literary trivia. The game came about through creator Laine Keneller's love of books and collecting. "The object of Booktastic! is to amass the most valuable collection of books and cash by buying and selling books at bookstores, swap meets and book exchanges," reports the Santa Cruz Sentinel. Players make their way through several bookstores buying or trading the ten books on the game card for noteworthy books of a specific year. In order to earn money to play the game, players must answer questions about collecting, authors and writers or specific books. The game is in it's second edition and planning a third, with foreign versions in the works.
Booktastic! is about more than literary trivia. The game came about through creator Laine Keneller's love of books and collecting. "The object of Booktastic! is to amass the most valuable collection of books and cash by buying and selling books at bookstores, swap meets and book exchanges," reports the Santa Cruz Sentinel. Players make their way through several bookstores buying or trading the ten books on the game card for noteworthy books of a specific year. In order to earn money to play the game, players must answer questions about collecting, authors and writers or specific books. The game is in it's second edition and planning a third, with foreign versions in the works.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Perfume Film to Star Dustin Hoffman
The Book Standard's weekly Hollywood column reports that Dustin Hoffman will join the cast of Perfume: The Story of a Murderer, the film version of Patrick Suskind's international bestseller. Also, Sean Lennon will co-produce and star in the film of Coin Locker Babies, the novel by Japanese writer Ryu Murakami, and Paramount has purchased the rights to the boarding school memoir Prep. Get more details.
The Book Standard's weekly Hollywood column reports that Dustin Hoffman will join the cast of Perfume: The Story of a Murderer, the film version of Patrick Suskind's international bestseller. Also, Sean Lennon will co-produce and star in the film of Coin Locker Babies, the novel by Japanese writer Ryu Murakami, and Paramount has purchased the rights to the boarding school memoir Prep. Get more details.
Japanese Dial up Novels
Reading on the go has reached a fever pitch in Japan, where downloads of novels to cell phones is at an all-time high. While China boasts the first novel written exclusively for cell phones (it is now being turned into a cell phone film), Japanese readers are the most avid consumers of text via phone, reports AP. A Tokyo wireless service provider, Bunko Yomihodai" or "All You Can Read Paperbacks" has 50,000 subscribers and counting. Most readers use the service to catch up on classics they never finished in school. "Users can search by author, title and genre, and readers can write reviews, send fan mail to authors and request what they want to read, all from their phones." U.S. readers should stay tuned: Random House is in a deal to provide cell-phone access to some language study programs.
Reading on the go has reached a fever pitch in Japan, where downloads of novels to cell phones is at an all-time high. While China boasts the first novel written exclusively for cell phones (it is now being turned into a cell phone film), Japanese readers are the most avid consumers of text via phone, reports AP. A Tokyo wireless service provider, Bunko Yomihodai" or "All You Can Read Paperbacks" has 50,000 subscribers and counting. Most readers use the service to catch up on classics they never finished in school. "Users can search by author, title and genre, and readers can write reviews, send fan mail to authors and request what they want to read, all from their phones." U.S. readers should stay tuned: Random House is in a deal to provide cell-phone access to some language study programs.
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
For Arab Writers, New Lines in the Sand washingtonpost.com
In spite of censorship, writers in Saudi Arabia are tackling tougher issues than ever before in books published there and abroad. But government approval doesn't mean smooth sailing. "Two months ago, a group of men entered a bookstore on one of the capital's broad avenues, lined with designer boutiques and glass-and-steel shopping malls. They seized copies of The Bottle, which includes an unflattering portrayal of an Islamic militant, after it had sold 500 copies in just three days, a feverish pace in the kingdom. Although the government had approved the book for sale, the men warned the shop not to carry it again."
In spite of censorship, writers in Saudi Arabia are tackling tougher issues than ever before in books published there and abroad. But government approval doesn't mean smooth sailing. "Two months ago, a group of men entered a bookstore on one of the capital's broad avenues, lined with designer boutiques and glass-and-steel shopping malls. They seized copies of The Bottle, which includes an unflattering portrayal of an Islamic militant, after it had sold 500 copies in just three days, a feverish pace in the kingdom. Although the government had approved the book for sale, the men warned the shop not to carry it again."
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Novelists Begin to Deal With Sept. 11
A number of books released this spring use the 9/11 terrorist attack in various ways, reports The Lakeland (FL) Ledger. Either the horror is recreated and characters are directly affected and must deal with it, or in less immediate ways, the attack is dealt with in literature. Ian McEwan's Saturday, in which the reality of the characters is forever affected by those attacks, and family members examine attitudes about the war and the issues involved. One French bestseller soon coming to U.S. shelves, takes us inside the towers on the day of the attack. "I've had people say it is really obscene and disgusting to do that. But that is the idea of writing fiction about history. It is always shocking. We should not be afraid of writing about what is important," said Beigbeder, the author of the upcoming Windows on the World.
A number of books released this spring use the 9/11 terrorist attack in various ways, reports The Lakeland (FL) Ledger. Either the horror is recreated and characters are directly affected and must deal with it, or in less immediate ways, the attack is dealt with in literature. Ian McEwan's Saturday, in which the reality of the characters is forever affected by those attacks, and family members examine attitudes about the war and the issues involved. One French bestseller soon coming to U.S. shelves, takes us inside the towers on the day of the attack. "I've had people say it is really obscene and disgusting to do that. But that is the idea of writing fiction about history. It is always shocking. We should not be afraid of writing about what is important," said Beigbeder, the author of the upcoming Windows on the World.
Monday, March 14, 2005
Go Ahead, Judge
Some of the worst book covers ever are collected on the hilarious online gallery of Bad Book Covers. The offending "art" ranges from the completely nuts , to the hilarious (a cover for Pet Sematary), to bad concepts like a beachy vampire scene(?!), to the disturbing (you'll know it when you see it), to dated work like the covers of Trixie Belden mysteries (so much cooler than the anal-retentive Nancy Drew). You'll marvel that people got paid to think these up. Good fun. You can click on the images for a bigger view and some snarky remarks from the site owner.
Some of the worst book covers ever are collected on the hilarious online gallery of Bad Book Covers. The offending "art" ranges from the completely nuts , to the hilarious (a cover for Pet Sematary), to bad concepts like a beachy vampire scene(?!), to the disturbing (you'll know it when you see it), to dated work like the covers of Trixie Belden mysteries (so much cooler than the anal-retentive Nancy Drew). You'll marvel that people got paid to think these up. Good fun. You can click on the images for a bigger view and some snarky remarks from the site owner.
Robinson's Gilead May Sweep Awards
Iowa Writer's Workshop instructor Marilynne Robinson's latest book, Gilead is a New York Times Notable Book, has just been nominated for the PEN/Faulkner award is also nominated for the National Book Critics Circle award, and is a front-runner for the Pulitzer Prize and is among the nominees for the UK's Orange Prize. Whew. Gilead is about a 76 year-old man examines his life and communicates with his young son. The Des Moines Register examines Robinson's chances.
Iowa Writer's Workshop instructor Marilynne Robinson's latest book, Gilead is a New York Times Notable Book, has just been nominated for the PEN/Faulkner award is also nominated for the National Book Critics Circle award, and is a front-runner for the Pulitzer Prize and is among the nominees for the UK's Orange Prize. Whew. Gilead is about a 76 year-old man examines his life and communicates with his young son. The Des Moines Register examines Robinson's chances.
Peter Pan Sequel Set
British children's book author Geraldine McCaughrean will write a sequel to the classic Peter Pan, reports Reuters.The sequel will raise money for The Great Ormond Children's Hospital in London which owns the rights to the book.
British children's book author Geraldine McCaughrean will write a sequel to the classic Peter Pan, reports Reuters.The sequel will raise money for The Great Ormond Children's Hospital in London which owns the rights to the book.
Saturday, March 12, 2005
Books-to-Film
What books are being adapted to what size screen? Who's starring? Who's directing? Who's writing the screenplay? Find out here from The Book Standard.
What books are being adapted to what size screen? Who's starring? Who's directing? Who's writing the screenplay? Find out here from The Book Standard.
The Myths are Coming
In a unique feat of publishing, new stories based on ancient myths written by authors from around the world will be in stores in 35 countries simultaneously this October. The Myths, a project spearheaded by Scots publisher Cannongate, told authors to pick a myth from any country and re-tell it in 30,000 words. Margaret Atwood, Donna Tart, Viktor Pelevin, Jeanette Winterston and David Grossman have already signed on and more authors are in the wings, says the timesonline.
In a unique feat of publishing, new stories based on ancient myths written by authors from around the world will be in stores in 35 countries simultaneously this October. The Myths, a project spearheaded by Scots publisher Cannongate, told authors to pick a myth from any country and re-tell it in 30,000 words. Margaret Atwood, Donna Tart, Viktor Pelevin, Jeanette Winterston and David Grossman have already signed on and more authors are in the wings, says the timesonline.
Asian Literary Festival Struggles to Define Itself
The Man Hong Kong International Literary Festival is the first book fair in Asia, but it seems bent on introducing British writing to Asians rather than celebrating Asian literature (or recognizing it at all). The Weekend Standard (China) reports.
The Man Hong Kong International Literary Festival is the first book fair in Asia, but it seems bent on introducing British writing to Asians rather than celebrating Asian literature (or recognizing it at all). The Weekend Standard (China) reports.
Censored Biography by American is Bestseller in China
Two biographies of former Chinese President Jiang Zemin have been published but only one is availible in stores in mainlaind China. Political Struggles in China's Reform Era, by Yang Jisheng, a journalist for China Daily, paints Zemin's struggles against Communist hardliners and his opposition to the Tiananmen Square Massacre. It has been banned by the Chinese government. The Man Who Changed China: The Life and Legacy of Jiang Zemin," by Robert Lawrence Kuhn, an investment banker, is seen largely as a pro-business fawning hagiography which has been embraced and heavily promoted by the Chinese government, even though they censored parts of it before publication. The Washington Post reports.
Two biographies of former Chinese President Jiang Zemin have been published but only one is availible in stores in mainlaind China. Political Struggles in China's Reform Era, by Yang Jisheng, a journalist for China Daily, paints Zemin's struggles against Communist hardliners and his opposition to the Tiananmen Square Massacre. It has been banned by the Chinese government. The Man Who Changed China: The Life and Legacy of Jiang Zemin," by Robert Lawrence Kuhn, an investment banker, is seen largely as a pro-business fawning hagiography which has been embraced and heavily promoted by the Chinese government, even though they censored parts of it before publication. The Washington Post reports.
Russia is Guest of Honor at Paris Book Fair
As guest of honor at the Paris Book Fair (March 18-23)this year, Russia will mount an exposition at the Paris Expo Center featuring film, photography and art exhibitions, readings and panel discussions, reports russian news agency Novostia.
As guest of honor at the Paris Book Fair (March 18-23)this year, Russia will mount an exposition at the Paris Expo Center featuring film, photography and art exhibitions, readings and panel discussions, reports russian news agency Novostia.
Friday, March 11, 2005
Canadian Howard Engel Honored
After 11 Benny Cooperman detective novels, Toronto native Howard Engel was awarded the Matt Cohen award by the Writer's Trust of Canada for lifetime achievement. The prize is all the sweeter because just four years ago, Engel suffered a stroke that left him unable to read. He was still able to write, however, and had no plans to stop. While completing his latest Cooperman novel, Memory Book">Memory Book, Engel has taught himself to read again and has acheived a 3rd grade reading level. The Globe and Mail reports.
After 11 Benny Cooperman detective novels, Toronto native Howard Engel was awarded the Matt Cohen award by the Writer's Trust of Canada for lifetime achievement. The prize is all the sweeter because just four years ago, Engel suffered a stroke that left him unable to read. He was still able to write, however, and had no plans to stop. While completing his latest Cooperman novel, Memory Book">Memory Book, Engel has taught himself to read again and has acheived a 3rd grade reading level. The Globe and Mail reports.
Got Dead? Read This
Being Dead Is No Excuse: The Official Southern Ladies Guide to Hosting the Perfect Funeral , is a seriously humorous look at catering Southern bereavement. The Mississippi Clarion-Ledger reports on Mississippi residents Gayden Metcalf and Charlotte Hayes, both writers accomplished mourners who they decided that they had to record the mixture of food and humor particular to Southern funeral rites. "One day I said, 'There's something wrong with this picture.' We get six months or more to plan a wedding. And by the time it's over, everyone is mad at one another. But the funeral ... that's your last big party. The last time you can ever do something for that certain someone," Metcalf said. The result is a respectful and howlingly funny collection of anecdotes and recipies that illustrate Southern funeral etiquette and food. "Nobody eats better than a bereaved Southerner," said Metcalf.
Being Dead Is No Excuse: The Official Southern Ladies Guide to Hosting the Perfect Funeral , is a seriously humorous look at catering Southern bereavement. The Mississippi Clarion-Ledger reports on Mississippi residents Gayden Metcalf and Charlotte Hayes, both writers accomplished mourners who they decided that they had to record the mixture of food and humor particular to Southern funeral rites. "One day I said, 'There's something wrong with this picture.' We get six months or more to plan a wedding. And by the time it's over, everyone is mad at one another. But the funeral ... that's your last big party. The last time you can ever do something for that certain someone," Metcalf said. The result is a respectful and howlingly funny collection of anecdotes and recipies that illustrate Southern funeral etiquette and food. "Nobody eats better than a bereaved Southerner," said Metcalf.
Ian Rankin Up Close
On tour in the U.S. to Promote his lates Rebus novel, Fleshmarket Alley, Ian Rankin talks about crime writing "I was not a fan of the genre. I became a crime writer by accident, while trying to write the 'great Scottish novel'," and what the future may hold for his beloved and flawed detective, John Rebus.
On tour in the U.S. to Promote his lates Rebus novel, Fleshmarket Alley, Ian Rankin talks about crime writing "I was not a fan of the genre. I became a crime writer by accident, while trying to write the 'great Scottish novel'," and what the future may hold for his beloved and flawed detective, John Rebus.
Literary Auction to Fund New Dictionary
When Scottish Language Dictionaries of Edinburgh asked Scotland's writers to donate items to raise money for a new Scots dictionary, they received some very prestigious items indeed. Scotsman.com reports that Harry Potter powerhouse J.K. Rowling donated "The Ballad of Nearly Headless Nick," a poem she cut out of one her books. Ian Rankin, author of the Rebus novels, arguably the most famous detective novels set in Edinburgh, donated a handwritten draft of "a possible opening to the final Rebus novel", sets out a scene where Rebus arranges to meet his arch enemy, the gangster "Big Ger" McCafferty. Alexander McCall Smith, creator of Mma. Ramotswe, donated of a series of pieces and the Scottish poet Edwin Morgan contributed a signed short story. The collection is being displayed at the Scottish Poetry Library until Thursday. The auction will be held on March 24 by Edinburgh auction house Lyon and Turnbull.
When Scottish Language Dictionaries of Edinburgh asked Scotland's writers to donate items to raise money for a new Scots dictionary, they received some very prestigious items indeed. Scotsman.com reports that Harry Potter powerhouse J.K. Rowling donated "The Ballad of Nearly Headless Nick," a poem she cut out of one her books. Ian Rankin, author of the Rebus novels, arguably the most famous detective novels set in Edinburgh, donated a handwritten draft of "a possible opening to the final Rebus novel", sets out a scene where Rebus arranges to meet his arch enemy, the gangster "Big Ger" McCafferty. Alexander McCall Smith, creator of Mma. Ramotswe, donated of a series of pieces and the Scottish poet Edwin Morgan contributed a signed short story. The collection is being displayed at the Scottish Poetry Library until Thursday. The auction will be held on March 24 by Edinburgh auction house Lyon and Turnbull.
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