Charming Monsters

Interesting article from Jason Thompson on io9 about the challenges facing the manga publishing industry, with an extensive focus on the complete lack of digital strategy by most Japanese manga publishers. (North American publishers are generally hamstrung on digital by a lack of rights, a question UDON gets asked on a regular basis.)

Nine good tips on how to get started marketing your book (for free!) from Bryan Thomas Schmidt.

The Beat provides a summary and discussion around a recent hot topic on Twitter: are cartoonists doomed to die poor (while pirates dance on their graves)?

In American Censorship news, Arizona’s ban on ethnic studies will keep a wide range of great books out of the classroom – including Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

Lindsay Doran in the New York Times on what makes a movie ending “happy” (some great writing craft advice here).

A charming animated short with definite appeal to book lovers!

This was filmed at Type Books on Queen West, one of my favorite indie bookstores in Toronto. I’ll have to make the time to stop by this weekend and pick up a new book or two, to show my appreciation for them allowing the filmmakers after-hours access to the shop*!

* – I say this despite having gotten a whole new stack of lovely books for Christmas, along with an e-reader which I’m excited to try out. Good thing I also have a new bookshelf!

Jim and I have been watching a lot of Christmas movies lately, trying to get ourselves in the seasonal spirit despite the lack of snow and general feeling of un-holiday that’s floating around these days. After last night’s double-bill (ELF / THE MUPPETS CHRISTMAS CAROL), Jim ran through a couple of old cartoons for me, including Popeye’s Seasin’s Greetinks! and the Tom & Jerry classic, The Night Before Christmas.

Then he showed me this:

It’s a 1939 MGM cartoon called “Peace on Earth”. It stars a couple of no-name squirrels who tell the tale of a world that is finally at peace – because the men have all killed themselves off through warfare. It is the ultimate perky-goth blend of cute and morbid, and I can not imagine why it has not entered the ranks of the holiday classics.

(Disclaimer: I am not responsible for any loss of seasonal cheer which may result from watching this clip.)

Tis the season to slack on blogging, apparently! Things have been a bit of a whirlwind lately, between pushing ahead with the first draft of my new novel, getting prepped for our annual New Year’s Eve bash, and juggling the host of social obligations that come along with the holiday season.

On that last topic, Corey Mintz offers up some sharp and useful advice on How to Be a Christmas Party Guest. After my own unpleasant encounter with a drunken young miss last Saturday night, whose belligerant kindness drove me to flee the party earlier than planned, I can not stress the importance of #4 (Don’t be a Drunk) strongly enough. Not to mentioned tips #1, #2, #3 and…. oh heck, they’re all bang-on.

Also related to seasonal events, this New York Times op ed about the rise of store-bought treats for potlucks and bake sales touches on some interesting points. Personally, while I understand the time and energy crunch that leads to picking up a batch of grocery-store snacks for sharing with friends, it does make me a bit sad whenever I see handmade goodies being ignored at the buffet spread in favour of Timbits and pre-packaged spinach dip.

Here in Canada, we celebrate Thanksgiving in October, so there’s always a certain amount of jealousy as my American pals begin their late November nattering about turkey, stuffing and leftovers. Luckily, this year we were spared the envy and topped up on turkey – and way, way more – thanks to a lovely invitation from my pals Panic and John to their American Tribute Thanksgiving Dinner party.

It’s worth noting that John is an AMAZING cook. And the offer included mention of turducken. And a cherumple (cherry, rhubarb and apple pies baked into cakes) by Emma, who is an AMAZING baker. So we knew we were in for a belly-busting evening of foodie delights. Turns out the company, many of whom I hadn’t met before, was also excellent, which made the evening all the more wonderful!

Sorry the photos aren’t up to my usual quality – I just got a fantastic new smartphone on the weekend (yay!) and could not resist trying it out.

Turducken, rested after nine hours in the oven and ready to be served!
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