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!