Thursday, December 8, 2011

On Humor and Self

Occasionally, I'll talk about writing and stuff. So that's what I did. This video is about humor and exploring the "Self". What do you find funny?

Monday, November 21, 2011

Velveteen News!

Oh yes. There's been progress. Check out the news!!! And, again, feel free to leave a comment and stuff.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Hari-Query

So I try not to dispense a lot of writing advice, mostly because I feel like it's kind of played out in the blogoverse, but I do, occasionally, take special requests. Never during Karaoke, though. When I'm on the mic, it's Night Ranger's Sister Christian, every time. Kidding. I'll keep my favorite song to myself. This week's vlog was a special request from Melissa over at The Metalhead Bookworm. She wanted a query letter how-to. So, being a kindly sort of asshole, I complied. Here goes, Melissa! Questions? Comments? Requests?

Dear Teen Me

So there's this really cool project out there called Dear Teen Me. The bloggers collect letters from tons of YA authors to their teen selves. Some are touching, some funny, and all of them are awesome. Well. Go see who has a letter up! Moi... Dear Teen Me, I’m writing to you from a not-so-far away future. Okay, that may be stretching the truth a bit. I’m a little further away than that. Fine. I’m 43. You’ve made it! Those premature gray hairs you’ve noticed? The ones you keep plucking? I’m afraid we’ve lost the battle... (read more)

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Book Show Book Show no. 3

Aw yeah! It's finally here, the third episode of Book Show Book Show. I have to say, it's getting harder and harder to keep up the content for this series. My reading is slowing down as I get closer to my revision deadline...funny that, right? Anyways, without further adieu...



What did you read this month?

Monday, August 29, 2011

The YA Horror Book Project

So I've been working on putting together a list a current young adult horror titles and it's not been an easy task and is nowhere near being finished. Here's a video that discusses the process and why I think it's important (hint: the genre is shrinking)...



And here's the list!

Bad Girls Don’t Die by Katie Alender
From Bad to Cursed by Katie Alender
Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake
Skeleton Creek by Patrick Carman
Devil’s Kiss by Sarwat Chadda
The Splendor Falls by Rosemary Clement Moore
The Gates by John Connoly
The House of Dead Maids by Clare B. Dunkle
Sleepless by Thomas Fahy
The Poisoned House by Michael Ford
The Sleepwalkers by J. Gabriel Gates
Soulless by Christopher Golden
Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton
Tighter by Adele Griffin
The Enemy by Charlie Higson
The Dead by Charlie Higson
Possessions by Nancy Holder
The Evil Within by Nancy Holder
The Screaming Season by Nancy Holder
The Devouring by Simon Holt
Soulstice by Simon Holt
Fearscape by Simon Holt
Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus
Rotters by Daniel Kraus
Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry
Dust & Decay by Jonathan Maberry
Bonechiller by Graham McNamee
Possess by Gretchen McNeil
Uninvited by Justine Musk
Bliss by Lauren Myracle
The Nightmarys by Dan Poblocki
Dreams of the Dead by Thomas Randall (Christopher Golden)
Spirits of the Noh by Thomas Randall (Christopher Golden)
A Winter of Ghosts by Thomas Randall (Christopher Golden)
Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves
Slice of Cherry by Dia Reeves
The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan
The Dark and Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan
White Crow by Marcus Sedgwick
Lord Loss by Darren Shan
Unwind by Neal Shusterman
Lockdown: Escape from Furnace by Alexander Gordon Smith
The Marbury Lens by Andrew Smith
Witch Eyes by Scott Tracey
I Am Not a Serial Killer by Dan Wells
The Cellar by A.J. Whitten
The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey
The Curse of the Wendigo by Rick Yancey
The Isle of Blood by Rick Yancey
The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff

Feel free to add your selections of current YA horror in the comment thread!

Monday, August 15, 2011

The Brand New Book Show Book Show and an Announcement!

Today I have two videos for your viewing pleasure.



And then this special specialness (so excited)...



Holy craps!

Friday, July 8, 2011

Book Show Book Show

Oh yes. It's really happening. The WORLD PREMIERE of my book recommendation show, aptly titled, Book Show Book Show. Won't you take a peek?



Thoughts?

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Where the Heck Am I, These Days?

So I primarily use this blog as an alternative to my Youtube Channel. But I thought I'd jot down a quick note to let you know that I've joined a few different group blogs and you definitely want to check them and the other authors I'm blogging with. Some really cool folks.

First up, the Class of 2k12, is a pretty prestigious group, but our website isn't live yet, though our older sister group, The Class of 2k11 is going strong! The Classes have been around for quite a while and have some pretty awesome authors among their alumni, including Jay Asher, Cassandra Clare, Melissa Marr, Elizabeth Scott and Jeri Smith-Ready. Super excited for our grand opening. We'll be having tons of giveaways!

Another group with lots of history is The Apocalypsies. Last year had The Elevensies, The Tenners were in 2010. But everything must come to an end and what better way to greet the apocalypse than with AWESOME books. Check out our website for interviews and giveaways!

Last but not least, I've joined The Nightstand. We're a group of paranormal and thriller authors and we just launched our blog with a big contest to win Dia Reeves's SLICE OF CHERRY and Malinda Lo's HUNTRESS. Our sister blog, Brave New Worlds, has WITHER by Lauren DeStefano and POSSESSION by Elana Johnson up for grabs to celebrate their launch. Go. Now!

If you're unfamiliar with any of these groups, click on the links and check out some awesome YA and MG books!

Top 12 Most Awesome Covers Ever!

Monday, June 6, 2011

An Agenda Too Disabling (a response to the WSJ article on dark YA fiction)



It's not often that I rant, so I definitely won't mind if you skip this vlog in favor of the much lighter stuff. :)

Friday, May 6, 2011

Friday, April 22, 2011

Some Friday Shiz!

So here's a random vlog...



And these are a pair of YA-type movies that I can't wait for...



Thursday, April 7, 2011