I am swooning over these gorgeous illustrations from the Czech children's book The Forest Story," written in 1929 by Josef Kozisek and handsomely illustrated by Rudolf Mates. I would so have loved as a child to receive such a gem of of a book. (Via Will Schoenfeld's amazing 50 Watts, a website dedicated to sharing […]
A Forest Story And The Lush Illustrations of Rudolf Mates Read More »
“It is springtime, he goes off with the peasants to mow the fields. in the beginning the task seems too arduous for him. He is about to give up when the old peasant leading the row calls for a rest. Then they begin again with their scythes. Once again Levin is about to collapse
From The Scythe To The Pen Read More »
I am a little annoyed with the internet right now for its failure to make the important and necessary distinction between what an author says and what an author's character says. In the usual Flannery O'Connor quotes collected on all kinds of internet sites there is one without any cite or reference, making it appear
A Flannery O’Connor Moment: Get Your Quotes Correct Read More »
Well…this is nice! I just learned earlier this week when a check arrived that Jane and I had sold our novel Except the Queen in Turkey. I knew the Italian deal was in the works, so it was awesome finding this cover of the Italian edition on the internet with its new title that translates
New Editions of Except the Queen in Italy and Turkey Read More »
As it turns out, Hans Christian Andersen produced really wonderful, whimsical, and beautiful papercuts when he told stories. He also produced lovely Christmas ornaments out of colored paper. I always think of his melancholy fairy tales — and was surprised by the humor and quirkiness of these delicate pieces. Happily, you can see a lot
Hans Christian Andersen’s Whimisical Paper Cuts Read More »
Ok…trust me…don't even wait for the reviews which will be lavish and praising (including my own when it comes). Go out now and buy this book, or order this book, or get that someone who owes you something to give you this book in exchange for the debt. I have been waiting for over a
The Tiger’s Wife and Shopping in the Renaissance Read More »
audio files of Flannery O’Connor :Here's an for an audio file of Flannery O'Connor giving a lecture on "A Good Man is Hard to Find." It's absolutely wonderful (thanks Hank foor giving me the new link!) — and I am so happy for the chance to hear her voice — a combination of girlish
The Voice of Flannery O’Connor…Literally Read More »
Here's a bit of lovely news — the first review from PW for the new novel Except the Queen: "World Fantasy Award-winning Yolen (Dragon's Heart) teams up with Snyder (The Innamorati) to weave a magical tale. After Serana and Meteora stumble across a secret that could damage the reputation of the Fairy Queen, the close-knit
PW Review for Except the Queen Read More »
“Revision is just as important as any other part of writing and must be done con amore.” –Evelyn Waugh Jane Yolen and I have just received our revision notes from our editor for the new novel Except the Queen. Not too bad — but there is a matter of 15,000 words that need to be edited out
Revisions: Except the Queen To Get a Make Over Read More »
The new anthology, Troll's Eye View: A Book of Villianous Tales, edited by Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling is now out for the reading pleasure of your favorite middle grade scary-book reader. (My kids devoured all of Alvin Schwartz's wonderfully ghoulish and creepy tales at that age.) The anthology offers versions of well-known fairy tales, but from
“Molly” in “Troll’s Eye View: A Book of Villainous Tales” Read More »
