Today I’m at PubCamp at SXSWi, where I’m the keynote speaker for a rather intimate conference about publishing. I am told a live stream will begin at 4pm CT/5pm ET – it should be online at the PubCamp SXSW website OR from the Kirkus website. I got the first link from Jane Friedman who is also speaking, and the other from Kirkus, and I won’t be able to test to see which is the right one since I’m up first, but one of those two should work. I know a few romance authors from the Austin RWA chapter plan to be there – and I hope you’ll be able to tune in if you’re interested.
Meanwhile, also in Kirkusland, there’s a new feature I am really excited about (also that I have nothing to do with): they have a page of iPad storybooks for children, with reviews of each one. I love this idea – and boy, do my children love the interactive books on the iPad. It’s a major reward for good behavior, the iPad, lemme tell you. Are you buying the iPad2? Do you read stories on your iPad? Do you have any recommendations?
Finally, I’m sick at heart at the news from Japan. I know that ShelterBox and the Red Cross are good places to start if you’d like to help – but if you have suggestions locally, please, let me know. I know we have readers visiting the site from Japan, and I hope you are all safe and sound.
okay, I totally read that as Pube camp…;)
It’s tough to know what to do about Japan. So far away, yet part of our human family.
Blessings,
Greg Gutierrez
Zen and the Art of Surfing
Gasp! I wish I was at SXSW. It’s only a few hours’ drive, too! I just haven’t had $700 to spend on a ticket. X)
My boyfriend is a part-time caretaker for his mentally retarded uncle. They use the iPad together, and Greg does reading and math games on it, as well as just getting to use technology, which is one of his development goals. it’s apparently, an awesome way for them to work together.
Desperately wishing I was at SXSW! Red Cross is a most excellent place to start looking to give as they help locally, nationally, internationally and are always plenty happy to take blood as well as funds.
Pube camp. Snort. Keepin it classy, SharonS! I love it. And actually, now I’m picturing what that might look like. Sigh.
interactive iPad books for kids – Have you read The Monster at the End of This Book? It’s sold as an app, and I’m probably biased, because it was one of my favorite books as a kid and to read to my own kids, but I love this book/app!
Sarah – I am so glad you spoke. You really helped me connect some big dots. And no longer will I hide my romance novels. Of course, I did beg my husband for a Kindle for that very reason.
Rats! Had I known you were going to be here in Austin, I would totally have taken you out for breakfast tacos, or even better, Mexican Martinis.
Thanks for shout out for Japan. I live in Kanagawa, and thus am not affected directly by the tsunami.
In the spirit of the moment, a pair of tanka for Japan
willows in a breeze
the buildings swayed in the quake
Edo’s flowers bloomed
In Sendai the sea came in
Cupped and pulled houses from roots
The ume blossoms
Still cling to branches in Edo.
In Miyagi, buds
yet unopened are torn free
Spring’s promise floats on cold waves.
(the Edo’s flowers refer the the frequent fires they had in old Tokyo in the days of wooden houses.)
How glad I am to be in a safe area in Japan.
How proud I am to be in a country where, when disaster struck so hard, did not panic, and then start looting, raping and causing trouble. They tensely but calmly started clicking the appropriate plans into action, plans that were decades in the making.
Disaster awareness training for citizens, who know what to do if the government can’t help them, and have supplies for earthquakes laid in bags in hall closets.
Government and Defence Force people who know what to do, and are doing it without wrangling or blaming.
Hard hats for us teachers, who were just finishing the year end grades when this happened, (!!!) and ALSO had small emergency kits with first aid, flashlights, whistles, space blankets and tools for each person. (Food and water is also laid in at our school.)
Japan, I could hug you. I am ready to bust. You are doing so well. You are an example to every other country that experiences disasters.
Sorry to ramble so! Keep good thoughts in your head for those north of me.
Since Laura didn’t know that you were going to be in Austin, be sure to go buy Taco Shack for some yummy breakfast tacos and Matt’s El Rancho for the Matt’s Knockout Mexican Martini, the Bob, and for their amazing Tex-Mex. I didn’t even realize that SXSW had a book discussion. That is awesome!
Oops. *by not “buy
@KatherineB: Nippon Banzai! May all of you stay safe and please be careful with that darn reactor problem, too.
I did indeed enjoy breakfast tacos – Mari Mancusi took me to a place called “Maria’s” and there was chorizo and bacon and eggs and I nearly passed out for a moment at the awesomeness. Austin is amazing.
And @KatherineB: I am amazed and brokenhearted seeing Japan’s struggle and disaster recovery plans in action. Thank you for sharing.