I’ve spent most of today applying for work and bidding for freelance jobs online. Mixed in with all of that is trying to keep up with publishing industry blogs and websites, podcasting, and grading essays. Right now I have two books in decidedly different stages of development–a young adult novel that is complete and in the hands of a couple of agents–fingers crossed–and a craft book (not a shock, eh?). With two kids, a...

Dear Mr. Riordan, As an educator, a former production and executive assistant in Hollywood, and an aspiring YA novelist I just wanted to send some sympathy your way. My 9 year old son and I—both fans of your book The Lightning Thief—went to see the new film version of it last Friday. My 9 year old really loved it—with caveats. I was willing to go along with the inevitable book-to-film discrepancies for most of the movie. I...

So, to translate, it says: Nov. 2nd, 1959, “why medical care costs so much.”

I’ve had trouble watching the glee with which the media has gone after Larry Craig. I cannot imagine a life more difficult than one where I (a) felt I couldn’t be myself and (b) where I hated what I knew I was in my heart of hearts. I don’t like hypocrisy. I particularly don’t like the zeal with which Senator Craig has gone after others who–like him–have had to make difficult choices about how to live with...

I know I’ve mentioned this before, but my Dad’s a geographer. I grew up pH testing dirt for fun. My Dad’s area of expertise is desertification–the fact of/process by which deserts around the world are growing…annually. So, global climate change, blah blah blah…that’s not what I’m here to argue. What I’m here to say is this:Whether it’s our fault or not, can we all agree that using up...

Read here and here and then of course, here. Leadership kids who “ran” from the building—all helped to safety by the kindness of strangers.  And the southern view you didn’t see on the news. 9/24/2007 O, I just HAVE To respond to the coward who anonymously left the comment below that “911 was an inside job. There were no planes, as none of the kids mention the sound of a 767 at 800 feet on full power.”...