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Oh My--Self-Published Picture Book Down with the P-O-T...

Take a look at this disturbingly hilarious (hilariously disturbing?) post on Galley Cat about a self-published picture book called It's Just a Plant (which I'm not linking to. OK yes I am--because you can click through and read this fine piece of literature ***), "an illustrated children's book about marijuana" that is "a book for parents who want to educate their children about the complexities of pot in a thoughtful, fact-oriented manner."

The commentary about the book from the former publisher of High Time magazine is, well, commentary from the former publisher of High Times. Dude.

*** in English, Finnish, German, Hungarian, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish or Thai. I kid you not. And don't miss the reviews (one of which calls the author "the Dr. Seuss of pot") from the likes of Entertainment Weekly, Bill O'Reilly, and David Crosby.

I have a few good things to post. The first, my Snoopy Dance news is that I found out yesterday from my publisher at Sylvan Dell that I will be participating at Book Expo America this year at the LA Convention Center! They weren’t sure if Blackberry Banquet (click here for a sneak preview) would be available by then, but despite its July 10 release date, it will. They’ll have advanced copies available for me to sign, so mark your calendars for the last weekend in May.

I’ve never attended BEA and I’m very excited. It's such a huge event with so many publishers and authors—and to be a signing author is a thrill. My already overactive imagination is running amuck with thoughts of whom I’ll be seated near. I mean, isn’t it every children’s writers dream to get to rub elbows with Jane Yolen or Richard Peck (even if it’s from a distance and a line of people separates our elbows).

The other good news is that I recently heard from Roxyanne Young of SmartWriters.com. She has decided to run the WIN competition (Write It Now) again this year. It will be open for entries beginning in August 2008, so mark your calendars and watch the SmartWriters website for updates.

One last bit of cool information. Author Bruce Hale, of Chet Gecko and Underwhere fame, is offering a 39% discount on the first four CDs in his Teleseminar series on writing and publishing (targeted toward beginning and lower-intermediate writers). Each recording addresses a different aspect of the process. You'll find insider tips from editors and agents, plus time-tested information on how to write, edit, and sell your story. Click here for more info.

Happy Writing to All!

Yesterday was my fundraiser book signing for D & S Loving Animal Rescue. I'd like to thank the folks who came out to support D & S, and those of you who couldn't make it but called in to order books. It was great meeting fellow animal-lovers (like Dawn Watchus, the manager of the center featured in the photo with me).

The signing went very well, as we raised approximately $150 in profits for the center, but as you can see from the photo (unfinished floors and no doors, not to mention the unfinished ceiling), funds are still needed to complete the facility (doors alone cost $100 each!).


If you'd still like to help homeless animals by purchasing a copy of PET JOKES THAT WILL MAKE YOU HOWL! or would like to make a tax-deductible donation, please contact Pet Integrity Pet Supplies:

(760) 375-3217
925 East Ridgecrest Blvd.
Ridgecrest, CA 93555

THANK YOU!

Hey All You Fellow Writerly Folks,

I just wanted to remind you that this Saturday, December 8 is when I’ll be signing copies of PET JOKES THAT WILL MAKE YOU HOWL! as a fundraiser for D & S Loving Animal Rescue, a non-profit, no-kill rescue center. I’m sure you’re more stressed out than a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs over whether it’s too late to order books. Well, guess what? It isn’t!

You can still call Pet Integrity Pet Supplies at (760) 375-0140 to order your copies ($4.95 each plus $2.00 for shipping). Order now while supplies last. Pet Jokes would make a great holiday gift for anyone who loves animals plus you’ll be helping hundreds of homeless cats and dogs.


Can't wait 'til you get your paws on a copy of PET JOKES THAT WILL MAKE YOU HOWL!, then check out this videoclip.

ATTENTION ANIMAL LOVERS!

Why can’t dogs dance?
Because they have two left feet!

What do you get when you cross a feline and a metal detector?
A cat scan!

On Saturday, December 8, from 12:00-3:00, I’ll be signing my joke and riddle book, PET JOKES THAT WILL MAKE YOU HOWL! (co-authored with Ruth Musgrave) at a fundraiser benefit for D & S LOVING ANIMAL RESCUE (an honest-to-goodness no-kill animal shelter). One hundred percent of all proceeds are going to this wonderful non-profit organization.

Can’t make it? No need to get howlin’ mad! If you still want to purchase a book just call the number below to place your order. I’ll happily sign your copy/copies and the store will ship it to you. Your cost would be $4.95 + shipping (paperback edition) or $14.95 + shipping (hardback). PET JOKES THAT WILL MAKE YOU HOWL! would make a doggone great holiday gift for that pet-loving child or adult in your life and you’d be helping care for homeless cats and dogs.

My goal is to sell 100 books. The city of Ridgecrest has donated property for D & S to build a new full-service adoption facility, but funds are still needed for construction. This organization is the same one that brought my “furry children” into my life and I’d love to give something back to them and help them with their cause.

Here’s the kitty scoop:
WHEN:
Saturday, December 8, 12:00-3:00
WHERE:
Pet Integrity Pet Supplies
128 North China Lake Blvd.
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
INFO & BOOK ORDERING : (760) 375-0140