Random Notes on a Monday

So many things to share, so little time...

First, if you haven't seen this wonderful youtube ditty about booksignings, you should take a peek...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZoJ5OKmEJY&feature=email

Second, I want to suggest two websites to check out --

Publishing Perspectives offers a really interesting take on the industry [ www.publishingperspectives.com  ]

and the folks at www.absolutewrite.com/forums   solicit a lot of fascinating people to talk about the industry.

Third, take a look at what one excellent writer, novelist Mark Bertrand, has to say about the future of publishing at www.cardus.ca/comment/article/2010/

Fourth, if you haven't yet read Jon Acuff's Stuff Christians Life, you are missing not only a hilariously funny look at contemporary Christianity, but some really insightful stuff on how we live out our faith. Jon was just profiled on CNN.com this past weekend, so he's getting huge press. 

Fifth, you might want to check out what Barnes & Noble is doing with PubIt -- B&N's own version of self-publishing, which lets you leverage the world's #1 bookstore by making your book available on the Nook. Lots of details online: www.fastcompany.com

Sixth, people have been asking me when I'm teaching a seminar next...  Bestselling novelist Susan May Warren and I are teaching "How to Create Bestselling Fiction" in Denver June 18 & 19. It's easy to get to, is on a Friday/Saturday, and we'd love to have you join us. Susan is simply the best writing instructor I know. You can find out all the details at www.themasterseminars.com

Seventh, you probably already know the names Lisa Samson and Susan Meissner. They are bestselling, award-winning novelists who are respected by everybody in the industry. The two of them have been teaming up to do a weekend retreat entitled "How to Add Depth to Your Fiction," and people are raving about it. They were going to do it in Detroit in July, but instead they have moved the workshop to Lexington, Kentucky, so that Lisa can host it at her new tea shop! A more relaxed, intimate setting, with lots of small group face-time with Lisa and Susan. Frankly, I don't know where else you'd get this type of access to someone like that. Anyway, it's coming up July 23-24 in Lexington. For more details write to Tiffany Colter at tiffcolter (at) gmail.com. 

Eighth, Anna Miller has put together something interesting -- 50 Literary Tours All Over the World. If you're into literary vacations, do yourself a favor and take a quick peek at her site:  http://www.onlinedegree.net/50-fascinating-literary-tours-all-over-the-world/ 

Ninth, remember that Book Expo America (BEA) starts in New York tomorrow. And the CBA version (ICRS) will take place in St Louis at the end of June.

Tenth, and perhaps most importantly, is the announcement of the birth of Maelie MacGregor, my very first grandchild. She was born on May 22nd, weighing 7lbs 8 oz. Maelie and mom are doing fine. Here they are:

 

Comments

[Daniel Smith]

Congratulations on the new addition!

[Janice Thompson]

Congratulations, Chip. She's beautiful!

[James Madara]

Congratulations Chip. You saved the best for last.

[Courtney Walsh]

Congrats, congrats!! :) She looks like perfection!

[Nicole]

Blessings to you and your family's latest sweet thing!

[Johnnie]

Congratulations! Grandparenthood is so much fun!

Lisa's tea shop sounds like a perfect venue for the "Adding Depth" seminar, though I'm glad I got to attend the one here in Orlando. Lisa and Susan challenged and inspired us and I know my finished manuscript will be stronger thanks to their suggestions and input.

[Jodie]

Congratulations, Chip! She's a sweetheart!

[Judith Robl]

Love the pic. Baby is precious and mom is beautiful.

DRAT !! You finally get a seminar within a day's driving distance of me -- and I've got a wedding on June 19 - a surrogate granddaughter's. AARRGGHH!!!

[Rachel]

The baby is perfecto. In unrelated news, my email to Tiffany at [email protected] bounced back to me, saying that the email addy didn't exit. Shall I try again, or is that email perhaps incorrect? Thanks.

[Donna Marie]

How exciting for all of you! As babies tend to do---she's added more adorableness to this needy world :) Congrats!

[Sharon A Lavy]

I love the additional news you send to those who get updates by email. Makes me curious how you do that. Anyway the big picture of your granddaughter is precious and a bonus to the one you posted on your blog.

Thanks for sharing.

[Stephanie Shott]

I became a grandma last June and there is nothing like having a new grandgirl in the family! (I know you're an agent and I know grandgirl isn't a word, but when you become a grandparent, you get to make up words):-)

And thanks for the other info too. Pretty informative for someone who is probably a giddy grandpa.

[Genny]

Congratulations on your first grandchild! How wonderful. And thank you for all the great links.

[Nancy]

being a grandmother change my life