Wednesday, November 28, 2007

What I’m reading / watching

Reading


 Cornelia Funke’s Inkheart. I know, four years old. But sometimes I just miss these things.

Watching

Moonlight. It’s a disease. Someone stop me.
The Golden Compass. Comes out in only 10 sleeps!

Posted by John Burns at 10:09:12 | Permalink | Comments (1) »

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Things I like > Nick Hornby

In today’s Globe & Mail.

Posted by John Burns at 01:09:46 | Permalink | Comments (1) »

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

How I learned to stop worrying and love online reviews

Given that my bread-and-butter is reviewing books for newspapers, it’s been an interesting (like, unsettling) experience to discover that - by and large - you’re not going to get reviewed in your average newspaper or magazine. Unless you’re JK Rowling. (But even then…)


My first book was widely reviewed, and critically lauded. And it sank without a trace. I dare you to find a copy on a store’s shelves. Double dog dare you.

Runnerland had one very kind review in the Vancouver Sun, and it’s got some really positive reviews in library journals and specialty magazines.

Yet all kinds of people are buying it (according to The Publisher) and that’s in part thanks to the power of online reviews.

So, remember I said I made my bread-and-butter as a traditional newspaper book reviewer? I have to really wrap my mind around the fact that smart, well-read, influential people are posting reviews on peer (teen) sites, on MySpace, on all kinds of interesting sites. It’s not about dreaming about getting reviewed in the Globe and Mail (which panned my first book, and which gives me work - so boo Globe and then thank you Globe). It’s about learning about this whole new world, and jumping in feet first.

Look out, here I come!

Speaking of boss online reviewers, the following is from Sally Kruger (aka Readingjunky), posted to Teensreadtoo.com, where my publisher put up this cool banner today. It’s a rave, gold star review!

Peter’s story is a realistic one. The deserted buildings that become his home, the creative methods he devises to beg and earn his living, and the fragile and scary trust he must have in the leader, Dekman, all come together to illustrate the dark and dangerous life of the homeless. This well-written story will make readers consider just how many of these teens are out there today, living on the edge of survival.

Read more at Teensreadtoo.com. And thank you, Readingjunky!

Posted by John Burns at 06:02:35 | Permalink | Comments (1) »

Monday, November 19, 2007

Canadian Children’s Book Week

Yes, it’s CCBW, and if you’re curious about that, visit here.

I particularly enjoyed Adrienne Mason’s post about her 10 wishes for book week. I’m singling out No. 6 here:

Wish #6: If your local school actually has a librarian, give them a cookie too. Then write a letter to the provincial government, cc’d to the local School District, principal and newspaper explaining why oh why it’s so very important to have librarians in each and every school who love children’s books and want to share them with children and teachers and parents.

Huzzah! Huzzah!

PS. Cookies for authors gratefully accepted here.

Posted by John Burns at 07:04:50 | Permalink | Comments (1) »

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Remembrance Day

Posted by John Burns at 08:37:20 | Permalink | Comments (1) »

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Stop and smell the Halo

Sometimes you’ve just got to spend the night staying up late, playing Halo, and drinking beer. Big shout-out to my friend Blaine for having me over the other night to do just that. It was…necessary.


Yeah!


PS. This is in no way an endorsement of underage drinking or Covenant-pwning. Shoot and consume responsibly…

Posted by John Burns at 05:07:44 | Permalink | Comments (1) »