Diary of a small town sensation: how the Wimpy Kid author built his dream bookshop

Growing up, Jeff Kinney discovered Tolkien, comics and computers at his local bookshop. When it closed he was bereft – would opening his own as an adult help to right that wrong?Author Jacqueline Woodson recently spoke about books being either mirrors or windows. Mirrors for seeing ourselves, and windows for seeing into other worlds. Growing up, I enjoyed both types of books, from the realistic contemporary fiction of Judy Blume to the epic fantasy of JRR Tolkien. I had access to books by these and every author in between courtesy of a bookstore a short drive from my house. I didn’t understand my privilege then, but I’ve come to understand it better over time.In the short time that it was open, I developed interests that would shape my career. I grew up at the advent of personal computing, and the books I read helped me along a path to becoming a programmer. I also developed a deep appreciation for comics, thanks to an expansive humour section at the bookstore. Those comic collections helped to prepare me for my dream career as a cartoonist. Had we not had a bookstore nearby during my formative years, I would have grown up to be a completely different person.We’ve had several romances develop from first dates in the cafe, and one couple is getting married this autumn Continue reading... Continue reading at 'The Guardian'

[ The Guardian | 2019-10-05 09:00:40 UTC ]
News tagged with: #local bookshop #judy blume #epic fantasy #formative years #bookstore

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Authors rail against Green copyright proposals

Authors are protesting against a Green Party proposal to reduce the length of copyright terms to a maximum of 14 years. The UK copyright term is currently set at the life of the author plus 70 years, but in the "Intellectual Property" section of a policy statement the Green Party says it wants... Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2015-04-24 00:00:00 UTC ]
More news stories like this | All news stories tagged with: #cultural activity #green party #intellectual property


With New Film, 'Diary of a Teenage Girl' Gets New Edition

First published 13 years ago, Phoebe Gloeckner’s acclaimed graphic novel 'Diary of a Teenage Girl' is getting a new, revised edition in anticipation of the August release of an independent film based on the book. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-04-22 00:00:00 UTC ]
More news stories like this | All news stories tagged with: #august release #acclaimed graphic #teenage girl #revised edition


Publishers Applaud Removal of Sanctions on Syrian Authors

At the urging of a coalition of publishers, regulations prohibiting American publishers from working with authors in the war-torn region was recently lifted, under a general license. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-04-22 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Authors withdraw from Hugo Awards

Two authors and a fanzine have withdrawn their work from the Hugo science fiction awards, claiming alleged right-wing activists are skewing the voting process. The annual awards honour the best science fiction and fantasy works and achievements of the previous year across a number of... Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2015-04-21 00:00:00 UTC ]
More news stories like this | All news stories tagged with: #including books #fantasy works #science fiction #hugo awards


Authors on the Air April 21, 2015: Melissa and Dallas Hartwig

Melissa and Dallas Hartwig, authors of 'The Whole30: The 30-Day Guide to Total Health and Food Freedom' (HMH, 9780544609716) will appear on the 'Today' show on Tuesday, April 21. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-04-21 00:00:00 UTC ]
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First Bookstore Dedicated to Self-Published Authors Opens in Florida

Frustrated by a lack of opportunity for indie authors to showcase their work, two Florida writers open a bookstore of their own. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-04-20 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Just As Sweet: 'Flour' Author Bakes With Less Sugar

The author of the bestselling cookbook 'Flour' is back with a new title that offers recipes with white sugar-alternatives—honey, molasses, fruit juice, coconut milk—that still satisfy. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-04-20 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Hyde Park for kids

Hyde Park Editions is launching a new series of children’s books, The Hyde Park Squirrels, written by its m.d. Nick Croydon and illustrated by Petra Brown.  The books are about two squirrels: Luke and Holly Bushytail. In the first book, Luke Goes to London, Luke leaves his rural life to go to... Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2015-04-17 00:00:00 UTC ]
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New YALC authors announced

Booktrust has announced the second round of authors appearing at this year’s Young Adult Literature Convention (YALC), including Darren Shan, Sally Green and Kevin Brooks. Booktrust announced the names of 13 new authors taking part at a London Book Fair seminar entitled YALC: Ten Things We... Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2015-04-16 00:00:00 UTC ]
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AWP 2015 with Children's Publishers and Authors: A Photo Essay

The Association of Writing Programs and Writers held its annual conference from April 9-11, and effectively took over the city of Minneapolis for four days. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-04-16 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Mexican Author Valeria Luisseli Defies Categorization

Mexico's Valeria Luiselli, the London Book Fair's Author of the Day, aversion to embodying any singular cultural or literary tradition. The post Mexican Author Valeria Luisseli Defies Categorization appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2015-04-15 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Authors on the Air April 15, 2015: Eric Greitens

Eric Greitens, author of 'Resilience: Hard-Won Wisdom for Living a Better Life' (HMH, 9780544323988) will appear on the 'Today Show' and the 'Daily Show' on Thursday, April 16. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-04-15 00:00:00 UTC ]
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German Author Günter Grass Dies

Both an influential writer and contentious political activist in post-war Germany, Günter Grass died on April 13, 2015. The post German Author Günter Grass Dies appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2015-04-14 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Minneapolis Mayor, Local Literati Welcome AWP to Town

Minnesota welcomed AWP15 to the region with open arms. Even the mayor visited AWP to welcome attendees to her city, where attendees are expected to pour $28 million into the local economy. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-04-11 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Authors and Illustrators to Meet at CI3: Children's Institute 2015

Below is a list of the most recent books by writers attending the author reception, the Scholastic Meet & Treat party, and/or the opening reception with members of #WeNeedDiverseBooks, cosponsored by PW. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-04-10 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Authors call for better communication with publishers

Publishers need to communicate better with authors, pay them more and utilise writers’ skills to market books, but most writers would still choose to be published traditionally, a survey has found. The Do You Love Your Publisher? survey, co-produced by authors Harry Bingham (in the UK) and Jane... Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2015-04-10 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Meet the Authors and Illustrators Behind These Books: Children's Institute 2015

A list of the most recent books by writers attending the author reception, the Scholastic Meet & Treat party, and/or the opening reception with members of #WeNeedDiverseBooks, cosponsored by PW. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-04-10 00:00:00 UTC ]
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GCP Signs Indie Author Wild to 7-Figure Deal

In the third major deal for an indie author in the run-up to next week's London Book Fair, Grand Central's Forever imprint has inked Meredith Wild to a five-book, seven-figure deal. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-04-07 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Removing import restrictions would impact Australian authors, say publishers

Local book industry argue changes proposed in Harper Review will impact their bottom line and may see less long-term investment in Australian writersAustralian publishers would be less likely to support, nurture and develop talented writers like Tasmania’s Richard Flanagan if the Australian... Continue reading at The Guardian

[ The Guardian | 2015-04-07 00:00:00 UTC ]
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McGraw-Hill Global Education Posts Small 2014 Profit

McGraw-Hill Global Education had net income of $3.8 million last year compared to a loss of $89.4 million in 2013. Sales rose 4%. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-04-07 00:00:00 UTC ]
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