In My Mailbox (Out of My Pocketbook)

I told ya'll I'd share about my STAPLE! 2011 loot.

First, I couldn't resist buying a small painting of an owl in mint and chocolate colors. I didn't get the name of the artist at the time, but luckily had a program. It's by Nation of Amanda and it's so cute I'm not showing it to ya'll.

I bought AMERICANS UK #1 because it was cheap and the creator was nice. I like the premise - the sci-fi adventures of a rock band whose drummer is from the future, sent to stop the bassist and guitarist from being murdered. (He fails.) Turned out to not really be my thing. That happens.



Josh Lesnick gave away free copies of GIRLY #1 and 2. He's moving and wanted to get rid of them, plus they're about to come out in a new edition. I remembered reading the beginning of GIRLY long ago, so I'm looking forward to catching up. (Note: GIRLY probably counts as 18+. Haven't read much yet, but I have a feeling.) Lesnick's art style is rough but charming.

I bought a special edition of THE LESS THAN EPIC ADVENTURES OF TJ AND AMAL Chapters 1-13 by E. K. Weaver. It's about two guys who go on a road trip together and eventually fall in love. I read this one online, so I was happy to support the author. (Note: Nothing objectionable in this book, but the comic is 18+ as of Chapter 15.) Weaver's art is incredible. Her expressions are very nuanced and she has a terrific sense of timing.

NOBIGOCHU: The Worm Pup is a small volume, illustrated by Cristina Benovides (cbenav@leadpointcomics.com) and co-written by Greg Gutierrez. There aren't many words; most of the story is done through the adorable yet violent watercolor illustrations. It's a post-apocalyptic short featuring mutant creatures. Talking to Cristina, I couldn't help but recommend THE HUNGER GAMES.



Jill Thompson was one of the guests of honor and as her site bio says "is the most well-known, female comicbook artist working in the comics industry today." I bought THE SCARY GODMOTHER to give to my niece and nephew. It's a good choice, since she wrote it for her niece. This is another watercolor work. (I'm a big fan of watercolors. What can I say?)



I bought books #1-3 of Colleen AF Venable's series Guinea Pig: Pet Shop Private Eye, illustrated by Stephanie Yue. I absolutely love guinea pigs (and other cute little animals), so I couldn't pass this one by. I also intend to give these to my niece and nephew. Venable was super-duper nice, so ya'll should check her stuff out.

I don't remember what books I received this week since I traveled to Austin, but right before I left my review copy of FLYING BLIND by Deborah Cooke showed up. It's too nifty not to show off.

Some Things I Didn't Expect to Learn About at STAPLE! 2011

STAPLE! is an independent media expo in Austin, Texas. This year it started today and runs through tomorrow. I attended today and had quite a bit of fun - more about that later when I show off the books I bought.

Before you went into the hall, theatre, or annex, there was a booth with information about The Literacy Coalition of Central Texas. They need volunteers to teach English as a second language, help people learn basic computer skills, serve as teacher's aides, read to children, and serve on the Board of Directors. You can also donate or attend events. More information is at their site (linked above) or by calling 1 (866) 518-7323.

At the end of the day I watched to documentary "Comic Book Literacy" directed by Todd Kent. The name is a bit of a misnomer. The documentary covered a variety of subjects including the practical applications of comics, which included far more than literacy.

The Hero Foundry (thefuture@theherofoundry.org; (214) 957-1018) provides comic books and graphic novels to children through libraries, schools, and hospitals. Their goal is to increase literacy, inspire creativity, and provide children with examples of heroism. The accept monetary donations as well as comic books.

Heroes4Heroes distributes portable media (comic books, DVDs, CDs, magazines, etc.) to deployed troops. They need volunteers as well as donations, so check out the website. It's a really cool nonprofit.

So there you go.  Attend an expo and learn about all sorts of (relatively) easy ways to help others.

Contest: Archvillain and Goth Girl Rising by Barry Lyga

Quite awhile ago, Barry Lyga offered copies of his books to bloggers for giveaways. When I moved, I promptly lost mine. Then when I moved again, I found it!



To make up for the lateness of this contest (and since it's my blogiversary), I'm throwing in an extra book. You can win an ARC of ARCHVILLAIN or a hardcover copy of GOTH GIRL RISING.



I am mailing both novels. Thus this contest is international, but if you live anywhere other than the US or Canada you (probably) have to pitch in for shipping. Contest ends 3/18.

Save Texas Schools with BookPeople

I'm sure everyone knows about school budget cuts in the United States by now. The Save Texas Schools March and Rally is on March 12.

From now until the 9th, if you make a purchase at BookPeople and show them this flyer, a portion of the sale will go to Save Texas Schools. Don't live in Austin? Type "Save Texas Schools" into the notes field when you checkout online.



I know I'll stop by BookPeople during this time, to see Kim Harrison on tour with PALE DEMON, the latest in the Hollows series. After that I intend to swing by the Forever Young Adult Book Club at the HighBall where they will be discussing PLEASE IGNORE VERA DIETZ. (Don't forget that I reviewed it this week.) I'm glad I'll be in Austin on one of the days they're meeting!



P.S. Contest coming tomorrow!

P.P.S. PALE DEMON is $26.99. $26.99! My budget will be blown. At least some of it will go to charity.

"Waiting On" Wednesday: Un-Fug Edition

Last Wednesday, Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan (the Fug Girls) announced that they'd written a YA novel.  SPOILED will be available June 1 from Poppy - the Hachette Book Group imprint that's home to Gossip Girl, A-List, The Clique, and various other series.  I think it's a good fit for Cocks and Morgan's humor and attention to sartorial detail.



How cute is that cover?  I'm super excited for this one, since GFY is one of the few sites I read every day.

Back cover blurb:

Sixteen-year-old Molly Dix has just discovered that her biological father is Brick Berlin, world-famous movie star and red-carpet regular. Intrigued (and a little terrified) by her Hollywood lineage, Molly moves to Los Angeles and plunges headfirst into the deep of Beverly Hills celebrity life. Just as Molly thinks her life couldn't get any stranger, she meets Brooke Berlin, her gorgeous, spoiled half sister, who welcomes Molly to la-la land with a smothering dose "sisterly love"...but in this town, nothing is ever what it seems.

Set against a world of Redbull-fuelled stylists, tiny tanned girls, popped-collar guys, and Blackberry-wielding publicists, Spoiled is a sparkling debut from the writers behind the viciously funny celebrity blog GoFugYourself.com.

I feel it prudent to mention this link I found via GFY: Your 2011 Books-Into-Film Lineup by Rachel Syme for NPR.