Exact Change Only, Please: it’s FIVE & DIME FRIDAY

The change is from beneath the couch cushions this week, as I wistfully hear stories of my friend Liz at the Edinburgh Book Festival, and imagine being there when the sun is actually, you know, apparent in the sky. Or not. And, speaking of Scotland, I love that Tor.com reminded me this week of the fabulousness of Paisley Abbey, a glorious old bit of monastery in the small town of Paisley, just outside the sprawl of Glasgow. They have an alien gargoyle. After Charlotte and I looked so carefully for the one of the National Cathedral after the ALA in 2010, I am deeply disappointed to have been at the Abbey twice – and never seen it! Ah, well, something to look for next time I’m in town.

And so, on with the coinage!

By now, you’ve probably seen this SHARED WORLDS project, where a bunch of authors write on their hands their writing advice. Yes, well, my hand is just not large enough for all that I’d want to write… but, I’ve come to appreciate those whose brevity and wit serves them well in this (Yes, Neil-Coiffure -of-Curls-Gaiman, I’m looking at you.) My favorite word? PERSIST. A perfect use of time if you’re ever in need of a little fire lit under you.

Speaking of writing – or writers – do I have a new plot for you! Brain-snatchers! They take over your body movements, and control you through cell phones!! Oh, wait. Researchers have once again made my speculative fiction plot non-fiction… Snap.

Been awhile since you’ve read an anthology? Need a couple of freebies from DEFY THE DARK, the June-released anthology collection featuring Dia Reeves, Carrie Ryan, Beth Revis, Sarah Rees Brennan and others, including a debut writer? I did, too. Thanks and you’re welcome.

Okay, I love a good infographic – it’s one of those little quirks of personality. This one – much like the one put out by LEE & LOW about the dearth of minorities in children’s lit – did not make me happy. It’s about females in computer science, and women, I’m … wow. A little alarmed. I hate how so much of programming, etc., is seen as a boy’s club, but it’s only getting worse. Is there a way to counteract this? Make math and science relevant and cool? Go Engineering, Girls!

Some people just talk diversity in children’s lit. And then, there’s Mitali. A nice interview with a Facebook friend from Iran, talking children’s books.

Dear ones, Christmas is coming. This is a BROAD hint to those with writers in their lives who need one. Thank you. (Via BookRiot.)

I’m a big fan of SF Signal as the place where all things speculative go to live, and I ran across this Writing Robots vs. Vampires/Fairies piece with a smile.