Originally posted on Nerdy Book Club:
When I was about 12 years old, I decided to read A Midsummer Night’s Dream. My mom was impressed. We went to the library and picked it up, along with Hamlet, just because, and I carried them home with a reverence usually reserved for books by Madeleine L’Engle and…
Author Archives: andi
The first weekend of winter arrives early and has nothing to do with snow.
I am a winter kind of person. I don’t ski, I don’t snowboard, and I fail every year to get my snow tires applied before the snow falls, but still–winter is grand. I love the whole being indoors thing. I love the need for sweaters and wool socks and fires in the fireplace. I loveContinue reading “The first weekend of winter arrives early and has nothing to do with snow.”
The End
Finishing a project is a sweet-bitter thing. Yes, the relief is great. But also–you miss it. I miss reading Shakespeare. Of course, I can still read him, I know that, but there’s less of a hard motivation. It’s like clicking well with one person at a party and then wandering off to talk to otherContinue reading “The End”
Shakespeare’s Skull: A Historical Whodunit
I might have mentioned, I’m writing a book on Shakespeare and his plays and how they influence today’s world. Weirdly enough, it’s called Shakespeare: Investigate the Bard’s Influence on Today’s World. This is the third (published) book I’ve written, and it’s my favorite. My research process is reading great books and watching great movies, soContinue reading “Shakespeare’s Skull: A Historical Whodunit”
My kid hates to read and the world isn’t ending.
My middle son hates to read. He’s 11. He likes playing guitar, listening to music, skateboarding, building stuff, and being with friends. He’s not the kind of kid who sits quietly for extending periods of time. He gets decent grades and we never get notes home from teachers with any kind of warnings. He’s aContinue reading “My kid hates to read and the world isn’t ending.”
How to blame suckyness on others
Does reading bad writing make you a bad writer? I remember an advisor from grad school wrinkling her nose and looking dismissive when asked this question. “How could it?” she said. “If you’re a good writer, you’re a good writer. Reading bad writing can’t make you a bad writer, unless you were a badContinue reading “How to blame suckyness on others”
In the beginning, there was market research…
We’re thinking hard about starting a new series at Nomad Press. We’re pondering, we’re testing the water, we’re gathering evidence of future success or failure. We’re nervous. We’re hesitant. Until we’re not, and then we’re boisterous and foolhardy. Of course we can launch a new series in the space of six months! Of course everyoneContinue reading “In the beginning, there was market research…”
Granny! Except, maybe not.
I adore Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Meryl Streep, and Sarah’s mother, Barb, who keeps me company on the frigid playground while we wait for the school buses to arrive. And I can’t wait to be an old woman with long, grey, wild hair and strong opinions. I’ve never used any kind of age-hiding beauty treatment –Continue reading “Granny! Except, maybe not.”
Editor? Editor!
Yesterday I sent out a list of questions to our current authors in hopes that they’ll take a few minutes out of their sure-to-be-busy last week of the year and answer in witty, engaging, informative ways. I know it’s a lot to ask. And I struggle with this. Where does the job of an authorContinue reading “Editor? Editor!”
The Day After the Day After Christmas
The year is dwindling. These days are my favorite days, and they’re also the most depressive. I don’t know about you, but every day or so, usually when I’m driving or folding laundry, I glance back on the divided hours of the past year and discover a pie chart I don’t much admire. Quite aContinue reading “The Day After the Day After Christmas”
Andi Diehn 