Monday, April 10, 2006

Happy Birthday, New Word!

Today's New Word's blogiversary. It's been one whole year since I started this blog, and one whole year of basically neglecting it. This I regret very much. I had so many cool ideas for this thing when I started it. It was all good at first. I already had my personal blog, studio635, that I started 2 weeks earlier, but I always wanted to do something literary.

Back in the day, I'd thought about doing a literary magazine, but never got it off the ground. I've always been involved in publishing, whether being on the school newspaper, or helping others design or edit their publications, so when this blogging thing came about, I figured it would be the perfect way to get my own thing going. Plus, I figured it would be a good way to get me reading books and poetry. Oh well. One out of two ain't bad.

Right now, I'm blogging everywhere but here. Since I started New Word, I've created about 5 other blogs, ranging from a community site to a videoblog. Because of those efforts, I've been invited to speak at a blogging conference, and am working a full-time job I got from a referral from my vlogger friend, Jay. I really can't complain. I just wish the days had a few more hours in them so I can post here more.

Wednesday, March 15, 2006

Good Book: A HOLE IN THE WIND

My friend, GA, recently introduced me to a writer named Carl S. Horner. Although I haven't actually met Mr. Horner in person (we did speak briefly on the phone), I look forward to the opportunity when he comes to NYC next week to promote his new book, A Hole In the Wind, which happens to be published by GA's company, WD Publishers.

Horner's A Hole In the Wind, unlike a certain "little piece" of a book, admits to blending fiction with the author's personal experiences of a difficult childhood. Like the book's protagonist, Colby Fowler, Carl Horner grew up with an alcoholic mother and experienced the pain of being bullied for most of his life.

The issue of bullying and its devastating effect on young children and teens has been a hot topic in the news, and on talk shows like The Oprah Winfrey Show, Dr. Phil, and The Montel Williams Show. The National Education Association estimates that "160,000 children miss school everyday due to fear of attack or intimidation by other students." Those numbers, in addition to his own experiences, have compelled Horner, a college English professor, to join the campaign to get the word out about this disturbing situation and put a stop to it, in large part through the messages of his first novel, A Hole In the Wind.

A Hole In the Wind tells the story of Colby Fowler, a teenage boy dealing with issues of bullying by his peers, and the loneliness and lack of self-worth that occur as a result. Set in the competitive sport of bicycle racing, Colby faces the struggles, and eventual triumph, of trying to fit in with his teammates at school, and maintaining his sanity with his drunken mother at home.

The reviews, so far, have been good, and according to letters the author has received, it's powerful message has already saved at least one teenager from committing suicide. Also, students at Landrum Middle School have been so touched by the healing power of A Hole In the Wind that they have rallied the entire Landrum, Florida school district to write a letter recommending the book as a topic of discussion on the Dr. Phil Show.

As of this writing, I've only read a couple of chapters, but I do look forward to reading the rest. So far, from what I can see, it's going to be a page turner—and quite possibly, a tear jerker.

Monday, January 16, 2006

New Year, New Resolve

It's been quite a while since I posted here—over 3 months. To be honest, I haven't felt very literary lately. I hadn't read a book all the way through in I don't know how long, and haven't kept up with any book news—not even from Oprah! Though there were a couple of things I wanted to say here, my focus has definitely been elsewhere. I started to wonder if I should just shut this thing down. It's not like I get many readers. And why should I if there's nothing new being posted?

I got an email today that changed my mind. It was from Steve Leveen, the CEO and Co-Founder of Levenger. I posted about his book, The Little Guide To Your Well-Read Life, way back in May (see post), and commented to his website around the same time to let them know I did. I completely forgot about it until the email showed up this afternoon (eight months later). Despite the delay, is was a very pleasant surprise. And, considering how I've been feeling lately, it totally made my day.

Here's an excerpt:
What you're doing with your blogs is just lovely—such a service to others and, I'm sure, a way for you to learn and grow as well. I admire what you've already accomplished and wish you the very best in your important work. —Steve
How cool is that?! He actually thinks what I'm doing here is important. You could have knocked me over with a feather!

Well, if Mr. Steve Leveen thinks this blog is important, then I figure I owe it to him—and myself—to stick with it. I might not post often, but I'll definitely post. I just hope people still want to read it.

So, here's to a new year and a new resolve.