1. One wonders if Tom Grimes' publisher had any idea just what he would have to say while guest blogging at Powells last week. While I was initially interested in his new book, THE MENTOR, his attitude on blogging has put me way off:

Having blogged for Powell's for a week, I have no idea why anyone who isn't paid to do so would want to maintain a blog. If you don't hope to shape a brief essay from which a reader can take away an idea that prior to reading an essay hadn't been in his or her mind, why do it? Pure narcissism? To sate a desperate need to be paid attention to by virtually no one?

Talk about not getting it and a perfect example of generation gap if I've ever seen one.

2. Steampunk author Cherie Priest is profiled in the latest issue of SEATTLE Magazine. I have not yet started DREADNOUGHT but it's in the queue. (I say that a lot about books, don't I?) I heartily recommend her books though - she's an excellent storyteller. (Teens will love her books as well.) (And she's not all steampunk - do check out her earlier Southern gothic Eden Moore titles to be thoroughly creeped out in the best possible way!)

**I should note that I also want to become an "Underground Tour junkie like Cherie just because it sounds so wicked cool

3. Just read Liz Hand's short story "The Erl-King" from the recent anthology DARKNESS. I'm talking about a few stories that fit for teens in my October column and this one is fantastic. (Big surprise, right?) You've got Andy Warhol's Factory, deals with the devil, two teens running across a great green lawn looking for a lost pet and a meeting with a rock star that brings everything together. Fans of Angela Chase & Rayeanne Graff will see easy comparisons - it's creepy and good. (And I haven't even mentioned the Parrish & Rackham name dropping....) See the original Goethe poetic inspiration here.

4. I did not know The Explorers Club had a female president (only the second in history). I wish someone would publish a big glossy picture-filled history of the club showing former members, cool stuff they found/did plus pictures of the library. I want to see it. (I still can't believe women couldn't even be members until 1981 however. That is seriously annoying.)

5. This brief mention of Anthony Doerr's MEMORY WALL really makes me want to read the book (it's been added to my b-day list). I loved his earlier collection THE SHELL COLLECTORS and it's nice to see he still has the gift for short stories. Do click through and read the brief excerpt.

6. I really wish these pencils had been around when I was in high school. I shall buy them anyway however - as a stocking stuffer for my son. (We are big Guthrie fans.) (Everyone should be.)