A long day that I have given to others has finally ended. I’m drained but arrive home to find another writing job, a ghost writing job of a memoir, ten chapters, in my email queue. Some people would run from this screaming all the way, but not me. That’s what makes me a different sort. I’ll see what the offer looks like and go from there.
I’m thinking I’ll dream of karma visiting a reporter who writes nasty things surrounding the success of Neil Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book. My students read it, loved it, and they recommend it to their friends. They developed a real affection for Bod. And me…I love the Danse Macabre chapter. I think that was the best chapter I have ever read in a book. It was so concise, and its development was superb. And as an English major, English teacher, one who loves to read (obviously), and write (also obvious), I’ve read a lot of books, both classical and contemporary.
With all due respects to credible reporters, the one who reported that librarians didn’t like this book is due for a career change. He suggests that librarians are overly critical and essentially frothing at the mouth because this book received a Newbery Award which I suggest is irresponsible journalism. This article merely indicates the writer’s “snark-astic” viewpoint and own bias. To see this reporter’s response, tiny…click here.
I’ve read where Neil Gaiman says kids like stories that are a bit scary, and he is absolutely right. They do not fixate over death, murder, or the stalking of a serial killer. They know it’s not real and enjoy the development of the story..the adventure..the wide-eyed “then what happened.” This book’s themes of family, love, friendship, and trust make this a very appropriate book for children. Adults will enjoy reading it, too. If you want to see an example of responsible journalism and read a great article, may I suggest this article from Publisher’s Weekly instead. See anyone can write, but not everyone can write well or responsibly.
This reminds me of the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics. Journalist should adhere to this code of ethics to remain credible and responsible as journalistic writers. But when journalistic writers stray from “the code,” you, the reading public, get unreliable rubbish. The reason for “the code” is to avoid getting journalist who simply make things up like this guy.
I’m falling asleep, so it’s time to say g’night world. Sweet dreams.
-Patricia
I’m so sad I didn’t discover Neil Gaiman when I was just a kid. He would’ve opened up whole new worlds of creativity to me that I didn’t even think were allowed to be children’s stories hehe
xalwaysdreamx
It’s never too late to become who you really are. Read what you want, love what you want, and write what you want. If you’re interested in writing, the literary age of reason is fifty. Many great writers were published at or after fifty. So it’s never too late.
Blessings,
-Patricia
Patricia Freedman 