LISNews: Power Influencer, Passion Catalyst

When it comes to science fiction, Harlan Ellison is a living legend who wrote, and fought, his way to the top. He's known for being abrasive, cantankerous, and he's just as well known for being proud of that assessment. This is a man who not only sued AOL and the guy who posted his stories on AOL without authorization, his lawsuit was successful.

So Maria Langer, the author of over 70 books on using technology, posted this video on her blog. It's Mr. Ellison talking about the importance of paying writers. As you'd expect, he's vocal about getting paid for his work, and why not? It's his work and don't you get paid for yours? Be prepared for colourful language, invective, and righteous indignation.

In other words, be prepared for Harlan Ellison being himself and telling you exactly how he feels.

The first of three videos documenting the JustOneMoreBook Podcast crew's weekend in the home and studio of Lane Smith and Molly Leach has been published (April 2, 2009) at:

In this 15 minute online documentary, Lane shows off original artwork from The Stinky Cheese Man, describes the production process for The Happy Hocky Family books, shares his passion for children’s books — old and new — and compares traditional collage with digital collage.

...says Art Spiegelman, annointed father of the genre. He says, "If that’s true (that he's the father), I want a blood test," the Economist reports. 'Graphic novel' sounds more respectable, but I prefer 'comics' because it credits the medium. ['Comics'] is a dumb word, but that’s what they are."

Spiegelman is not without his share of ticks. He admitted that he hates collaborating with other artists, he talks out loud while he works and he takes very little pleasure in drawing. “I don’t have the natural skills or patience to draw well,” he said. “I take no pleasure in drawing a tree just for a tree’s sake. I only draw a tree when I absolutely need a tree.”

Most people are likely to pretend that mental and emotional health issues do not affect them or their loved ones. Yet, whether you’re prepared to admit it or not, mental and emotional health problems do exist in children.

Kim Hix wrote the book No One is Perfect and YOU Are a Great Kid as a gift to her son, Zack, who struggles with ever changing moods, severe anxiety and Tourettes Disorder. He was diagnosed at age four. He’s now thirteen.

On this edition of Just One More Book!!, author Kim Hix talks about her son Zack’s mental health disorders, the confidence of her family to embrace the person Zack is and helping to raise awareness of mental and emotional health in children through her book.

You can listen to this chat on Just One More Book! Children's Literature/Literacy Podcast which is not affiliated with the LISNews Netcast Network and not yet included in LISFeeds.