lady_schrapnell | Other people's interestingnesses mostly

After a brief rant about the evils of people setting off 'Hallowe'en' fireworks, as they've been doing for weeks now - illegal, never-ending, pet-terrifying fireworks... These stupid things go on for weeks and weeks, sometimes in broad daylight, and you can NEVER safely take your dog out for a walk, which she very quickly realises and so waits until everyone's asleep to insist on going out into the no-longer-threatening garden. Can't keep her drugged up for two months of the year, unfortunately, but at this rate I will have to be put down because of them (as a friend's dog had to be).

Right. Last night I fought Blogger and guess who won? But around the ridiculous amount of time wasted trying to read an entry and then post a simple, short comment, I found some good stuff on the child-lit circuit. First the bizarre. Unfortunately, I can't find which blog this was on right now, so I can credit it. [Bit later - I did find it! I did! A Fuse #8 Production.] So many questions one wants to ask about this brilliant idea: Do the kids get superpowers as well as the old textbooks, so they can anticipate the movement of a speeding bullet? Are they ever allowed leave their classrooms, which are the only safe places to be in school, obviously, given the under-the-desk placement? Or how about sort of safety vests, with slots front and back for textbooks, for things like gym and - gulp - lunch?

Okay, that actually provides a nice segue to the next interesting, which is fantastic write-ups by Liz B. of the Fear and Fiction conference. Part I, II, and III. Lovely reporting, and sounds a brilliant event. Best of all (selfishly) - possibility of a UK-based one next October on 'Fiction, feelings and imagination'. Feverishly crossing fingers and things now.

And finally for now - new Edge of the Forest is up - complete with a great interview by Michele with Charlie! Don't miss it.