Some posts I enjoyed this week from around the web:
I enjoyed this review of Lynn Cullen’s novel Twain’s End on Sarah Johnson’s blog Reading the Past. I had a great time moderating a panel with Lynn a few months ago and this post is great. Ever wanted a whole new insight into the brilliant Twain? See him from a woman’s point of view? Thought so! Click here for Reading the Past “Loving a Legend: Lynn Cullen’s Twain’s End
I participated on Sunday in a panel on publishing—traditional and self, pros and cons and how to’s. One of the issues that came up a couple times, mostly for those working the self-publishing side of things, but interesting for any author, had to do with ISBN numbers. There’s more to these essential identifiers than you’d think. So, since the resourceful Anna Castle shared this article that tells all on the subject and from a reliable source, I’ll share it with you. One of those posts that a writer might want to stow for future reference unless you’re already a pro at the self-publishing thing. And if, as a reader, you wondered what the different parts mean, here’s the answer, among many others. Click here for “ISBN’s for Self-Published Books”
Nancy Bilyeau analyses the ancient and medieval sources that George R. R. Martin may have used when creating the strands of incest in Game of Thrones. Quite fascinating to track the role of incest and the various societal responses over the centuries. Click here for Nancy Bilyeau’s “Is there a historical basis for the forbidden love on Game of Thrones”
One of my favorite memories of the summer I spent in Greece during my college years is of attending a production of Medea at the theater in Epidauros. There have been many theories as to why the acoustics are so great there—and the Greeks tried to repeat the effect in other theaters but never quite so well. It turns out, at least for those in the back rows, it’s the seats, very specific things about the seats, according to Nico Declercq, an assistant professor in the Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Georgia Tech Lorraine in France, and Cindy Dekeyser, an engineer who is fascinated by the history of ancient Greece. I recommend seeing a play there if you go to Greece. No microphones needed and the setting is the most dramatic you can find for a show. Click here for “Seats helped ancient Greeks hear from the back row”
Ann Patchett’s list of the 75 best books from the last 75 years. Hmmm. Interesting distribution over the decades. The ‘60’s got a lot of choices. More recently, not so much. Any book you’d put on this list that got left off? I found the link to the printable list most helpful for an overview. Click here for Parade “Ann Patchett the 75 best books of the past 75 years”