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Across a crowded room

Rebound relationships are best avoided, but I think Destiny steered me into this one. It was springtime 2011, New York City. I'd left the convention floor of Book Expo America to lug a bunch more free prepublication books down to the mailing center. I piled my treasures into my designated shipping...

Posted to Reader's Exchange (Weblog) by Linda Sappenfield on 02-07-2012
No applications, just send money

I was that close--nearly made it out the back door before Elaine spotted me and inquired where I was headed. "The retirement system/457 plan seminar over at the McConico Building," I admitted, hastening to add, "but I'm only going to learn about investments, NOT because I'm about...

Posted to Reader's Exchange (Weblog) by Linda Sappenfield on 01-31-2012
Why wait for the 2020s?

You'd think it was Valentine's Day already. I can practically see the little cartoon hearts and Cupids floating around. The reason: two Christmas-gift Kindles and their newly smitten recipients in my family. With these devices on site (neither belongs to me), our Focus Quotient has declined markedly...

Posted to Reader's Exchange (Weblog) by Linda Sappenfield on 01-10-2012
Mary had a little stereotype

At our house, It's a Wonderful Life is only the third most popular Christmas movie, after the George C. Scott version of A Christmas Carol and Love Actually . It's a very solid #3, though, and we happily anticipate the 2011 viewing. My husband and daughter never miss an opportunity to laugh and...

Posted to Reader's Exchange (Weblog) by Linda Sappenfield on 12-13-2011
Writing for amateurs, bowling for vampires

Should I go with the classic "You like me, you really like me!" or the even more classic "Thank you, thank you very much"? Of course, my novel will deservedly never see the light of day, so my National Book Award acceptance speech is not a major concern. (However, if I ever need a...

Posted to Reader's Exchange (Weblog) by Linda Sappenfield on 11-28-2011
Book groups are like snake oil

Both sound tempting and address issues other than the one you intended. Of course, snake oil only answers the question of what to do with a portion of your money. The right book club can update you as efficiently as the internet (but with no ads and no Kardashian stories). As menu planner/cook/host for...

Posted to Reader's Exchange (Weblog) by Linda Sappenfield on 11-21-2011
All the good ones are taken

And wh at's worse, the most popular and compelling ones have been matched up numerous times with others who are more glamorous and successful, so what hope is there for me? I'm referring to fiction plots, naturally. You've probably heard the argument that only seven plots can describe the...

Posted to Reader's Exchange (Weblog) by Linda Sappenfield on 11-14-2011
An immovable feast

At the library, we're accustomed to folks looking less confused after we provide an answer. Last Wednesday, however, our response seemed to generate more questions. We'd publicized our annual City employees' lunch in the usual ways, but a number of customers were still caught off guard. "You're...

Posted to Reader's Exchange (Weblog) by Linda Sappenfield on 11-07-2011
You can never have too much candy--or knowledge

I awoke today in a state of terror, which, given that it's October 31, sounds appropriate. Potential visitation by hordes of zombies, ghouls, and sparkly princesses doesn't frighten me. (Running of out treats would be ghastly, but I always overstock.) No, it's National Novel Writing Month...

Posted to Reader's Exchange (Weblog) by Linda Sappenfield on 10-31-2011
Words of a feather

If you're lucky enough to enjoy windows and natural light at work, you appreciate any vista from the world beyond fluorescent ceilings. A couple of days ago, a colleague pointed out an especially wonderful sight. Parked across the street sat a spacious Cadillac, custom-painted a deep pink with coordinating...

Posted to Reader's Exchange (Weblog) by Linda Sappenfield on 10-14-2011

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