On May 30, We Will Evolve!
Darwin’s Evolutions, A Journal of Speculative Fiction, launches on May 30. Here’s a preview of the cover, featuring the wonderful art of Anna Fehr.
Book Review: Jack’s Notebook by Gregg Fraley
Recently, a new book called Jack’s Notebook was brought to my attention. It was written by Gregg Fraley, a “creativity and innovation expert” (www.greggfraley.com). The book is marketed as “A Business Novel about Creative Problem Solving” but on Fraley’s website it is more appropriately described as a “parable”.
Jack’s Notebook is the fictional story of a young man named (yep, you guessed it) Jack. Jack is not happy with the course of his life, until he meets Manny Gibran, a creative guru who teaches Jack about CPS (Creative Problem Solving). Manny gives Jack a sketchbook (although the title refers to a notebook) in which Jack is taught to explore and develop his ideas using the process of CPS. In short, CPS is the process by which Jack, or anyone, can explore a current problem or challenge, brainstorm to come up with possible solutions, and then put those ideas into action.
As a novel, Jack’s Notebook isn’t a literary masterpiece, but as a tool for teaching creavity it excels. Frayley successfully uses his parable to illustrate the process of CPS in a clear and simple manner, and I think many readers will gain more from it because of the format. And CPS is a wonderful process that everyone can, and should, tap into. Afterall, creativity is not a talent attainable only by Picassos and Einsteins. As Fraley writes in his introduction: “If you use your thinking to create solutions for any challenge in your life, you are creative.”
So, I recommend that you go buy yourself a sketchbook (if you haven’t already) and take some time to learn more about Creative Problem Solving. Jack’s Notebook is a good place to start.
Free Comic Book Day at Dragons Keep - May 3
FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2008 IS SATURDAY, MAY 3rd! at Dragons Keep in Provo, Utah!
For the seventh consecutive year, comic shops worldwide are joining with publishers to promote the comic medium and stores everywhere by giving away FREE COMICS! Utah Valley’s Dragons Keep will be your local source for Free Comic Book Day this year!
This year Dragons Keep will have special creator guests! Those guests are: Howard Tayler, Chad Hardin, Mandy MacMurray, JJ Harrison, Kevin Wasden & Dave! There works include: Schlockmercenary, DC Comics Countdown to Mystery, Marvel Comics Presents, Star Wars, BamPop! Toys, BloodRayne, TechnoSaurs, Fist of Justice, Dragonswitch & More!
Comics, Gaming, Prizes, & More!
This event gives you the perfect opportunity to sample the worlds of wonder available at Dragons Keep and meet comic book professionals! From super-heroes to slice-of-life to action/adventure and beyond, Free Comic Book Day has a comic book for everyone!
offered on May 3rd. Make sure that you bookmark the website and check it regularly.
Provo Children’s Book Festival
Due to some unforeseen scheduling conflicts, I won’t be able to attend the Provo Children’s Book Festival. I’m disappointed I won’t get to spend a Saturday afternoon hanging with so many cool and talented people.
Provo Children’s Book Festival
If you live in Utah and would like to meet with some professional Authors and Illustrators, then the Provo Children’s Book Festival is the place to be.
Date: May 17, 2008
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Provo City Library, 550 North University Ave.
Audience: all ages.
Description of Events: during that day we will have the following
Brimhall Room: continuous readings and Q&A by young adult and middle grade authors
Children’s Library: continuous readings by picture book authors and illustrators
Bullock Room: panels and school presentations
Ballroom: food, signings, activity booths, story characters, raffles
Multipurpose Room: book sales
Visiting Authors and Illustrators: those who have agreed to come so far (barring an unforeseen conflict) include…
Main guest: Gerald McDermott
Utah talent: Ann Cannon, Ann Dee Knight Ellis, Anne Bowen, Becky Hall, Brandon Mull, Brandon Sanderson, Carla Morris, Carol Williams, Chris Crowe, Guy Francis, James Dashner, Jessica Day George, Julie Olson, Ken Baker, Kevin Wasden, Kim Williams-Justesen, Kristen Randle, Kristyn Crow, Laurel Brady, Mark and Cara Buehner, Mette Ivie Harrison, Michael O. Tunnell, Mike Knudson, Nathan Hale, Randall Wright, Rick Walton, Ron Woods, Sara Zarr, Shannon Hale, Sharlee Glenn, Sherry Meidell, Will Terry