the view from tuesday

Hello there! Hope you had a nice holiday weekend.

Unhappy to report I’m feeling quite poorly, so my posts may be sporadic this week. Was rushed to the ER because of a kidney stone, something I wouldn’t wish upon my worst enemy. People have said the pain of trying to pass a kidney stone is worse than childbirth. I haven’t experienced that, so I can’t compare the two. Suffice to say, you do NOT want this to happen to you. For now, all there is to do is wait, take pain meds, drink plenty of fluids, and hope it’s all over soon.

Like everyone else in the kidlit world, I was saddened and shocked last week to learn of L.K. Madigan’s cancer diagnosis. Her brave and eloquent words speak volumes about the kind of person she is. If, by chance, you haven’t yet read her post titled "Hard News," you must, even if you don’t know Lisa personally or haven’t read her books.

It’s been simply wonderful getting to know Lisa here on LJ, reading her amazing books, and being inspired by her fine example as a professional author. We happily celebrated the publication of her debut novel Flash Burnout, and was thrilled when it won the 2010 William C. Morris Young Adult Debut Award. It was her second book, The Mermaid’s Mirror, which I read on the long plane ride to Hawai’i last September — a story so magical and compelling I read it straight through and even almost forgot how much I hated flying.

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Lisa last summer at the VCFA Katherine Paterson Tea — she was so lovely and unassuming, a little surprised that I was so anxious to have my picture taken with her. My gut instincts about people are usually right, and they told me here was a beautiful, unselfish spirit, an extremely talented writer, someone who values her relationships with others above all else, someone who is unfailingly kind and generous. It’s easy to see why she is so beloved by her peers.

If you’d like to show your love and support for Lisa’s fight against cancer, consider contributing to the Book of Love being compiled by Tiffany Trent and Melodye Shore. Lisa loves photography, so send along a photo that in some way depicts, represents, or symbolizes how your life has been touched or impacted by Lisa’s. You can also include a poem, anecdote or illustration if you like. All submissions will be printed in a special gift book and sent to Lisa. Get the full details here, and remember to act quickly, since the deadline for submissions is this Friday, January 21.

You’ve probably already heard about L.K. Madigan’s Feast of Awesome Giveaway sponsored by the 2009 Debs, but it certainly bears repeating. The Debs are giving away 40 sets of Lisa’s books, and all you have to do to enter is spread a little Lisa love by celebrating her books. There are several ways to do this (add her books to your Goodreads shelf, tell a friend about her books, post a review on your blog, etc.). Full details here. Giveaway runs through January 31.

Finally, LJ friend Sharon Putnam has started a Gratefulness Candelight Site for Lisa — a place where people can leave a message of love, support, hope and healing. As Sharon says, "May our tiny flames grow into a beacon of healing light shining through the darkness."

I wish you all a good week, whether writing, working, playing, seeking, growing, or just being. More 2011 Winter Comfort and Joy coming your way as soon as I can manage. Stay warm!