Monthly Archives: November 2011

Writing Wednesday: No Copyright for You!

Posted on November 30, 2011 by Susan Spann

Last week’s Writing Wednesday #Publaw post (oops…technically it was two weeks ago, due to the Thanksgiving holiday) focused on what kind of works receive copyright protection. As promised, this week we’re looking at works that are not covered by copyright. … Continue reading →

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A New Appreciation For Bill & Ted

Posted on November 28, 2011 by Susan Spann

The writers of Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure made good use of humor. Although the film lacked critical acclaim, it resonated with children of the ’80s, largely due to effective use of inside jokes. Until I began writing mystery novels, … Continue reading →

Posted in Running Amok, Scribbling | Comments Off

Spotted in a Starbucks in Sacramento, CA

Posted on November 23, 2011 by Susan Spann

A flyer advertising a Christmas Holiday craft fair at a local high school. The lead line (in 30 point font) read “HUGE CRAFT FAIR” followed by the school’s address and the date and times of the sale. The next four … Continue reading →

Posted in Anything for a Party, Running Amok | 2 Comments

Giving Thanks for Life

Posted on November 22, 2011 by Susan Spann

A year ago next month, I brought home a box of water and rocks and set it up in my office. It looked like this: The rocks represented a life-long dream – and also a challenge. Could I learn enough … Continue reading →

Posted in Something's Fishy Here | 2 Comments

When Life Gives You Octopodes, Make Octopi.

Posted on November 21, 2011 by Susan Spann

Few things bring people together like cookies and octopodes. Last night the guys and I settled around the TV to watch the most recent episode of The Next Iron Chef – Super Chefs – “in which the remaining contestants visit … Continue reading →

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Writing Wednesday: Copyrightable Subject Matter

Posted on November 16, 2011 by Susan Spann

Today’s post continues the new Writing Wednesday dedicated to all aspects of publishing law and “deciphering legalese.” Much of the post can also be found on Twitter (albeit in smaller bites) under the #PubLaw hashtag. So…what types of creative works … Continue reading →

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Because I Love to Write

Posted on November 15, 2011 by Susan Spann

November 15 is official “Love to Write Day.” In honor of the occasion, permit me to offer the “Top Ten Reasons Writing is Awesome” 1. You can have imaginary friends without people thinking you’re crazy. (Well, not for that reason, … Continue reading →

Posted in Lessons Learned, Scribbling, Something's Fishy Here | Comments Off

For Those Seeking Inspiration…and Kittens.

Posted on November 14, 2011 by Susan Spann

We’ll file this one under “strange, but awesomely compelling”: Written? Kitten! A website which promises (and delivers) a new photograph of a kitten every time you type another 100 words into the text box. I found this via Twitter’s @LiteratiCat … Continue reading →

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Happy Birthday to the United States Marines

Posted on November 10, 2011 by Susan Spann

November 10 is the official birthday of the United States Marine Corps. In 1921 General John Lejeune, the 13th Commandant of the Marines, issued Marine Corps Order No. 47, Series 1921. The order summarized the history, mission, and tradition of … Continue reading →

Posted in Anything for a Party | Comments Off

Writing Wednesday: Welcome to #PubLaw

Posted on November 9, 2011 by Susan Spann

Some of you know I’m fairly active on Twitter, and also that I often speak and teach on publishing law and contract issues. Yesterday it occurred to me that these two separate efforts might also work well together. (Blame the … Continue reading →

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