Apologies Accepted (or not)

I read with interest and self-recognition the account of a writer who convinced other people to spam an editor's blog in the hopes of getting published. You can't read the original post anymore, but you can read the comments on literary agent Miss Snark's blog, plus Miss Snark's advice on apologizing:


Here's the thing. You can recover.
This isn't death.

We all screw up.
All of us, every day.

It's what you do after you realize the great idea you had wasn't so great. The email sent in the heat of the moment was overwrought. What sounded funny to you wasn't heard with the same ears. You just screwed up for whatever human reason.

Pick yourself up.
Apologize.
Sincerely.

Some years ago, when I decided to grace my favorite writers with fan letters, I wrote to Kathryn Lasky. I didn't expect a response, but I got one. It was a form letter that began with "Dear Kids!" I was indignant, and I wrote a snotty letter in reply. I hadn't expected her to read the letter I'd sent, and let loose with comparisons to other authors I thought handled fan mail much more professionally. Ms. Lasky wrote back to me, and took me to task. I was humiliated. I wrote her a letter of apology with a self-addressed stamped envelope, asking her just to let me know that she got my letter. She handwrote back, "I got it. Now, dry your eyes and go off to library school to become a wonderful children's librarian."

Anyway, thanks, Kathryn Lasky, for showing compassion. For years, I avoided your books because I was so embarrassed about what I did. It's about time I start reading them again.

I like Dan Zanes (and you will too)

Yesterday evening, I informed Bede that Dan Zanes was my new non-romantic crush. I taped on our refrigerator a small photo of Dan Zanes wearing a green suit and a pink shirt. I like Dan Zanes' original songs, like "Thrift Shop" and "Moonlit Town." I like his interpretations of Leadbelly staples, such as "Grey Goose" and "Rock Island Line" (music samples available at the sites of the usual suspects).

I like Dan Zanes' voice: it's a bit scratchy in a comfortable way. If Arlo Guthrie and Tom Petty took out most of the nasal twang out of their voices, but left a bit of the zing, they might sound like Dan Zanes. But don't take my word for it. Listen for yourselves:

Video links
All Around the Kitchen
Jump Up
Polly-Wolly Doodle


As a side-note: I'm a particular fan of "All Around the Kitchen" because I can play it using only one chord. My uncle points out that there are a few more chords than the one I demonstrated during the East Coast visit, but seriously, all you need is one chord, plus lots of enthusiasm for jumping up and down, making your arms into trees, walking and wobbling your knees, all while strumming that one chord.

Other things I like about Dan Zanes:
His bed-head hair
His friends (who help out on many of the songs)
His fashion sense
His inclusion of chords and lyrics on his albums
His taste in music
His crinkly eyes


Really, what's not to like? I know that there is some fear from the fans that commercial success from television appearances will make Dan Zanes too popular and we'll have to fight for concert tickets. Fortunately, Dan Zanes is not The Wiggles. His music is targeted for children, but enjoyable for all ages. I listen to Dan Zanes even when Lucia isn't around.

In case you're still not convinced, here's a recent article about Dan Zanes in the Village Voice. It looks as if I just missed him in New York. So it goes.

What a cutie!

Hem hem.