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Tag: Authors

  • Lucy Maud Montgomery Honored With Google Doodle

    Lucy Maud Montgomery, better known as L.M. Montgomery, is being honored today with a video Google Doodle.

    The author, born on November 30th, 1874, is best known for her novel Anne of Green Gables and the subsequent series. Monday’s Google Doodle is celebrating what would be her 141st birthday.

    The beloved Canadian author first published Anne of Green Gables in 1908, after a few years of trying. The book became an instant hit. The novel tells the tale of 11-year-old Anne Shirley, an orphan who is mistakenly sent to a family farm on Prince Edward Island. Her Green Gables series spanned eight books – the final one being published in 1921. A “lost” book, the ninth in the series, was found long after her death and published in 2009.

    Montgomery also published other novels, and was a prolific short story writer. Her various short story collections contains hundreds of works.

    Check out Google’s Doodle:

    Montgomery died in 1942, reportedly from coronary thrombosis. A note found by her bedside has caused speculation as to a possible suicide.

    “I have lost my mind by spells and I do not dare think what I may do in those spells. May God forgive me and I hope everyone else will forgive me even if they cannot understand. My position is too awful to endure and nobody realizes it. What an end to a life in which I tried always to do my best,” it read in part.

  • HGTV Co-Founder Susan Packard Talks Business At Google

    Google recently released an “At Google” talk from Susan Packard, the co-founder of HGTV, who recently wrote the highly rated book New Rules of the Game: 10 Strategies for Women in the Workplace.

    The talk, also titled, “New Rules of the Game,” comes with the following description:

    Business is a team sport. Learn how to win from the founder of HGTV and a respected leader in the media business who lead Scripps Networks Interactive, and played key leadership roles in growing CNBC and HBO in their formative years.

    In the talk, Packard talks about her business life and the book for which she interviewed a dozen CEOs.

    Image via YouTube

  • Googler Rachel Searles Writes Sci-Fi Novel

    Googler Rachel Searles has a new sci-fi book out called The Lost Planet. Matt Cutts points us to it, and has only good things to say about it:


    Amazon has a pretty substantial preview.

    Searles is from the search quality team. Here’s a video of her talking about reconsideration request tips, which we covered a couple years ago.

    You can check out her blog here, where she talks about the book a great deal.

    Image via Rachel Searles’ blog

  • John Steinbeck’s 112th Birthday Celebrated With Google Doodle

    Google is celebrating the works of author John Steinbeck with a doodle today, which would have been his 112th birthday. He died in 1968 at the age of 66 from heart disease and congestive heart failure.

    Steinbeck is one of the most celebrated authors in American history, and his works are often required reading in schools.

    Among Steinbeck’s most well-known works are Of Mice and Men, The Grapes of Wrath, Cannery Row, The Pearl, East of Eden, The Winter of Our Discontent, and Travels with Charley: In Search of America. Other titles include Cup of Gold, The Pastures of Heaven, The Red Pony, To a God Unknown, Tortilla Flat, In Dubious Battle, The Long Valley, The Forgotten Village, Seas of Cortez: A Leisurely Journal of Travel and Research, The Moon is Down, Bombs Away: The Story of a Bomber Team, The Wayward Bus, A Russian Journal, Burning Bright, The Log from the Sea of Cortez, Sweet Thursday, The Short Reign of Pippin IV: A Fabrication, Once There Was A War, and America and Americans.

    A number of these titles were turned into movies.

    The doodle is accompanied by five pieces of artwork, each representing one of Steinbeck’s works:

    Grapes of Wrath

    Cannery Row

    Of Mice and Men

    Each year, the Steinbeck Festival is held at the National Steinbeck Center in his hometown of Salinas, California. This year, in early May, it will celebrate the 75th anniversary of The Grapes of Wrath.

    “In 2014, the National Steinbeck Center will celebrate the 75th anniversary of The Grapes of Wrath by convening a national dialogue, seeking out the experiences of individual Americans today and bringing them into the light,” the Center says on its website. “Steinbeck told stories of the human capacity to overcome bleak circumstances. At the National Steinbeck Center, we work every day to continue this legacy and highlight the humanity in each of our stories.”

    Steinbeck sits atop a rock in a new statue – The Cannery Row Monument – that was uncovered this week in Steinbeck Plaza in Monterey. His friend Ed Ricketts appears at the bottom.

    Images via Google, Instagram

  • Cameron Diaz Releases “The Body Book”

    Cameron Diaz Releases “The Body Book”

    Cameron Diaz can now add the title of “author” to her CV as The Body Book has just been released. The popular actress uses the book as a platform to share her knowledge about exercise and nutrition. “If you take care of your body you can have an even more amazing body,” Diaz explained. However, the star does not claim to always be a beacon of healthy living, and admits that there have been times where she partook in junk food. “If you are what you eat, I was a bean burrito with extra cheese and extra sauce, no onions,” she said.

    The book includes the following:

    “Beginning with nutrition, Cameron explains why instead of fearing hunger, women should embrace their body’s instinct for fuel and satisfy it with whole, nutrient-dense foods. Cameron also explains the essential role of consistent physical activity. Many women think about exercise in terms of pounds lost or muscle tone gained, but don’t realize that working up a sweat is also essential for improving mood, boosting energy levels, and preventing disease. Cameron offers tips for choosing the right exercise program and shares her own workout strategies for looking and feeling your best.”

    Cameron Diaz took to Twitter and Instagram to share news concerning her first exposure with the publishing world.

    In characteristic down-to-earth fashion, the 41-year-old actress tells her fans that the book is to serve as a guide. “It’s not a plan, it’s just information for you to have,” she said.

    Image Via Wikimedia Commons and Courtesy of Tony Shek

  • Charlotte Zolotow, Popular Author and Editor, Dies

    Charlotte Zolotow the famed literary icon died on Tuesday in her Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, home. She was known for her spunky independence as shown from the following quote, “I am really writing for myself.” The 98-year-old writer and editor established herself as a literary innovator where she championed difficult issues previously not presented to youth.

    Her popular 1972 work titled William’s Doll exposed children to gender mores where the young boy in the story actively desires a doll, much to the dismay of his father. HarperCollins Publishers describes the book as: “More than anything, William wants a doll. “Don’t be a creep,” says his brother. “Sissy, sissy,” chants the boy next door. Then one day someone really understands William’s wish, and makes it easy for others to understand, too.”

    The popular book was even made into a song for the album titled Free to Be…You and Me.

    (image)

    As an editor, Zolotow worked for Harper & Row, which is now HarperCollins Publishers. During her employment with the powerhouse company, Zolotow published Dance On My Grave by Aidan Chambers, which was the first young adult novel to reference homosexuality.

    Zolotow released many additional beloved children’s stories including: Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present, My Grandson Lew, The Park Book, and Do You Know What I’ll Do? to name a few.

    The established writer points to her own difficulties as a youth where she moved in-and-out of school frequently and felt distanced due to her own sickness (scoliosis) that caused her to wear a back brace. Her own tribulations with meandering through childhood and feeling the isolation innate in the age group helped influence the sympathetic tone of her work where she sought to guide children through difficult experiences by showing a unique level of understanding.

    [Images Via HarperCollins Publishers]

  • ‘Orange Is The New Black’ Author And Cast Members Talk Stereotypes And Real-Life Prison

    Over the weekend, Kate Mulgrew, Uzo Aduba, Laverne Cox, cast members of the new Netflix series Orange is the New Black, along with Piper Kerman, who wrote the memoir on which it is based, appeared on Melissa Harris-Perry’s show on MSNBC to discuss the show, the stereotypes it deals with, the real-life prison system, etc.

    The Network has shared a few segments from the discussion on its site:

    Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

    Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

    Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

    Orange is the New Black has already been renewed for a second season. Filming began a week ago, and several pictures from the set have been released. The show has also picked up a new cast member, and promoted a couple of others to regulars.

    Many of the cast member beyond those who appeared on MSNBC have been doing interviews, and I would imagine we’ll be seeing quite a few more, as the show has generated a great deal of buzz. It appears to be Netflix’s most popular original series so far.

    Naturally, now that a lot of people have had time to breeze through the first season, a lot of speculation and questions are coming out surrounding plot points of the forthcoming season (due in 2014). Dascha Polanco, who plays Dayanara Diaz on the show recently discussed a key part of her character’s storyline with Vulture last week, for example. It will be interesting to see if we can make it to the second season without too many spoilers coming out.

  • ‘Environmental Debt’ Author Amy Larkin Speaks At Google

    Amy Larkin, author of the book Environmental Debt: The Hidden Costs of a Changing Global Economy, recently gave an “At Google” talk, which the company has now made available for all to see.

    “For decades, politicians and business leaders alike told the American public that today’s challenge was growing the economy, and that environmental protection could be left to future generations,” Google says in the video description. “Now in the wake of billions of dollars in costs associated with coastal devastation from Hurricane Sandy, rampant wildfires across the West, and groundwater contamination from reckless drilling, it’s becoming increasingly clear that yesterday’s carefree attitude about the environment has morphed into a fiscal crisis of epic proportions.”

    “Amy Larkin has been at the forefront of the fight for the environment for years, and in Environmental Debt she argues that the costs of global warming, extreme weather, pollution and other forms of ‘environmental debt’ are wreaking havoc on the economy,” Google adds.

    More recent At Google talks here.

  • ‘The Billionaire And The Mechanic’ Author Julian Guthrie And Oracle Engineer Joseph Ozanne Talk At Google

    ‘The Billionaire And The Mechanic’ Author Julian Guthrie And Oracle Engineer Joseph Ozanne Talk At Google

    Journalist Julian Guthrie and Oracle engineer Joseph Ozanne recently participated in an At Google Talk discussing Guthrie’s book The Billionaire and the Mechanic: How Larry Ellison and a Car Mechanic Teamed Up to Win Sailing’s Greatest Race, The America’s Cup. Ozanne is the Chief engineer behind Oracle Team USA’s fixed-wing sail in 2010. Google has now made the discussion available online.

    More recent At Google talks here.

  • Google Hosts Another Neuroscience Talk, This Time With ‘High Price’ Author Carl Hart

    Dr. Carl Hart, neuroscientist and author of High Price: A Neuroscientist’s Journey of Self-Discovery That Challenges Everything You Know About Drugs And Society, recently gave an “At Google” talk, which the company has now made available online.

    The book is Hart’s memoir. He has authored or co-authored dozens of peer-reviewed scientific articles about neuropsychopharmacology, and was the co-author of the textbook Drugs, Society, and Human Behavior.

    The talk follows another recent At Google talk with neuroscientist Robert Burton, who discussed his book A Skeptic’s Guide to the Mind.

    More recent At Google talks here.

  • Ian Whitcomb Talks Ukulele At Google

    Musician and author Ian Whitcomb recently gave an At Google Talk in Los Angeles to discuss his recent book Ukulele Heroes: The Golden Age and a handful of ukulele songs. Google has now made it available on line for all to enjoy.

    Whitcomb discusses the following ukulele songs: Aloha ‘Oe, Where Did Robinson Crusoe Go With Friday on a Saturday Night?, On the Beach at Waikiki, 12th Street Rag, That’s My Weakness Now, Chinese Laundry Blues, and Do I Love You? Yes I Do!

    More recent At Google talks here.

  • ‘Life…Don’t Miss It.’ Author Gary Kunath Talks At Google

    Gary Kunath, author of the book Life…Don’t Miss it: How I Learned To Live Life To The Fullest, recently participated in an “At Google” talk, which the company has now made available online.

    The talk is called, “Mastering Life’s Balance”.

    “This presentation centers on elevating employee well being and helping people maximize the joy and contentment in their lives so they can a great home life and a great work life,” Google explains in the video description. “Recent research shows that 70% of employees today would sacrifice pay increases and promotions for family well being. People are overwhelmed by the complexities of their own lives. Instead of employers recognizing this and bringing humanity back to the business and serving as a source of relief, they often compound the issues by adding more complexity to their peoples’ lives.”

    The talk took place on June 27th at Google’s Mountain View headquarters. It’s about an hour long.

    More recent At Google talks here.

  • The Guy From RATT Gave A Google Talk

    Google recently hosted Stephen Pearcy (often known as “the guy from RATT”) for an “At Google” talk, which the company has now made available online. Google often has authors (and musicians) at its campuses for these kinds of talks, and Pearcy just happens to have a new book out called Sex, Drugs, RATT and Roll: My Life in Rock.

    If it’s anywhere near as entertaining as Motley Crue’s The Dirt, count me in.

    The talk took place in LA on June 13th.

    More recent At Google talks here.

  • Neil Gaiman Talks ‘The Ocean At The End Of The Lane’ At Google

    Author Neil Gaiman recently stopped by the Googleplex to talk about his latest book, “The Ocean at the End of the Lane”. Google has now made the talk available for fans to enjoy.

    The talk took place on June 28th. Chris DiBona moderated.

    As Google notes in the YouTube description, you can find the book on Google Play. As Google directs users in search results, you can also find it on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

    More recent At Google talks here.

  • ‘WomanCode’ Author Alisa Vitti Gives A Google Talk

    Alisa Vitti, author of WomanCode: Perfect Your Cycle, Amplify Your Fertility, Supercharge Your Sex Drive, and Become a Power Source, recently participated in an “At Google” talk. The company has now made the discussion available for your viewing pleasure.

    “Her book teaches you how to support the chemical conversation of your entire endocrine system, from your head to your ovaries,” Google says in the YouTube description. “With a few easy strategies and changes to your diet and lifestyle, you can not only solve hormone-related problems, but have the energy, mental focus, and stable moods to be your best self. Simply put, once you support the flow of your hormones, you create flow in your life.”

    More recent At Google talks here.

  • Franz Kafka Google Doodle Hits The U.S.

    Franz Kafka Google Doodle Hits The U.S.

    As previously reported, Google is celebrating the birthday of acclaimed writer Franz Kafka. The doodle went live yesterday on the other side of the world, when it became July 3rd, and now it’s up here in our neck of the woods.

    The doodle specifically honors “Die Verwandlung,” or “The Metamorphosis,” one of Kafka’s most well-known and influential stories, which was first published in 1915. Our own Josh Wolford discusses The Metamorphosis and Kafka’s life, death and legacy more here.

    Other well-known works include: “Der Process” (The Trial), and “Das Schloss” (The Castle).

    Take a look at some more recent Google Doodles here.

  • Bestselling Author Marianne Williamson Talks At Google

    Bestselling author Marianne Williamson recently gave an “At Google” talk discussing “the spiritual principles of creativity and leadership.” Google has now made it available for the public to watch.

    The talk took place on June 5th.

    More recent At Google Talks here.

  • ‘Paradise Guest House’ Author Ellen Sussman Speaks At Google

    Bestselling Author Ellen Sussman recently participated in an “At Google” talk, which Google has now made available for everyone. She speaks about her book, The Paradise Guest House, which Google recommends for fans of Eat, Pray, Love and Alex Garland’s The Beach.

    The talk was recorded on May 28th.

    More recent At Google talks here.

  • ‘Farmer’s Market Cookbook’ Author Amelia Saltsman Speaks At Google

    Amelia Saltsman, author of The Santa Monica Farmer’s Market Cookbook, recently gave an At Google talk, which Google has now made publicly available.

    The talk, which took place on May 16, features Saltsman demonstrating some of her recipes.

    More recent At Google talks here.

  • Political Economist Mark Blyth Talks At Google

    Political economist Mark Blyth recently gave an “At Google” talk, which Google has now made publicly available via YouTube.

    Blyth is the author of Great Transformations: Economic Ideas and Institutional Change in the Twentieth Century; editor of The Routledge Handbook of International Political Economy: IPE as a Global Conversation, and co-editor of Constructing the International Economy.

    Blyth is currently working on a book called The End of the Liberal World.

    More recent At Google talks here.

  • Jack Vance Dies: Sci-Fi & Fantasy Writer Was 96

    John Holbrook Vance, better known to the literary world as Jack Vance, has died. He was 96.

    Vance, a prolific author who penned more than 60 books in his more than 60-year career, wrote across multiple genres including mystery, sci-fi, and fantasy. Most of his work was penned under the name Jack Vance, but he also had multiple pseudonyms inducing Ellery Queen, Alan Wade, Peter Held, and John van See.

    Friends and family, who manage Jack Vance’s site, have posted a message about the author’s passing:

    “Jack Vance passed away at home on the evening of Sunday May 26, 2013, ending a long, rich and productive life. Recognized most widely as an author, family and friends also knew a generous, large-hearted, rugged, congenial, hard-working, optimistic and unpretentious individual whose curiosity, sense of wonder and sheer love of life were an inspiration in themselves. Author, friend, father and grandfather – there will never be another like Jack Vance.”

    Vance won Hugo Awards for his 1963 work The Dragon Masters, as well as 1967’s The Last Castle. He also won for his 2010 memoir This Is Me, Jack Vance!. He also won a Nebula Award, an Edgar, a Jupiter Award, and a World Fantasy Award for his writing. He was inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame in 2001.