Excellent post. And I agree - standing your ground and staying firmly rooted in what you believe in is only made more difficult in the face of potentailly huge income.
I've had the Wal-Mart discussion with my loved ones - what if Wal-Mart (a place I despise, but that's an entire post) asked to carry my books front and center? Would I? I'd like to think not, but the potential for reaching an audience beyond the teacher's lounge would be enticing. Of course, the reality is that I really have no control over who carries the books, but it's nice to imagine oneself as noble, isn't it??
You wrote an excellent piece regarding a rather odd abuse of the Calvin likeness some years ago. I'm sure you'd be delighted to know that I think of you whenever I see the latest of the rapidly mutating and increasingly surreal progeny of the Calvin micturating on the Chevrolet bowtie.
The most advanced/trippy of the batch thus far: A Transgendrified Cowgirl Calvin(ette?) kneeling in prayer before a cross.
My own prediction is that the Calvin thing will eventually crossover with the whole ichthys genre.
To my surprise, there is no article on Calvin stickers on Wikipedia. They do have link to a podcast interview with Bill Watterson's mom, though
Since we're half-way through a major kids' room overhaul over here, this really resonates with me. The pounds of plastic -- oi vey. And what do we do with it all? Take it to Goodwill so that WE don't have to face the fact that the stuff is gonna hit the landfills, and fast?
The "lost" shrek may have been a spy on a Speshol Mishon. My parents thort I was lost once, but really I just had an important job to do.
Read more about "Lost" Bears (and not-a-bears) here:
http://bobs-diary.blogspot.com/2...ol-
mishons.html
:@}
Hi,
To have my forthcoming publication on the "Tesco" shelves adjacent to the checkouts (and at eye-level) would be MY greatest ambition. The M&Ms, winegums and chewits will be relegated to the back of the shop.
Little steps turn into the greatest leaps and black forest gateau.
Regards,
Coral
www.coralpoetry.blogspot.com
Word. Calvin and Hobbes all the way. I'm curious... what do you think it will take to get the point across in the media- what you mentioned with Shrek... what do you think is the best way for a message piece to retain it's message in the face of publicity, celebrities, etc?
Bill Watterson had a syndicated comic strip. This pays loads more than a children's book author. The more money one has the easier it is to hang onto ones integrity.
lol. I was surfing blogger, and just wanted to say... my last name is Barton too! =D
Congratulats
You wrote an excellent story
How long/drawn out is the process of publishing a children's book? How does one go about getting their book out there?
I love Shrek! I would have saved him!
I love your blog, and am wishing that my books would make the shelves at walmart/tesco whichever -
Currently read the Voyage of the Dawntreader -CS Lewis - great read yet again!
liked reading ur blog 
I don't know if I was a strange child or not but anything I owned as a child was very dear to me. Anything lost was a severe dent. I seriously used to sit at the end of my bed and pray for the souls of inanimate objects that had left my custody.
I do wonder how deeply kids are effected with our new disposable society and how it will change them as adults.
Yes, Calvin and Hobbes is also my favourite cartoon of all time.
Very great post! I respect many of the authors keeping their artistic integrity. Once it becomes an environmental issue whats the purpose of merchandising these loveable characters for some dollars. But it's great you wrote this. Keep posting!!!
I was thinking the same thing about Calvin and Hobbes, I have their books, I think all of them, but I admire the artist for not letting his creation become plastic items that will be valued at nothing in a couple years and just pollute the ocean with the rest of the Muppets, Sesame Street Characters and Elmo/Barney(they both have similar colors, LOL)
thanks for this post.
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