Author Kittens and Dawgs from Maryrose Wood, author of Sex Kittens and Horn Dawgs Fall in Love (Delacorte, 2006)(excerpt). From there, go visit my kittens, Bashi and Boo, and check out their picks in Kit Lit.

Hamline University seeks assistant professor of creative writing. The Graduate School of Liberal Studies (GLS) seeks to hire faculty to teach in a new low-residency MFA in writing for children and young adults, to begin in January 2007. Candidates should have substantial publications (four or more books) in the field of children’s and/or young adult literature and should demonstrate a strong, ongoing record of publication. Expertise in more than one genre (e.g., picture books, chapter books, middle grade or young adult fiction, nonfiction, poetry) desired. Evidence of outstanding college-level teaching is required. Teaching responsibilities will include participating in yearly residencies, working collaboratively with 2-5 students per semester, and advising and directing student theses. Send letter of application, c.v., and three references to Mary Rockcastle, Dean, Graduate School of Liberal Studies, Hamline University, 1536 Hewitt Ave. Saint Paul, MN 55104-1284. Application deadline is February 28.

Denise Schmandt-Besserat, professor emerita at the University of Texas at Austin, speaks about “The Origins of Writing” at 5 p.m. April 13 in the Tom Lea Room at the Harry Ransom Center in Austin, Texas. Denise is the author of The History of Counting (Morrow, 1999)(author interview). Denise has a new picture book forthcoming from Simon & Schuster. She has also signed with agent Rosemary Stimola. Another event of interest at the Ransom Center is a panel hosted by book critic and writer Ed Nawotka: “An Ode to Typewrite,” a discussion of writers who compose on typewriters. Thanks to Anne Bustard, author of Buddy: The Story of Buddy Holly, illustrated by Kurt Cyrus (Simon & Schuster, 2005)(author interview), for suggesting these news items.

“Talking Animal Stories” by Jan Fields from the Institute of Children’s Literature. See also “What Age is Your Reader?” also by Jan Fields from the ICL. Both of these articles are oriented toward writing for children’s magazines.

Thanks to author Haemi Balgassi for announcing the redesign of my website! Thanks also to all those who sent sympathy cards and emails in response to my grandmother’s recent death.