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Wow! We're thrilled to announce that Ben H. Winters' Countdown City, the sequel to the Edgar award-winning The Last Policeman, is nominated for the 2013 Philip K. Dick Award! 

Appropriately Philadelphia themed image via Accessible Archives

Believe it or not, convention season is already upon us. No, we're not talking about Comic Con. We're talking Midwinter ALA. And we don't even have to leave our backyard! 

Photo via Tumblr

Hey Quirk fans!

We're still seeking seeking babies to be photographed for an upcoming Fall 2014 book, and we’re especially in need of babies 6 months (or younger) to twelve months in age. We’re looking for babies of all ethnicities, too! And while we can't dish out details about the project just yet, you can think of it as Quirk's version of an Anne Geddes book. More info available for serious inquirers.

Right now we're looking in the Philadelphia and New York City region, as the photographer lives here in Philly and also makes regular trips to NYC. The photographer of the book will stop by your house to take the photo.

There's no compensation, but your baby will be featured in an amazing Quirk book! And of course, you'll get a really great, unique professional photo of your child. Interested parents can email me ([email protected]) headshots of their babies, and we'll forward them on to the photographer.

Thanks!

(Image via flickr)

Sharing books with your kids is one of the greatest joys of parenting—but that doesn't mean it's always easy. It's hard to show off the magic of the written word when there's all kinds of fun toys and screens lying just out of reach. Here are six ideas to liven up story time and make your kiddos into budding bookworms.

New Year’s resolutions are hard to keep. Feel the Force flowing through you this year with these helpful Star Wars quotes to keep you going when you’re heading into an asteroid field of challenges or sinking into a Dagobahn swamp of self-doubt!

"Do… or do not, there is no try."
Yoda, The Empire Strikes Back

Ever hear someone make a resolution they aren’t going to keep? You can hear it in their voice. They say they’ll try, but they’re really saying "I won’t do it, but I'll throw some effort at it and see what happens." This is how a 900-year-old Jedi master calls you out on your Bantha fodder. Yoda isn’t saying “Don’t try if you think you might fail.” He’s saying “Don’t stop at trying, keep doing it till it’s done.”

"Stay on target!"
Gold Five, A New Hope

Distractions are everywhere. But you? You’re not distracted. This year, you are in the trench run heading for that one goal. Does your morning routine help you reach that goal? What about the other tabs in your browser? Build in leisure and time to relax, but always be heading toward that thermal exhaust port.

"But I was going into Tosche Station to pick up some power converters!"
Luke Skywalker, A New Hope

This is what you sound like every time you whine. If that’s not enough motivation to quit whining and get on with it, remember what Uncle Owen says: You can waste time with your friends later. Distractions won’t help you seize the day, they’ll help you seize something easier than the work you're doing. You've got droids to clean up and galaxies to save!

"What's in there? Only what you take with you."
Luke Skywalker & Yoda, The Empire Strikes Back

Ok, this one's deep. The hardest thing about change is facing yourself, with no one else to protect you. What will you take with you when you face your demons? Will you bring hope and confidence? Or anger, fear, and aggression? Make your mantras positive. Instead of "Gotta lose weight… because I’m gross" try "Gonna lose 5 pounds by March… because I'm getting healthier and stronger." Face your demons with strength and kindness, because they're a part of you.

"Never tell me the odds."
Han Solo, The Empire Strikes Back

Changing behavior is hard, and by making a resolution, you’ve decided to go for it anyway. But right when you’re feeling good about your decision, Time Magazine and Forbes are ready to remind you that only 8% of people who make new year’s resolutions stick to them. Do you give up? No, of course not. Because the odds are not important, and you’re not gonna leave room for that kind of worrying. So shut up, Goldenrod, you’ve got this.

"Your Tauntaun will freeze before you reach the first marker!"
"Then I'll see you in Hell!"
Tauntaun Handler & Han Solo, The Empire Strikes Back

Naysayers gonna naysay. And maybe, as in this case at Echo Base, the naysayer has a point. But does that point matter to you? Does it matter enough to give up on your goal? It’s not like Han didn’t know it was cold outside, and as it turned out, his Tauntaun did freeze. But he rescued his friend – and used that naysayer's caution to help him… if the Tauntaun hadn't died, where would he have stashed Luke? Egh…

"Well somebody has to save our skins. Into the garbage, fly-boy!"
Princess Leia, A New Hope

Stormtroopers on both exits, no droids, no lightsaber, no plan and no escape. Somebody does have to save our skins, and this year, it's going to be you. It’s always a good idea to plan ahead, but know that at some point you’re going to have to make a snap decision. A choice moving toward your goal is almost always the right decision, even if you do discover some amazing smells along the way.

"Don't just stand there!"
Princess Leia, A New Hope

You've been working so hard. All that work to get to Alderaan, and it gets blown away. You run from stormtroopers, get shot at, land in garbage, get attacked by a garbage monster, and suddenly the walls start closing in. You're within your rights to feel a little defeated at this point. But don't. Try to brace it with something. Maybe it will work, maybe it won't, but don't meet the end gaping at the wall in a puddle of garbage water. Do something about it. And please, remember to turn your communicator back on.

Keep your resolutions going all year by surrounding yourself with things that inspire you! We all need a Yoda now and then telling us what to do, or folks from the rebel alliance to show us how it’s done. Look for inspiration to stick to your guns, and be proud of what you accomplish (it’s ok to get a little cocky, kid).

And remember,

The Force will be with you. Always.