Friday Hangovers - Gwenda Bond

Kristin Cashore has an excellent essay about writing fantasy online at the Horn Book.
One of the most interesting obits I've ever read. (Via someone over at twitter, but I can't recall who.)
Lauren McLaughlin on playing god, and staying true to your characters' humanity. I think this is more applicable to some kinds of works than others, but in general a big YES.
Some thoughts from Kirk Biglione at Medialoper on the Apple Tablet and how it may or may not hurt the Kindle. I think he's probably right on the money.
The difference between distributors and wholesalers. Just another reason that while traditional publishing models may be changing, they still have a sizable edge. If you believe the book-as-object will still be around awhile (and I do–I've seen nothing to convince me otherwise).
Speaking of which, you should give John Green's SLJ essay on the future of books and reading a look, if you haven't.
And a couple of don't-miss posts from Alan Gratz: the first on S&S eliminating their middle-of-the-country sales reps and the other on the secret to long and happy life.