A Quick Update!

Yay! I've been given more ARCs, which means I have more to give away. Enough for the fun to continue each week until The Darkness Dwellers comes out in January!

P.S.: Hey EQ! Send a note to kikistrike@gmail.com so I can send you a copy of the book!

This Week's Winner Is . . .

My old buddy, EQ! Nice to see you back!

This was a really tough one, guys. Your ideas were all amazing. Moscow, Cairo, Portland . . . I'd love to set a book in any of these places!

But I'm afraid EQ had me at the word "kraken." And I have yet to weave my fascination with cryptids into a book. (Though I did just publish an essay arguing for the existence of Bigfoot.) Plus, nothing is cooler than a kelp forest. The Irregulars have already spent a lot of time underground. Perhaps their next adventure should be underwater.

Congrats, EQ. And to the rest of you . . . don't give up! This has been so great that I'm going to demand (OK, beg) that my publisher send me more books to give away!

This Week's ARC Giveaway!

Yeah, I know. It's last week's giveaway, too. What can I say? I'm running out of books!

A Darkness Dwellers ARC goes to the first person to correctly answer the following question . . .

If I write Kiki Strike #4, where should it be set? And which of the Irregulars should be the heroine?

Please leave your answer in the comments section of the blog. (In this case, a correct answer is one that amuses me.) Good luck!

The Irregular Guide to New York City: Magical Libraries

It's time to open another chapter of The Irregular Guide to New York. This one is titled Spellbound . . .

There’s nothing I love more than libraries and bookstores. Without them, I probably would have landed in jail a long time ago. (When I get bored, I start causing trouble. Just ask my mom.) These days, every time I step into a library or bookstore, my brain begins to tingle. I can’t help but imagine that there’s some strange, magical book tucked away on the shelves, just waiting for me to discover it.

I couldn’t even begin to list all of the great libraries and bookstores in New York. Many (like Books of Wonder at 18 W. 18th Street) are known to book lovers all over the world. So I’m going to introduce you to a few special spots you might not have heard of. In fact, a couple are so secret that only the most persistent explorers will even be able to find them.

The Impalements: My Favorite Brooklyn Traditon

I stumbled across the "Impalements" for the first time in 2010. I had no idea why anyone would impale dozens of jack o' lanterns on the spikes of an old iron fence. But it was absolutely marvelous to behold. So creepy. So bizarre. And the display just gets even better as soon as the pumpkins begin to rot.

If you're ever in town around Halloween you must check them out! More pics--and the full story--here.

What Do You Think of the New Kiki Strike Covers?

By the way, The Darkness Dwellers just got an amazing review from Kirkus!

We Have Two Winners Again This Week

I gotta stop naming multiple winners. I'm running out of books! But this was the best contest so far. I really enjoyed reading all of your posts.

The first ARC goes to Isabella, who wrote . . .

They would find this bakery, whose name I'm not going to say because I don't want everyone to know where I live. :-)

Anyway, on the outside, there's this rickety porch, rocking chairs and all. It's hard to explain, but just by looking at it, you get this generally creepy feeling. Like you should stay away. This sounds weird, but it looks like a witch's hovel. And it's a bakery . And they don't even make any good desserts, which leads me to believe that something sinister is going on in there. (Plus, it's right next to the local orthodontist. Who puts a sweet shop next to an orthodontist's office?) What ever they're covering up in there, I might never know. I don't have the guts to figure it out, but I know the Irregulars wouldn't be able to resist.

You have excellent instincts, Isabella. A run-down bakery that sells icky desserts--right next to a dentist's office? I think the Irregulars would have that place staked out 24/7!

The second ARC goes to Kristen, who wrote . . .

What might be most interesting to the Irregulars is the site of the mansion where Jack Parsons -- famed occultist, one-time friend of L. Ron Hubbard, and founder of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory -- lived and carried out unusual experiments (and, well, some not so middle-grade appropriate rituals). Jack, born "Marvel," led a "lodge" of Aleistair Crowley's magical order, the Ordo Templi Orientis. Although he was a well-known, successful scientist, he was obsessed with the spiritual, as well. Before rocket launches at JPL, Jack/Marvel would invoke the Greek god Pan and allegedly he spent considerable time trying to conjure elemental beings...however, he's most famous for inventing rocket fuel.

He died by blowing himself up to smithereens in his workshop while experimenting with mercury...

Something tells me there would be plenty for the Irregulars to dig up by visiting the site of his former home...

That post was a million different kinds of awesome.

Isabella and Kristen, send a note to kikistrike@gmail.com

PS: Hayden, if you send some pictures of that neighborhood to the same address, I'll see if I can get my hands on a few extra ARCs!

This Week's ARC Giveaway!

A Darkness Dwellers ARC goes to the first person to correctly answer the following question . . .

If the Irregulars were to visit your hometown, what's the most interesting thing they'd find there?

Please leave your answer in the comments section of the blog. (In this case, a correct answer is one that amuses me.) Good luck!

"Princess" Is Not a Career

And the Winner Is . . .

Conuly! Because, as someone from Staten Island, you could probably use a little good news right now. (Though I doubt a book is the kind of good news you need most.) All the best to you, your friends and family.

Send me a note at kikistrike@gmail.com to collect your prize. I just hope the PO can get it there.

This Week's ARC Giveaway!

A Darkness Dwellers ARC goes to the first person to correctly answer the following question . . .

If you could pay a visit to ONE underground attraction, which would it be? (You can choose any subterranean site in the world--except the Shadow City.)

Please leave your answer in the comments section of the blog. (In this case, a correct answer is one that amuses me.) Good luck!

Hurricane Sandy Uncovers a Skeleton in Connecticut

I'm going to be paying close attention to all the overturned trees in my neighborhood. If you can find a skeleton in New Haven, just IMAGINE what you might find in Brooklyn!

Story and pics here.

Wow

Took a little walk around my Brooklyn neighborhood this morning. It wasn't pretty. Sandy did some serious damage here--but it sounds like she really gave the other boroughs a beating. I hope everyone is safe. And I hope your power and water is restored soon. Good luck, New York!

Hurricane!

Hey everyone. Sorry for not posting yesterday. I've been a little distracted by the hurricane that's ABOUT TO SLAM INTO MY HOUSE! Had to spend most of the weekend stocking up on canned soup and beef jerky.

May I take this opportunity to point out that, in the last two years, I have experienced an earthquake, a tornado, a major blizzard, and now TWO hurricanes. New York City has always been a dangerous place to live, but this is getting ridiculous.

I'm going to see if I can capture some good hurricane footage from my living room windows. If I get anything interesting, I'll be sure to post it here!

The Irregular Guide to New York City: The City Beneath Your Feet

At last we move to a new chapter in the Irregular Guide to New York City. For the next week, we shall begin exploring underground places!

If you’ve ever thumbed through one of my Kiki Strike books, then you know they take place in a Shadow City under the streets of New York. You probably assumed I made it all up. I didn’t. Beneath your feet lies a subterranean world of secret tunnels, abandoned train stations, and forgotten rivers and streams. Only the bravest explorers would dare set foot in the real-life Shadow City’s dark, deserted passages. If you count yourself among them, grab a pair of boots and some rat repellent. I hope you’re not afraid of the dark.

And We Have Two Winners! ('Cause That's How I Roll)

The first correct answer was given by Natalie at 4:45 PM. I wanted to be an archaeologist. Other acceptable answers: "paleontologist" and "extremely wealthy." (Natalie: Email me at kikistrike@gmail.com)

But I must reward the person who sent in the answer that made me laugh loudest . . .

"When you grew up, at first, you wanted to be a FBI agent, but not just any FBI agent, the FBI agent they only brought out for 'special' cases, such as mass murders at the Empire State Building. But soon after you realized, being on the FBI left you no room to be creative, which was an idea you hated with all the blood in your body. You were around the age of thirteen when you wanted to fight crime, not in the police, not with the FBI, but by yourself or with a couple of close friends; you weren't sure. You stopped thinking about that after a while.

Then a stroke of epicness (not a real word) came to your mind 'Maybe, just maybe, I can be an author.' And that's what you are today, Kirsten Miller, Author."

Sara, you get an ARC, too!

Weekly ARC Giveaway!

The first person to answer the following question correctly wins a Darkness Dwellers ARC . . .

When I was a kid, what did I want to be when I grew up? If you can't be accurate, be creative.

Good luck!

The Irregular Guide to New York City: Poop

I think we've seen enough ghosts and graveyards for now. (Though there are still more to come.) For the next few days, I'll be posting entries from my favorite chapter of The Irregular Guide to New York City. It's a very special chapter with a very simple name:

POOP

I know what you’re thinking. I can see poop anywhere. What’s so great about the poop in New York? Nothing—aside from the fact that we have an awful lot of it. So much, in fact, that it’s played an important role in the history of this city. Before we figured out how to deal with all the poop we produce, it poisoned our water, befouled our rivers, and spread diseases that killed hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers. It’s the twenty-first century, and we still haven’t cleaned it all up. So grab a pair of nose plugs, and let’s take a look at how we got into this mess. I promise—it’s going be fascinating.

This Week's ARC Winner

The first correct answer arrived in my kikistrike@gmail inbox at exactly 10:22PM last night. Congrats, Ms. Warrior!!!

If you didn't win, don't despair. There will be another giveaway next week!

On a side note: Boy you guys are GOOD. I thought that was a pretty hard question.

ARC Weekly Giveaway!

The first person to answer the following question correctly wins a Darkness Dwellers ARC . . .

Where does Ananka Fishbein end up going to college?

Good luck.

Free Kiki!

In only a few short months, Kiki #3, The Darkness Dwellers, will hit bookshelves everywhere! (Better late than never, right?) In the meantime, let's have some fun. Every week from now through November, I'm going to be giving away an ARC! So be sure to keep an eye on this blog if you'd like a chance to read The Darkness Dwellers before anyone else!

And there's more! A while back I mentioned a special "book" I wrote just for Kiki fans. It's called The Irregular Guide to New York City. I was inspired by Glimpses of Gotham to put together a guide to all the strange, creepy and wonderful places I've discovered over the years.

Every day until the end of the year, I'll be posting a new entry. On January 1st, I'll post a full PDF version of the book. For free!

So let's get started, shall we? Since Halloween (my favorite holiday) is right around the corner, I thought it might be good to kick off with Irregular Guide with a ghost or two . . .

Hey ARC Winner!

Don't forget to claim your prize. kikistrike@gmail.com

A Darkness Dwellers Giveaway!

So I haven't been blogging. What have I been doing? Good question. Contemplating my next move, I suppose. I'll let you know what it is as soon as I've figured it out.

In the meantime, I have another ARC of The Darkness Dwellers to give away! (And if I promised you a copy at some point in the past, now is the time to remind me!)

The first person who can provide a correct answer the following question wins an ARC. . . .

What common food can cause a condition called pellagra--the symptoms of which (pale skin, sensitivity to sunlight) may have inspired European tales of vampirism?

(I just finished reading Wicked Plants, by Amy Stewart. Highly recommended.)

UPDATE: The first correct answer came in at 3:14! MKB (aka Anonymous), send me a note at kikistrike@gmail.com! Congratulations!

Don't worry slow-pokes, there will be more giveaways soon!

The How to Lead a Life of Crime Cover Contest WINNER!

This was a hard decision. There were several entries that I really loved. But, having discussed the matter with my publisher and various esteemed colleagues, there seemed to be one that rose above the rest. Congrats, Katie! The cover of my latest book will be . . .

The How to Lead a Life of Crime Cover Contest Ends on Friday!

Make sure your entries are in!

You Go Girls!

Check out stakeistan.org.

No, SERIOUSLY. Check Out the Entries!

There's some crazy talent out there. This may have been one of my better ideas. THIS LINK should work!

Check Out the Cover Contest Entries!

Cover contest entries have started coming in, and I'm really impressed by what I've seen so far. I'll be posting some of the entries that I find most interesting. Check out the latest HERE. They're not necessarily finalists, just covers that managed to take me by surprise.

THE CONTEST ENDS ON 8/31! THERE'S STILL MORE THAN ENOUGH TIME TO READ THE BOOK AND ENTER. (Rules can be found on my Tumblr.)

As I expected a few people have requested copies, and then posted reviews. (Naughty, naughty!) Fortunately, it appears that they loved the book. One described it as, "Hogwarts for hustlers meets the Hunger Games." Ha.

(Above: I love these old mug shots. Check out the eyes on the guy on the left. Below: I need to read more about her, but I like the look.)

Update!

You guys are amazing! The first person to answer all questions correctly was . . . Ada. Congrats, Ada! (And yes, I know I've promised advance copies to a number of people. You'll get yours as soon as I get my hands on a few more ARCs!)

Who Wants a Copy of The Darkness Dwellers?

That's right. I have five copies sitting right in front of me. One of them could be YOURS. All you have to do is answer the following ten questions correctly . . .

1. What do Iris McLeod's parents do for a living?
2. Who is Herbert Hubert Snodgrass* and what did he invent?
3. What does Howard Van Dyke call his chicken?
4. Where is the Borland Academy located?
5. What is Kaspar's real name?
6. Who's the ghost in Lester Liu's mansion?
7. Would you willingly eat escargot?
8. Do you consider yourself dangerous?
9. Do you have a secret skill? If so, please share.
10. Which Irregular would be the most fun at a slumber party?

Send your answers to kikistrike@gmail.com. (For heaven's sake, don't post them here!) I'll announce the winner at 8PM New York time.

I can afford postage to the US or Canada. *Man, you guys are good!

Guess What I'm Getting in the Mail Soon

Go ahead. Guess. (Here's a hint . . . it's long overdue.) Who knows? I may even be willing to share.

A Free Book AND Big Bucks

(Above: Can you work this in somehow?)

Do you like books? Do you like money? Think you can design a great book cover?

Then enter the How to Lead a Life of Crime Cover Contest. More here.

How to Lead a Life of Crime Cover Contest UPDATE!

I apologize for the confusion. An unfortunate glitch prevented us from accessing your emails. Hopefully we will soon be able to send books to everyone who requested a copy. Until then, feel free to request another copy! The new (and fully-functional) email address is howtoleadalifeofcrime@gmail.com. Send us a note, and we will send you a book! And because the problem took so long to fix, we are extending the contest deadline to August 31, 2012. Once again, my apologies! Good luck!

A Note on the How to Lead a Life of Crime Cover Contest

I've heard that some of you have been waiting a while for a copy of the book. I'm very sorry about that! I promise that you won't have to wait any longer than Monday, July 9! Sorry for the delay. Kirsten

Big News! Cover Design Contest!

Razorbill, the publisher of my latest novel, How to Lead a Life of Crime, has allowed me to do the previously unthinkable. We're holding a contest to design the book's cover.

The contest is open to anyone between the ages of 16 and 25. And anything goes (as long as the design is 100% original). A few words of warning. The book is quite violent and there's a fair amount of foul language. That's why the contest isn't open to younger readers. So if you're under 16, hang tight. We'll be doing some fun stuff very soon for Kiki #3, The Darkness Dwellers.

If you're interested (and you should be, there's a big cash prize waiting for the winner), check out the instructions and rules on my How to Lead a Life of Crime tumblr. And good luck!

Kirsten

Big News and a GIVEAWAY!

(Above: Deseos,the Mexican All You Desire)

The Eternal Ones (Eternos) was a big hit in Mexico, and the sequel will be out down there in the next few weeks. As you can see, it's called Deseos, and just look at that gorgeous cover! Santillana is such a wonderful publisher. I love working with them!

I don't have copies of Deseos yet, but I recently received a shipment of paperback copies of All You Desire. My bookshelves are overflowing--and I've already read the book. (Ha) So today--and TODAY ONLY--I'm GIVING AWAY sets of the Eternal Ones series. (The Eternal Ones and All You Desire.)

If you're over 14 and you'd like a set, just send a note to kikistrike@gmail.com! Supplies are limited, so act quickly! (Also, be sure you have your parents' permission. Don't get me into trouble, please.)

UPDATE: I love you guys in Australia! But I've already gotten emails from a bunch of you, which pretty much maxes out my foreign shipping budget. So from this point forward, I'm gonna have to say US only. Thanks, guys!

UPDATE #2: OK, you've cleaned me out. That was fast! I guess it pays to get up early on Sunday! But don't worry, there will be more giveaways to come. And be sure to visit next week for the big news mentioned below!

And last but not least, STAY TUNED to the blog this week. There will be a huge announcement in the next few days. All I can tell you is that it involves my new novel, HOW TO LEAD A LIFE OF CRIME, which will be out in February.

Adventure #8: Seed Bombing the Hood

(Above: Roof garden by Alive Structures)

I live in a beautiful neighborhood that's sprinkled with countless little patches of ugliness. There are tiny sidewalk "gardens" that have been allowed to go to seed--and a few vacant lots filled with weeds and trash.

I've been waiting for the right weather to set out on Adventure #8. The next few days look pretty ideal. Saturday and Sunday will be sunny and warm. The following Monday's gonna be nice and rainy. So at some point this weekend, I'm going to seed bomb my neighborhood.

Not familiar with seed bombs? They're jawbreaker-size balls of mud and clay with wildflower seeds mixed in. You toss them wherever you'd like to plant a little bit of beauty. A touch of rain and a few sunny days, and Brooklyn's going to be lovelier than ever.

Want to join me? (In spirit, of course.) You can find instructions for making seed bombs here and here!

An Honorary Irregular Membership Goes to: The Anonymous Lockpicking 5-Year-Old

I want this kid on MY side.

The Cannibal Cure

You gotta love Smithsonian.com. Where else can you find a scholarly article entitled, "The Gruesome History of Eating Corpses as Medicine?"

Actually, it's a review of my new favorite book (which I've yet to read), Medicinal Cannibalism in Early Modern English Literature and Culture, by my new best friend Louise Noble. (Give me a ring, Louise! You and I have sooo much to talk about. Over dinner, of course.)

The premise of Ms. Noble's book? Many Europeans (particularly the rich) practiced a form of cannibalism well into modern times. They didn't eat human flesh because they savored the taste. That would have been absolutely barbaric. No, they consumed human blood, fat, and body parts because they wanted to feel good.

Mummies were stolen from Egyptian tombs, pulverized and used to treat internal bleeding. For centuries, powdered skull was a common cure for headaches. And drinking fresh blood (especially that of a young man) was thought to restore vitality. In Germanic countries, executioners would lop off a head--and then sell small cups of warm blood to the poor.

Not disgusting enough for you? There's more here.

Adventure #7: Giant Dead Bugs Make Great Art

You guys worry too much! Every time I take a little break from blogging, readers seem to assume I'm dead. So I'm going to make a promise to you today. If I die unexpectedly, you'll know. I've asked a trusted to associate to post all the details--no matter how boring or gruesome. Now relax.

Not only am I still alive, I've been working on a little present for you. Yes, you. Since the first Kiki Strike was published, I've received countless emails from readers planning trips to New York. What should I see? Where should I go? How do I break into the Shadow City? Unfortunately, I'm usually several weeks behind when it comes to answering emails, so I don't always get the information to people in time. That's why I've decided to write a little book I'm calling The Irregular Guide to New York City. I'm afraid there will be no mention of the Statue of Liberty, FAO Schwartz, or Rockefeller Center. My New York is a bizarre world filled with hidden houses, secret cemeteries, abandoned subway stations, subterranean tunnels, and ghosts. And I'm going to tell you exactly where to find them. Before the end of the year, The Irregular Guide to New York City will be made available. And the price will be $0.00. That's right. It's gonna be free!

It will take a little while to get my guidebook in order. Until then, I shall try to have more adventures. This past Saturday, I learned how to make shadowboxes like the one shown above. The pictures aren't great (my camera was stolen, so I had to use my phone), and beetles don't photograph all that well. So in case you're wondering what that is in the box, it's a giant bug holding a butcher's knife and preparing to cut a piece of cake.

Ordinarily, I would have chosen a more morbid theme for my shadowbox, but this was a present for a bug-loving kid, so I had to play it safe. Still, I'm thrilled with the results. This was the best adventure so far.

Cornered: 15 Stories of Bullying and Defiance **GIVEAWAY**

Last year, I was asked to contribute a short story to the book shown above. Cornered: 15 Stories of Bullying and Defiance (edited by Rhoda Belleza) will be published this July, and it features the work of fifteen talented YA authors.

I am extremely proud to be one of the fifteen. I learned a great deal about bullying during my freshman year of high school. I know how it feels to be teased, threatened and tormented. I also know there are kids out there who’ve experienced far worse than I ever did. I survived, and I honestly believe that the experience made me stronger. But I would never, ever wish it on anyone else.

My story, “Nemesis,” isn’t about a victim. It’s about defiance—and revenge. There’s absolutely no shame in finding yourself the target of a bully—most people will at some point in their lives. The people who should feel ashamed are those who once tortured their schoolmates for sport. The heroine of “Nemesis” believes she’s found a way to see justice done. She won’t allow the bullies of the world to ever forget their crimes.

I have an ARC of Cornered to give away. (I'll even sign it if you like.) If you (or someone you know) could use a book like this, just send a note to kikistrike@gmail.com. (I'll update the post when the book has been given away.) **GIVEN AWAY! MORE GIVEAWAYS SOON**

You Are What You Eat

No, I was not the victim of a fatal window-washing accident, but I do appreciate all of the notes I received over the past three weeks. (Most of them went a little like this . . . "If you're dead, will The Darkness Dwellers still be published?") And I just want to assure you all . . . Kiki #3 will be published whether I kick the bucket or not.

I had to take a little time off from blogging/adventure in order to finish a project. Now that I'm done, I plan to resume my daredevil lifestyle. I've already signed up for a class on constructing "Anthropomorphic Insect Shadowboxes." (How cool is that?) I'm also going to spend a weekend throwing seed bombs around my hood. And I still need to have that seance I've been planning. (My ghost showed up again the other day. More on that later . . .)

But first I wanted to call your attention to the subject of pink slime. (Seen above, in all its glory.) It's made by "grinding together connective tissue and beef scraps normally destined for dog food." The mixture is then treated with ammonia hydroxide (usually used for cleaning floors) and blended into hamburger patties.

McDonald's, Taco Bell, and Burger King have already announced that they will no longer be adding the gunk to their food. But don't worry, pink slime fanatics! You won't have to go without your favorite meat-like treat! You see, there's one organization that still purchases the product. The US Government. What does the government do with the tons and tons of delicious pink slime it buys every year? Two words . . . school lunch.

More here.

Adventure #6: I Am Spiderwoman

(Above: Anything that dude can do, I can do better. Kidding. But that IS the gym I visited. Pretty cool, right?)

This was my favorite adventure so far. I suspect I may have some serious, undiscovered skills in the rock climbing department. Which is great, since my lack of coordination means I'm quite hopeless when it comes to most sports.

I took a two-hour class in "top roping" at a rock climbing gym here in Brooklyn. The first thing you learn is how to tie a series of rather complicated knots. (That are intended to prevent you from plunging to your untimely death.) I have to admit, I got a little nervous. I usually stink at anything requiring spacial intelligence. But I surprised myself once again! Turns out I'm pretty good at tying knots. (I was probably channeling my grandfather, who must have mastered a few knots during his time in the Navy. Odd, unrelated note: He took part in the search for Amelia Earhart after her plane went down in the Pacific.)

Once I was all harnessed-up, I couldn't wait to scramble up a wall or two. And boy was it a blast. I was climbing so fast that my belayer could hardly keep up. Granted the wall was only ten or twelve feet high (there were a bunch of four-year-old kids climbing it as I was leaving), but I could have kept going higher and heigher. (I've never suffered from acrophobia.)

I can't wait to go back. Next time, maybe I'll take a class in "bouldering." You don't use ropes when you boulder. And now that I've discovered my inner daredevil, I plan to find out how far she's willing to go.

I've even started thinking about practical ways to put my new skills to work. My apartment is on the third and fourth floors, and the windows could use a good washing. Maybe I'll just hook a rope to the chimney and . . .

Let's just say this could easily end up being my very last blog post.

Adventure #6: Superhero Classes

(Above: I don't usually post links to Etsy stores, but this guy's stuff is awesome!)

Okay, most people would say I've signed up for "rock climbing lessons." But once I know what I'm doing, who says I have to climb ROCKS?

Little Free Libraries

If you've read my books (or browsed this blog), you know how much I love libraries. In fact, I credit the library in my hometown of Sylva, North Carolina, with keeping me out of juvie for seventeen years. (When I get bored, I start causing trouble. Just ask my mom.) The subjects I discovered at the Sylva library are the same ones that continue to fascinate me. (Ghosts, reincarnation, Bigfoot, aliens, mythology, sinister secret societies.) Even the old movies they showed on Tuesdays have been feeding my imagination for decades. (Brigadoon, The Hound of the Baskervilles, Bringing Up Baby, and my all-time favorite . . . the original Clash of the Titans.)

These days, every time I step into a library, my brain begins to tingle. I can't help but imagine that there's some strange, magical book tucked away in the stacks, just waiting for me to discover it.

This morning, I felt a similar sensation when I stumbled across an article about an amazing organization/movement called Little Free Libraries. The idea is super simple. You build a little library (like the one shown above), fill it with the books you love, and let your neighbors borrow them.

Just imagine . . . You're young, bored, and up to no good. (As I often was.) You're wandering around, looking for mischief when you happen to spot an unusual structure just off the path, half-hidden by trees. Turns out, there's a library where you'd never have expected to find one. You have no idea who built it. (Book-loving wood sprites? A wise, cave-dwelling hermit? Aliens who happen to speak the same language that you do?) You take a peek over your shoulder. No one is watching. So you open the door and find the library is filled with weird and wonderful books that you suddenly can't wait to read.

Want to change a kid's life? That's one way to do it.

Maybe I'll build my own library. (This is my Year of Adventure.) I wonder what my Brooklyn neighbors would think.

In the meantime, if you have started your own Little Free Library, and you would like to include a copy of Kiki Strike, send a picture of your library to kikistrike@gmail.com, and I'll send you a book. (Offer only good until I go broke.)

Adventure #5: Dead Horse Bay

(Above: Can you believe this picture was taken in BROOKLYN?)

A couple of weeks ago, I received a Facebook message from a pen pal of mine who lives in Toronto. She said she'd be coming to New York this month and asked if I'd be in town. I think she probably had a pleasant cup of coffee in mind. I proposed an ADVENTURE.

Only a gutsy individual would hop in a car with a crazy writer she's never met face-to-face and set off for a secluded site known as Dead Horse Bay. But Lauren is a true Irregular, and she was eager for a glimpse of the "dark side" of New York. (Although I bet she had a roll of duct tape in her bag, just in case I turned out to be even nuttier than my blog would suggest.)

In retrospect, it would have been cruel to take anyone but a Canadian. The weather seems to turn brutal every time I seek adventure outdoors. It was bitterly cold yesterday, and only a hardy soul from the frozen north could have enjoyed (or survived) a day at the beach.

Dead Horse Bay lies on the southeastern shore of Brooklyn. It earned its name back in the nineteenth century when the beach was lined with horse-rendering and fish oil-processing plants. Until the twentieth century, it was accessible only by boat. Not that you would have wanted to visit in those days. The stench was said to be nauseating.

When cars replaced buggies on New York's streets, there were fewer horses to render. (Yuck.) So the marsh surrounding Dead Horse Bay became a garbage dump.

Today, the beach is covered in two centuries worth of trash. (And horse bones.) So why was I so eager to see it? Well one person's trash is an amateur archaeologist's home decor. Apparently visitors find all sorts of interesting bric-a-brac washed up on the shores of Dead Horse Bay. (Creepy old dolls. Lovely nineteenth-century glassware. Horse teeth.)

The most interesting thing I found was the bottle pictured below. The red, gelatinous contents looked like something out of a mad scientist's lab. Not exactly the kind of objet that I'd want to display on my mantle. The horseshoe crab shell could have made a nice conversation piece. (It was HUGE. The photo doesn't do it justice.) But after I'd spotted some of the revolting 21st century garbage littering the beach, (which would make you think twice about what you flush down the toilet), I wasn't in the mood for gathering souvenirs.

Our visit took place during high tide, and the pickings are said to be better when the water recedes. Unfortunately, low tide would have been around 6pm yesterday, and Dead Horse Bay is not a place you want to be after dark. It has to be one of the most isolated spots in all of New York. It's quiet and beautiful (aside from the garbage). The only person we encountered during the visit was a park ranger at the Floyd Bennett Field parking lot. By the time we reached the beach, he couldn't have heard us if we'd felt the need to scream.

So if you go to Dead Horse Bay, wear thick-soled boots (there's broken glass everywhere), take rubber gloves, and don't go alone. (Even though the bench shown above seems perfect for solitary contemplation.) And if you go during the winter, be sure to haul a Canadian along for the ride. (Kidding, Lauren. Thanks for keeping me company! You are a true adventurer.)

Click here for more about Dead Horse Bay, and check out the video below.

A Living Museum Of Trash from The Brooklyn Ink on Vimeo.

Adventure #5: Dead Horse Bay

The name isn't a joke. Check in tomorrow! This one is going to be a REAL adventure!