I cheated a little this week. Before I go buy a book, I'm supposed to write a short story. I need not publish it, show it to any one, or even keep the file, but I do need to write it. This gives me an extra incentive to write, plus it makes me feel that I've really earned what is pretty much my own indulgence in life (Starbucks not counting, as the coffee served at work should be poured back into the cleanser bottle where it can actually serve a useful purpose).

However, Sarah Rees Brennan, author of The Demon's Lexicon is so incredibly awesome I had no choice in the matter. I needed her book, hardcover or no, story written or not.

How is she awesome? Let me enumerate the reasons:

1. She's a fricking hoot. Absolutely hilarious. Her blog is a scream, especially the parodies. Google "Prince Caspian Parody" and "Sarah," and you will find my gateway drug into her world.

2. Really, "Peter the Magnificent and Prince Caspian the Super Fine" deserves an entry of awesome all it own. A sample:

PETER: Edmund, I have something to say to you. You