Frick-fracking cover art!
01/06/09 18:27
It’s real
now . . . here’s an initial design of the cover art for
THE SKY ALWAYS HEARS ME AND THE HILLS DON’T MIND.
There are some things that could change: 1) Morgan doesn’t have long hair, so neither should the cover model; 2) the second part of the title gets lost (in my opinion) down in the bottom of the page, and 3) I’d like my name to have no caps, just like the rest of the cover.
But I like it. I like it a LOT. Holy smokes, I’ve got a book cover! Great news to get on the first day back to school.
There are some things that could change: 1) Morgan doesn’t have long hair, so neither should the cover model; 2) the second part of the title gets lost (in my opinion) down in the bottom of the page, and 3) I’d like my name to have no caps, just like the rest of the cover.
But I like it. I like it a LOT. Holy smokes, I’ve got a book cover! Great news to get on the first day back to school.
|
Quick review: JUST AFTER SUNSET
01/01/09 16:50
I’ve not
gotten as much reading done over break as I had hoped,
but I did let myself digest Stephen King’s new book of
short stories, JUST AFTER SUNSET. I think the reviews
are right: he’s still got it. At least most of it,
anyway.
I’ve been a fan of King for a loooong time, since I was in middle school, which was right after he’d written some of his greatest novels (CARRIE, THE SHINING, THE STAND, etc.). When I read them as a youngster, I didn’t get them. But I was still able to absorb his literary prose, his ability to create a character (he’s a master), some of the themes he was working with (what happens when reality bends on you?), and his love of language (hail Mary, full of grace, let me win this stock car race). Even as a kid I could appreciate his ability to spin a good yarn. All of those things are still present in JUST AFTER SUNSET, but now as a grown-up, I can also tap into some of the craziness and desperation that comes with King’s characters. As a kid, I was oblivious to most of that subtlety.
In some of the stories there were holes. After I finished “Gingerbread Girl,” I wanted to e-mail him: “Dear Uncle Stevie, you need some backstory. It would help.” A couple others left me rather neutral. But there were also ones that piqued my mind. One story was about an English teacher and his alter ego, his writer persona, and the writer persona has to step in where the English teacher cannot. That story fascinated me. Other stories were old themes (possessed objects) with new twists (possessed objects whose owners were killed as a result of terrorism). The last story in the volume, which I think is called “In a Tight Place,” is vintage King, absolutely fantastic stuff. I didn’t really buy his main character (weird convolutions, and some “the character has to do X so Y can happen later on”), but the rest of it was amazing, just incredible. I was honored to read it.
So, for someone who’s retired a time or two from writing, he’s still producing good stuff. I’d wait until it’s in softcover, but I’d still buy it, if I were you. Even if you’re not a King fan, it’s still worth your time.
One more note: happy 2009! I am excited for this year--it’s going to bring good things. Here’s to good things for you, too!
I’ve been a fan of King for a loooong time, since I was in middle school, which was right after he’d written some of his greatest novels (CARRIE, THE SHINING, THE STAND, etc.). When I read them as a youngster, I didn’t get them. But I was still able to absorb his literary prose, his ability to create a character (he’s a master), some of the themes he was working with (what happens when reality bends on you?), and his love of language (hail Mary, full of grace, let me win this stock car race). Even as a kid I could appreciate his ability to spin a good yarn. All of those things are still present in JUST AFTER SUNSET, but now as a grown-up, I can also tap into some of the craziness and desperation that comes with King’s characters. As a kid, I was oblivious to most of that subtlety.
In some of the stories there were holes. After I finished “Gingerbread Girl,” I wanted to e-mail him: “Dear Uncle Stevie, you need some backstory. It would help.” A couple others left me rather neutral. But there were also ones that piqued my mind. One story was about an English teacher and his alter ego, his writer persona, and the writer persona has to step in where the English teacher cannot. That story fascinated me. Other stories were old themes (possessed objects) with new twists (possessed objects whose owners were killed as a result of terrorism). The last story in the volume, which I think is called “In a Tight Place,” is vintage King, absolutely fantastic stuff. I didn’t really buy his main character (weird convolutions, and some “the character has to do X so Y can happen later on”), but the rest of it was amazing, just incredible. I was honored to read it.
So, for someone who’s retired a time or two from writing, he’s still producing good stuff. I’d wait until it’s in softcover, but I’d still buy it, if I were you. Even if you’re not a King fan, it’s still worth your time.
One more note: happy 2009! I am excited for this year--it’s going to bring good things. Here’s to good things for you, too!
Invisible pink mohawks
12/18/08 21:14
I gave a
presentation today for some K-12 teachers. In the
course of that conversation, I talked about how I was
the kid who WANTED to have the 12-inch spiked pink
mohawk but didn’t, because 1) there was no space for
individuality in my home town, and 2) I had no idea how
to claim who I was---namely, the kid with the big pink
mohawk. I didn’t know until I went to college that
there were other personas/looks available to me besides
“late-80s Midwestern girl,” and if I chose to look a
little unusual, PEOPLE WOULD STILL TALK TO ME. Radical!
Even though I’m old(er) on the outside, I still want the pink mohawk, because that’s how I still feel inside. That’s why all my characters are sort of “stick it up your ass” types---in one way or another they’re who I wanted to be in high school, because they don’t keep all their subversive thoughts inside. I think folks currently high school feel a little more free now--at least the kids in this town do. But they also don’t live in the middle of Central Nowhere, where it’s 50 miles to the nearest Target. Not much freedom in Central Nowhere.
Later on in my presentation, after we’d gone on from the hair conversation, a teacher looked at me and said, “well, you have an invisible pink mohawk. You know it’s there. That’s what matters.”
And she’s right, I do. Intellectually and emotionally, my pink mohawk keeps growing. But actual pink hair may be in the works for 2009. It’s about time, don’t you think?
Even though I’m old(er) on the outside, I still want the pink mohawk, because that’s how I still feel inside. That’s why all my characters are sort of “stick it up your ass” types---in one way or another they’re who I wanted to be in high school, because they don’t keep all their subversive thoughts inside. I think folks currently high school feel a little more free now--at least the kids in this town do. But they also don’t live in the middle of Central Nowhere, where it’s 50 miles to the nearest Target. Not much freedom in Central Nowhere.
Later on in my presentation, after we’d gone on from the hair conversation, a teacher looked at me and said, “well, you have an invisible pink mohawk. You know it’s there. That’s what matters.”
And she’s right, I do. Intellectually and emotionally, my pink mohawk keeps growing. But actual pink hair may be in the works for 2009. It’s about time, don’t you think?
The happy-agent-happy-book dance
12/12/08 09:26
I am
whacked-out excited to announce my partnership with my
new agent, Amy Tipton, of FinePrint Lit. I’m convinced
she will do great things with BEAUTIFUL MUSIC and
whatever comes beyond it. I had another offer as well,
but had to turn it down based on the “click” with Amy
and her enthusiasm for YA work. If I could’ve kept both
agents, I would have. He’s a fantastic agent, too.
Not having to fight for what I want in the book world is a COMPLETELY new experience. Especially with a trans book. Many thanks to all who helped.
Trans youth group in the Cities, get ready for a big fiesta! I owe you. Gabe owes you.
Not having to fight for what I want in the book world is a COMPLETELY new experience. Especially with a trans book. Many thanks to all who helped.
Trans youth group in the Cities, get ready for a big fiesta! I owe you. Gabe owes you.
Seriously . . . who knew?
12/05/08 17:31
I have an
offer of representation! The manuscript went from query
to offer in 48 hours, a new land speed record for
publishing . . . and it happened to ME, of all people.
I am excited, to say the least.
I also have another agent who’s interested in BEAUTIFUL MUSIC (when you get an offer, you notify the other agents who have your ms.), and if he offers, too, then I have to choose. Though I am currently clueless as to how to pick one, who knew I’d be choosing between two top agents in the biz?
AND . . . another author, one who judged the National Book Awards recently, plans to read THE SKY ALWAYS HEARS ME for a blurb. Holy smokes!
This makes no sense. But it’s tons of fun, so I don’t care. And I have worked my ass off to get here. Just ask my family, who has been sorely neglected as a result.
Let me check to make sure this is really happening.
(Kirstin rereads some e-mail)
Yup. It’s real.
I also have another agent who’s interested in BEAUTIFUL MUSIC (when you get an offer, you notify the other agents who have your ms.), and if he offers, too, then I have to choose. Though I am currently clueless as to how to pick one, who knew I’d be choosing between two top agents in the biz?
AND . . . another author, one who judged the National Book Awards recently, plans to read THE SKY ALWAYS HEARS ME for a blurb. Holy smokes!
This makes no sense. But it’s tons of fun, so I don’t care. And I have worked my ass off to get here. Just ask my family, who has been sorely neglected as a result.
Let me check to make sure this is really happening.
(Kirstin rereads some e-mail)
Yup. It’s real.
And "finished" lasted . . .
12/01/08 07:49
"Finished" vs. FINISHED
11/29/08 14:18
So today I
“finished” BEAUTIFUL MUSIC FOR UGLY CHILDREN. Its first
rough draft was begun in December 2005 and “finished”
in June 2006. Then there were major retools in spring
2007 and summer/fall 2008 (gaps as a result of
child/husband/job/life), plus there are always little
tinkers. It feels really good to have this draft “done”
and polished. It’s my favorite revision of all.
But I know it won’t last. Some agent or editor will say, “hey, have you thought of . . .” or “you know, I don’t like . . .” and it will change. That’s as it should be, and I like to revise---a lot, maybe too much---because it always leads you to new ideas. But sometimes I just want a manuscript to STAY THE SAME.
But it won’t. It’s the nature of the game. For today, it’s “finished,” and I’m not fooling with it until it’s agented. I’m damn tired. Given how busy agents are, it will be “finished” for months.
But is a book *ever* really FINISHED? No, probably not. Someone will always have a new idea for it, even if you never meet that person. That’s one of the cool things about meaning, in the philosophical sense. Ideas build on ideas that build on ideas, and . . . . then it’s infinity.
Cool and frustrating, all at the same time.
But I know it won’t last. Some agent or editor will say, “hey, have you thought of . . .” or “you know, I don’t like . . .” and it will change. That’s as it should be, and I like to revise---a lot, maybe too much---because it always leads you to new ideas. But sometimes I just want a manuscript to STAY THE SAME.
But it won’t. It’s the nature of the game. For today, it’s “finished,” and I’m not fooling with it until it’s agented. I’m damn tired. Given how busy agents are, it will be “finished” for months.
But is a book *ever* really FINISHED? No, probably not. Someone will always have a new idea for it, even if you never meet that person. That’s one of the cool things about meaning, in the philosophical sense. Ideas build on ideas that build on ideas, and . . . . then it’s infinity.
Cool and frustrating, all at the same time.
Quick review: EIGHTH GRADE BITES
11/24/08 21:32
Heather
Brewer was one of the people who helped my agent hunt
along, so, as a return favor, I wanted to help her
royalty check. I bought the first two of her Chronicles
of Vladimir Tod series, EIGHTH GRADE BITES and NINTH
GRADE SLAYS last weekend (TENTH GRADE BLEEDS is out in
February, I believe), and promptly *devoured* (pun
intended) EIGHTH GRADE BITES.
Vladimir Tod = vampire. Also a regular guy---he’s part human. He has a kind woman, Nelly, to take care of him, and his good friend, Henry, keeps him company. Being a vampire isn’t so bad, though it does make things tough when he wants to talk to girls--but how is that different from any other eighth-grade boy? Then the mystery starts: enter Otis Otis. What does he want? How is he tied to Vlad’s dead parents? What is this book with a symbol on it, and what is this thingy that looks like a cylinder that’s about a million years old? Who cares? You know you’ll find out, because all you’ll want to do is turn page after page, chasing the answers.
I loved this book for a bunch of reasons, not the least of which was the discovery that vampires invented PlayStation. She also throws in cool references to other horror writers (the nerdiest kid around is Edgar Poe) and vampire lore/literature besides Vlad’s name--the vampire council is in Stokerton, for example. It took me until today (halfway into NINTH GRADE SLAYS) to realize she was referencing Bram Stoker, call me really slow. Most of all, I loved Vlad’s “regular-ness”---being a vampire is just another thing to deal with in the complicated life of being an eighth-grader. Granted, it makes the challenges unique, but Vlad is still a regular guy. Mostly.
For me, this book is illuminating in another way. Vlad’s dilemma isn’t so different from Gabe’s dilemma (Gabe is the main character in BEAUTIFUL MUSIC FOR UGLY CHILDREN)---both are perpetual outsiders, for large, unchangeable reasons, and both have to make their way in a world that’s perpetually unsure of what to do about those large, unchangeable reasons. Heather does a great job of providing Vlad with people who love him as he is. That’s so key.
Vlad was also illuminating to me/Gabe for another reason: at first, I was grossed out by him and his blood needs (no, he doesn’t bite people). But after a while, it became un-gross to read about him slurping a warm mug of O positive. When I look at my manuscript and think about Gabe and his journey to pee in a men’s room (you’ll have to read it to find out what I mean), readers will potentially have the same reaction: gross! Eeek! Ick! But hopefully they’ll trust Gabe enough to follow him along, and the bathroom dilemma won’t be gross anymore---it will just be part of watching Gabe’s life. Same with Vlad’s blood breakfasts---they became just another part of him.
I loved this book! I’m reading the whole series.
Vladimir Tod = vampire. Also a regular guy---he’s part human. He has a kind woman, Nelly, to take care of him, and his good friend, Henry, keeps him company. Being a vampire isn’t so bad, though it does make things tough when he wants to talk to girls--but how is that different from any other eighth-grade boy? Then the mystery starts: enter Otis Otis. What does he want? How is he tied to Vlad’s dead parents? What is this book with a symbol on it, and what is this thingy that looks like a cylinder that’s about a million years old? Who cares? You know you’ll find out, because all you’ll want to do is turn page after page, chasing the answers.
I loved this book for a bunch of reasons, not the least of which was the discovery that vampires invented PlayStation. She also throws in cool references to other horror writers (the nerdiest kid around is Edgar Poe) and vampire lore/literature besides Vlad’s name--the vampire council is in Stokerton, for example. It took me until today (halfway into NINTH GRADE SLAYS) to realize she was referencing Bram Stoker, call me really slow. Most of all, I loved Vlad’s “regular-ness”---being a vampire is just another thing to deal with in the complicated life of being an eighth-grader. Granted, it makes the challenges unique, but Vlad is still a regular guy. Mostly.
For me, this book is illuminating in another way. Vlad’s dilemma isn’t so different from Gabe’s dilemma (Gabe is the main character in BEAUTIFUL MUSIC FOR UGLY CHILDREN)---both are perpetual outsiders, for large, unchangeable reasons, and both have to make their way in a world that’s perpetually unsure of what to do about those large, unchangeable reasons. Heather does a great job of providing Vlad with people who love him as he is. That’s so key.
Vlad was also illuminating to me/Gabe for another reason: at first, I was grossed out by him and his blood needs (no, he doesn’t bite people). But after a while, it became un-gross to read about him slurping a warm mug of O positive. When I look at my manuscript and think about Gabe and his journey to pee in a men’s room (you’ll have to read it to find out what I mean), readers will potentially have the same reaction: gross! Eeek! Ick! But hopefully they’ll trust Gabe enough to follow him along, and the bathroom dilemma won’t be gross anymore---it will just be part of watching Gabe’s life. Same with Vlad’s blood breakfasts---they became just another part of him.
I loved this book! I’m reading the whole series.
March 30, 2009!!!
11/19/08 17:21
I admit it
. . . I Googled myself today. : (
That almost sounds dirty.
I did it to see where my web site would pop up---and it’s at the top! Yes! But I also discovered a few things:
1) I have a hotness rating of 3.0 at ratemyprofessors.com (on a scale of 1-5). Who knew? One one hand, I’m flattered (should I do more to make it higher??), and on the other hand, do I REALLY want my students thinking about me that way?
2) my nonfiction book for middle graders will be published in March 2009!
I found that info about two-thirds of the way down the page. My name is in Amazon--my book is available for pre-order. Very cool. Nobody had given me a pub date yet, so it’s nice to have one.
I must say that writing my novels was about 10000x easier than writing this book. Getting the language down to the appropriate grade level was NOT my strong suit. It was fun, though, to go back and do some technical writing. Sometimes it’s good to exercise those old chops (I have a degree in business and technical writing, which is quite neglected). I have a feeling these folks won’t be asking me back. : \ But in my defense, it was TOUGH. How do you explain terms like “structural integrity” to sixth graders in words that fit the reading scale? I tried. Like really hard.
In March 2009. people can buy a book I wrote (along with Tony the editor, who fixed a lot of the language stuff, so his name should be on it as an author, but it’s not, which is too bad, as well as a couple of structural engineers’ names who also helped, etc., you get the point--a book is always a collaborative effort).
Cool.
That almost sounds dirty.
I did it to see where my web site would pop up---and it’s at the top! Yes! But I also discovered a few things:
1) I have a hotness rating of 3.0 at ratemyprofessors.com (on a scale of 1-5). Who knew? One one hand, I’m flattered (should I do more to make it higher??), and on the other hand, do I REALLY want my students thinking about me that way?
2) my nonfiction book for middle graders will be published in March 2009!
I found that info about two-thirds of the way down the page. My name is in Amazon--my book is available for pre-order. Very cool. Nobody had given me a pub date yet, so it’s nice to have one.
I must say that writing my novels was about 10000x easier than writing this book. Getting the language down to the appropriate grade level was NOT my strong suit. It was fun, though, to go back and do some technical writing. Sometimes it’s good to exercise those old chops (I have a degree in business and technical writing, which is quite neglected). I have a feeling these folks won’t be asking me back. : \ But in my defense, it was TOUGH. How do you explain terms like “structural integrity” to sixth graders in words that fit the reading scale? I tried. Like really hard.
In March 2009. people can buy a book I wrote (along with Tony the editor, who fixed a lot of the language stuff, so his name should be on it as an author, but it’s not, which is too bad, as well as a couple of structural engineers’ names who also helped, etc., you get the point--a book is always a collaborative effort).
Cool.
The kindness of strangers
11/17/08 21:58
I’m on the
agent hunt now, and three people---shout-outs and many
thanks to Kurtis Scaletta,
Amy Sarig King,
and Heather Brewer---within
the children’s writing community very kindly and
graciously helped me with my search by chatting
about their agents. Do I know any of these three
people? Not at all.
Big whoop, right? People help each other all the time. Actually, it IS a big deal, if you’re a fiction writer for adults. From what I know, it’s unheard of to help a fellow grown-up fiction writer. That community’s pretty cutthroat--not enough shelf space for everyone--so if you help someone else, you help your competition, and woe betide you! (that’s such a dorky expression, but I love it)
Like there’s enough shelf space for all the kids’ writers? Not. But in the children’s lit community, however, helping each other seems to be the norm. I am grateful for that fact, not just because these two people gave me some great leads, but because it means the community is a nicer place to be. I’m not good at cutthroat competition.
I do think part of the reason why the kid lit community is kind to one another has to do with our audience--most children’s books, even the dark YAs, have some sort of redemption and hope in them. If we’re writing hope and kindness, you’d think we’d be practicing it. So far, nobody’s proved me wrong.
Kindness is a Good Thing. Call me cheesy and old-fashioned. I don’t care.
Big whoop, right? People help each other all the time. Actually, it IS a big deal, if you’re a fiction writer for adults. From what I know, it’s unheard of to help a fellow grown-up fiction writer. That community’s pretty cutthroat--not enough shelf space for everyone--so if you help someone else, you help your competition, and woe betide you! (that’s such a dorky expression, but I love it)
Like there’s enough shelf space for all the kids’ writers? Not. But in the children’s lit community, however, helping each other seems to be the norm. I am grateful for that fact, not just because these two people gave me some great leads, but because it means the community is a nicer place to be. I’m not good at cutthroat competition.
I do think part of the reason why the kid lit community is kind to one another has to do with our audience--most children’s books, even the dark YAs, have some sort of redemption and hope in them. If we’re writing hope and kindness, you’d think we’d be practicing it. So far, nobody’s proved me wrong.
Kindness is a Good Thing. Call me cheesy and old-fashioned. I don’t care.
The blogosphere
10/30/08 17:25
3 posts in
less than 2 weeks!
Blogging is still an odd activity for me. It’s not like the blogosphere is new, but I still have my doubts . . . all 90 zillion of us are sounding Whitman’s barbaric yawp over the rooftops, but is anyone listening (hi, Mom! hi, Jo!)? Does anyone give a rat’s ass? (And if you’re the writer type, speaking of “rats” and “asses,” you should visit Editoral Ass. It’s hosted by an editor who’s moniker is Moonrat.)
I realized I should take blogging more seriously when I heard a news report about the media room for the bloggers at the RNC (and, living in MN, I heard a lot about the RNC). A whole room just for them! Granted, they need computers, but people are LISTENING to the bloggers--they were the press corps as much as newspaper reporters were. And I do read blogs every day--my writing group’s blog (no, it’s closed to you, too bad), my publisher’s blog, a couple agent blogs--and I do learn stuff. Maybe the question is whether or not I can live without those blogs. I might miss them if they go away. Goodness knows we all miss Miss Snark, a blogger extraordinaire who offered amazing advice about the publishing world. But blogs are huge time sucks--bigger than the Face, even (Facebook, for those of you who aren’t privy to that particular time suck). I can get lost in them.
Then again, blogs get me noticed by people who care: publishers, book reviewers, editors, agents, other writers, READERS. I need them for that.
But it still comes back to those junk-food words I mentioned a while ago: how many empty words can you handle before you weigh 300 lbs?
Blogging is still an odd activity for me. It’s not like the blogosphere is new, but I still have my doubts . . . all 90 zillion of us are sounding Whitman’s barbaric yawp over the rooftops, but is anyone listening (hi, Mom! hi, Jo!)? Does anyone give a rat’s ass? (And if you’re the writer type, speaking of “rats” and “asses,” you should visit Editoral Ass. It’s hosted by an editor who’s moniker is Moonrat.)
I realized I should take blogging more seriously when I heard a news report about the media room for the bloggers at the RNC (and, living in MN, I heard a lot about the RNC). A whole room just for them! Granted, they need computers, but people are LISTENING to the bloggers--they were the press corps as much as newspaper reporters were. And I do read blogs every day--my writing group’s blog (no, it’s closed to you, too bad), my publisher’s blog, a couple agent blogs--and I do learn stuff. Maybe the question is whether or not I can live without those blogs. I might miss them if they go away. Goodness knows we all miss Miss Snark, a blogger extraordinaire who offered amazing advice about the publishing world. But blogs are huge time sucks--bigger than the Face, even (Facebook, for those of you who aren’t privy to that particular time suck). I can get lost in them.
Then again, blogs get me noticed by people who care: publishers, book reviewers, editors, agents, other writers, READERS. I need them for that.
But it still comes back to those junk-food words I mentioned a while ago: how many empty words can you handle before you weigh 300 lbs?
Title news and general Good Things
10/25/08 12:58
CONTENTS
MAY EXPLODE UNDER PRESSURE is no longer . . . please
welcome THE SKY ALWAYS HEARS ME AND THE HILLS DON’T
MIND.
Long title, I know. But my editor, the marketing people, the art people, and everybody else liked it, so it’s pretty hard for a non-experienced person like me to say, “whoa, Junior, ix-nay on that idea.” I’ve known since Tuesday, and it’s grown on me. Titles are a complicated business, driven by forces I barely know about, at this point. Books in general are a complicated business. I’m getting an education, that’s for sure. Publishing is a weird, wild industry.
And, in general success stories, there are three:
1) a big-time author has agreed to read a copy of THE SKY ALWAYS HEARS ME, and he will hopefully blurb it (send a quotation that says, “I love the hell out of this!” for us to put on the back cover). This feels big to me, because I also use this guy’s work in my teaching life, and I worship one of his short stories. I’m psyched.
2) two agents are reading partials of BEAUTIFUL MUSIC. Either agent would be a great fit, I think, but I’ll line up more to query, too. No assumptions, after all. And wow . . . the response time is 1000x faster when you say, “I sold a book.” Very cool.
3) I took my author photos last weekend.
Maybe not this one . . .
Long title, I know. But my editor, the marketing people, the art people, and everybody else liked it, so it’s pretty hard for a non-experienced person like me to say, “whoa, Junior, ix-nay on that idea.” I’ve known since Tuesday, and it’s grown on me. Titles are a complicated business, driven by forces I barely know about, at this point. Books in general are a complicated business. I’m getting an education, that’s for sure. Publishing is a weird, wild industry.
And, in general success stories, there are three:
1) a big-time author has agreed to read a copy of THE SKY ALWAYS HEARS ME, and he will hopefully blurb it (send a quotation that says, “I love the hell out of this!” for us to put on the back cover). This feels big to me, because I also use this guy’s work in my teaching life, and I worship one of his short stories. I’m psyched.
2) two agents are reading partials of BEAUTIFUL MUSIC. Either agent would be a great fit, I think, but I’ll line up more to query, too. No assumptions, after all. And wow . . . the response time is 1000x faster when you say, “I sold a book.” Very cool.
3) I took my author photos last weekend.
Maybe not this one . . .
Words as comfort food
10/18/08 16:51
Holy
smokes, I suck at keeping a blog. I know I have at
least two readers (hi, Mom! hi, Jo!), and I also know
my site is linked on the Flux blog, so somebody might
look. I re-vow to get with the program.
An interesting thing happened today: I was told, by someone I love, I use too many words. The speaker of that sentence would be mad if s/he/ knew I’d revealed this comment, but it’s a unique accusation to level against a writer. I’m supposed to be full of words, right? They’re my comfort food, a big bowl of whatever makes a person feel better on a cold winter night.
But are my words junk food, like so many Chicken McNuggets? Our culture loves junk words (we have whole magazines and TV shows devoted to them), just like they love McDonald’s and Burger King. But junk words make us fat and lazy.
This comment is worth pondering.
UPDATE (10/25/08): Junk food is fine sometimes. But sometimes it’s good to be prime rib.
An interesting thing happened today: I was told, by someone I love, I use too many words. The speaker of that sentence would be mad if s/he/ knew I’d revealed this comment, but it’s a unique accusation to level against a writer. I’m supposed to be full of words, right? They’re my comfort food, a big bowl of whatever makes a person feel better on a cold winter night.
But are my words junk food, like so many Chicken McNuggets? Our culture loves junk words (we have whole magazines and TV shows devoted to them), just like they love McDonald’s and Burger King. But junk words make us fat and lazy.
This comment is worth pondering.
UPDATE (10/25/08): Junk food is fine sometimes. But sometimes it’s good to be prime rib.
Quick review: DEBBIE HARRY SINGS IN FRENCH
08/05/08 09:46
Meagan
Brothers has tackled a topic I've not seen in YA
before. Here's the general set-up: John's got a
complicated family situation. His dad is dead and his
mother sends him to live with his Uncle Sam. He meets
Maria, who thinks he's cool because he likes vinyl, and
those two have a relationship. No stress, right?
There's a complication: Johnny's in love with Debbie
Harry, and he decides to dress like her. Not all the
time, just sometimes. He does a drag show and wins an
audience award. He gets felt up by someone at the drag
show, and thinks "does this guy know I'm a guy?" It's
no biggie, ever--Johnny wears a dress sometimes, and
Maria has to teach him to walk in heels.
Brothers uses Blondie song titles as chapter names, which I love, and which I didn't get (I don't like Blondie) until I ran across "Youth Nabbed as Sniper," a Blondie song I *do* know. I am also a sucker for books about teens and music, since I'm a music freak myself, so the angle of falling in love with a musician makes perfect sense to me, since I'm currently in love with Elvis. There are some implications in the book about cross-dressing that I'm not sure about (I don't know much about the topic), but I think Johnny's character is well drawn, and the subject of cross-dressing is handled with ease.
My editor, Andrew, describes books like Brothers' as "gay 2.0": characters have some kind of alternate sexual or gender identity, but it's not the main complication of the book, it's just part of the book. Sounds like a good idea to me--gender and sexual identity isn't usually the sum total of a person. Why should it be that way in a YA novel?
We've all seen Eddie Izzard cross-dress, right? Big whoop--and some of his outfits are BAD. But this seems large to me, having a YA protagonist do it. Good for you, Meagan.
Brothers uses Blondie song titles as chapter names, which I love, and which I didn't get (I don't like Blondie) until I ran across "Youth Nabbed as Sniper," a Blondie song I *do* know. I am also a sucker for books about teens and music, since I'm a music freak myself, so the angle of falling in love with a musician makes perfect sense to me, since I'm currently in love with Elvis. There are some implications in the book about cross-dressing that I'm not sure about (I don't know much about the topic), but I think Johnny's character is well drawn, and the subject of cross-dressing is handled with ease.
My editor, Andrew, describes books like Brothers' as "gay 2.0": characters have some kind of alternate sexual or gender identity, but it's not the main complication of the book, it's just part of the book. Sounds like a good idea to me--gender and sexual identity isn't usually the sum total of a person. Why should it be that way in a YA novel?
We've all seen Eddie Izzard cross-dress, right? Big whoop--and some of his outfits are BAD. But this seems large to me, having a YA protagonist do it. Good for you, Meagan.
Quick review: HANCOCK
07/08/08 19:09
I'm trying
to reform. 9 days between my posts is pretty good.
So over the weekend we took in Will Smith's annual (it seems) Fourth of July blockbuster: HANCOCK. I have to say I liked it, for a couple reasons. First, I love it when people mess with stereotypes, and Hancock is NOT a stereotypical superhero. He's rude, crude, drunk, with a possible cocaine habit, plus he's mean to children. Show me more! Bring on the anti-hero superheroes! Granted, there are several out there that are anti-hero superheroes--Ben Grimm (the Thing) comes to mind, as does The Punisher (though is he really a superhero?), and to some extent Batman and Wolverine fit that role, as does the Tick, but he's weird all around. But Hancock is WAAAAAY out on the anti- side of the anti-hero role. He's a "fuck you" superhero, and I don't recall too many of those. And don't we all feel like that sometimes? Want me to grade your paper? #)$(*#)($* you, student. I never say it, but I feel like it sometimes. Should I even admit that? : \
Second, I like that Hancock never lost his . . . disdain? . . . for his abilities. So what if he mashed up the pavement when he landed? Part of the job. So what if went and wrote on the moon? Part of the job. It took him forever to be able to say thanks when the good guys helped him? Part of being an anti-hero.
The plot falls apart and gets stupid at several points, so the movie itself isn't the best, but Hancock as a character is pretty great. I think his brilliance was helped along by the writer Vince Gilligan, who used to write for the the world's best sci-fi series THE X-FILES. That show was full, and I do mean full, of characters who turned things upside down. Good job, Vince Gilligan.
Next up: a review of DEBBIE HARRY SINGS IN FRENCH. Love and cross-dressers--good combo.
So over the weekend we took in Will Smith's annual (it seems) Fourth of July blockbuster: HANCOCK. I have to say I liked it, for a couple reasons. First, I love it when people mess with stereotypes, and Hancock is NOT a stereotypical superhero. He's rude, crude, drunk, with a possible cocaine habit, plus he's mean to children. Show me more! Bring on the anti-hero superheroes! Granted, there are several out there that are anti-hero superheroes--Ben Grimm (the Thing) comes to mind, as does The Punisher (though is he really a superhero?), and to some extent Batman and Wolverine fit that role, as does the Tick, but he's weird all around. But Hancock is WAAAAAY out on the anti- side of the anti-hero role. He's a "fuck you" superhero, and I don't recall too many of those. And don't we all feel like that sometimes? Want me to grade your paper? #)$(*#)($* you, student. I never say it, but I feel like it sometimes. Should I even admit that? : \
Second, I like that Hancock never lost his . . . disdain? . . . for his abilities. So what if he mashed up the pavement when he landed? Part of the job. So what if went and wrote on the moon? Part of the job. It took him forever to be able to say thanks when the good guys helped him? Part of being an anti-hero.
The plot falls apart and gets stupid at several points, so the movie itself isn't the best, but Hancock as a character is pretty great. I think his brilliance was helped along by the writer Vince Gilligan, who used to write for the the world's best sci-fi series THE X-FILES. That show was full, and I do mean full, of characters who turned things upside down. Good job, Vince Gilligan.
Next up: a review of DEBBIE HARRY SINGS IN FRENCH. Love and cross-dressers--good combo.
Judy Blume in person
06/29/08 20:08
Wow.
Remember I said I was going to get with the program?
Obviously not. It's been, what . . . six weeks?
So I got to see Judy Blume a few weeks ago. I don't think she does much publicity these days, but she's got new books coming out (early readers), so she can use the publicity, and she's a goddess of children's literature, and even though gas is $4 a gallon, I just bought a Prius, and what's wrong with driving all over hell & gone if you're getting 45 miles a gallon? : ) I would've driven farther than 90 miles to see her, that's for sure.
But the evening was slightly disappointing. Her interviewer was more than a shade clueless, and she didn't give Judy a chance to shine (in my opinion). I was pissed. Judy lit up when it was time for Q&A, because then the kids in the audience got into the act. The audience itself was a study--grandmas, moms, daughters (mostly girls of many ages). How cool is it that books can touch so many generations in the author's lifetime? Damn cool, if you ask me.
At some point in the evening, Judy asked her husband something from the stage, so then we all knew who and where he was. After the Q&A, my friend Angie had the bright idea to get Judy's husband to sign a book, instead of waiting in the looooooong line for Judy to sign it (gotta love how Angie's mind works!). While she was doing that, I whipped out a trusty 3x5 card and wrote Judy a note: "Dear Judy: I just sold my first YA novel, and it's your fault. Thank you." I signed it and handed it to George, her hubby, who smiled and congratulated me. THEN I had the bright idea to write my website address on the back of the notecard.
So . . . wonder if Judy Blume has been to my web site? Wonder if he gave her my fan letter (well, notecard) in the first place? Even if he didn't, I don't care. The fact that my web address was one degree of separation from Judy Blume is enough for me.
Pretty silly, I know. But it's JUDY BLUME.
So I got to see Judy Blume a few weeks ago. I don't think she does much publicity these days, but she's got new books coming out (early readers), so she can use the publicity, and she's a goddess of children's literature, and even though gas is $4 a gallon, I just bought a Prius, and what's wrong with driving all over hell & gone if you're getting 45 miles a gallon? : ) I would've driven farther than 90 miles to see her, that's for sure.
But the evening was slightly disappointing. Her interviewer was more than a shade clueless, and she didn't give Judy a chance to shine (in my opinion). I was pissed. Judy lit up when it was time for Q&A, because then the kids in the audience got into the act. The audience itself was a study--grandmas, moms, daughters (mostly girls of many ages). How cool is it that books can touch so many generations in the author's lifetime? Damn cool, if you ask me.
At some point in the evening, Judy asked her husband something from the stage, so then we all knew who and where he was. After the Q&A, my friend Angie had the bright idea to get Judy's husband to sign a book, instead of waiting in the looooooong line for Judy to sign it (gotta love how Angie's mind works!). While she was doing that, I whipped out a trusty 3x5 card and wrote Judy a note: "Dear Judy: I just sold my first YA novel, and it's your fault. Thank you." I signed it and handed it to George, her hubby, who smiled and congratulated me. THEN I had the bright idea to write my website address on the back of the notecard.
So . . . wonder if Judy Blume has been to my web site? Wonder if he gave her my fan letter (well, notecard) in the first place? Even if he didn't, I don't care. The fact that my web address was one degree of separation from Judy Blume is enough for me.
Pretty silly, I know. But it's JUDY BLUME.
Link love and big news
05/15/08 19:50
I am
cartwheels-in-the-grass pleased to announce that
CONTENTS MAY EXPLODE UNDER PRESSURE will be published
by Flux, an imprint of Llewellyn, in the fall of 2009!
This little morsel landed in my May Day basket, and I am woefully behind in posting it to my website. Yesterday I discovered that Flux's blog is linked to my site, and I realized I'd better get with the program. You gotta like link love! And when I saw that link, I realized that publishing this book is no longer a dream. Now we're into reality--someone wants it, someone will pay me for it, and someone is going to give it the chance to make it to Barnes & Noble. Holy freaking smokes. I get to meet Andrew Karre (editor extraordinare) tomorrow, so that will seal the "this is real" deal. Maybe.
I sold a book. *I* sold a book. I *sold* a book. I sold *a* book. I sold a *book*.
Nope. Still doesn't feel real.
This little morsel landed in my May Day basket, and I am woefully behind in posting it to my website. Yesterday I discovered that Flux's blog is linked to my site, and I realized I'd better get with the program. You gotta like link love! And when I saw that link, I realized that publishing this book is no longer a dream. Now we're into reality--someone wants it, someone will pay me for it, and someone is going to give it the chance to make it to Barnes & Noble. Holy freaking smokes. I get to meet Andrew Karre (editor extraordinare) tomorrow, so that will seal the "this is real" deal. Maybe.
I sold a book. *I* sold a book. I *sold* a book. I sold *a* book. I sold a *book*.
Nope. Still doesn't feel real.
The longevity of story
04/27/08 21:58
My
9-year-old charmer comes home with a beat-up book in
his hand and promptly sits down to devour it. He's been
doing that lately, and it cheers me to no end.
"Whatcha readin', Child O Mine?"
"HENRY HUGGINS. Do you know him?"
"Yup."
When he's done, I check out the pub date. First copyright? 1950.
My next goal is to read HENRY HUGGINS and see why the story's so delicious after 58 years. If it can get through to my YouTube-loving, RUN'S HOUSE-watching child, I need to take lessons on storytelling from Beverly Cleary.
"Whatcha readin', Child O Mine?"
"HENRY HUGGINS. Do you know him?"
"Yup."
When he's done, I check out the pub date. First copyright? 1950.
My next goal is to read HENRY HUGGINS and see why the story's so delicious after 58 years. If it can get through to my YouTube-loving, RUN'S HOUSE-watching child, I need to take lessons on storytelling from Beverly Cleary.
Boy books
03/12/08 19:47
UPDATE:
Anton Chigurh is as brilliant on paper as he is on
screen. But I didn't have to imagine him much--the bad
thing about seeing the film before you read the book.
My next two projects have guy protagonists. It's a new thing for me. Well, that's not entirely true. Gabe, my protagonist in BEAUTIFUL MUSIC FOR UGLY CHILDREN, is a guy, but he's a different kind of guy. There's at least some girl culture in him (cultural influences for girls), because he was raised as a girl, even if he's got a guy brain. However, these next dudes have all the cultural training guys need (or don't, depending on who you ask). Could be tough.
But it will be as great as it will be tough. I love guys--as human beings, not just as a straight woman who loves guys (one guy these days). They appear simple, but their complexities are endless, and they're big fat chickens when it comes to sharing those complex minds/hearts. I like the stereotypical things--like when they fix and build, and when they watch sports (especially football, but I turn into a guy for football). I love their strength. I love their decisiveness. I love their tenderness. I love their action instead of talk. I even love their arrogance sometimes, because it's fun to watch them find out they're wrong. Was that mean? Probably so. I'll say it again--some of this is stereotypical, but there are truths contained in stereotypes.
These traits are even more endearing when they're exercised by 9- to 20-year-old guys trying to find their way in the world. It's a trick to teach a boy (like the one who lives in my house) when it's good to use the word "penis" instead of "doodle" (thank you Homer, Bart and THE SIMPSONS MOVIE, you spider-pigs). It's more of a trick to teach him that's it's all right to cry. Culture is really mean to guys sometimes.
What's on my reading list, to absorb guy characters? THE SCHWA WAS HERE, Neil Schusterman (possibly the coolest title ever, especially if you're a nerd who knows what a schwa is). The YA by Nick Hornby, can't think of its title. A reread of THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN, Sherman Alexie's National Book Award YA. BE MORE CHILL, Ned Vizzini. I'll probably reread John Green's LOOKING FOR ALASKA and AN ABUNDANCE OF KATHERINES too. There will also be lots of sitting around and watching guys this summer, never a real hardship and always good for a laugh. Here's my favorite oveheard quotation from a twelve-year-old guy: "I stopped eating paper when I started eating more for breakfast."
Who wouldn't want to write for people like that?
My next two projects have guy protagonists. It's a new thing for me. Well, that's not entirely true. Gabe, my protagonist in BEAUTIFUL MUSIC FOR UGLY CHILDREN, is a guy, but he's a different kind of guy. There's at least some girl culture in him (cultural influences for girls), because he was raised as a girl, even if he's got a guy brain. However, these next dudes have all the cultural training guys need (or don't, depending on who you ask). Could be tough.
But it will be as great as it will be tough. I love guys--as human beings, not just as a straight woman who loves guys (one guy these days). They appear simple, but their complexities are endless, and they're big fat chickens when it comes to sharing those complex minds/hearts. I like the stereotypical things--like when they fix and build, and when they watch sports (especially football, but I turn into a guy for football). I love their strength. I love their decisiveness. I love their tenderness. I love their action instead of talk. I even love their arrogance sometimes, because it's fun to watch them find out they're wrong. Was that mean? Probably so. I'll say it again--some of this is stereotypical, but there are truths contained in stereotypes.
These traits are even more endearing when they're exercised by 9- to 20-year-old guys trying to find their way in the world. It's a trick to teach a boy (like the one who lives in my house) when it's good to use the word "penis" instead of "doodle" (thank you Homer, Bart and THE SIMPSONS MOVIE, you spider-pigs). It's more of a trick to teach him that's it's all right to cry. Culture is really mean to guys sometimes.
What's on my reading list, to absorb guy characters? THE SCHWA WAS HERE, Neil Schusterman (possibly the coolest title ever, especially if you're a nerd who knows what a schwa is). The YA by Nick Hornby, can't think of its title. A reread of THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN, Sherman Alexie's National Book Award YA. BE MORE CHILL, Ned Vizzini. I'll probably reread John Green's LOOKING FOR ALASKA and AN ABUNDANCE OF KATHERINES too. There will also be lots of sitting around and watching guys this summer, never a real hardship and always good for a laugh. Here's my favorite oveheard quotation from a twelve-year-old guy: "I stopped eating paper when I started eating more for breakfast."
Who wouldn't want to write for people like that?
Plain old-fashioned dislike
02/13/08 19:58
An
update--I thought for a long time about Anton Chigurh
and Sweeney Todd, and despite what I said about
violence and what I'm teaching my kid, I eventually
came to the conclusion that I just plain didn't like
Sweeney Todd, at least Johnny Depp/Tim Burton's
version. Anton Chigurh is my dude. I haven't liked an
on-screen character that much since Ralph Fiennes
became Voldemort.
I'm going to read NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN this summer, to see if Chigurh is as brilliant on the page as he is on screen. I'm betting so.
Does this mean I'm not still wondering about violence and what I'm teaching my kid? Of course I am--but I've decided to own my likes and dislikes as well. Then the question arises: is it bad to like a killer? A very elegant, eloquent, simple but badass character who happens to be a killer? I don't know the answer to that question.
But I still don't think I can go for Dexter the serial killer. That's too far, good character or not.
I'm going to read NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN this summer, to see if Chigurh is as brilliant on the page as he is on screen. I'm betting so.
Does this mean I'm not still wondering about violence and what I'm teaching my kid? Of course I am--but I've decided to own my likes and dislikes as well. Then the question arises: is it bad to like a killer? A very elegant, eloquent, simple but badass character who happens to be a killer? I don't know the answer to that question.
But I still don't think I can go for Dexter the serial killer. That's too far, good character or not.
SCBWI--the personal gets national
02/13/08 18:36
So I just
got back from a national SCBWI conference . . . Society
for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, for those
of you who are neither . . . and I was more than
happily surprised. Before I wrote YA and before my
Ph.D., I was a poet for grown-ups. In that particular
time of my writing life, I hung out with some really
cool people who wanted to help each other get better at
their work. I also knew some highly competitive and
crabby people who saw everyone as a threat. I was
expecting a few more threatened people at SCBWI, but
what I got was about 1000 people who were supporting
each other all the way. WOW. Who knew?
I also got all sorts of good info, wonderful speeches from Susan Patron (the Newbery Queen of Scrotums, if you don't know what I mean, go find out), Richard Peck (omg, what a speech!), and Carolyn Mackler, and invites to submit from 2 publishers, which I will do if my current deals fall through. I got to trip Carolyn Mackler, eek, but then I got to tell her my favorite line from THE EARTH, MY BUTT, AND OTHRE BIG ROUND THINGS was Shannon's insult of "onion-loving fuckers." Oh man, I laughed. Go read the book if you want to know.
Other bonuses of the weekend: marvelous Thai food, NY-style pizza, amazing pumpkin ravioli, and a couple bagels. Yum. PLUS I got to travel with two of my favorite people (who are also in my writing group) and hang out with other writer friends from here. All in all, a stellar weekend.
I also got to see (though not talk to) Arthur Levine, the man who brought Harry Potter to America. Bless you, Arthur Levine! He's bald and very emotive, which doesn't surprise me on either count
But now I've got a cold. : ( Thank you, airplane air, and the germs of nine bazillion people in NYC. However, despite the hangover of work, tiredness, and germs, I came home reinvigorated to write and renewed in my commitment 1) to this group of people, and 2) to writing for kids, big or small. I've never been to a conference where every single panel was worth my money, but it was true at SCBWI.
One more time: wow.
I also got all sorts of good info, wonderful speeches from Susan Patron (the Newbery Queen of Scrotums, if you don't know what I mean, go find out), Richard Peck (omg, what a speech!), and Carolyn Mackler, and invites to submit from 2 publishers, which I will do if my current deals fall through. I got to trip Carolyn Mackler, eek, but then I got to tell her my favorite line from THE EARTH, MY BUTT, AND OTHRE BIG ROUND THINGS was Shannon's insult of "onion-loving fuckers." Oh man, I laughed. Go read the book if you want to know.
Other bonuses of the weekend: marvelous Thai food, NY-style pizza, amazing pumpkin ravioli, and a couple bagels. Yum. PLUS I got to travel with two of my favorite people (who are also in my writing group) and hang out with other writer friends from here. All in all, a stellar weekend.
I also got to see (though not talk to) Arthur Levine, the man who brought Harry Potter to America. Bless you, Arthur Levine! He's bald and very emotive, which doesn't surprise me on either count
But now I've got a cold. : ( Thank you, airplane air, and the germs of nine bazillion people in NYC. However, despite the hangover of work, tiredness, and germs, I came home reinvigorated to write and renewed in my commitment 1) to this group of people, and 2) to writing for kids, big or small. I've never been to a conference where every single panel was worth my money, but it was true at SCBWI.
One more time: wow.
Whose story should be told?
01/21/08 13:15
Now that I
know how to jack with my web site, I'll be doing it all
the time . . . the ego of having a forum!
I went to see SWEENEY TODD on Saturday night, and I was left with a few questions. I'll spare you the summary and attendant criticism (what a lot of blood!) except to say it was worth about $5 of my $7.50. When I did some research, I discovered Sweeney Todd is a historical figure (first appearing in literature around the mid-nineteenth century, which seems obvious from the film), and there are people who believe a real person did what the movie says he did. Thank you, Wikipedia.
So here's my question: do all people deserve to have their stories told? Is it worth it to tell the story of a revenge-obsessed man who butchers people so that his downstairs neighbor can feed them to the unsuspecting public? What's the moral of the story--don't get sucked in by revenge? You can't go home again? Don't serve people in pies? There's a series on Showtime called DEXTER, about a serial killer. My friend Royce. and many critics, say it's excellent--you want him to succeed. Excuse me? Isn't our society screwed up enough without glorifying people like Dexter and Sweeney Todd?
I sound like a complete square. Essentially, this is a fiction question, but it does have moral implications, because how do I teach my kid not to be violent and/or like violence when these characters are all over? And I paid to see them? I need to turn in my role model badge. The most excellent movie recently? NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN--and killing abounds in that film. If I adored that film, and the character of Anton Chigurh, who am I to dislike Sweeney Todd? Who am I to use Stephen King (his writing and his writing advice) in my creative writing classes? All of this is his fault, isn't it (I know it's not, but there are people who probably blame him instead of Poe and his ilk)?
There's a scene in SWEENEY TODD where he runs his fingers over photos of his wife and baby daughter, leaving streaks of blood on the glass. And I thought, "this won't end well." And it didn't. I know that one of the purposes of tragedy is to say "There but for the grace of God go I," but . . . . people like Sweeney Todd & Mrs. Lovett? It's so over the top that we KNOW we won't have it happen to us.
Maybe I'm not questioning society, just myself. My spiritual side says to love all, serve all, and not glorify gratuitous violence--and that's what I'm trying to teach my kid. Then here I am, loving NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN. What does that say about me? Do I really want to know? Maybe I'm just keeping the alligators fed, as King says. We all have to take care of the alligators in the basement, so they don't escape.
Eeek.
I went to see SWEENEY TODD on Saturday night, and I was left with a few questions. I'll spare you the summary and attendant criticism (what a lot of blood!) except to say it was worth about $5 of my $7.50. When I did some research, I discovered Sweeney Todd is a historical figure (first appearing in literature around the mid-nineteenth century, which seems obvious from the film), and there are people who believe a real person did what the movie says he did. Thank you, Wikipedia.
So here's my question: do all people deserve to have their stories told? Is it worth it to tell the story of a revenge-obsessed man who butchers people so that his downstairs neighbor can feed them to the unsuspecting public? What's the moral of the story--don't get sucked in by revenge? You can't go home again? Don't serve people in pies? There's a series on Showtime called DEXTER, about a serial killer. My friend Royce. and many critics, say it's excellent--you want him to succeed. Excuse me? Isn't our society screwed up enough without glorifying people like Dexter and Sweeney Todd?
I sound like a complete square. Essentially, this is a fiction question, but it does have moral implications, because how do I teach my kid not to be violent and/or like violence when these characters are all over? And I paid to see them? I need to turn in my role model badge. The most excellent movie recently? NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN--and killing abounds in that film. If I adored that film, and the character of Anton Chigurh, who am I to dislike Sweeney Todd? Who am I to use Stephen King (his writing and his writing advice) in my creative writing classes? All of this is his fault, isn't it (I know it's not, but there are people who probably blame him instead of Poe and his ilk)?
There's a scene in SWEENEY TODD where he runs his fingers over photos of his wife and baby daughter, leaving streaks of blood on the glass. And I thought, "this won't end well." And it didn't. I know that one of the purposes of tragedy is to say "There but for the grace of God go I," but . . . . people like Sweeney Todd & Mrs. Lovett? It's so over the top that we KNOW we won't have it happen to us.
Maybe I'm not questioning society, just myself. My spiritual side says to love all, serve all, and not glorify gratuitous violence--and that's what I'm trying to teach my kid. Then here I am, loving NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN. What does that say about me? Do I really want to know? Maybe I'm just keeping the alligators fed, as King says. We all have to take care of the alligators in the basement, so they don't escape.
Eeek.
A lesson in audience
01/16/08 15:57
So . . . I
got my first hate mail. I'm being extreme, to say it's
hate mail, but it's certainly not love mail. It's more
like nasty mail. It's the first negative public comment
about the topics of my book(s)--I'm guessing it was
spurred on by my trans character, Gabe. I had hoped to
wait until the books are in print!
My friends & family have been very supportive of this web site, and its address has gotten passed around, even sent out in Christmas letters. Not long after the first occurrence of distribution, a negative comment showed up in my blog. The comment is anonymous, of course, and you can find it in the comments of the first blog entry, if you're curious. But I continually wonder: was it a family member? A friend of a friend? Someone who stumbled on the site accidentally? A student who Googled my name? And why, if this person felt my prose is "absolutely terrible," wouldn't s/he stand by that judgment and name themselves? They didn't want to hurt my feelings?
The main lesson, for me, is one of audience. Obviously, the comment-leaver wasn't part of my audience. I still wish they would have been brave enough to claim their comment.
But hey--all exposure is good exposure, right? I hope so.
My friends & family have been very supportive of this web site, and its address has gotten passed around, even sent out in Christmas letters. Not long after the first occurrence of distribution, a negative comment showed up in my blog. The comment is anonymous, of course, and you can find it in the comments of the first blog entry, if you're curious. But I continually wonder: was it a family member? A friend of a friend? Someone who stumbled on the site accidentally? A student who Googled my name? And why, if this person felt my prose is "absolutely terrible," wouldn't s/he stand by that judgment and name themselves? They didn't want to hurt my feelings?
The main lesson, for me, is one of audience. Obviously, the comment-leaver wasn't part of my audience. I still wish they would have been brave enough to claim their comment.
But hey--all exposure is good exposure, right? I hope so.
Hello and welcome!
11/20/07 16:03