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Stacy Whitman is Editorial Director and Publisher of Tu Books, an imprint of LEE & LOW BOOKS that publishes diverse science fiction and fantasy for middle grade and young adult readers. This blog post was originally posted at her blog, Stacy Whitman’s Grimoire.
Yesterday, Sarah Hannah Gómez wrote about people of color in dystopias. Today I thought we’d look at the post-apocalyptic genre (which overlaps with, but is not always the same as, dystopias) from the craft side. A while back, as I was going through submissions, a few thoughts formed for me about worldbuilding in the genre due to things I was seeing again and again. This isn’t by any means a comprehensive list of things to think about—just a few things that struck me as a pattern in some recent reads (and something I notice when it’s done well).
I guess everything I want to say actually falls under the old (and very useful) “show, don’t tell,” – which of course is relevant whether or not your novel is set after the apocalypse. So, here you go:
If you include newspaper clippings/stories as metatext to support the main narrative, make sure that it actually sounds like a news clipping. Use inverted pyramid structure, starting with the most important details and filling in backstory and history only once important details have been included. Who, what, why, where, when: these are the most important things to focus on in the first paragraph.
One of my first publishing-related jobs in college was as a newspaper reporter, and the end of my stories—even my feature stories—often got chopped off for space. In news writing, your lede has to be an actual lede, not an introductory sentence, and you don’t include common-knowledge information (stuff all the characters would know because they live in that world) as an infodump in the second paragraph.
Less is more in post-apocalyptic worldbuilding.
We usually don’t need to know every detail of the apocalypse in the first chapter, or even by the end of the book. In fact, it usually just slows down the reading and even occasionally turns off a reader to be reminded in every sentence just how bad the world is because of global warming’s effect a hundred years ago or because we ran out of fossil fuels or because a great plague hit the world three hundred years ago. These things are common knowledge to the characters—or perhaps they’re lost knowledge for the character, depending on how long ago the apocalypse happened and how much technology/media had broken down in the years since.
But generally letting the reader know exactly what happened within the first chapter or two turns into an infodump or an as-you-know-Bob. Actually, what you want to do is revealed in that last link—I didn’t know there was a name for it! Incluing, at least according to Wikipedia (which is of course so reliable, but let’s go with it for now unless someone knows of a more technical term), is what you really want to do.
Reel out worldbuilding details little by little, cluing the reader in to worldbuilding details as they need the information (or slightly before, so as not to be jarring).
The best incluing example, the one I always go back to, is the first page or so of The Golden Compass, in which Lyra is talking to her daemon as they spy on a conversation in another room. We have no idea what a daemon is, even the basic concept of what one looks like, within the first page—that’s something Philip Pullman spools out to us little by little, creating a mystery, through small, specific details, that hooks us enough to make us want to know more.
Joseph Bruchac does this well in the first few chapters of Killer of Enemies. We’re on a hunt with Lozen, and we learn about the Cloud and Gemods and the place she lives, Haven, little by little over the course of a few chapters. Her inner narrative is a good way to spool out details slowly, thought it only works if your character has the knowledge to share.
These ideas are pretty basic, but so important in a good postapocalyptic tale, in my opinion. The only exceptions I can think of to sharing details of the apocalypse slowly, over time: zombie post-apocalypses, such as Carrie Ryan’s The Forest of Hands and Teeth (we know the cause of the apocalypse was zombies, because they’re everywhere; though we might not know the cause of zombies, we know the cause of the breakdown of society) and stories in which the apocalypse is currently happening, such as The Carbon Diaries (we see the breakdown of society through the main character’s eyes, and she has limited information)—though in either case infodumps still won’t be appreciated.
But in general for most post-apocalyptic tales, I argue that less is more when it comes to revealing the cause of society’s death and allowing it to be a mystery that the reader discovers along the journey. Sometimes that journey will be figuring out why their current society is a dystopia, and hence figuring out the cause of the apocalypse that triggered this new society (The Giver would be a classic example of that structure). But, as I mentioned above, post-apocalyptic and dystopia aren’t synonymous, so sometimes it’ll simply be common knowledge that Earth that Was died in some way so we had to set out for the stars, or that in the characters’ great-grandparents’ generation a great plague swept the earth (like in For Darkness Shows the Stars), or that global warming caused the world to become so flooded that people live on boats, fight over what little earth there is available on those boats, and evolve to grow gills and webbed feet.
Okay, Waterworld isn’t exactly the best example, but you could do worse for a short sweet example of how to worldbuild an apocalyptic backstory, even if the plot and characters weren’t all that successful . . .
Check out these titles from Tu Books that utilize the worldbuilding tips that Stacy talked about:
Here's the trailer for Eoin Colfer's new novel, Airman.
The novel gets a good review over at Fuse #8. Here's a bit of what she says there: Is it fantasy? No more than any historical novel where the hero indulges in science. Is it science fiction? Only if you consider the notion of one man discovering the use of propellers on his own fantastical. Is it steampunk? No. Stop being silly. No this is, odd as it may sound, fiction with spice. That's not really a category, so I don't know if you can call it anything but original.
I think we'll be needing this one. And incidentally, anyone who isn't in awe that Elizabeth Bird is doing a review a day and doing them darned well needs a slap upside the head with a good book.
0 Comments on A true 19th century Batman as of 1/1/1990
Our spring 2008 books are finally visible on line, which means our authors and illustrators appear now as well. Don't miss the video featuring Felice Arena reading from his new book: Sally and Dave, A Slug Story. Felice Arena is a very talented - not to mention handsome - author and illustrator from Australia. I'd say he'd make a great addition totheHMOCL collection! (Are nominations still open?)
0 Comments on Hot Men of Children's Literature as of 1/1/1990
As we're scurrying around the web, friending the good folks who've already got us on their blogrolls, we keep coming up with tidbits about 2k8. We thought you might like to know that:
This morning before church I was perusing some of the latest posts of my favorite blogs. I went to Fuse #8(aka Betsy Bird)'s blog. She had posted her Video Sunday post. (OK, take a second to go to that link.)
OH MY GOODNESS FUSE #8 POSTED OUR TRAILER! And when she described me she used words like "our very own" and "extraordinaire"!!!
I grinned and squealed and hugged my mom a couple of times and screamed some more. Very fun, very fan-girly.
Tonight I was talking to Traci (who co-made the trailer with me) and I said, "So, you know A Fuse #8?" And she didn't. So I went on to explain how Betsy is a librarian at the New York Public Library and she served on last year's Newbery Awards panel and how it was pretty much my life ambition to be noticeably linked by her! And in case she still didn't get how huge this was, I told her, "OK, in acting there is me and there is Julia Roberts. That is the difference between me and Fuse #8. She's a celebrity." So then I hear Traci telling her mom some mixed version about "Newbery, she picked those" and "She's like Julia Roberts!"
The whole time I am of course grinning and laughing. But seriously, Fuse . . . or am I allowed to call you Betsy now? You made my day. This was even cooler than when the publisher linked us on their website.
8 Comments on I heart Fuse., last added: 11/6/2007
Awwwww. Julia Roberts? Sheesh, you've got me all blushing n' stuff. I always thought of myself more like the Parker Posey of the blog world. You can certainly call me Betsy if you like. And it was a pleasure to link to your trailer. Keep knocking those things out and I'll link to 'em every chance I get. Your post completely made my day. I'm just delighted that you didn't mind me lifting your trailer and putting it on my own site. Thanks for the kind words!
Anidori-Isilee said, on 11/5/2007 4:30:00 AM
That's awesome, Erin. :D
Sarah Miller said, on 11/5/2007 5:41:00 AM
You're a STAR!
(And Traci too, of course.)
Hannah said, on 11/5/2007 3:19:00 PM
That is so cool!!!!!
:)
Erin said, on 11/5/2007 8:43:00 PM
Lookie lookie, she commented on my blog! :D
And think of all the pressure that people are putting on me to make more of these babies. And to make them be *good*. A little tiny bit nerve-racking.
TadMack said, on 11/6/2007 3:46:00 AM
No pressure... we're just lurking on your site... waiting...
:)
Jackie Parker said, on 11/6/2007 1:15:00 PM
Didn't we talk about which trailor you should do in one of the 31 Flavorites chats?
I recall it was a really good idea... whatever it was.
I love New York City in small doses. 48 hours this weekend was just enough time for a taste of city before we headed home to Lake Champlain. I checked out the Museum of the American Indian to do some research for my new MG historical. It's a lovely museum, but I was disappointed that only a few galleries were open because of renovations.
We saw JERSEY BOYS (loved it) and XANADU (loved it in a different, fun, silly kind of way). The kids made pilgrimages to the American Girl and Toys R Us stores, and I made a small pilgrimage of my own:
This is the NY Public Library's Donnell Central Branch, home of Children's Literature Blogger-Goddess Elizabeth Bird, better known as Fuse #8. I read her blog religiously and wanted to stop by on the off-chance she might be working a Saturday. (Forgot about ALA, though!) That's okay, because we got a chance to visit some other important friends who live at the Donnell Central Children's Room...
These are the original stuffed animals that A.A. Milne gave Christopher Robin Milne -- the REAL Pooh, Eeyore, Kanga, Piglet, and Tigger. They look so loved, don't they?
It was a great city weekend, but with a high of 95 degrees today, I'm so happy to be back on the lake today. Heading off to the deck now with my raspberry-chocolate coffee and Catherine Murdock's DAIRY QUEEN. Life is good.
No no no no no! I'm not moving from New York. That won't happen for a good year and a half, if ever.
No, I'm talking about Fuse #8. It's moving. I thought about waiting to tell you this until the day in question, but I figured it might be a better idea to let you know ASAP. We've had some fun times together here on Blogger, haven't we? The pageantry. The fact that Blogger will randomly, and for no apparently reason, shut down when you least expect it. The random nature of the comment selection. But for all that, I'm going to miss the old place.
You see, School Library Journal expressed an interest in the old Fuse. So they offered the following: Appear on their website and do exactly the same thing I'm doing now but with pay. Negotiations were made. They're going to lift all my archives and put them on their site. I retain the right to leave them insofar as I give them a month's notice (and vice-versa). When I leave, the posts I've made are my own, though they have the right to use them however they please.
There is, however, a requirement. Hold onto your seats now. To appear on their blog I must write...
... drumroll please ...
THREE POSTS A WEEK.
I don't know if I can handle that kind of pressure.
So basically I'm going to get paid to do exactly what I'm doing now, but on a website which may raise my visibility. Here's a FAQ or two, though you can definitely pummel me in the comment section if you like (and I'm certain you do like). Q: You say they're not going to touch your content. Really? Even if you wrote a scathing expose of SLJ? Even if you wrote reviews that contradicted the ones written in the magazine?
A: Actually, SLJ informed me that they'd prefer that I contradict them in my reviews. They want a variety of opinions on their site. As for scathing exposes, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. I write on the news and nothing is going to affect what I do or do not comment on.
Q: So the blog is going to look exactly the same as it does now?
A: Oh... uh. Um. About that. Okay, so here's the deal. We're switching from Blogger to Wordpress, so that'll change things right there. And of course, there won't be a banner (which is fine since it's out-of-date with the whole review a day mention). There will be a picture of my mug with every post. And this, in turn, will affect my posts because, quite frankly, as much as I love my mug, I don't really want to see it over and over and over, five times a day. So I might start consolidating my pieces a little. And, most importantly, there are my links to consider. At this moment in time, I can't create any for the side of my blog. However, I have been assured that in time they'll find a way to allow us to modify our links. When that happens I'll reinstate everything. It'll just take a little time.
Q: You've sold out, old man! You're going to have ads on your site, won't you? Won't you?
A: (Old man?) Yeah. There will be ads. SLJ ads for books n' stuff. There are worse ads to have and I've never found the SLJ ads to be intrusive. So that's too bad but there's nothing to be done. Hopefully you won't find them distracting.
Q: What's to stop people from thinking that your reviews of books are the official stance of SLJ?
A: Nothing. SLJ and I talked about this. There's bound to be confusion and complaints, but that's life. If they don't mind, I don't mind.
Q: Oh, bloody hell. Am I going to have to change your URL on my website?
A: Probably you will if you have a RSS feed or LiveJournal link. For those of you who link from blogs and websites, I've been told that SLJ will link the site in such a way that Fuse #8 will immediately redirect clicks to the new site. We'll see how that goes.
Q: When will this happen?
A: Early June. The end is near.
Q: I don't like this. I fear change.
A: So do I, sweetie. Don't worry. We'll just have to see how it goes.
63 Comments on Have a Seat. I Have Something to Tell You., last added: 6/4/2007
Congrats on your news. Please be sure to remind us of the forwarding address when the time comes.
Kyra said, on 5/28/2007 3:15:00 AM
Best wishes on the Move! We'll follow you!
Best,
Kyra author, Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria
Liz B said, on 5/28/2007 5:07:00 AM
Congratulations! And when you have the new address & new RSS feed, let us know.
adrienne said, on 5/28/2007 6:00:00 AM
Oh, congrats! That's great news! Really, it's a sign that The Man is taking bloggers seriously, which is a nice thing amid the raging debates and whatnot.
I am a HUGE Wordpress fan, btw. I think you'll love it more than Blogger once you get to know it.
tammi said, on 5/28/2007 6:44:00 AM
Congratulations, rock star.
Dan McCoy said, on 5/28/2007 6:44:00 AM
But what about the children?! Dear God, won't somebody think of the children?!
Kelly said, on 5/28/2007 6:57:00 AM
Hey, I think it's a great thing, Fuse. A big congrats to you! You certainly have earned it. And I hope they're paying you what you're worth. And a kudos to SLJ for hiring the best of the best. I've been very impressed by their move into technology. They, of all journals, have used it to their advantage and ours.
I don't think you have to worry. Not many of us resist change, I think :)
Susan said, on 5/28/2007 7:09:00 AM
hey, Betsy. Congratulations! That's great news--and such a nice compliment to your talents! (WordPress makes such handsome blogs, too.)
gloria estefan said, on 5/28/2007 7:16:00 AM
Wow! Congrats! You're going to be famous!!!!
One question that you didn't ask/answer: can you still post irrelevant material? I'd miss it dearly if you didn't!
One more question: can you share some of this money with us, your loyal readers? All I really want is enough money to buy some ice cream every other day. And a pony. I’ve never had one and it’s really not fair that I"ve been deprived.
meghan
B. Johansen Newman said, on 5/28/2007 7:25:00 AM
It was bound to happen--this serious validation stuff. Congratulations! Of course, we'll read you where you write. And maybe with only three days a week, I will actually get more work done.
BUT-- will they let you keep that slight smart-alecky edge we all know and love?
Plus the Mom's poems--make that part of the deal.
Relieved that you aren't ending it all, like Miss Snark.
Mitali Perkins said, on 5/28/2007 8:02:00 AM
Next comes the bidding war over your five-book series with film rights optioned before you write the third chapter of Book One. Proud of you, Fuse, and glad that your faithful service to children's literature and your delectable voice are being duly recognized -- and renumerated. WAHOO!
Anonymous said, on 5/28/2007 8:06:00 AM
Oh man, for a second there when you said you'd have to write three posts a week I thought you meant ONLY three! THAT would never do! Aside from that, it all sounds great -- congrats to you in your new paying gig! May the extra shekels buy you many cupcakes! -Laini :-)
SilberBook-Blog said, on 5/28/2007 8:07:00 AM
I knew when I met you, "This girl is destined for greatness - such wit - such charm - such great appreciation for the bizarre."
If selling out is getting paid to do what you love, then we're all in BIG trouble.
Congrats!
alan
fusenumber8 said, on 5/28/2007 8:09:00 AM
Aw. Thanks guys. And have no fear. Fuse 8 isn't Fuse 8 without completely wacked out material. Like I say, they touch nothing. Nothing at all.
Note to self: Send Meghan a pony.
T.S. said, on 5/28/2007 8:33:00 AM
Congrats!! As long as you can still post all the same great material, I'm happy for you!
And who wouldn't want to be paid to keep doing what they're doing when they're already doin' it?
Alkelda the Gleeful said, on 5/28/2007 8:34:00 AM
Congratulations! I'm very happy for you. One thing: will SLJ own your content, or will you maintain the rights?
zee said, on 5/28/2007 8:46:00 AM
Fuse, So excited for you. One of our little maggots has grown up and is ready to leave the coop:-)
You are living proof that success is possible through blogging.
Will you still work at the library?
Sarah Beth Durst said, on 5/28/2007 9:13:00 AM
Congratulations! I'm so excited for you. That's huge news. May it bring you many, many more readers. :)
NYC Teacher said, on 5/28/2007 9:30:00 AM
Congrats! Can't wait to read it once you move to Wordpress. :-)
fusenumber8 said, on 5/28/2007 9:58:00 AM
I own my material but they have permission to use in any way, shape, or form they prefer. And yes, I'll keep working in the library. It's not a ton o' moolah. Just a nice little monthly tidbit.
jfm said, on 5/28/2007 10:02:00 AM
"Place yourself before the Unknown" as Réné Char used to say - something tells me that the quality of fuse #8 will transfer just fine - congratulations and good luck!
jules said, on 5/28/2007 10:27:00 AM
Congrats! We will follow you, too. Always.
Robin Brande said, on 5/28/2007 10:27:00 AM
All right, Fuse! You are such an effen rock star, but then we all knew that.
But you'd better be true to your word. If we sense any toning down of the personality, expect to see a parade of people coming into the Donnell to have a "chat." We don't hold no truck with no personality tamperin'. Got it?
bcc: SLJ
Matthew said, on 5/28/2007 10:41:00 AM
Kudos on the sell-out! I, for one, always advise people to go after the money. I fully expect to see Fuse action figures and bobble-head dolls any day now.
jules said, on 5/28/2007 11:00:00 AM
By the way, we use Word Press and love it. Also, question: Does this mean you'll review YA titles, too, from now on? Not that you need to or ever did need to (your posts are perfectly satisfying as is), but just curious, since SLJ covers them all.
Gwenda said, on 5/28/2007 1:39:00 PM
Fabulous news!
Barbara O'Connor said, on 5/28/2007 1:41:00 PM
High five, Fuse! Only for you would I dare to change....
We're all comin' over for your house-warming party, you know!
Barbara
Disco Mermaids said, on 5/28/2007 2:37:00 PM
Maybe you can answer this question, which pops up from time to time:
Are there any benefits to starting a blog?
Congratulations, Fuse! You earned it.
- Jay
Saipan Writer said, on 5/28/2007 4:17:00 PM
Change is good. Congrats!
You don't want to see your photo over and over again? Couldn't you insist on that nude pic you almost sent in to Playboy? Then SLJ might not require it. :-)
Maybe they'll change that photo rule with time. (Can you tell, I'm a fan of the short posts, lots in a day!) The rule that your photo must be on every post seems a little wacky. Why can't they just put your photo on the blog, instead of with every post? (It's not newsprint, where we look for certain headshots to immediately know what we want to read, and what we want to skip. If'we've headed to your blog, we already know where we are and what we want to read!)
Good luck. Thanks for the early notice. This will all be exciting.
bookbk said, on 5/28/2007 4:44:00 PM
Hey, mazal tov! I fear change as much as the next person but it is the greatest of the great that you'll be getting paid to blog. I was getting a little worried that it might start to wear on you eventually, and then what would I do without my fix?
eisha said, on 5/28/2007 4:45:00 PM
Dude, this is the coolest thing ever! Congrats!
Laurel said, on 5/28/2007 4:46:00 PM
Woo hooo!!! That's wonderful news.
Just a thought-- you might ask them about getting to have "guest bloggers" on the site. It would relieve pressure on the 3x-a-week posting rule, especially if you hit a rough patch at work, or get sick, or something like that...
I did a daily blog for Jewcy.com for 7 months, and "guest bloggers" saved me many a time.
In any case, CONGRATS!
xoLaurel Snyder http://kidliterary.blogspot.com
Sondra LaBrie said, on 5/28/2007 4:56:00 PM
Congrats, Betsy! Look forward to the "new" site.
;~}
david elzey said, on 5/28/2007 5:18:00 PM
Mazel tov! Sounds like fun! Continue the good work and show the rest of the kidlit world that this blogging thing isn't just some hobby to be triffled with!
Alison said, on 5/28/2007 6:20:00 PM
Congrats, Fuse, and welcome! I look forward to standing with you under that big "Reed Business" umbrella. We can huddle together and commiserate about seeing our smiling photos at the start of every post.
Anonymous said, on 5/28/2007 6:48:00 PM
Congratulations Miz Bird, your star is a-shining! -Susan
MotherReader said, on 5/28/2007 7:35:00 PM
Selling out is seriously underrated.
Total congrats and lots of love.
Melissa said, on 5/28/2007 7:41:00 PM
I guess being a B-list blogger just wasn't enough?
Congrats!
Abby said, on 5/28/2007 7:58:00 PM
Congratulations!
Jen Robinson said, on 5/28/2007 8:32:00 PM
Congratulations, Betsy! That's great news. It shows the SLJ knows a good thing when they see it. For you, I will even change my bookmarks. Bask in the fun of the whole thing!
fusenumber8 said, on 5/28/2007 8:45:00 PM
Um . . . wow. This is an outpouring of love I did not expect. I'm deeply flattered and touched. You realize, however, that this encourages me to get even wackier. To start reporting on the garbage leavings of Tamora Pierce, the apple cores of Jane Yolen, and the discarded credit card receipts of Jon Scieszka.
But seriously, thank you. For the record, I'm going to keep reviewing just children's stuff since it makes my life easier. But maybe I'll work in more YA news. Dunno. Oh! And about the guest blogging, I am DEFINITELY going to consider that. I've even already gotten some offers from potential guests. This will come in useful when I high-tail it to Stratford in Ontario this summer. Stay tuned...
Tracy Grand said, on 5/28/2007 9:15:00 PM
Congratulations Betsy! You really deserve it.
Best, Tracy
bryn said, on 5/28/2007 9:23:00 PM
yay for going over to the dark side of school libraries! i read the SLJ blogs anyway, so double yay for not having change bookmarks. oh, and hopefully HM/WoCL was part of the negotiations? congrats, congrats, congrats. ~bryn
rams said, on 5/29/2007 1:33:00 AM
Oo! Oo! Bobble-head dolls!
Camille said, on 5/29/2007 1:47:00 AM
What wonderful news. I am so happy for you. Fantastic! Have blog, will follow.
CW said, on 5/29/2007 6:21:00 AM
Sweet deal!
Leila said, on 5/29/2007 6:26:00 AM
Congrats! So cool.
olly said, on 5/29/2007 8:06:00 AM
Congrats! Lovely news, indeed.
Anonymous said, on 5/29/2007 8:12:00 AM
Do what you love, do it well, and eventually someone will start to pay you for it. Congratulations!
Kelly Fineman said, on 5/29/2007 9:45:00 AM
I've often thought you deserve to be paid for all the services you render (on your blog, of course). How nice for you!
elizabeth fama said, on 5/29/2007 10:26:00 AM
Two questions:
1) Will you still be able to say things like "bloody hell?"
2) Will you still accept unsolicited submissions? ;-)
Congratulations, Betsy. Couldn't have happened to a sweeter gal (er...old man).
Genevieve said, on 5/29/2007 1:16:00 PM
Fabulous! Mazelest of tovs (really it should be tovest of mazels).
I'll miss your terrifically thorough links, but it's good to hear that you'll be able to put them back up in some form eventually.
p dog said, on 5/29/2007 1:50:00 PM
OMG! Wow! Wow! OMG!
More like that. Way to go!
I was JUST thinking the other day that it's a real pain to have to search BOTH SLJ and Fuse#8 when I'm evaluating a book for purchase.
Now I'll start thinking that it's a real pain to have to share a bathroom with the rest of my family. Think another will magically appear?
Kris Bordessa said, on 5/29/2007 5:28:00 PM
Yay for you! What wonderful news - I'm sure SLJ will be thrilled with you, and I know that your faithful readers will follow.
Gregory K. said, on 5/29/2007 7:20:00 PM
Belated ditto from the cheap seats! Deserved, fantastic, big win, wonderful, etc. Particularly etc!
Brenda Ferber said, on 5/30/2007 5:54:00 AM
I'm so late in commenting that it's all been said already, so I'll just add my congratulations to the pile of good wishes. Good for you, Fuse!
Little Willow said, on 5/30/2007 10:22:00 PM
Congratulations! May it be a smooth and fun move.
Jolie said, on 5/31/2007 7:34:00 AM
Congrats! I've been wondering since way back when we "clinked" cupcakes to say Happy One Year Anniversary to Fuse. I thought it was a great idea then. I think it's a fantastic idea now.
sdn said, on 5/31/2007 12:05:00 PM
is someone going to (copy)edit your blog entries?
fusenumber8 said, on 5/31/2007 1:19:00 PM
Oh no. No no no no no no no. Lord help them if they did. No, it's hands off. Just me and my blog, as per usual.
Anne L. said, on 6/1/2007 5:28:00 PM
Does this mean Cybils will lose you? Waaaah.
Congrats to you on the new gig. Well deserved and about time.
a. fortis said, on 6/3/2007 3:25:00 PM
This is definitely great news! No accusations of selling out here--I agree with MotherReader!
We'll get to keep pestering you with comments, won't we?
Stacy Whitman is Editorial Director and Publisher of Tu Books, an imprint of LEE & LOW BOOKS that publishes diverse science fiction and fantasy for middle grade and young adult readers. This blog post was originally posted at her blog, Stacy Whitman’s Grimoire. 
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Awwwww. Julia Roberts? Sheesh, you've got me all blushing n' stuff. I always thought of myself more like the Parker Posey of the blog world. You can certainly call me Betsy if you like. And it was a pleasure to link to your trailer. Keep knocking those things out and I'll link to 'em every chance I get. Your post completely made my day. I'm just delighted that you didn't mind me lifting your trailer and putting it on my own site. Thanks for the kind words!
That's awesome, Erin. :D
You're a STAR!
(And Traci too, of course.)
That is so cool!!!!!
:)
Lookie lookie, she commented on my blog! :D
And think of all the pressure that people are putting on me to make more of these babies. And to make them be *good*. A little tiny bit nerve-racking.
No pressure... we're just lurking on your site... waiting...
:)
Didn't we talk about which trailor you should do in one of the 31 Flavorites chats?
I recall it was a really good idea... whatever it was.
*smiles hugely* WAHOO!!!
Miss you girl!