Ohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigod....
You may not know it, but I always reserve the top story on my blog each day for the piece of news or info I think is the MOST interesting and MOST deserving of note. Today's is a doozy too.
I receive an e-mail asking me if I'm familiar at all with a little something called Class of 2k7. I am not. I flounce over, and what do I find? A website that describes itself like so:
The Class of 2k7 is a group of first-time children's and YA authors with debut books coming out in 2007. We're helping to promote each other's books with this joint Class of 2k7 website as well as a collective blog, newsletter, forum, chatroom, and brochure. Our 36 authors hail from 20 states and D.C. representing a range of genres and publishers.They aren't lying either. The blog is fast-paced and the chatroom hopping.
And from whence did such an idea spring? Here's what incipient novelist Rebecca Stead (upcoming book First Light, a Wendy Lamb Book in June 2007) had to say on the matter:
The group was started by a writer named Greg Fishbone (THE PENGUINS OF DOOM: FROM THE DESK OF SEPTINA NASH, forthcoming from Blooming Tree Press). Last March, Greg sent an email out to New England SCBWI members in order to gauge interest in a marketing coop for first-time children's novelists. Six people contacted him within the first twenty-four hours. Then the word spread, as word will. We now have members from all over the country (as you can see from the website, conveniently searchable by geographic region!).True too. I counted at least 34 first-time children & YA authors that will be published for the first time next year. What really impressed me is that this collective group goes across publishers. We're used to debut authors in small groups coming together to promote one another. I've just never seen anything quite on this scale before, and it pleases me mightily. Those of you who also have books coming out next year (ahem, Eric Berlin, ahem, Jay Asher) might want to join up with this kooky crew. Lord knows I wish I could, and I'm not even a writer.
posted by fusenumber8 @ 12:20 AM
20 Comments
20 Comments:
Loving this blog, as always, and this tidbit is very interesting...do you know of any blogs like 2k7 for illustrators making their debut in 07?
Okay, if I started writing something NOW, could I get it published in time to play? It seems like so much fun.
Oh, I know, Fuse! You and me should write something together and join in. I'll start...
"Warren was one unhappy weasel."
Thanks for the great post about our group. We've been overwhelmed by the positive response and support we've gotten so far. And since we're measuring success by the attention we generate among booksellers, librarians, and teachers (the BLTs of the publishing industry), it's especially gratifying to be linked from FuseNumber8.
I think we could get a good group of us together for a class field trip to the Donnell Library sometime next year, if you're interested in meeting us. :D
For anyone who asks, "Is there a group like this for debut illustrators/picture book authors/non-fiction authors/etc.?" If there isn't, you should start one. If we can do it, anyone can!
--Greg R. Fishbone, Class President
(Psst... Rebecca Stead's first name is Rebecca, not Rachel.)
"Hence his continual desire for wine, women, and song." Hrm. I shall have to work on this.
I INSIST that you all visit Donnell on a field trip. Insist, I tells ye! I can show you all sorts of neat things and shower you with attention and praise.
Or.... we could set up a kidlit drink night for when y'all are around. Worth considering.
(poor Rebecca... I think that's the fourth time this week I've misspelled someone's name. Thank goodness I can edit my posts).
More evidence that our SCBWI New England chapter sizzles with energy ...
You are so nice to check us out.
As one of the six who contacted Greg right away, I can't say how amazingly cool, brilliant, organized and penguin-oriented he is.
The class is just incredible, diverse (well, we have TWO men), brilliant and getting stronger every day. I'm really proud to be a part of it.
And you're right, one of the best parts of it is how it is across publishers and how supportive all of our publishers are being.
But another good part is being able to interact with librarians and readers even before our books come out.
It's really inspiring to see how excited and supportive the entire reading community can be.
So, thanks for that support and thanks for mentioning us. It's really kind.
-Carrie Jones
Soon to be THREE men, Carrie... One of the folks who made it in just under the wire will be added to the website today. Naturally, all three of us expect to be added to the Hot Men in Children's Literature list. (I just need to get permission from my wife.)
Maybe we could plan a field trip around the SCBWI conference in February, since 2k7ers will be flocking to NYC at that time anyway. Yes, yes, the plan is all coming together...
::rubs hands together like a Bond villain::
Wow, three men. Can it really be true?
And even better... a possible field trip.
Thanks for the invitation. Kiddie drink night? A fieldtrip? Attention? Praise?
Oh, boy. I know Greg and I are definitely there.
Thanks for being so excited for us!! A Donnell-or-drinks plan sounds wonderful.
And don't sweat the name thing -- when I was eight my mom ordered those little iron-on tags for my camp clothes (I was actually excited about this), and they came back "Bebecar Stead." At least "Rachel" has a nice ring to it.
Wow! Thanks for the great mention on our group! I am so proud to be a part of this! :)
hugs,
Stephanie Hale
www.myspace.com/stephhale
As one of the three men in the 2k7 Class, all I can say is that I want attention, praise AND the drinks. Is there any way we can roll all those things up into one?
It's a blast being part of this group and I can only hope that a tenth of the energy flying around gets out to the bookstores, librarians and teachers out there.
Eric Luper
Thanks, Fuse! Us kooky 2k7ers are thrilled with your enthusiasm. Please come to our class and read our books. We are like students in school who keep shooting our arms straight up to the ceiling, bursting to be called on...
Rose Kent
I'm just amazed at how many of you read my blog. Or are you all just fly-by-nighters who came solely for this single post *sniffle*?
Whatever the case, we have all GOT to do drinks sometime.
And I love the idea that someone would get permission from their wife to be a Hot Man of Children's Literature. Like I ever ask anyone beforehand if they want to be one. HA!
I don't think any one of us would have ever gotten published without the knowledge obtained by reading every one of your blog posts.
Several times each.
Right, guys?
Thanks for the heads-up on this new site. It looks fabulous!
In truth I am a fly-by-nighter, but a thankful one -- thankful for your post and for the opportunity to be part of this great group.
Cheers~
Julie Bowe
Fuse, thank you for inviting us to visit you at Donnell.
I'll be coming in from Michigan for the SCBWI conference in February -- that'd be the perfect time to meet up, if it works for you.
And I will draw you and put you on my website. :)
http://ruthexpress.com/sketch/nyc06/001.html
Thanks for such a glowing report of our author collective.
Count me in for the Donnell field trip!!! And drinks too! Now all I have to do is forge my permission slip...
Sarah Beth Durst
Ruth, you know the way to my heart. Vanity.
Plus I'm a former Michigander (Michiganian?) myself. Kalamazoo forever, baby! WOOO!
Drink trip info forthcoming.
Fuse -- you're from K-zoo? :D I just drove through there for the first time a couple weeks ago, on the way from Lansing to Coloma.
Nice little city, and we stopped at the Goodwill store where I got a really neat purse for $1.50.
One of the characters in my book is from Kalamazoo, just because I always liked the word. :)
See you in February, but if you come this way sooner than that, I'll buy you a drink.
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