News and Views

Views #1: Veronica Mars rocked last night. It was everything I could have possibly wanted out of the series finale, with the possible exception of a LoVe reunion. But we got our old Veronica back. She was smart, capable, ass kicking. And we got to see the old gang — the Kanes, Clarence, Mac being Mac, Weevil being awesome. There was even a VMVO. I’m so happy.

And, Rob Thomas, I think I love you. I know that the whole “Castle” plotline was really a shout out to me, wasn’t it? 😉 Secret societies on Veronica Mars! Woo hoo! (And so much cooler than The Tritons, too…)

News #1: Some folks have been reading my books and talking about them online. Thanks guys! Check’s in the mail.

News #2: Miss Snark has retired. I loved Miss Snark. I didn’t always agree with her, but I think she’s one of the best things to happen to aspiring writers on the internet in years. She set a lot of people straight on a lot of issues, and her archives are there forever. Bless you, Miss Snark, wherever you are.

Views #2: Now we have to find out who we will replace her with on our daily industry reads. I’ve long been a fan of Kristin Nelson’s blog, PubRants, but I’m a growing fan of the BookEnds Lit Agency blog, as well as the blog of Dystel & Goderich.

News #3: Speaking of blogs, MG writer Barrie Summy has announced her first sale, a “very nice” deal with Wendy Loggia from Delacorte, for her chick-mystery series. The first book, I So Don’t Do Mysteries, was a 2004 Stiletto Contest finalist. This was a contest I coordinated. Her now-agent, Rachel Vater (who has a fine blog of her own), comments on the process to bring this book to sale here. Interesting stuff. Rachel was a finalist judge for this contest way back when, but not in Barrie’s category. Anyway, congratulations, Barrie!

News #4: Great article about YA fiction by Australian author Vanessa Barneveld here. Check it out!

News #5: The winners of the Neptune Noir Giveaways are Emily and Jennifer Estep. Please send your mailing address to the email address listed in the “about me” column on the top right of this blog to receive your prizes.