Letter from the Editor in Chief
Talent. That’s the first word I think of when I’m asked about the Class of 2k7. There’s so much darned talent. If our first twenty books haven’t thoroughly convinced you (yes, we’ve already put twenty new books on bookshelves!), or the numerous accolades we’ve received, or our successful and fun appearances, then this latest crop of releases should do it. While our ezine will introduce you to our third quarter’s group of debut novels, let me introduce the authors to you.
Some of them are globe trotters. Tiffany Trent lived and worked in Hong Kong and mainland China. Autumn Cornwell visited twenty-two countries, mingling with reformed headhunters and cannibals in New Papua as a child. Heather Tomlinson taught English in Paris–-and French in the United States. Stephanie Hale, on the other hand, was born, raised, and still lives in the middle of a cornfield, while Marlane Kennedy prefers to explore Ohio forests and creeks where she can catch crawdads and salamanders.
Their jobs are as diverse as their travel experiences. Thatcher Heldring’s storied work history includes stints as a grocery bagger and ditch digger. S.A. Harazin has done just about everything as a nurse. And Sarah Aronson taught aerobics, worked as a physical therapist, and held the position of religious school principal. Unfortunately, Suzanne Selfors couldn’t pursue a career at sea because she tends to turn green in ocean swells.
Judy Gregerson has already won recognition for her past work, having been included in the 1980 Who’s Who in America. Greg R. Fishbone, for his part, won several Golden Grunion awards for his participation in the legendary superhero parody project, Superguy. But perhaps my favorite claim to fame comes from Ann Dee Ellis who owns a glow-in-the-dark Hallowe’en apron, which may still be in her dirty laundry hamper.
Come explore all this talent. In our third quarter ezine read about what we’ve been up to, what we plan on doing, our reviews, and of course, all about our books. G. Neri generously shares his list of favorite graphic novels, while the Class runs a fun first lines contest. Happy summer to all!
— A.C.E. Bauer
Contributors to this quarter’s ezine:
Sarah Aronson
A.C.E. Bauer
Julie Bowe
Autumn Cornwell
Greg R. Fishbone
Jeannine Garsee
S.A. Harazin
Thatcher Heldring
Eric Luper
G. Neri for “Where to Start with Graphic Novels”
Suzanne Selfors
Sara Zarr