jonathan: hey, what are we talking about?

mary pearson: I just got here. Looks quiet. But green seems to be the color in fashion.

jonathan: oh, that's the one that it was already set to. I just chose the first one.

jonathan: is anybody reading a good book? I'm reading Nancy Werlin's LOCKED INSIDE.

mary pearson: Tonight's an open chat. Folks are sharing their favorite summer/beach reads.

mary pearson: I just finished My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult. I loved it.

Pat Collins: How about THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES by Sue Monk Kidd of READING LOLITA IN TEHRAN? Both are cross-overs, I guess.

jonathan: yeah, I've heard about those, but I'm stuck up: I'll only read YA books. ;-)

mary pearson: Hmm, loved The Secret Life of Bees too Pat.

mary pearson: lol, Jonathan. They have YA appeal.

jonathan: yeah, I know. When I read adult books, though, they tend to be in the fantasy genre. Otherwise, I tend to be mostly YA.

Pat Collins: THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES could easily have been YA.

kate: I liked The Secret Life of Bees, but found Reading Lolita in Tehran to be tough going.

mary pearson: I haven't read Locked Inside but I loved The Killer's Cousin and Double Helix by Nancy (just to show you I read "real" YA too ; )

jonathan: SECRET LIFE OF BEES narrowly missed making BBYA Top Ten that year

Kate: I just finished Double Helix. Fantastic.

Judy G: how you doing?

Pat Collins: Loved both of those, Mary.

Pat Collins: Anyone read LUNA? Did you find it convincing?

mary pearson: I am going on vacation next week and picked up STIFF which was talked up at ALA. Nonfiction about cadavers! I'm looking forward to reading it and readling the juicy parts aloud to my family.

Judy G: oh, mary, that is a great book.

Judy G: i read it last summer.

kate: I enjoyed Luna and found it convincing, but don't really know enough about the topic to say whether it is accurate or not.

mary pearson: ha! Don't tell me how it ends, Judy ; )

jonathan: I read LUNA and would have liked it better, I think, if Liam had told his own story

Judy G: they're all dead, mary.

jonathan: I'm not sure that unconvincing is the right word for LUNA, but something about it just didn't ring true for me.

Pat Collins: I agree, Jonathan. I found the sister hard to believe.

jonathan: It reminded me slightly of MY HEARTBEAT wherein the sister also tells the brother's story

mary pearson: (but, Judy, did they die happily ever after?)

Pat Collins: Anyone read INVENTING ELLIOT?

Judy G: some did, some did not!

kate: I thought that it was different than My Heartbeat because in Luna, the older sibling is sure of his identity and chooses to share with his sister. In My Heartbeat, the younger sister investigates the older sibling's sexual preference.

Judy G: some did, some did not!

kate: I thought that it was different than My Heartbeat because in Luna, the older sibling is sure of his identity and chooses to share with his sister. In My Heartbeat, the younger sister investigates the older sibling's sexual preference

jonathan: Haven't read INVENTING ELLIOT but know that Patty Campbell likes it quite a bit, presumably because of its Cormieresque theme.

kate: I've read Inventing Elliot. I thought it was good, but not my favorite.

jonathan: In both cases, though, I was frustrated because you have siblings telling such intimate personal stories. When I was that age, I couldn't stand my sibliings. It's all about breaking away from the family unit, isn't it?

jonathan: Anybody read any hot ARCs for the fall?

kate: I think that with My Heartbeat it was definitely about breaking away from the family unit which is why the sister's narration didn't work for me in that case. However, in Luna I think it was slightly different. I thought Luna was about claiming her identity and the sister had known about Lia Marie/Luna since they were small.

Amanda: So what I'm hearing is that Jonathan thinks close siblings are...what? Unrealistic? Boring?

jonathan: Did anybody else think Luna was incredibly selfish? ME, ME, ME, ME! Aaargh!

mary pearson: hmm, interesting thought about siblings Jonathan. In the last several books I've read I do have to say that famlily and siblings do not seem to be clued in to the MC.

kate: I also think that it would be very difficult to have a first person transgender narrator ring true without a transgender author.

jonathan: No, I think close siblings are fine. I just get really suspicious in these cases because I think it's used as a device. Why not tell the story from Link's point of view? Or Liam/Luna's?

kate: Why did you think that Luna was selfish?

Pat Collins: Yes, Jonathan. I thought Luna was a complete narcisist.

jonathan: Because she always expected Regan to drop everything and help her.

Amanda: Jonathan, maybe because the author feels uncomfortable writing from inside the skin of someone who's far outside their experience.

kate: But that is from Regan's point of view, so there is no guarantee that she is a reliable narrator. That is how she sees her role in her sister's life. Also, Luna had no support system. Regan was the only person she could go to for help or to talk. I think I just contradicted myself.

jonathan: I've read that Peters believes in authentic voices in GLBT lit and didn't feel comfortable telling the story from Liam's point of view. Hence, the sister narrates the story. That's fine, I guess. But I wanted Liam's story. I particularly thought there was a disconnect between gender and sexuality the way that Regan told the story, although I think with such a delicate subject it's not going to bother most people.

kate: what do you mean by the disconnect? I missed it.

Amanda: I do feel uncomfortable when writers write "around" their subject.

kate: I didn't think that she sidestepped the subject, but maybe she didn't tell the story you wanted to read?

jonathan: When the father asked Regan if Liam was gay and she said no . . . Didn't you think that was hairsplitting? She ferociously held onto the gender identification, but not the sexual orientation. In truth, Liam *did* like boys and in just the way that the father was asking. I did find myself wanting to know more about Liam and his inner world. Absolutely. So, yes, I wanted the story to go in a different direction, but I don't think that's necessarily a criticism of the book. She took on a fearless topic. Just wish the writing had been equally as fearless.

Amanda: What's the difference between fearless writing, and overstepping bounds?

Amanda: For example, if I, as a white middle-aged woman, write about a runaway slave during the Civil War, I thnk I'm overstepping bounds.

Amanda: I would feel the same way writing about a transgendered person.

Amanda: There's no way I could have any clue what that feels like.

kate: Well, I'm not sure about this, but I think that when someone is a male-to-female transgender person, and are attracted to guys they do identify as straignt. I think it's because gender identity and sexual orientation are two separate issues.

mary p: But you write about boys, Amanda.
Amanda: I could do research, fake it--but it would show.

jonathan: Well, writing from Regan's point of view wasn't the only solution. If she wanted that distance, she could have written in third person. Just a suggestion. I understand her dilemma. Honestly, I do.

Kate: Writing as a MC, Amanda? Or writing about the Civil War or UGGR?

Amanda: Writing very far outside my own experience.

kate: Although it's not YA, if you want a book from Liam's point of view, read Gender Outlaw by Kate Bornstein.

Amanda: Boys are a little outside my experience. But not as much as someone from a different race, culture, or sexual identity

Amanda: I shouldn't say this, but I'm going to. I feel that boys, and males, often tend to not be super aware of what they're feeling, or why.

jonathan: kate, can someone be male-to-female transgender and be attracted to girls? Never heard of it, but it's possible.

mary p: LOL. Just because you shouldn't say something has never stopped you before, Amanda.

kate: yes, in general, they are treated as two completely separate issues(gender identity and sexual orientation).

Amanda: Unfortunately, that's true, Mary!

jonathan: Amanda, are you A.M. Jenkins? he says with dawning realization . . .

Amanda: Yes, that's me!

Amanda: Are you...Jonathan Hunt?

Pat Collins: Kate, is GENDER OUTLAW written by a woman from a male transgendered perspective?

mary p: I think boys are just not at verbal--well, statistically anyway--and if they can't articulate what they are feeling, maybe they think they aren't feeling it.

jonathan: I loved DAMAGE and OUT OF ORDER. I've had a couple students that are dead ringers for Colt.

mary p: ha! That's why we need last names here.

Amanda: I love Colt to pieces.

jonathan: Yep, that's me.

Amanda: I thought you were awfully articulate for just any old Jonathan.

kate: Gender Outlaw is written by Kate Bornstein, who was born a man and transitioned to a woman and lives as a woman.

jonathan: You really got ripped off with DAMAGE. That was just a really overwhelming year. Any other year and that wins gobs and gobs of awards.

Amanda: I have never read FREEWILL. That's all I have to say.

jonathan: horrible. a writing excercise gone awry.

Amanda: There was only room for one second person novel that year, apparently.

jonathan: well, I understand why critics like it--because they've read hundreds of YA books and it's something new.

Amanda: I admire Lynch for being unafraid to try new things.

Amanda: that takes courage, in this business.

Amanda: I think I'm hijacking the chat. We're supposed to be talking about beach books.

mary p: I think there was a third second person novel that year too, wasn't there? It was very odd.

jonathan: YOU DON'T KNOW me gave the appearance at times of being second person

Mar: we don't necessarily end up talking about what we start with

Amanda: All I can say is I am going to stick my head in an oven if a free verse/third person novel besides mine comes out next fall.

Amanda: You watch, it will.

Amanda: The month before mine.

mary p: We won't let that happen, Amanda.

Mar: Amanda, I'm late so forgive me if it's already been asked. What's the title? You know I'm crazy about titles

Amanda: Beating Heart. Mary's read it, and helped me with it.

mary p: Let me just say it will WOW everyone and teens will be ripping it from the shelves.

Mar: hi, Judy! Amanda, it's a great title. Mary read UD too. She's an awesome critter.

Amanda: But anyway. Beach books. All I've seen is rows and rows of chick lit on the shelves. Rows and Rows and ROWS! And they're all adult/YA crossovers, it seems.

jonathan: I'm wondering if anyone has read Jennifer Jacobson's forthcoming novel, STAINED

mary p: Anyone read Al Capone Does My Shirts? I just started reading it and am enjoying it a lot.

Amanda: I have not, but have heard good things about JJ's novel.

Amanda: And great things about Al Capone, too.

mary p: yes, I have heard great things about Jennifer's book.

Amanda: What did you guys think of them?

Amanda: Jonathan, did you read it?

jonathan: Love AL CAPONE, but does it seem set in the right period? Something seems off, but not so much as to wreck it or anything.

Amanda: What seems off?

jonathan: No, I didn't read it, but I had dinner with Nancy and Jennifer at ALA last year and Nancy raved about it. It sounded very interesting. Can't wait.

mary p: (LOL, Mar. I am a critter--an otter to be exact. I took the YALSA test today)

jonathan: Something. Can't articulate it. The speech. I dunno. Did it seem set in 1930 to you?

Amanda: Didn't read it. Our library's pathetically behind.

Amanda: And I'm too poor to buy books of people I don't know.

jonathan: Yeah, I can't get LIZZIE BRIGHT AND THE BUCKMINSTER BOY to save my life. Grrr.

Amanda: Do you mean the dialect?

Mar: (wildcat here, Mary P.) I liked Confessions of A Not It Girl.

mary p: Well, the setting as far as time did strike me as modern at first. In fact I thought it was present day when I first began reading it. I guess because it didn't occur to me that they would actually let kids on the island when their were prisoners there too.

jonathan: Not sure. Like the main character said, But still. On the first page. Isn't that relatively modern usage?

Amanda: Hm, yes, I think you're right.

Amanda: Do you ever feel like nobody else notices this stuff? Like you're the only sane person in the universe?

jonathan: It's a minor thing, really. It's a good book and I enjoyed it a lot. It just didn't transport me.

Amanda: Probably because of the dialect.

jonathan: Yeah, I do.

mary p: Which book are you talking about dialect with?

jonathan: AL CAPONE

Amanda: Have you read it, Mary?

Judy G: Did kathy Dawson edit that one?

mary p: I've just begun reading it.

Amanda: I don't know if dialect is the right word. Modern usage in a period novel.

jonathan: bingo

mary p: And at this point I haven't zoned in on the dialect, but now that you've mentioned it . . .

Amanda: Now the book is ruined for you. Ha!

kate: I don't know that modern usage in a period novel
is necessarily a bad thing.

Amanda: WHY NOT/

jonathan: No, I don't think so either, but this is sort of slangy usage. It will date the book.

Mar: It's in my stack, so I haven't read it yet, but I read somewhere that some of the slang we think of as "modern" is actually older. One example is cool. That's supposedly a jazz era term

kate: If the language gets in the way of the story, then I think it is a drawback and that can work either way.

Amanda: That was supposed to be a question mark. I was too horrified to type properly.

Amanda: Ack! You guys are killing me.

Amanda: I think I say that at every chat. But really.

kate: I agree with Jonathan that it is problematic because it is modern slang, but I don't think that historical fiction has to be strictly in the language of the time.

Amanda: But don't you think an author has a responsibility to replicate the *feel* of the era?

Amanda: Or at least try.

jonathan: No, not at all. Consider the medeval fiction of Karen Cushman or Kevin Crossley-Holland which have more modern usages, but slang is a no-no, I think.

kate: But, if the language alienates the reader, then it doesn't create the *feel* of the era

mary p: Really, Kate? How would you draw the line then? At what point would you have to be accurate?

jonathan: Adele Geras uses a modern usage in TROY very effectively.

Amanda: Those books replicate the feel, though, don't they, Jonathan?

Mar: I'm playing devil's advocate, but what if the slang of the era no longer has any meaning? I love this show called Deadwood, but it's been said that the swearing isn't historically accurate because the audience wouldn't get gold-rush swear words.

kate: But, they replicate the feel without using the slang from the time, so dialect doesn't seem to be essential

jonathan: Yes, they do. But I think Kate is right. If the language doesn't get in the way of the story it becomes transparent. But I do think slang gets in the way.

Amanda: I guess every reader has a differenct tolerance level.

Mar: I also love this novel in poem called The Emperor's Babe. It's a great example of a book that uses historically accurate words in a "hip" way.

jonathan: Don't get me wrong, nobody loves old-fashioned dialects as much as I do--STERKARM HANDSHAKE anyone?--but I think it's possible to do it the other way, too.

mary p: okay, I think I'm following you. Modern usage in the sense that makes it accessible to today's readers.

Amanda: But this also ties into the earlier topic.

Amanda: If you're writing something you don't know and haven't felt,

Amanda: you can get caught at it. And humiliated in public.

Amanda: And made to feel like dirt.

Amanda: Not that it's happened to me. Yet.

Amanda: If you don't know what "language" your characters speak, you can get caught.

Amanda: Okay, I'll shut up now.

kate: as long as it's consistent within the novel, then it doesn't seem to bother me.

jonathan: I especially think when you go back to a period or era where they use unintelligible English dialects its more effective--or rather you see some authors making a choice to go that route, but a 20th century or even 19th century novel I would expect in period dialect.

Amanda: Victorian English was pretty florid.

Amanda: And...how much of this that you're talking about is actually writing down to kids?

kate: I always think that early 20th century novels that use dialect sound outdated and fake. Like they are trying to hard to be cool.

Amanda: ...as opposed to making the book accessible.

Amanda: Like what, Kate?

jonathan: Well, did anybody like DOING IT?

mary p: I did.

kate: Well, The Grape Thief is a book that I like quite a bit, but the language causes me to feel removed from the story.

jonathan: Sorry, it seems my screen isn't picking up the conversation. I didn't realize that language thread was still going on.

kate: The Borning Room is a book that I think creates the time period well without using period dialect.

mary p: I have to admit, it knocked me out of my chair a

Amanda: What I meant was, do you mean books written in the early 20th, or *about* the early 20th. I didn't mean to jump on you.few times--conservative suburban that I am.

jonathan: mary, yeah, I loved it, too.

kate: oh, I didn't think you were jumping on me, I was just trying to figure out what I wanted to say because I m not good at thinking on my feet.

Amanda: Okay--now I get what you mean.

mary p: I have to disagree with the author's forward, that ALL teen boys think that way, but I know that surely some do, so it provided interesting insights.

Mar: Oh, boy, Mary. Now I can't wait to read Doing It. Since I live in conservative central, I don't think our library has it yet. I'm curious about the reaction, since (to me) my cover has a similar feel to Doing It

Amanda: Why did you guys like DOING IT? What about it, I mean?

Amanda: Will you like it 20 years from now?

jonathan: I like the humor a lot, and I wasn't expecting it. If you don't find it funny, I think it's hard to see what the big deal is.

kate: I had a difficult time getting through the first chapter where the narrative jumps around.

kate: I found it funny, but couldn't tell the boys apart until the second chapter.

jonathan: I'd still like it in 20 years. As I said, the drawing card for me is humor not sex.

jonathan: kate, are you katy on adbooks?

mary p: Yes, some of the "situations" were so hot in the moment teenish--heck, even adultish. The things we do . . . and I think Burgess captured that in a funny way.

kate: yes

jonathan: I also like the writing. I like the third person/first person combination. I like his use of figurative language.

mary p: Mar, I haven't read the latest, latest version of UD, but I think you have nothing to worry about.

jonathan: Mar, and you are? Last name?

Mar: Oh, sorry Jonathan. My name is Marlene Perez. I'm on adbooks, but mostly lurk. New author.

jonathan: Sorry didn't mean to be rude.

Mar: You weren't rude at all. I'm just used to people knowing who Mar is. I think because there aren't very many Marlenes in this world.

Amanda: Mar, when is Unexpected Developments due out?

jonathan: Who is publishing UD?

Mar: Sept. 1. Roaring Brook.

Amanda: It's got quite a cover.

mary p: The cover is FABULOUS.

Judy G: oh boy, that's the truth! It's outrageous.

Amanda: I'm like, put a g-string over your name, girl!

mary p: LOL, Judy. When I first saw it my jaw dropped at Marlene's name. She hadn't even noticed!

Mar: Amanda, too funny! I always pictured my name up in lights, but not, er, hair.

Amanda: Very eye-catching. I would pick it up for sure.

Judy G: yeah, i think kids will pick it up and it will spread like wildfire.

Amanda: She said "spread." heh heh heh.

Mar: Beach reads has turned to gutter talk. LOL

Judy G: i forget, is your name down "there"?

Amanda: When is Jennifer J's book coming out?

mary p: I am rolling here like a giglling teen.

Amanda: Stained is a great title. I haven't seen the cover.

jonathan: January 2005

Amanda: Was it at ALA?

mary p: Dick Jackson is her editor, no?

Judy G: I just don't remember that. But it's been a while since I saw the cover.

Mar: I'm adding Jennifer's book to my ever-growing list. Do you think a great cover makes for a good beach read?

Judy G: Is dick retiring this year?

jonathan: Dick is never retiring! He's going to work forever!

Mar: I keep hearing that rumor too.

mary p: Absolutely, Mar. I could't resist My Sister's Keeper for that reason--though it is a little hefty to lug to the beach

Judy G: I heard he announced that he is retiring.

mary p: Same here. I think he announced it a few months ago.

Mar: Oh, Mary P., I like My Sister's Keeper cover too. Judy G, what are you reading right now?

mary p: Any other books you think I positively MUST take with me on vacation next week?

Judy G: moi? I am reading The Heart is a Lonely Hunter. I gotta finish Secret Life of Bees. I don't read much ya, I confess.

jonathan: Got caught up with something. Just wanted to say, Mar, that is great you are with RB. They seem to be introducing many new YA authors to the field now.

Judy G: I really don't like most of them. You can shoot me if you want.

Amanda: Why don't you like them, Judy?

Judy G: I don't really care for the high school culture, as a rule.

Judy G: it is SO foreign to my school experience that I don't relate at all.

Amanda: What about YA's that aren't set in school?

Judy G: I read some YA, I love Spinelli, I love Rob Thomas. And I love Amanda Jenkins.

Mar: Jonathan, RB has been great to me. I'm very excited to be a part of RB. Judy, I like yas or I wouldn't write them. How is it foreign to your experience?

mary p: But there are so many that don't revolve around that. Nothing to Lose by Alix Flinn was terrific. I think you'd like it.

kate: so, do you like YA that isn't realistic fiction?

Judy G: I read YA voraciously when I first started writing it.

Judy G: I love Han Nolan.

jonathan: I have to admit that YA set in high school is not my favorite little corner of the YA field. I only have a few authors I read consistently. Amanda's one of them.

Judy G: But I don't keep up any more on the latest stuff and releases.

Judy G: I also like Cathy Atkins.

Amanda: I don't read much YA. Or should I say, I don't *finish* reading much YA. I start a lot of it.

Judy G: Amanda, that is how I am.

Judy G: I started America and tossed it out.

Amanda: Writing has ruined me, as a reader.

Judy G: Same with FEED

Amanda: The last thing I got caught up in and finished
was Fat Kid Rule...

Mar: I was surprised that Megan McCafferty's Sloppy Firsts wasn't a YA. Judy, it's hard to keep up with it all. I find I skim a lot lately, but I think it's because the ever-growing stack makes me feel like I don't have enough time for all those lovely books.

jonathan: I hate FEED. I hate it. I hate it. I hate it!

Judy G: Me, too, jonathan. I thought it was absolutely horrid.

Amanda: Why do you guys not like Feed?

Judy G: thought it was vulgar and repulsive.

mary p: Tell us what you really think, Jonathan. ; )

jonathan: there's no plot. all theme. it's just little details about this world thrown at you. No plot. No character development. It's all about setting and them. Blech.

Judy G: Jonathan, did you like HOLES?

Mar: Amanda, I heard S.E. Hinton say the same thing about writing ruining her for reading, too.

jonathan: I did like Holes, but not fantatically as the kids do

Judy G: Amanda, I agree with you about reading YA. I dissect these books and then I get critical and then I toss them out.

Amanda: I read mostly nonfiction now.

mary p: (gotta run. night all. I'll check the log for more must reads. It's been fun)

Amanda: I don't dissect, but if I don't get swept away pretty quickly, that's it for me.

Judy G: If I could read The Bell Jar every month for 2 years, or maybe 10, I'd be satisfied.

Judy G: Did you read STIFF, Amanda? It's a scream.

Mar: Bye, Mary. I'll clean up and turn out the lights.

Amanda: No--is that the corpse book?

Judy G: Jonathan, I didn't like HOLES. I found it contrived, she confesses boldly.

Judy G: Yes, the corpse book. History of cadavers.

Mar: loved Holes, loved it!

Amanda: It's on my list.

jonathan: I like Holes, but I'm not passionate about it. I will say that kids love it.

Judy G: read Seabiscuit?

kate: I couldn't get beyond the dead feet on the cover of STIFFED.

Amanda: I liked Holes a lot. Amazing how he tied everything together.

Judy G: Yeah, kids love it. My hubby loves it. When the movie came on, I left the room.

jonathan: Nope, but I notice that B&N rushed an old Ralph Moody children's title into a re-issue.

Amanda: But I have to say I have no desire to ever pick it up again. Not sure why.

Amanda: I got bored with Seabiscuit--can't recall why.

Judy G: It didn't seem contrived to me. It was so unrealistic that I just could not believe any of it.

kate: I think you have to get through the first hundred pages before Seabiscuit gets good.

Amanda: I love Louis Sachar's older stuff. He's a master.

Judy G: it DID seem contrived. Sheesh, I can't even talk straight.

jonathan: I worship there's a boy in the girls bathroom. Just worship it.

Judy G: what kind of nonfiction you reading, Amanda?

Amanda: Boy in the Girl's Bathroom is one of my all-time favorites.

Judy G: What's that about?

Amanda: Right now I rereading Johnstown Flood, Son of the Morning Star, and a bunch of books on the history of NYC.

Amanda: Go read it, Judy. Tomorrow! See for yourself.

Judy G: tomorrow? Ok.

jonathan: It's about a bully/outsider/problem child who learns to adjust with the help of a school counselor. It's just very well done. Really helps you see this kid and understand him.

Judy G: Do you read David Sedaris? NAKED? You'd die laughing.

jonathan: Haven't read Sedaris yet, but want to.

Amanda: I loved Sixth Grade Secrets, but lent it to this punk kid down the street and never saw it again.

jonathan: Judy, what kind of stuff do you write.

Judy G: Me Talk Pretty One Day is NOT as good as NAKED. That book is just a scream.

Amanda: I was thinking about reading some Sedaris, but am afraid I'll be bitterly disappointed. Will I?

jonathan: I'll check NAKED out then. I've been wanting to read some Sedaris.

Judy G: Jonathan, i am published in memoir, but I switched to YA about 5 years ago and I do edgy and humor YA stuff. I have a book with Harcourt which maybe someday they'll buy after I revise it 5 or 6 more times.

jonathan: What's your last name so I can look it up on amazon.

jonathan: Surely not Judy Garland. ;-)

Judy G: My edgy stuff is dark, my humor stuff is , well, humorous.

Judy G: it's OP, jonathan

Judy G: cost ya $250 to buy a used copy. i bought up all the cheap ones myself.

jonathan: Okay, well then I'll look forward to the next one.

Judy G: Harcourt has made gestures of wanting my edgy one. Well, the editor wants it, but the editorial folk don't agree.

Judy G: so I have revised it now 4 times for them and still waiting to hear back from editorial.

Mar: Kate, was the title you mentioned before The Borning Room? I want to add it to my list.

jonathan: I've got to dash, too, unfortunately, but it's been fun. Glad to meet some new people. Kate, we should finish our LUNA discussion sometime. It was hard to keep up during the frenetic pace of the chat . . .

Judy G: Amanda, you done with your book now?

Amanda: Yes, I got that off to NY.

Judy G: congrats.

Judy G: Mar, how about you? Did you get yours off?

Amanda: Yes, yeah. My computer's all wonky and about to fry itself.

kate: yes, the Borning Room.

Amanda: I'm relieved to get that ms out the door before my screen goes silent.

Judy G: so you're already off on another?

Amanda: Oh, yeah. I have to get another done, or we will STARVE, I tell you, STARVE!

Judy G: you're a machine, amanda.

Amanda: If they don't buy it I'll have to apply for grocery bagging or something.

Amanda: I don't like writing like a machine. I feel it affects the quality.

Mar: Amanda, this reminds me of that quote, "those who have something to fall back on, will." Sometimes, I think I sit on my butt and procrastinate because I'm not hungry enough.

Mar: Amanda, if you don't mind my asking, have you had movie interest yet?

Amanda: Interest, but nobody's bought anything. Interest and four bucks will get you a latte at Starbucks.

Mar: I know Hollywood is always a long shot, but I think your books would make great movies, if handled respectfully and intelligently, of course.

Amanda: They don't strike me as being very filmable.

Amanda: But I'd take the money. For sure.

Amanda: So much for the noble artist.

Amanda: Listen, I've got to go. I need to give my son his meds.

Mar: Unfortunately, even the noble artist needs to eat and pay the mortgage. Bye, Amanda. Thanks for stopping by!

Mar: okay, all. I need to run, too. I'll be back later to turn out the lights, so stay and chat if you'd like.