I recently told you about my long delayed visit to the dentist. Unfortunately, I had to go back a couple weeks ago for a root canal. More unfortunately, the tooth had four roots. Most people have two or three roots on that tooth so it took the dentist more time than he scheduled to drill the canals. So I went back this week to fill them in. Apparently it takes longer to fill my four canals than the one in Panama so I have to go back one more time to finish the job. Thankfully, the Bestselling Author Upstairs took pity on me and saved the day!
I left the dentist, got in my car, and started driving. My phone rang, I answered it (speaking through a very numb jaw), and before she could say much of anything, I told my agent I’d call her back after I found a place to park. Before I lead you on any longer, I did not just sell my first book. But an editor really likes my manuscript and requested a bio of me to take to a company meeting. I spent a couple hours on the bio and asked Robin and Eve to meet me at a coffee shop to critique it. They made it much stronger, I sent it to my agent, and now it’s out of my hands.
Something else we discussed at that coffee shop was our dePaola Code contest. We chose the winners and I went home to write up the announcement. Then I got an e-mail from Lisa Yee congratulating me and directing me to Fuse #8’s blog. Fuse #8, as I’m sure you know, is the mega-bloggin’ children’s librarian at the Donnell Central Children's Room in NYC. Her support was part of what made The dePaola Code take off. And that helped our blog take off. And that brought us to the attention of Lisa Yee. And that’s why Lisa asked us to speak at the national SCBWI conference. So basically…we love Fuse #8! One of her most popular features is pointing out people she considers Hot Men of Children’s Literature. And guess who she chose as her 26th H.M.O.C.L.?
Okay, sure, there aren’t a lot of men to choose from in children’s lit., but I’m not even published yet! How cool is that?!?! Well, my mom sure thinks it’s cool. I think her first words were, “Of course you are, dear. But why did she put you all the way down at number 26?”
It was late when I found out about this, so I ran down the hall to tell my sleeping wife. “Honey,” I said, “I’m a Hot Man of Children’s Literature!” Pulling the blankets over her head, she turned away from me and said, “I'm sure you are, but how is that going to help you sell a book?”
Eve’s always up late, I thought. She’ll understand. So I called her. “Hello?” she said. I was all excited and out of breath. “I’m a hot man…” Then she slammed down the phone.
Early the next morning, Robin saw Fuse #8’s blog and called me. “This is going to be a long day, isn’t it?”
You bet it was…and I loved every minute of it!
- Jay
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11 comments:
i'm a little jealous that this isn't an accomplishment where I can follow in your footsteps. :(
Congratz! On the book deal...well, almost...and on making the hot list. Fuse #8 is on my list of hot librarians, too.
It's funny. My wife isn't into writing and thinks blogging and bloggers are wierd, so I refrained from telling her about the 'Hot Men' thing, else I might be barred from the blogosphere.
Yes, Anne Marie, we seem to follow each other a lot on the award-circuit. Nice to have you by my side. But someone's gotta start a Hot Women of Children's Literature eventually. Unfortunately, I don't think I'm allowed because the first two entries would have to go to my co-bloggers and that seems a tad nepotistic.
And thanks, Don, for the congratz! Of course, you only beat me by fourteen places.
- Jay
Congratulations, Jay! (And I thought that your Mom's response was hilarious. Thanks!).
Congratulations Jay! (I always KNEW I had good taste in men) ;-)
There isn't a 30 year old, male, slightly balding, librarian/children's book writer, living on the Central Coast more worthy of the honor than you!
Wow Jay - What a day! Sounds like you've come up with the idea for next season's 24 (where Jack Bauer comes closer to his dream of being a children's author while having his tooth fixed to help him realize he's a Hot Man who can save the world from illiteracy!
Seriously - kudos on all the good stuff!
alan
Yes, Jen, momma's boy can do no wrong.
Alan, I'm not sure if that'd hold anyone's interest for an entire 24 episodes. Maybe the show could be called Late Afternoon.
And Mr. Maestro...for those of you clicking around his website, you may notice that he's got himself a Hot Man of Children's Lit. officiating his wedding (my photo's from an 80s themed b-day party eight years ago where I dressed as Michael Jackson). This is the second slightly sarcastic (though true) comment he's left on my blog. Dude, your wedding hasn't happened yet. I can still change what I'm going to say!!!
- Jay
Congrats on your HMOCL status. Come to think of it, you look familiar. Did you wear that wig to an SCBWI LA conference??
That picture with Lisa Yee was taken at this year's national SCBWI conference.
- Jay
From now on, you will be required to wear your green get-up whenever you appear in public. That way people will recognize you as the Hot Man that you are.
Congratulations!!!
Ya know, you may be #26 on the list, but it's not like the Scoville scale where this is an absolute number. Also, let it be noted that so far as I know, you're #1 on the Sometimes Crossdressed Hot Men O' Childlrens Literature list (SCHMOCLL).
Hats and fishnets off to you (but more for the other stuff than the SCHMOCLL).
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