Tuesday, January 4

The Cybils

I found this out a few days ago -- Jan. 1st, actually, when someone sent me a congratulatory note on Facebook (and, by the way, thank you, Mitali, for letting me know) -- and I still haven't wholly accepted the reality of it. In fact, I keep asking myself -- or that invisible person in the room I forever expect to answer in the negative whenever I address him -- really?

But since no one, real or incorporeal, has said just kidding yet, I thought I'd mention some INCREDIBLY EXCITING news here.

I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU SOMEONE ELSE is one of seven (7) finalists chosen for the 2010 Cybils --Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards -- under the category Young Adult Novels.

Now, I sit at my computer in blue jeans all day -- blue jeans and an equally casual top, which probably goes without saying, but I did not wish to scandalize anyone with the thought of my half-nude workday. No, I couldn't even go topless on a topless beach since my padded bra top is the only thing that gives me an actual bust. But my mindset at the moment makes me feel as if I'm actually one of those evening-gown-clad starlets with gorgeous hair, borrowed jewels and expertly applied make-up, posing on a red carpet and telling reporters, "It's an honor just to be nominated." Because I can now honestly say it is.

The privilege of being mentioned with the other six finalists, all of us chosen from a long list of incredibly talented authors, took my breath away and likely always will. And that alone is a gift for which I will be eternally grateful.

But . . . wait . . . really?

The Seven Finalists for the 2010 Cybil, Young Adult Novels
DIRT ROAD HOME by Watt Key
HARMONIC FEEDBACK by Tara Kelly
I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU SOMEONE ELSE
SCRAWL by Mark Shulman
SOME GIRLS ARE by Courtney Summers
SPLIT by Swati Avashti
STOLEN by Lucy Christopher

8 comments:

  1. It is well deserved, and I was so happy to see your book on the finalists list! Hopefully now even more people will pick up your excellent book. :)

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  2. So proud of you! And so proud to know you! This is a big honor, Erin, and well-deserved.

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  3. From my heart to yours, Rosemary and Steph, thank you!!!

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  4. For me, I thought it was your phenomenal use of voice. It's something that can't be taught or even really defined, but you've got it. And we loved it. :)

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  5. I loved the freshness of the plot (and after reading all those YA novels I can't believe I'm calling anything fresh!) So, she's getting married right out of high school, and she's not pregnant? Or a runaway? Or in a gang? And they are making mature reasonable plans with parental approval? What a concept! This has been a huge hit here, in an area where the ultimate goal for many teen girls is to nab a guy and have babies (not necessarily in that order).

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  6. Oh, Cherylynne, thank you, thank you, thank you! And, Three Turtles, Etc., which is probably not your real name but will have to do for now, thank you times three as well. I can't tell you how much I appreciate what you've written.

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  7. Such a refreshing read, Erin. It's one I am super excited to be talking up with my teens at work. The voice really made it stand apart!

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