Agent News

Although our world is horribly out of sorts right now, I’d like to share some happy news. On Friday, I signed an agent contract with Ginger Knowlton of Curtis Brown! I’m super excited to begin this next stage of my writing journey with such a talented agent. Thank you, Ginger!

I’d also like to acknowledge that I didn’t get here on my own. My critique groups and partners have always been both tough and kind with their feedback. My east-end café writers helped to create a comfortable place to write when I didn’t have one. The students and faculty at the Vermont College of Fine Arts were instrumental in supporting and encouraging me, particularly my Writers Without Borders, my Goodnight Noises, as well as my faculty advisors:

• Liz Garton Scanlon, who guided me into the world of writing picture books with a rigorous attention to language and a steady, nurturing hand.
• A.M. Jenkins, who helped me move beyond planning-type thinking to tap into my characters’ deepest, rawest, primal feelings.
• William Alexander, who encouraged me to balance intense focus with play, fun, and whimsy. Will, I vow to “trust my wyrd”!
• Alan Cumyn, who taught me how to plumb the depths with each successive rewrite.

Special thanks to Martha Brockenbrough, Debbie Ridpath Ohi, and Cynthia Leitich Smith for going the extra mile to help me.

I raise my morning dark roast to you all!