The Inkwell
NEWS, NOTES & ANNOUNCEMENTS
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» Troy has posted a humor piece, “Writing Tips and Other Sharp Points”, on his agent’s site, here.
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» Troy is now on facebook, here.
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» In an anecdotal focus on the role of character in fiction, Troy discusses the affects that Tom Sawyer and Lord of the Flies had on him at an impressionable time of his life. Read it here.
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» Troy’s debut novel (middle grade) sold October 7th, to Amulet Books at Harry N. Abrams, thanks to his agent and his editor, both who believe in it. The Dragon in Cripple Creek, CO began with a single idea (which was also a character, but the idea was primary): there are no stories featuring dragons in North America. Dragons are in Europe, Asia, or some make-believe place—not here. And not now. So he created one, Ye by name, Asian by geographical origin, who migrated to America long before it was named and mapped and populated, and who now inhabits a fortune-filled cavern at the bottom of the Mollie Kathleen Mine. Ye wants only to smoke and reminisce, and escape the greed-crazed world of the 21st century.
Troy has tapped two genres—the western and the fairy tale—to create something new. The result is a young Calamity Jane discovering the Reluctant Dragon. The result is also catastrophic (for the story, not the book, we hope): besides triggering the New Millennial Gold Rush, the 12-year-old narrator, Kat Graham, puts Ye’s subterranean paradise in jeopardy. And her dad’s golden job opportunity … and her mom’s heirloom ring … and her brother’s sanity … and Wall Street ….
He will be doing the jacket art and some interior illustrations as well.
Read the first page and an excerpt here.
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» Troy’s agent at Harvey Klinger now has her own blog. Recommended for any who are serious about the business of writing.
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» Redwall readers may be interested in this interview with Troy, in which he describes his thoughts and experiences as Brian Jacques’ American editions illustrator.
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» If you want to increase your chances of getting your foot in the publishing door, consider contacting the National Association of Independent Writing Evaluators—NAIWE—which lists working professionals who offer critiques, editorial services, and a range of advice. If you’re a writing professional, becoming a member of NAIWE gives you many benefits, including a resource library.
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