Guess why I bought the Sunday New York Times?
Because I’m going to New York, baby! This week. And it’s a little ritual of mine to buy the Sunday Times before I go so I can pretend to myself that I’m even halfway in the know.
Not that I’m going to have any extra time AT ALL on this trip to go see any shows or do anything but eat and speak. Because here’s my lineup:
Fly all day Wednesday. Dinner on my own Wednesday night.
Thursday is the total crusher day. In the morning, I get to be guest speaker at Random House Children’s Division summer list launch for the New York City and other tri-state librarians and reviewers (looking forward to meeting Fuse #8, a.k.a. Betsy Bird, Living Read Girl, a.k.a. Lady T, and maybe Liz B. from A Chair, A Fireplace, and a Tea Cozy if she can make it–among others!)
Then after that, I go straight to lunch with the publisher and one of the producers from Listening Library (Random House’s audio book division) to discuss the audio version of my book. Also dining will be my editor Michelle Frey and our special afternoon guest, Dr. Kenneth Miller.
BECAUSE, that afternoon Dr. Miller and I will be heading into the recording studio to record my author interview portion of the audio book, and we all thought a discussion between Dr. Miller and me would be much more fun than just some monologue by me about . . . whatever. You’ve seen here how I can ramble on.
Dr. Miller served as my inspiration for the science teacher character in my novel Evolution, Me, and Other Freaks of Nature. Dr. Miller is a well-known biology professor from Brown University, a devout Catholic, and more important for my purposes, he was the lead expert witness in that trial in Dover, Pennsylvania in 2005 over whether the school could downplay evolution and start teaching intelligent design. Dr. Miller appeared on behalf of the parents who said, “Um, no thank you.”
Dr. Miller is also author of a wonderful book called Finding Darwin’s God: A Scientist’s Search for Common Ground Between God and Evolution. In other words, he’s going to help explain to all of us why we can believe in both God and evolution without our souls burning in eternal fire.
So we love him.
So there’s lunch, then the recording session, then a brief recovery bubble bath in the hotel before heading to dinner with my editor and her boss, where we’ll unwind over some gourmet vegetarian food and discuss what it’s all about. Life, I mean. And maybe even discuss the new novel I turned in a few weeks ago, if either of them has had the chance to read it yet. (Hint?????)
Then it’s back to the hotel at whatever hour New Yorkers go to bed, which will still be two hours ahead of my body’s clock, so that’s okay. (Maybe not so okay that morning, when my body might think it’s too early to be giving a presentation to anyone, including my dog.)
Then Friday morning a quick breakfast somewhere, and straight back to the airport. Because these people don’t mess around. They get you up there, squeeze every bit of time out of a 24-hour day, then slap you on the butt and send you home.
Ahhh. Can I tell you how happy this makes me? Maybe I need to keep reiterating for those of you who don’t know me very well that this is SO NOT MY NORMAL LIFE. This so far exceeds what I ever thought would happen to me in my writing career, let alone with my first novel. So to say I’m giddy and grateful is the largest of understatements.
I promised I’d keep you informed, so there you are. (Patrick asked for special two-day–or was it two-week?–advance notice on all breaking news, but sorry, Patrick, no could do.) And I’ll be bringing my laptop, so if I do snatch an hour or so in the middle of it all, I’ll report in. Because I don’t know about you, but I’m awfully curious what it’s like to be sitting in a real recording studio, with professional-grade earphones and one of those big round microphones the size of a dinner plate, and have some real live audio producer signal me that we’re going in, “Five, four, three, two–”
“Hi. This is Robin Brande. Thanks for listening to my book. I hope you liked it.”
That’s as far as I’ve gotten in writing my script. I might have some work to do.
Technorati Tags: Writing, Publishing, Novels, Young Adult Novels, Evolution Me and Other Freaks of Nature, Audio Books, Books on Tape, Evolution, Creationism, Darwinism, Intelligent Design, Science, Religion, Religious Right, Christians, Christianity, Conservative Christians, Kenneth Miller, Biology, Finding Darwin’s God, Books, Authors
February 19th, 2007 at 6:57 am
I guess I have to break the news.
Robin Shaved Her HEAD!
February 19th, 2007 at 6:59 am
Robin Shaved Her HEAD!
That’s how I meant to link it.
February 19th, 2007 at 8:21 am
omg robin, i love the idea of shaving your head. should all the bloggies do it, or is that a little too chas. mansonish?
so excited about your trip. how did you snag a prof. miller-tpye (or in this case the actual prof. miller) to be your straight man? and if the two of you have become such tight buds, why isn’t he blogging?
and by the way who is actually reading the book, book?
February 19th, 2007 at 8:28 am
You know Patrick I just saw her yesterday in yoga and thought I saw some writting on her neck but couldn’t quite make it out in the mirror. Thanks for clearing that up - “monkey’s rule”…..they do don’t they? Have a great time in New York Robin! Make sure you’re wearing your best “Monkey Suit” when speaking to all those random Random House people.
February 19th, 2007 at 8:47 am
Patrick, you are in SUCH trouble with Diana and me. Good thing one of us is a lawyer and one of us is really, really close to a lawyer. You figure it out.
Michele, let me remind you that what happens in the yoga room stays in the yoga room. But thanks for the well wishes!
And Annette, all great questions. First, you’re on your own on the shaving and tattooing.
Second, my editor contacted Prof. Miller last year and asked if he’d talk to me and read my book, and I ended up going up to Brown University to take him out to lunch, and the rest is audio book history.
Third, I don’t think they’ve selected the actress to read my book yet. Of course I have this secret fantasy that when I’m in the recording booth this week the producer will say, “That’s it! She’s the one! She must read her own book!” But I also think it would be beyond cool to hear a real actress read my book out loud. Plus, I love the idea that an actress gets a job because I wrote a book. That sort of thing makes me happy.
February 19th, 2007 at 9:08 am
I plan to be there with bells on,Robin(not actual bells because they might not let me in the building)and speaking of the Sunday Times,did you see that article about the Newberry book? Seems that a few librarians are upset that the latest Newberry winner,The Power of Lucky,has the word “scrotum” in it(referring to a dog,btw)and are pulling it off the shelves.
It’s not an RH title but I do wonder if anyone will mention it. See,you have to prepare your small talk topics before venturing out to swanky gatherings. I think Miss Manners wrote a chapter on that in one of her books:)
February 19th, 2007 at 9:14 am
Good idea, Lady T. I will definitely figure out a way to work “scrotum” into some small talk.
Seriously, that whole controversy is pretty odd. I haven’t read the book, but I have been reading the articles about it (including in yesterday’s NY Times). I can actually see the points being made by both sides (the Libra in me). Although I’m not a fan of censorship AT ALL, I do understand that libraries have a limited budget, and if they have to choose between a non-controversial book and one that will have parents breathing down their necks, they might want to spend their money on the easy stuff.
On the other hand, where would that leave kids who want to read Harry Potter and some of these other books some parents have tried to ban? It’s not an easy issue. For all I know someone’s going to try to ban my book. So I guess for now I’ll continue reading what librarians on both sides of the issue have to say, and see how I come down on it later.
February 19th, 2007 at 9:41 am
Before you shave off all your hair, be sure you have the head for it. Feel around really thoroughly for bumps, indentations, flat spots, etc. The last thing you want is to end up looking like Britney Spears…she’s got a head a phrenologist would looooove to take a poke at.
p.s. HAVE FUN!!! You’re lucky you’re going when you are - the weather here’s been CRAP for the past 3 weeks, but is supposed to let up by Tuesday/Wednesday!
February 19th, 2007 at 9:48 am
That’s excellent news, Lizzie, because it’s about 79 degrees here, and my poor little body is already going to have quite a shock going up north without it being extra, extra brutal.
February 19th, 2007 at 10:03 am
I hope you realize that I live vicariously through your debut events. Bringing your laptop is much appreciated by me.
Have a great time, Robin.
February 19th, 2007 at 10:07 am
I appreciate you saying that, Heather, about living vicariously. I do the same with other authors whose blogs I read. I love to be able to picture myself in their situations. So I’ll do my best to give you details!
February 19th, 2007 at 10:35 am
Robin, Have you read the Francis Collins interview in the National Geographic Febuary issue? Seems he and Dr. Miller share the same point of view.
Good luck in NYC.
February 19th, 2007 at 10:59 am
okay, i feel totally stupido, re “robin shaved her head.” i just hit patrick’s aforementioned link and spewed coffee all over my keyboard. although patrick is in no danger of bring hired by dreamworks special effects his enhancements are amusing (why, because they are someone else). robin you’re always going on and on about simplifying your life–what better way than sans hair. and diana that scar and eye patch, very uma dangerous.
February 19th, 2007 at 11:38 am
Herb, I didn’t see the National Geo one (although thanks for mentioning it–I’ll go look for it), but I did read an interview with Collins in Time. You’re right–same idea. Thanks!
Annette, do not encourage Patrick. These are the dangers of Photoshop.
February 19th, 2007 at 12:04 pm
Robin - I would highly discourage any legal actions. You may recall that I have seen Legally Blonde over twenty times. Not to mention other Lawyer Classics such as Legal Eagles, The Client, Two Weeks Notice, and A Few Good Men.
February 19th, 2007 at 12:37 pm
Oh, then never mind. You’d totally kick my a**.
February 19th, 2007 at 1:05 pm
WOW! What an exciting week ahead! I hope you can find a way to work the word scrotum in also. I have so much less trouble with the word being used in a book than I do with the librarians banning the book because the word is in it. Enjoy NYC!
February 19th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
Thanks, Deborah! And your comment makes me want to clarify: I, too, am against banning. The part I can sympathize with is the limited budget issue, and where a librarian feels she should best apply her dollars.
February 19th, 2007 at 1:40 pm
I’m all for book burnings, though. As long as all the copies are legally purchased prior to the burning. It’s a good thing as it cuts down on resales through used book dealers forcing more to buy their own original copy.
February 19th, 2007 at 1:44 pm
I agree, Patrick. Book burnings are a part of any author’s plan for financial success.
February 19th, 2007 at 2:49 pm
Thank you for the comment on Seven Impossible Things. How very eerie, as I just discovered your book’s website yesterday and added it to my books-to-read list. Cheers!
February 19th, 2007 at 3:10 pm
That is really exciting! Travel safely, and have fun! I can’t wait to hear about it.
(By the way, Eisha and I snagged an author/illustrator interview today that we’re really excited about — to come soon! — so perhaps that luck will stick and you and I will get what we’ve asked for, too!)
February 19th, 2007 at 3:20 pm
i love the way patrick always comes up with a “win-win” solution–he is truly a glass half full kinda guy.
February 19th, 2007 at 3:48 pm
Thanks, Little Willow! I enjoyed reading all about you in the Seven Imp interview today. I love hearing how other people have put together a patchwork of all the things they enjoy doing, all to create one fantastic life.
Jules, what’s with the tease? Can’t wait to hear about it!
Annette, so true. He’s like our Mr. Rogers.
February 19th, 2007 at 4:32 pm
I look really good in sweaters.
February 19th, 2007 at 6:11 pm
Can I sort of add a somewhat on topic comment? Well, I’m going to try it anyway…
Is it me, or does it seem like Librarians hold an unseen power that I was previously unaware of? Here I am thinking inventory managers of local stores are important, but are they being invited to meet Robin? Doesn’t seem like it. What is this mysterious power? And what happens when librarians unclip their hair?
February 19th, 2007 at 8:19 pm
Now you’re dipping into men’s fantasy territory, and I have nothing to say there. You and Barry and Herb will have to sort that out.
February 19th, 2007 at 8:27 pm
Men’s Fantasy? You mean swords and dragons or super cool powers?
Actually, I’m sort of curious about the librarian tour and I wonder if it is more of a YA novel thing or does it hit all genres.
February 19th, 2007 at 8:30 pm
To shed light on Patrick’s last question:
http://uncyclopedia.org/wiki/Librarian
Scroll down to trivia.
And then get addicted to the uncyclopedia and maybe create an entry for the already linked “library [m-bator].” Can I say that on here? I think you were talking about scrotums (scrota?) earlier…
February 19th, 2007 at 8:40 pm
Can you say that on here? Not really, which is why I edited it a tad, but Molly, that librarian link is hilarious. Thanks for passing it on.
Patrick, I didn’t realize that was a semi-serious question. From what I’ve learned, librarians get a lot of early looks at books, as do booksellers and some reviewers. They get the ARCs (Advance Reader Copies) of books, which are bound copies of the galleys before their final stage of corrections. In other words, the ARCs are close to the final product, but not quite.
ARCs look like the larger paperbacks you see in stores, and some have reproductions of the hardback cover on them (like Barry Lyga’s and Diana Peterfreund’s, although Diana’s cover changed between the ARC and the final hardback version), while some (like mine) only have the printed title and no artwork at all.
So the people reading the ARCs know that there may be lots of typos and there may be edits to the book that they’re not seeing in this next-to-last stage. But still, the upside is they get to read these books about 6 months before anyone else does.
And just so you know, I only got 2 copies of my ARCs, and both appear to be on permanent loan to people who haven’t given them back yet. So no, I won’t be giving those away on the blog. We’ll all just have to wait patiently until August.
I know. Tell me about it.
February 20th, 2007 at 6:37 am
And one more thing about ARCs: the reason why librarians and booksellers get an early look is so they can order the books ahead of time. That way when a book has a publication date of August, the stores and libraries already have it stocked.
Make sense?
February 20th, 2007 at 8:50 am
Did I ever tell you that I used to work for the law firm that represented the parents in the Dover trial? Exciting stuff!
February 20th, 2007 at 8:52 am
Christen, you’re kidding! Small world!
February 20th, 2007 at 9:28 am
Robin, have a great trip! And send along regards to Dr. Miller for all his efforts.
February 20th, 2007 at 9:29 am
I know it is!
It was actually a pretty cool case to work on. I worked in the law firm’s library, so I got to research information on several expert witnesses. =)
February 20th, 2007 at 2:50 pm
Yeah, uhh, sorry for asking a semi-serious question. I’d like to apologize to all the blog and comment readers. I really didn’t mean it and it won’t happen again.
Sorry, I know how that confuses people when I attempt to enter the real world.
February 20th, 2007 at 6:39 pm
apology accepted patrick but don’t let it happen again. nothing is more unnerving than unpredictable behavior. i had the feeling it was more your scrotum talking anyway so i didn’t pay that much attention. however, i believe from the various e-mails i’ve recieved off-blog that you really shook some folks up. so try not to be so careless.
do you think that librarians have a problem with scroti because there are just too damn many of them? i know from personal experience that they are all over the place,
continuously coming and going from my house attached to people that leave dirty dishes everywhere except the dishwasher, drink all my booze and dirty underwear next to my toothbrush on the bathroom vanity. they are being continously licked by two dogs who left here by my children over the last several years and never retrieved.
so i quess i understand the librarians point of view on this issue.
February 21st, 2007 at 5:29 am
That’s where that muffled voice was coming from… And I thought I was staying in a haunted hotel room.