Wow.

[naomi_jay]

I'd never heard of Jessica Verday before yesterday, but I definitely plan to follow her now. This is such an awesome response to such a nasty situation.

I have to confess, I feel weird about Trisha Telep being involved. She was my agent until last year. We didn't part badly, but we haven't had any contact since then, and I can hardly say I "know" her. But her response to this still surprised and saddened me. The more time I've had to reflect on things, the more I've come to realise we weren't a good fit agent/writer-wise, and I'm grateful now that we parted ways when we did. I'm even more grateful now, because I don't think I could have happily remained her client under the circumstances. I'd hate to see this become a witch hunt, because the internet is pretty unforgiving, and threatening anyone with death (as has already happened) is never an eloquent solution to a problem.

On the other hand, Jessica Verday is in the right. Whatever else you may make of the situation, that's undeniable. And I'm buying one of her books on payday, because anyone with that much integrity is worth reading, as far as I'm concerned.

Comments

[mardelwanda.livejournal.com]

I always thought the art community (which I realize has many sub-communities) as being way more relaxed about sexuality, looks and differences than middle America...or Middle England..but I guess that's not so.

Did you see the update to Jessica's blog? The agent takes all the blame for the decision... but then possibly the publishers don't want a repeat of the internet sensation we had over book covers.....which maybe is needed after all?

I like Jennifer's take on love also. I have gay family members and I'm glad they have people they love, I don't care who they are. Acceptance - what we all need.

[sanguinepen.livejournal.com]

Oh Hell No!

[yolandasfetsos.livejournal.com]

This situation is ridiculous. And to be honest with you, I can't believe anyone would suggest to a writer that they need to change their boy/boy story to girl/boy. Seriously, WTH?

...because when you sweep issues about anything like this - sexuality, race, gender, whatever - under the rug, it sends out the message that a certain way of life is "wrong" and another isn't, and that's not a message I can support.

Yes! I totally agree with this.

I've actually had The Hollow on my TBR pile for ages because it sounds like an interesting story.

I wonder if all of this will have an effect on future anthologies?

[hildebabble.livejournal.com]

Ditto. Verday has earned mad respect from me!

[tezmilleroz.livejournal.com]

I think the story will be here: http://jessicaverday.blogspot.com/2011/03/secret-project-revealed-2009-debs-ebook.html

I've read THE HOLLOW. Pretty standard YA paranormal romance, but with ghosts.