Comments on: A Wish After Midnight

By: What makes an Amazon Encore Author? « Kindle Review – Kindle 2 Review, Books

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 23:03:11 +0000

[...] The reviews are great and endless – pages and pages and from sources as diverse as Rutgers University and Author Blogs. [...]

By: Laura Atkins

Laura Atkins — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 19:26:16 +0000

I’ll add another enthusiastic vote to the Zetta fans. She’s a friend and colleague, but I also feel I can speak objectively in saying that AWAM is an excellent book. I learned about this period in history which I never knew about before (the draft riots in NYC) – and was totally immersed in the world she created. This book is complex on all sorts of levels, about Gemma’s sense of herself, her race, her family – and the slip in time makes it even more interesting. She doesn’t settle for simple solutions or relationships between the characters, yet writes with real compassion and affection for all of her characters (even if some readers have been torn between the boy options. And I really think self-publishing is the path of the future, or author cooperatives. When people pool together with different connections and strengths, they can bipass the often-outdated publishing structures and reach out directly to readers. The technology is there and waiting – and Zetta is showing the way by picking it up and running with it.

By: Doret

Doret — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 03:01:20 +0000

A few months back after I reviewed A Wish After Midnight I went ahead and cut/pasted the review to Amazon and Shelfari.

I figured I had already written the review why not do a little extra for a really good self published book.

By: Edi

Edi — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 21:58:49 +0000

I suggest that those who have read and enjoyed Zetta’s book go to amazon.com and post your reviews.

By: Shadra

Shadra — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:48:07 +0000

The thing that perplexes me the most is the fact that Zetta *has* an award winning picturebook on the shelves (semi-shameless plug) – why ON EARTH hasn’t she gotten any other offers from the larger houses?

I do know *this* I was rejected many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many times before I got my big break, and the sky has opened up since. I am absolutely positive that Z.E. will amaze us with how much she can accomplish on her own accord! and when/if she does decided to publish with a major house it will only add to the reputation she’s already established on her own. She’s already blown my mind.

By: Shveta

Shveta — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:23:55 +0000

Zetta rocks, and so does this book. I’m also very glad that she didn’t give up, and like Justine, I can’t believe publishers didn’t jump on the chance to buy it.

Like many have said, I was nervous about reading it, too, because I’ve had a bad experience with self-published books. But when I heard Zetta’s story and saw the other reviews, I started to get excited. And the book lived up to my expectations, which is saying a lot. I even got it as a gift for a friend!

By: MissAttitude

MissAttitude — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 03:09:24 +0000

I’m so glad you read and loved AWAM Justine!
When I first started Reading in Color, Zetta was the first author to reach out to me. I was afraid that I wouldn’t like it and I would have to give the first book ever sent to me to a review a negative review (this brought to mind a lot of questions about whether or not I should rate a book higher if it gets sent to me and I ultimetly decided to go with my gut and review the books honestly regardless of whether or not they get sent to me). When I received the book it never occured to me to ask if it was self-published.I didn’t notice anything while I was reading either. I just loved the story. I loved Gemma and Paul and I can’t wait for Judah’s Tale.
I agree that due to hard economic times authors are probably looking to self-publish more, but I also think that the whole stigma associated with “self-publish” should be dropped. As seen in AWAM, a self-published book can be amazing. I’m going to try and give more of them a chance should they come my way

By: Zetta Elliott

Zetta Elliott — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:52:53 +0000

Thanks very much to Justine and everyone who commented on my book! Self-published books have a bad reputation for a reason–many of them *are* poorly written and were rightly rejected by traditional presses. Increasingly, however, manuscripts that have real merit are being shut out of the traditional publishing process, and authors with a proven publication record are turning to self-publishing so that their books can have a life in the world. Publishing on demand sites like Lulu and Create Space can really empower marginalized writers, especially if they make sure to put their best foot forward…I actually established a relationship with Baker & Taylor, so technically, any book retailer can sell my book. Most store owners want proof of demand, however, so self-published books need advocates who will ask their library or independent bookseller to order the book. Sorry–didn’t mean to preach to the converted! Thanks again for all your support.

By: Doret

Doret — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:51:34 +0000

I really enjoyed A Wish After Midnight and I loved Gemma. Its a shame this book hasn’t found a home. Though everyone who has read or will read A Wish After Midnight are very lucky that Zetta did not let this stop her.

There aren’t many YA novels that take place in NYC during the civil war or mention the Draft Riots. Those are only two things that make this book stand out.

A Wish After Midnight works on so many levels. Hopefully it will find a home soon, so more people can has access to it.

If we are talking about favorite Butler books I’d have to say mine is Mind of my Mind

By: Jo Ann Hernandez

Jo Ann Hernandez — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:26:56 +0000

I’ve heard about this book before from different places, however your enthuiasm makes me what to rush out and get the book. Thank you for sharing and talking about a book that richly deserves the attention.
Jo Ann Hernandez
BronzeWord Latino Authors
//authorslatino.com/wordpress

By: Karen

Karen — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:40:03 +0000

I’ve been lucky with self-published books – the few I’ve read have all been really good. However, that is likely because I never hear about the not so good ones. Only the excellent ones get this sort of attention and make it onto my radar.

I’ve ordered AWAM, hopefully Amazon is quick this time. Octavia Butler was one of my favorite authors, and I remember being depressed for weeks after I heard of her death. I mourned for her and for the books I would never get the opportunity to read – a third Parable book, or a sequel to Fledgling….

Just curious – is Kindred your favorite of Butler’s books? I think the Parable books touched me the most, but they are difficult to list as favorites, because they are dark in so many ways. I finally broke down and got a copy of Survivor, but it’s so fragile I’m afraid to read it – and, I think, I want there to be something to look forward to – a book from her that I haven’t read.

By: Edi

Edi — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:03:16 +0000

I so remember not wanting to read this book. Zetta herself sent me this book. This self published book. It was such a wonderful read! I have come to admire Zetta’s passion-filled campaign to have her story read. I can’t image what it would feel like as an author to have to fight so hard, face rejection or goodness knows what else from publishers who find so many reasons not to publish what certainly would be a best seller. I’ve given the book to district level administrators and to students. The reaction is always the same: they want the next book!

By: anne

anne — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 22:27:15 +0000

haven’t read it yet, ordering it for the library immediately!
As to the self-pub thing, well, if you’re a writer, and you’ve sent your stuff out and no one grabs it, then if you self pub and promote the heck out of yourself, well, you create a following. BUT that doesn’t necessarily mean any “Big house” will touch you. Too risky. or so my friends who self-publish and sell, tell me…..
If you’re fantasy fans, Try Elfhunter and the other 2 in that trilogy (C.S. Marks). Wonderful characters, awesome illustrations, she is definitely writing what she knows…and she’s self-published. Working on her fourth book, too!

By: rhapsodyinbooks

rhapsodyinbooks — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:33:43 +0000

I think it is a shame that it is self-published, because it has such limited exposure. With all the garbage out there, that this book should have to be self-published should make publishers ashamed.

I’m not on Team Judah, so to speak, but nevertheless, I can’t wait for the sequel. Zetta is such a talented, compassionate, and witty writer (and I would also love to see a book that highlights her wit). My wish for Zetta is that her next book can get published and promoted and widely distributed as I’m certain it will deserve to be.

By: Karen Bass

Karen Bass — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:00:58 +0000

I see it’s on Amazon.ca, too. Yay. I have put it in my shopping cart. Thanks for recommending it.

By: Shadra

Shadra — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:56:34 +0000

I am so glad you like this book. When I read it, I couldn’t put it down either. Now I am waiting on the edge of my seat for Judah’s tale!!! Zetta is such a great writer. It’s so encouraging to see so many people recognize her talent. Her stories are so rich, yet her delivery is crystal clear.

If you’re ever in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden look for the whispering bench. I was tickled pink when she shared it with me.

By: AudryT

AudryT — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:32:42 +0000

“I am infuriated by the notion that books with characters who aren’t white have to be about race (explicitly I think all books wind up being about race class and gender intentionally or unintentionally) because otherwise why aren’t they white? Yes, I’ve heard that said. I’m sure you’re not surprised.” – Justine

Not surprised at all, but it’s still annoying as Hell to hear.

Sounds to me like they’re saying that even the PoC books have to cater to the white majority by being all about what it’s like to not be white.

By: Justine

Justine — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:53:03 +0000

Neesha: I’m so sorry to hear that. It’s so depressing. The industry is more risk averse now than ever before. And more stupid in my opinion. The Twilight knockoff thing? They’re killing it stone cold dead by publishing so many of them. In the next year or so most of the xeroxs of a xerox of a xerox of a xerox of Twilight are going to die on their arse. And then what?

I am infuriated by the notion that books with characters who aren’t white have to be about race (explicitly I think all books wind up being about race class and gender intentionally or unintentionally) because otherwise why aren’t they white? Yes, I’ve heard that said. I’m sure you’re not surprised.

But I know there are editors out there actively looking for different voices. I just wish there were more. WAY more.

But, yes, the way we change this is to keep talking and writing and like that. Cause waiting for them all to die is too slow.

By: Neesha Meminger

Neesha Meminger — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:46:54 +0000

Oh, I keep hoping, too, Justine . Maybe—if we keep raising awareness and dialoguing and challenging, doors will begin to creak open just a little bit wider.

By: Neesha Meminger

Neesha Meminger — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:43:55 +0000

@ Justine: Yes, believe me, I have looked into, and am aware of the differences between self-publishing and the big houses. But I do think that writers need options. Particularly when there are clearly double standards around what is published (@ Delux: exactly). My second novel is a light, humourous, fun one that has little to do with race and identity. The feedback I’ve received is that it is too “quiet,” too “light”, and that it won’t stand out. Oh—and “too commercial.” I am a published author with strong industry reviews for my debut. When I go to B&N, I see shelves upon shelves of quiet, light, fun, commercial books about white teens. My sense is that publishers view books about or by PoC as more of a financial risk. And, because of this, our books can’t afford to be quiet, light, or commercial (??).

I’m thrilled that Zetta went forward with her dream of seeing WISH in print. What a dismal loss it would have been to all readers if she had sat around waiting for someone to see some value and worth in her words.

By: thrills & chills « Fledgling

thrills & chills « Fledgling — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:40:05 +0000

[...] comes from Justine Larbalestier’s review of A Wish After Midnight, which you can find at her blog. You may have read my rave review of LIAR, which came out *yesterday*—go get a copy, and a [...]

By: Justine

Justine — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:31:32 +0000

Susan: Problem is people keep buying them . . .

Delux: Absolutely. But I am an eternal optimist. I keep hoping it will get better.

By: Delux

Delux — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:29:37 +0000

Thanks for posting about this book, I’ll look for it.

I have to say , though, that I think the ‘big houses’ have always managed to “overlook” many writers of color, especially those writing about complex or controversional topics, in many genres.

By: susan

susan — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:24:36 +0000

“Rather than, say, a million Twilight knockoffs.”

Say it again, will you?

By: susan

susan — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:23:35 +0000

“So when I say that Wish evokes Kindred without ever being overwhelmed by it, that’s a huge compliment.”

You have to have real talent and confidence as a writer to draw a connection to Butler’s work, and Zetta does an impressive job. It was a bold move, a successful, satisfying move.