A bit ago, Eric Smith and I sold our second interconnected anthology to Candlewick. Were we excited? YOU BET.
Re-titled FIRST-YEAR ORIENTATION, our anthology features various stories about wild adventures from that first day on campus. From moving into their dorm and not being embarrassed by their parents, to attending their first party. From avoiding people they don’t want to see from high school, to maybe finding a ghost or two.
(Or, for my character, having to work that entire day at a book store, while everyone else makes friends.)
Since the announcement came out, we actually compiled the anthology and edited it. It’s done! Which is…incredible! We had an amazing time working with an extremely talented bunch of writers. And now we have a rad cover, too.
Working on anthologies is a lot of work, but also a tremendous honor. These authors trusted their stories with us. And Eric trusted a book with me. Honestly, once was cool. But twice? Amazing.
Being part of an anthology is kind of like college, in a strange way. It’s a new experience; you’re meeting all new people. You’re hoping people like you; you’re hoping to fit in. Editing an anthology is like being a mother that helped get their child ready for that first day, and is proudly sending them off.
Will it go well? Goodness, I hope so. But ready or not, it happens.
And ready or not, here’s our second anthology, out April 4, 2023. I hope you like it. Goodness, I’m proud of it.
