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Judith Ivory News: It's Not What You Want to Hear
So, I'm back from RWA and, even in my zombie-like state caused by the trip home from hell (do not ever fly AirTran and I'm only telling you this because I care about each and every one of you), I'm still sad from the news I heard from Stephen Axelrod, Judith Ivory's agent.
I saw him at the Berkley party on Friday night and decided to go straight to the source and try to find out what is up with the divine Ms. Ivory.
Turns out, he doesn't really know. The book that was widely reported to be on Avon's schedule for sometime this year wasn't turned in. And whether or not it ever will be is anybody's guess since, believe it or not, he hasn't heard from her.
So, the author is MIA even to her agent. And, just to cover all the bases, it was clear to me that he wasn't BS-ing me and that he really doesn't know the story. In fact, when I told him that I'd been in touch with her about a year ago, he thought I might have been one of the last to hear from her.
In other RWA news, Anne Marble is offering up her reports at the site and I don't really find myself with much to add. The publisher parties were a blast and Nora Roberts' cocktail party (which I kinda thought I should keep to myself since it's a very small party, but since everybody else is blogging about it, then what the hey?) as glittering as usual. And that isn't even considering Nora's dress which was totally gorgeous.
And the glamorous and lovely Lisa Kleypas, whom I am very honored to call my friend, was glamourous, lovely, and altogether just as wonderful as I've always found her to be. Our breakfast together was crashed by Julia Quinn, but if your private breakfast is going to be crashed, can you think of a better crash-ee? (A brief disclaimer: Any time I've gotten friendly with an author, I no longer review them. With the sole exception of a DIK of an older title for a special AAR project, I haven't reviewed Lisa or JQ in years and now NR is on the list. Just wanted to let you all know that I'm keeping it straight!)
Sandra Schwab, fabulous historical author, fellow Blood Ties fan, and frequent visitor to this blog, is as smart and articulate as you think she'd be. We had a relaxing half-hour together on Saturday afternoon.
I danced with my shoes off - and, for the record, they were Nora's shoes that I picked up at the clothing exchange party she was kind enough to let me tag along to to a few months ago, along with my Washington Romance Writer friends - at the Harlequin Ball, which was a total and complete blast. (Anytime a DJ plays Jessie's Girl, you know he's tuned into exactly who his audience is.)
So, I'll let Anne speak for AAR. But, speaking only for myself, I had a fabulous time. And not even something as horrible as my AirTran trip-from-hell can put a damper on those wonderful memories. (Take that, surly AirTran employees!)
Oh, so sorry to hear that about Judith Ivory -- she's one of my favorite
authors, so thank you for sharing this sad news. And wow, you may have
been the last to hear from her! What did she say at that time when you
spoke with her a year ago?
I didn't speak to her, but instead exchanged emails in which she agreed to
do an AAR author interview when Angel in a Red Dress was released. But
when I tried to get in touch with her to actually do the interview, she
never responded at all -- leaving me, quite honestly, in a bit of a pickle.
Loretta Chase stepped in at the last minute to pinch hit for which I will
be eternally grateful.
Sandy, it was absolutely lovely to meet you and put a face to a name. :)
Not to speak of spending that half hour away from the general madness of
the crowds. Thanks again for the meeting!
Well, dang! Now I'm worried that something horrible has happened to her.
I mean, to not even talk with your agent and it's been a year? Hopefully
someone out there has at least heard from her and will let us know she's
okay. Yikes! Glad you had a great time at the RWA and Kristie J rocks!
It was a nice quiet half-hour, wasn't it, Sandy? Lovely to meet you, as
well. And CindyS, it is bizarre. Which is why I'm not hopeful that she'll
ever be back. (Meeting Kristie J at the Harlequin party was a blast.)
I am so depressed about Judith Ivory. Sleeping Beauty and The Proposition
are on my book shelf and I consider her one of the best romance historical
authors in the past 20 years.