 In San Francisco on June 24, thousands marched in the annual Pride Parade--a wonderful splashy show of love in all its forms. Started more than 40 years ago, many longtime gay activists said the next generation gives them hope--for a better future. Even with the strides made, bullying of gays or even kids who don't fit the mold continues to be a problem. Middle school is the worst, with almost everyone suffering a consuming and terrible desire to fit in. For those who can't, the school days are miserable. Too many hope to remain invisible. I was lucky; too bookish, I stared aloofly off into space, fooling no one into believing I wanted to be alone.
So yes, it's great to see the kaleidoscope colors of Pride. Hooray for a celebration of difference! And for those who want to know what to read, check out Lee Wind's excellent website "I'm here, I'm queer, what the hell do I read?" So here's to standing on the side of love, always.  Crowded hallways, subway cars, and airplanes. It's not very comfortable is it? I sometimes get that closed-in feeling, and the only solution is to hold very still, as if I am disappearing. Some crowds are just too many people in a small space. Other crowds can feel bigger than they are, especially if they are menacing. That's the way June feels when she finds herself in the middle of a hostile crowd outside the library.
Fortunately, the world of book publishing is the first kind of crowd--just too many books in a jammed freeway of information. How can MY MIXED-UP BERRY BLUE SUMMER stand out? With help. Lately I've realized how wonderful the writing community is. Slowly, like a spring vine, I'm connecting with booksellers and authors, fans and friends on twitter and Facebook. Everyone has been so supportive! The care I've taken with the words and story will show, I hope. The book is baked, and in one month it will be on the shelves, ready for young readers. |
