The Book Sense 76
-- The Children's 76
-- Category Top 10s

Sharyn November

What defines a Firebird title?

Sharyn November: It's a book that has to get me really fired up inside. It has to have a strong voice, it's got to really suck me in, it has to be transporting. It's got to be fiction that makes me sit up straight. Basically, what I look for in all fiction, speculative or realistic.

What is "speculative" fiction and what differentiates it from other fiction genre categories?

"Speculative fiction" is a term that I use that encompasses both fantasy and science fiction. Basically, it's just easier to say. It also connotes that you're speculating about what the future could be, what the past could be. It's more graceful.

Has there already been an instance where having a teen editorial advisory board has benefited Firebird?

Yes. Here's a really good example. In Summer 2002, I'm reissuing a Sherwood Smith book, Crown Duel. It was initially written as a single long book, but Harcourt, her hardcover publisher, divided it into two: Crown Duel, which was published in 1997, and Court Duel, which came out in 1998. When these titles were first submitted to me for [Puffin] reprint, I turned them down. At that time, I didn't think we could sell older fantasy. But as soon as I started working with teens, my editorial parameters began to shift, and there you have Firebird. A 14-year-old girl, who is a big fan of Tamora Pierce's work, said that she loved Sherwood's books. I went online and pulled up reader reviews and websites -- 250 reader reviews! For the first book! Of course I bought the paperback rights. The Firebird edition is just what the author originally wrote, because I'm combining the two books -- doing some editing -- and adding an extra short story at the end, as a sort of coda. Voilą.

Has it been hard to find good manuscripts for Viking and Firebird?"

It's funny -- usually when somebody says, "I have this book in the back of my closet," an editor thinks, Oh, God, this is probably a horrible book that nobody wants. But in the case of the people I'm meeting and working with, they haven't had any place to send the books until now. And they're just amazing! Really thrilling.

In the realm of fantasy genre titles, Harry Potter always springs to mind...

Thank God for Harry Potter! It's been an incredible shot in the arm for all different kinds of fantasy. Because when you've read all of the Harry Potter books, you want to keep reading the genre -- you want books that will give you that same level of magic and excitement. On the Puffin list, you can go on to Eva Ibbotson and Lloyd Alexander -- or, if you're slightly older, straight to Firebird.

What would you tell all the Harry Potter readers out there, young and old, about Firebird?

Harry Potter is just the beginning. There are so many fantastic worlds and characters within fantasy and science fiction. You will always have something new to read. You'll almost never be bored. Take a look at all this other great stuff here!

Fire Bringer by David Clement-Davies was a Jan/Feb 2001 Book Sense 76 Pick:
"I read this book in a day, then gave it to my 13-year-old son and he read it in a day. We LOVED it!!! Set in ancient Scotland, it's a story with a little mythology, fantasy, and mystery. It reminds me of Redwall and Watership Down, and I've told people here that it's my 'Harry Potter pick' for this year. I enjoyed it that much."
-- Suzanne Droppert, Liberty Bay Books, Poulsbo, WA

Further reading:

• Lewis Shiner

• Chris Crutcher

• Jane Yolen
• Eva Ibbotson
• Book design with Gunnar Swanson
• "Harry Potter is just the beginning." And here's the list to prove it!

Browse Archived Interviews
Browse Archived Excerpts

Top

Contact Us | Security & Privacy | Copyright