I met Jo Anderton on the Orbit/QWC writers retreat a couple of years ago, in which I participated as a mentor to the ten writers selected to attend. After talking to Jo, I realised what an incredibly good work ethic she had to support her writing talent. Subsequently, we did a bit of work together on her new novel, and I’m terribly delighted to say that it, plus sequel, will be published by Angry Robot in 2011 and 2012.
Angry Robot has this to say:
Series opener Debris introduces us to Tanyana, leader of a matter-manipulating team. Following an accident, she’s dismayed to be demoted to little more than a garbage collector, but it soon becomes obvious she’s been manipulated into that role by the faceless faction she calls the Puppet Men, to uncover a world-shattering secret.
That man Marc Gascoigne said, “With the ever-increasing popularity of Japanese and Korean anime, manga and computer games, it’s been surprising that there hasn’t been more SF and fantasy showing its influence. Debris’s mix of SF and fantasy themes, exotic future-medieval settings, Dune-esque warring factions, and a fabulous kick-ass heroine is exactly the sort of on-trend science fiction Angry Robot was set up to publish. We’re damned pleased to have Jo on board.”
The retreat group (now called the Orbiteers) have stayed in contact and have enjoyed other successes since then, including the release of novels by Graham Storrs and Luke Keioskie.
Group facilitator Janette Dalgleish has also won a character in my next Marianne de Pierres series thanks to her amusing and rather special encouragment when I needed help getting my last novel finished. Janette will be officially cowpunked!
There is something special in the synchronicity of like-minded people; magic things happen.
September 17th, 2010 at 2:50 am
Yeee-HAR!!! So happy for Jo (and Graham and Luke) – I’m sure they’d agree we all owe you a chunk of gratitude for inspiration and all-round good-eggness xx
Oh, and a disclaimer – I have no standing as Orbiteer group facilitator, I’m just the pushy one who bullied everyone else into attending Aussiecon 4 so I wouldn’t be all alone & friendless.
September 17th, 2010 at 3:01 am
Ahoy! Groups like the Obiteers are fantastic, and we’re very lucky to have you watching over us
September 17th, 2010 at 3:03 am
I think you’ll find that everyone agrees that you are, Janette
September 17th, 2010 at 3:17 am
Really? So, my plan is working….. muahahahahahah…..
September 17th, 2010 at 4:11 am
I think ‘facilitator’ is too insipid a title for Janette. How about ‘group wrangler’, or ‘shuttle pilot’?
And thanks for sticking with us, Marianne. It’s been great to have you cheering from the wings.
September 17th, 2010 at 10:53 am
Captain Janette? Better than “Janeway” methinks Graham.
September 17th, 2010 at 11:20 am
Excellent news!
September 20th, 2010 at 10:29 am
Thanks for this post, Marianne, as I hadn’t seen anything on what Jo’s book is about yet. Sounds fantastic, and can’t wait for it to come out. Another one to add to my Orbiteers bookshelf.
And Janette, you are SO a facilitator. aye aye cap!