Imagine if you were an author and suddenly lost the ability to use words – you could understand them but you couldn’t use your own and get them to come out in the order you wanted or expected. This is what has happened to teen counselor and author Albert Borris who suffered a massive stroke in December of 2008.
Tomorrow, July 7th, Albert Borris’ debut novel, the YA (young adult) title Crash Into Me, hits the shelves. Because of the stroke, Albert is largely unable to help in promotion of the book by himself. Luckily, there’s community.
Albert was the co-president of the Class of 2k9, a group of authors with debut novels for kids and teens due out in 2009, and they have been working hard to help spread the word about Crash Into Me. Bloggers throughout the Kidlitosphere – an informal group who blog about all things children’s and young adult literature – have reviewed the book and/or worked to spread the word. Albert’s agent and editor have jumped in as well, featured on the Class of 2K9 blog among other places.
My friend Lee Wind has a post up today with more thoughts about community, as well as much of the press release the Class of 2K9 put out to help get the word out about Albert Borris and his novel.
The community of children’s literature lovers – authors, illustrators, editors, agents, booksellers, reviewers, parents, readers – is one I’m proud to be part of, and this is yet another example of why. I’m sure we’re not the only group like this, though, and I’d love to hear examples of how your online communities have pulled together. And if any of you know someone who would be interested in Albert Borris’ book or story, I hope you’ll spread the word, too.
