What a whirl! I was doing an author visit at some international schools in Indonesia when I got an email from the editor who brought SABA: UNDER THE HYENA’S FOOT into the world as part of the “Girls of Many Lands” series that American Girl was trying. Those dolls–dressed to their fingernails in historically correct clothes from eight different countries–did not, alas, blossom in the hearts of their intended audience, and the line died a quick death. This time, the editor said, she’d like me to tackle the books for the Doll of the Year 2010. I flew to Madison, Wisconsin, to meet with the American Girl team, knew I was oovey-groovey with the theme, and signed a non-disclosure agreement promising not to reveal details until…ta-da…January 1, 2010. Then I went home to write. Can’t wait to break my silence.
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14 thoughts on “Days away from American Girl doll of the year 2010”
Looking forward to celebrating the brand new release with you.
Launching a book is so much fun!
You’re the kind of librarian who makes all the agony of writing a book feel worth it.
I can’t wait to hear what it is! Congratulations on having a blog!
Welcome back to writing for AG! I was excited to see you were back for this run. I enjoyed your Saba book years ago as did my daughter. We collectors can’t wait to hear more about your experience writing and being there through the development process of both dolls and books. 2 days left!
Jane,
I have been checking your site for updated author visits since I saw the AGOTY cover… Besides the appearance at the AG stores, do you have anything lined up, in say the Lawrence or KC area? I help out with the Doll Club at St Joseph Museums (MO) Inc, http://www.stjosephmuseum.org/default.asp and I am sure the girls would love a road trip meeting to see you if you are in the area! Our January meeting plans call for learning about Lanie, so we were estatic to see you are the author.
Best Wishes, I am looking forward to more blog postings.
I can’t wait to find out! Your name sounds familiar. Did you live in Grand Forks?
I did! For twelve years. And do you live there (or did you)? I must say it’s so fun to have readers. Eeeeee.
Yes, I do! I have a copy of your book about pioneer girls, I think that my mom read to me when I was little. It has your signature inside and a picture of a chicken?! I don’t remember what that was about.
Cool! That one is _I’m Sorry, Almira Ann_! I loved drawing that chicken. Maybe I’ll practice drawing an orangutan for Lanie, but I’ll probably have to have an illustrator teach me how!
Ooh! You spilt something before Jan. 1st! Hehe, my catalog for the dolls came early anyways though.
Jane,
Just heard an extensive FM radio ad for the new AM girl book and craft projects at the AM Girl store.
Sounds like the buzz is spreading. Do you know what the craft project actually is?
karen
Nope. No idea! American Girl has a whole team of people working on Lanie, which is great since I’m used to working with big New York publishers where I’m often pretty much a Team Of One for each of my books :>
How exciting to finally see who is the 2010 Americn Girl Doll? I will be certain to buy Lanie and your books for Kaylee though it will be a while before she can read them. I will tell her about her great grandfather who loved the outdoors and supported the National Wildlife Federation. Have a wonderful time telling girls about how to enjoy the GREAT OUTDOORS and how to care for it as well. smiles, ap
You have a fun store for shopping…smaller than the Chicago stand-alone store but with such a sweet atmosphere. One of the people in line turned out to be related to me on the Goering side! It was touching to hear about all the outdoor things girls are already involved with.