Why publish Desert Solitude? Well, the adolescent audience has long suffered through too many books about just a boy and his dog on an adventure and post-apocalyptic stories with bad-ass but now stereotypical female protagonist. So I combined the two. I chose to make a story up about a girl and her dog going to find a lost library in a post-apocalyptic world. Something I have always been frustrated with in YA novel is the characterization of females. A lot of the young women conform to stereotypical male roles in order to rebel. Meaning that they are brash and outspoken. Introversion is usually a character flaw that is overcome rather than embraced. I chose to have a young woman who is alone apart from her dog. It is set in a world where there are presumably other people, but she does not encounter them. Because the main character does not encounter other people, there is no romance and introversion is her default state. I think it is important to represent as many different women as we can to young women including women who do not always have a witty comeback, do not like talking, and prefer to read books over leading a rebellion. While the character is not literally leading a rebellion, this is a form of female rebellion because she is living in a world free of societal pressures and gender norms and is free to be herself. There is also no romance present in this plot because there are no other people. The only characters are Mary, the female protagonist, Gretchen, the dog, Saucy, the cat, and a toaster named Craig. That’s it.
Mary
Pictured here is Bella Ramsey, known for portraying Lyanna Mormont on Game of Thrones. Mary is introverted but confident with a deep love for animals, books, and cheese.
Gretchen
While described as Mary as being a majestic creature, Gretchen has a penchant for naps and treats. She is Mary's best friend and guide.
Saucy
Saucy is the guardian of the library and is very regal. She gives a lot of sass but grows to love Mary and Gretchen.
Craig
Craig is a toaster that Mary found and named. Craig is just sort of there.
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ReplyDeleteI love how polished your cover is. I also admire the representation of the protagonist. You don't have to be "manly" to be a rebel, to make a change, to make a difference. I love Craig, what a great guy, always there for you. lol
ReplyDeleteHi Monica,
ReplyDeleteThis is a great cover and a great pitch. I was laughing throughout. I do not know if you ever write creatively but you have a good snarky tone. I'd read more. In addition to the nice cover, I actually love the premise of the book and the ways in which is purposefully--and snarkily--flies in the face of YA conventions. I'm all for power to the introverts, and the toaster is a nice touch,very Wilson, which gives a subtle nod to another genre this novel could be grounded in--the Robinsonade.