So, I'm back from RWA and, even in my zombie-like state caused by the trip home from hell (do not ever fly AirTran and I'm only telling you this because I care about each and every one of you), I'm still sad from the news I heard from Stephen Axelrod, Judith Ivory's agent.I saw him at the Berkley party on Friday night and decided to go straight to the source and try to find out what is up with the divine Ms. Ivory.
Turns out, he doesn't really know. The book that was widely reported to be on Avon's schedule for sometime this year wasn't turned in. And whether or not it ever will be is anybody's guess since, believe it or not, he hasn't heard from her.
So, the author is MIA even to her agent. And, just to cover all the bases, it was clear to me that he wasn't BS-ing me and that he really doesn't know the story. In fact, when I told him that I'd been in touch with her about a year ago, he thought I might have been one of the last to hear from her.
This is not good news. I have also heard that she has had health problems so this development is disturbing. The selfish side of me hates it when a really talented author just sort of drops out of sight with no explanation (although they certainly don't owe me one). The fact that she is MIA from her agent doesn't sound hopeful. Very sad. I wish her all the best.
JI has written some of my favorite books:
Sleeping Beauty
Beast
The Proposition
Untie My Heart
Bliss
Dance
I confess I haven't read her re-write of Starlit Surrender, which was titled Angel in a Red Dress (released last September), and that's probably because I didn't hear any buzz about it. I have heard that SS is not her best work, but I still want to read AIARD so I have ordered it.
What are your favorites by JI?
11 comments:
I've never read Ivory but due to all of you out there in blogland I recently found BEAST at the UBS.
I sure hope she is okay and will be in touch with her fans soon.
Really? Judith Ivory? Well, dang, now I really need to try her! Wait. Are there kids in her books? No, no. Lush prose. That's been my barrier.
I do hope she is okay.
CindyS
Rosie: Yes, try Beast and see if you like her style. She's an amazing author.
Cindy: Yup, lush prose. You hate that so I know for sure you won't like her work. Whew, dodged the flying monkeys.
I've read most of her books and she is missed. My favourite one is Bliss. I'm still trying to find Dance.
I just blogged about "Avon" and posted "it would be nice to have something new soon" from Judith Ivory. She's a favorite and I hate making due with rereads.
Kristie: She will be missed and I pity all those people who have never been able to read Bliss or Dance because they are so HTF. Every time I go into a bookstore I always look for copies of them, just to have an extra copy "just in case". If I find Dance I'll send it to you.
Tara: I have one more yet to read (Black Silk) and then nothing new to look forward to. :( Yeah, we'll all have to make do.
Beast is my absolute favorite. That book is so close to perfection it's breathtaking. You'll have to pry my copy out of my cold, dead hands.
But Kristie, I'll be happy to send along my copy of Dance to you, if you drop me a note.
this just makes me so sad. I love JI!
I have a hard time picking a favorite. I think it must be Untie my Heart. I just found the hero so funny an adorable. My least favorite was Black Silk, followed by Angel in a Red Dress.
I bought Bliss and Dance for an arm and a leg off ebay and don't regret it!
Sherry: Beast was a keeper for me too. Ivory is a genius. If Kristie doesn't respond, I can drop her line via email. That is very nice of you, she has been looking quite a while for that one.
Kyahgirl: I think Sleeping Beauty is my absolute favorite. I got very lucky and found Bliss and Dance at a UBS then like a dummy I traded Bliss back. But one of my book trading buddies (Kristie) had two copies and sent me one. What a sweetheart. Whatever you paid for Bliss and Dance was worth it.
Favorite? Oh, no.
Favorites
Beast, Dance, and Black Silk followed by The Proposition.
She's got to be okay. Got to be okay. I need a new favorite to add to my list. Please, Judy, phone home. . .
I'm a personal friend of JI, and rumors of her health are unfortunately true. Major back problems, constant pain, very sad.
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