“Let’s put on a show!”
Okay, the actual words were “This could be an anthology!” but they were spoken with every bit as much energy, enthusiasm, and horrifying naiveté as Judy and Mickey ever portrayed.
I had no clue.
I had no clue what I was doing, and even though I knew I was the last person who should ever be put in charge of organizing something like this, I didn’t realize how freaking much I was the last person who should ever be put in charge of organizing something like this.
I had no clue what was involved in putting together an anthology, getting writers, wrangling stories, and the rest of the process.
I had no clue how these wonderful writers I hand-picked and sometimes begged, bribed, and bullied into participating would deliver fabulous story after fabulous story, and in such an array of styles, worlds, and approaches that my original concept was confirmed.
Yes.
Yes, it is amazing to see how different writers interpret the concept, Rhonda Eudaly’s words, “Debris & Detritus, The Lesser Greek Gods.”
But if I was the Mickey and Judy in this endeavor, we all had the huge benefit of Busby Berkeley (aka Toni McGee Causey) walking onto the set and saying, “Oh, is this what you wanted on the cover? I like that. Will you please let me play with it? You don’t have to use it if you don’t like it.”
Stop right now. Look at that cover again.
Let me play with it.
That is what she calls playing.
You don’t have to use it if you don’t like it.
In what universe would anybody not have to use that cover? Heck no, I don’t like it. I love it.
Of course we had to use that cover. It is every bit the high-kicking, spiraling up a wedding cake, Busby Berkeley cover of all anthology covers.
Thanks for coming along for the ride. I hope you enjoyed the show.