In Flux

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Varian Johnson’s debut young adult novel, MY LIFE AS A RHOMBUS, the story of Rhonda Lee, an overweight, African-American math genius with a simple goal – to get a scholarship to Georgia Tech while avoiding the “in-crowd” as much as possible – whose life is turned upside-down when she finds herself forced to tutor Sarah Gamble, Senior Class Goddess, to Andrew Karre at Flux, by Sara Crowe at Harvey Klinger, Inc.

This ran in Publishers Lunch last week, so I figured I’d go ahead and break the news (sorry for the long delay). I’m really excited about being a part of Flux’s line. Andrew Karre, the Flux editor, is putting out the types of books that I like to read, so naturally I think I’ll be right at home with all the Flux folks.

This has kinda been in the works for a while. Andrew called about a month ago to discuss the manuscript with me. He had a lot of good suggestions, and he picked up on a lot of the things I was trying to do in the novel. He also asked if I was open to revisions (umm…of course), and then he ended the conversation saying that he’d be in touch. Sara contacted me a little later to say that Flux planned to put in an offer for the novel. Sara and Andrew did their “thing” (God, I love agents) and voila, I have a new publisher.

Although Flux is a new line, I’ve actually known about the imprint for some time. I met Megan Atwood, the previous acquisitions editor for Flux (Llewellyn), at the national SCBWI conference last year. We talked some about Red Polka Dot, and she ended the conversation by handing me her card and suggesting that I send her some of my work.

Megan is no longer with Llewellyn, but I’ve heard nothing but good things about Andrew from some of his authors. And, he keeps a blog. Anyone who has a blog is cool, right?

I know that the Pub Lunch description isn’t very telling about the novel, but I like it that way. I’ve give out more nuggets about the novel as we get closer to the publication date. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know Rhonda Lee, and I think y’all will enjoy reading about her as well.

9 Responses to “In Flux”

  1. Jay Clayton

    Congratulations! Sounds like a really cool concept. I can see a John Hughes type movie being made out of the book!

  2. Miss P AKA Her Royal Cliqueness

    Yay!!!!! Congrats. Your ability to sit on good news astounds me. I can barely close good news emails from my agent before I’m ready to blab it to somebody.

    I think being a part of a new line can be a good thing. Much much luck to you!!!

  3. writeaway

    That’s great news. Congratulations. I’m with Miss P. I don’t know how you kept quiet that long-lol.

  5. shy one/sly one

    Congratulations. I can’t wait for it to get in the book stores. Please tell me it isn’t sad though. I loved Red Polka Dot, but it was so sad. Again congratulations.

  7. Elisa's Mom

    Congratulations! Sounds like you’re writing about something you know, which when combined with your writing ability, should make your book successful.