The 2012 call for Cybils judges has gone out! So exciting!
I applied, for (no surprise) Middle Grade Science Fiction and Fantasy! I have done it a few years now (because sometimes people who've done it before are useful), and would be very happy and honored if I were to be chosen again.
And I urge you to apply in mg sff too. YA sff gets more applicants, but their books aren't as fun. And they are longer. And there are more of them. (Which almost makes me want to apply in YA, just for the challenge of it....)
There is a lot of reading (maybe 150 books will be nominated in mg sff, based on past years), but you don't actually HAVE to read them all, and you've probably read quite a few of them already. And there are lots more you want to read anyway...It is also the best way I know of to make blogging friends.
So go for it. And let me know if you have any questions about what it's like!
You know, every year I apply for MG SFF, but I've gotten put in MG Fiction. Not that I mind... Just so you know that there are people applying. :-) (I do adore MG fiction, though, so I'm not complaining.)
ReplyDeletePropably you are so good at mg fiction they can't stand the thought of loosing you there! But I would love to be on a panel with you some day...
DeleteThe reason you were put in MG Fiction last year, Melissa, is that was your first choice, and Kerry wanted you. I would have taken you if Kerry hadn't. I'm looking at last year's application spreadsheet, and I see that I made a note: "Kerry: I see you picked her, but if you change your mind, SFF has interest. /Sheila."
DeleteI don't think I'm going to be able to sign up this year, which makes me terribly sad. Not even for a round II judge. Oh how I will miss the MG SFF group/books!
ReplyDeleteoh sadness! I'm sorry it's not going to work out for you, because I know firsthand how fun it is (although not as a final round judge).
DeleteI'm so sorry that you won't be volunteering this year, Melissa. We'll miss you!
DeleteThanks for the plug, Charlotte! We always get many more applications for YA SFF than for MG SFF. I'm particularly interested in people who love MG and know MG, over people who really want YA but will take MG if they can't get YA.
ReplyDeleteI applied for YA SFF as my first choice because that's what I read the most of, but I put MG SFF as second, because it's oh so wonderful and I do read quite a bit of that as well. Crossing my fingers, and we'll see what happens. :) It would be SO much fun to be on a panel with you Charlotte!
ReplyDeleteOh yes indeed!
DeleteThat's good to know, Kristen. I'll make a note of it.
DeleteAwww, I love CYBILS, it totally kicked off a whirlwind love affair with MG books.
ReplyDeleteAlas, I've no time for it this year but I will be eagerly following the CYBILS blog for updates. :-)
Oh, too bad! I saw the Aviary on your list of ten favorites, and remembered our happy time together last year! Maybe next year...
DeleteSo sorry that you won't be able to participate this year, April!
DeleteSitting very firmly on my hands, which keep wanting to slip out anyway... my daughter will not be a toddler forever, and side projects will get easier someday. Right?
ReplyDeleteWell, it's not too too hard to read with a toddler around??? I feel that I managed some how to read...and they are middle grade books, which are shorter and faster...But it is true that it does get easier!
Delete