Join me on Notes(?)
+ The McNifficents gets its first professional review...
I just published my first note on Substack Notes…
Notes is a new space on Substack for us to share links, short posts, quotes, photos, and more. I plan to use it for things that don’t fit in the newsletter, like work-in-progress or quick questions.
post edit: I’m not sure how much I’ll be using notes. It was kindof a knee jerk reaction to try out this new tool, but I definitely don’t need one more thing to “keep up with”…
Magic Mail:
McNifficents Gets its First Professional Review
In between waiting for The McNifficents to launch into the world, reviews have begun rolling in. Like most writers, I wish I didn’t care. I care.
You want them, you need them, but please don’t stab me in the heart.
Sometimes they do, but here I am. Still alive.
I’ve written the best book I can; let the reviews fall where they will (says my calm, inner coach).
Thirty minutes ago I received my first professional trade review from Kirkus (Kirkus is notoriously harsh). Well, I’ll take this…
THE MCNIFFICENTS
Author: Amy Makechnie
Illustrator: Ariel LandyMiniature schnauzer Lord Tennyson is in charge of the six rambunctious McNiff children.
This precocious dog has his paws filled teaching the children to mind their manners, curb their fighting, and ride their bikes. The children’s bumbling father directs community theater productions, and their absent-minded mother is distracted by her gardening and baking—which leaves this accomplished canine in charge. As if six children weren’t enough, the family, who live in a pink New Hampshire farmhouse, also have two bunnies, six chickens, and a snake. It is summer vacation for the McNiffs, who are cued White, and chaos reigns, especially between the two oldest girls, Mary, 11, and Annie, 13. In fact, their mutual animosity is venomous; some readers may be distressed by the meanness on display and find it difficult to feel compassion for them, while others may relate all too well. With bed-wetting, a stolen diary, and graffiti involved, even the Sibling Council cannot repair their fractured relationship. Lord Tennyson must find new tricks to bring the children back together into a united pack before summer’s end. When Pearl, one of the younger McNiffs who will be entering kindergarten, goes missing, the drama switches gears as Lord Tennyson truly proves his dedication and value to his family. The writing is strong, and Lord Tennyson has an arch, competent manner in keeping with his professional role model, Mary Poppins. Final art not seen.
Chaotically entertaining.
Here we go, team. Here we go.
❤️ Amy
ICYMI: On another Note (so sorry), The McNifficents is on Netgalley for another month and then it goes away. Netgalley is where you can read the book for free (though OF COURSE I WANT YOU TO BUY IT) and post a review and tell all your friends about it (TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT IT ANYWAY).
What I’m reading: A Prayer for Owen Meany (incredible) and Brown Girl Dreaming (divine)
What are you reading?
Thank you for making us all aware of notes, but I don’t think I’ll join, for the exact reason you said... Another thing to keep up with (instead of , you know, actual WRITING!) But I am glad that my hip friend keeps me in the know, and that she got a fun review of her upcoming release! I’m thoroughly enjoying reading The McNifficents, as well as listening to Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield s/p reading Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. 😀