In Character

It is essential that you (yes, you!) watch last night's Simpsons episode. I know, I know. You don't usually watch The Simpsons. You just don't think it's funny. Maybe you're even offended by it sometimes. But I, Rebecca Martin, say, "Watch it." There is more-than-a-cameo by uber-creative writer Neil Gaiman (whose praises I've sung here), as well as a plot on tween lit novel writing (and writing in general) that's a little too incisive to be parody. (Not to mention one of my favorite Simpsons lines yet. Lisa: "I got the idea from every movie ever made.")

Meanwhile, I won't mention how my own middle grades book involves an orphan who discovers she has magical powers. There's no castle, but there is a suspiciously large house . . . Hey. Neil and Lisa only wanted to get their pictures on the back of a dust jacket. I'm just trying to do the same, right? (Kidding. Kidding!)

So go on with you, now, before I confess to truly horrible things. Hop on over to Hulu* and click "Play." If you've got any interest in YA lit, I don't think you'll regret it.

 

*Next week, that is. Dang Hulu Plus.