In this week's edition of Endnotes, we take a look at Emily St. James's Woodworking, a delightful story of an unlikely friendship between a closeted transgender high school teacher and her openly trans student. In its review, PW says "this engrossing drama is a must-read."
Here's how the book came together:
Emily St. James
“Woodworking began as an observation about how newly out queer people frequently turn for advice to much younger queer people, who’ve nevertheless been out longer. It struck me as an unusual way of telling a mother-daughter story. My hope is that people will read a book about trans people set in South Dakota and realize our community is not confined to tiny communes in Brooklyn and Silver Lake. We’re in every state, and our lives have a dignity that cannot be erased by the law.”
Victoria Marini
“Emily was a referral from a colleague who’d read the work and suspected it was something special that I would enjoy. Emily and I talked a lot about editorial approach, then she went through a round of revisions. I submitted Woodworking to editors I knew would connect with it, and it was preempted a few weeks after I sent it.”
Caolinn Douglas
“Emily is a pristine and precise writer on the line, so my edits were never about style and cadence. Instead, we worked very hard on character. She is very open to feedback, fast to return drafts, brimming with ideas, patient with the publishing process, and, most importantly, is just a great writer with a singular aptitude for voice and personality.”
Grace Han
“I started by reading and taking notes. The characters showed strength in their vulnerabilities, and a desire to showcase that stayed with me throughout the design process. I wanted to highlight the idea of exploration and change with the type. I like how the photo depicts forward-facing seats set against a chaotic background. I feel
like it channels the energy of the characters so well.”
