George M. Johnson and Leah Johnson Sign Seven-Figure Book Deal
Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group has signed a seven-figure, two-book deal with George M. Johnson and Leah Johnson. There’s Always Next Year, the duo’s first collaboration, is set to release in 2025. The novel is a contemporary YA romcom following two cousins — Andy and Dominque — working to fix their love lives in time for the New Year. “This book is special because as a Black queer teen, I had no representation of love,” George M. Johnson said in a statement. “While others went to the prom with their sweethearts, I could only dream of my day where I got my happy ending. This book does that.” Leah Johnson said that she hopes to support queer youth through her writing: “My hope is that by continuing to put this type of work out in the world, and being loud and visible queer authors, we can affirm to young people everywhere that their stories do now, and will always, matter.”
Woman Who Paid Photographer $100 for Photos Now the Face of an Erotic Novel
Christian Demeritt, a Florida native who is now an actress in California, took headshots 13 years ago and later discovered her likeness being used on an erotic novel. Demeritt documented her discovery in a series of TikTok videos last month. Her likeness has also been used in training modules and breast reduction advertisements. Demeritt admits she didn’t read the fine print when booking the photographer. “I understand that I signed something that I did not completely understand,” she said. She cautions others, “Make sure you read the fine print and don’t act out of desperation.”
Netflix Releases Shadow and Bone Season 2 Trailer
Netflix has released the full trailer for season 2 of Shadow and Bone. The highly anticipated second season, which is based on Leigh Bardugo’s bestselling novels, will pick up with Alina’s newly-discovered sun-summoning powers. Alina will work toward perfecting her powers to fight against the Darkling. “The most wonderful thing about Season 2 is that we get to advance the story of these characters that we’d left in precarious positions at the end of Season 1,” showrunner Eric Heisserer said at Netflix’s Tudum event. “There’s a lot of potential for them this season.” Season 2 will premiere March 16th on Netflix.
Books About the Waco Seige on Its 30th Anniversary
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Waco Siege. These books explore the story behind the deadly standoff.