Every now and then I hope to post blurbs about some of my clients in this space. First up: Jack Lopez! Jack grew up in Los Angeles, and as a teenager he took to the ocean and become an accomplished surfer. After receiving his MFA from UC Irvine, Jack published a collection of essays, CHOLOS AND SURFERS, and a short story collection, SNAPPING LINES. Jack teaches creative writing at CSU Northridge. People often ask me how agents find their clients, and one of the best ways (and most common) is through referrals. A year or so ago I had lunch with Jack’s immensely talented editor at Little, Brown, Alvina Ling, and, recalling my love of California, a few months later she sent Jack my way. Jack had just finished his debut novel, IN THE BREAK, and when I read it I was stunned. It was (and is) one of the best young adult novels I have ever read, and I immediately knew I had to take on Jack as a client. IN THE BREAK is about a young man, Juan, who helps out his best friend Jamie after Jamie beats up his stepfather. Along with Jamie’s sister, Amber, the trio run away to Mexico, having crazy adventures, falling in love and surfing along the way. I can’t recommend this novel highly enough, for adults as well as teens. It’s just a great book. IN THE BREAK has a spare, powerful prose that becomes intensely lyrical (in an awesome way) during the surfing scenes, and it’s funny, real and, of course, very cool. Jack is currently at work on his second novel, which I can’t wait to read.
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