About Lindsay

Biography:

Lindsay is a Communication Arts major with a focus in writing.  Her past semester in New York City gave her a soft spot for the publishing industry and cupcakes. 

Lindsay's Artist Statement: 

Of all the things I took away from my semester in New York City, one concept stands as something that shapes the way I view books and the publishing industry.  As I worked in and learned about the industry, I was caught up in the continuing conversation of its future, given the rise of ebooks. Conversations on the topic began to leave me rather pessimistic about the print medium and our definition of a "book." Eventually, however, my professor mentioned that when it's all boiled down, our focus should really be on the story, and our ability to tell it. When we dedicate our efforts to the story, it shouldn't matter what medium it comes in. This concept completely changed how I viewed my work, both in writing and marketing books. When we focus on the story, we retain the integrity and heart of books. I feel like it is then that we are able to make a true impact and influence on the public because we aren't just selling physical material, but instead, sharing a story. 

My work with The Wave People has become a reflection of this, as I've aspired to share my experiences and thoughts through the medium of the story. In 2009, I traveled to Swaziland on a month-long short term missions trip through Gordon. It was an amazing experience, but as the time neared its end, I began to wonder what the real purpose of our visit really was. Sure, I had been changed by these people, but were they in any way changed by me? Had I really made any sort of difference? On my last day at the community center, I was saying my goodbyes to a friend I had made when she mentioned that she might just start calling us the wave people because we come in and out. Although I don't think it was meant to mean much, this statement really stuck with me and has become the driving force of writing this book. As a result, The Wave People has acted a means to share and continue this discussion as well as others.

The Wave People: Cover Letter and Summary

Elizabeth Evans

Agent

Jean V. Naggar Agency

216 E 75^th St Suite 1E

New York, NY 1003

May 6, 2010

Re: Requested Material

Dear Ms. Evans:

What does a village decimated by the AIDS epidemic look like through the eyes of an 8-year from Kalamazoo, Michigan?  My 45,000 word young adult novel, The Wave People, seeks to create that eye-opening experience for readers.  The Wave People discusses the hot button issues of AIDS, rape, and cross-cultural evangelism through the unfiltered and innocent viewpoint of Hannah Baker. 

Hannah heads off to Divusi, Swaziland, with her family and 12 other church members on a three-week missions trip.  While there, she becomes very good friends with Zandi, a local the same age as her.  After the two girls grow closer, Hannah discovers that Zandi and all of the people in the village refer to large missionary groups as the Wave People because they come in as quickly as they leave.  She also learns about the “A”s epidemic, but is confused at to why the community avoids discussing it.  As time dwindles, tragedy comes between the friends when Zandi is mistreated by a local leader and her mother becomes very ill.  Torn between the desire to support her friend and the need to go back home, Hannah feels the real burden of being a part of the Wave People. 

I drew inspiration for this book from my personal experience of being a wave person for a month in the town of Bulembu, Swaziland in 2009.  Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response.  

Best

Lindsay de Villiers

lindsaydev@gmail.com

(203) 451-6472

60 Arbor Drive

Southport, CT 06890

           

Short Version:

A story told from the perspective of a young American girl who travels with her family on a missions trip to AIDS stricken Swaziland and befriends a local.

Long Version:

Hannah Baker is a bright and curious 8-year-old who is leaving the comforts of Kalamazoo, Michigan for the far away country of Swaziland.  Dad said that she would play with kids and make new friends.  Hannah didn’t really understand why she and her church had to go all the way over there to help, but nonetheless, games sounded fun and there was the hope that Hannah could become friends with some of the high schoolers that were coming. 

After realizing what a true friend is, Hannah becomes close with a local named Zandi, discovering that she has more in common with Swazis than she could have ever imagined.  Both have an annoying older brother, and love playing basketball (although Zandi calls it netball), their favorite flowers are violets.  But something still not right about Divusi, and Hannah keeps hearing the term “Wave People”.  As the girls become closer, the burdens of the community fall between them, leading Hannah to place of tension between what she should do, and what she’s obligated to do.