Somebody just told me about this recent episode of America’s Got Talent, which I don’t generally watch.

I do, however, have very good reason to think that Dusty May, the protagonist in my novel Gap-Toothed Girl, inspired a dancer named Ms. Ashlee Montague, who recently appeared on America’s Got Talent and danced on upright bottles. I also have very good reason to think that Dusty May inspired somebody specific from the production team of America’s Got Talent.

I don’t know anything about the dancer Ms. Ashlee Montague, but I do know that this latter person, from the production team of America’s Got Talent, would move heaven and earth to deny any such inspiration, because my politico-economic views do not “align,” as they’re so fond of expressing it, with their own politico-economic views.

My book Gap-Toothed Girl was sent to Reese Witherspoon, who has the biggest book-club in the world, who purportedly likes strong female protagonists, and who may or may not have something to do with America’s Got Talent.  My politico-economic views most definitely don’t “align” with Reese Witherspoon’s — nor will they ever.

For those readers who’ve called Dusty May “unrealistic” for her strength and physical feats, I ask you to watch this amazing dancer:

The will is eternal.