I leave Sunday for a couple weeks to Europe. The whole trip is one long book and writers fest and I am really looking forward to meeting all the writers who have sent me their work for critique and the mentorship program. I'll get to see a lot of author friends--it's an odd thing, the writer tribe. We are tight, in a nomadic way.
Last week, at a literature conference at the University of Northern Illinois, I got to have a real conversation with David Wiesner for the first time, after loving his art and "wordless stories" for years. I got to see my friend literacy expert/librarian/author Michael Sullivan and watch him inspire a few hundred librarians and give them ways to en-literate more boys, Sylvia Barzei and her amazing science/grossology, the kind and peaceful Joseph Bruchac, whom I had never met, but whose work I admire, Mark Crilley, a very nice guy, who was spit-your-milk funny and Robert Burleigh whose presentation I missed half of , because I was freezing and had to leave to go fetch a sweater, then got stuck on the phone. I shivered much of the time. IL apparent has a season called winter?? I grew up in snow country, but southern California often skips cold weather altogether, it so I have become a weather wuss. . .
14 comments:
Hi Kathleen, I hope enjoy your trip, and the self confessed southern California weather-wuss doesn’t suffer too much. I’m pleased you enjoyed my southern Colorado blog. I have to say the idea that a professional writer, as well as a southern Colorado native was viewing my work is kind of scary, especially since it was not even yet completed (in an editorial sense). Hope I didn’t make too many errors. Ken
Was really great to meet you in Bologna and hear your inspirational talk. Can't wait to read Skin Hunger (just ordered it) and Sacred Scars when it comes out.
I just finished skin hunger and I loved it. Thank you so much for writing it and writing it well. I am writing my own book so I know how hard it is sometimes (for me right now particularly). I also do a lot of reading to my son and I don't think he is quite old enough yet but I can't wait to recommend it when he is. I will for sure to all of our babysitters. You are an inspiration. You created tension so well, between the stories and in each and using what each character knows and another doesn't...Oh I could go on. Thank you so much. You are an inspiration Tina
hi kathleen - thank you for your inspirational talk at bologna. i wish i had more of a chance to talk to you. i'll be keeping an eye on your blog from now on!
hi Kathleen,
i read your book, Skin Hunger. it was really well done. so is the next book out yet? if not, when is it coming?
so what other books have you written that are out?
Star
K
your blog is beautiful!
I'll be back!
Ken,
Your blog is a wonderful thing--and it really did take me back to all the great road trips when I was a kid and a hippie. Colorado is the home of my heart. There are mountains and aspens in nearly every book I write...And no worries about your writing. It's good. And this blog is full of typos and other small embarrassments...thanks again for the memory-ride...k
Lenore,
It was a magical conference for me... thank you for coming and for the kind words. I am working like mad on Sacred Scars...it'll be Spring 09.
k
Tina Lee, what a kind and true thing--how we draw inspiration from each other. Richard Peck said it best: "We write by the light of every book we have ever read."
Thanks. I am overjoyed if the book brings some small light to your own writing.
k
Candy, your presentation In Bologna was brilliant. I am thinking about everything you said as I being to overhaul my web presence. Yes, please, keep in touch. I'd love to see you again some day with more time to talk.
k
Challengingstar,
I am writing the second one now, and it is really taking turns I didn't expect. Title: sacred Scars. Oh, I hope you like it. It will be out Spring 09...
I haven't written anything else for YA besides Skin Hunger. My books for younger readers are all on http://www.kathleenduey.com
Thank you for writing. Knowing that people like my work makes facing the blank screen easier every morning...k
Angela,
I so enjoyed meeting you. You really are an extraordinary person. I cannot wait to read your work.
kathleen
Hi Kathleen,
I've only just started reading Skin Hunger today and... Wow! By the end of the third chapter I had a knot in my throat. The story captured me immediately and my surroundings when I was reading it (I happened to be in the train) just disappeared and I was there with Sadima.
I'd like to thank you for your inspirational talk at Bologna, but in particular for your detailed review of my manuscript. Your attention, your care, and the advice you gave me, are gifts that I'll treasure forever.
I hope to see you again soon, meanwhile I'll keep reading your great Blog :)
Paul,
Thanks so much for the kind words about the book. It means everything when people like the work, you know? Thanks!!
kathleen
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