Richard Jesse Watson’s fabulous illustration of “Saynora”
Newsflash: This just in from the Washington State History Museum:
COLUMBIAKids Turns Two!
May 20, 2010, 6:30-8pm
Washington State History Museum ~ 1911 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma WA 98402
1-888-BE-THERE
Join us as COLUMBIAKids e-zine turns two! This year we’re exploring “the story behind the story” with amazing PNW authors Kirby Larson (Hattie Big Sky, Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship and Survival, and COLUMBIAKids “Sayonara”), Randall Platt (Hellie Jondoe), Anjali Banerjee (Looking for Bapu, Seaglass Summer), Mindy Hardwick (COLUMBIAKids “Pigs Go To Market” and “Tales of the Lighthouse Keeper”), and the editors of COLUMBIAKids.
If you’re curious about researching and writing history for kids, don’t miss this program. If you’re intrigued with homesteading, ghosts, orphan trains, internment, animals, or mummies, this night is for you. It’s a fun and enlightening evening for readers and writers of all ages. The program is FREE and the museum is open to the public until 8pm. Book signing to follow the program.
Do you wanna see “you” as in anyone? Or just, you know, people you’re not embarrassed to be seen with?
(Oh–and I just watched the video interview you did with Nancy Pearl. What a treat to see you and Winston! You looked fabulous, as always. It was an excellent interview.)
It was nice seeing you again at the COLUMBIAKids “birthday party.” I had to bite my lip while you were talking about your Sayonara story. What a heart-wrenching scene. You know how to up the emotional ante!
I read the comment above and just watched your interview. Thanks for sharing the inside scoop. You’re right on the money about critique groups. (I was sorry to hear about your mom. I’m glad you were able to connect through your writing.)
By the way, I have a Winston too! Your little guy was so adorable and good sitting there- and only 9 months old? Best of luck with the Reading with Rover program.
Jenn,
It was nice to see you last night. Thanks for the compliments — I was afraid my comments were kind of a downer to end the evening on!
Not sure what I said about my mom — I wonder if you’re thinking about my grandmother, with whom I connected through Hattie during the last few years of her struggles with Alzheimer’s. But my mom is happy and healthy and adorable as ever!
I agree on both counts–it was wonderful to see you and to hear your heartbreaking story behind the story.
I have a question, though:
Ursula Le Guin says that historical fiction is a type of fantasy because of the world-building that the writer has to bring about in convincing detail–and not just the physical world of dress, economy, language, transportation, etc, but a whole belief system and the way people see themselves, the world and creation. Wartime seems to peel away all the extraneous stuff of life and expose this truth. I wonder…do you think you absorb this naturally as you do your research, or are you consciously trying to get into the mindset and belief system of the time in order to create (or recreate) the world?
Wow, Grier, what a great question! I’m thinking it’s a bit of both. I work hard to understand the attitudes and values of the time period I’m reading about (which is why old newspapers are such a great resources for me) but I also think there’s some osmosis that occurs because of that diving in.
I love this dance between intention and osmosis. I’m amazed that you can balance this level of intensity with picture book collaborations, promotions, blogging, and taking time to talk and correspond with readers.
Grier — the balance isn’t! Which is why I’m playing hermit until October. . .except for your event next month! 😉