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January 28, 2008

New Hot Woman of Children's Literature

Okay, not woman but women. And I had the uber good fortune of meeting them both on my recent paperback tour: Shannon Hale and Libba Bray. Not only are they way too cute, they are way too cool. I mean, it's not fair at all that they can both produce amazing books, but they are sweet and gentle human beings besides. Shannon has cornered the market on new twists on old tales (Goose Girl, Princess Academy and just wait for Rapunzel, co-written with her husband and illustrated by yet another Hale -- Nathan!). And Libba is this century's Mary Higgins Clark (Great and Terrible Beauty, Rebel Angels, and The Sweet Far Thing).

These women connect in spades with their readers. Oh, the party that was planned for them by Kepler's Books in Menlo Park, California! I couldn't be there (other commitments), but I heard there were fans and treats and even a harpist.

But it's not the fol-de-rol that gets these gals a nomination. They both write with great heart about young women who are finding their own way in crazy worlds. And they both live life with great heart. I especially admire Shannon for touring with small babe in tow, on her birthday. Let's see some guy do that!

So let's raise a glass of sparkling cider to celebrate two amazing authors who write stories that take young readers one step closer to their true selves.

Brava, brava to Shannon and LIbba!

Posted by kirby at 07:14 PM | Comments (0)

January 24, 2008

Imitating Greatness

No one would cop to the idea, but here is the crew -- clockwise from upper left: Marian, Rosanne, Susan, Carolyn, me and Suz -- all mocking my publicity photo pose.

I love them anyway, and not just because they showed up tonight and bought me dessert afterward!

Posted by kirby at 11:02 PM | Comments (0)

Look at the fancy set up I found when I arrived at Powell's, Beaverton, tonight. Is that podium cool or what? Renee James, events coordinator, praised Powell's equipment shop for their creativity in designing this very fitting lectern.

Don't tell Mr. Random House, but I was a real slacker today. I woke up at 7:30 but couldn't come up with one good reason for getting up so closed my eyes again. I won't tell you what time I got up (my Puritan forefathers would spin in their graves) but I did thoroughly enjoy the press pot coffee I made up in my room. Then I suited up to brave the 30 degree weather and took a looong walk around downtown Portland, over to the Pearl District and back. I did find my way to Cupcake Jones where I enjoyed a Chocolate Marshmallow cupcake, topped with a homemade marshmallow. I didn't do it for myself, you understand, but for my cupcake-crazed friend, Jaime Temairik. The sacrifices I make for my friends!

I did work this afternoon, including a looong phone call with my partner in crime, Mary Nethery (don't forget our Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship and Survival is coming out in August). Then I got myself organized for my Powell's event.

And what a night! I arrived to find old friends awaiting me: including a dear friend from high school days, Eric Stolz, who was there despite the fact that his daughter had gone to the hospital just hours before, in labor with his very first grandchild. That is true friendship!

Other friends -- Susan Fletcher (winner of the Oregon Book Award for her amazing Alphabet of Dreams); Rosanne Parry (watch for her Heart of a Shepherd in spring 09); Suz Blackaby (Rembrandt's Hat); Carolyn Conahan (Cricket illustrator, as well as for her own book, The Twelve Dogs of Christmas) and (again!) my favorite librarian, Marian Creamer, who asked if there was going to be a sequel to Hattie (I'm sure my editor put her up to it) -- showed up in full force to support me. They were so darned cute (see photo above) that I had to send a copy of our poses to Publisher's Weekly; let's see if we get picked for photo of the week. We should!

Also in the audience were students from Portland Community College who asked terrific questions and two women who both had Montana connections.

So, dear readers, we end paperback book tour, Act 1, on a wonderful note. No catastrophes, no cliff hangers. Hmmm -- not a good place to end, all things considered, from a writing point of view.

But from a Kirby point of view: what a delightful end to a wonderful week.

The curtains will be drawn here while Kirby has a whole weekend to herself (with her darling husband) but check back in when Act II: Seattle/Wisconsin opens.

In the meantime, I hope you are writing your brains out!

Posted by kirby at 10:38 PM | Comments (0)

January 23, 2008

Day Three: Portland

The 4:45 a.m. alarm and snarky SFO TSA agent were completely and permanently cancelled out by the clear blue Portland sky and the kind, welcoming staff at the Heathman Hotel. This hotel has a huge library, shelves bursting with signed first editions from authors who have stayed as guests. And guess what I found when I got into my room? A hardcover copy of Hattie with a nice letter requesting I autograph it so it could be added to their collection. In fact, I am sitting in the library as I write this. And, even better, the hotel has partnered with Powell's to collect books for a literacy program called SMART(Start Making A Reader Today) by asking author-guests to donate a book -- so don't let me forget to send them one when I get home.

After a few minutes to unpack, I had a fabulous Rueben sandwich in the Pearl District with Whidbey Writers Workshop MFA pal, Nancy Boutin. We chatted about how knowing one's character is key to getting a book right. Nancy dropped me back at the hotel with enough time to brush my teeth and gather my gear for a visit to Meadow Park Middle School, in Beaverton.

With the capable Marilyn Spears at the wheel, we were at the school in no time. Which was really good because my computer didn't like their projector. Technical problems were quickly resolved and we were on our way.

Librarian Nancy VanVelde was so excited for me to be there -- I was her first ever Meadow Park author! The pressure! I presented to two groups of 8th graders, telling them about my writing process and the importance of revising, revising, revising. I think I saw some looks of disbelief when I told them I'd revised Hattie 13 times -- before I sent it to Michelle and she asked me to revise it twice more. I suspect they think their teachers put me up to saying that.

Here is the really bad thing about getting up way too early. One tends to forget things. Things like taking the digital camera along to Meadow Park Middle School. So my wonderful visit to Meadow Park was not recorded for posterity. But I have the memories on the flash drive of my mind.

After the visit, the traffic gods were again with us and Marilyn got me back to the hotel with a few minutes to spare before I met up for dinner with dear librarian friend, Marian Creamer. I will never forget the first time I met Marian, who served on last year's Newbery committee. We'd just been introduced by Chauni Haslet, owner of All for Kids Books and Music, at a Random House reception in honor of the Cat in the Hat's 50th anniversary. This was last year, at ALA-midwinter in Seattle. You may remember that was kind of a big event for me. Only I met Marian (and her partner in crime, Edie Ching) the night before the Newbery announcements. And when we met, they both wore poker faces and said, "Hmmm. Hattie Big Sky? We think we've heard of it." And all the while they knew they'd be calling me first thing the next morning to deliver news that would change my life.

Marian took me to a new tapas restaurant where we ate divine small plates of who-knows-all-what. Yum! Fortunately, we had enough room leftover for a bit of dessert at Higgins, near the Heathman. Now, fat and happy, I am wrapping up this post to make an appointment with a comfy pillow and a king-sized bed.

Tomorrow night: Powells (if it doesn't snow!). See you all there . . .

Posted by kirby at 09:37 PM | Comments (0)

January 22, 2008

A Patchwork of Love

Just when I thought the evening at The Storyteller couldn't get any better -- after all, I got to eat a delicious meal prepared by someone else and I got to tell stories about writing Hattie -- those sweethearts at the store had one more surprise for me.

Of course I cried when I pulled this quilt out of the gift bag. Here is its creator, Ruth, and me with a red nose from my tears of joy. Of course, if you've read the book, you know that this is a square from Mattie's Magic. I was overwhelmed.

You see, when you sit in your study, by yourself for three or four years, spinning a story, you have no idea how it will be received. I mean I can generally count on my mother loving what I write, but after that, all bets are off. So to think that someone like Ruth would love my book so much that she'd be inspired to make me a quilt -- well, that's enough to get the tears flowing all over again.

So I hit the hay tonight with fond memories of this whirlwind trip to San Francisco and with a full heart --and a soggy pillowcase.

Posted by kirby at 11:07 PM | Comments (0)

Prairie Dinner at The Storyteller

Don't you just wish you had been there?

Posted by kirby at 11:04 PM | Comments (0)

Here I am at The Storyteller in Lafayette, giving a big hug to a new good friend, Linda Higham. Linda is actually the cousin of a dear friend who lives near us so it was terrific to finally meet her. Look at the display they put up to welcome me and the other guests at the Prairie Dinner, in honor of Hattie Big Sky. This was the first time they'd ever done an author dinner. I have bad news for The Storyteller crew: they did such an amazing job that they're not going to be able to stop at just one! Librarians, moms, daughters and staff all dined on Big Sky Pot Pie, Greens with Green Beans and smacked our lips over Pear Spice Cake for dessert. Sunflowers decked the red-checked tablecloths and we ate out of pie tins, not too far off from what Hattie and her friends might have dined out of. The entire evening was such a gift but wait till I tell you about the frosting on the cake.

Posted by kirby at 10:55 PM | Comments (0)

Cynthia picked me up at the hotel in her darling VW bug this morning at the crack 'o dawn and we motored down the road to Bancroft Middle School, in San Leandro. Helen Turner, the Wonder Woman of English teachers, thought of everything, right down to saving us a parking spot. Jean, the librarian, was stymied as to why my powerpoint was yellow and I was no help. We went with Plan B and soon had a working presentation, just in time for the first group of students. I was so impressed with their warm welcome to me and the great questions afterwards. But I just don't understand why they laughed when I showed them a picture of me from junior high. . .well, yes I do.

Helen guided us downstairs for a pleasant break in the staff room where we sampled some incredible pastries baked by a local bakery. Between gooey bites, I met some of Helen's colleagues. Then, wiping off the last of the goody crumbs, we headed back up to the library for the second presentation. I had just as much fun this time as the first!

But there is no rest for the wicked. I was whisked away from Bancroft to sign some stock at Kepler's, in Menlo Park. This bookstore has been around for 60 years and it's clear it's a hub of the community. The children's department is under the able hands of not one but two Angelas! They put out an email newsletter which I'm signing up for just as soon as I finish these posts (and get my suitcase packed).

A quick and tasty lunch at a nearby cafe and Cynthia and I were on the road again. This time, back to the city where I took a short nap before the evening's event at The Storyteller.

Posted by kirby at 10:42 PM | Comments (0)

January 21, 2008

Case of Mistaken Identity

I'm trying not to get a complex, but someone emailed me to tell me the Portland paper has a notice saying "Kirby Larson will be at the Beaverton Powell's reading from his book, Hattie Big Sky." Then I got home from my lovely morning in Pleasanton to find this very kind note from the hotel management addressed to Mr. Larson. Sigh. I told my mom she should have named me Sally.

I consoled myself by spending the afternoon on a hunt for some comfortable yet stylish flats. I found some at a darling store called London Sole. . .and they were on sale! Don't tell Neil, but I bought two pair. Some women are addicted to plastic surgery -- I am addicted to shoes.

After a bit of work this afternoon, I was picked up promptly by Cynthia who took me out to the Walnut Creek Barnes and Noble. I am kicking myself for forgetting my camera because events manager, Colleen, is the exact image of what a Colleen should be. So now you'll all have to just go to Walnut Creek to see for yourself. Because of the holiday and some low mountain snow, it was a light turnout but we all had a great time. Well, at least I did. I met a woman who had homesteaded in Alaska in the 60's and a middle school librarian who peppered me with questions so she could report back to her kids.

In the car on the way back to the hotel, Cynthia and I solved all the world's problems. So what could be better?

Okay, there's one thing: they could stop turning on the darned TV when they turn down my bed each night. But other than that, life is good. Very, very good.

Posted by kirby at 10:12 PM | Comments (0)

Here I am with the warm and gracious Judy Wheeler, owner of Towne Center Books and teacher extraordinaire, Lisa, of Highfill School. Lisa's "Highfill Crew" of fifth graders has a summer reading program and Hattie was their selection last summer. The program is so popular that the 7th graders actually come back to take part! How cool is that? And all thanks to a good heart and great teacher.

Judy and I discovered a joint passion for necklaces with words. I was wearing my "Lucky Charm" necklace and she wore her "yes/laugh" necklace. Judy hosts a monthly lunch with an author at her store - and she makes the lunch! I tell you, book people are the best. Not only was she a great hostess - aided by her amazing colleagues -- she let me pick out any book I wanted from the store. Talk about died and gone to heaven. Well, I snatched up a copy of Gary Schmidt's The Wednesday Wars, which I hadn't had a chance to read yet. I got in a few pages tonight and I have to say I am hooked. What a great voice. Another book I know I'm going to wish I had written.

The sweetest moment of this visit was when one of the audience members, a very sweet older woman from France, asked me to explain what "buffalo chips" were. Some things just don't translate. . .

Posted by kirby at 10:01 PM | Comments (0)

I saw this sign and had to go inside to see what all the fuss was about!

Posted by kirby at 09:58 PM | Comments (0)

How can your day go wrong when you start it out in Pleasanton? I felt like we'd driven into Mayberry when I saw this sign on our way to Towne Center Books.

Posted by kirby at 09:57 PM | Comments (0)

Home Sweet Home

At least for the next few days, this is my home away from home: the swanky Hotel Palomar, right above Old Navy on Market Street. The room is quite posh, with a tub deep enough to need scuba gear. My only quibble is that the turn down service includes turning on the TV each night. I don't get it. . .

I adore the location which allowed me to take a brisk 3 mile walk to the Ferry Building and back this morning. Sure I needed my umbrella but I'm from Seattle! The sun came out just in time to set the white spire of the Ferry Building gleaming against a pink sky. I thought I was also admiring the Golden Gate Bridge but I learned later from my intrepid driver, Cynthia, that all that glitters is not gold: I was admiring the Bay Bridge. Oh, well -- it was a wonderful way to start the day, regardless.

Posted by kirby at 09:47 PM | Comments (0)

January 20, 2008

Day One: San Francisco

After a smooth and quick flight (I was engrossed in Karen Hesse's Witness so time really flew), I landed in the city by the bay. The sky was blue, the sun warm and the breeze cool so I threw my suitcase in my room and went out walking, up to Union Square and around. I will confess to peeking in Barney's but it was window shopping only. Then it was back to do my "homework" assignment (see my earlier post).

Just when I think I can't get any luckier (a Newbery and a paperback tour!), I do. Through a serendipitous turn of events, I got to have dinner with Shannon Hale, courtesy of prima publicist, Deb Shapiro. The two have traveled quite a bit together the past few years and they shared many hysterical road stories, most of which involved them being lost. Mostly, however, I sat in awe of Shannon, feeling a bit like I was getting to sit at the big kids' table. In addition to being a fine writer (and a Jane Austen fanatic), she is generous and kind but what struck me most is how hard she works at her writing. And it's clear she has a darned good time doing it.

So I'm going to hang on to my memory of this lovely dinner: first for the chance to meet yet another super person who also writes for kids/young adults, and second, for the inspiration she provided me.

So, it's back to my homework before I can hit the hay!

Posted by kirby at 09:51 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

January 18, 2008

Flying Free

There is one really good thing about a long plane ride. And that is, if you bring a book along, you will read it. And, if it's a book with writing exercises (like Chapter After Chapter, by Heather Sellers), you will do the exercises.

You see, I generally don't do the exercises in writing books. I have good intentions but we all know about good intentions. But there I was on the plane with nary a People magazine in sight and with Heather's book on my lap, and a brand new journal in my bag. I did nearly every single exercise -- and that's a record for me. I got a lot out of the one which required that you make a list of everything you don't know about your book. You may think that might be discouraging, but it was actually freeing. . .and eye-opening. And I spent yesterday afternoon making homework assignments for myself (one of the other exercises) to keep me on task and writing as I head off for a week of bookstore and school visits for the paperback tour of Hattie.

But the best exercise of all was exercise 24 which asked you to write a termination letter to the demon-editor within. I have to confess, since Hattie won the Newbery Honor, my internal editor -- I've named her Miss Priss-- had gotten quite smug and full of herself. I could hardly finish typing a sentence before she was right in my face, telling me how stupid it was, that it didn't measure up to Hattie, that I was doing it all wrong.

Here's how I started the letter:
Dear Miss Priss,

I regret to inform you that your services are no longer needed. I'm fully aware that Hattie Big Sky won a Newbery Honor and that that is a BIG DEAL. I am also fully aware of the fact that the new story is nowhere near the level of Hattie.

But Hattie has its flaws and it was pretty wretched early on, too. . .Right now, I want to feel proud of myself again and I can't if I don't get this manuscript finished. And I can't get this manuscript finished with you in the same office.

I wish you the best in finding another placement.

Sincerely,

Kirby

I have to tell you, writing that letter felt terrific! Maybe it would help you, too. Just try it. Trust me, you won't feel foolish -- you'll feel insanely relieved to have that old battle-axe out of your work space.

I'd share more but I've got a crummy first draft to get back to!

Posted by kirby at 08:48 AM | Comments (0)

January 17, 2008

Fun In Florida

I'm so sorry this photo doesn't show Ann Whitford Paul -- she was snapping me, Helen Ketteman and Mary Nethery holding our tired wrists after signing away at Circle Books, in Sarasota, Florida this past weekend.

We four Write Sisters (there are 7 Write Sisses in all -- Tricia Gardella, Dian Curtis Regan and Vivian Sathre were otherwise engaged) had a great week on Sanibel Island. We read to darling little 4 and 5 year olds at Brightest Horizons school, taught an all-day workshop at Big Arts on Writing for Children and were honored guests at the Big Arts movie night, which featured "Miss Potter."

When we weren't busy with the above, we were either critiquing one another's work or beach combing. It was during our second outing to the beach that I realized how much shelling and writing have in common.

When you are looking for the perfect shell, you are bent over, eyes glued to the sandy beach. If you spy something special -- could that be an alphabet cone in the surf? -- you sacrifice dry clothes to dive after it. And the hours of searching are forgotten the instant you snag that one perfect shell you've been coveting.

Writing is like that, too. At least, for me. I know I spend days hunched over my keyboard (please don't tell my physical therapist!), eyes glued to the screen searching for that one perfectly formed word. Oh, the frustration when I think I've got it and I look more closely and I realize the tip's been broken off or the bottom side's been worn away by the surf. No amount of Advil can cure the ache of hours of intense struggle to find the right word, the right scene, the right anything.

But the moment that gesture, or bit of dialogue or soupcon of description is discovered, it's as if you've come upon the rarest of sea shells. For you, it may be an apple murex or a golden cowrie or a banded tulip. For me, it will be a ruby red lion's paw. It's different for each of us.

But it's all about the search. It's dirty and wearying and discouraging. And crazy too-- for heaven's sake, you can BUY really cool shells at any tourist trap.

But that's the thing, isn't it? It's not about buying something someone else has uncovered, has brought to light. It's about finding your own treasures on the beach, on the page.

So what if you get nipped by no see'ums or scraped by barnacles along the way? The pleasure -- and it is pure pleasure -- is in finding the treasure you and you alone are meant to find.

So kick off your shoes, roll up your pant legs and wade in.

The water's fine.

Posted by kirby at 08:34 PM | Comments (2)

January 09, 2008

Hot Women in Children's Literature

Indulge me today as I salute several Hot Women in Children's Literature at once, namely my 2007 Newbery pals. As the minute hand clicks toward midnight and our coaches are about to turn back into pumpkins, I'd like to salute Susan Patron, Jennifer Holm and Cynthia Lord.

These women are fine writers. If you don't believe the Newbery Committee, believe me. Susan's Higher Power of Lucky matter-of-factly and with great love and tenderness introduced us to a world where kids have neither iPods nor all the advantages. Jennifer's Penny from Heaven shed light on a shadowy time in American history. And Cynthia's Rules addressed tough life issues but also included a sweet first romance and a delightful dollop of Frog and Toad.

These women are also fine people. They've answered every question and request I've made of them, generously offering encouragement and advice. If you want proof yourself of how awesome they are, come to the Washington SCBWI spring conference in Seattle where they'll all be in one place! Well, almost all. Jennifer will be attending in spirit, rather than in actuality.

So as this year of Newbery magic for the class of 07 draws to a close, let's lift a glass of cyber bubbly to three sizzling Hot Women of Children's Literature.

Posted by kirby at 08:14 AM | Comments (0)

January 08, 2008

Readergirlz Rock

If you haven't checked them out yet, go right now to get acquainted with the amazing divas at ReaderGirlz! The site, started by Dia Calhoun, Janet Lee Carey, Lorie Ann Grover and Justina Chen Headley -- all young adult writers extraordinaire -- has been honored by the ALSC as one of the 34 great websites for children.

I'm honored that the ReaderGirlz have selected Hattie as the featured book for January. Stop by the group forum on their My Space page (instructions at the website) and join in the discussion. The first topic asks what you would take if you, like Hattie, were about to embark on a big move/grand adventure. Nearly everyone mentioned photos. Question two tapped into Hattie's biting off more than she could chew by attempting to prove up on Uncle Chester's homestead claim -- many of the teen readers admitted to being like Hattie and saying yes to too many things at times.

The camaraderie is warm and conversation lively so pop in and say hello.

Posted by kirby at 11:33 AM | Comments (1)

January 07, 2008

A Bit of a Brag

Can I show off just a little? Random House/Delacorte took out this add for the paperback release of Hattie in the January 3 USA Today. She was just below a review for Sara Paretsky's new book and just to the left of a plug for Pullman's The Subtle Knife-- not too bad for a 16-year-old orphan from Vida, Montana!

Posted by kirby at 11:30 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack