Not only am I a student, housewife, and dog & cat Mommy, but I am a writer. I have had small pieces published in a local paper, a car club magazine, and my college literary magazine. Not much, but it is something. I have yet to finish a couple of larger projects I am working on, but the ideas have been flowing and the writing has been flowing copiously the past few weeks.
Recently I went to the Newburyport Literary Festival. I heard DeLaune Michel and Ellen Meister speak together about their books which are primarily about the friendships between their characters. Both of them talked about the real life experiences that inspired some of the scenes in their books. I left there all abuzz with ideas.
A long time ago I had a friend. His name was Anthony. One wintery day when we were 7 or 8, he fell in the pond behind my house because he just insisted on pushing an iceberg with a stick and...kerplop! I laid on my belly in the snow with a rake in my hand. He grabbed the handle of the rake and I pulled him in. Then his feet got stuck in the mucky sidewall of the pond. I had to help him relax enough to slowly pull his boot out so I could pull him up and out. Then he went running home to him momma as fast as his frozen feet and legs could carry him. I've caught up with him a few times over the years. Last I knew he was doing special effects make-up for Nip Tuck.
After hearing DeLaune and Ellen speak, I knew I had to write a fictional story that spiraled out from this incident. Two friends and how this one incident effects their lives. What if the boy who is saved goes on to commit a heinous act? What if they come back together after many years? What if he is wildly successful and she is struggling? What if they end up all grown up and living in the same neighborhood with spouses and kids of their own?
And the ideas keep flowing, but they are one thing I don't mind drowning in. Ideas and...chocolate and... affection ;-)
Showing posts with label Delaune Michel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Delaune Michel. Show all posts
Monday, June 8, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Authors are My Rockstars
Forgive the lighting in some of these. No flash photography was allowed.
John Peede and Julia Alvarez
DeLaune Michel and Ellen Meister
DeLaune Michel
Blurry, Far Away, Dark - Anita Shreve and Elinor Lipman
John Peede and Julia Alvarez
DeLaune Michel and Ellen Meister
DeLaune Michel
Blurry, Far Away, Dark - Anita Shreve and Elinor Lipman
Newburyport Literary Festival
FRIDAY
On Friday, my friend since we were 12, Tanya, and I went to Newburyport for the literary festival.
We stayed at Essex Street Inn.
After check in, I was a bit of a crazy person trying to kind of plan out the sessions we'd be going to the next day. When my nuttiness subsided, we walked around town and along the water reveling in the sunshine and temps in the 80's. We also picked up some books at Jabberwocky.
Friday night we went to the opening ceremony where Julia Alvarez was interviewed by Jon Peede. I love her and have read nearly everything she has ever published. I wanted to ask her about going from writing poetry, which in many ways is all about brevity, to writing novels which demand just the opposite. There was limited time for questions though, and I put my hand up too late. Then dinner at The Uppercrust where Andre Dubus III and his family sat down to eat at the table next to us. We did not bother them.
Then we went back to the room where we read, giggled, and talked ourselves to sleep. No different than being 12 except... We called our husbands to say good night.
SATURDAY
Saturday morning as we were leaving breakfast, Julia Alvarez and her husband we're sitting down to eat. Wow!
Tanya headed to see Julia Glass and Joan Wickersham while I went to see DeLaune Michel and Ellen Meister.
We then met up outside The Firehouse to go see Cheryl Richardson. She was incredible! Just so real, genuine, authentic. She had the lighting guy dim the spotlight he had on her and bring up the house lights so we could all see each other. She asked us to shout out our reason for being there, what questions we were looking to have answered. Several people shouted things out or raised their hands to speak. I asked about having a bunch of ideas, how do you pare them down? How do you know when you have a good one? Later, when she got to a point where she could pull her answer to my question into the conversation, she remembered I had asked it and looked straight at me. I just couldn't believe with all the people who asked things, she remembered exactly who asked what question and where they were sitting and spoke right to them. The man sitting next to me asked a question just as time was expiring. She helped him get to the answer by asking him questions. Then she asked, is that helpful? With a catch in his voice he said, "Yes." Even before his answer, I knew he was near tears. Cheryl has the power to move and to motivate.
Next Tanya and I were off to lunch at Andaman Thai which was empty but for us and Ellen Meister! I asked her what she was reading (Elinor Lipman) and then left her to her lunch. Tanya and I chatted about the sessions we went to separately, Cheryl Richardson, books, writing, etc. over Tofu Triangles, Yellow Curry (her), and Massaman Curry (me). By the time we paid the bill, it was just after 1:00. We tried to see Anita Shreve at Jabberwocky, but it was packed. We decided to see her at 3:00 instead when she was scheduled to speak with Elinor Lipman at The Firehouse about having your book turned into a movie.
It was really hot out. We went to the inn where our car was parked, changed our clothes in the parking lot somewhat discretely, and window shopped. Among the fascinating items we encountered: Invisible Underwear. We felt the sample on the cover of the box and wondered how on earth it stays on the body.
2:00 brought Young Adult Poetry Slam. Performers were between the ages of 13 and 24. They were amazing! One of the performers was gutsy enough to sing her poem!!!! I was also please to see that three of the seven performers were male. As much as I love Teen Voices and all of the poetry performances the girls put on, it was nice to be at an event where males were welcome and to hear what the boys had to say in their poetry.
After round one of two, we ducked out to get over to The Firehouse for Anita Shreve and Elinor Lipman. After their talk on "From Fiction to Film", I met Anita and she signed her most recent book, Testimony, even personalizing it for my grandmother who I intend to send it to. After what must have been a very long day for her, I appreciated it immensely.
The closing ceremony wasn't until 6:30. We decided to get sorbet and head out.
Great weekend! Great Festival!
On Friday, my friend since we were 12, Tanya, and I went to Newburyport for the literary festival.
We stayed at Essex Street Inn.
After check in, I was a bit of a crazy person trying to kind of plan out the sessions we'd be going to the next day. When my nuttiness subsided, we walked around town and along the water reveling in the sunshine and temps in the 80's. We also picked up some books at Jabberwocky.
Friday night we went to the opening ceremony where Julia Alvarez was interviewed by Jon Peede. I love her and have read nearly everything she has ever published. I wanted to ask her about going from writing poetry, which in many ways is all about brevity, to writing novels which demand just the opposite. There was limited time for questions though, and I put my hand up too late. Then dinner at The Uppercrust where Andre Dubus III and his family sat down to eat at the table next to us. We did not bother them.
Then we went back to the room where we read, giggled, and talked ourselves to sleep. No different than being 12 except... We called our husbands to say good night.
SATURDAY
Saturday morning as we were leaving breakfast, Julia Alvarez and her husband we're sitting down to eat. Wow!
Tanya headed to see Julia Glass and Joan Wickersham while I went to see DeLaune Michel and Ellen Meister.
We then met up outside The Firehouse to go see Cheryl Richardson. She was incredible! Just so real, genuine, authentic. She had the lighting guy dim the spotlight he had on her and bring up the house lights so we could all see each other. She asked us to shout out our reason for being there, what questions we were looking to have answered. Several people shouted things out or raised their hands to speak. I asked about having a bunch of ideas, how do you pare them down? How do you know when you have a good one? Later, when she got to a point where she could pull her answer to my question into the conversation, she remembered I had asked it and looked straight at me. I just couldn't believe with all the people who asked things, she remembered exactly who asked what question and where they were sitting and spoke right to them. The man sitting next to me asked a question just as time was expiring. She helped him get to the answer by asking him questions. Then she asked, is that helpful? With a catch in his voice he said, "Yes." Even before his answer, I knew he was near tears. Cheryl has the power to move and to motivate.
Next Tanya and I were off to lunch at Andaman Thai which was empty but for us and Ellen Meister! I asked her what she was reading (Elinor Lipman) and then left her to her lunch. Tanya and I chatted about the sessions we went to separately, Cheryl Richardson, books, writing, etc. over Tofu Triangles, Yellow Curry (her), and Massaman Curry (me). By the time we paid the bill, it was just after 1:00. We tried to see Anita Shreve at Jabberwocky, but it was packed. We decided to see her at 3:00 instead when she was scheduled to speak with Elinor Lipman at The Firehouse about having your book turned into a movie.
It was really hot out. We went to the inn where our car was parked, changed our clothes in the parking lot somewhat discretely, and window shopped. Among the fascinating items we encountered: Invisible Underwear. We felt the sample on the cover of the box and wondered how on earth it stays on the body.
2:00 brought Young Adult Poetry Slam. Performers were between the ages of 13 and 24. They were amazing! One of the performers was gutsy enough to sing her poem!!!! I was also please to see that three of the seven performers were male. As much as I love Teen Voices and all of the poetry performances the girls put on, it was nice to be at an event where males were welcome and to hear what the boys had to say in their poetry.
After round one of two, we ducked out to get over to The Firehouse for Anita Shreve and Elinor Lipman. After their talk on "From Fiction to Film", I met Anita and she signed her most recent book, Testimony, even personalizing it for my grandmother who I intend to send it to. After what must have been a very long day for her, I appreciated it immensely.
The closing ceremony wasn't until 6:30. We decided to get sorbet and head out.
Great weekend! Great Festival!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Darling DeLaune
A few summers ago I took a literature class. One of the books we read was by a burgeoning new author named DeLaune Michel. Her debut novel, Aftermath of Dreaming, was by far my favorite book all semester. As an additional treat, we had a group phone chat with DeLaune about her book. She did not disappoint.
After the phone chat, I emailed DeLaune to thank her. We have continued to email intermittently ever since. She is the sweetest, most thoughtful, lovely person. She is super busy with family and career, but always makes time for little old me, a mere acquaintance. Her encouraging words keep the aspiring author in me going.
DeLaune's second novel, The Safety of Secrets, was released last summer. When she came to Jabberwocky Books in Newburyport for a reading and signing, I went to meet her in person. It was a thrill! Her cousin, the talented & charming & alarmingly handsome Andre Dubus III, was there signing his book The Garden of Last Days. Newburyport is his hometown. Translation: The reading and signing were a mob scene, but meeting DeLaune was well worth the wait.
DeLaune Michel, Sue of Jabberwocky Books, and Andre Dubus III
via DeLaune Michel
Shortly after that, I began following DeLaune's blog, Scribble Interludes. A candid peek into the person behind the books and the life of a professional author.
A few days ago I got an email from my dear writer friend. She has been traveling around the country to different literary festivals. In April she will be at the Newburyport Literary Festival and would like to see me. I have already booked a room and roped my best friend into accompanying me.
I can't wait!
If you live in Arizona, meet DeLaune at the Tucson Festival of Books this weekend.
Everyone should read at least one of DeLaune's books. They are a great escape and a quick read. Just be sure to set aside a whole day or at least an afternoon because you will no doubt be sucked in and unable to put the book down. For Aftermath of Dreaming, I suggest a bubble bath, candles, and wine. For The Safety of Secrets, a rocking chair and lemonade on your front porch will do. For either/or, I suggest a comfy chair, blanket, and tea. Enjoy!
After the phone chat, I emailed DeLaune to thank her. We have continued to email intermittently ever since. She is the sweetest, most thoughtful, lovely person. She is super busy with family and career, but always makes time for little old me, a mere acquaintance. Her encouraging words keep the aspiring author in me going.
DeLaune's second novel, The Safety of Secrets, was released last summer. When she came to Jabberwocky Books in Newburyport for a reading and signing, I went to meet her in person. It was a thrill! Her cousin, the talented & charming & alarmingly handsome Andre Dubus III, was there signing his book The Garden of Last Days. Newburyport is his hometown. Translation: The reading and signing were a mob scene, but meeting DeLaune was well worth the wait.
DeLaune Michel, Sue of Jabberwocky Books, and Andre Dubus III
via DeLaune Michel
Shortly after that, I began following DeLaune's blog, Scribble Interludes. A candid peek into the person behind the books and the life of a professional author.
A few days ago I got an email from my dear writer friend. She has been traveling around the country to different literary festivals. In April she will be at the Newburyport Literary Festival and would like to see me. I have already booked a room and roped my best friend into accompanying me.
I can't wait!
If you live in Arizona, meet DeLaune at the Tucson Festival of Books this weekend.
Everyone should read at least one of DeLaune's books. They are a great escape and a quick read. Just be sure to set aside a whole day or at least an afternoon because you will no doubt be sucked in and unable to put the book down. For Aftermath of Dreaming, I suggest a bubble bath, candles, and wine. For The Safety of Secrets, a rocking chair and lemonade on your front porch will do. For either/or, I suggest a comfy chair, blanket, and tea. Enjoy!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Month in Recap
My resolution to blog at least once a week has lapsed this past month, but I have a lot to talk about! I met one of my greatest inspirations in person, my grandfather passed away, I picked my classes for this coming semester at school, and I have applied for various intern opportunities.
First, one of my greatest inspirations, Delaune Michel, was at Jabberwocky Books in Newburyport, Massachusetts on July 25, signing and reading from her second novel, The Safety of Secrets. It is a beautiful, funny, emotion evoking, deceivingly fast-paced book that I read in less than 24 hours because I was incapable of putting it down. I was introduced to Delaune's work a year ago when I took a summer class in Contemporary Literature and we read her first novel, Aftermath of Dreaming. After we read the book, Delaune agreed to have a discussion with all of us via conference call. She was so interesting and demonstrative and giving of herself and her time that I wrote her a thank you email. She replied and we have emailed occasionally since then. Hearing her read (a true treat as she has a background in acting as well) and meeting her in person was a dream come true. She was even more lovely then I imagined, taller, too. I find her so inspirational not only because of her writing, but because she is such a grounded individual, so genuine, started out in one career and ended up in another, raises her two boys while writing, and just seems so balanced and sure of who she is and comfortable in her own skin. I just can't adequately describe or pinpoint exactly what it is about her, but she is a fantastic writer, a fantastic person, and you must pick up her novels as soon as possible. A link to her blog can be found in the Notable Blogs section of this blog.
Oh, she also created Spoken Interludes www.spokeninterludes.com and has her own website www.delaunemichel.com, both of which you can access from her blog.
My grandfather passed away at the age of 87 in his sleep, free of pain, with two of his children sitting by his bed. We all have to go eventually and I think this was close to the best way one could pass. He was healthy and cognizant up to the end. Neither my brother nor I shed any tears. My brother, who is 21 years old, was feeling badly about this and asked me, "Should we be sad? Is there something wrong with us?" I told him that I don't believe there is anything wrong with us. I told him Grampy lived a long life and died a peaceful death which we should be celebrating and giving thanks for. So, my brother and I stood by the river outside the funeral home telling Grampy stories and sharing memories which I think was a good thing. Grampy was a thinker, a tinkerer, a man who opened his home and his heart to those in need, and whose laugh never failed to incite laughter from those around him. He will always be remembered by those who knew him and those who loved him. Thank you for all you taught me by word and example, Grampy. Godspeed.
In the wake of death, life continues to lumber on. School starts very soon and I have picked my classes, but not yet signed up for them. I am trying to reach my adviser which has proved difficult. Why I have left all this to the last minute I am not quite sure, but I must say the summer has moved way too quickly for my liking. My plan is to take Adult Learning Division classes only, not traditional undergrad courses. I have also decided that going part-time instead of full-time would be advantageous as last semesters five course course-load proved too much of a challenge. I picked two classes, The Language of Math and a course on writing for newspapers. I have also applied for various internships and, if I am chosen, I would like to get credit for the internship work. If only I could reach my adviser... and if only someone would at least interview me for an internship position...
Applying for internships is different than applying for jobs. The resume and cover letter content are different. What potential employers are looking for seems much more mysterious to me. I wonder if my being an adult student helps or hinders my chances of procuring an internship position, if my experience in the workforce and in life helps or hinders my chances, if the tone of my cover letter is too serious, if not being able to get an internship so far means I won't be able to get a job when I finish my degree, and, finally, if the fact that I have not heard back from anyone means that I have taken my life in the wrong direction. That is a lot of ifs. So, I keep searching, keep applying, and wait.
So, that is me. That is what has been keeping me away. Any questions?
First, one of my greatest inspirations, Delaune Michel, was at Jabberwocky Books in Newburyport, Massachusetts on July 25, signing and reading from her second novel, The Safety of Secrets. It is a beautiful, funny, emotion evoking, deceivingly fast-paced book that I read in less than 24 hours because I was incapable of putting it down. I was introduced to Delaune's work a year ago when I took a summer class in Contemporary Literature and we read her first novel, Aftermath of Dreaming. After we read the book, Delaune agreed to have a discussion with all of us via conference call. She was so interesting and demonstrative and giving of herself and her time that I wrote her a thank you email. She replied and we have emailed occasionally since then. Hearing her read (a true treat as she has a background in acting as well) and meeting her in person was a dream come true. She was even more lovely then I imagined, taller, too. I find her so inspirational not only because of her writing, but because she is such a grounded individual, so genuine, started out in one career and ended up in another, raises her two boys while writing, and just seems so balanced and sure of who she is and comfortable in her own skin. I just can't adequately describe or pinpoint exactly what it is about her, but she is a fantastic writer, a fantastic person, and you must pick up her novels as soon as possible. A link to her blog can be found in the Notable Blogs section of this blog.
Oh, she also created Spoken Interludes www.spokeninterludes.com and has her own website www.delaunemichel.com, both of which you can access from her blog.
My grandfather passed away at the age of 87 in his sleep, free of pain, with two of his children sitting by his bed. We all have to go eventually and I think this was close to the best way one could pass. He was healthy and cognizant up to the end. Neither my brother nor I shed any tears. My brother, who is 21 years old, was feeling badly about this and asked me, "Should we be sad? Is there something wrong with us?" I told him that I don't believe there is anything wrong with us. I told him Grampy lived a long life and died a peaceful death which we should be celebrating and giving thanks for. So, my brother and I stood by the river outside the funeral home telling Grampy stories and sharing memories which I think was a good thing. Grampy was a thinker, a tinkerer, a man who opened his home and his heart to those in need, and whose laugh never failed to incite laughter from those around him. He will always be remembered by those who knew him and those who loved him. Thank you for all you taught me by word and example, Grampy. Godspeed.
In the wake of death, life continues to lumber on. School starts very soon and I have picked my classes, but not yet signed up for them. I am trying to reach my adviser which has proved difficult. Why I have left all this to the last minute I am not quite sure, but I must say the summer has moved way too quickly for my liking. My plan is to take Adult Learning Division classes only, not traditional undergrad courses. I have also decided that going part-time instead of full-time would be advantageous as last semesters five course course-load proved too much of a challenge. I picked two classes, The Language of Math and a course on writing for newspapers. I have also applied for various internships and, if I am chosen, I would like to get credit for the internship work. If only I could reach my adviser... and if only someone would at least interview me for an internship position...
Applying for internships is different than applying for jobs. The resume and cover letter content are different. What potential employers are looking for seems much more mysterious to me. I wonder if my being an adult student helps or hinders my chances of procuring an internship position, if my experience in the workforce and in life helps or hinders my chances, if the tone of my cover letter is too serious, if not being able to get an internship so far means I won't be able to get a job when I finish my degree, and, finally, if the fact that I have not heard back from anyone means that I have taken my life in the wrong direction. That is a lot of ifs. So, I keep searching, keep applying, and wait.
So, that is me. That is what has been keeping me away. Any questions?
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