Kirby Larson's Blog, page 69
July 13, 2011
Hermit Food
I have been holed up at Shangri-Lar, writing away (making my 2000 word goal nearly every day). I have learned that I need my hermit time. But I wouldn't mind if I had "people" who came in every now and then. To clean. To cook. To refill the hummingbird and finch feeders.
Though I'm a pretty picky eater, out here I will eat the same thing three days in a row. Because if you're cooking for one, whatever you make seems to last three days. Last night, I finally ate up the left-overs so made this yummy and satisfying salad. The vinaigrette is from Cooking Light; the lettuce is from my neighbor, Pat.
Tasty Dinner for One (with leftovers)*
Play Peter Rabbit and gather some lovely lettuces from your neighbor.
Saute 1/2 skinless, boneless chicken breast in 1 T olive oil with a very small zucchini, chopped, yellow pepper, chopped and mushrooms. Sprinkle with black pepper and the juice of 1/2 small lime.
Spoon onto lovely lettuces, top with halved cherry tomatoes and 1/4 an avocado, chopped. Drizzle with basil vinaigrette (below).
Very important: sop up leftover dressing/juices with two perfect slices of a baby baguette from Avenue Bakery in Bellingham. If you aren't near Bellingham, substitute a really good french bread.
Dressing:1/2 cup basil leaves1/3 cup balsamic or sherry vinegar (use balsamic!)1/3 cup finely chopped shallots (I used vidalia onion)1/4 cup water2 T honey (I used blue agave sweetener)1 T olive oil1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper
Whirr in blender until smooth. Unbelievably tasty!
*there would've been a photo had I not been so hungry
Though I'm a pretty picky eater, out here I will eat the same thing three days in a row. Because if you're cooking for one, whatever you make seems to last three days. Last night, I finally ate up the left-overs so made this yummy and satisfying salad. The vinaigrette is from Cooking Light; the lettuce is from my neighbor, Pat.
Tasty Dinner for One (with leftovers)*
Play Peter Rabbit and gather some lovely lettuces from your neighbor.
Saute 1/2 skinless, boneless chicken breast in 1 T olive oil with a very small zucchini, chopped, yellow pepper, chopped and mushrooms. Sprinkle with black pepper and the juice of 1/2 small lime.
Spoon onto lovely lettuces, top with halved cherry tomatoes and 1/4 an avocado, chopped. Drizzle with basil vinaigrette (below).
Very important: sop up leftover dressing/juices with two perfect slices of a baby baguette from Avenue Bakery in Bellingham. If you aren't near Bellingham, substitute a really good french bread.
Dressing:1/2 cup basil leaves1/3 cup balsamic or sherry vinegar (use balsamic!)1/3 cup finely chopped shallots (I used vidalia onion)1/4 cup water2 T honey (I used blue agave sweetener)1 T olive oil1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper
Whirr in blender until smooth. Unbelievably tasty!
*there would've been a photo had I not been so hungry
July 12, 2011
Shifting Sands of Time
I recently heard from a new writer who was frustrated with how long it was taking to hear back from an agent who was initially encouraging about her work. The agent had said that the writer should hear something in 8-10 weeks and now 12 weeks had gone by without a word. The writer wondered if that meant the agent had lost interest.
I explained that, just as there are different time zones across the earth, there are different time zones within publishing. For example, there is agent/editor time (based on weeks). And writer/illustrator time (based on the number of seconds since the manuscript was emailed). The key thing to remember is not to take these differences personally.
Most agents and editors read on their own time, not at work. And while we may say to ourselves, "Well, that manuscript I sent would only take them an hour to read," they have stacks and stacks of manuscripts that would "only" take an hour to read. On the subway home. After the babies are put to bed. While watching their middle kid's swimming practice. Also, those stacks include manuscripts from writers with whom they already have established relationships. And just when the agent or editor is getting to one of those manuscripts, they have to set it aside for a sales meeting or a procurement committee meeting or a design meeting or contract negotiation. . .you get the picture.
On top of these daily meetings, there's the Bologna Book Fair. And ALA. And BEA. Some editors and agents generously share their knowledge and expertise at SCBWI conferences, which takes them away from the office which makes it even harder to get to that "free" time reading.
Whatever you do, don't interpret silence as (a) avid interest (as I used to in the early days; I would think the longer someone kept a manuscript, the more he/she liked it. Not so much. Especially with those early manuscripts.) or (b) complete disinterest. It's more like (c) the agent/editor is tap-dancing as fast as she can.
My advice to the writer who contacted me was to make one of those yummy summer cocktails with an umbrella in it, and take a deep breath. Be assured that agents and editors are really, really nice people. They would like to get back to you sooner than 8 weeks but it will probably be more like 12. Or 14. Or. . .But they will get back to you. And if the wait's too long, there isn't any harm in a courteous note or email inquiring about the status of your manuscript.
Or you could always make another yummy summer cocktail.
I explained that, just as there are different time zones across the earth, there are different time zones within publishing. For example, there is agent/editor time (based on weeks). And writer/illustrator time (based on the number of seconds since the manuscript was emailed). The key thing to remember is not to take these differences personally.
Most agents and editors read on their own time, not at work. And while we may say to ourselves, "Well, that manuscript I sent would only take them an hour to read," they have stacks and stacks of manuscripts that would "only" take an hour to read. On the subway home. After the babies are put to bed. While watching their middle kid's swimming practice. Also, those stacks include manuscripts from writers with whom they already have established relationships. And just when the agent or editor is getting to one of those manuscripts, they have to set it aside for a sales meeting or a procurement committee meeting or a design meeting or contract negotiation. . .you get the picture.
On top of these daily meetings, there's the Bologna Book Fair. And ALA. And BEA. Some editors and agents generously share their knowledge and expertise at SCBWI conferences, which takes them away from the office which makes it even harder to get to that "free" time reading.
Whatever you do, don't interpret silence as (a) avid interest (as I used to in the early days; I would think the longer someone kept a manuscript, the more he/she liked it. Not so much. Especially with those early manuscripts.) or (b) complete disinterest. It's more like (c) the agent/editor is tap-dancing as fast as she can.
My advice to the writer who contacted me was to make one of those yummy summer cocktails with an umbrella in it, and take a deep breath. Be assured that agents and editors are really, really nice people. They would like to get back to you sooner than 8 weeks but it will probably be more like 12. Or 14. Or. . .But they will get back to you. And if the wait's too long, there isn't any harm in a courteous note or email inquiring about the status of your manuscript.
Or you could always make another yummy summer cocktail.
July 11, 2011
Watch this to Feel Better!
As part of the It Gets Better Project, a group of children's authors and illustrators banded together to make this upbeat video. It's geared for kids/teens but I know it made me feel better, just watching it!
July 8, 2011
A Brand New Library!
What's better than a library? A brand-spanking new library, just like the one that's going to open in my community tomorrow!
I can't wait.
I can't wait.
July 7, 2011
Good News about Children's Literature
Good news is always welcome and I was pleased to learn about a blog on the Children's Literature Network, What's Right with Children's Literature, written by Tom Owens. He told me he believes that, despite all the negative chatter out there, there is hope for children's literature, and "those voices of hope need to be heard often." That belief led him to create his blog.
According to the site, the CLN was co-founded by Marsha Wilson Chall, author and assistant professor at Hamline University; Bonnie Graves, author and educator; Steve Palmquist, technologist; Vicki Palmquist, children's literature enthusiast; and Karen Ritz, author/illustrator.
I spent a few minutes poking around on the site, which features a plethora of information -- you can learn about new books, or watch videos/book trailers (check out Gennifer Choldenko's!). There's a magazine, calendar of events, spotlight on new books and even a list of book creator birthdays. It seems like a great resource so check it out.
And check back in August when I am Tom's guest blogger, answering two "simple" questions:What's good right now about children's literature? What can make that "good" better?
According to the site, the CLN was co-founded by Marsha Wilson Chall, author and assistant professor at Hamline University; Bonnie Graves, author and educator; Steve Palmquist, technologist; Vicki Palmquist, children's literature enthusiast; and Karen Ritz, author/illustrator.
I spent a few minutes poking around on the site, which features a plethora of information -- you can learn about new books, or watch videos/book trailers (check out Gennifer Choldenko's!). There's a magazine, calendar of events, spotlight on new books and even a list of book creator birthdays. It seems like a great resource so check it out.
And check back in August when I am Tom's guest blogger, answering two "simple" questions:What's good right now about children's literature? What can make that "good" better?
July 5, 2011
odds and ends
Still digesting the amazing ribs hubby Neil barbecued for the 4th. Thank you to Julie Reinhardt (She Smoke) for saving the day and our marriage.
If you like cooking over coals, you need to own Julie's book. If you prefer to eat barbecue that others have cooked, get yourself over to Smokin' Pete's BBQ in Ballard (Seattle). Can you say yum?
Also, can you say spell-check? Mother and brother both pointed out that I had misspelled "curmudgeon" in my post on June 30. Can you just guess what our family Scrabble games are like?? Correction made. Forgiveness, I hope, bestowed.
And let me add one last ALA comment. I am so embarrassed that I didn't mention this earlier-- I can't even blame it on Hurricanes because I didn't even have one while in New Orleans!!! Oh, well. Fewer functioning gray cells; what can I say?
Well, I can say "thank you!" to Lin Oliver and Sara Rutenberg for stopping by my Random House signing for The Friendship Doll. They were there to celebrate all the SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) success stories ( Tomie who?). One more example of why anyone who wants to write or illustrate for children should join this amazing organization.
If you like cooking over coals, you need to own Julie's book. If you prefer to eat barbecue that others have cooked, get yourself over to Smokin' Pete's BBQ in Ballard (Seattle). Can you say yum?
Also, can you say spell-check? Mother and brother both pointed out that I had misspelled "curmudgeon" in my post on June 30. Can you just guess what our family Scrabble games are like?? Correction made. Forgiveness, I hope, bestowed.
And let me add one last ALA comment. I am so embarrassed that I didn't mention this earlier-- I can't even blame it on Hurricanes because I didn't even have one while in New Orleans!!! Oh, well. Fewer functioning gray cells; what can I say?
Well, I can say "thank you!" to Lin Oliver and Sara Rutenberg for stopping by my Random House signing for The Friendship Doll. They were there to celebrate all the SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) success stories ( Tomie who?). One more example of why anyone who wants to write or illustrate for children should join this amazing organization.
July 3, 2011
God Bless The Library of Congress!
And Sony, too. Together they've teamed up to create the National Jukebox. Yet one more example of the amazing abundance of this great country. I love the jukebox Day-by-Day feature where you can hear recordings made on a particular day. To get you in the 4th of July spirit, check out "The Spirit of Independence March," recorded on July 3, 1917.
Perfect for the historical writer and the nostalgic. Check it out!
Perfect for the historical writer and the nostalgic. Check it out!
July 2, 2011
One Brave Woman
Not only is Tegan Tigani an uber-bookseller, rocking the stacks at Queen Anne Books, she has taken the leap into the writing life as well by co-authoring Linda Keeney's inspirational memoir, One Brave Thing a Day.
When I last saw Tegan in mid-June, she was excited over having connected with an agent and finishing one more revision. You can learn more about the project here. They've just learned a chapter from the book will appear in the anthology, This I Believe.
Not to hijack Tegan's title, but I think that it really speaks to what we writers do. And mostly, the one brave thing a day that we do is sit down at the keyboard (or, if you're Karen Cushman or Barbara O'Connor, a pad of paper) and, without any safety net, launch ourselves onto the trapeze swing of storytelling.
Tegan and Linda's book isn't published yet, but I am eager to read it. Until then, I will ponder adding an additional daily brave endeavor to my life.
Does learning to use the Wii count?
When I last saw Tegan in mid-June, she was excited over having connected with an agent and finishing one more revision. You can learn more about the project here. They've just learned a chapter from the book will appear in the anthology, This I Believe.
Not to hijack Tegan's title, but I think that it really speaks to what we writers do. And mostly, the one brave thing a day that we do is sit down at the keyboard (or, if you're Karen Cushman or Barbara O'Connor, a pad of paper) and, without any safety net, launch ourselves onto the trapeze swing of storytelling.
Tegan and Linda's book isn't published yet, but I am eager to read it. Until then, I will ponder adding an additional daily brave endeavor to my life.
Does learning to use the Wii count?
July 1, 2011
A Doll of a Friend
If you looked "sweetheart" up in the dictionary, you'd find a two word definition: Edie Ching.
Edie opened her heart (and, on several occasions, her home) to Neil and I from the first moment we met. She actually knew me before I knew her as she was one of the 15 members of "my" Newbery committee. We had about 13 minutes to catch up while at ALA in New Orleans (Edie is one busy lady, in addition to being on the Notables Committee). On the Monday before the conference, she and her husband Wally hosted Neil for a "simple" dinner at their home in Maryland (he was in D.C.). The "simple" dinner was anything but, and the highlight for Neil was the homemade crab cakes.
In addition to treating Neil like a king, Edie sent him off with a gift for me.
She had collected dolls like this while she lived in Japan. I was so touched -- this little lady is carved from a piece of wood (it looks like birch) and she is absolutely charming. Her "gown" is decorated with a small landscape and hand-lettered characters.
I don't know exactly what the Japanese says, but I translate Edie's thoughtful gesture as pure friendship.
Edie opened her heart (and, on several occasions, her home) to Neil and I from the first moment we met. She actually knew me before I knew her as she was one of the 15 members of "my" Newbery committee. We had about 13 minutes to catch up while at ALA in New Orleans (Edie is one busy lady, in addition to being on the Notables Committee). On the Monday before the conference, she and her husband Wally hosted Neil for a "simple" dinner at their home in Maryland (he was in D.C.). The "simple" dinner was anything but, and the highlight for Neil was the homemade crab cakes. In addition to treating Neil like a king, Edie sent him off with a gift for me.
She had collected dolls like this while she lived in Japan. I was so touched -- this little lady is carved from a piece of wood (it looks like birch) and she is absolutely charming. Her "gown" is decorated with a small landscape and hand-lettered characters.
I don't know exactly what the Japanese says, but I translate Edie's thoughtful gesture as pure friendship.
June 30, 2011
Happy Birthday, Lin!
With one of us named Kirby and another nicknamed Lin you can imagine that people used to get my brother and I confused on first meeting. My mom is still ticked off at the Frederick and Nelson Santa who said, "And, Kirby, what do you want for Christmas?" and then got mad at me for answering, instead of my brother to whom the question was directed.
Lin has a wicked sense of humor and is prone to adding his name to birthday cards other people have bestowed upon our mom and dad. He is a gifted high school English teacher, avid fisherman and Harley rider. He's faced some big life challenges with quiet strength and though he tries to be crumudgeonly, he doesn't quite manage.
Happy Birthday, little brother.
Lin has a wicked sense of humor and is prone to adding his name to birthday cards other people have bestowed upon our mom and dad. He is a gifted high school English teacher, avid fisherman and Harley rider. He's faced some big life challenges with quiet strength and though he tries to be crumudgeonly, he doesn't quite manage.
Happy Birthday, little brother.
