Ten writers for children. All with something to say.

9/15/09

FULL






My book release September 1st was anticlimactic. I had no contract copies of THE EAST-WEST HOUSE to share, no scheduled signings or presentations to mark the date. How quickly everything has changed! My books are here. I filmed a book trailer. I created mailing lists and a marketing brochure. I made initial plans for a website overhaul to provide visitors with information and downloadable activities related to the book. I presented my book to a meeting of the Northern California Children’s Book Association. I set up school visits, panels, conferences, and most importantly, my launch party! Now I feel like an author.

This fall, life is full—yes, busy full, but also rich, satisfying full. My debut as an author ranks up there with my wedding or the delivery of my daughter. Both of those events were beginnings of new phases in my life. I am eager for this next phase (the Christy Hale is a real live author phase). I have so many ideas I want the opportunity to develop into books. Full, but wanting more…

I recall a radio interview where an author discussed how being an “author” and being a “writer ” were two very different roles—the author role being more public, relating to readers; the writer role being more private, creating for readers. Balancing both was an ongoing struggle.

You can meet me as an author at the following locations:
• Sunday, Sept 27, 2 pm The Reading Bug, San Carlos, CA, reading and art activity for the Grand Opening
• Monday, Sept 28, 7-9 pm with friends Ashley Wolff and Elissa Haden Guest as panelists at Kid Lit Salon/Book Passages, Corte Madera
• Saturday, Oct 17, 6-8 pm Come to my book launch party at Books Inc, Palo Alto
• Saturday, Oct 24, 12-3 pm, Linden Tree Book signing, Los Altos
• Tuesday, Oct 27 11am, Jefferson Author Day, San Francisco
• Monday, Nov 9, Literacy Night/Ohlone School, Palo Alto
• More events to come!

In my fall flurry I hope to claim time as a writer. I am working on a project that has met with initial interest from a publisher. Like Carmen, I am combining poetry and non-fiction, but the results of course, are completely different. I’ve some other nibbles for different projects—much to think about. Yes, full, but wanting more…

6 comments:

Edie Hemingway said...

Sounds as if you have an exciting fall coming up, Christy. Congratulations on the book--must be wonderful to be both author and illustrator!

john said...

Way to go, Christy. What a fine time of the year for you to have this momentous change. Congratulations.

David LaRochelle said...

Congratulations indeed, Christy!

Diane Adams said...

Have fun Christy! You deserve it!

Stephanie said...

Sounds like a very busy fall, congrats:)

Lauren said...

I like the difference between being an author and being a writer-- somehow it helps to clarify one's identity. I hope your fall is continuing rich and full and celebrating your new book! Congratulations again and again!