This week I was fortunate enough to hear YA author Jacqueline Woodson speak. I’ve generally found that if you’re a fan, hearing an author speak deepens your interest in their work; and if you’re not a fan, hearing an author speak may help you see the author in a new light. For some teens, getting to meet someone who has written some of your favorite books can be life changing.
Woodson was a warm and engaging speaker—she talked about the inspiration for many of her works. She read (or rather recited from memory) some of her picture books which came to life in new ways, especially the picture book Show Way . She was candid about her initial dislike of some of the illustrations of her picture books, and how she has come to love them now. Woodson was generous with her time—talking to everyone who was getting a book signed, giving advice to aspiring writers, and answering burning questions about her books. (Yes, Show Way really is autobiographical.)
Seeing a touring author is a wonderful (and often free!) thing to do. Of course, you’ll have an easier time doing this in a major city, which has libraries and bookstores to host the events. But as in many other arenas, the internet is leveling the playing field somewhat. Readergirlz has a featured book and frequently a live chat with the author of the book. Most author websites will tell you if an author is coming nearby. Another possibility is contacting the publisher to see if an author would do a teleconference with your book group or maybe even a videoconference. Authors answer email, have Facebook pages and Twitter. All in all, it’s easier than ever to make reading a book not necessarily a one-way transaction.