Author talk

Yesterday I did the first of two author talks at my kids’ school. I volunteered myself to do this at the end of last year, and the librarian was very enthusiastic about it. I also did some author talks in Ethiopia at the school the kids attended while we were there, so thankfully yesterday’s one wasn’t my first.

But my goodness, I was nervous. All the Year 5 and 6 kids dribbled into the library, with me sitting out the front, watching them all *looking* at me. It was quite unpleasant! I had no idea if they’d been told what this special talk was going to be about (I found out later that they hadn’t, except for those who my daughter had told).

The librarian introduced me, and I got to it – talking about the writing process. I *know* that I said practically everything was an “important” point. I need to stop doing that. If I’m saying it, chances are it probably is important or I wouldn’t bother mentioning it! I also know that there were a couple of other phrases that I definitely overused.

No-one asked any questions. They were a group of stunned mullets… until at the end, when most had gone back to their classrooms, and those who were left were putting the tables and chairs back to rights. Then quite a few of my daughter’s classmates came over and asked me questions.

“Are you rich?” NO!! No-one other than J K Rowling gets rich from writing books! 😀

“Do you know any famous authors?” No, not ones that you might be thinking of, though I know quite a few of the writers in my field.

“Where can I buy your book?” I suggested a couple of places.

“Do you like writing books?” Yes, I love it!

I think it went well. I hope they found it interesting. I hope the information I shared with them on the writing process assists them in their own writing. I hope that I inspired at least one of them to consider being a writer. Who knows?