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The entire Class of 2k8 huddles around the fancy schmancy espresso coffee machine at the back of our classroom. And, yeah, it's squishy.

Class: So, Barrie, how was your launch day?

Barrie Summy: It was so wonderful that I cried.

The class nods knowingly.

Barrie: And I just want to say thank you to the nth degree to Warwick's and especially to Susan, Event Coordinator Extraordinaire, for making my very first book signing ever so much FUN! And for making me feel welcome and comfortable. Susan was calm and organized and all over the place at the same time.

Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of Susan. Because I wasn't overly calm or organized or thinking about the blog.

Thank you to DH and Child #4 for coming down. Their presence was invaluable. I loved how Child #4 kept filling up my book display when it started to run low.


(left to right) Liz, Eileen, Barrie, Cindy

And yay yay for my great friends who came to offer support! They drove all the way to La Jolla, bought books and hung out with me at the bookstore. Some took me to dinner before the signing. Some took me for drinks and Mexican afterwards until late. Even though it was a school night.

Barrie and fellow blogger San Diego Momma who is incredibly cool!

Thank you to all the shoppers who stopped to chat and buy books. They were beyond friendly.

And thank you to Fellow Classmate, Nancy Viau, author of Samantha Hansen Has Rocks in Her Head. Nancy sent a mystery visitor to buy her a copy of I SO DON'T DO MYSTERIES.


Barrie and Rick, Nancy Viau's wonderful son

Here he is. He's Nancy's adorable, interesting, amiable, fun son Rick. Thank you, Rick.

Guess what, guys? I'm exhausted. I didn't get any homework done. My house is a mess. My dog wants a walk.

So....

See ya!

I'm playing hooky for the rest of the day!

I'll get notes from somebody tomorrow.

Bye!

Class of 2k8: Join us tomorrow when Barrie shows us where she writes. And can we just say "non-traditional"?

We end our time with Nancy Viau this week with a 2k8 favorite... Two Truths and a Lie. See if you can figure out which is which!



1. There is a teacher in Samantha Hansen Has Rocks In Her Head named Mrs. Montemore. Mrs. Montemore loves science in my book, and this is ab-so-lutely the truth. She promoted science in every aspect of her classroom, but most importantly, she turned a smart, awkward kid into the science-lover she is today.

2. It’s so hard to choose names for characters, isn’t it? Every character name in my book is found in my real life, although their personalities have been changed to protect the innocent.

3. Most of you know that the story is based on a family trip to the canyon, but how much is truth and how much is fiction? When I visited the canyon a few years ago, I found that the best part was the hike down Bright Angel Trail. I’ll never forget that—especially the look of surprise, awe, and exhaustion on my children’s faces when we reached the bottom.

That’s it for Nancy’s week. Look for Samantha Hansen Has Rocks In Her Head in bookstores everywhere!



“…a terrific read for any 8-12 year old.” ~Teens Read Too

“Sam shares many qualities with Junie B.—the obligatory spunk, a chattily ingenuous voice—but her passion for science distinguishes her from other franchise heroines.” ~Kirkus Reviews

“(Sam is) lovable and full of the kind of spirit that makes for a lasting character. Nancy Viau weaves in seamless science lessons, sure to slide by young readers as casual plot, until they pop up and help them during science tests.” ~Young Adult (and Kids Books) Central

“A fantastic middle-grade novel…” ~Book Chic

Samantha Hansen May Have Rocks in Her Head, but Nancy Viau doesn't! Let's get to know this amazing author even better!

2k8: Imagine you have an offer from your dream press to publish your dream book, no matter how insane or unmarketable it might be (though of course it might *not* be). What story do you want to write next/someday and why?

Nancy: Is it weird to believe that I am already at my dream press? Abrams is made up of some very special people. From my editor who is lovely, quiet, and intelligent to the super-charged publicity director, and detailed oriented assistant managing editor, everyone has one thing in common—other than the fact they worked together on my book—they like each other, and it shows. I feel extremely fortunate. My dream would be to publish many books with them.

I have a ton of ideas for kids’ books, including picture books. I just love picture books. I’ll never outgrow them! Oh, and somewhere way back in my brain is a memoir floating around. Its working title is Bent Out of Shape and it’s both “insane” and (possibly) “unmarketable.” But...I’ll need to outlive plenty of relatives before I'm brave enough to put those thoughts on paper. And that’s all I’ll say about that!

2k8:What question won't most people know to ask you? What is your answer?
Do you wish you had begun a writing career sooner?

Nancy: And of course, the answer is YES…
and um…NO.

Yes, I wish I’d discovered my love of writing in college. I was one of those students who “aced” every writing assignment, no matter how large or small. I stayed up late “helping” the football team write research papers. (Shhhhh!) I also typed and edited reports for friends, and created fun stories for assignments for my elementary education major. Not once did anyone suggest I should look at writing as a career. Back then—at least in my little neck of the woods—women became teachers, nurses, or secretaries. My parents were simply thrilled that I was going college for I was the first in the family. So, I graduated, taught kids, had a few of my own, and did other things

No, not really. My best years and my best ideas come from the life I’ve lived. I wouldn’t trade those years for a second.

Yep, it's time once again for a little 2k8 horn-tooting!!

Quick T.I.P.:
Little Willow/Slayground has interviewed Daphne Grab!
Read it now, then cruise on back for more about heroes.

To sum up this week's hero theme, we take a more serious turn and talk with Nancy Viau. Nancy is the author of Samantha Hansen Has Rocks In Her Head, a middle-grade novel that explores the heart and soul of a ten-year-old who loves rocks, and hates the fact she can’t keep her temper under control.

Who’s your hero, Nancy?

Well, when I first think of heroes, I think of the men and women who give up their comfortable lives to fight overseas. They do this unselfishly, and I am so grateful. It’s because of them that I (quite selfishly) get to do what I do—write. Thankyouthankyouthankyou!

On a personal note, my dad is my hero. And it’s not just because he served in the U.S. Army for 26 years. (I’m an Army brat, can you tell?) There was never a day that my dad did not believe in me. In fourth grade, when I told him I wanted to be an astronaut, he said, “You can do anything you set your mind to.” In high school, when I longed to be a Broadway dancer, he said, “That’s great!” And in college, when I told him I was planning to be an elementary school teacher, he looked at me kind of relieved, and replied, “Perfect.” Years later, as I worked toward getting published, his encouragement kept me going. He dealt with the death of a wife, son, and most of his good friends, and lived in extreme pain, yet this “Energizer Bunny” met each day with a positive attitude, a twinkle in his eye, and a sense of humor. I hope to honor him by doing the same.

Nancy has written a special tribute to her dad that can be found in the latest Chicken Soup for the Soul anthology: Chicken Soup for the Soul Celebrating People Who Make a Difference. Pick up this book in a store near you, and read her heartfelt essay: “Save the Best for Last.”

Think you’d like to try your hand at writing a personal essay? Click HERE for the “Recipe For A Winning Chicken Soup for the Soul Story.”

Stay tuned next week for a list you can’t miss:
28+ Reasons Why You Need a Web Site.

There's been alot of talk about inspiration lately. I'm enjoying Danielle's inspiration monday post, Doodlegirl left me a very kind comment about wanting to know where I get my inspiration. I can start with this- oh this definitely inspires me: why, its "Children Pinch!"
I got this for Christmas from my mom...They are little bowling pin shaped people (and dog) on little clothespins clips. The best part is the little labels they have on them, like "Sister," "brother," "dog":
There is something about labeling things that I love, which is probably one of the reasons why I love those Richard Scarry books so much.

Other random things I am enjoying: Swaptree.com, where you can trade books with others. Look me up if you have some goodies to trade!

" Geisha- A Day in My Life"

I am thrilled to be a participating artist in the " Paper Quilt Project" for the month of July, 2007, organized by Dawbis who is also an artist/environmentalist. I've just completed my "quilt" and will be sending it off in the mail tomorrow. The papers below are most of what I was sent in order to complete the project entitled, "A Day in My Life." The rest of the papers have already been used in the piece above. Whatever I created with these papers was of my own choosing.

I am fascinated by the Japanese and their culture and the stories of the Geisha. The most recent movie, "Memoires of a Geisha" comes to mind. Though I have never wanted to be one, I have tried to capture the essence of "Geisha-A Day in My Life" in my paper collage.

For more artist's works at the Paper Quilt Project and/or if you would like to be a part of the project visit Flickr.

Dawbis, I popped it in the mail today and it's on its way to you!

Tsukiji, Japan

Coordinates: 35 40 N/ 139 45E

Types of fish sold: 400+

Anyone fond of their cuisine probably knows that the Japanese take fresh fish very seriously. In fact, the national Ministry of Agriculture has attempted to establish a “sushi police” of sorts that would validate the authenticity of certain food staples in restaurants worldwide. (more…)

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Things that make me smile...

1. Cuteness will get me every time, even if its gonna make me to buy...clothespins. Got them at an Asian supermarket:

2. Flowers from Math boy..."just because":
3. Seeing a friend's 1 and a half year old light up when she played with the puzzles I illustrated for. Not alot of my friends have children and this is the first time I got to see a child reacting to my work. Its a wonderful feeling.

4. A lovely call from an art director for a job well done. I just finished a picture book and it was so satisfying to know I did a good job!

Hope you all have something to smile about today! :-)