tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70689302951934819442024-03-05T03:24:14.856-06:00Love, Life, BooksA Book Journey with Author Kathi BaronKathi Baronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15733204084928751522noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068930295193481944.post-90349847943600638182014-08-13T09:35:00.000-05:002014-08-13T09:35:39.983-05:00Learning from Robin Williams<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like millions, I'm mourning Robin Williams. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In addition to being a writer, I'm also an occupational therapist at a psychiatric day hospital. Our program mostly serves people who are suffering from depression. Some have made unsuccessful suicide attempts, some are traumatized by living with the aftermath of a family member who has committed suicide. All are working to recover their lives... to pull out from under the dark, heavy cloud that is depression.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm so very sad that Robin suffered. It breaks my heart to think about what he might have been experiencing his last few days, hours, minutes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His death is a big loss. It feels to me like he slipped away too easily. But I also don't claim to know what he was actually going through. We will never truly know. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And yes, there's help out there. But there's also stigma. Stigma for seeking help and stigma for having depression. Depression is considered a mental illness. It would do everyone so much good if we could drop the use of "mental" and see it for the illness that depression is. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In fact, this is what we can all learn from the death of Robin Williams. To think of depression just as we think of diabetes: as a disease that requires management. Depression is like this. It's a disease that requires treatment and ongoing management. It sounds so simple and yet, both require ongoing focus and doing a number of strategies to keep the difficult symptoms at bay, so that living a meaningful life is possible. All of this is so much harder when people experience shame for having an illness. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm blessed to work with the patients I serve. My role is one of assisting to excavate their selves that get lost in the battle that is depression. And then once they remember who they used to be, to help them to build those selves back up. To guide in finding their way to the life they dream for themselves. Theirs is difficult and courageous work. As a witness, I find it beautiful. And uplifting. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So let's look depression in the eye and see it for what it is: a nasty disease. Let's support those suffering from it, not stigmatize them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If we do, America will be that much more beautiful. </span>Kathi Baronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15733204084928751522noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068930295193481944.post-18147527230322706162013-12-22T12:37:00.000-06:002013-12-22T12:37:00.843-06:00Losing Ned Vizzini<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is important. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In addition to being a young adult author, I am also an occupational therapist and I work part-time in an outpatient psychiatric program. My life is made up of traveling to and from the world of writing/publishing to working with people who have behavioral health issues. But on Thursday, my two worlds collided. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A young adult author who I admire, <b>Ned Vizzini,</b> committed suicide. His book, <b>IT'S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY</b>, about a teen who was experiencing suicidal thoughts and was treated for depression on an inpatient psychiatric unit, and then comes out glad to be alive, is one of the most profound books I've read. It has a prominent place among my young adult book collection...waiting for the day when I might get to meet him and ask him to sign it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To say I am so sad about his death is a lazy way out of this. So I will try to tell you how I feel and hope to do justice to this important author. It's like I was too busy shopping and missed an important detail. Like if I was just a little more focused on what's truly important maybe I could have done something to keep his light shining. This of course is crazy, because he lived in New York and I live in Chicago and we never met. But it's a reminder to attend to that radar signal inside that tells me someone in my vicinity is not okay. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This radar is always on high alert when I am at work, since so many of the people I work to help are experiencing depression. This time of year, the media is filling our eyes and minds with utter happiness, dreams coming true, high hopes of getting exactly what we want. But there are those among us who are struggling and sad. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Keep your eyes open. If you or someone you know is <b>suicidal,</b> please, please, please <b>call 911 </b>or <b>go to your hospital Emergency Room</b>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The world needs your light!</span><br />
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<br />Kathi Baronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15733204084928751522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068930295193481944.post-57748051027400131452013-12-11T08:38:00.000-06:002013-12-11T08:38:10.978-06:00Holiday Greetings!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Virtually open my holiday card to you.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's what it says: </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Peace is the best word, around the world,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">and magic. Hanukkah lights, stars</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">among the Christmas trees, your eyes</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">when I seize the Harry Potter Quidditch</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">video game. Giggle is another word,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">good among girl-women and kindness,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">one sweet gesture in a sugar cookie</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">and fondue, good celebration, good word,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">chocolate~strawberries dipped in it.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Season of good words, wishes,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">moment into snowy moment.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> ~ Kathi Baron</span><br />
<br />Kathi Baronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15733204084928751522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068930295193481944.post-22622899491982886892013-10-26T08:44:00.000-05:002013-10-26T08:45:20.736-05:00Why did I write Shattered?Here's my answer:<br />
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<a href="http://www.edisproduction.de/2013/10/14/best-coin-ever-spent/">http://www.edisproduction.de/2013/10/14/best-coin-ever-spent/</a>Kathi Baronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15733204084928751522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068930295193481944.post-36268887415413917722013-09-06T12:19:00.000-05:002013-09-06T17:44:29.772-05:00Short Story Boot Camp<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm visiting <b>Zion-Benton Library</b> on Saturday, <b>September 28, 2013,</b> from <b>1-3 pm</b>. I will be doing a writing workshop for teens and I'm so excited to meet them and to help them with their short story drafts!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will be discussing <span style="background-color: white;">what a short story is and how it's different from a book length story, as well how writing short stories helped me to learn my craft. I will share about the process of getting published, especially how I use the critique process to develop my work. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">We will be experimenting with a critique group and learning how it can help each writer to further develop their own short story and their skills. Participating in a</span><span style="background-color: white;"> critique group is a typical process used by most professional writers. Each writer will gain a sense of where they are strong and where they could further develop a piece.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For more information, check out: <a href="http://www.zbteens.com/">www.zbteens.com</a>. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And for more information about <b>SHATTERED</b>, my debut novel, please visit: <a href="http://www.kathibaron.com./">www.kathibaron.com.</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can't wait! </span></span>Kathi Baronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15733204084928751522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068930295193481944.post-43610315920713734572013-05-31T15:26:00.003-05:002013-07-03T11:18:54.071-05:00SHATTERED eBook Now Available<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Good news! I launched <b>SHATTERED</b> on <b>Kindle</b> on <b>6/14/13</b>!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To celebrate, I'm doing a Virtual Book Tour with 15 stops along the way. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Dates/stops of the SHATTERED Tour</b></span></div>
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<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">June 10</strong><br />
Book Spotlight at <a href="http://muchlovedbooks.blogspot.com/" style="color: #2361a1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Much Loved Books</a></div>
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<b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">June 11</b><br />
Guest Post and Book Spotlight at <a href="http://www.moonlightgleam.com/" style="color: #2361a1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Moonlight Gleam</a></div>
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<b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">June 12</b>Interview and Review at <a href="http://adiaryofabookaddict.blogspot.com/" style="color: #2361a1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">A Diary of a Book Addict</a></div>
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<b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">June 13</b><br />
Book Spotlight at <a href="http://unputdownablebookies.blogspot.com/" style="color: #2361a1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Unputdownable Books</b></a><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </b></div>
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<b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">June 14</b><br />
Feature and Guest Post at <b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.delphinareadstoomuch.com/" style="color: #2361a1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Delphina Reads Too Much</a></b></div>
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<b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">June 15</b><br />
Review at <a href="http://www.hopelessbibliophile.com/" style="color: #2361a1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Hopeless Bibliophile</b></a><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </b></div>
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<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">June 16</strong><br />
Book Spotlight at <a href="http://everyfreechance.com/" style="color: #2361a1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Every Free Chance Reading</b></a><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </b></div>
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<b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">June 17</b><br />
Interview and Giveaway at <b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://wordspelunking.blogspot.com/" style="color: #2361a1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Word Spelunking</a></b></div>
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<b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">June 18</b><br />
Book Spotlight at <a href="http://www.myfictionnook.com/" style="color: #2361a1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">My Fiction Nook</b></a><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </b></div>
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<b>TBA</b><br />
Review at <b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://stephanysbookreviews.blogspot.com/" style="color: #2361a1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Stuck Between the Pages</a></b></div>
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<b>TBA</b><br />
Review at <b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://patty-adaywithme.blogspot.com/" style="color: #2361a1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Books, Thoughts and a Few Adventures</a></b></div>
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<b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">June 25</b><br />
Guest Post at <b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://katysozaeva.blogspot.com/" style="color: #2361a1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Now is Gone</a></b></div>
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<b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">June 27</b><br />
Review at <a href="http://kariannalysis.com/" style="color: #2361a1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Kari Annalysis</b></a><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </b></div>
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<b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">June 28 & 29</b><br />
Guest Post and Review at <b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://roxykade.blogspot.com/" style="color: #2361a1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Therian</a></b></div>
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<b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">July 1</b><br />
Review and Interview at <a href="http://jbronderbookreviews.com/" style="color: #2361a1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">J Bronder Book Review</b></a><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </b></div>
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Kathi Baronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15733204084928751522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068930295193481944.post-83206880063191489042012-10-17T16:36:00.000-05:002012-10-17T16:39:15.361-05:00Happy Announcement<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm pleased to announce that I'll be presenting at the upcoming <b>National Convention of the National Council of Teachers of English </b>(NCTE) in Las Vegas with Young Adult Authors <a href="http://www.angela-morrison.com/">Angela Morrison </a>and <a href="http://nancyboflood.com/">Nancy Bo Flood</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our presentation, <b>"AN AUTHOR'S TOOLKIT: TECHNIQUES FROM THE PROS</b>," will be held on Friday, November 16, 2012 from 12:30 pm-1:45 pm. We will be demonstrating </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">professional techniques adapted for the classroom (K-12) to motivate students to write what they know, fear, believe, love, and dream.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Anderson's Bookshops</b> will host a signing at their booth in the Exhibition Hall immediately following the session. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For more information about my young adult novel, <b>SHATTERED</b>, please visit <a href="http://www.kathibaron.com/">www.kathibaron.com</a>.</span>Kathi Baronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15733204084928751522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068930295193481944.post-86076566298301958482012-08-29T13:21:00.000-05:002012-08-29T13:27:28.595-05:00Featuring Julia Buckley's New Young Adult Mystery: GINEVRA BOND<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please welcome my friend and critique-mate, <b>Author Julia Buckley</b>!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She (and Simon) are here to help me launch my "Year of Young Adult Literature." In my last post, I mentioned that although I'm not currently in school, I'm creating a kind of new school year for myself. I'm adventuring into the young adult genre and I'm excited to learn more about what's going on in the world of young adult books. AND Julia just published <u style="font-weight: bold;">Ginevra Bond</u>, a new young adult suspense novel, so I interviewed her about her intriguing new book:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Kathi: </b><u style="font-weight: bold;">Ginevra Bond</u> is your first mystery for young adults. What was it like to switch from writing mysteries for adults to this genre?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Julia: </b>It was actually very fun. It was nice taking a perspective that put me back in touch with my youth--although Ginevra is a very special young adult, and therefore has qualities that I never had as a teenager.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Kathi: </b>Yes, Ginevra, your protagonist, is such an unusual girl! She knows things about people whom she's never met before and is wise beyond her 16 years, and yet--she has the same worries and insecurities as her teen classmates. What inspired the creation of Ginevra?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Julia: </b>I was watching a documentary about people with inexplicable brains--they knew or understood things that the average person does not, and all because, for one reason or another, parts of their brains were being stimulated that gave them these abilities--areas of the brain that "normal" people are not able to tap into. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Kathi: </b>So what is something Ginevra knows about you?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Julia: </b>HaHa. What a great question. It's true, Ginevra can see people's "barriers" and help them to overcome their problems. So Ginevra would know that I'm a very anxious person, and that I tend to worry a lot. She'd tell me I had to stop fretting and concentrate on all that is good in my life. She'd advise me to take deep breaths. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Kathi: </b>I've read lots of your work and your character names are always interesting. Where did the name "Ginevra Bond" come from?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Julia: </b>I've always loved the name Ginevra (which has the same roots as names like Guinevere) ever since I heard that F. Scott Fitzgerald, long before he met Zelda, was briefly infatuated with a girl named Ginevra King. I liked the musicality of the name, so I chose a one-syllable last name for Ginevra. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Kathi:</b> What is the best writing advice you've ever received?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Julia: </b>Oh, I've received all sorts of practical advice over the years, but I guess the one that stands out for me now is that you have to tell your story before you worry over revising it. I try to power through a story first, and THEN I go back to tweak and change things. It makes it much more likely that I'll finish a novel if I just keep going and follow that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Kathi: </b>Where can readers find you online?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Julia: </b>Thank you for asking! My website is <a href="http://www.juliabuckley.com/">www.juliabuckley.com</a> and they can see the Amazon link to Ginevra Bond here: </span><br />
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<pre style="line-height: 14.633333206176758px; padding: 0px;"><tt style="line-height: 1.22em;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ginevra-Bond-Adventures-ebook/dp/B008XCU5KC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1345905194&sr=1-1&keywords=ginevra+bond" style="color: blue; cursor: pointer; line-height: 1.22em;" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/Ginevra-Bond-Adventures-ebook/dp/B008XCU5KC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1345905194&sr=1-1&keywords=ginevra+bond</a>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Kathi: </b>Thank you, Julia, for the wonderful "behind the scenes" look at <u style="font-weight: bold;">Ginevra Bond</u>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>Kathi Baronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15733204084928751522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068930295193481944.post-86535624670728483602012-08-24T15:53:00.001-05:002012-08-24T15:53:42.985-05:00My Year of Young Adult Literature<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The school supply aisles are mobbed and Labor Day is almost here. I'm not returning to school this fall, but I love pretending I'm starting a new year. It's always refreshing to take these last few days of August to dream about having a new life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This summer, I read a lot of young adult literature. Between 2002 and 2004, I studied writing for children and young adults at Vermont College; and focused on writing a young adult novel for my master's degree. It's where <b>SHATTERED</b> came to life. While there, I read a lot of children's and young adult books and have continued to do so. Every so often, though, I go through periods where I only read books from the adult shelves.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But this summer, I got really curious about the beginning of literature for young adults. The only way to define this genre is to say that the books are much less baby-ish, with more sophisticated themes, but not as adult as well, adult books. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been feeling this yearning to know more about the genre....how did it start? Looking back from now, 2012, what novels are considered "classic?" Which one's should I re-read to grow my skills? Who's doing something new? Who's doing something to fall in love with? What work will change me by the last page?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So while all the children and young adults head back to school, I'm launching my new "school year" too. I'm calling it "my year of young adult literature." Join me for learning, new insights, a new world. Isn't that what school is all about anyway? And yes, new friends. I almost forgot the most important thing about school! </span>Kathi Baronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15733204084928751522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068930295193481944.post-50697874017653709622012-07-27T11:21:00.001-05:002012-07-27T11:21:26.661-05:00Hats off and a Standing O to Author Chad Harbach<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been a long time since I've read a book like "The Art of Fielding," by Chad Harbach. He's doing so many things right in this novel, and so many right things all at once, I'm in awe. In fact, I can't keep quiet about it! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's sort of a baseball story, but even if I wasn't such a crazy fan of the game, I would love this book. Because the sentences are glorious, making it such a smooth read. But also, it's like being back in MFA school...it's got so many incredible examples of how to show emotion; how to develop character; how to do make a plot; how to create tension; and the setting, the setting is so incredibly alive, I feel like I live in this college town with all of the characters. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's striking is how thoughtful Harbach is about each character. That's just so really hard to do! Right now, I'm on page 428 and I don't want it to end. I want to keep going on and on in this lovely existence of beautiful writing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you, Chad Harbach for the inspiration, for this beautiful work of art, and especially for giving me that sense of being lost in summer, reading, that pleasure I used to get when I was a kid. </span>Kathi Baronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15733204084928751522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068930295193481944.post-33960847049224225892012-06-06T08:49:00.000-05:002012-06-06T08:49:21.572-05:00<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b>Printers Row Lit Fest</b> </div>
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<b>Chicago</b> </div>
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<b>Sunday, June 10th, 2012 </b></div>
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<b>Also featuring Local Authors:</b></div>
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<b>Barbara Binns</b></div>
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<b>Lori Degman</b></div>
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<b>Eileen Favorite</b></div>
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<b>Patricia Murphy</b></div>
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<b>Terri Murphy</b></div>
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<b>Laura Ripes</b></div>
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<b>Sara Shacter</b></div>
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<b>Karen Schreck</b></div>
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<b>Kristina Springer</b></div>
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<b>Stop by!</b></div>Kathi Baronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15733204084928751522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068930295193481944.post-3397584260244944132012-04-18T14:16:00.004-05:002012-04-18T14:28:14.522-05:00Kids' Writing "Camp-us"I received a nice mention in a <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-x-kids-summer-camps-20120418,0,6861821.story">Chicago Tribune article</a> today on a writing workshop I did last summer at Kids' College at Elgin Community College. <br /><br />Check it out!Kathi Baronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15733204084928751522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068930295193481944.post-87024207982304265782012-04-18T07:34:00.002-05:002012-04-20T08:06:03.567-05:00HAPPY BIRTHDAY, FENWAY PARK!<br />
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On April 20, 2012, Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, turns 100 years old.<br />
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In my dreams, one of the skyboxes at the park is my studio apartment. I live there year round, writing, reading, doing my life. My husband lives with me and our 2 cats. Our son comes to visit often. In the summers, my backyard is a ball field, filled up with baseball. The players, the plays, the smell of hot dogs and the sound of peanut shells cracking open and bats cracking homers. The "bang" of the ball against the tinny wall that is the Green Monster. The silence of the wind carrying a homer over the wall, landing in Yawkey Way. <br />
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In my memories, I remember walking with my husband and son and all kinds of people dressed in Red Sox ball caps from the hotel to the ballpark. That feeling of being with "my people." The excitement building with each step. Seeing the signs: "Yawkey Way," getting closer and then, "Fenway Park: home of the Boston Red Sox." Walking Yalkey Way, under the banners for all the years they've won championships. The rush of being close, handing over my ticket, going through the gate, getting hit with a blast of hot dogs and burgers and pizza smells. That special gift of a ticket to my friend's skybox, along the 3rd base line. Walking in, through, and out to the seats to so much green. <br />
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Sitting with my family. Comfy. Happy. Well. Watching Jon Lester pitch and Jonathan Papelbon close. Thinking, <span style="font-style: italic;">really, does it get any better than this?</span>Kathi Baronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15733204084928751522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068930295193481944.post-91933298633585732082012-02-08T11:25:00.010-06:002012-03-07T13:18:23.036-06:00Where I'm At<a href=""></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">NOW, ONLINE: </span><br /><br />Check out the lovely review of <span style="font-weight:bold;">SHATTERED</span> by <a href="http://www.alexalovesbooks.com/2012/02/150-words-shattered-by-kathi-baron.html">Alexa </a> on February 1, 2012.<br /><br />Also, read my interview by young adult author, <a href="http://cherylrainfield.com/blog/index.php/2012/02/07/interview-with-ya-author-kathi-baron/">Cheryl Rainfield</a>, posted February 7, 2012. While you're there, check out her books: <span style="font-weight:bold;">SCARS</span> and <span style="font-weight:bold;">HUNTED</span>.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">IN THE FUTURE, IN PERSON:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">March 6, 2012 </span>~~ Dominican University ~~ with Oak Park River Forest High School, Fenwick High School and Trinity High School Students ~~ I'll be facilitating conversations with the students at their Youth Conference during break-out sessions. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">March 14, 2012 </span>~~ Oak Park River Forest High School Psychology Club ~~ Presentation on my young adult novel, <span style="font-weight:bold;">SHATTERED</span>, focusing on some of the psychological issues in the book: trauma and transformation, support, and empowerment; and on the inspiration for this story and how I went about writing a psychological story. I will be signing afterward.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">March 16, 2012 </span>~~ <a href="http://www.illinoisreadingcouncil.org/conference.html">Illinois Reading Council </a>~~ Illinois Author/Illustrator Luncheon/Signing. Here's a list of Authors/Illustrators who will be participating: <br /><br />Krista August <br />George Bailey <br />Blue Balliett <br />Kathi Baron <br />Raymond Bial <br />Barbara Binns <br />Debbi Chocolate <br />Laura Crawford <br />Carolyn Crimi <br />Kat Falls<br />Beth Finke <br />Scott Gustafson <br />Kimberly M. Hutmacher <br />Sara Latta <br />Laurie Lawlor <br />Steven L. Layne <br />Marianne Malone <br />Alice B. McGinty <br />Gary Moore <br />W. Nikola-Lisa<br />Janet Nolan <br />Nnedi Okorafor <br />Barb Rosenstock <br />Barbara Santucci <br />Karen Halvorsen Schreck <br />Suzanne Slade <br />Kristina Springer <br />Nancy Stewart <br />Sally M. Walker <br />Jeff Weigel<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Stop by and say Hi!</span>Kathi Baronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15733204084928751522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068930295193481944.post-54281973420378694132012-01-25T08:34:00.006-06:002012-03-07T13:04:40.995-06:00New Year Old AttitudeIt's a new year--2012. Time for a fresh start. I'm seeing things in a new way. I've set a goal to write a new novel and have been making notes and lists of books to read to support this endeavor. But I also want to bring something along from the past years into this one. I want to continue to cultivate a daily "attitude of gratitude." Being grateful focuses my mind to see the small things that bring light to the day. <br /><br />Last summer, a lightning storm struck a tree in front of a house on Des Plaines River Road, the road I use to get to my occupational therapy job. I didn't notice it on the way to work. But on the way home, a man was out there with a chainsaw, buzzing away. He wasn't taking down the trunk. No he was actually carving. Interesting. I made a note to check the spot on my return to work the next day. To my surprise, instead of just a pitiful stump, there is now a magnificent bear carved from the trunk of a 100-year-old elm tree. My bear, which is what I've come to think of him as, is 14 feet tall and he's standing in a way so that he's angling, looking back at his family's house. But what I see when I drive by is his smile. And he makes my day.<br /><br />It's not just the beauty of his smile. But the idea that art is smiling at me. <br /><br />Making art is not only a gift an artist offers to all of us, but it is a gift to the one who makes it. Doing art is a beautiful experience. Being playful, creative, getting new insights and seeing the human spirit in a new way--is quite a wonderful way to live. <br /><br />I'm grateful for those chances when I get to do my writing. When I get to be artful. <br /><br />Seeing the small details in this world, in my life--they all make my life rich. My bear makes my life rich.<br /><br />Thank you.<br /><br />P.S.--If you want to see my bear, go to: <br /><a href="http://www.triblocal.com/des-plaines/2011/08/23/when-storms-give-you-stumps-make-art/">www.triblocal.com/des-plaines/2011/08/23/when-storms-give-you-stumps-make-art/</a>Kathi Baronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15733204084928751522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068930295193481944.post-84831904489581395692011-10-16T13:45:00.005-05:002011-10-16T14:17:13.905-05:00Be Your Best Self: Beryn Wins Game Ball<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEzJP_RiYjawxkD_S0_BIkt7CxxzCE3kzAnEZfzgLvA_gbpDRUD2ZcOf0xWExVichZxnuZ3y19Y-Wi0ARL04OueqeL8ouTGSakngtrjsiv7Y-uczM31uvKbbB9YKEfnD2RclOOtXpwO7Y/s1600/P1000227.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEzJP_RiYjawxkD_S0_BIkt7CxxzCE3kzAnEZfzgLvA_gbpDRUD2ZcOf0xWExVichZxnuZ3y19Y-Wi0ARL04OueqeL8ouTGSakngtrjsiv7Y-uczM31uvKbbB9YKEfnD2RclOOtXpwO7Y/s320/P1000227.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664164714690468338" /></a><br /><br />I'm an avid baseball fan. In fact, I'd go so far as to call myself a "baseball geek." I'm a big Red Sox fan and I usually watch a couple innings a night. I start everyday, reading baseball websites, learning baseball news because I'm also a fan of the game. Sometimes I'll sit down and watch a game because I want to see Tim Lincecum of the Giants pitch, or Jason Verlander of the Tigers. I also love good hitting. So I'll watch Albert Pujols play for the Cardinals or I'll watch a whole Red Sox game because I love the line up of Jacoby Ellsbury, Dustin Pedroia, Big Papi, Kevin Youkilis, and well the rest of them, they're all fun to watch. I thought I'd be following them into the offseason, through play-offs and into the World Series. So you could say they broke my heart with their September meltdown resulting in them never even making it into the play-offs. <br /><br />This is where I was when I went to New Jersey to visit relatives and to see my niece, Beryn Wienstock, play softball on October 1st. I was glad to see all the relatives, but I tell you, my heart was sad that the postseason was going on and there was no chance to wear my Red Sox jersey and to sit in front of the TV and cheer for my beloved team.<br /><br />And then I saw my neice Beryn play her softball double-header. She's awesome! That day she had 3 RBI's, 2 doubles, 2 singles and a great catch she made in left-center field! I don't even know if her team won the games, and I don't care because watching her and her team, with their energy, attitude and smartness, well it lifted my spirits. After her 2nd double, I said out loud, "there's your MVP!" Afterward, she came out of the dugout carrying the game ball. Her coach had awarded it to her for her amazing performance that day. I was and am still very proud of her.<br /><br />Thank you Beryn for reminding me that it isn't really about winning or losing or going to the offseason...it's really about how you play the game. Giving it your all. Trying your best. Being your best self.Kathi Baronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15733204084928751522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068930295193481944.post-87410870456278882422011-09-07T13:26:00.004-05:002011-09-09T09:09:09.638-05:00Book Sale/Signing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcfUESHRkhN35MyeSK97EW40s7yyZ9I1-_hD-R75O-gf8uLS-nU9pEljDHTm4InBaK-aZCi9MBD0LIbnG6ifpl_W3sVise6fQnjgEgC4rui6YuS9yEF3x3gPRiB7PVaPkGUjav9cm0kPJ/s1600/63580007.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcfUESHRkhN35MyeSK97EW40s7yyZ9I1-_hD-R75O-gf8uLS-nU9pEljDHTm4InBaK-aZCi9MBD0LIbnG6ifpl_W3sVise6fQnjgEgC4rui6YuS9yEF3x3gPRiB7PVaPkGUjav9cm0kPJ/s320/63580007.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649688111666017138" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I'm happy to say I'm participating in the </div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Aurora Public Library Local Author Fair</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Saturday, September 10, 2011</div><div style="text-align: center;">1-4 p.m.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Eola Community Center</div><div style="text-align: center;">555 S. Eola Rd.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Aurora, IL 60504</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Book Sale sponsored by Barnes and Noble</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'd love to sign a copy of <b>SHATTERED</b> for you!</div>Kathi Baronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15733204084928751522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068930295193481944.post-73718530200777390802011-08-24T14:26:00.005-05:002011-08-24T14:57:50.686-05:00Living in a Baseball Park<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWJUi-q72C0-8Bq4umfcT4W303RU3zHJHE_GWssknn6B_57DRzZ9BT_aCfJB-s_BR8dbSe6S2aZJTLqG0nU-2IQDeOELJTNyLAgrhK0nKMIOxaAmWDUkwlR8b1E-rfpt_5lHfop2zBWOB/s1600/P1000109.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfWJUi-q72C0-8Bq4umfcT4W303RU3zHJHE_GWssknn6B_57DRzZ9BT_aCfJB-s_BR8dbSe6S2aZJTLqG0nU-2IQDeOELJTNyLAgrhK0nKMIOxaAmWDUkwlR8b1E-rfpt_5lHfop2zBWOB/s320/P1000109.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644514082690664450" /></a>
<br />It's getting near the end of summer. I love this time of year, because the race is on, to see which baseball team can get into the post season. This is when I start checking the standings every day, to see who's inching their way closer and closer to the World Series. <div>
<br /></div><div>Since 2006, my family and I have been been visiting ballparks. This past July, we visited the new Target Field in Minneapolis. Wow! It's so beautiful! Prior to this, I'd been to Petco Field, Dodger Stadium, visited the Oakland A's, the Giants and the Mariners on the west coast. On the East Coast, I've been to Fenway Park, and the old Shea Stadium. I'm from Chicago, so of course I've been to US Cellular Field and Wrigley. And I love to day-trip to Miller Park in Milwaukee, so we've been there, too. I've also been to see the Tampa Bay Rays play and the Toronto Blue Jays. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>I would have to say my all-time favorite place is Fenway in Boston. It's old and new all in one. I love that it's preserved and well taken care of and it just feels historic and beautiful to be there. Target Field is my 2nd favorite. It was friendly and just really nice. Plus they have this big gold glove (check out the picture above). I love Miller Park because they have a dome. You never have to worry about the rain when you go there. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>I love ballpark food. US Cellular has the best hot dogs! In Seattle, you can get chocolate covered strawberries on a stick and in San Francisco, they have garlic fries. Milwaukee has great cheeseburgers. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>In Toronto, we stayed at the hotel that is attached to the stadium. You just head out the lobby, around the corner and down the stairs and you're there. A baseball fan's dream. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>This time of year, I have a hard time concentrating on anything other than baseball. I'd like to ditch work and my chores and go sit in a ballpark every night. In fact, I'd love to move into a skybox at Fenway, turn it into my apartment and be available for the rest of the season!</div>Kathi Baronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15733204084928751522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068930295193481944.post-27262174481960675802011-08-13T19:57:00.007-05:002011-08-13T23:27:28.045-05:00On Terry McMillan's book, "Getting to Happy"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQRG6Vunq6xJb1-pRtng2vo3TTmwEEESqiqAYzdy_-GDq4mbBUdnCGHFJb0ja2v5blzg5IcPncbh3S73tIKTATSAPZkb3QDKKRtv_uHSNUA3aoE9qpEdYjS3p-tuKt__JothYz1ThDO9_/s1600/51270018.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQRG6Vunq6xJb1-pRtng2vo3TTmwEEESqiqAYzdy_-GDq4mbBUdnCGHFJb0ja2v5blzg5IcPncbh3S73tIKTATSAPZkb3QDKKRtv_uHSNUA3aoE9qpEdYjS3p-tuKt__JothYz1ThDO9_/s320/51270018.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640561962154658066" /></a>
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<br /></div>Saturday, early, I grabbed a book, thinking I'll read a chapter and then figure out what to do next with my day. It's 8 hours later. I've indulged in reading all day long. Like I used to do in the summers. When I was a kid. Such a simple pleasure! I first got into Terry McMillan when "Waiting to Exhale" came out, years ago. I loved these 4 friends, Robin, Savannah, Gloria & Bernie when they were younger. Now, they're in their 50's. Like me. They're all dealing with tough stuff and I feel rejuvenated, having spent the day with them, watching them all transform. <div>
<br /></div><div>McMillan asks a brave question in this book: "What is happy?" Each character defines it for herself and then works to get there. I found myself asking: <i>what does my happy look like? </i></div><div>
<br /></div><div>Last month, the owner of WestSide Books, the home of my novel, <i>Shattered</i>, put the company up for sale. Every day since, I've moved through a different kind of emotion or thought about it. I don't know what it means for the future of all of us authors at WestSide. I just know I feel a lot of anxiety because it's all so uncertain. I hope another publisher will buy us, hire Evelyn Fazio--who was the heart and soul of WestSide(she's in the picture with me above)--and move us all forward, continuing to publish realistic fiction for young adults. What is certain is I don't have control over any of it.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>But what I do have control over is my writing life. For me, "getting to happy" is about continuing on with the life I had before WestSide. A lifestyle I created while being a grad student at Vermont College. Spending time reading young adult literature, to learn how to write for teens, journaling to be true, and writing and re-writing to get it right. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>I'm also back to wanting to get published. I'm working at putting my best work on the page, even if it takes hours to write one sentence. Even if it takes 5 drafts to get the story out. Moment to moment, word by word, I'm living the me I was meant to be: a writer. Yes, publication brings its own kind of special joy. But honestly, what makes me ecstatic is creating. </div><div> </div><div>I don't know if I'll ever make it to another publication. But I'm pretty sure, if I keep on writing, I'll make it to happy.</div>Kathi Baronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15733204084928751522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068930295193481944.post-71685119107546422552011-05-27T18:28:00.004-05:002011-05-27T18:44:20.062-05:00A Challenge for Writers<strong>Here's a question for you: What makes a good writer?</strong><br /><br />Each writer has to discover this for herself, which is half the fun of doing it. I think that what makes a good writer is taking the time to truly live your life. By being present. By experiencing whatever it is that you're doing, wherever you are, and paying attention to the five senses.<br /><br />Think about it--<br /><br />By seeing, really seeing the orangy-red in that hibiscus blooming on the tree on the way to the beach, and<br /><br />by hearing the actual chords to that song on your I-pod, and<br /><br />by feeling that cool breeze on your arm when you left the house and forgot your jacket after lunch and<br /><br />by tasting your favorite ice cream, <em>really tasting</em> the crunching of the mega chocolate chips mixed in with the smooth, chilly chocolate, and finally,<br /><br />by smelling the salt in the air<br /><br />--you've got the stuff that makes up a good sentence about a story set at the beach!<br /><br />The senses focus a writer to get detailed and poetic and interesting. It's what brings a character, a setting, a point of view to life for the reader.<br /><br />I challenge you, go ahead, live your life. To the fullest. And become your best writer self that you can be!Kathi Baronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15733204084928751522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068930295193481944.post-83641268268685943542011-04-15T10:42:00.003-05:002011-04-15T10:49:49.422-05:00Where You'll Find Me<div align="center"><strong>April 16, 2011</strong></div><br /><div align="center">I'm keynoting, </div><br /><div align="center">teaching 2 writing workshops </div><br /><div align="center">and signing copies of <strong>SHATTERED </strong></div><br /><div align="center">at </div><br /><div align="center"><strong>River Forest School District 90</strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>Young Authors Conference </strong></div><br /><div align="center">Roosevelt Middle School</div><br /><div align="center">7560 Oak Avenue</div><br /><div align="center">8:30-noon</div>Kathi Baronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15733204084928751522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068930295193481944.post-12726568285716438762011-02-23T17:10:00.009-06:002011-04-15T10:42:03.778-05:00Children's Literature Conference<div align="center"><span></span>I'm looking forward to particpating in the</div><br /><div align="center"><strong>31st Annual Children's Literature Conference</strong></div><br /><div align="center">at</div><br /><div align="center"><strong>Northern Illinois University</strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>March 11, 2011</strong></div><br /><p align="center">1:00 - 1:50</p><br /><p align="center"><strong>Local Author Booktalk Session: Young Adult</strong></p><br /><p align="center">Featuring six Illinois young adult authors booktalking our newest books:</p><br /><p align="center"><strong>Barbara Binns, James Kennedy, James Klise, Adam Selzer, </strong></p><br /><p align="center"><strong>Claire Zulkey & yours truly, Kathi Baron</strong></p><br /><p align="center">3:40-4:30</p><br /><p align="center"><strong>Local Author/Illustrator Autographing Reception</strong></p><br /><p align="center">I'll be signing copies of <strong><em>Shattered</em></strong></p><br /><p align="center"><strong><a href="http://www.cedu.niu.edu/oep/conferences/childrenslit/index.html">www.cedu.niu.edu/oep/conferences/childrenslit/index.html</a> </strong></p><br /><p align="center"></p><br /><div align="center"><strong><em></em></strong></div>Kathi Baronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15733204084928751522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068930295193481944.post-1383062620303193932010-12-04T14:27:00.007-06:002011-08-13T23:08:10.341-05:00Guest Interview: Hallie Claire Waltezko<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRW_6s1mdMfzBVE4b9EM5mNGfw6e_-z1U53S0F4X4_qUZ2lKwFBXnAQRLrCTT9kRcru9I8nMsqXS_XB3mB5E5j2n7Io0JL9Tr-uzt0Krz0xgjvJqaQxm8llkmQioa5blhHPTk44sGX0NWd/s1600/P1000012.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRW_6s1mdMfzBVE4b9EM5mNGfw6e_-z1U53S0F4X4_qUZ2lKwFBXnAQRLrCTT9kRcru9I8nMsqXS_XB3mB5E5j2n7Io0JL9Tr-uzt0Krz0xgjvJqaQxm8llkmQioa5blhHPTk44sGX0NWd/s320/P1000012.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640558563041504114" /></a>
<br /><span style="font-family:arial;">November was National Novel Writing Month or NaNoWriMo. This year, my 14 year old niece, Hallie Claire Waletzko participated. She started on November 1, 2010 and on November 29, 2010, she completed a novel, <em>1 day early</em>, writing a total of 50,289 words! </span>
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<br /><span style="font-family:arial;">If you've ever written a novel, you can appreciate what it takes to get 50,000 words down on the page. But in a month? So far, with my new novel, it has taken me 2 years and 3 months to complete that much! If you've never written a novel, try to picture yourself doing it. It's remarkable, right?</span>
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<br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I'm so impressed by Hallie, that I asked her to let me interview her about her NaNoWriMo experience. Read on and be inspired! </span>
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<br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Here's what she had to say: </span>
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<br /><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>KB: What was your process like--ie what did you do to be able to get 50,000 plus words written in the month of November?</strong></span>
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<br /><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000099;">HCW: Going into it, I didn't actualy expect to hit the 50,000 word goal. But the NaNoWriMo website sets daily goals for you, and I would always be really determined to meet those goals. As well as word count goals, I would set time goals, like "Okay, I'll write without stopping for the next 15 minutes." Or I would set plot goals, where I would write until something happened in the story so I wouldn't lose the thought.</span></strong>
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<br /><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000000;">KB: Did you ever want to quit?</span></strong>
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<br /><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000099;">HCW: I wouldn't say I ever really wanted to quit altogether. There would be days when I got home from school really late, and would stop before I got to my goal of the day. There were times when I had computer issues, and get really frustrated, but overall, I just kept going.</span></strong>
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<br /><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000000;">KB: Did anything surprise you while doing NaNoWriMo?</span></strong>
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<br /><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000099;">HCW: Yes, everything surprised me! By the first few days, I realized that my characters were making their own decisions! At the end of October, the NaNoWriMo website sends you an outline of what should be happening every few days. By Day 3, they say, "Realize this isn't the novel you were intending to write, and that's okay." And that's totally true. </span></strong>
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<br /><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000000;">KB: Any advice for novelists?</span></strong>
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<br /><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000099;">HCW: I guess my only advice is to just write. Don't worry about whether or not what you're writing is any good, that comes later. But getting the words out of you is really important, and a program like NaNo is really helpful with that. </span></strong>
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<br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;"><strong>KB: Thanks so much, Hallie!</strong></span>Kathi Baronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15733204084928751522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068930295193481944.post-11666176446175132010-10-21T14:50:00.003-05:002010-10-22T09:33:00.131-05:00Young Authors Conference 2010I'm happy to say I'll be presenting 2 writing workshops to middle grade students this Saturday, October 23, 2010!<br /><br />The Annual District 97 Young Authors Conference is from 9-11:00 at Lincoln School, 1111 S. Grove, in Oak Park.<br /><br />I'll be talking about my young adult novel, <strong><em>Shattered</em></strong>. I'll also provide a writing prompt and will facilitate a critique group, so that students will get the chance to explore 2 tools writers often use. A free journal will be given to each participant.<br /><br />A book sale will be held in the gym from 11:00-11:30, with books provided by the Magic Tree Bookstore. All participating authors will be on hand to sign. <br /><br />This special event is one of the reasons I love living in Oak Park!Kathi Baronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15733204084928751522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7068930295193481944.post-59559413842940300762010-07-20T21:57:00.002-05:002010-07-20T22:11:59.436-05:00Going to collegeWe found out that my son, Dan, is assigned to move into his dorm at DePaul U. on Sunday, August 29th. Seeing this date on the page makes it so real that he's going. And turns these last days of summer ultra precious. I want to take each chance--a minute or long hours--to enjoy his presence in our house. Until he goes, I want to make sure I don't waste any time while he still lives with us. There's still time to savor his childhood. To be a family under one roof.<br /><br />I love being surrounded by his teen-aged life--having his friends drop in, eating our food. Hanging out in ballparks, watching him play baseball. Watching baseball games on TV together. Him sleeping until 1:00 PM. Him texting, buying video games, going out to play putt-putt. I even want to appreciate his messy room. And how he forgets to do his chores; and how I nag him.<br /><br />It's been a grand run, these last 18 years. I'm proud of him. Excited he's going to college. That he gets to go on this incredible journey.<br /><br />It will be so quiet when he goes. So for now, I want to enjoy his noise.Kathi Baronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15733204084928751522noreply@blogger.com1