As per The Beach Boys, “I’m gettin’ bugged driving up and down this same old strip, I gotta find a new place where the kids are hip.” This week, that place is Lorna Suzuki’s blog. Lorna interviewed me for her Featured Author segment, and I’m super chuffed, especially since it was just two Fridays ago that we met up for dinner in Seattle before she appeared at Emerald City Comicon (ECCC).
If you’re not familiar with Lorna’s work, she’s one of my homeys (Canadian), and is the author of The Imago Chronicles series, the first book from which is being made into a movie. While in Seattle, Lorna was finally able to announce that Don Carmody will be joining with Michy Gustavia to co-produce The Imago Chronicles, A Warrior’s Tale, with production set to start in the fall. Carmody has produced more than 100 films, including Good Will Hunting, the musical Chicago, and the Resident Evil series, so Lorna’s book is in fantastically-good hands. Everyone who knows Lorna is thrilled for her, because she’s a hard-working author who always makes time to connect with people and support other writers in their work.
On Lorna’s blog, I confess to plagiarism, and give away my most secretly-held writing-preparation technique, among other things. In addition to all the linky goodness above, here’s the direct link to my interview. (No commenting over there, so please definitely for sure leave comments here if you are compelled.)
Here’s Lorna, her daughter Nia (who, by the way, co-writes a YA series with her mom), me, and writers Avery Tingle (sitting) and Andrew Beane before we stuffed our faces at Rock Bottom in Seattle last month.
And p.s. When I said up there at the top that I gotta find a new place where the kids are hip, I did NOT mean that the kids who come here aren’t hip. YOU ARE HIP. Maybe not The Tragically Hip, but that’s okay, because if you were The Tragically Hip, I would drive to your house and fangirl all over you, and that could get awkward.
Great interview, Laura, and frequently hysterical. 😉
I loved this comment:
“One big lesson has been that all input and criticism is worth consideration—open mind, open heart–and then, listen to your gut.”
I’ve sometimes reacted internally against criticism from certain quarters, only to find later that there was something of value in it. But also, too often we can become so paranoid trying to cater to all the different “advice” we receive, that we lose our own writer-voice in the process.
Thank you, Belinda! And yes, I agree, I’ve definitely gone through editing phases where I lost my voice after following some guidance. It’s a tricky, tricky balance!
p.s. No one ever accused me of being hip. 😀
Ya just gotta run with it. 🙂
You rock! Loved the interview! I have the book, and I better get back to it! I just need to take a breather and spend some time reading for enjoyment!
Thank you, dear Jodi! Yeah, slow down, take a breather, maybe do one of those awesome Jodi Aman guided meditations. 😉
I won’t reveal your secret writing prep technique here but suffice it to say–what a plucky one it is. 😉
I look forward to reading your memoir when it comes out. I didn’t know you were a competitive figure skater–wow! So many talents.
Hardy har har!
Yup, skating was my life when I was a kid. Lived on the ice. Now, throw me in some water, and I’m like a fish out of water.
Serves me right. I miss ONE blog and that’s the one in which I get a wonderful compliment. I’m glad I revisited your site.
The “dear friend” adjective means a great deal to me. Thank you Laura. I know I started the ball rolling collecting your stories that eventually became your first book Tro-Tros, but I didn’t think I had that much influence.
I really enjoyed those stories and I bought books for all my relatives too. Even my dad enjoyed your book and he was never a reader. That was such a fun project and I am really glad we could share that experience.
I’m even more pleased to see you continue with your new memoir. You have an engaging way of speaking whether live or through print. I would love to attend one of your speaking engagements at a high school. The room vibe must be almost electric between you and the students. Next time you’re in Canada, please let me know.
You had a ton of influence! I didn’t even consider it “my book.” To me, it was always “our project.” I’m also glad we had the chance to collaborate on it. And thank you SO much for your ongoing support. I’d love to have you come into the classroom with me, although I’m not sure when that might next be on that side of the border. And I don’t know about electric, but we’ve had some pretty lively Q&A sessions in some of the classes (except when I spoke at my nephews’ old school, and my sister sat in, and I was nervous, and the kids were really quiet… LOL!).
You had me at “maggots”. 😉 Can’t wait to read that next African book. Don’t remember the story about the practical joke almost setting off an international incident. Great interview. And I love the picture of you at the top.
Kris, I haven’t told the story of the practical joke to too many people (in fact, maybe only Francis and my life coach?!) because I was too ashamed for the first few years afterward!!! But as with anything, give it enough time and it becomes fodder for humor. Thanks for the comment and the photo compliment. 🙂