UPDATE: Rita’s book was just named a finalist for The National Book Award! Hooray!
Despite the busy schedule of the summer residency at Vermont College of Fine Arts, Rita Williams Garcia took time to talk about her new book, ONE CRAZY SUMMER.
What are you waiting for….go get a copy and read it!
When I arrived at Vermont College, I had the great pleasure of meeting poet Leslie Ullman. I managed to talk her into visiting with me (and my flipcam).
As a bonus, she read one of her beautiful poems, a poem for poets everywhere.
Wasn’t that lovely?
Something else that Leslie does is make “poem beads.” Here’s a quick look at one.
Poem beads!
Calloo, callay!
While I was in Los Angeles, I had the great good fortune of visiting two wonderful schools, Peachland Avenue Elementary School, and The Willows Community School.
At Peachland I did a small writing workshop for about 30 hand-picked 3rd-6th graders.
A successful school visit requires a lot of work on the part of many people.
At Peachland, I have the wonderful Dianne White and Cheryl Phillips to thank.
Dianne White, Me, Cheryl Phillips
Dianne White is one of my former students from Vermont College, and a rising star in the world of children’s literature. Be sure to check out her wonderful blog.
At The Willows, the remarkable librarian, Cathy Leverkus, and her assistant Stephanie Vahedi jumped through hoops to make everything run smoothly. They were terrific.
Cathy, Me, Stephanie
I also want to thank Julia Pistor for her help in setting everything up at The Willows. What a sweetie!
And nothing would have gone at all, well or otherwise, without the enormous help of my media escort, Lisa Becker. She went above and beyond the call of duty.
Lisa Becker, Amazing!
Calloo Callay!
P.S. The day before I came home I wandered through Beverly Center, and found the most adorable carry-on bag from Kipling (which I have to love because Rudyard Kipling is one of my heroes). When I saw the color, I had to have it. So now, I’m ready for my next journey . . .
Tuesday, May 18th marked the official release date for KEEPER, and it was absolutely thrilling to be able to celebrate it with a signing at the famed Portland bookstore, Powell’s.
So many wonderful friends, including several folks from Vermont College of Fine Arts–fellow faculty, former students, current students–were in the crowd, along with new friends, and the incredible staff.
I managed to get a few photos:
Keith and Cheri, Brand New Friends!
Heather and Renee, New Friends--Laini's Twin Sisters-in-Law!
David Gifaldi, fellow author, and all around nice person.
Kim Griswell, fellow author and editor for Highlights
Nora and Robin, VCFAers--see video below.
Jeanette Ingold actually took a photo of me during my reading, so I’m sharing:
I look kind of serious, don't I?
Not photographed were Cheryl Coupe, Margaret Bechard, Susan Fletcher, Jeanette Ingold, and so many others. Thank you everyone. It meant the world to me that you came out!
Calloo Callay!