Out-and-About - and Book Giveaway!

I could not have picked a prettier autumnal week for traveling out-and-about to connect with writers and readers, both young and young-at heart. Mother Nature continues to favor the Midwest with sunny days and unseasonably warm temperatures.

Saturday, October 9, I spoke to my SCBWI Indiana kin, sharing ways they can keep on keepin’ on their Writers’ Plotlines.

Indianapolis’ Benton House was the perfect setting.

Retiring Regional Advisor Trish Batey, Assistant Regional Advisor Peggy Archer and new Regional Advisor Kristi Valiant orchestrated a welcoming event ripe with celebration and rich connections.

I even met a TeachingAuthor reader, writer and blogger Megan Bickel, pictured here on the left with fellow SCBWI Indiana member Sheryl Adair VanVleck.

Monday, October 11, the Lincoln Park (Chicago) Barnes and Noble featured me and my books for their first-ever Columbus Day Educators Event.

The day-off-from-school brought out both teachers – and - readers.

Tomorrow Thursday, October 14, I return to Winnetka, Illinois’ Community House to speak to the Off Campus Writers’ Workshop.

I’ll be shining a light on the two stories writers write: the one we’re telling our readers – and – the Writer’s Story we’re living each day.
Each story impacts and enriches the other.
Their meaningful intersection guarantees success.

Finally, Friday, October 15, I’m honored to visit the Avery Coonley School in Downers Grove, Illinois.

I’ll be speaking with students throughout the day and with parents too at the annual Oktoberfest and Book Fair.

I’m one happy TeachingAuthor, traveling out-and-about, from writers.... to readers ...to writers and readers.

By the way,
beginning with the next post, my fellow TeachingAuthors will be sharing why they write.
We’re told as writers to know our characters’ motivation – what they want and why they want it.
It’s every bit as important for a writer to know his.
What’s your What? What’s your Why?
Open to a page to explore the question. NCTE’s upcoming Wednesday, Oct. 20 National Day on Writing offers you the perfect opportunity to post your crafted response.

Oh, and don’t forget: you have until 11 pm CST, Friday, October 15, to enter to win a signed copy of author Candace Ryan’s new picture book Animal House. For Book Giveaway details, read April Halprin Wayland's October 8 interview with Candace.

Esther Hershenhorn