Swati Avasthi's Blog, page 3

In lieu of a post, here's an article I wrote on The View from the Loft.  Check it out.  Hope you like....

In the last couple of years, I've been thinking about what makes for satisfying final moments of a book -- the kind that makes you sigh and put the book down on your chest, still open to the last page because you want to savor the moment, because you aren't sure you want to close the book yet.

My question about final moments was thrown into sharp relief when I took a screenwriting class and discovered that I can quickly and easily recall the ending of about half or a third of the movies I've s...

So... that mini-break turned into a major break.  Sorry 'bout that.  Lots going on... most of which you will get to hear about in time.

Most recently, I was at BEA.  Sort of.  I went to NYC with the Class of 2k10, a group of middle grade and YA novelists who are debuting this year.  I've been in touch with these writers via email for about a year, but had met only one of them previously.  It was wonderful to meet all these writers who had been encouraging and helping each other. They were funn...

Mini-break while I catch my breath. I hope to post again after I return from AWP's conference in Denver next week!  I'm excited to hear what everyone has to say and will be presenting, too.

After the lush R&R at Bonnie Doerr and Island Sting's place, Split has journeyed again on its tour.  This time, it went all the way across the country for a hopping good time with Split's buddy, The Witchy Worries of Abbie Adams .

In truth, Split confided to me a few hesitations before visiting a witch, what with her fuzzy little familiar and her sudden cases of floating attacks.  But, as some of you might know,  Abbie is one fun witch.  Even Booklist says so (in longer words).

And Abbie's write...

Previously, I mentioned my college roommate, Jenny, who had come out for Split's launch.  Intelligent girl that she is, she married a massage therapist, John Magruder.  Turns out John is multi-talented.  Quite the photographer.  He is currently doing a year of self-portraits.  When he read Split , he contributed this one:




Love this composition.

John has some amazing shots of the International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque.  This guy has an excellent sense of place and movement.  Look at those Ch...

I was happy to celebrate Split' s launch on Saturday and to wish it a fond farewell as it begins its multi-city tour.  Since a book doesn't have to pay for accommodations, food, or even travel, it can afford to go where I can't.  So, the lucky thing will get to visit many spots without me.

On the other hand, I seem to be getting pictures and anticipate it might send me a postcard now and again.
Its first stop on its whirlwind tour was Winston-Salem, NC.



It kicked off its tour by visiting its...

The day finally arrived.  I got up late, trying to get my rest and so was still in my p.j.s when the first of my surprises arrived:  an enormous bouquet of balloon from the loving husband (TLH).  I'm not sure that words will do the size of this justice.  So:



They had to be delivered because they couldn't fit in my SUV.

I spent the rest of the day picking out passages to read and rehearsing them while TLH got errands done, took the kids to a birthday party, and made a lamb stew for when we got h...

There's an event that you've all heard of right?  I've been publicizing it non-stop.  I've invited more people to it than I did to my wedding.  You're invited, too!

In case all my shouting from the rooftops didn't make it to the rock you are hiding under, pop by the Loft (Open Book Building, 1011 Washington Ave S., MPLS) tonight at 7 PM for the Launch of Split !  It should be a blast -- a party!  There will even be some Mexican munchies after the reading.  Free.

  And then tune in tomorrow to...

Shortly after I graduated from college and landed my first job, my boss asked me to introduce her at a talk.  I had no idea what to say, so I pretty much said nothing.  Just a "Mary asked me to introduce her and here she is."  Seriously, I think that's all I said.  Maybe less.
Since, one of my job requirements to train up to 200 people at a time, I had to learn how to say more than a few words in front of a crowd.  So, I did what any logical, honest person would:  I tricked myself.  I...