Karen Cushman: Courting Surprise

Lin Oliver does not throw the world glorious around when she introduces just anyone, and this morning she is certainly not introducing just anyone. The SCBWI crowd will be starting off on the perfect note, better than any of the best cups of coffee could ever deliver, with the spectacular Karen Cushman.

Karen is the award-winning author of many books for kids, books that will stand the test of time. THE MIDWIFE'S APPRENTICE received the the Newbery Medal, and CATHERINE CALLED BIRDY  a Newbery Honor.

"A beautiful writer, a beautiful person, who lives on a beautiful island, is here to speak to us on this beautiful morning," Lin says, welcoming Karen to the stage.


When Karen writes she feels she offers her heart to her readers, and as she stands and speaks to us, she also offers us her heart.

Wow! Karen has just offered to be available to each and every person in the room, to help them attain their heart's desire.

Karen shares the many contradictory rules of writing. "Rules, rules, rules," she says. "Make your own rules. Or better yet, have no rules."

Karen believes we often give ourselves unconscious gifts when we write. A surprise.  "Read and reread your drafts, looking for the surprise."

"I learn a lot from reading other people's books."

"I suggest you read 100 books like the one you want to write. Or a thousand."

Now Karen admits she does have rules. Two of them.
1.Tell the truth.
2.Write with passion.

On a personal note, I feel as if Karen Cushman is sitting next me, holding my hand and giving it a pat, as she mentors me with great sincerity.

Karen Cushman: In Dreams Begin Responsiblities 3

There are many ways to start. Karen always starts with a title. "Now the page isn't blank anymore. The story's begun."

"Give power to thoughts. That's what writing is. Giving power to thoughts." It's what her husband did when he told her to write down the story.

"Stories come from paying attention..."

Truth of all kinds is necessary in our stories.

"I think books ought to be hopeful."

From a child's letter: "I have never read one of your books, but now I'm considering trying to read one..."

"As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to write."

Standing ovation!

I have to say, Karen Cushman is wise, witty, and warm! What an inspiring keynote. So many wonderful words.

POSTED BY JOLIE STEKLY

Karen Cushman: In Dreams Begin Responsiblities 2

Karen used to love Little LuLu. She was the only cartoon that was like her...a little, ordinary girl. She wanted to know what they said, thought and believed.



Karen told her husband over and over that she had an idea for a story. One day when she asked him if she could share an idea with him, he told her no, that she's been saying that for years. This particular time he said he wanted to read it.

Karen's advice, "Don't listen to advice. Even mine."


"I don't have to be in front of a computer or sitting in a chair to be working."



"Inspiration often strikes when my butt is out of my chair."

Karen is currently working on a new book WILL SPARROW'S ROAD with a boy protagonist.

Karen never writes and edits at the same time. She's sure to know which hats she's wearing.

"Read what you love and ask yourself why you love it."

POSTED BY JOLIE STEKLY

Karen Cushman tells a story...

I love this story, and Karen told it so well. I paraphrase it here, because once again it gave me goosebumps.

Some people ask their Rabbi, "What is Heaven like?"

He answers: "Heaven is where a group of people sit around a table laden with wonderful food. The only problem is that no one's arms bend at the elbow."

And the people ask, "What is Hell like?"

He answers again, "Hell is where a group of people sit around a table laden with wonderful food. The only problem is that no one's arms bend at the elbow."

"Well then, Rabbi, what is the difference between Heaven and Hell?"

"Ahh," the Rabbi said. "In Heaven, the people feed each other."

Ahhh... Goosebumps, right?


Karen's point, and I love this, is that she's here, and we're all here, to help each other on this journey of working on children's books.

lovely.


posted by Lee Wind

Karen Cushman: In Dreams Begin Responsibilities

Karen Cushman is receiving a lovely intro from Lin Oliver. Karen is one of Lin's favorite writers and favorite people of all time.

"With every word, every character, idea, or opinion...I'm offering my heart to my readers."

Oh, my! Karen is giving everyone chills. She offers her heart to the audience.

"We are here to help each other," she says. And she offers her help to all. She just offered to answer all questions, for any and all to stop her and ask for help. How amazingly generous is that?

Karen's talk was just interrupted by a cell phone..."Sounds like the ice cream truck is here!" Love her humor.

"I wrote because I could not dance."

"When I wanted to know something, I opened a book."


POSTED BY JOLIE STEKLY

Exclusive TEAM BLOG Interview with Karen Cushman

Visit Jolie Stekly's Cuppa Jolie blog today for an exclusive TEAM BLOG interview with Newbery winner and SCBWI Summer Conference keynote speaker Karen Cushman.

We're counting down to the Summer Conference ... only four more days! More exclusive interviews to come this week, and then our conference Blog-o-rama begins.