Dena's Blog

A daily/weekly/whenever I feel like it blog for fantasy writer Dena Landon

Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Harding High School: First School Visit

Well, it was very exciting to visit my first high school today as a guest speaker. I spoke to Mr. Brandt's Creative Writing Class. I was a little nervous, I'll admit it, but I think it went well. It was fun, at least :)

I talked about growing up, and what inspired me to be a writer, as well as the things along the way that encouraged me. Then I segued into talking about the publishing world. I'm afraid I may have discouraged some of them by being a little too honest, but at least they'll be prepared, right? The students asked some really good questions, and generally seemed to like the talk, and it was enjoyable overall.

Though, of course, one of the students thought I was a new student until she saw my visitor's badge. Hee! The teacher did say that my press kit had gone to the wrong teacher, then been forwarded onto him to get lost on his desk before he contacted me. I'm happy it ended up in the right place, even though I wish I'd been able to get the right person off the school's website. So now I'm going to call a few more high schools to get names for sending out more press kits. And I need to talk to Micawber's about students being able to order through them.

Meanwhile, the floors on the new house were just finished so I also need to carry everything upstairs. It would be nice to sleep in my bed, in a bedroom, rather than downstairs in the living room, tonight.

- D

2 Comments:

  • At 8:32 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Hello, I'm from the Creative Writing class you visited today, and I thought I'd check out your site. I really enjoyed you coming and you gave us some good insight on what it's like to be a writer, and what it takes to become one. I wouldn't say you discouraged us, at least not me, but it seemed like you were more giving a message of "Don't give up!" which is good. So good job, and good luck at other high schools!

     
  • At 3:48 PM, Blogger Dena said…

    Thanks! I appreciate you stopping by. And, yes, don't give up. It can be hard, and I was trying not to sugarcoat things when I talked to you guys, but it's totally worth it to hold your own book in your hands. Hope to see you at one of my signings!

    - Dena

     

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