My sister-in-law sent me this quote today and said she thought of me when she read it...
laryn's blog
Interview about the writing process on Catapult Magazine
Kirstin Vander Giessen-Reitsma interviewed me about the process of writing the book for the latest edition of Catapult Magazine. Catapult is published by *culture is not optional, the (non-profit) publishers of Clutching Dust and Stars.
Photos from the release party
Thanks to all who showed up at the release party at Sova. I had a great time and enjoyed the question and response time (both in the group setting and individually). We had a good turn-out -- about 40 people -- and plenty of food. Thanks to those who volunteered to bring food to share, and to Teach for America, who provided their extra platters to us unexpectedly! Once again, a big thank you to Elisabeth Kvernen and Josh Kvernen for their work in arranging details of the evening and to Matt Krueger for MC'ing.
Book post-release party...April 10
Despite a shabby economy and the fact that there is no money in the budget for an extended book tour, we don't want to let this occasion pass by without some festivities. Come and celebrate the recent release of Laryn Kragt Bakker's debut novel with a post-release party. Clutching Dust and Stars was released in late 2009 and was named "Best First Novel" by Hearts and Minds Books. The evening will feature a short reading by the author as well as a time for questions and responses.
The novel we sit down to write and the one we end up writing
We are afraid of that which we cannot control; so we continue to draw in the boundaries around us, to limit ourselves to what we can know and understand. Thus we lose our human calling, because we do not dare to be creators, co-creators with God. Artists have always been drawn to the wild, wide elements they cannot control or understand -- the sea, mountains, fire. To be an artist means to approach the light, and that means to let go of our control, to allow our whole selves to be placed with absolute faith in that which is greater than we are.
A Brief Mention at Englewood Review of Books
The Englewood Review of Books made brief mention of Clutching Dust and Stars today:
Reviewed by Jeni Newswanger Smith.
"Best First Novel, 2009" from Hearts and Minds
Hearts and Minds Books has named Clutching Dust and Stars the "Best First Novel" of 2009!
Chapter Nine: Wear Your Own Skin
Catapult Magazine serialized chapter nine in their most recent edition:
Chapter Eight: Legalize Happiness
Catapult Magazine serialized chapter eight today:
It was good to be writing again. He had delusions of future grandeur-and he was fully aware that they were delusions. Probably. If he could find a way to get it out there, anything could happen.
Working at the copy shop had given him one idea-pragmatic and less than glamorous, but workable. The obvious starting point was to produce a sheet of writing and run a bunch of photocopies.
Chapter Seven: Art Saves Lives
Catapult Magazine serialized chapter seven in the current edition:
