Well I’ve made it as far as Toronto and now I’m waiting for my connecting flight to Milan. I am also waiting for my mom and my aunt, who start their journey here. They’re gonna be my posse, dammit! (They don’t know this. I have not told them). We will be picked up in Milan by a festival volunteer and driven to Mantua, which is a gorgeous looking town near Verona, for Festivaletturatura. I am over the moon excited – I’ve never had an invitation like this before. Two of my books have been translated into Italian, including “Molecules,” by Il Castoro. I will meet my publisher for the first time on Tuesday evening for dinner.
I have two formal events. I’ve checked the program, and there are many authors whose events I want to see. David Lagercrantz will be there, who’s written “the new Steig Larsson.” Paula Hawkins, “The Girl on the Train.” Jo Nesbo (who I met briefly at the Vancouver Writers’ Fest one year – hubba hubba). And, holy cow, Kazuo Ishiguro.
And, um, ME. What??? It turns out this festival has a large children’s and YA component. And somehow, this year, this part includes yours truly.
In a million years, I never would have imagined a future that held adventures like this when I was kid, writing in my journal that I wanted to be a writer when I grew up. I still pinch myself. I just stopped to pinch myself again. I’m not getting rich, not in dollars – but I feel rich in experiences, and in the people I have met in this new-found second career of mine.
A few days before I got on the plane, my editor sent me some questions from an Italian journalist. Among them was this one: One of the main topic of your novels is the today’s family and the unpredictable effect of this emotional and relational universe on the protagonists’ life, who belong to the teenager’s world. How is changed nowadays the parents’ responsibility towards their children than in the past?
Good God … I fear I may not be near smart enough for these Italians! But I’ll try to fudge my way through.
I don’t have any photos yet, except this stupid selfie on the plane.
Now off to find my posse – and tell them they’re my posse!
Great posse-picker, you are. Of that I am sure. Have the most wonderful time. You have earned it and deserve it!!
I will let them know you said so Deborah. They are a heck of a lot of fun – even if it’s a bit like herding cats. 🙂
Sounds like a fantastic trip Susin. I always knew you had it in you!
Oh, Phil – thank you. From Louella to this … many would still say Louella was my finest hour!
Awesome, Susin! You are an inspiration.
Have fun!
Susan
Thank you dear Susan.
Have an amazing time in Italy. Not sure we can compete with Kazuo Ishiguro but maybe you could come to the Bath Kids Lit Fest in 2016?
I would love to, Wendy – seriously. That would be a dream come true! When does it take place?