The day I’m referring to is Wednesday, October 17, at the Vancouver International Writers’ Festival. I had an event with Arthur Slade in the morning, which I mentioned in my previous post. Then, that evening, I went avec my hubcap to see Junot Diaz. I have loved his writing ever since reading “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao.” Holy poop (I’m a YA author, I can’t swear – unlike Diaz, who can, and does), what an incredible evening! See, just because someone writes incredibly well, doesn’t mean he or she can do well in public. In fact, it’s often exactly the reverse; hence why they chose the solitary life of a writer.
But Diaz, my lord. First of all, he’s smart and perceptive beyond belief. I wish I had one-third of his brain power. Second, he is so well-spoken and so, so funny. Third, he reads so well that you are transported. The audience was completely with him from beginning to end. I think it’s quite honestly the best reading I’ve ever been to in my life.
Afterward I dashed up to get my book signed (bought the day before, in preparation). He immediately held out his hand so I could shake it (clearly he is no germaphobe, as the line-up was HUGE and I bet he shook every hand). Then I gushed. Then I told him “I’m an author at this festival, too!” and actually showed him the badge that hung around my neck. Yes, I get that goofy around my literary heroes. Do you know what he did? He said, “Congratulations!” and air-kissed me, French-style, once by each cheek. Here is my embarrassing photo to commemorate the moment:
Someone could write some great thought-bubbles for us, particularly Diaz …
Afterward, I left hubcap and joined four members of Canada’s YA Mafia for drinks. I can’t lie, I was absolutely tickled to be hanging out with Richard Scrimger, Art Slade, Shane Peacock and Kenneth Oppel. We had a great time (well, I did – I won’t speak for them).
