Author Speaks to Budding Writers
Author Karen Cushman captured the attention of Villa Academy students this morning with a self-introduction that included a story from her childhood. As a little girl in an ethnic neighborhood of Chicago, Karen loved to tag along with her grandfather, everywhere but the “boogey joint.” Later, she realized that the bookie joint was not where the boogeyman hung out, and that her bookie joint was the library, a favorite spot for a little girl who loved to read and write.
Ms. Cushman told students that despite writing a 5-page novel as a child, she never considered writing as a career, until 20 years ago, when her husband refused to listen to another story she’d likely never write, and insisted that instead, she sit down with pen and get started.
Ms. Cushman shared with the students how her collection of personal experiences combined with historical tidbits she gathers from primary sources aid in the creation of her novels.
Student’s filled the last 15-20 minutes of the presentation with very thoughtful questions about what inspires Ms. Cushman’s stories, her writing process, and her plans for future stories.
One student confessed that she had started writing a story of her own, but was worried it was too short to ever become a novel. To this, Ms. Cushman responded, “Basketball players don’t start by playing in the championship game, they practice their shot for a long time first.”
