Tag: Valya Dudycz Lupescu

When I was your age, television was called books.

Posted on

I am determined to get this blog entry written before the end of 2010, and so here goes.

Philadelphia was a wonderful whirlwind. The reading at Moonstone Arts Center (aka Robin’s Books) was a small but enthusiastic audience. It was also broadcast live, so my kids got a chance to see their mama on the computer, which was a thrill for them back at home in Chicago.

I am grateful to Kyle Cassidy and Trillian Stars for their support, hospitality, and efforts to spread the word about the reading.

Reading at Robin's. Photo by Kyle Cassidy.

A big thank you to the folks who came. I’m so happy to have met you, and I hope to see you again in Philly. My only regret is that I didn’t get a chance to have my cards read by the lovely Amy. Next time for sure!

I nearly didn’t make it home due to blustery weather in Chicago that caused my flight to be canceled. As luck (or quite possibly by invoking the magical flight mojo of the infamous Lorraine) would have it, I was the last stand by called to board the final flight to Chicago. Came home to sick kids and snowy weather.  Ah the glamorous life. 😉

Then school parties, holiday parties, family gatherings. All lovely and filled with people I love. We decorated Casa del Lobos, baked cookies, wrapped presents, unwrapped presents, sang, danced, watched holiday specials and read holiday books.

Now a week of winter break remains. We’re planning a movie marathon with the kids for New Year’s Eve that includes some of our favorite 1980s fantasy films: Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, NeverEnding Story, Princess Bride, Ladyhawke, Muppet Movie. We’ll see what else is added to the list.

Suggestions?

Goodreads and Longshots

Posted on

Busy with the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame, I had not heard that Goodreads has a 2010 Goodreads Choice Award in several genres and categories until someone let me know they had written in a vote for The Silence of Trees (and so voted for me) as Favorite Debut Author for 2010.

http://www.goodreads.com/award/choice#41615-Debut-Author

There are 15 preselected titles on the board, but anyone can vote/write-in a vote after registering.

I know it’s incredibly unlikely for a small-press published magical realism novel like The Silence of Trees to win, but let’s give it a try! I’ve seen many examples in my life of the unlikely becoming reality, of people succeeding against the odds. It’s part of my personal mythology, part of the reason I’m an optimist, and part of the reason I juggle the many things I do in life. I dream dangerously and work hard to make those dreams a reality.

If you have a moment, please go to the 2010 Goodreads Peoples Choice Awards and write in The Silence of Trees for Favorite Debut Author AND Favorite Cover Art (Didn’t Madeline Carol Matz do a fantastic job?!)

Wouldn’t it be a wonderful story to see this little novel make it to the top, despite the odds?

And a gentle reminder that if you are on Amazon and have read The Silence of Trees, please take a moment to review the novel, Those reviews really do help new books to get attention. Thank you!!!

Reading in Philadelphia at Robin’s Books on Dec. 11

Posted on
Photo by Kyle Cassidy

I’m excited to return to Philadelphia this weekend, this time to do a reading at Robin’s Books Store and Moonstone Arts Center on Saturday, December 11, from 7-9pm. Robin’s Books is the oldest Independent Book Store in Philadelphia, opened by Larry Robin’s grandfather in 1936.

I’m thrilled to join the writers who have appeared at Robin’s Books over the last 40 years. I am also so happy to see the very dear Trillian Stars and Kyle Cassidy again.

Amy Blackthorn

There will be wine and treats. I’ll read from The Silence of Trees, have a Q&A, and sign some books.  I thought it would be fun to have a real life “vorozhka” or fortuneteller at the event since a tarot reading features prominently in the beginning of the novel. The talented Amy Blackthorn will be doing free tarot readings!

The Silence of Trees is magical realism set in WWII Eastern Europe and modern-day Chicago. It’s a story of sacrifice, folklore, friendship, and storytelling. I wrote it to honor my grandmothers and all women who live through war and too often are silenced. You can read more about the story behind the book here.

Cover Art by Madeline Carol Matz

“In The Silence of Trees, Nadya, the astonishing matriarch, war survivor, and narrator, weaves a remarkable life centered on fate, love, luck and choice while honoring the ghosts of her past. Her voice is an important and unforgettable addition to the post-war immigrant experience.” –Irene Zabytko, author of When Luba Leaves Home and The Sky Unwashed

Please help to spread the word. The more the merrier! I look forward to meeting you on Saturday.