Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake
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Live Video Chat with Anna Quindlen
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q What were the best time and the worst time of your life and how did you overcome the worst time?
Do you miss working at The New York Times?
q Do you ever write anything that is 'for your eyes only'?
Do you ever find the balance tough to negotiate between solitary writing time versus industry-mover-shaker time?
I always find your female characters so extraordinarily ordinary. Do you usually meet the character first or do you know the situation before you start to write?
I've read several of your books and loved them. What are some of your favorite reads?
I am so disappointed that this time does not work for me and I won't be able to attend.
Love your writing, Anna! Several years ago, I read an article in one of those women's magazines that was a piece you had written regarding your Mom. I t really touched base with me, and your words hit a spot that I could never convey to myself. I saved the article, but over time, it got misplaced. Do you remember it? And where I could possibly find another copy?
q Women's Movement - my grandmother was a suffragette, my mother educated with a Masters who was a VP at a multinational corp who made $100K less than the other male VPs but was thankful to be there nonetheless. I took for granted that all the 'liberation' work had been done and that my working life would equal with my husband. Not the case. I work more hours outside the home and inside the home and I have the same education and I make consistently 25% less than him and the male counterparts in my office - and of course they want to keep me because it would cost them 25% more to replace me with a guy who does 80% of the work that I do - but I still feel I musn't grumble? The women's movement brought us the vote, education, jobs but not parity. How do you think we're gonna get there?
I enjoyed your Twitter party this weekend and there were a couple questions you couldn't get to. I've enjoyed reading both your fiction and non-fiction. How do you balance those two? Is it organic or do you set out to write one or another? Also, I was curious what your take in on the state of shrinking newsrooms across the country? What does that say about the future of journalism?
What are your favorite books? and How would you re-write them if you could?
q Who were your favorite authors when you were growing up? Which authors had the most influence on you as a writer?
How does your life influence your writing?
One of the few men out here to comment. Have enjoyed your books over the years, very lovely and vibrant style of writing, both with your books and op-ed pieces. I especially respect and approve of your take on the commercialization of Americana. How true and depressing. Hope to be able to catch this interview.
I believe you spoke at one of the first Betsy-Tacy conventions about your love for that series of books by Maud Hart Lovelace. Can you tell us why you loved them so much as a child and now, and did you know there's another Convention this summer in Minneapolis and Mankato? www.betsytacyconvention.com
What are your expectations the world in future? and the books
If I remember correctly, you wrote a most beautiful tribute to Laurie Colwin upon her death and I was compelled to look her up. Since then, I've read and reread her books and have given out dozens of copies of her books. I miss her but am grateful to have "known" her. I'll always be grateful for that experience.
Do you use both print and e-publication? Who do you use for either or for both.? What was your marketing strategy to get a publisher or did you self publish?
What are the most rewarding and difficult things about being a writer?
Did you know a couple like Bobby and Fran Benedetto from Black and Blue? Did you cry as you penned parts of that novel? If so, was the ending one?
q :: What are the most rewarding and difficult things about being a writer?
q You once said, "A finished person is a boring person." Does this quote inspire you to keep writing?
Q What is your favorite book besides the one you write?! :)
We will be starting in just a minute. If you have a question for Anna, feel free to ask it now.
Press play on the player above and we should be starting shortly.
q I read Black and Blue in high school and loved it. Brought back some less than great memories but it blew me away. Was there a particular thing that inspired that story for you?
Patrick wrote: "Press play on the player above and we should be starting shortly."what player above? thanks.
What is your favorite book that you have written?
Q : Want to tell you how Black and Blue started my admiration for your talent at fiction, reminding me of the same thing journalists told Margaret Mitchell, and led me to your next and next books. No question, just praise.
Also, I read black and blue at 13 :3 loved that book.
q At the risk of beating a horse to death, do you have an opinion about the absence of a 2012 Pulitzer for Fiction? thanks, Robert
q What is your favorite book? and if you can rewrite it how would you?
q Do you see yourself writing indefinitely or are you planning to retire at a roughly specific time?
No question. Just want to say how much I love your books.
There is nothing I LOVE more than to see the full bookcases like the ones behind you. Is this where you write?
Do you plan your novels with a timeline and characters drawn out or do you just start out and see where it carries you?
q How do you balance fiction and non-fiction? What inspires the decision for each? (Sorry Im late to the conversation)
It's the same Patrick guy from Jane Green's chat yesterday. :) Hi, Patrick, how are you?
I am definitely looking forward to reading Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake!!
Does anyone keep a transcript of these chats? I want Anna's quote about rent for this space/great organizations.
That was wonderful! Thanks.
I will get a recording of the chat up soon. Thank you to everyone who watched!
Alena: she answered your question, so be sure to watch the recording.
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To ask a question, simply type it as a comment below. The chat will last approximately one half-hour, and it will be recorded for those who cannot make it to the live chat.