A sharp reprimand from an 8 year old was surprisingly the best thing I heard all day.
On Sunday, I met up with the parents of a child who reads my books every night before going to bed. A lively young boy whose energy and innocent rambling rival my own, it’s fantastic to be told off for not knowing your books too well. I believe, after being published, this is every children author’s dream. Because it means they are actually reading your books. (Unlike my mother, who I know skimmed the 70 pages!)
At first, Jack was engrossed in his iTouch and having Batman beat up Batboy. [His parents were shaking their heads, saying he was normally chattier than this and prodding him to talk more.]
This didn’t faze me, as kids take a while to warm up. And warm up he did!
He knew my characters inside and out! He even corrected my pronunciation on their names!
Keira: “So who do you like better, Z-kee (hero alien) or R-cher (villian alien)?”
Jack: “Who? You mean Zee-kee? It’s not Zed-kee!”
(Normally, I gripe that kids pronounce ‘Z’ as the American ‘Zee’ instead of the Australian twang of ‘Zed’ [damn you, Sesame Street!]. But I couldn’t argue with Jack on this one because Z-kee’s original name was Zeke [pronounced Zee-kee, not Zeek] and it was changed by the editors to Z-kee to make it seem more “alien”. Uncanny that Jack actually got Z-kee’s name, original and all, correct!)
Dave, Jack’s father: “So which is your favourite of Keira’s books? The first one? Or the eighth one?”
Jack [turning to me]: “You haven’t written eight books!”
Dave: “Yes she has, Jack. You have them all.”
Jack: “No! There is Series 1: 1, 2, 3, 4. And then Series 2, the prequels: 1, 2, 3, 4. No book called ‘8’.”
True. Flabbergasted and stood down by an 8 year old. Love it.
Soon, Jack was chatting away and I love his spirit! I caught something about nachos and the colour blue. [His parents were shaking their heads, saying he was always chatty like this and prodding him to talk less.]
I had a great time. I am really looking forward to visiting Jack’s school in a fortnight. And, for the first time in my life, to even more kids telling me off! I better start reading my books and scrub up on my Halycrus knowledge. Or start growing me a thick skin!
Thinking about my books
Eating: nothing…yet.
Drinking: San Pelle mineral water
Listening: to the news.
[Listed like a true oxygenarian!]
5 comments
Margaret Pierce says:
November 11, 2009 at 12:18 am (UTC -5 )
Hi Keira,
Have just been reading up on my blog page. So impressed with the ramblings of both my grandson Jack and your good self. I am looking forward to receiving my books for Noah my other grandson in Brisbane. I reckon they would love a vist up that way as well.
Anyway best wishes and keep up the good work.
Regards,
Margaret and Barry Pierce
aka David’s Mum
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Keira says:
November 11, 2009 at 4:57 am (UTC -5 )
Hi Margaret and Barry,
I’m so glad you are enjoying the blog! Jack has certainly been providing me with my best material!
I have Noah’s books here, signed by me with a personal inscription. Dave should be receiving them on Monday.
That would be great to visit Brisbane and do a nationwide tour, rather than state based. I know some Melbourne schools are interested.
There are some great photos of Jack from the tour, and from the paper. Jeanine should be able to give you some copies.
All the best and until then, Keira.
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Margaret Pierce says:
November 12, 2009 at 2:09 am (UTC -5 )
Hi Keira,
Thank you so much I am sure Noah will enjoy the books, (his Christmas present) as much as Jack does. All my grandchildren are great readers. Although my USA based granddaughter is a little young she will be 4 this year, she loves her bed time stories and has amassed a heap of books. She will be next on my list to add to your fan base.
Regards, Margaret
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Keira says:
November 15, 2009 at 3:24 am (UTC -5 )
Hi Margaret,
That’s so great to hear all your grandchildren enjoy reading. It is a rarity to find reading so popular nowadays, with television, computers, mobile phones etc being the easiest entertainment options nowadays. Looking forward to when you little granddaughter is old enough to read my books!
Dave should have Noah’s books by Monday.
I hope you enjoyed the weekend and all the best!
Keira.
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Aporyordide says:
December 2, 2009 at 7:08 pm (UTC -5 )
nice answers i like it
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