Congratulations to my friend, Kathleen Duey, she is a National Book Award Finalist for her book, Skin Hunger: A Resurrection of Magic, Book One. What an amazing honor. I have already interviewed her as an author, (May 2007,) but, I thought I'd ask her a few questions about the award, scheduled to be given on November 14th in New York.
How did you find out that you were a National Book Award finalist?
The director of the organization calls the finalists a day or two ahead of the press releases--and you promise not to tell a soul until after they have released the names to the press. I called my editor at one minute past the appointed time....
Can you tell us a little about the story that got you nominated, A Resurrection of Magic: Skin Hunger?
The book is the first of a fantasy trilogy. It's intense, dark and character driven. Two stories alternate, chapter for chapter. The first is three people trying to reconstruct magic in a culture that no long believes in it. The second story is two boys attending the academy they eventually found, 200 years later. Because it is fantasy, some of the characters are alive in both stories. You see what the founders meant to do--and what it--and they--have become. It's intricate, the stories have to mesh like gears....
When you go to the dinner will you have a speech ready like the academy awards?
I will. If lightning strikes and I do win, I will be flummoxed. Completely and utterly. I am thrilled to be a finalist. I can't imagine winning.
The wonderful thing about this award is that the finalists all get silver seals on their books--the winner will have gold. So they have made it so we all win, really.
What are you working on next?
Now: the second book in the trilogy is A Resurrection of Magic: Sacred Scars. In a loose, disorganized way, I am blogging some of the process at http://kathleenduey.blogspot.com
Next year I will write the third volume, and probably a MG novel I have in mind, and, if I can fit it toward the end of next year, an adult novel. I have a number of speaking engagements set up for the year, too, so I will be traveling as well. I really, really, love my job.
Have you gotten your outfit yet or did some designer donate it for the red carpet promotion?
There is a red carpet, I am told. The event is black tie, but a friend who goes most years said not every man wears a tux and some will be in jeans and a great jacket, etc. I don't think designers donate dresses. Perhaps for the celebrities who are involved in the adult book awards?
I am pretty sure I am on my own....and no, I don't have the dress yet. But I am looking....and looking....
Comments