Library Class and Subject Guides: Meet the Author of Beautiful Music for Ugly Children: Format For the Event

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Live streaming of the event funded by Maverick Visual Productions, a service of ITS, and Library Services.

Overview

After welcoming attendees, the author will be introduced. Before asking questions about the book, a viewing of the book trailer will take place. Following the viewing the author will read a passage of her choosing from the book. This will be followed by a few questions on the writing process, as well as questions about the book. Questions about future books and activities will conclude the discussion with the author. Throughout the question and answer period, attendees are encouraged to ask their own questions of the author. The event will end with drawings for a copy of Beautiful Music for Ugly Children to be given away to two lucky people.

Copies of the book Beautiful Music for Ugly Children will be available for purchase before and after the event.

Questions About the Writing Process

1. How long did it take you to write the book and then how much longer did it take to get published?

2. What is your preferred routine for writing?

Do you sit down at a desk to write for a period of time or do you wait until the mood strikes you?
Do you have a designated area for writing?
Do you write in longhand or on a computer or laptop?
What research do you usually conduct either before or during the writing process?

3. You started out writing poetry. What inspired you to write young adult fiction?

What author or authors serve as a source of inspiration for you?

4. What aspect of writing is the most challenging for you?

Please note the audience will be encouraged to ask follow-up questions, as well as any other questions they may have.

Questions About the Book

1. How did you arrive at a title for the book?

2. How did you go about developing the various characters in the story and in particular the character of Gabe?

Is Gabe based on a real person or a composite of people you know?

3. Music is an integral component of the story and some might even argue it is yet another character, a spectral character.

Which came first the storyline or the music?
How was the music selected?

4. Is the storyline of the book based on real events?

5. If you could go back and change anything, would you do so? If so, what would you change? (If possible, no spoiler)

6. Did you ever consider a different ending to the story? (If possible, no spoiler)

7. After readers have finished the book, what questions would you like them to ponder?

8. Were you consulted when the book cover was designed? How about the creation of the book trailer?

9. Is there a possibility the book will become a movie?

What actor or actress would you like to portray Gabe?

Please note the audience will be encouraged to ask follow-up questions, as well as any other questions they may have.

Questions About Future Books

1. Do you have another book that will be published in the near future?

2. What are you working on now?

Please note the audience will be encouraged to ask follow-up questions, as well as any other questions they may have.