One week ago, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to attend an author panel at Brookline Booksmith featuring young adult fantasy writers Holly Black, Cassandra Clare, and Kelly Link. The trio had a dual purpose in the event: the first, to promote and celebrate the release of Holly Black’s short story collection, The Poison Eaters, published by Small Beer Press; the second, to raise money and awareness of Franciscan Hospital for Children in Boston. Kelly Link’s daughter has been a patient at the hospital for six months, which cares for children with special health needs.
I wish I could relate every moment, joke, answer, etc. But that would be tedious and take up lots of space. So I am going to share the things that really stuck with me.
Camaraderie
Holly, Cassie, and Kelly recounted how they met. That went right over my head. What stuck: how much they enjoy each other now. The room rang with laughter as the ladies shared stories, quipped wittily, and answered questions. The lightning round (Holly’s idea) was hilarious. Even though all three were a bit under the weather, they were gracious and funny. The first question asked was, “Is it better to write if hungry or sated?” After they bantered back and forth, Kelly responded that neither works well, and Cassandra concluded, “It’s best to write with snacks.”
What fascinated me: Cassie, Kelly, and Holly write together. In the same room! At the same time! I mean, it usually goes without saying that writers are solitary creatures who prefer to work alone, yet these three write in the same room and use each other as sounding boards and editors. What a perfect anecdote to share with classes doing writing workshop! I wonder how many other writing groups exist, where the writers don’t just meet to critique, but actually sit and write together.
Reading and writing
Prior to the event, fans could email questions to the authors. At the event, they circulated a hat, and the audience could drop our questions in. I was thrilled that they answered one of my questions. I asked, “How does your current reading inform your writing?”
Cassandra responded that for the past six months she’s been engaged in “research reading.” One of her forthcoming novels is set during the Victorian era (see below), so she committed to reading books written or set in the latter half of the Victorian age. She read nonfiction, fiction, and even books of slang. I think she’s done now, because she reported to be on a marathon of modern mysteries.
Holly said that she tends to pick up the cadence of what she is reading, so she has to be careful. For example, she was reading a lot of noir, but then started writing a steampunk/regency novel, and found it difficult to settle into the writing of that era with the noir still in her head. Kelly mentioned that this is likely why some people stay away from all fiction while writing.
An anecdote that stuck: Cassandra cracked her tooth while writing City of Bones, and apparently added it to the story, but doesn’t remember doing it now. This came up during the discussion about how to write romantic leads, and it was suggested that giving them a single physical flaw makes them hotter.
The single physical flaw = major hotness issue reappeared when someone asked a question about the creepiness factor of immortal men and young, mortal girls hooking up. There is just too much to say — both from the event and my own opinions — on that, so I am taking the easy route and skipping it altogether!
Upcoming books
Cassandra Clare has a new series, The Infernal Devices. The first book is Clockwork Angel, and you can see the cover and read some Q&A from her editor in this article on EW.com. Next, White Cat, the first in Holly Black’s Curse Workers series, arrives April 12, 2010.
Kelly Link does not have an upcoming release, but she has a recent release that deserves major attention: Pretty Monsters. I picked up a copy at the event, and I am looking forward to dipping into it soon. During the event, Kelly provided an interesting foil to the other two writers, since she prefers to write and read short stories. She reminded me of my friend A. who also loves short stories and would teach only short stories if someone let her. Even better: Kelly attended UNC: Greensboro (where I went my freshman year)!
While getting my books signed, I found each author personable, relatable, and fun to talk to. They didn’t just sign, smile, and wave good-bye while moving on to the next in line. I had real conversations with them. All three are gems.
The Cazzy Files 
Thanks for sharing your experience with what sounds like a very lively and fun event. That was a great question about how recent reading plays into an author’s current projects! I can definitely understand how reading something in the format in which you are working (be it fiction, poetry, etc.) may lend itself to the cadence of your own writing. Tricksy things, those words!
Laura, I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Thanks for the positive response!