21 Questions with.... Irene Latham and Giveaway

Irene Latham
Debut Author of Leaving Gee's Bend

I like to start out my days with a laugh. Soo… What makes you literally LOL?
Our dog Mario. He’s a blue heeler mix, and you should see him go after an empty milk carton.

Has anything AMAZING happened to you as a writer?
(Other than getting published?) Oh my goodness, amazing things happen every day! But here’s one that stands out: when I read the book to my then nine year old son, his reaction was, “Mom, you sound like a real, professional writer!”

aww. too cute.

How about something EMBARASSING?
It’s so embarrassing I can’t repeat it here.

How did you celebrate getting published?
Quietly, privately, with my husband.

nice. =)

What/Who inspired you to become a writer?
My father is an avid reader and writer, and he still inspires me.

If not an author, what would you have been?
According to My Dr. Seuss’ My Book About Me: mother, farmer, veterinarian

Can you in any way relate your life to your book title, Leaving Gee’s Bend?
Growth happens when you leave the places you love best. Which means it’s really important to GO. And despite what you may have heard, you CAN go back.

What was the inspiration behind Leaving Gee’s Bend?
When I saw the art exhibit The Quilts of Gee’s Bend at the Whitney Museum, I fell in love with the colors and textures, how every quilt tells a story.

Were you already interested in the 1930’s or did you go in blind?
The Great Depression has always fascinated me, but there isn’t a lot written about the rural experience. So I learned a lot during the research process.

Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse is a great one.

Were you always a writer?
Family legend has it that I was writing love poems (to my mother) as early as five years old.

What's your guilty pleasure?
I watch The Bachelor, in all its flawed, hopeful glory.

What is your favorite piece of clothing in your closet right now?
This artsy scarf, hand painted, that says “Love kills.”

What could you eat all day long and never grow tired of?
I love seafood. But I’m pretty sure I’d get tired of it if I had to eat it all day long.

What’s your favorite fairytale? Have you ever thought of re-doing it?
I’m a sucker for Cinderella. And who knows? Maybe someday I’ll add my own to the many versions that already exist.

When you get stuck writing, how do you unglue yourself?
I go out and DO something. Like visiting a museum or the botanical gardens. Or I call an old friend. Or play with my three year old niece.

What’s something you can’t live without?
Freedom.

Which books are on your To Be Read list right now?
I’ve got a couple of Tenner ARCs on my nightstand: The Deathday Letter and The Secret Year.

Is there any moment in your life you’d like to relive?
Of course! That’s why I write for children – so I can go back and relive those moments and feelings.

What’s a random fact about you?
I’m left-handed.

Do you have any words of wisdom?
Life is not about finding yourself. Life is about CREATING yourself.

Now it’s time we put things in reverse. Do you have a question for me?
What’s your Six Word Autobiography? Can’t wait to hear!

I live for the Kodak moments.

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Thanks Irene for joining us today.

Visit Irene on her webpage. I'm sure she'd be glad to hear from you. LINK

Time for a Giveaway

Today, ONe lucky winner will be going home with a copy of Leaving Gee's Bend of their own!! Yay!

Deadline: Feb. 22, 2010
Who: US and Canada only.

Just leave a comment answering one of the interview questions and spread the word.