YA fantasy author Cinda Williams Chima presented in Toronto

I went to see YA fantasy writer Cinda Williams Chima speak at Indigo in Toronto the other night–and I’m so glad I went. I felt like I learned a lot from her, as an author–and was excited, as a reader.

Cinda engaged with the audience right from the beginning, asking them questions, getting them to interact. There were some young writers in the audience, as well as readers, so Cinda talked some about her writing process. She was intelligent, knowledgeable, interesting, and honest; I really enjoyed listening to her. She then read aloud some bits from her newest book, The Demon King, for her new series. After she read, she opened up the floor to reader questions–of which there were many. Cinda listened well and responded intelligently and respectfully to each person. I liked hearing that she doesn’t outline her novels before she starts–phew! Neither do I. This was especially reassuring since her books are SO good!

Cinda was very gracious and friendly, taking time with each person who came up to have her sign her book/s, and taking an interest in each reader as a person.

left-to-right: YA authors Cheryl Rainfield, Cinda Williams Chima, Oct 2009

She spent time with me, answering some of my writer questions, and generally being just as friendly, warm, and encouraging with me in person as she is online. I thought she was incredible as a speaker and writer, and it was great to see an example of what works.

One tip Cinda generously gave me–she has a sheet of FAQs typed up that she brings with her; if no one asks a question in the Q & A, she starts off with “People often ask me…” and that helps start the questions. I love that tip!

She also said in her talk, that in writing YA, the pacing’s important; there shouldn’t be big chunks of text. And, addressing writers, she that it’s important to remember what it feels like to be a teen–the fear, the being an outsider, the obsessing over a kiss for weeks. I agreed so much with her advice!

If you like fantasy and you haven’t yet read Cinda Williams Chima, you are missing out BIG time. I’m reading The Warrior Heir right now, and loving it. I highly recommend her books!

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5 Responses to “YA fantasy author Cinda Williams Chima presented in Toronto”

Chris Warren Says:
October 23rd, 2009 at 6:14 am
It’s always great to hear this sort of report. I agree entirely with what is said here. Authors sometimes forget that their books are only a part of the package that readers expect when they buy. My publishers made it very clear that they wanted a whole package, including me for appearances, book signings, on-line interviews, etc. etc. and also that they expected me to be pro-active in marketing myself.

I don’t know Cinda’s work, but from this report will certainly be looking up her books.

Chris Warren
Author and Freelance Writer
Randolph’s Challenge Book One – The Pendulum Swings
Tweets that mention Cheryl Rainfield: » YA fantasy author Cinda Williams Chima presented in Toronto -- Topsy.com Says:
October 23rd, 2009 at 2:49 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Debbie Ridpath Ohi and Cheryl Rainfield, Cate Gardner. Cate Gardner said: RT @inkyelbows: YA fantasy author Cinda Williams Chima: great bkstore appearance report by @CherylRainfield http://ow.ly/w3Iq [...]
Cinda Williams Chima Says:
October 23rd, 2009 at 3:44 pm
It was great meeting you, too, Cheryl!
Cheryl Rainfield Says:
October 24th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
Chris, I agree! Marketing and book promotion is, more and more, becoming the job of the writer. And Cinda showed me how to do that beautifully!
Cheryl Rainfield Says:
October 24th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Thank you, Cinda. (beaming)