A Braggart and Young People—Videos and Inspirations
I’m a braggart. I wish I wasn’t one, but I know that I am. On the plus side, nobody would have ever heard of me if I hadn’t tooted my own horn; a favorite cliché of my martini-drinking mom— “If you don’t toot your own horn, who’s gonna toot it for you?” I miss her. For an alcoholic, GOP-loving, chain-smoking dame, she is the one to blame for my extraordinary grandiosity and humility-free life, traits frequently noticed by friends and foes alike. My self-image has always bounced between absurd over-confidence, pride and grandiosity on the one side, and utter, nearly suicidal self-loathing, a contribution of my stern, “Call me SIR!” daddio on the other.
Every person must play the cards which we are dealt from our DNA and genetics and birth to our upbringings and the impact of our experiences enjoyed or suffered throughout the course of our lives. This is of course especially true for writers who try and tell our stories in truthful ways that might make the world a better place, and/or make us rich and famous.
One of the greatest gifts and blessings to come out of the mostly dumb luck of my career as a writer, has been that some of the books I’ve written have had the good fortune to impact the creative impulses, consciences and minds of young readers—inspiring them to find their own creative voices and spirits.
Though I wish to brag, I cannot take credit for the tremendous talent of these young people, who took the time to read and study my stories.
I’d also be remiss not to thank the teachers who introduced my books to these kids with assignments and suggestions for ways to more deeply connect with my stories. Because we live in a time of rapidly changing technology, information growth, and ever evolving means of artistic expression, these young readers reveal themselves as extraordinarily original, touching and brilliant.
These creations speak more about my work than all my own horn-tooting and braggadocio put together can manage.
Thanks you to all of you who have put your hearts into helping expand the reach of my stories—I owe you a debt I can never repay.
The following guide and links provide teachers with information concerning using my books as curriculum. If you any questions, feel free to contact me.
Book Links for Students
