Tuesday, June 6, 2017

From Australia to Texas: live your favorite fairy tales

Kate Forsyth
Australian author Kate Forsyth lives her own fairy tale. She dreamed of becoming a writer from childhood and is now the author of dozens of bestselling books. Many of them are based on retellings of fairy tales -- only fitting, given that she holds an academic degree in fairy-tale studies. Among these fairy tale-themed books: The Beast’s Garden -- a beauty and the beast set in the underground resistance to Hitler. And Beauty in Thorns -- out this summer, the tale of a love affair amid a 19th century circle of artists and poets. And of course, like a perfect fairy tale heroine, Forsyth fell in love at first sight. And married him.

Next week, June 15-17, Forsyth brings her magic to Dallas, in a whirlwind tour. As with any good fairy tale, readers (and writers) will have three chances to get their wishes granted.

There’s the Friday, June 16 talk, with signed copies of Bitter Greens (winner of the American Library Association’s award for Best Historical Fiction) at 6:30 p.m. in the Half Price Books flagship store, 5803 E. Northwest Highway in Dallas.
her Rapunzel-inspired novel

Saturday, June 17, Forsyth will teach a morning writers’ workshop from 9 a.m.- noon on “Keeping the Reader Turning the Pages: The Importance of Pace, Suspense, & Surprise”; and an afternoon workshop, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. on “Building the Fictional World,” both at the Richardson Woman’s Club, 2005 N. Cliffe, in Richardson. Workshop attendees will have a choice of two Forsyth novels, Bitter Greens or The Wild Girl, inspired by the true story behind the Brothers Grimm’s collection of fairy tales.

(Forsyth urges workshop attendees to come prepared with plenty of questions to ask, and be answered.)

Finally, those who buy all three of these wishes (book talk/signing, and both workshops) will receive the special prize awarded to superfans, an invitation to a small meet and greet session with Forsyth Thursday, June 15.

Of course, there is a cost. After all, this spinner of tales has a long way to go to reach the fabled city of Dallas, Texas. Fortunately, the cost to us is far less onerous than being exiled to a tower to watch your hair grow. Or taking a really, really long nap. Or even spinning straw into gold.

The June 16 talk/book signing will set you back $10. Other local authors will be present with books of their own to sell, and raffle tickets for more goodies. Space is limited.

Cost for each of the workshops is $60 (or $110 for both, with lunch included). Again, space is limited.

Or buy all three events for $125 and get that Thursday, June 15, meet and greet as a bonus. See the WORD writers site for details and ticket purchases.

But, you say, you don’t believe in fairy tales. Maybe you prefer kids’ chapter books. Or young adult fantasy. Or even poetry. Forsyth has done those too, plus she’s a former journalist and an accredited performance storyteller with The Australian Guild of Storytellers.

Whichever type of reading (or listening, or writing) you prefer, make your dreams come true with this chance to meet Kate Forsyth.

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