Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jessica Powers on August 20, 2010 at 11:46am

Ah...I should proofread. That should be spelled *obvious*...

Permalink Reply by Tanya DeBuff on August 20, 2010 at 11:50am

I'd be interested in this as well, Jessica. One of the panels at AWP last year was mommy poets, and it brought up a discussion about why AWP doesn't have childcare available. I mentioned it in my after conference survey, and they said they just didn't have the money. Riiiight. I've brought my kids to events, and at one of them one of my professors chided me because they were too noisy.

Permalink Reply by Jessica Powers on August 20, 2010 at 12:15pm

I was at AWP last year too and I had heard about the controversy over child-care. I've been going to AWP for awhile, and this was the first year I saw babies there....I was glad to see it. It's time we stuffy academics get over the idea that kids can't be accomodated at things like that.

I've been thinking about organizing a conference for mother-writers that offers childcare and/or activities during the day for the kids. But I'd want to know that a) there wasn't something already out there and b) that there was a lot of interest in it--because organizing that kind of writer's conference would be a huge undertaking. But I'm considering it!

Permalink Reply by Melissa Camara Wilkins on August 20, 2010 at 1:46pm

What a great idea! So many other types of conferences DO accommodate kids-- it's kind of surprising that no (or maybe just few? I don't know of any) writing conferences do.

Permalink Reply by Chantel Kowdrysh on August 20, 2010 at 6:23pm

Congrats on your new soon to be arrival. I have 6 children and expecting my 7th child in Feb. I live in Canada and just do some freelance writing and working on a book so I am so sorry but I do not know of any child friendly confrences... Wish I could help you out.

Permalink Reply by Ilie Ruby on August 21, 2010 at 5:58pm

I'd love an answer to this question as well. I've been toting a 9-year old and a 3-year old on my book tour, and while on one occasion my 3-year old screamed out "Mama, I want Mama!" (while I was reading) it's been good to have the kids with me but does require a lot of extra planning -- I do have my 9-year old, who is a saint. I'm reading at a large book festival in March and a few others and am not sure how i'm going to manage it. I would LOVE to find some summer venues that have childcare, though. So, I'm all ears!

Permalink Reply by Chandra Hoffman on August 23, 2010 at 1:59pm

I am about to take my kids (8, 5 and 3) on book tour with me this fall. I would love to hear how you did it!

Permalink Reply by Ilie Ruby on August 23, 2010 at 2:13pm

I have a now almost 10-year old, 5, and 3 year old so we're twins. I'm not bringing my 5 year old with me. Only the 10 and 3 year old. The 10 year old watches the 3 year old during readings. Thus far, this has worked at readings (with the exception of the aforementioned). I just think bringing all three would be too much. But if you can manage it, let me know. I did bring all three to two readings but we had family there so they watched the kids. Good luck!

Permalink Reply by Ilie Ruby on August 23, 2010 at 2:33pm

I just read your column. Yes, not for the delicate flowers over there. I stay away. Anyway, I do plan on pulling my 10 year old out of school during two parts of the tour this fall and spring. But I remind myself of the amazing education the kids are getting 1) traveling the country and 2) being exposed to literary readings, readers, literature of all sorts. My 10-year old, home from Africa just 1.5. years, at this point, can talk long and knowingly about being on a book tour, about readings, about signings, about the audience, about reactions, about how books are selling, about choosing the right attire (mine). She now fancies herself my agent and stylist. Anyway, it's an amazing experience for her. She's writing it all down in a journal and now says she wants to be a writer. It's been an amazing bonding experience for us, too. So. You go!

Permalink Reply by Chandra Hoffman on August 23, 2010 at 2:43pm

It was funny--I had no idea what I was facing but I think Jocelyn (we share a publicist AND publisher I see!) and Lisa Belkin likely did. I love seeing how the debate has grown away from me and taken on a life of its own--so fascinating how strongly people on both sides feel!

I love the description of your tour and how fabulous for you and your kids. I will be taking all three on the West Coast part, and the Cayman Islands one, but for the other cities, I may take them one at a time for some special time. We'll see.

Let's keep in touch!

Permalink Reply by Ilie Ruby on August 23, 2010 at 2:53pm

What do you mean the Cayman Islands one--must explain!

Permalink Reply by Chandra Hoffman on August 23, 2010 at 3:22pm

I used to live in Grand Cayman. My sister and her family still live there and we spend a chunk of time there every winter. I hooked up an author event there on Jan 7th--it's the one everyone wants to attend! :)

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