For years now I’ve been immersed in all things Boston Marathon while writing and promoting Girl Running, my biography of Bobbi Gibb, the first woman to run the famous race. But I’d never actually seen, in person, the Boston Marathon!
This week I had the incredible privilege to travel to Boston for the marathon, and the joy to meet Bobbi Gibb in person. My husband ran the marathon, and I got to cheer. It was brutal weather–sheets of rain and sleet and strong winds–but that just highlighted the incredible passion and spirit of runners. As I huddled under my largely-ineffective umbrella, smiling marathoner after smiling marathoner passed me!
Seeking a little sympathy for us drenched spectators, here’s my Boston Marathon spectator guide.
My illustrator Micha Archer and I did a joint storytime at Porter Square Books. It’s the first time I’ve met one of my artists, and it was thrilling to me. I loved seeing the actual dummy of her illustrations that I’ve only seen in digital form before and talking to her about what the book process was like for her.
She showed a wonderful video of her art process. You can see it here.
I also dropped by Charlesbridge and met the people who put together my book Mountain Chef. They’re doing a giveaway of a copy of the book. All you need to do is retweet their tweet by the end of the day today.
Alyson Beecher hosts the Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge at kidlitfrenzy.com. Visit there for more great nonfiction picture books!
What a fabulous experience for you and your husband, the artist, too, Annette. I watched the news of it, and the weather really did look challenging. So glad you got to do this! The people at the bookstore must have been thrilled to have you at their store!
I’m sorry the weather didn’t really cooperate to make it super enjoyable. How fun for you to cheer your husband on and experience the whole event. I’m sure your writing made it more enjoyable.