Panel discussion about POC representation in the book industry
Hey, hey! Join me tomorrow, April 13, as a panel of us POC authors talk about representation in the book industry. That is, how stories get represented or misrepresented, the dangers of pigeonholing certain POC stories (come on, y’all, you know what I mean), the increased risks of being a POC author in a white industry, and the like. Of course, I will share about how my novel BIRD’s cover was whitewashed in the Netherlands.
Keeping it real.
Want a dose? Come join us.
Crystal Presents at IRC as Featured Speaker: Dark Humor for Dark Times
I’m going to be a featured presenter for the Illinois Reading Council. What am I going to talk about? Dark, Absurd Humor in Dark, Absurd Times. Because, um, well: Coronavirus. Perhaps you’ve heard of it?
AND for those of you who have read my novel, ALL THAT I CAN FIX, you know that there is tons of dark humor in that book.
Some call dark humor survival humor. That sounds about right to me.
So of course I’m going to be sharing the dark-funny parts of my novel with the IRC, along with some coronavirus jokes.
To get the party started, I am giving you some pre-presentation jokes here:
– Did you hear the joke about the germ? Never mind, I don’t want to spread it around.
– For the first time in history, we can save the human race by lying in front of the TV and doing nothing. Let’s not screw this up.
– Did you hear the joke about the germ? Never mind, I don’t want to spread it around.
Throughout history, humans have used humor to survive. Here we go! Get your funny on.
2020: Crystal’s taking a creativity break
Friends: Crystal is going to be taking a break from being on the road for 2020. Even the earth needs fallow seasons to rejuvenate, and so does Crystal. Feel free to contact her for events and her availability in 2021. Here is to nurturing the creative spirit!
October 24, 2019: WI School Visit
Watch out, Oshkosh, Wisconsin! Crystal’s coming your way for a school visit to Carl Traeger Middle School!
CRYSTAL WILL TEACH COLLEGE STUDENTS COURSE ON COMPASSION, SPRING 2019
I’m very happy to announce that I will be an adjunct professor at Benedictine University for the spring semester of 2019.
The course: Writing CompassionIn this experiential course, students will foster the skills of deep listening and compassion to gain greater mastery over their emotions, curb knee-jerk judgments of the Other, and hold a multiplicity of worldviews; they will then give their journeys’ struggles and rewards artistic expression through the written word.Huzzah! All the ways that compassion is cultivated and transmitted in this world, through books and classes, presentations and moments that set your heart on fire.
In a panel evening that focuses on diversity and the arts, and Crystal will talk about her two books, ALL THAT I CAN FIX and BIRD, and how she uses the arts to forward both diversity and social justice.
Books will be for sale, and a signing will follow the event.
Vineyard Christian Church
2495 Howard St
Evanston, IL 60202
Nov. 9: SCBWI Author Panel
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Where: 57th Street Books, Chicago (1301 E 57th St, Chicago, IL 60637)
October 11-13: Fox Cities Book Festival
Crystal will be participating in the Fox Cities Book Festival, visiting schools as well as having presentations available to the public.
Crystal will be at Anderson’s (Downers Grove location) for educators who work with teens, as well as anyone who’s read the book and who wants to have a conversation. Come on over, bring your questions, and enjoy the fun.
Anderson’s
5112 Main St.
Downers Grove, Illinois 60515
6:30pm-7:30pm
Books will also be for sale for purchase and autographing.
