Meeting Kate DiCamillo – A True Literature Legend!

A few weeks ago the amazing Kate DiCamillo made it to Australia and in fact to Brisbane. I couldn’t resist the opportunity to hear her speak at St Rita’s College for the ‘Read like a Girl’ Campaign held in conjunction with Mount Alvernia College and Riverbend Books. 

Kate is the author of many fantastic books including The Tales of Despereaux and Flora & Ulysses, which she won two Newbery Medals for and her most recent novel, Ramie Nightingale. She is also the US National Ambassador for Young People's Literature.

The same wittiness and heart Kate displays in her books comes through when she speaks to her audience. She showed us photos of her childhood and what lead to her becoming a writer. Some of these include:

• Being an avid reader at home as she couldn’t go to school due to being so ill. Kate was absorbed in children’s books and these were a large part of her education.
• Her family moved to Florida to help Kate overcome her illnesses, except her dad. Most of her books feature an absent parent.
  
• Kate worked in a book distribution warehouse in the children’s literature area. She was surrounded by books, read many and an employee who asked her daily how her writing was going motivated her to get on and write after talking about it for many years.

Kate spoke about how Raymie Nightingale, tells the story of a girl with an absent father competes in a pageant to try and get him back. She also competed in the Little Miss Orange Blossom contest, but didn’t win.

During her career, Kate received 473 rejections before someone agreed to publish Because of Winn Dixie. She gave a strong message of persevering and to work hard at what you love to do.

After her presentation, Kate candidly answered all the questions from the kids and adults in the audience.

Photo from the back row.

When it was all over, there was a book signing at the back of the hall. I sat with two other writing friends in the back row with our pre-purchased books so we could get our books signed. (Yes massive fans!) We hadn’t banked on how fast teenage girls run or try to nudge their way into line before you. I wasn’t first, but I was pretty close to the front.

My teacher librarian friend asked me to get her books signed. This opened a conversation with Kate about my writing group, what I write and that I was seeking an agent. She simply told me not to give up, to keep writing and that it will happen. She shared that Because of Winn Dixie came out of the slush pile and she picked up her agent afterwards. In a flash of signature and a quick sweet conversation, I felt so encouraged.

My favourite part of Raymie Nightingale is the unlikely friendships she has made at her baton twirling lessons.

I’ve found the children’s literature community to be filled with kind and supportive people. Kindred spirits who love books as much as you do. Kate DiCamillo is certainly one of those. Thanks for motivating me.