Seven Lions

I got to put on my Author Hat and meet with a bunch of 4th, 5th and 6th-graders and discuss the process of writing, the story in Son of the Great River, and numerous other topics, not least of which was Edward Cullen and Stephanie Meyer.  When I was told that Son of the Great River was best suited for intermediate audiences, I blanched at the prospect, because I thought it meant the book was overly simplistic.  After visiting a class full of small, precocious people, and the brave souls who teach them, I realized that I couldn’t think of better company.  I think if we play our cards right, these kids might end up saving the world (Unlike their facebook and twitter-addled older siblings that I teach at university).

It’s remarkable how young people resemble and diverge from their cynical, gimmicky elders.  There’s such a sharpened idealism and awareness that you feel the weight of responsibility on you with every topic you address, so I took full advantage of it.  I spoke about my book, of course, but just like any audience, they didn’t just want to buy a book, but also an author, and I was happy to play that role, too.  I got to explain in gory detail how the editing process works (With pantomimed slaps and imaginary editors shaking their heads in disdain for my over-exuberant comma use) and why my earlier books weren’t published (“Because they weren’t any good.” a 5th-grader said under his breath, to which I smiled and pointed and exclaimed “Exactly!” and after that simple act, he watched me with rapt attention) but also how they’d be growing up in a completely different world of content delivery.  Now, I didn’t use those words, instead I talked about the Espresso Book Machine and amateur actors, directors and cartoonists using YouTube to build their audiences.  And they’re not just content creators but fans, critics and reviewers, like Grady Harp, whose voices can outweigh their local paper or television station.

It was amazingly fun, enlightening and, as if that wasn’t enough, I got to check my mail later and receive dozens of notes like these:

Dear Mr. Meeks, thank you for coming.  I thought your speech was really good.  You have inspired me to make my own story.  And I would be glad to read yours.

Sincerely, Nova

Dear Mr. Meeks,

Thank you for coming to our classroom. You inspired me to write a book of my own. I am not going to put pictures in it though. When I am done with it I am going to make copies of it and give it to my friends and family. When I go to my father’s house I am going to go online and go to your site. Tell your wife she draws very well. And I think it would be cool if she could come and talk about art.                                                                                                                                                                                    From, Gage

Dear Mr. Meeks,

My class and I loved hearing about your book you wrote and about publishing. It made makes me really want to write a book! We would all love to have your wife come and show us her art. I can’t wait to read your book!! Thank you for coming!

From, Lydia

Thanks for introducing your book!

Over the summer I hope to make a short film about your book. I would also like to draw some pictures to. I truly hope to read your book.

Elinor

Suffice to say, I’m bringing Hajra the next time, and I could care less if I ever sell another copy of Son of the Great River as long as I can have an effect like that.

Tomorrow morning I’ll be giving a presentation on digital history as part of the big commencement celebration coinciding with the visit by first lady Michelle Obama. Along with giving me an opportunity to talk about the importance of using digital tools in the study of the humanities and integrating environmental systems into historical systems, it gives me the chance to show off some majestic cattle.

UC Merced students often complain about the cows, which is a shame, given the respect our ancestors gave to the animals.

This Mughal-inspired, mixed media piece is one of the works to be displayed during Michelle's visit.

The university library has confirmed that Hajra will get a wall to exhibit her art during the First Lady’s visit to UC Merced.  It’ll be located on the third floor of Kolligian library and the exhibit will remain up throughout the summer.  While Hajra’s work includes many secular pieces, notably those used in the posters for Son of the Great River, she also produces beautiful calligraphy and art inspired by the techniques of the Islamic Golden Age.  If you feel a limited edition, signed giclee print is a little too pricey, you can pick up a less expensive print at RedBubble.  There’s really no way to make a print of the mixed media pieces, but if you have $5000 burning a hole in your pocket or you recognize that it’s a paltry sum given the rising popularity of Islamic art, you can own an original.