Gary Paulsen-Recipient of Three Newberry Awards

Not what I expected from a man who won three Newberry awards. He is old, bitter but still writing, still a caring man-probably a very tender man who has overreacted from his hardships and the way he claims to have been treated by publishers, attorneys, wife etc. But this is not a tabloid for writer-tell-all. And I heard a gem from Gary, twice, that has resonated with me to the core.

"Turn off the television. Throw a rock into the screen. It's nothing but disgusting trash."

I'm not a TV watcher, but I have my lazy moment weaknesses and this was a much appreciated wake-up call.

In his school visits, this is his mantra to kids everywhere and sometimes they act on the TV destruction and he'll get a phone call from a parent. But he is right!

His second greatest recommendation was to read like him: two to three books a day. He also recommended to not let anything get in the way of writing, including family--which might explain some of his bitterness. Sure, something has to give away to writing time, but let it be television!

Thank-you Gary. Two to three books a day! It's possible and reaffirmed what is espoused by most writer's talks-they became writers, learned the story of craft, from reading stories.

Hatchet, Dogsong,--Gary is an amazing example of living to write his stories. He lives a Spartan life in the woods. He did the Idiatrod dogsled race in Alaska several times. His stories are brutally real and truthful, but he has lived these stories and that is why they are award winners. You should have heard what he called Jack London for only living the Alaskan life vicariously through the stories of hardship he heard from the guys who lived them.

Paulsen explained that he's been a millionaire but supposedly now is somewhat broke-everything about his appearance supported this. But...it helped to explain the love one must have of writing to keep writing and a real writer must write without thought to money. Motives must be absolutely pure! I'm pretty convinced that Paulsen loves to write.

Gary is a keynote speaker today, which I am going to miss. I'm excited to hear feedback from the masses. i wonder if he'll tone it down for the main group.