tonight was my first university appearance, speaking to author maureen connell's class at ucla. big thanks to her for the invitation, and to all the talented budding authors who kept me busy with their interesting questions and comments.

was also a nice treat to write on a chalkboard again. don't think i have since my own college daze. there's something cathartic about putting chalk to chalkboard. don't you agree? the sound it makes, the way it feels in the hand. although the chalk has to be on the newish side. don't like those little nubbins you get when the chalk is long in the tooth. especially when they're so small your hand touches the blackboard. eek. that's borderline nail-scratching to me.

posted some photos from tonight in the gallery: here.