News from Heidi

Join me for this great panel discussion: 2nd Annual: What Are You?  Let’s talk about race and ethnicity, and where we’re from (or where we’re from from); how we express our own multicultural identities, and how others perceive us. Panelists will start the conversation and we hope you’ll join in. We’ll discuss big questions like: How does our cultural background shape us? Can we see race? Is identity fixed or fluid? #CBBGwhatru Featuring: Jen Chau, founder of Swirl Erica Chito Childs, author of Fade to Black and White: Interracial Images in Popular Culture, Heidi Durrow, a host of Mixed Chicks Chat and author of The Girl Who Fell from the Sky, Ken Tanabe, founder of Loving Day, Angela Tucker, director of Black Folk Don't. Co-sponsored by Swirl, a multi-ethnic, anti-racist organization that promotes cross-cultural dialogue. Brooklyn Brewery beer and light refreshments will be served. RSVP: http://cbbgwhatru.eventbrite.com/

The Brooklyn Historical Society
128 Pierrepont Street at Clinton Street
Brooklyn, New York 11201

I have just a few upcoming appearances I wanted to let you know about: Sept. 30, 2012 I will be part of the West Hollywood Book Fair. Yay! I even have a couple of gigs in 2013 lined up too: Feb. 16 a benefit in Rancho Mirage, CA where I will be speaking; and the 4th largest book festival in the country, Tucson Festival of Books, March 9 and 10, 2013. Stay tuned for more details.

How cool to find out that Huffington Post Black Voices readers chose The Girl Who Fell From the Sky for the Reader's Choice Top 20 Must Read Books! Thanks guys!

Last week, I felt like I had come full circle with this wonderful experience I've had becoming a published novelist.  I shared the stage with my dear friend Hillary Jordan (Mudbound, When She Woke) and Barbara Kingsolver.  Barbara announced and introduced the new Bellwether Winner Susan Nussbaum (congrats!)--Her book should be published some time next Spring: Good Kings, Bad Kings.

I remember the first time I met Barbara a few months before my book was released.  I was so nervous, and this time I was nervous all over again.  But she's just so lovely and put me at ease.  And she said to me: "It's important to me that you write this next book."  Those words spoke to my soul!  I am looking forward to the coming months--no engagements or other duties--just me and the writing.  Wish me words.

In 2007, I started Mixed Experience History Month on my blog. It's a series of posts in May of profiles of notable people in the Mixed Experience. I hope you will check it out!

I won't be speaking, but I will share the stage with Barbara Kingsolver and Hillary Jordan on June 5 at the Book Expo in New York City when Barbara announces the new PEN/Bellwether winner. Very exciting! Now, the question is: what should I wear?

The last scheduled stop on the book tour was at Wy'East Book Shoppe last Friday, and what a wonderful night it was. Thank you to Sandra Palmer and all of the good folks who came to share the evening with me!

What a wonderful time I had in Seaside, OR yesterday visiting Beach Books.  One of my dearest and trusted readers Mary Thamann surprised me by showing up.  I am so grateful to her helpful reads of many drafts of The Girl over the years.  And how lovely to meet Stefanie IRL, an FB connection!  Most importantly, thank you so much Karen and Alex and all of the wonderful ladies who attended the lunch.  It was really special to share the afternoon with you and my next to last reading for The Girl Who Fell From the Sky!

Santa Barbara Women's Literary Lunch, Santa Barbara, CA

May 5, 2012

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Beach Books, Seaside, OR

May 10, 2012 12PM

Join me for a fun Literary Luncheon at Beach Books in Seaside, Oregon on May 10 at Noon. For more information visit the Beach Books website!
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Wy'East Book Shoppe & Art Gallery, Welches, OR

May 11, 2012 7:30PM

Meet me for a fun reading and talk at the Wy'East Book Shoppe & Art Gallery, 67195 E Highway 26 Ste A, Welches, Oregon 97067, on May 11, 2011 at 7:30pm.
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Mixed Roots Film & Literary Festival, Los Angeles, CA

June 15-17, 2012

Join us for the 5th Annual Mixed Roots Film & Literary Festival. Free and fun for all.

Rutgers University - Camden, NJ

April 11, 2012

I'm thrilled to do a reading and signing with writer Tiphanie Yanique.
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The Writer's Center, Bethesda, MD

April 12, 2012 7PM

I'm excited to be awarded the McLaughlin-Esstman-Stearns First Novel Prize. Join me for the prize presentation and reading and a special reception to follow. Location: The Writer's Center, 4508 Walsh Street, Bethesda, MD 20815.
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Brown University

April 18, 2012 8PM

I'm excited to speak as part of the Multiracial Identity Series at Brown University, April 18, 2012 at 8pm!