Monday, April 30, 2012

Adventure #7: Giant Dead Bugs Make Great Art







You guys worry too much! Every time I take a little break from blogging, readers seem to assume I'm dead. So I'm going to make a promise to you today. If I die unexpectedly, you'll know. I've asked a trusted to associate to post all the details--no matter how boring or gruesome. Now relax.

Not only am I still alive, I've been working on a little present for you. Yes, you. Since the first Kiki Strike was published, I've received countless emails from readers planning trips to New York. What should I see? Where should I go? How do I break into the Shadow City? Unfortunately, I'm usually several weeks behind when it comes to answering emails, so I don't always get the information to people in time. That's why I've decided to write a little book I'm calling The Irregular Guide to New York City. I'm afraid there will be no mention of the Statue of Liberty, FAO Schwartz, or Rockefeller Center. My New York is a bizarre world filled with hidden houses, secret cemeteries, abandoned subway stations, subterranean tunnels, and ghosts. And I'm going to tell you exactly where to find them. Before the end of the year, The Irregular Guide to New York City will be made available. And the price will be $0.00. That's right. It's gonna be free!

It will take a little while to get my guidebook in order. Until then, I shall try to have more adventures. This past Saturday, I learned how to make shadowboxes like the one shown above. The pictures aren't great (my camera was stolen, so I had to use my phone), and beetles don't photograph all that well. So in case you're wondering what that is in the box, it's a giant bug holding a butcher's knife and preparing to cut a piece of cake.

Ordinarily, I would have chosen a more morbid theme for my shadowbox, but this was a present for a bug-loving kid, so I had to play it safe. Still, I'm thrilled with the results. This was the best adventure so far.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ohhhhhhh, yeah!

Anonymous said...

Every year my school paper has a field trip to NYC in March for the Columbia Press Association Conference. I'm sure they'll all love it! Thank You! :)

inkletters said...

I am so excited! This will be awesome I am sure.

Anonymous said...

That is awesome!!!!! I love New York City!! Once this book will be published, I will make a trip to New York, and I will see it differently. You should add a secret garden in the book. Is there one in New York?

Susan said...

This is fantastic! Thank you Kirsten :) I look forward to reading the guide as I hope to visit NYC in the very near future...

Jasmine said...

this is going to be an awesome book!!it will give me an excuse to visit NYC. can't wait! :D

Anonymous said...

Yeah,I'll do a trip to New York.
But I think I have to wait a couple of years, because I'm to young and my parents want to spend their holidays in Europe (where we live).When I'll be in NYC I'll try to find this magic hidden library.

Have fun(anywhere)!!
Lily Austendork

Anonymous said...

YAY! Thank you soooo much! I am so excited! This is very kind of you :)

Anonymous said...

Dear Kirsten:

Sorry to hear about your camera getting stolen. I've had some success using a really cheap digital camera. It works great. On the other hand, a relative reports they'd made a "pinhole camera" out of an oatmeal box and some photographic paper, and IT got stolen!

Robert in San Diego

Unknown said...

WOW so so excited about this guidebook. as a new yorker slightly ashamed that I have not compiled my own
it has been a while! for both of us. good to hear from you again c:

Anonymous said...

that is so cute! i only hope that my body can be used as creatively after i have died.

I AM SO LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR GUIDEBOOK. i'm supposed to be part of a circus group that is aiming to come and perform in new york in 5 years time so i'lkl have plenty of time to prepare! :D
if i remember right you had a similar (if smaller) guide at the end of one of the chapters in the shadow city?

ofir12345 said...

omygod! YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've been waiting for the "kiki strike refuses to wait another year" thing and this is so incredibly awesome and eeeeeeeee fangirling. Okay so I'm going on a trip to NYC this july, will it be out by then?
Kiki Strike will always be one of my favorite books and I love everything to do with her and this is amazing.

EQ said...

Fantastic!

Marie said...

Oh, My . God. Thank you so freaking much! I really wanted a way to keep track of all the "irregular" places you've mentioned before, this is perfect! THANK YOU!!!