A Touch of Gold
Page 26
To everyone (professors, faculty, and fellow students) at the Butler University MFA in Creative Writing program who helped me shape this novel into what it is today. I couldn’t have done this without such a great program that encourages writers in every genre. Special shout-outs to my thesis advisors Michael Dahlie and Allison Lynn, who helped me see the potential in this novel early on. You both encouraged me, and I count myself lucky that you found your way to Butler.
To all those who prayed for me, especially my CRHP sisters, Father Jim, and Father Hunter!
To “the wind beneath my wings:” Ashley Zurcher, Laura Goldsberry, Jennifer Goldsmith, Clint Lahnen, and Tara Trubela. We make a great team! Also, please pay special attention to my use of the Oxford comma. Remember to use it wherever you go. Also to Paul Chen (@of_Mice_andChen), Eric Hurst, and Rachel Asuras. Thank you all for your help along the way!
To everyone at the Midwest Writers Workshop, but especially to Jama Bigger, for offering such an encouraging atmosphere to learn about writing and publishing. My book wouldn’t be out in the world without your help! Thank you for all you do to help writers start and improve their careers.
To my friends who put up with me even when I was hermit while I revised the novel: Carolyn Johnson, Anna Vorsilak, Amy Dreischerf, Rose Jindal, Vinaya Bhatia, Brynn Hollingsworth, Emily Gorrell, Julia Stern and Nikki Mousdicas.
Un abrazo para mi familia en España—Sonia, Alfredo, Paula, y Carla.
To Brett Jonas, Julia Byers, and the rest of the #Ch1Con team for being awesome people and writers. Also, thanks for the great headshot, Julia.
To my teachers at St. Pius X, Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School, and Indiana University, but especially to Mrs. Taber, Mrs. Desautels, and Ms. Haffley, who made a difference in my life.
To everyone who liked my author page, shared my blog, or helped in some other way, you have no idea how much I appreciate it and how much you helped me achieve this dream.
And finally, to you, my dear readers—thank you! This book wouldn’t exist without you, and I can’t wait to share more of Kora’s story with you. Always remember you’re worth more than gold!
DISCUSSION GUIDE FOR A TOUCH OF GOLD
1.What differences do you notice between the way the King Midas myth is presented in A Touch of Gold versus the older versions of the myth?
2.If you were given one wish like King Midas, what would you wish for? How do you think Dionysus might twist your words?
3.How does the author weave in other elements from Greek myths?
4.How does Kora’s curse compare to that of her father?
5.If you had the power to turn things to gold, how would you use that power?
6.Which character did you most relate to? Why?
7.How has Kora’s relationship with her father changed throughout the novel? How do you think it will continue to change?
8.Were there choices the characters made that you wouldn’t have? Which ones?
9.Of all the characters who acted as antagonists, which one did you find the scariest? Why?
10.Which setting in the book would you most like to visit? Why?
11.Which scene or moment do you feel was the most pivotal for the plot? How would the book have differed without that scene?
12.What themes did you see play out while reading the book?
13.If you were Kora at the end of the novel, would you continue to outlaw gold in the palace and keep wearing gloves? If not, what would you do?
14.Which character changes the most throughout the course of the novel? Explain.
15.If you could ask the author one question, what would it be?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Annie Sullivan grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana. She received her master’s degree in creative writing from Butler University. She loves fairy tales, everything Jane Austen, and traveling. Her wanderlust has taken her to every continent, where she’s walked on the Great Wall of China, found four-leaf clovers in Ireland, waddled with penguins in Antarctica, and cage dived with great white sharks in South Africa.
You can follow her adventures on Twitter (@annsulliva) or on her blog: anniesullivanauthor.wordpress.com.