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I'll be back in about a month with a surprise or two. Thanks for staying in touch. The answer to the question you've all been asking is: "Yes, I'm writing." :o)
I'm glad to hear, YES, I'M WRITING! That's always a good reason to be away. BTW, finally finished the historical fiction article you answered questions for. It will be live at the end of the month. Thanks for stopping by my blog, too. :)
Kathy, Great to hear that you're writing, too. Please get in touch when you come East so we can get together. Just got home from Highlights Foundation!
Thank you so much for joining the Halloween party with David Lubar. Wasn't he a perfect guest for getting into the spirit of things? I thought so, too. Be sure to read down past the winners, for another treat and a slightly different side of David. Well, sort of . . .
CONGRATULATIONS to LUCKY WINNER #ONE: Mjolner(the guy in the beret)Please e-mail me (claragillowclark (@) gmail (dot) com) within one week with your mailing address and your autographed copy of The Battle of the Red Hot Pepper Weenies will be on it's way to you asap!
CONGRATULATIONS to LUCKY WINNER #TWO:Janet (Writing in the Blackberry Patch) Please e-mail me with your address, and your Halloween treat will be in the mail asap!
You can purchase a copy of Sleeping Freshman Never Lie by David Lubar from your favorite bookseller! (Available in paperback!) Don't forget to visit David's web-site: http://www.davidlubar.com
FromSchool Library Journal
Starred Review. Grade 7-10 -ScottHudson is the quintessential freshman. He's small, he's lost, and seniors yokehim for spare change. His honors homework keeps him up all night and his gymteacher is trying to kill him. He joins the paper, runs for student council, andtries out for the play, just to be near a girl he likes. This all backfires. Heturns out to be the least athletic sports reporter in school history, andfreshman lackey to the sadists on stage crew. Meanwhile, his mother ispregnant. The plot is framed by Scott's journal of advice for the unborn baby.The novel's absurd, comical mood is evident in its entries, like "ScottHudson's List of Good Thin
3 Comments on Winners of the Weenie Books for Halloween, last added: 10/25/2011
No tricks here, just a great treat from a really funny writer and friend, David Lubar. David has treats in store for you. He has generously donated two copies of his Weenies' book, The Battle of the Red Hot Weenies. I know the middle grade crowd will gobble up these stories faster than candy corn.
Read about Author David Lubar's unique sense of humor and imagination in his personal essay, and then meet David at the end of the post and find out how to win one of the autographed copies of his books! Thanks so much for celebrating Halloween with us! David's books are great reads for anytime of the year. Read on . . .
Hats off to the Weenie Guy by David Lubar
For most of my freshman year in college, I wore a black cowboy hat. I had no legitimate reason to do this. I didn't grow up on a ranch, wrangle cattle, or engage the Clanton boys in gunfire. Since this fashion statement occurred in New Jersey during the mid-seventies, nobody questioned, or cared about, my authenticity. When people met me, they'd stare for a moment, and then, as recognition clicked into place, say, "Oh, yeah. You're the guy with the hat." There was a lot more to me than some ratty piece of felt, of course, but that was my identity back then. The guy with the hat. I have a new identity these days -- one that I suspect is far rarer and more amusing than any clothing-inspired description. I'm the Weenie guy. And that's a good thing.
My passion for short stories was spawned during childhood by the fortunate combination of a short attention span and a lack of athletic or social skills. The latter ensured I would have lots of leisure time for reading. The former nudged me away from lengthier works. I devoured short fiction as a kid. I started writing stories when I was in high school. In college, I wrote the typical angst-driven literary pieces that most freshmen feel compelled to inflict on their friends, roommates, and professors. I wanted to be James Joyce. Alas, my eyesight was too strong and my liver too weak to completely emulate my idol's path through life.
I've used Dave's books in teaching Intro. to Kid Lit at the MFA level and I've had students tell me these stories terrified them. I can't think of the name of the story but the one about the kid who has the dad and the dad's hand gets cut off and then...hey, you'll have to read it yourself. Trust me, these stories are just perfect for kids who love a bit of warp to their reading.
I get the persona thing . I was "The guy with the Beret" in college...lol. I'll have to check out the "weenies" they look interesting and I liket he concept.
Thanks for the comment, Kitty! I agree that David's books are perfect for kids who love a little bit of warp in their reading, and that means most of them!
Clara, What wonderful timing. I just attended Rutgers Council on Children's Literature and David was one of the authors on the panel. He is a very interesting guy - and quite funny. I enjoyed listening to him and learned a lot from his contributions to the discussion. I would love a chance to win one of his books. Thanks for introducing us to his unique humor!
Great post Clara. David's books sound like a very fun read. I know that I receive a lot of pear items because my book was about a pear tree. I shudder to think about the types of gifts David receives.
David, I really enjoyed your post. I actually read it twice because you made me laugh. Now I can't wait to read the "weenie" books! Thanks Clara for the introduction to the guy with the hat! I'm still smiling!
Sounds like a collection of neat books! Having a great imagination will get you far in the world of publishing. When my youngest son was in grade school we liked reading the Goosebump books to accumulate AR points. I bet they were a bit tamer than the 'Weenie' books, though. But they were pretty funny in parts. I would love a chance to win one of his books.
Thanks for joining the "spirited" celebration, and for your thoughtful comment. The Weenie books are definitely a good choice for readers who like to be deliciously spooked.
Thank you, each and everyone, who stopped by to leave a comment for the lovely and talented author, Jamie Michalak. Jamie has graciously donated two books, which she will personalize and mail to the winners. How cool is that?
So, without further ado, Lucky Winner #1 is: LORRIE ZIEMBA! Congratulations, Lorrie. Please e-mail me [claragillowclark (@) gmail (dot) com] with your mailing address, and your book will be on its way to you asap.
JOE AND SPARKY GET NEW WHEELS
A Kirkus Best Children's Book of the Year
A Chicago Public Library Best Children's Book of the Year
A Junior Library Guild Selection
★“Joe and Sparky are unlikely buddies—turtle Sparky enjoys the safety of his shell while giraffe Joe is up for any adventure. Joe, convinced that he has won a contest, decides to take the prize, a bright yellow sports car, for a spin. . . . New readers ready for the challenge of more words per page will appreciate the humor of the story and illustrations. Children familiar with the Froggy books will recognize Remkiewicz’s distinctively funny style and will laugh out loud at the inno
10 Comments on Annoucning the Lucky Winners of JOE and SPARKY early readers, last added: 9/30/2011
Yippee! I can't believe I won! Thanks so much, Jamie, for your inspiring post and for the book donation. I cannot wait to read Joe and Sparky Get New Wheels and also add it to my collection of author signed books! Thank you. Clara, thank you for your awesome book author chats. It is interesting to read author journeys. It's always a good time at Clara Gillow Clark's blog!
Whoo hoo! Congratulations, Lorrie! I'll email you today.
Thank you, Clara and Irishoma! The Bigfoot book has lots of hilarious illustrations by the talented Mark Fearing, and it's packed with Bigfoot-catching tips. (Hint: He is nuts about peanut butter.) You'll be spotting Bigfoot in no time.
I'm pleased to share a very special writer and treasured friend with you this month. I've never met Jamie Michalak face to face, but she was my wonderful first editor at Candlewick Press and worked with me on Hill Hawk Hattie and Hattie on Her Way. In fact, I dedicated Hattie on Her Way to Jamie! Not long after we finished the edits for Hattie on Her Way, Jamie started a new life as a mother and an author.
I'll share more about Jamie at the end of the post along with details about her generous giveaway--two personalized copies of her early readers. But I don't want to take anymore time away from this gifted editor and writer, Jamie Michalak, or the pearls of writing and editing wisdom she has for us! www.jamiemichalak.com
Interview with author Jamie Michalak
Can you tell us about where the idea for your first early reader, Joe and Sparky, came from?
Hi Jamie, I really enjoyed hearing about your writing journey. I loved that your book rose from the need to help your sister. Your family sounds superb. I want to be adopted! Thanks, especially, for the tips on writing humor and how to do it effectively in an early reader.I am definitely putting your books on my reading list. Thanks so much for sharing with us. PS I like your nose. Clara, Thanks for this interview. What a gem! I'm so glad you are back!
Hi Jamie and Clara, Thanks for a great interview. Jamie, What a wonderful and warm way to help your sister heal by writing a book together. Thanks for sharing your personal writing journey. I agree humor is hard to do--and so is revising. Good luck with both books. The covers are amazing! Donna V.
I loved hearing about your writing process. Your books sound like loads of laughter. You evoked lots of memories of me and my sisters sitting around being silly. Thanks for the contest.
Hello, girls. Somehow I've missed these wonderful kid's books but now I'm going to find them, I promise! They sound great. I love funny stuff for youngsters (shows my own level, doesn't it?)so I read a lot of it. Congratulations on both the books (Jamie) and the column (Clara).
Clara - What a great interview! I loved hearing Jamie's writing process, especially the fun time she had writing the first Joe & Sparky book. I'm going to have to get these books for my 6 year old son. He loves funny stories!
Thanks for the great interview. I have found that our best stories are the ones that just flow from our minds onto the paper. They are meant to be. They sound like great books. I love humor and so do kids. And, the book covers are wonderful.
Hi Jennifer--Your son will love Joe & Sparky! I own the first title and I get a kick out of reading it over and over--the illustrations are a lot of fun, too!
Just popping in to say THANK YOU for all of the warm and thoughtful comments! I've enjoyed reading every one of them. It's wonderful to hear that the interview evoked some happy childhood memories too.
Thanks again, Clara, for the opportunity to visit!
Dear Sue, Thanks for the "cinnamon" snickerdoodle recipe on your blog today at "Writing on the Sidewalk"
Claudia dear, Who knows better than you how to bring FUN along to every venture?
Anonymous said, on 9/16/2011 11:29:00 AM
It's great to hear about the story gems that come from life in a quirky family. As a member of my own quirky family, I'd love to hear more of those unbelievable family events. Kathy Cannon Wiechman
In her first outing for children, Saller (The Subversive Copy Editor, 2009) provides a poignant look at boyhood before and during the long years of World War II. The novel in verse is a well-worked concept, but this effort infuses new life into a genre that's become almost trite. Eddie, just 5 years old as the story begins in 1934, lives contentedly in the glorious shadow of his older brother, Thomas. A few brief vignettes capture the flavor of the pre-war years, as Eddie befriends Jozef, an immigrant his Grama calls a gypsy, who carefully scans newspapers at the library, looking for the only word he can read: the name of his home in Poland, where his wife and son still live. Eddie comes to idolize his brother’s friend, Gabe, always the most reasonable of the older boys. Eventually, Thomas and Gabe enlist as the United States enters the war, and Eddie and his parents face the trial of never knowing if Thomas will live to come home. Prejudice against Jozef forces Eddie to make a hard choice to save the beleaguered man. In spare language and remarkably short sketches, carefully selected details effectively portray well-rounded, interesting characters, from Eddie’s abusive grandfather to his evolving love interest, Sarah.
Much more an emotionally resonant coming-of-age tale than a war story, this will be an easy sell for those seeking a quick, excellent read. (Historical fiction. 11 & up)
Sometimes it's all about LUCK & TIMING or being in the right town at the right time. Joyce and I met up for a cup of vanilla latte at a little cafe in my town, Honesdale, PA! So the WINNER of the fabulous EDDIE'S WAR by Carol Saller is none other than the award winning author of BLUE, Joyce Moyer Hostetter:
Joyce Moyer
6 Comments on Who won EDDIE"S WAR? It might be you!, last added: 8/12/2011
Yay, Joyce! I am very happy that you won, especially since you were kind enough to donate one of your own books, which I won! Best wishes to you. Clara, you have a wonderful blog. Thanks for connecting us to these great authors. We will miss you while you are away from your blog for a few weeks. See you in September!
Please join me in celebrating the release of Eddie's War with author Carol Saller. This book will be a special treasure for many of you, because it's historical fiction set in the USA Heartland from 1934-1944. I have a copy setting on my desk to giveaway! I LOVE this book!
In this post, Carol shares from the heart about her long journey to publication--I know it will touch your heart the way it did mine! Congratulations, Carol!
Carol Saller
Bio: Carol Fisher Saller, the author of a new middle-grade novel Eddie’s War, copyedits scholarly books at the University of Chicago Press and is the editor of the Chicago Manual of Style’s online Q&A. In the past she has worked as an editor of children’s books and has published several books for children in addition to a book for adults, The Subversive Copy Editor . You can read more about Carol and Eddie's War at www.carolsaller.com.
“A poignant look at boyhood before and during the long years of World War II.... Much more an emotionally resonant coming-of-age tale than a war story, this will be an easy sell for those seeking a quick, excellent read.” —Kirkus Revie
I have read a number of articles regarding the proper way to write a book. This is the first one that instucted me how not to proceed with one. When I wrote Hardsrabble Hill, I did it the same way I put together the kids bikes at Christmas. I tried to muddle through on my own, and then I read the instructions. Apparently, I did the whole thing wrong. I didn't write a outline. I didn't do any character studies. And I didn't identify the narrator; which, I guess, is a huge no-no. I didn't even write the book I intended to write. I just put a girl on a shore and wondered what she would do. I wrote it on the porch; looking at that shore, and the story just wrote itself. I couldn't get it published (because I did it all wrong), but I self-published. I've sold 150 in a year. I've had nothing but good reviews, and one lady wrote and said that when she is in a pickle, she will ask herself, "What would Adele do?". Not bad for a guy who got it wrong.
I know Carol, but had never heard this full story before today! All writing is different and this story may have needed this tangled web to become what it did. I can't wait to read it!
"So here’s the main way I made trouble for myself: I wrote the scenes in no particular order, as they popped into my head." YES! That's me, me, me.
Carol, I could jump through my screen and hug you! That is exactly where I am. I have all these puzzle pieces I'm trying to fit together. Thank you, Clara, for hosting. And Carol, your snippets are beautiful. Looking forward to what sounds like a great read.
Kristin, Your heartfelt comment brought tears to my eyes! Write on!
Anonymous said, on 8/1/2011 9:32:00 AM
Carol, I was there with you at Stephen's workshop in '09 (1 of the 4). I watched you struggle with your insecurities & witnessed the true birth of your book. I'm so glad to see the results you achieved from that. Best of luck with it. Can't wait to read it. Kathy Cannon Wiechman
Hi Kathy, I'm thrilled that you and Carol are connected through the Highlights Foundation Workshop! That is so cool. Thanks for sharing that and for celebrating Carol's book birthday with us!
This was a fascinating account of the construction and deconstruction of a novel.
Carol--Thanks for allowing us to get inside your head. Breaking down the writing process for others to study is always interesting.
And Clara--Thank you for sharing Carol with the rest of us. It's incredibly powerful when a tangled mess gets unknotted and becomes something beautiful when it's born...
Clara, you have such amazing and thoughtful readers--I'm blown away by the comments. Kathy, it's so great to meet you again here!
It's interesting that some of the rest of you have found yourselves working in the same way. If you can take the pieces and start putting them together, maybe you'll find it's really the best method for you.
If you get stuck, a workshop might help. Writing groups, too--my own group had a huge influence on the shaping of my book. I have over 20,000 emails in my Writing Group folder!
I guess it takes a village of one kind or other to write a book.
Indeed! It's one of the privileges of living in the age we do, that writers can commune so easily. The image of a writer suffering in isolation belongs to the romantic past.
Carol, Congratulations and Happy Book Birthday to you! Your book journey was very interesting. Thank you for sharing. I am so happy you were able to get all the parts working together as a whole. I can't wait to read it!
Hi Lorrie, Thank you for joining the BOOK BIRTHDAY! It is great when the parts come together as a whole!
Anonymous said, on 8/1/2011 3:05:00 PM
Sent by JOYCE HOSTETTER--"Loved hearing your journey. In some ways I am doing the same thing. Writing lots of vignettes in no particular order for a story that is still taking shape. So I am thinking about this a lot. So glad you could work with Stephen Roxburgh. I haven't attended one of his workshops but he was my publisher for a short while so I know what a great soul he is. I really do want to read Eddie's War. I want to win it too. So Clara dear, enter me into the contest, please."
Dear Joyce, I cut and pasted your comment for you. I'm so sorry to learn that you aren't able to post comments on a lot of blogs. But THANK YOU SO MUCH for letting me know about your distressing dilemma. I've missed you!
This writing process of yours is fascinating to me, and I love the line about the pearls and the necklace. Congratulations on your success! :) I love to hear stories like yours.
Starred review: Horn Book. “A lovely lullaby, in a beautiful, masterfully integrated book.” Starred review: Kirkus. “This captivating interpretation creates a remarkable partner for Noah, who uses her special talent in a memorable way.” What others say: School Library Journal. “In an author’s note, Bartoletti explains the Arabic poetic form, the ghazal, that inspired the structure of her poetry. Young listeners who hear her bedtime verse will be aware only of its soothing rhythm carrying them to the final ‘Hush hush hush, good night.’” Publisher’s Weekly. “It’s a story of quiet confidence and comfort, during trials of truly biblical proportions, as well as a gentle bedtime book.”
Dear Readers,
Thank you for joining Susan and me for her pre-book celebration and for sharing your intelligent and thoughtful comments! You get **stars**, too, for being so loyal and supportive!
And now the super lucky winner of Naamah and the Ark at Night: Take a bow, SIOUX!
Sioux, Please e-mail me: claragillowclark(at)gmail(dot)com with your mailing address and the autographed book will be on its way to you asap! I hate to part with the book, but my copy will be on it's way August 9th when the book is finally released.
Next up is a book birthday giveaway--Historical fiction, a novel in verse, set in the heartland during WWII. It's splendid, I think!
Wow! I say I never win anything, yet I won a book of tanka poetry, and more recently a memoir and now this picture book. I guess I need to stop say, "I'm never lucky," because I AM lucky!
Thanks, Susan---I'm looking forward to getting the book and thanks, Clara, for hosting the contest.
It is such a great honor to introduce you to my long-time and treasured friend, the Award Winning author, Susan Campbell Bartoletti. www.scbartoletti.com As Susan says, we were babies together, but what she means by that is baby writers. How lucky for me to grow up with this author!
Susan gives so much of her time and expertise to the writing community and to our children through her books. Please join me now in celebrating her newest title, Naamah and the Ark at Night. amzn.to/p2NyxU
What was the source of the inspiration for your soon-to –be-released picture book, Naamah and the Ark at Night?
A very old wooden ark that sits on a shelf in my dining room.
As a little girl, when I visited my grandmother – my father’s mother – I played with the ark. I lined up the animals, two by two, and boarded them safely. I imagined the falling rain. The rising floodwaters. The ark tossing and turning on the churning sea. The screaming and crying people Noah left behind, pounding the gangway door, begging to be let on.
Okay, I’m just kidding about that last sentence, but this part is true: I was a very impressionable child. To this day, I remember clearly a coloring book illustration that depicted the terrified men and women Noah didn’t allow on the ark. And I was supposed to do what? Color it with my crayons? Colorize their terror? That illustration haunted me.
Can you share something about the character of Naamah, Noah’s wife?
One day, I found that my imagination turned to Noah’s wife.
In the King James Version of Genesis, we’re told Noah was a just man, full of grace.
But what about his
30 Comments on Interview with Susan Campbell Bartoletti -- Newbery Honor Award Winning Author, last added: 7/22/2011
I am a picture book writer and you definitely caught my attention with this. It sounds like a wonderful story and the pictures are beautiful. I am going to do a search for ghazal. Thanks for the wonderful interview, I hope some day to have one of my children's manuscripts published, too.
I met Susan at "The Gathering" at Keystone college several years ago when she was working on this picture book. SHe so inspired me with this form of poetry that I wrote a ghazal for my Dark Fantasy Poetry Collection.
I'd love to win Naamah and the Ark at Night not only because it is an awesome topic, but I'd love to see the poetry format that inspired me to write one of my own.
Susan is a great inspiration to all authors, new or old.
I'm so happy to read this interview with Susan, a wonderful writer and teacher. Hearing her speak at the Eastern NY conference recently helped me fix a key scene in my novel. I love the song and story of this new picture book, as well as the way Susan used the touchstone of her father's ark to bring the story to light. Thanks for sharing this, Clara.
Hi Clara, Every time I visit your blog, I always leave refreshed and inspired. Where do I start after reading Susan's interview? Susan and Clara, Thanks to both of you for such a wonderful interview--Clara's questions and Susan's responses. I love the way Susan describes the genesis of her book--her inspiration, curiousity, imagination, and the actual doing. Although I am not a poet, I am intriguied by this poetic form. Naamah and the Ark at Night sounds like a lovely book, and the illustrations in the post are glorious. Donna v. http://donnasbookpub.blogpsot.com
Toby, Getting to hear Susan speak at The SCBWI Eastern NY Conference was special, wasn't it? Thanks for sharing how Susan touched your life and how her words helped you with your revision.
Wow, Susan. Writing poetry is the hardest kind of writing there is . . .and putting it into a picture book! My goodness. That's wonderful. I can't wait to read it. Not to mention, the stories (even imagined) concerning the women of the Bible are particularly intriguing. What is the next one going to be about? BTW, I love what I see of the illustrations!
Thanks for your comment, Betty! Hmmm . . . great question for Susan about her next project. I'll have to ask her if she can tell us in the post next week!
Clara--Thanks for opening up the window and letting us peek in on Susan as a writer. I love her idea of the poetic form being the "container in which we pour the words." I guess when I write free verse, that means the containers are definitely shaped in funky, quirky ways, right?
Susan--I think I saw the same "color it and make it happy" picture of all the people who did not get onto the ark. I found it interesting that you had questions, which helped drive the story, but this was the most fascinating: there was one detail--one "key"--that unlocked the entire storytelling process, once that detail was in place.
The story sounds like a marvelous one, and the illustrations--the color and the style--are gorgeous. Good luck with book signings and readings.
Dear Susan, Thank you for sharing your writing journey for Naamah and the Ark at Night. Amazing! It was encouraging to find out that the idea slept for years before it came to life. Sometimes I think of the writing I've tucked away as, well, failure. Maybe, it is just a matter of asking the right question! I googled ghazal. What a beautiful form of poety. The illustrations are beautiful, too. I want to see them all and read the story. I don't think I can stand the wait until August when your book comes out! Thank you and Clara for this inspiring interview!
Margo, Thanks for dropping by and for your ongoing support!
Sioux--Thank you for sharing what resonated most with you in Susan's interview, and for pulling out Susan's reminder that as writers we need to ask questions!
Lorrie--Pull out those old stories, ask those questions, and discover the pearl in each attempt. I'll check with Susan, but I think it was also Molly Peacock who said, "Success lies in the attempt." Thank you for stopping by!
This is fascinating! I never heard of a ghazal before, but this story sounds so intriguing and I would love to read this poetic form. What a wonderful interview!
I didn't intend to lie about WHEN I was going to announce the winner of debut author Shannon Wiersbitzky'swww.shannonwiersbitzky.com first novel, the summer of hammers and angels for middle grade readers, but, alas, that's the way it turned out. Sometimes, LIFE makes other plans for us, and I'm sure you are all well-versed in sudden interruptions that delay your best laid plans and goals. But I'm here now, and eager to ANNOUNCE the LUCKY WINNER!
First, I wanted to share a terrific review of the summer of hammers and angels from KIRKUS:
THE SUMMER OF HAMMERS AND ANGELS Author: Wiersbitzky, Shannon Publisher: namelos Angels in the form of members of the First Congregational Church of Christ come to Delia Burns' rescue after lightning strikes her house, leaving her mother in a coma and Delia trying to do the long list of repairs left by the inspector who has condemned her home.
Set in Tucker's Ferry, W.V., this idealized picture of small-town cooperation recalls a simpler time. There are no electronic devices beyond the television in the corner of her mother's hospital room and no chain stores with computerized inventories. There is also little supervision of the children: hard-working, resourceful Delia, her flighty friend, Mae, and mean Tommy Parker, who turns out to be both helpful and handy with tools. Delia’s age is never given, but the first-person narration reflects her innocence and naïveté. Thanks to summer Bible camp she knows something about religion. She wonders about the efficacy of prayer and the existence of angels. She hasn't gone regularly to church like the Parkers, neighbors who take her in after the lightning strike, but her conversion is swift. After two weeks of porch carpentry, ivy-pulling and screen-mending, she’s ready to ask for help, which arrives in true feel-good fashion.
The heartwarming conclusion is an unlikely miracle, but it is entirely in keeping with the flavor of this nostalgic story, which will leave readers hungry for fried chicken and Coke from glass bottles. (Fiction. 9-13)
---Kirkus Reviews www.kirkusreviews.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The LUCKY WINNER of The Summer of Hammers and Angels is: KRISTIN GRAY Congratulations, Kristin. I know you'll give this book a good home!Please e-mail me [claragillowclark(at)gmail(dot)com] with your mailing address, and the book will go out to you asap!
Please take a moment to congratulate Kristin! You, dear reader, may be the lucky winner next time!
And next up will be an interview with the award w
4 Comments on THE LUCKY WINNER of THE SUMMER OF HAMMERS AND ANGELS, last added: 7/11/2011
Congratulations! I hope you enjoy the book and the journey to Tucker's Ferry, West Virginia! I'd love to hear from you after you finish it. You can reach me at [shannonwiersbitzky(at)me(dot)com]. Happy reading!
It's always exciting to introduce a debut author and her first book. To help celebrate her extra special day, Shannon has generously donated an autographed, hardcover copy of her gorgeous book, The Summer of Hammers and Angels, to one very lucky reader who leaves a comment (see jacket and link below). Please give Shannon a warm welcome! She's written a post filled with writing gems just for you!
A brief bio: Shannon Wiersbitzky was born in North Dakota, but grew up in West Virginia, Florida, and Minnesota before her parents finally settled down on the East Coast. Her days have three clear parts, writing, “regular” work, and family. Shannon lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two young sons. This is her first novel. Learn more about Shannon at www.shannonwiersbitzky.com
****
My first novel, The Summer of Hammers and Angels, officially launches today. Hooray! If we were all together, I’d be sure to offer you a drink and an appetizer.
The book tells the story of a young girl, Delia, and a summer that starts off about as bad as any summer could. An inspector threatens to condemn her house and her Mama is struck by lightning. To make matters worse, with no other family to speak of, Delia is forced to move in with her neighbor, Tommy "as-dense-as-a-stump" Parker.
With her best friend, Mae, and Tommy (but only because he seems handy), Delia resolves to tackle the long list of repairs, one by one. What she discovers is that it takes more than energy and willingness to handle some problems. When things go from bad to worse, Delia has to take another tack, one that starts with admitting she just can't do what needs to b
15 Comments on BOOK BIRTHDAY with Debut Author Shannon Wiersbitzky, last added: 7/3/2011
Congratulations, Shannon! I loved reading about how some things that were in your book got tossed. Also the inspiration on how the voice came to you and how your first chapter was born are wonderful. I've missed my exit a few times too, due to being too deep in thought.
Shannon--Congratulations! I know how excited I was just to hear of a publisher that was interested in my work. To be able to hold your book in your hands, knowing all that went into bringing it into existence...how exciting!
Your advice about "revisioning" was great. We can't be married to parts that need to be discarded.
Congratulations, Shannon, and I am *all* about wanting this book! I can't wait to read. It sounds super fabulous. (My dad is involved in a local Habitat group. :) LOVE them and their purpose!) And re-visioning makes my head hurt, but it is necessary.
P.S. That fried chicken line is great. . . we all have distinct callings, no?
Thanks so much, Clara, for introducing me to Shannon.
Kristen, How terrific that you have a Habitat connection. That absolutely makes you and Shannon friends--right? Thanks for celebrating the BOOK BIRTHDAY with us!
Congratulations, Shannon! I love the title, I loved your blog post, and I know I'm going to love the book. :)
Anonymous said, on 7/1/2011 12:40:00 PM
Such a happy day for you, Shannon! I love it when the voice speaks to me clearly, & I want to embrace it & get it all down before it escapes, so I know what that drive must have been like for you. And now all the work that followed the voice's first visit has come to fruition! Congratulations! Kathy cannon Wiechman
Great blog post, Clara. Shannon, What a wonderful accomplishment and way to celebrate. Congratulations. I love your explanation of re-visioning. Donna v.
Shannon, Thanks for sharing your Book Birthday with us! It was interesting to read your book "birthing" journey and fascinating to read about your characters speaking to you on your trip home from the conference. You can be sure your book will soon be on my TBR pile. Happy Book Birthday and congratulations! Clara, Thank you for the great post and welcome back! Lorrie
Congratulations Shannon! It sounds like you have some very interesting characters in your book. Nice to see that part of your childhood was spent in WV
Shannon, I always find the writing process fascinating, and I love to hear how authors get their ideas. Congratulations on your first book. I have done work for a similar organization, VOlunteers in Mission, and we built houses in Juarez. I think it is amazing that part of your proceeds are going to Habitat.
Every now and then you find a special piece of writing--special because it is written with honest emotion and heart. Those are the reasons why this piece by 7th grader Maren Huelsman was chosen for First Place--our Grand Prize Winner. (*Entries were published without correction by me or the teachers who submitted.)
Maren won $25 cash awarded by me, an autographed copy of SPILLING INK by the writing team, Anne Mazer and Ellen Potter, an autographed copy of Slob by Ellen Potter, The Sundown Rule (April featured title) by Wendy Townsend, an Olivia Kidney title from Anne Mazer's series, and publication on my blog. Here now, is Maren Huelsman's winning entry:
Mission Cheetah
By: Maren Huelsman
Teacher: Emily Kling
I love cats. I’ve always dreamed about owning one; but not just any cat, the fastest and most elegant cat in the world, a cheetah. I know it’s crazy to even think a city girl like me would be able to have a cheetah. But they’re so amazing, graceful, and best of all, fast. These quiet animals stealthily stalk their prey while the only sound they make is a quaint chirp, no growl or roar.
I often daydream about ways to get a cheetah. My first idea was to break in at night and steal one from the zoo. The poor creatures couldn’t possibly be happy so I’d be saving them, right? Then I thought I’d go to Africa and rescue an orphaned cub from the wild. Unfortunately, the $200 in my bank account wouldn’t even come close to covering the expenses for that plan. I needed a realistic strategy.
One day my mom showed me an article in the paper about a nearby exotic animal rescue that had just acquired six new cheetah cubs. Could I find my cheetah here? These places had little security. It would take them a while to notice a missing cub. Armed with my best friend’s cat carrier and a str
8 Comments on ***CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GRAND PRIZE WINNER - SPILLING INK**, last added: 6/2/2011
Maren---Congratulations on winning. If this is your first prize---even if you've won several competitions---I would suggest you get an inexpesive picture frame and hang up the certificate/notification. Let it be a reminder. If you don't enter/submit, you'll never be published.
I loved your story Maren. It was so exciting,and suspenseful that I wanted to go with you to the rescue facility! I was happy, too, that you found a solution that was not only good for you, it was good for the cheetah (I could tell you were worried about it living in captivity). Wonderful, wonderful story! Congratulations! Lorrie
What a fascinating topic, Maren. My writing group friend Ann Whitehead Nagda has actually volunteered at one of those cheetah rescue places in Africa, but you found a way to let your character realize her dream without having to travel so far afield. Clara, enjoy your WELL-deserved June off!!!
Please give a warm welcome to our Fabulous 2nd Place WINNER, **Katharine C. Ruegger**, an astonishing young woman from the mid-west whose entry "A Plataduck is Man's Best Friend" was chosen for its originality and humor. This girl is going to go far! Katharine won $15 cash and received autographed books from Anne Mazer, K.L.Going, and Clara Gillow Clark! Please leave a comment to congratulate this rising star! Please read the special note at the end. THANK YOU!
!!!!CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU, KATHARINE!!!!
Katharine G. Ruegger, a seventh grader, is an ecstatic little actress who love love loves anything having to do with the arts. Pursuing her dramatic career, she has performed at various professional theatres in shows such as King & I, Seussical, Oliver!, Once Upon A Mattress and Once On This Island. Katharine also enjoys competing in tennis matches, performing in her local Civic theatre's performing troupe "Act One," volunteering at local humane shelters, cooking, and hanging around with her theatre family. Katharine's favorite book is (at the moment) Auntie Mame by Patrick Dennis, though she will always have an absolute obsession with anything and everything Dr. Seuss. Kat's favorite subjects include English, Music, and Drama, which she insists is, despite the excessive arts cutting in schools, is a subject.
Katharine G. Ruegger Grade 7 Teacher: Troy Cockrum Prompt #3 "A Plataduck is a Man's Best Friend"
You see, I have a slight problem. My best friend… doesn't exist. He doesn't talk, either. My plataduck Alphie…he's invisible. Well, for right now he is. I intend to change this. Mom says plataducks aren't real, and so does Dad. At school, people laugh at me. The science teacher yelled at me. Once they see Alphie, this will all change.
I've got a plan. No, I won't go to an exotic breeder, they just abuse animals. I'll do something different. I'll create my own plataduck. Now, I know it sounds outrageous, but a couple days ago at the park, this strange old man in lederhosen gave me some magic beans. No, not like Jack's beans…but wishing beans. I've always been a sucker for magic, and hey, if I get my pet, I'll be happy. It's just a matter of materials. I've been working with this theory for over a month now, but I just recently put it into action. Inside the beans… there's a genie. You can probably guess what this means. But it's a bean, not a lamp, so only one wish. And what would I do? My obvious level is bursting. I'll wish for my devious little Alphie. And guess what? There, in mid flying-mid swimming position will stand my wish, my absolute dream...Alfie, the plataduck.
*Special thanks go toKatharine's teacher, Mr. Troy Cockrum for all his help. Thank you, Mr. Cockrum!
8 Comments on ***The FABULOUS 2nd Place WINNER *** SPILLING INK CONTEST, last added: 5/27/2011
A Short Note about this contest: All through my school years, I never remember anyone teaching us anything about writing stories. We had to write spelling words in sentences and do book reports and essays. The essays always seemed to be connected to major tests or final exams. However, I did write poetry in high school, and because of that, I think, I received the Creative Writing Award at graduation. I still have the envelope that says Clara Gillow was the recipient. Over the years when the writing days were very hard and publication seemed out of my reach, I'd take out the envelope and read those words again.
I know how hard it is to be a writer and I also know how great it feels to hold a published book in your hands that has your name on it. One of the reasons I persisted through years of rejection came from the generosity of that giver who made a Creative Writing Award possible. My hope is that this writing contest will do the same for all the talented young writers who shared their stories. Congratulations to all of you. Write on!
Without further ado, please welcome and applaud the TWO **3rd Place WINNERS** Luke Mayhew and Emma Borme.
Luke's Bio in his own words: "I am in 7th grade. I don't think I can choose one favorite book, but I really like "Brian's Winter" by Gary Paulsen. My favorite subject in school is Math but I also like History. I love playing board games, and designing my own board games. 'You can be anybody and do anything in a board game,' I always say. I also made my own secret language!
Thanks for everything!"[You are very welcome, Luke!]
Rebellion
By: Luke Mayhew
274 Words
Joshua walked down the street, wondering if the rumors of the rebellion against King Marthael were true. Suddenly a man materialized next to him.
He hastily pulled a small box from underneath his dark cloak. “Here! Take this and don’t let anything happen to it!”
Joshua looked down at a small, crude wooden box with rough edges. He opened his mouth to ask the man what was inside, but he had vanished from sight.
Joshua opened the box. Tucked inside a leather pouch was a golden ring imprinted with the image of a falcon.
“No,”Joshua whispered “Not the king’s ring! If the rebels get their hands on this they can impersonate King Marthael!”
Joshua sprinted through the town square, thinking only that he had to reach the castle as quickly as possible.
A soldier on patrol saw the box. His eyes widened. “Stop!”
Joshua ran behind buildings and through shops until he eluded the soldier
7 Comments on SPILLING INK WRITING CONTEST ***3rd Place WINNERS***, last added: 5/20/2011
I loved Luke's post because it was really full of suspense. Even in a short story, I thought that was impressive. I also really liked Emma's story because it was cute. I liked the way she twisted the story. -Katie M.
Congrats to both! Emma, you had me at Swiss Rolls (I love those!) and Luke, making your own board games? Your own language? And this story? I see video game development in your future! (I'd play your game!)
Congratulations Luke and Emma! I loved your stories. Both stories held my interest because I did not know how they were going to end until the last line! You did a great job! Thank you for writing your stories.
Thank you for your patience while we made our lists and checked them more than twice! We've now come to a final decision.
It was wonderful to review so many wonderful entries for the contest and to see so much promise in the work of the Young Authors who submitted. I applaud the work of each and every one of you. Thank you so much for for being a part of the SPILLING INK WRITING CONTEST!
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE OUTSTANDING ***WINNERS!***
First prize: $25 Cash prize and autographed books by Anne Mazer, Ellen Potter, and Wendy Townsend, plus publication on my blog awarded to Maren Huelsman for "Mission Cheetah". Chosen for being well-structured, engaging, and written with heart!
2nd prize: $15 Cash Prize, and autographed books by Anne Mazer, K.L.Going, and Clara Gillow Clark, plus publication on my blog awarded to Katharine G. Ruegger for "A Plataduck is a Man's Best Friend". Chosen for is originality and humor.
3rd prize (2 winners): $10 Cash Cash Prize each, an autographed book by Clara Gillow Clark (that's me), and publication on my blog awarded to Luke Mayhew for "Rebellion". Chosen for being a tight, well-written story; and to Emma Borme for "Swiss Rolls". Chosen for her excellent storytelling skills.
And I decided to give add 3, 4th place prizes: $5 dollars each, and an autographed book by Clara Gillow Clark awarded to Anna Lee Hafer, Kate Reifenberg, and Myra Miller.
Honorable mention:
Caitlin Tiger
Delia Novak
Tanner Waltz
Mahalya Roscoe
Jack Quigley
Thank you to everyone who helped spread the word and to all the teachers, parents, librarians, and fellow authors who encouraged the young authors! Congratulations to one and all!
Teachers, parents, students, Please e-mail me with the name and address where the prizes should be sent! claragillowclark@gmail.com
Please take a moment to congratulate these outstanding young authors! Their stories will be published on my blog throughout the month!
0 Comments on ***Annoucning the WINNERS of the Spilling Ink Writing Contest*** as of 1/1/1900
Please welcome my dear friend, Laurie Calkhoven. She's a veteran in the industry, so you won't want to miss this inside look at how her historical fiction series was born, her background research, her writing process, and much more! Laurie has generously donated two autographed books that will be featured in the next several posts. As always, simply leave a comment for a chance to win, and random.org will pick the winner!We LOVE hearing from you!
Author Laurie Calkhoven
Bio: Laurie Calkhoven has always loved reading and writing (arithmetic is another story). She’s especially interested in the intersection between big moments in American history and the lives of ordinary people. That’s how the Boys of Wartime series was born. She is also the author of middle grade biographies and other nonfiction books for kids along with contemporary novels in American Girl’s new Innerstar University series.
She watched too many That Girl reruns as a child and decided she HAD to live in New York City. She made a beeline for Manhattan right out of college and has lived there ever since. She doesn’t have nearly as many madcap adventures as That Girl, but she has a nice life. Read more about Laurie and purchase her books here: http://www.amazon.com/Laurie-Calkhoven/e/B001H6EU2U/ref=sr_tc_ep?qid=1299696322
Laurie Calkhoven shares about her Research:
I love doing research. I love the twists and turns it can take. I love putting on my detective hat to find a particularly hard-to-find nugget of information. And I love that collections of facts can fire up my imagination to the point where I’m creating characters and worlds for them to live in.
I approach the research for each of my historical novels pretty much the same way, so I’ll discussWill at the Battle of Gettysburg, 1863 as an example. I began with broad historical overviews, books and documentaries, about the entire war.
I decided to focus in on the Battle of Gettysburg for a couple of reasons. It was a pivotal battle that changed the course of the war. It was also fought in the streets and homes of Gettysburg’s citizens. I knew that I could put a 12-year-old boy in the
15 Comments on Part V Boys of Wartime -- Discovering America's Past through Historical Fiction, last added: 3/12/2011
Hi Clara and Laurie, Thanks for the insight into the research process. I agree that people make history come to life. Your book sounds perfect for my twelve-year-old grandson (who lives with me). Donna v. http://donnasbookpub.blogspot.com
Donna (Irishoma), Laurie's books would be perfect for your grandson! No need to be shy--feel free to leave additional comments for a better chance to win! And thanks for your support!
I can't wait for the next installment of the interview - Laurie makes me want to start writing historical fiction to share in her sleuthing joys. Thanks so much for posting this.
Thanks, Claudia! All that joyful sleuthing makes me want to write historical fiction, too!
Bobby Waybright said, on 3/10/2011 10:05:00 AM
Laurie, thank you so much for undertaking telling the story of a young person during the turbulent years of our nation's history. I remember our family vacations in Gettysburg and our father's taking us to visit the battlegrounds. He made sure that we knew the cost of the war and to remember all who died.
As for libraries and museums, where we would writers be without them. Research means searching and searching and then searching again.
Thanks, again, for bringing to the limelight the story of these young boys.
Thanks for stopping by, Bobby, and thanks for your thoughtful comment. You'll love the upcoming interview and finding out more about Laurie's writing process and research!
Hi Clara and Laurie! Thank you so much for this post. Laurie, you made your research sound like so much fun, especially the Gettysburg part. I can't wait to hear more! Lorrie
I can't wait to share these titles with my 10-year-old son, Clara! He's a history buff and big reader -- so a great combo in these books. Thanks for sharing this with us!! Love to you, my friend!! :)
Hi Susie, So nice to hear from you! Your son will love Laurie's books. There are lots of extras in the back of each book--A timeline, a glossary, short bios of the historical characters, and more! Love you, too, Susie! Your name is added to the list for a chance to win!
I like how Laurie starts with broad research and narrows it down. I did the same thing when writing my book about the Battle of Vicksburg. I also found the best information when I traveled to Vicksburg myself. It totally changed my story the more I learned. I don't think you necessairly have to go to a place, but it does help. Thanks for the information, Clara and Laurie!
thanks for the interview. It was very informative. I love reading about history, I guess that is why I love reading historical fiction. Sounds like the research is half the fun of writing.
Hi Margo and Janet, Thanks for stopping by to leave a comment. It's nice to hear from lovers of historical fiction and to hear that you enjoyed reading about the research of the author's books. More to come, too! Plus, your names go in for the drawing!
Thank you for joining Laurie and me for this informative interview about the writing and research of her books, Daniel at the Siege of Boston, 1776, and her hot-off-the-press, Will at the Battle of Gettysburg, 1863. Teachers, writers, librarians, and readers young and old will discover history coming to life for them in the pages of Laurie's books. They are especially good picks for reluctant readers, as well as filling an important gap in textbooks. Visit Laurie's website: www.lauriecalkhoven.com
Laurie just returned from hosting an American Girl tea party at the University of Arizona Bookstore and speaking on a panel about Boys of Wartime at the Tucson Festival of Books.
Daniel at the Siege of Boston, 1776: Twelve-year old Daniel watches as Redcoat soldiers close the harbor and march through the streets The British have sworn to uphold the king's law . . . and to punish the rebels of Boston. But Daniel knows those rebels: they are Patriots. His heroes have vowed to fight for freedom, whatever the cost. And Daniel is determined to help. Check out the Boys of Wartime page for more info.
INTERVIEW WITH LAURIE CALKHOVEN:
1. Can you tell us something about the historical fiction series you're writing for middle grade readers? What was the catalyst for this series?
I got the idea for the first book, Daniel at the Siege of Boston, 1776, while I was researching a biography of George Washington. If I learned about the siege in school, I had forgotten all about it. It’s a key event in the American Revolution—beginning at the end of the Battles of Lexington and Concord and ending a year later. It was during that year that we declared independence and the various colonial militias came together as an army under Washington. What I really wondered about was what life was like for the people of Boston during that year, and I wanted to find out more. The next thing I knew, a boy name Daniel started telling me about his secret spy work for General Washington.
I didn’t have time to put anything down on paper, but I mentioned my idea to Mark McVeigh at Dutton. He asked me to put together a proposal for that book and three more—each one set in a different war, and the series was born. Book two, Will at the Battle of Gettysburg, 1863 was just published. The third book, set in World War Two France, will follow in 2012.
2. What were some of the challenges you encountered when researching and/or writing in the different time periods—1776,1863, and 1943.
The biggest challenge in researching all three time periods was findin
16 Comments on Interview with Laurie Calhoven -- PART VI Discovering America's Past, last added: 3/18/2011
I love your putting your finger in the bullet holes at Gettysburg. And waiting for the character to whisper in your ear. Another great interview, Laurie!
Thanks for stopping by, Claudia! I agree that there is something about those bullet holes that really connects a writer to her story! Wonderful when the character whispers in your ear!
Laurie and Clara, This interview was very interesting. I like the description of Daniel's staring match as a metaphor for the entire siege. That's the sort of far-reaching metaphor I can rarely pull off. I would love to hear more about how you do your meditations about your characters.
Hi Clara and Laurie, " I want them to succeed even when I’m throwing every obstacle I can think of in their paths." I liked this description of how you feel about your characters, and yet what you do to them! I,also, would love to hear about your meditations. Thank you for sharing! Lorrie Ziemba
Lorrie, Thanks so much for stopping by. Let's see if we can round up more writers interested in the meditations, and maybe we can get Laurie to write about them for us.
I just loved this interview. I learned a lot! She is a very talented writer. I hope some day to improve enough to write manuscripts like these.I like all of these time periods, I just love American history.
I love books about the American Civil War. For some reason, I find that time of history fascinating. Maybe because it is so hard to believe that a country can actually fight against itself. Thanks for the informative posts/interviews on historical fiction.
Hi Margo, I loved your blog feature this week about WWII,and about your own writing project set during the Civil War. Thanks for dropping by here to leave a comment!
Thanks for the interest in my mediations. I'm putting together a workshop and would love to present it at SCBWI retreats. The meditations themselves are pretty simple -- I relax, breathe deeply, and envision my character coming near me and eventually taking over.
Then I turn over a card on my desk and freewrite to prompts like -- who named your character and how does he/she feel about the name? Your character is having a strong memory involving a parent--what is it? Your character can't sleep because he's obsessing about something -- what?
The element of surprise is important, so the prompts are face down. The first few are based on the Stanislavsky acting method, and I've added more over the years -- like what's in your characters treasure box?
Thank you so much for sharing your meditations with us, Laurie! Just in case some of the readers don't see it, I'll post your response again next week when the WINNERS of your books are announced!
What a great interview! I wish I'd had books like these to read when I was young; I might have found history more interesting then. Instead, I didn't have any interest until I discovered Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series a few years ago. I would love these for my sons.
Thanks for your good wishes, Alison! I'm delighted that you enjoyed the interview with Laurie. Your name (number) goes in to random.org for a chance to win the books!
Thanks for stopping by, Mallory! If you like the WWII time period, you'll have to watch for Laurie's new book set during WWII that's coming in 2012. My next guest author writes about that same time period, so stay tuned!
A special treat is in store for you today, even if your name wasn't chosen by random.org! In addition to the two autographed books Laurie donated as a giveaway, she's graciously shared her writing meditation, because so many of you asked about it! Here it is:
Author Laurie Calkhoven
Laurie says . . . Thanks for the interest in my meditations. I'm putting together a workshop and would love to present it at SCBWI retreats. The meditations themselves are pretty simple -- I relax, breathe deeply, and envision my character coming near me and eventually taking over.
Then I turn over a card on my desk and freewrite to prompts like -- who named your character and how does he/she feel about the name? Your character is having a strong memory involving a parent--what is it? Your character can't sleep because he's obsessing about something -- what?
The element of surprise is important, so the prompts are face down. The first few are based on the Stanislavsky acting method, and I've added more over the years -- like what's in your character's treasure box? Read more about Laurie and her books: www.lauriecalkhoven.com
“First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen”—and first in the minds of schoolchildren, who learn about George Washington as soon as they begin studying American history. From Washington’s Virginia childhood, through his days as a soldier and general, to his inauguration as the first President of the brand-new United States, and into retirement, this biography captures the full breadth and achievements of his life. It covers both the personal and the private, reveals his views on everything from governmental power to the abolition of slavery, and separates fascinating truth from well-worn legend—including that infamous, but false, tale about chopping down the cherry tree.
Now it's time to
12 Comments on Laurie's Writing Meditation and Winners Announced, last added: 3/25/2011
Clara, Your blog is always so interesting! I love reading about the authors and their books. Is is very helpful for me as both a writer and a librarian!
Clara, Very interesting post! I love to hear how other writers "find" their inner voice. For me, I like to also visit the places that I write about. It helps me to see and imagine what it was like to live there. Thanks for sharing this great information!
Thank you for joining us for this new installment in the Historical Fiction series which features Award winning author, Joyce Moyer Hostetter. Joyce will be featured the next couple of weeks, and she's graciously donating an autographed copy of her award winning book, BLUE, and will personalize and mail it directly to the winner! For a chance to win all you have to do is leave a comment about this post or the interview coming up next week.
Joyce grew up in rural North Carolina. After a brief struggle with Dick, Jane, and Sally in first grade, she became an avid reader. Her middle grade Language Arts teacher told her she's be a great writer some day so she began working hard to live up to that challenge. She is the author of four historical novels with several in progress. Her book BLUEabout a North Carolina polio epidemic won the International Reading Association Children's Book Award in addition to other honors. Joyce has always loved history and she's crazy about research. Now, Joyce shares a brief but warm and engaging essay about her research . . .
Joyce Moyer Hostetter
WHEN RESEARCH FEELS SINFULLY DELICIOUS
By Joyce Moyer Hostetter
I sometimes say that my favorite sin is trespassing. You know, poking around abandoned houses, old barns, and vacated mill villages. I love sniffing out history while entertaining the notion that I’m not really supposed to be there. The place I’m entering belongs to someone else. And I don’t just mean who owns that particular bit of real estate (although a certain rush comes with the knowledge that an owner might be watching.)
But in addition, I know that people have lived out entire lives in these places. They woke up in the dark and walked to work and ate off of that chipped plate lying in the corner. A mother drew water out of that well every day, welcomed babies in the upstairs room, and buried loved ones out back.
17 Comments on Part VII -- Discovering America's Past through Historical Fiction, last added: 4/2/2011
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This essay is a joy to read. Joyce has the twin gifts of being able really to listen as well as inspiring others' trust, and the reward is these unique primary sources that provide authenticity to her work. I have not read any of her books yet, but I've put BLUE on my library list. Thank you, Clara, for this introduction. Looking forward to the interview!
Thanks, Joyce and Clara! Joyce, I know first-hand the importance of visiting a place in order to re-create its former vitality for today's readers. You will get so much out of it. One of the things I love about writing history and historical fiction is the places it takes us - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Barb
Thanks for your essay, Joyce. So many questions came to mind when I read about those letters. Were they given to you personally? How was someone so free with their life? How will you use them in your story? How responsible do you feel with their secrets? Oh boy, I can't wait to read your book! Clara, thanks for this post! Lorrie
Oh, Joyce, I know just what you mean about that intimate connection with the past and the joy of research. I love cemeteries for the same reasons. There are great stories there among the granite and marble and even the common slabs of concrete that remind us who once walked the same grass, stared at the same stars, felt the same joy and pain that we do. I can't wait to see your WIP when it comes out and hear that remarkable voice that you have in your writing. Thank you for sharing so much.
Hi Toby, Barbara, Lorrie, and Mary Ann: You ladies really bowl me over with your intelligent, thoughtful,and eloquent comments--are you writers by any chance? ;0) Thanks for stopping by to leave very special comments for Joyce!
Hi Clara! Hi Toby, Barbara, Mary Ann, and Lorrie. Thanks so much to each of you. Lorrie has inspired a blogpost. (not written yet but I can address those questions on my blog.) Although I've really been slacking on blogging lately!
Great to hear from all of you! (new friends and "old")
I so enjoyed the post. You know I love historical fiction. Research is fun. She is lucky to be able to go to Germany for her research and to have those letters.I am looking forward to her book.
Just popping in to say I really enjoyed the essay. Research is such fun, I'm afraid I'd never get around to the real work of writing. :) Passing this link along...
Anonymous said, on 3/31/2011 7:39:00 PM
Joyce, I never really thought of it as trespassing because so many people seem to be tickled to share their stories. And Mary Ann, I also love to poke around cemeteries, especially the older graves.
Anonymous - tis true that people want to share their stories but it took me awhile to realize that! I think it's the personal nature of some stories that makes me feel like an invader.
Kristin, I totally know what you mean about researching rather than getting around to writing! It can take over.
Janet and cmills - Willst du geht mit mir bis Germany? We could research together! (I think I just butchered the German language so if you can speak it, pack your bags. I could use a translator!)
Joyce, I hope you find success with your research in Germany. I live in Berlin, and I am constantly amazed at how much has changed over the past 70 years. Our neighbors saw it all, and you can glimpse bits of the past among all the modern buildings.
Your German in the previous comment is close. It's a hard language to master. (After five years, I'm not even close, although I confess I haven't tried all that hard.) :)
Wasn't Joyce's confession of her research feeling deliciously sinful a treat? She's back now with more delicious insights about her writing and research process. Joyce learned this past week that her book, Comfort, is being released in paperback this fall! Congratulations, Joyce!
Be sure to check out her links and books at the end of the interview, and please take a moment to post a comment about her interview or to congratulate her on Comfort going to paperback this fall. I know that a lot of you are history lovers, so we'd also love to learn what children's book written or set in the 1940's is a favorite with you! Thanks so much! The WINNER of the autographed copy of BLUE will be announced next week along with details for the "2nd Annual Spilling Ink Writing Contest". Now, here's Joyce . . .
Joyce Moyer Hostetter
1. What drew you to this time period—WWII on the home front? In the American South?
I was raised in the American south so I think it was inevitable that I would eventually write a story set here. But I was actually working on a 19th century Hawaii story when I met Editor, Carolyn Yoder at a writing conference. After getting her feedback on that manuscript, I signed up for a history writing workshop with her (one of those fabulous Highlights Foundation Founders Workshops!). Before going, I received an assignment to research and begin writing about local history. I contacted my county’s history museum for some ideas, discovered the polio epidemic, and as a result, BLUE was born.
I also have an affinity for the ‘40s. I think that’s because it is the era of my parent’s marriage and the establishment of our family so even though I wasn’t born in the 40’s I do feel rooted in them.
2. What were some of the challenges you encountered when researching and/or writing about a time period that encompassed a World War, a polio epidemic, and racism?
I think my biggest challenge was getting past my own fear of the process. It takes a certain amount of courage to contact total strangers and probe into their painful life experiences. And at that point I didn’t have a strong book to put into people’s hands to demonstrate that I could actually write. I believed I could do it but I wasn’t sure they would have reason to bother with me. From researching BLUE, I learned that people are typically eager to share their experience and knowledge with anyone who will listen. I realized that my interest in their stories is validating for them. Since then, I have practiced probi
22 Comments on Part VIII Interview -- Discovering America's Past through Historical Fiction, last added: 4/10/2011
Interesting interview. I backed up and read part one as well because I'm also a research junkie. The Diary of Anne Frank was one of my favorites growing up, too.
Hi Carol, Welcome and thank you so much for joining the blog and for leaping into the conversation with Joyce. I love connecting with history/research junkies!
Thanks, Clara and Joyce for your interesting discussion about writing historical fiction. I've been working on my memoir (intended just for my family), but it's made me consider writing more fictional stories based on old family stories.
Clara, I remember reading and really liking one of your early books published by Boyds Mills Press. I need to catch up with your many other titles. Joyce, BLUE sounds wonderful, and I look forward to reading it.
I'm one of the namelos authors (also published by Boyds Mills years ago)and would love to be included as a guest on your blog but my book isn't historical fiction.
Books don't have to be historical fiction; they just have to be for children--all age groups and genres. Not necessary to be a member of my blog, either, although I'm always hopeful! :0) Send me an e-mail with more specifics, and we'll set something up!
I'm really curious about you now. Did we meet years ago at a Illustrator's Party or conference somewhere? Do tell, please! Thanks for taking a look at my books, as well as Joyce's!
Clara, thanks for interviewing Joyce. She has been a great inspiration to me as a journey along finding my own historical fiction story. I smiled when I read that Ann Fay now inspires her. I believe it. Now, I have to go read Part I.
Very cool interview. It's always fun to read about an author's journey while writing their book. For each one is a journey, I think. Hopefully, an adventurous one. Thanks for sharing Joyce!
Jennifer, Thanks for dropping by today. You must be one busy teacher, writer, mother, and who knows what else. I haven't seen you anywhere lately! It's nice to have you back!
Thanks Clara, yes, I've missed you,too. I definitely owe you a "catch-up" email. Spent last week visiting colleges with my son. Can't believe he's almost done with his junior year. Yikes! Where does the time go... Keep on truckin' on this blog. It's really awesome!!
Hi Jennifer, Yikes! Where does the time go? Thanks for stopping by again. :0)
Hi Margo, Joyce's trip to Germany does sound exciting. I'm sure she'll share about it when she returns! Thanks for stopping by.
Anonymous said, on 4/7/2011 3:09:00 PM
My mother came from Germany as a child, so you already have my interest in the next project. And my parents also married in the 40's while Dad was in the Army Air Corps. And I agree with you that Highlights workshops are fantastic. Kathy Cannon Wiechman
I thought a lot about last week's post, and what it have been like for Joyce to approach people and ask them for their story. Joyce explained it in one word: courage! What an exciting interview! Thank you Joyce. Some of my favorites: Bud Not Buddy, Anne of Green Gables, The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle and Hill Hawk Hattie, of course! What a great blog. Thanks Clara!
Hi Kathy, So nice that you connected with Joyce in so many ways. Have you met at any events?
Hi Lorrie, You are so sweet for mentioning my very own Hill Hawk Hattie. I'm honored to be included in that group of your favorites. Loved the nugget you mined from Joyce's posts.
Hi Clara, Great interview, as usual. Joyce's next project sounds interesting, too. My husband is a German immigrant, and we lived there for three years in the 1980s while working for the Dept of Defense. Donna V.
Really enjoyed the post. I just started a manuscript that takes place in the 1940s. I have a long way to go, but I'm trudging along. I just spoke with my neighbor a few days ago about rationing during the war. I don't think many people could do that now a days. They say we are living in hard times now, but it is nothing like it was back then.
Hi Donna (Irish Oma), Isn't it wonderful to find personal connections with other authors? Did you get to tour the country at all while you were there? Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Janet, It's wonderful that Joyce's interview came at a time when you were just starting a manuscript set in the 1940s. My parents were farmers and my mother often said that the rationing during the WAR was in many ways more difficult than the Depression for them, since they were pretty much self-sufficient. We moved too far away from those days, I think.
Anonymous said, on 4/9/2011 1:06:00 PM
Clara, I've never met Joyce, but I'm sure we'd have a lot to talk about. Seems we have much in common, as those who write & love historical fiction usually do. Kathy Cannon Wiechman
Clara---This was a great interview. I was especially interested in Joyce's answer about having to be brave when approaching people to discuss things that might be painful. I have found that those who benefit from and are willing to share overwhelmingly outnumber those who refuse or are unable to. Sharing DOES validate what they went through, and having their story told helps the healing process...
Clara---Welcome to the sisterhood. Since I am a kind, thoughtful person, I will not burst into singing "Sistah" from "The Color Purple." (Your ears and your sensibilities are thanking me right now!)
Announcing the winner is always an exciting moment for me, but first I'm announcing the long awaited for news of the 2nd Annual Spilling Ink Creative Writing Contest for grades 4-8. Last year was such a successful and satisfying event, that we're doing it again. All details about the contest, the judges, and the MANY prizes will be announced on Friday, April 15th, right here on my blog. Hope you'll spread the word to the budding authors in your life!
And now, announcing the winner of BLUE by Award Winning Joyce Moyer Hostetter:
BLUE
Joyce Moyer Hostetter
The LUCKY Winner is: ***Lorrie Ziemba***
**Congratulations**
Lorrie, Please e-mail me: claragillowclark(@)gmail(.) com with your mailing address ASAP, and Joyce will have your book in the mail to you this week!
Watch for the details of the Spilling Ink Writing Contest coming your way on FRIDAY, April 15th! Please take a moment to congratulate the WINNER of BLUE. THANK YOU!
8 Comments on Who is the Lucky Winner of BLUE -- Plus Upcoming Spilling INK Writing Contest, last added: 4/12/2011
Congratualations Lorrie! Because of travel, I have a very narrow window in which I can mail the book so please send address ASAP! (From now until 18th) Okay. Thanks and I hope you love BLUE.
Congratulations, Lorrie! I know you will enjoy this book. Can't wait to for the Spilling Ink contest, Clara. Thanks for keeping us all "in the know". :)
How exciting! Thanks so much for the autographed copy of BLUE. I can't wait to read it! I, too, am looking forward to the information about the Spilling Ink contest. Lorrie
Congratulations, Lorrie. We're all so glad you won. We're ecstatic for you. No one deserved it more than you. I was so hoping you would win...
(Don't you wonder what actors are REALLY thinking as they're clapping for the winner, and they lost? I was trying to channel their thoughts. But seriously, I do want to extend some congratulatory good wishes her way...)
And Clara--thanks for hosting the give-away. I am looking forward to hearing about the Spilled Ink contest. (The name is certainly cool.)
Please join me in welcoming one of the judge's for the contest, my good friend and esteemed colleague, Wendy Townsend. Wendy was recently featured in Kirkus Book Review Journal. Her book garnered a starred review, a personal interview, and her book jacket on the cover of the journal! Congratulations, Wendy! You'll learn more about Wendy in the SPILLING INK WRITING CONTEST coming up right here on Friday! Wendy is donating an autographed copy of her book, SUNDOWN RULES for the Spilling Ink Writing Young Author Writing Contest for grades 4-8.
Your comments are always appreciated! Thanks so much for joining us for this mid-week post!
Wendy Townsend spent her childhood summers near Michigan’s Marl Lake, home to 12-year-old Louise, the narrator of her latest novel, The Sundown Rule. Louise is inseparable from her cat, Cash. She also provides food to the nearby crows and rescues baby animals. When her father leaves Brazil on a nature-writing assignment, Louise must spend the summer with her highly allergic Aunt Kay and Uncle Jack in the suburbs—and leave Cash behind. Like Louise, Townsend finds solace in nature. Here the author discusses nature’s profound effect on humans and the dangers of severing that connection. Check out more books about children and the wild world. Louise tells readers what she’s thinking through her observations and her senses. Do you naturally write in such a spare way? I haven’t always liked to write. I started out writing articles for nature magazines and co-authored a care guide [for iguanas] with a veterinarian. I’ve kept large iguanas since I was 8 years old. I thought fiction would be a better way to say what I wanted to say about the value of animals to us as human beings. [My editor] Stephen Roxburgh is a great teacher in terms of economy of language. I wanted to step inside the child character and write as a witness of what was going on—to get out of my head, into a place of seeing and smelling and hearing. You’re also nonjudgmental when it comes to animals. Louise knows, for instance, that crows steal other birds’ hatchlings but “loved the crows anyway.” I want people to rethink how they look at animals, especially crows, snakes, bugs and spiders, as if there’s no sentience there and no society. They do have society. They have a lot to teach us. I found my grounding and my security at a very early age with those animals and in nature. When you’re standing in a pond with your bare feet in mud, that’s about as good as it gets and as safe as you can feel. When Louise becomes friends with Sarah, Sarah’s father also becomes an important ally for Louise. He has that insightful response when Louise describes missing Cash: “Animals give us something special, don’t they? Something people can’t.” It is an inchoate thing. The word that comes to mind is “wonder.” Animals do look at us as much as we look at them. Maybe even more. As a species, we are alone on the planet in many ways. We’ve put ourselves there. People who have pets or working farms do have companionship with nature. John Berger wrote an essay called, “Why look at animals?” He says that “With their parallel lives, animals offer companionship… to the loneliness of man as a species.” That has always resonated with me.
10 Comments on Interview with SPILLING INK CONTEST judge, Wendy Townsend, last added: 4/15/2011
Congratulations, Wendy! I'm intrigued especially by your work! I went away to marine biology camp in high school and spent summers in the Caymans with my family (all of whom are scuba divers).
I'm guessing highly allergic Aunt Kay and Uncle Jack of SUNDOWN aren't nature lovers, lol? Looking forward to reading your books! Thank you, Clara, for hosting.
Claudia and Marileta, Thanks for stopping by to congratulate Wendy!
Kristin, I'm sure you'll love Wendy's sensitivity to nature when you read her books. I hope one of your boys will enter the writing contest--if they like to write, of course!
Wendy, Congratulations on your book. I read Sundown Rules and loved it! Thanks for writing it! And thanks to both you and Clara for an interesting interview. It is so much fun to learn about an author's life. Best wishes, Lorrie p.s. An iguana (Francis) lived in our home for about 8 years. We have some very funny stories to tell from the experience.
Children need more books that teach how to respect animals. Thanks to Wendy for writing and discussing this particular subject and to Clara for the great interview. It was great.
Well, I want to thank you guys for such kind words about SUNDOWN. And I'm so happy you agree that kids do need to respects and care for animals. Lorrie --Francis must have been a good fellow, to have left you with fond memories.
It's The 2nd Annual SPILLING INK WRITING CONTEST for Grades 4-8
It's spring and we're jumping right into a writing extravaganza using the fabulous book SPILLING INK co-authored by the dynamic writing team, Anne Mazer and Ellen Potter. SPILLING INK is a humorous and inspiring book of advice, questions, and writing prompts for young writers. I'm holding a copy in my hand right now that's been donated by Anne and will be sent to the 1st place WINNER of the Contest (along with other prizes). YOUNG AUTHORS can purchase a copy of their own through Scholastic at a very affordable price! You'll definitely want to check out the web-site for the book. Here's the link: http://spillinginkthebook.com/ Just click and go! By the way, even if you're not a teen or tween, you'll find a lot of good advice in Spilling Ink that will inspire you. Ever have trouble with sub-plots? Need I say more?
First, you'll read about the authors who are participating, and then you'll learn all the prizes and how to enter this fabulous contest! Just in case you don't already know the FANTASTIC authors who have donated books for the contest, here's a little bit about them:
Anne Mazer is the author of over forty books for young readers, including the award-winning The Salamander Room, the Sister Magic series, and the bestselling The Amazing Days of Abby Hayes series. Her favorite thing about being a writer is being able to write in the middle of the night in her pajamas. I've known Anne for twenty years, and she is amazing and lots of fun. She sparkles!
Ellen Potter is the author of the award-winning middle-grade Olivia Kidney series, as well as the middle-grade novels Pish Posh and Slob. Ellen's favorite thing about being a writer is that she gets to spend the day with Mongolian yak herders, psychics, and bank-robbing wood sprites without ever leaving her house.
Great idea. I will send the link to my students. Well, they were my students. Now, they are elementary teachers. I'm sure you'll get some entries from them.
Is it time for the 2nd annual contest already?! Thanks, Clara, for always being a great encourager of children's writing and reading. Good luck to all the entrants!
If I can figure out how to do it I'll pass the info on to a group I belong to and they will in turn tell some others. Thanks a lot. This is a great contest and if I had time I'd do it in a heartbeat!
I think what you are doing is great! I wish I had started writing as a young child.The Spilling Ink Handbook sounds like a winner, too. I bet it has lots of great info in it.
Oh, I LOVE this contest! I'm not in the schools anymore, but I know some wonderful homeschoolers who love to write and will pass this along on Finders and Keepers (my blog re: children's writing stuff).
Hi, Clara! I stopped over from Cathy's blog and am excited to share this contest with my 6th grader. She loves to write and this book would be perfect for her! Thanks for a great contest, we're looking forward to participating!
I have to delay announcing the winners of the writing contest. We had so many excellent entries that it's going to take a little longer to make the final decision. The first cut has been made, and the judges have narrowed the contenders to 13. If you're reading this, I hope you're one of the 13.
My very best wishes go out to all of you. Please be patient. We'll get back to you asap! Thank you!
Clara
2 Comments on SPILLING INK WRITING CONTEST ***IMPORTANT MESSAGE***, last added: 5/9/2011
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By: Clara Gillow Clark,
on 3/6/2012
Every now and then you find a special piece of writing--special because it is written with honest emotion and heart. Those are the reasons why this piece by 7th grader Maren Huelsman was chosen for First Place--our Grand Prize Winner. (*Entries were published without correction by me or the teachers who submitted.)
25 Comments on Interview with author/editor -- Jamie Michalak, last added: 9/17/2011
Wendy Townsend spent her childhood summers near Michigan’s Marl Lake, home to 12-year-old Louise, the narrator of her latest novel, 
So glad to see you again. I've missed you! Can't wait to hear of your surprise.
Thank you, Janet! I've missed you, too!
I'm glad to hear, YES, I'M WRITING! That's always a good reason to be away. BTW, finally finished the historical fiction article you answered questions for. It will be live at the end of the month. Thanks for stopping by my blog, too. :)
Thanks so much, Margo. I'll spread the word when the post is up on WOW!
So glad to know you're writing. So am I. And loving it as much as ever. Hope that's the case with you as well.
Kathy, Great to hear that you're writing, too. Please get in touch when you come East so we can get together. Just got home from Highlights Foundation!