By: Cassandra Gill,
on 9/10/2016
Social workers regularly come into contact with those who are at risk of or exposed to suicide, through direct practice, as well as in family, group, and community roles. However, social work authors have been notably missing in the scholarly literature on suicide .
The post Social work and suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention appeared first on OUPblog.
By: Paintgranny,
on 3/26/2013
By: J.R.Poulter,
on 9/5/2008
LATEST: "Mending Lucille" is "Book of the Month" in Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth - "Melbourne's Child" parenting magazine has made "Mending Lucille" their book of the month. Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth editions of the paper have followed suit.
The Highs and the Lows of Creating a Winning Picture Book
"Mending Lucille" written by J.R.Poulter & illustrated by Sarah Davis, Lothian/Hachette Livre, hb, 2008, ISBN 9780734410337:
The book has had the most amazing reception.
It sold out the first print run in its first week of release.
It was picked up by ASO.
Within its first fortnight has become a recommended book for counseling and biblio-therapy by Monash Medical Centre's Australian Centre for Grief Education and a site devoted to counselling parents/carers of children suffering the trauma of loss/bereavement.
The following story of the creation of "Mending Lucille" is based around a presentation Sarah & I were invited to give at SCWBI International Conference, Sydney, February 2008 - a huge honour for 2 relative newbies.
INSPIRATION
• First version written in one sitting – started with the first line ‘A raging and roaring and rolling in the sky like a storm –’ the next line came immediately I committed the 1st to paper. The whole story took less than 15 minutes to write.
• It was submitted to Lothian almost as an afterthought - they were looking for more humorous material at that time.
• Later submitted the 2nd version - more like a poem – this version wasn’t used.
• The story behind the story – can’t be told in its entirety, as it goes back generations and many folk affected are still alive. I was motivated to write by the pervading sense of loss and grief that hung, mist-like in the homes of relatives who had suffered terrible loss as children.
THE PROCESS
• The story was to have been released pre the Hachette/Lothian merger.
• Helen originally contracted Caroline Magerl to do the illustrations.
• I very much like Caroline’s work. My favourite example of her style and what I imagine she might have used for “Mending Lucille” was her utterly beautiful “Grandma’s Shoes”- see below:
THE HUNT FOR AN ILLUSTRATOR
• After the takeover by Hachette, the pace quickened.
Caroline Magerl decided to devote herself more to her art and withdrew. [http://www.cmagerl.com.au/]
• I was sent an example of Leith Walton’s work. Couldn’t find the picture the publisher sent, which was very different to Caroline's work but still well executed. This is Leith’s submission for the ‘Book of Pi’ competition.
• Hachette decided against Leith for my particular project and the hunt was on for another illustrator. [Wonder what he’s doing now.]
• Jenny Gibson, art teacher/web designer, had submitted her portfolio. Jenny had done the humorous illustrations for my education series, “Poetry Action for Classroom and Stage”. This is one of her line drawings. Hachette decided against using her work for this particular project. [see more of Jenny's work: http://www.jennygibson.com ]
• At this stage, I asked Helen if I could “have a go at finding an illustrator”. Helen gave me my head!
MY SEARCH
• I Googled ‘illustrators’ specifying ‘pages from Australia’ – two sites came up worth checking. The SCBWI site was one.
• I found two artists – one on each site and contacted the sites. Sarah Davis was the artist I found on the SCWBI site. Site Coordinator, Susanne Gervay, responded to my enquiry almost immediately and sent me Sarah’s contact details. Susanne has been an enormously encouraging mentor to both Sarah and I and subsequently invited us to present our story of the book's creation at the SCWBI International Conference, Sydney February 2008.
• This is the picture that drew me to Sarah – it was so multi-layered! [http://sarahdavisillustration.com/artwork/243867.html]
MAKING CONTACT
• Rang Sarah and told her I had a contract with Lothian. Would she be interested in doing a couple of sketches for Helen? I couldn’t guarantee she would get the contract & I couldn’t pay her.
• Sarah loved the ms and submitted sketches. [ I got first peak within 48 ours.]
• I contacted Helen, my wonderful editor at Lothian. She was wary, Sarah not being a ‘known’ illustrator and pairing her with me, not exactly a ‘known’ myself! I was so excited at discovering Sarah that I didn't hesitate to say to Helen, ‘Sarah’s the one – just wait till you see the samples!’
• Helen loved the samples - the rest is history!
SARAH’S FIRST SKETCHES
Lucille, the ragdoll:
MORE CHALLENGES
• Sarah got underway with the illustrations, sending me updates - the two of us just gob smacked at how unified a vision we had of the book!
• This is an early picture Sarah sent me. It visualised a key element in the story, one Hachette now felt should be changed. The dead bird:
THE FURTHER EVOLUTION OF THE STORY
• The story was as originally written when Sarah started illustrating. However, at about the same time, Hachette took over Lothian.
• I was told I needed to eliminate any reference to or hint of ‘death’ from the text.
• This was no easy task as the dead bird symbol was one of the key elements to the story.
• I had seen the need for a story like Mending Lucille. So many children have been and are being left without one of their central carers/parents and popular opinion was always that the children were not affected adversely.
• Re death/bereavement: It was generally felt children ‘got over it’, ‘they were too young to be aware of what was happening’. Death's very finality allowed for recovery, for moving on, it gave a sense of closure.
• Re loss/abandonment: Of more devastating proportions for a child, however, is the loss of a parent on going - a parent's abandonment of the child. The general consensus was ‘it was better for the child than living in an unhappy home’ etc. There is no easy moving on from this type of loss because the parent is still alive somewhere...it is a profound loss, an inconsolable loss – it does not go away.
A CHANGE TO THE ORIENTATION
• I had used the reference to ‘death’ in relation to the bird to gentle the story down – the fate of the mother was to be deliberately left ‘open’. Whether literally dead or gone from the child’s life, she was effectively ‘dead’ to the child I was not looking at pros and cons – not looking for reasons why – this was the child’s story, from her perspective.
• Children are not generally told reasons and even of they are – they are too young to take them in – it is the loss that registers. The ‘unspeakable’ grieving – no one speaks to the child in a language he/she can understand about their loss till someone like Chrissie comes and starts to reach out to them at their level & so begin to console and mend the child.
THE PROBLEM
• I needed to find a way to still tell the story without compromise, but keep the publisher happy. I found a path through but fought for some of my more resonating text.
• I drafted changes and ran them by Sarah – would this still fit with her vision of the whole? Yes, Sarah could see how it could be interpreted visually!
BOLDER, BRAVER, BETTER!
• We both feel that what we now have, the final book, is a braver text, more controversial in ways, more honest! This is Sarah’s revised version of the bird and the rosebush:
• The changes to the text introduced the cage that is loss and grief…Sarah’s evocative illustration:
• The bird becomes the spirit soaring! The end flaps:
"Mending Lucille", Lothian, 2008, hardback, ISBN 978-0-7344-1033-7
To read the illustrator's side of the story of "Mending Lucille" - go to:
www.sarahdavisillustration.com
http://pseudoarmadillo.wordpress.com/page/2/
and
http://www.jacketflap.com/megablog/index.asp?blogid=515
No words can relieve such deep loss but just wished to say you are thought of and sending prayers your way!
Triffled as it seems, the muse will come again, Andy would wanted this way for you surely!
Hang in there!
A warm hello from the Pacific NW coast,
You are, and have been, in my thoughts and prayers so much. They say time is a wonderful healer for us all and I pray that it will be for you. Much love your way.
Your art and writings bring us so much joy Gretel. You are so very loved and appreciated. Know that I am thinking and praying for you often as you walk your often difficult journey.
Darly
Oh, hello and such a big welcome back.
My words don't seem to convey how I feel and want to say to you and I've deleted and deleted. I just want to say that it's so lovely to see you here on your blog. I'm so glad to hear you're making yourself create during this terrible time.
Lots of love, Jess xx
Once more I find myself lost for words, not knowing what to say to you other than what I have told you already. I shall pray that your muse will return and you will find the strength to create your wonderful art. x
Thinking of you and sending healing hugs... Cass x
Dearest Gretel, I'm sooo glad you are still here and that we have been able to support you in some way through these dark days......
I'm sure your creativity is waiting for you just a little further down the track. It's just giving you time to attend to other things.
Sending much love and hugs from Oz....
CLaire X
Sending love and all good wishes. Think of you often.
Also photo#1 is thrilling and haunting.
Hold on to us, Gretel, just as we hold on to you. It will all ease with time, but until it does, we are here, willing you on, supporting you to get stronger. x
Gretel, its so good of you to let us know how you are feeling and getting along. It looks like a wonderful place with beautiful open expanses and clear glorious air to heal in. Take good care of yourself, please do,
xx
julie
I can't think what to say but I am pleased you posted again on your blog. and I am glad you found friends in the most unexpected place.
xxx
So good to see you back Gretel. Sorry I couldn't come over with Jo last week. Really hope we can meet up some time soon. The blogging world helps us all from time to time.
Sending you big hugs.
Annie x
Dearest Gretel,
You are so loved and cherished. May the healing continue and may the dark, dark days and nights begin to lighten up, bit by bit.
Sending tons of love your way.
Welcome back, you are an admirable creative woman. I imagine you are struggling.I would be too. Don't hide you are too loved
for that.
Just one step at a time is all anyone can take, and you are doing just that. I just like to think that your readers are here helping to cushion your footfalls.
Kept thinking of you, kept checking in. I'm sure creativity will surface again, a little at a time, maybe in a different form, but it will all help.
thinking of you lots Gretel....good to see you in print again as it were. We have been a bit off the radar due to the potter's op and that being a bit of an ongoing event!!...but would still love to see you up at the old potters house sometime ...when you think the time might be right. Alan is out of everything ceramic for at least another 4 weeks so not doing anything exotic until he is feeling a lot better. News filters through from the cake lady!!! we were supposed to be there for easter...but that has gone by the way....lots of love ...G
Dear Gretel, those photographs of the very large sky over a terrain very different from what you have shown us before, tell me that your artist's eye continues to respond to natural beauty.
Your words remind me of what a very fine writer you are, and also how lucky I am to be your friend.
xo
Oh Gretel, my heart breaks for you really it does. I have thought about you often since I read your post telling us the sad news of Andy's passing. Do hang in there. Xx
Thinking of you.
I've been thinking of you and sending you love and strength over the miles. I'm glad that you are here today and that we know you are okay.
Dear Gretel,
Soooo good to see a post from you... Please take as much time as you need for yourself... Grief is a strange animal... When my father passed away unexpectedly, I found that I thought I was doing OK, and out of no where it would show up again...and I just had to walk that road... And your art? It will be back, I'm sure.. Just take the time you need and be good to yourself... Wish I was closer to be of help to you, but I send hugs, smiles and prayers across the miles to you...
Val in Kansas USA
Many prayers & hoping the complicated things work themselves out in the end & I know the sadness will be with you long, but I am hoping too that the memory of the love will soften the sad edges one day. My heart aches for you -
Great to see you Gretel..... think of you often and am willing you on from afar...
I heard a good today.... find your horizon, put one foot in front of the other and trudge on .... it sounded appropriate... it's all we can do when things go so wrong....
Oh, dear Gretel. We think of you and pray for you every day, and we know we're far from alone. I hope you also know you're far from alone. ♥
Very good to hear from you again - you've been in my thoughts a great deal over the past weeks. I'm not surprised you currently have no interest in creativity, it is so linked to state of mind. However, it can provide escape for a while so I hope that the work you have to do gives you a little respite until such time as it becomes the work you want to do. Keep strong, you'll get there.
I can relate to your words as my creativity went into hibernation when my dad died; and your grief must be so must more raw.
I recognise those views! So you must have been to my corner of the world. I hope you found something in the wide open skies to start the healing.
Love C
xx
Like others here, I've been thinking of you a lot over the last few weeks, Gretel.
Much love to you, lovely lady.
Kate x
Dear Gretel, I am so glad that things are looking up even if it is just a tiny bit each day. You've been in my thoughts and I wish lots of good things to come your way. Lots of love and hugs. Sybille
We've missed you, but surely understand. You've got such creative talent, it'll resurface when it's ready. This is just a time out to heal. I send much love and virtual hugs, and good wishes for healing and peace.
Sending you so much love from this corner of Devon.
Don't feel obliged or pressured to surface or communicate or create in any particular way, or by any particular deadline.. your boldness will come in its own time and when it's good and ready. There are no expectations on you. You're just held and supported in the way you need.
And I can see that you are strong as an oak. Your art and your love come from the same place, and hearts take time to heal. When they do, the alchemical transformation that inevitably takes place there is deep and beautiful.
Wishing you bright clear spring days with the wind in your hair, and buds of ideas blossoming.
Very much love xxx Rima
Gretel, There are no words I can think to write to so I send you ((((HUGS)))) and loving thoughts. ♥
Yes! I was so excited to see your little bunny on facebook. It must be incredibly hard to create when you have so much hurt although it can also be the thing that helps in those empty moments. Thank you for letting us know how you are.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Kris
It's so good to hear from you - I've been wondering how you are doing. Take time to heal and find a new focus in your world. That will be very hard. I send good thoughts to you every day. I wish you calmness and hope that spring helps heal with it's sense of wonder and growth.
Through your work and this blog you have touched many souls and we are all keeping you in our thoughts. With no pressure, grief takes time to settle into a routine and you must take the time. Minerva ~
Thoughts and best wishes Gretel.
Welcome back, dearest Gretel. Sending you love and hugs from the (still) snowy Scottish Borders!
Gretel you say your creativity has deserted you but it is still in you don't worry. Look at those photos. The first one is my favourite, it has life and emotion in it. Love and hugsxx
Sorry forgot to say I don't know if its my eyesight but doesn't one of the houses in the photo look like a gretel Parker needle felted one?
I was so pleased to see your post. I know how badly grief can affect creativity, but it'll be back.
From his place on my bookshelf Jack2 agrees with me.
J
Embracing you from all the way over here~ praying that sweet memories help restore.
Words don't come easily today, but I just want you to know that I have been thinking about you a lot recently and hoping that you were OK. Stay strong, hang in there and it will gradually get better in time. Please take some comfort in knowing that many of the crafting community are sending you their love and willing things to get better for you. Take care.
This comment has been removed by the author.
Good to see you blogging Gretel - hope this foul weather improves soon - we need another trip out! x Jo
I read your post and thought to myself that it isn't surprising you have felt this way, even down to the lack of interest in art... but that doesn't make this time of grief any less awful to live and experience. I hope that you slowly heal and feel better. You will never ever forget Andy or stop missing him, but eventually it won't hurt so much all of the time. And your art will come back as you feel better again. Hang in there. There are so many people out there who love and support you. Me too. You can do this.
Hang in there Gretel, these are early days. There is no right or wrong way to negotiate what you are going through. Solace will take time. be gentle with yourself.
Your photographs are beautiful.
Dear Gretel,
My heart did a little skip when I saw your post. While you thanked us "for being there," I think I can speak for all of us in thanking you for sharing so generously with us. I pray spring will bring you renewed vitality. You are most fabulous, Gretel. (((HUGS)))
Love from Virginia, USA
I'm so glad you posted as I've been thinking about you all the time! Best wishes!!!!
What you have experienced is a very difficult place to be. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope you will regain strength and be able to once more find peace and joy in your work to share your gifts once again.
Trish
I pray for your artist's heart to return, and I believe it will, for it is part of who you are.Wish there was a way to help through the grief. I am just glad that you have many friends to hold you up, but you WILL stand again, on your own.
Lovely to see you back, keep popping by as and when, your blogland fans will always be here.
Sara
Mt heart goes out to you. x
Bless you darling girl, take care xxxxxx
Dear Gretel, you have photographed beautiful wide open skies and clouds, and in each of them is just a touch of blue, not yet enough to make a pair of sailors trousers as my mother used to say, but it shows you can't help but still notice beautiful things.
Just carry on making, make drawings, make figures, make toys, make photographs, make tea, make cakes, make anything.
Some days will be a plod, and others will just be a blur, but there will be odd moments when you'll look at what you're making and there's enough blue to make a pair of sailors trousers ♥
Dear Gretel - many, many people have been holding you in their hearts at this very difficult time. Your art is part of who you are, and it will return to you in due course.
It's good to see you posting again, I check often, to see how you are doing, as much as anything. Hang in there, Gretel. Spring is coming. Hugs.
Thinking of you often, glad to see you posting again.Just take life one minute,one hour, one day at a time, that's all you can do.
I will always remember Andy as a gentle giant of a man,I hope he has found peace x
You've been in my thoughts so much, and I am so glad to read news of your courageous struggle with the awfulness of bereavement because it means you are doing the incredibly difficult thing of getting through each day. I'm sure that altho' it seems very hard to be working (especially when creativity is far away), the work itself will eventually help you through. All the very very best to you.
Thinking of you and glad that the support and friendship of those who care is helping you get through these days of grief.
Carol xx
It's so lovely to hear from you again and to hear that you have found some comfort from your many many blogging friends. There is a lot of love for you out there. Keep on keeping on . Love and light, Lisa xx
I didn't feel it was my place to comment on that brave post about your sad loss because I have only ever just read your blog and admired your work from afar but not become 'involved'. However, I still held you in my thoughts and wondered how you were getting along.
Having watched a close friend go through the same experience as you, even though I know each day must be difficult (to say the least), I'm so pleased to see that you are now beginning to make tentative steps into the world again. It must take great courage.
I wish you well and hope that, in time, your creativity will give you some comfort and hope x
Hello Gretel, it is so good to see you back here. You never left our hearts. xx
May all of your sweet memories of Andy sustain your soul.
thinking of you as a friend across the seas...from a friend in California...
Bless you, dear heart
Teresa
http://amagicalwhimsy.blogspot.com/
Big hug dear girl ... I have thought of you often and am so glad you are slowly healing and surfacing. I'm sure Andy will always walk beside you. Take care. M x
Good to hear your "voice" again. Sending a hug your way.
You have been in my thoughts. It is good to see you back in your space, however tentatively for now x
I have checked your blog daily because I missed you and your writing and your art. I cannot imagine how tough things are for you right now, but you know so many of us are thinking of you and caring about you.
Take it slowly, we will all wait for you!
Sending hugs and love,
Wendy
Thinking of you - so glad to read that you're still here and going on. It must be so hard. Sending very best wishes and hopes for healing, as far as that's possible.