Marcia Thornton Jones's Blog, page 84
April 16, 2020
Q&A with Michele Weber Hurwitz on Hello from Renn Lake
Smack Dab in the Middle blogger Michele Weber Hurwitz can't wait for her new middle grade novel, HELLO FROM RENN LAKE (Penguin Random House/Wendy Lamb Books), to dive into the world on May 26. It's a story of community, youth activism, and fighting for the things you love as 12-year old Annalise Oliver tries to save the lake in her small Wisconsin town after it's closed due to a harmful algal bloom. We asked Michele ten questions about this hopeful and impactful book.
Q: How did you come up with the idea? What was your inspiration?
A: My book ideas always start out as loose threads that seemingly have nothing to do with each other, but then they weave together in my mind. I was inspired by the kids who've been protesting and speaking out on the climate crisis, and harmful algal blooms that have been increasing in all bodies of water. I love lakes, and the entire lake culture, and was saddened to learn that many are not healthy. I also had been thinking about themes of abandonment and roots, both of which ended up as part of Annalise's and Renn Lake's story arcs.
Q: Did you do a lot of research?
A: Yes! Even though this is fiction, my editor and I wanted to make the events as factual and accurate as possible. I researched harmful algal blooms (HABs) online and also worked with extremely helpful people at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Wisconsin Division of Public Health. I included an informational section in the back of the book for kids who want to learn more about lakes, rivers, and algal blooms, and it's narrated by one of the characters, Annalise's friend Zach.
Q: What is one of your favorite things about this story?
A: That it's not only told by Annalise, but also by Renn Lake and its cousin, a river, Tru. They are both genderless, by the way, which seemed right to me. Having the nature elements as narrators really deepens the plot, as they are able to relay events in a way that human narrators couldn't.
Q: What three words best describe the novel?
A: Inspiring, hopeful, thought-provoking. That might be four words.
Q: Flip to a random page and give us a short teaser.
A: "I've thought long and hard about those four heart chambers. A brilliant design. If one should break, as it must have for Annalise when she was first told about being abandoned, there are still three others to rely on. But what about me and Tru, with our simple heart? What if it breaks?"
Q: Is there a scene that makes you tear up, or laugh?
A: There are many! Annalise's little sister Jess is very funny at times but also makes me tear up. She's tough and spunky but fragile, too. There's a scene at the end where she makes her voice heard and stands up for what the kids have done. I smile and cry at the same time.
Q: Annalise's friends, Maya and Zach, each have some issues going on, but they're all supportive of each other. Did you set out to portray their friendships that way?
A: I did. I specifically didn't want a mean girl or a bully, but kids who had their own problems to work through and still cared for and helped each other. Zach is coming off a recent breakup with his boyfriend and Annalise is a great listener. Maya takes charge and gathers the troops when things seem bleak.
Q: The setting is pure small town Wisconsin. How did you go about making it realistic and accurate?
A: I live in northern Illinois, very close to Wisconsin, and I've spent many summers enjoying Wisconsin's lakes. My younger daughter graduated from UW-Madison and there was a small town I'd drive through when I was going to visit her. Just one main street and a few blocks of houses. There's something about these kinds of towns that fascinate me because many of them have remained unchanged for decades and they give us a glimpse of how life once was. While I was writing, I pictured that town in my mind.
Q: Tell us about the Thought Wall in the office of the lakeside cabins that Annalise's family runs.
A: There was a pizza place everyone went to when I was a teenager where patrons could scribble on the wood tables, and I loved that. The idea that guests who were staying in the lakeside cabins could write messages on the office wall just delighted me because it's so present and not online. It speaks to the plot, too, because the messages change when Renn Lake is closed and the reader gets a sense of how people are reacting -- both positively and negatively.
Q: What do you hope that kids take away from the book?
A: To keep raising their voices about changes we need to make to save our planet. And to do whatever they can in their homes, schools, and communities, no matter how big or small, everything will make a difference. Water, land, trees, and plants are so crucial to the balance of all living things. We need to do a better job of caring for them so the earth is healthy for future generations.
Find out more about HELLO FROM RENN LAKE on Michele's website: micheleweberhurwitz.com and consider pre-ordering from bookshop.org, an online bookstore with a mission to support independent bookstores and give back to communities.
Q: How did you come up with the idea? What was your inspiration?
A: My book ideas always start out as loose threads that seemingly have nothing to do with each other, but then they weave together in my mind. I was inspired by the kids who've been protesting and speaking out on the climate crisis, and harmful algal blooms that have been increasing in all bodies of water. I love lakes, and the entire lake culture, and was saddened to learn that many are not healthy. I also had been thinking about themes of abandonment and roots, both of which ended up as part of Annalise's and Renn Lake's story arcs.
Q: Did you do a lot of research?
A: Yes! Even though this is fiction, my editor and I wanted to make the events as factual and accurate as possible. I researched harmful algal blooms (HABs) online and also worked with extremely helpful people at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Wisconsin Division of Public Health. I included an informational section in the back of the book for kids who want to learn more about lakes, rivers, and algal blooms, and it's narrated by one of the characters, Annalise's friend Zach.
Q: What is one of your favorite things about this story?
A: That it's not only told by Annalise, but also by Renn Lake and its cousin, a river, Tru. They are both genderless, by the way, which seemed right to me. Having the nature elements as narrators really deepens the plot, as they are able to relay events in a way that human narrators couldn't.
Q: What three words best describe the novel?
A: Inspiring, hopeful, thought-provoking. That might be four words.
Q: Flip to a random page and give us a short teaser.
A: "I've thought long and hard about those four heart chambers. A brilliant design. If one should break, as it must have for Annalise when she was first told about being abandoned, there are still three others to rely on. But what about me and Tru, with our simple heart? What if it breaks?"
Q: Is there a scene that makes you tear up, or laugh?
A: There are many! Annalise's little sister Jess is very funny at times but also makes me tear up. She's tough and spunky but fragile, too. There's a scene at the end where she makes her voice heard and stands up for what the kids have done. I smile and cry at the same time.
Q: Annalise's friends, Maya and Zach, each have some issues going on, but they're all supportive of each other. Did you set out to portray their friendships that way?
A: I did. I specifically didn't want a mean girl or a bully, but kids who had their own problems to work through and still cared for and helped each other. Zach is coming off a recent breakup with his boyfriend and Annalise is a great listener. Maya takes charge and gathers the troops when things seem bleak.
Q: The setting is pure small town Wisconsin. How did you go about making it realistic and accurate?
A: I live in northern Illinois, very close to Wisconsin, and I've spent many summers enjoying Wisconsin's lakes. My younger daughter graduated from UW-Madison and there was a small town I'd drive through when I was going to visit her. Just one main street and a few blocks of houses. There's something about these kinds of towns that fascinate me because many of them have remained unchanged for decades and they give us a glimpse of how life once was. While I was writing, I pictured that town in my mind.
Q: Tell us about the Thought Wall in the office of the lakeside cabins that Annalise's family runs.
A: There was a pizza place everyone went to when I was a teenager where patrons could scribble on the wood tables, and I loved that. The idea that guests who were staying in the lakeside cabins could write messages on the office wall just delighted me because it's so present and not online. It speaks to the plot, too, because the messages change when Renn Lake is closed and the reader gets a sense of how people are reacting -- both positively and negatively.
Q: What do you hope that kids take away from the book?
A: To keep raising their voices about changes we need to make to save our planet. And to do whatever they can in their homes, schools, and communities, no matter how big or small, everything will make a difference. Water, land, trees, and plants are so crucial to the balance of all living things. We need to do a better job of caring for them so the earth is healthy for future generations.
Find out more about HELLO FROM RENN LAKE on Michele's website: micheleweberhurwitz.com and consider pre-ordering from bookshop.org, an online bookstore with a mission to support independent bookstores and give back to communities.
April 15, 2020
The Light Still Shining
Ashley WolffLike everyone else, I am sheltering in place. Because I have taught classes online for years, I have been fortunate to not experience much disruption in my classes. However, as a writer, it has been more challenging to make my art during this time of anxiety-producing calamity and deluge of bad news.
While staying informed is a necessity to surviving the crisis, it becomes all too easy to become overwhelmed by it. To be swept away by it. To be defeated by the despair of it.
“The arts are … a very human way of making life more bearable. Practicing an art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow, for heaven's sake. Sing in the shower. Dance to the radio. Tell stories. Write a poem to a friend, even a lousy poem. Do it as well as you possible can. You will get an enormous reward. You will have created something.” ― Kurt Vonnegut, A Man Without a Country
The light still shining amid all the darkness, however, is the harboring community of writers and artists that share my space. Remember the Taoist principle, noted by Chuang Tzu, “When you open your heart, you get life’s ten thousand sorrows, and ten thousand joys.”
Over these many weeks, with all the ten thousand sorrows we’ve experienced as a nation and world community, many artists – writers, illustrators, storytellers, musicians, editors, librarians, teachers, and more – have started to share their art in all its many forms. And in so doing, they became the ten thousand joys, the candles of light amid the dark night. For example:
Illustrator Ashley Wolff and her incomparable Rufus reminded everyone in every state to Be Strong.
Storyteller Kevin O’Malley invited those in his Facebook sphere to send him ideas, whether about their favorite people or their favorite things, and he responded to making every wish come true!
Kevin O'MalleyBook Riot offers a list of children authors posting videos of reading their books and offering activities for their young audiences.
O! And look at this treat! Master Storyteller Eric Kimmel reads folktales from around the world!
The great Tomie dePaola reads the story he wrote about his Grandpa Tom!
One of my favorites reads my favorite, Rafe Martin reads his The Rough-Faced Girl!
At Publisher’s Weekly, Alex Green showcases How Kids' Lit Is Responding to the Coronavirus .Updated for the April 14 issue, this list includes Follett’s free e-book platform for schools, Capstone’s interactive web resources, Epic’s free digital library, and more.
Storyline Online streams videos featuring celebrated actors reading children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations. Readers include Viola Davis, Chris Pine, Lily Tomlin, Kevin Costner, Annette Bening, James Earl Jones, Betty White and dozens more. Each book includes supplemental curriculum developed by a credentialed elementary educator, aiming to strengthen comprehension and verbal and written skills for English-language learners.
We Are Teachers offer The Big List of Children’s Authors Doing Online Read-Alouds & Activities. With kids at home and parents looking for educational activities, many of our favorite authors are offering online read-alouds and activities on social media. The list includes over 50 of the best virtual author activities below!
Share your favorite videos and inspirations, whatever it may be. Let's add to the ten thousand joys that bring light in this time of darkness!
--Bobbi Miller
April 12, 2020
Book Love in the Time of Caronavirus...
Apologies for the take on LOVE IN THE TIME OF CHOLERA...but I am going to be sharing things that we are all sharing these days as we've taken our book promotion indoors.
My newest book WISHES, DARES, AND HOW TO STAND UP TO A BULLY debuted on April 7, 2020 and since I couldn't have the traditional birthday launch, here are a few things I've been doing to get the word out:
1. Blog tour that began in late March and will end in late April.
2. Made a nine minute video for a classroom teacher to share with her students online. It was for a classroom of 4th graders that was supposed to host a launch event this month.
3. shared posts on FB, Twitter and social media.
4. Will be doing a podcast next week.
5. Hosted several give-aways for the book.
6. Shared curriculum Guides and teacher materials, lessons and workshops on the SCBWI website for teachers to use in virtual classrooms.
7. Participated in the #AuthorsTakeAction movement on social media.
As to whether any of it will make a difference in terms of exposure or sales is beside the point. Being able to connect with others during this unprecedented time is really the goal.
Being able to share the good news and show "BOOK LOVE" TO other author friends is equally important. While we're "sheltering in place" we can still support one another and the KidLit community by:
1. Reading and sharing good books on our social media sites.
2. Writing and posting reviews for our favorite author's books.
3. Keeping in touch with author friends and the "family" we have in this community called Children's Literature.
May you all stay safe, be well, and enjoy the wonderful world we are privileged to be a part of. #ALONETOGETHER.
My newest book WISHES, DARES, AND HOW TO STAND UP TO A BULLY debuted on April 7, 2020 and since I couldn't have the traditional birthday launch, here are a few things I've been doing to get the word out:
1. Blog tour that began in late March and will end in late April.
2. Made a nine minute video for a classroom teacher to share with her students online. It was for a classroom of 4th graders that was supposed to host a launch event this month.
3. shared posts on FB, Twitter and social media.
4. Will be doing a podcast next week.
5. Hosted several give-aways for the book.
6. Shared curriculum Guides and teacher materials, lessons and workshops on the SCBWI website for teachers to use in virtual classrooms.
7. Participated in the #AuthorsTakeAction movement on social media.
As to whether any of it will make a difference in terms of exposure or sales is beside the point. Being able to connect with others during this unprecedented time is really the goal.
Being able to share the good news and show "BOOK LOVE" TO other author friends is equally important. While we're "sheltering in place" we can still support one another and the KidLit community by:
1. Reading and sharing good books on our social media sites.
2. Writing and posting reviews for our favorite author's books.
3. Keeping in touch with author friends and the "family" we have in this community called Children's Literature.
May you all stay safe, be well, and enjoy the wonderful world we are privileged to be a part of. #ALONETOGETHER.
April 11, 2020
The Crashing of My Plan to Write a Post on My Relationship with Poetry
by Jody Feldman
At 6:10 a.m.
inspiration – finally! –
for my WIP's first line
At 6:10 a.m.
inspiration – finally! –
for my WIP's first line
April 8, 2020
The Easter Bunny Is an Essential Worker -- by Jane Kelley
In these trying times, I have been struggling with not struggling. While medical professionals, delivery people, warehouse workers, and grocery store clerks risk their lives for us, much of my life has not altered. I have always worked from home. It really doesn't feel like a sacrifice for me to stay inside. But I didn't know what else I could do to help people.
Then yesterday I learned that the Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern has declared the Easter Bunny to be an essential worker.
Here are two hard-working rabbits. They've got a lot of eggs to deliver. And a lot of kids to visit. I'm glad to see them in sensible shoes and with backpack baskets. You can carry a lot more that way. But is what they're carrying really essential? I love candy and I eat a lot of eggs, but let's be real. Jelly beans???? (Apologies to those of you who really do like them. I suspect my father only pretended to enjoy the purple ones because someone had to eat them.)
Those rabbits are delivering a lot more than sugar. Rabbits and eggs are symbols. New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere. There, Easter isn't a harbinger of actual spring. But it is a celebration of what spring means. New life. New growth. Something sweet. Something kind of absurd and whimsical. Hidden surprises that can be found. In other words, something fictional.
Yes, the Easter Bunny and I are essential workers. I'm going to keep bringing together unusual elements (like rabbits bringing eggs) and find a way to make them into a story. Hopefully those stories will make people laugh and take a break from grim realities and encourage people to care about each other and inspire readers to tell stories of their own.
I will never actually save someone's life. But I do have an important contribution to make. We all do.
Then yesterday I learned that the Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern has declared the Easter Bunny to be an essential worker.
Here are two hard-working rabbits. They've got a lot of eggs to deliver. And a lot of kids to visit. I'm glad to see them in sensible shoes and with backpack baskets. You can carry a lot more that way. But is what they're carrying really essential? I love candy and I eat a lot of eggs, but let's be real. Jelly beans???? (Apologies to those of you who really do like them. I suspect my father only pretended to enjoy the purple ones because someone had to eat them.)Those rabbits are delivering a lot more than sugar. Rabbits and eggs are symbols. New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere. There, Easter isn't a harbinger of actual spring. But it is a celebration of what spring means. New life. New growth. Something sweet. Something kind of absurd and whimsical. Hidden surprises that can be found. In other words, something fictional.
Yes, the Easter Bunny and I are essential workers. I'm going to keep bringing together unusual elements (like rabbits bringing eggs) and find a way to make them into a story. Hopefully those stories will make people laugh and take a break from grim realities and encourage people to care about each other and inspire readers to tell stories of their own.
I will never actually save someone's life. But I do have an important contribution to make. We all do.
April 1, 2020
Smack Dab News - Coronavirus Edition
Authors at Smack Dab in the Middle have a slew of activities and freebies to help you and your young readers during these trying times. We hope this will help fill the hour, provide some fun and laughter, keep minds busy, even help teachers looking for some additional online resources.
Holly Schindler
My Invent Your Own Superhero: A Brainstorming Journal - Deluxe Edition is currently free in e-book form:
Download links:
Amazon
Apple
B&N
Kobo
CHRIS TEBBETTS
1) I have a new YouTube channel, where I'm offering read-alouds from my books, as well as a couple of "pause-and-write" video workshops for grades 4-8--one on Good Story Beginnings; and another on Four Elements of Character. Both workshops incorporate my co-authored series books as examples. (Lousy pic, but you get the idea... :-))
2) I'm also offering free Skype/Zoom visits for any kids who would like to have a chat about my books and/or the writing process. Happy to chat individually or with whole classes.
3) And I'm currently offering a limited number of free mini-mentorships as well, for motivated creative writers (grades 4-12) who would like some extra help with a story, novel, or with their writing in general, between now and the end of the school year.
Contact: chris@christebbetts.com
Best to everyone out there!
MICHELE WEBER HURWITZ
Teachers, librarians, classrooms, book clubs -- email Michele to set up a free 20 minute Skype or Zoom session about Michele's new middle grade novel coming in May -- Hello from Renn Lake. Very timely topics of the climate crisis and youth activism, as Annalise Oliver, 12, tries to save the lake in her small Wisconsin town after it's closed due to a harmful algae bloom. Kirkus says the story is "An earnest and disarming tale of human and environmental caring."
In a unique twist, the lake is one of the narrators.
Contact: micheleweberhurwitz@gmail.com
Over the past weeks, as less cars have been on the road and buildings have been shut, scientists are noting that our air and waterways are cleaner. This is a message loud and clear -- we need to take better care of our planet and all of its living things.
Stay healthy!
DARLENE BECK JACOBSON
Free down-loadable Curriculum Guides for her new novel-in-verse WISHES, DARES, AND HOW TO STAND UP TO A BULLY. Guides include study questions, vocabulary lists, Curriculum guide on anti bullying. Lots of kid-friendly activities on her blog.
She also has wordsearch puzzles and will do a Skype visit to any classroom who uses her book. Visit http://www.darlenebeckjacobson.com.
Alone together...we can do this! xo
Ask Me 3 QUESTIONS
And I'll answer with
a PERSONAL VIDEO
Hi! It's Jody Feldman. I originally set this offer up with virtual classes in mind, but if you, as a group, a class, a family (in any shape or size), would like to ask me questions about my books, about writing ... hey, I'm happy to answer anything ... this is your chance.
Click here for more info!
IRENE LATHAM
Celebrate National Poetry Month (April) with FREE poems! Poetry can be a balm and a joy during these difficult times... and over the years I've shared hundred of poems on my blog. For 2020 I've been adding to the collection by sharing a poem each Poetry Friday as part of ArtSpeak: RED (in which I write a poem after a piece of art that includes/features the color red). You can find the poems (along with graphics, videos, poetry-writing tips) at the Poem Index tab of my Live Your Poem blog.
Additionally, my latest book with Charles Waters, DICTIONARY FOR A BETTER WORLD: Poems, Quotes and Anecdotes from A to Z, offers all kinds of connections to this current crisis. You can find the Discussion Guide here and videos of Charles performing many of the poems here.
Feel free to contact me via email: irene (at) irenelatham (dot) com. Together we're going to get through this! xo
Ginger Rue / Tig Ripley Series:
Virtual Storytimes & Book Recording Guidelines During COVID-19
By posting any book online, you agree to all terms and conditions outlined below. Sleeping Bear Press may adjust these terms in the future, as necessary.
Please clarify at the beginning of your reading that you are reading with permission from Sleeping Bear Press.
Please delete any publicly posted videos (on Youtube, Instagram. Facebook, etc) by June 30, 2020.
For recordings available on password protected or virtual learning sites, we are allowing the use with no deadline at this time.
Please email julia.hlavac@sleepingbearpress.com to let us know which title you are sharing and on which platform.
Are you a teacher or parent with a request of your own for one of the Smack Dab authors? Please don't hesitate to get in touch at smackdab(dot)middle(at)yahoo.com. Stay safe and well!
Holly Schindler
My Invent Your Own Superhero: A Brainstorming Journal - Deluxe Edition is currently free in e-book form:
Download links:Amazon
Apple
B&N
Kobo
CHRIS TEBBETTS
1) I have a new YouTube channel, where I'm offering read-alouds from my books, as well as a couple of "pause-and-write" video workshops for grades 4-8--one on Good Story Beginnings; and another on Four Elements of Character. Both workshops incorporate my co-authored series books as examples. (Lousy pic, but you get the idea... :-))
2) I'm also offering free Skype/Zoom visits for any kids who would like to have a chat about my books and/or the writing process. Happy to chat individually or with whole classes.
3) And I'm currently offering a limited number of free mini-mentorships as well, for motivated creative writers (grades 4-12) who would like some extra help with a story, novel, or with their writing in general, between now and the end of the school year.
Contact: chris@christebbetts.com
Best to everyone out there!
MICHELE WEBER HURWITZ
Teachers, librarians, classrooms, book clubs -- email Michele to set up a free 20 minute Skype or Zoom session about Michele's new middle grade novel coming in May -- Hello from Renn Lake. Very timely topics of the climate crisis and youth activism, as Annalise Oliver, 12, tries to save the lake in her small Wisconsin town after it's closed due to a harmful algae bloom. Kirkus says the story is "An earnest and disarming tale of human and environmental caring."
In a unique twist, the lake is one of the narrators.
Contact: micheleweberhurwitz@gmail.com
Over the past weeks, as less cars have been on the road and buildings have been shut, scientists are noting that our air and waterways are cleaner. This is a message loud and clear -- we need to take better care of our planet and all of its living things.
Stay healthy!
DARLENE BECK JACOBSON
Free down-loadable Curriculum Guides for her new novel-in-verse WISHES, DARES, AND HOW TO STAND UP TO A BULLY. Guides include study questions, vocabulary lists, Curriculum guide on anti bullying. Lots of kid-friendly activities on her blog.
She also has wordsearch puzzles and will do a Skype visit to any classroom who uses her book. Visit http://www.darlenebeckjacobson.com.
Alone together...we can do this! xo
Ask Me 3 QUESTIONSAnd I'll answer with
a PERSONAL VIDEO
Hi! It's Jody Feldman. I originally set this offer up with virtual classes in mind, but if you, as a group, a class, a family (in any shape or size), would like to ask me questions about my books, about writing ... hey, I'm happy to answer anything ... this is your chance.
Click here for more info!
IRENE LATHAM
Celebrate National Poetry Month (April) with FREE poems! Poetry can be a balm and a joy during these difficult times... and over the years I've shared hundred of poems on my blog. For 2020 I've been adding to the collection by sharing a poem each Poetry Friday as part of ArtSpeak: RED (in which I write a poem after a piece of art that includes/features the color red). You can find the poems (along with graphics, videos, poetry-writing tips) at the Poem Index tab of my Live Your Poem blog.
Additionally, my latest book with Charles Waters, DICTIONARY FOR A BETTER WORLD: Poems, Quotes and Anecdotes from A to Z, offers all kinds of connections to this current crisis. You can find the Discussion Guide here and videos of Charles performing many of the poems here.Feel free to contact me via email: irene (at) irenelatham (dot) com. Together we're going to get through this! xo
Ginger Rue / Tig Ripley Series:
Virtual Storytimes & Book Recording Guidelines During COVID-19By posting any book online, you agree to all terms and conditions outlined below. Sleeping Bear Press may adjust these terms in the future, as necessary.
Please clarify at the beginning of your reading that you are reading with permission from Sleeping Bear Press.
Please delete any publicly posted videos (on Youtube, Instagram. Facebook, etc) by June 30, 2020.
For recordings available on password protected or virtual learning sites, we are allowing the use with no deadline at this time.
Please email julia.hlavac@sleepingbearpress.com to let us know which title you are sharing and on which platform.
Are you a teacher or parent with a request of your own for one of the Smack Dab authors? Please don't hesitate to get in touch at smackdab(dot)middle(at)yahoo.com. Stay safe and well!
March 29, 2020
Where Art Thou?
by Charlotte Bennardo
The theme this month is art: cover art, juvenile art, graphic art, etc.
Photo by Marko Blazevic from Pexels
For a short time I read comic books when I was very young. My father was a graphic artist but didn't share that talent with me. My brother has artistic talent, but didn't use it. My mother did some painting, but gave it up. My stick figures are pathetic.
My artistic 'skill' is limited to what I am drawn to and can appreciate. I have favorites- like Van Gogh's Starry Night. Like Monet's Les Jardins de Giverny. Vistas of brilliant sunsets and tropical beaches.
As for cover art, there are a lot of covers that don't thrill me (my books included), and some that do.
With this Covid-19 pandemic, I think art will reflect this dark time: not only in pictures, photography, and graffiti, but also on book covers. Writers all over the globe will write stories, fictional and non-fictional, about this time and there will need to be covers for those books. I wonder how they will look, what art directors and cover artists and illustrators will use to portray how we were feeling and dealing with this pandemic, our lives so overwhelmed with the spread, the fatalities, the upheaval, and the pain of it.
The artist's job is to be a witness to his time in history.Robert Rauschenberg
Wishing you all health, safety, and comfort.
The theme this month is art: cover art, juvenile art, graphic art, etc.
Photo by Marko Blazevic from PexelsFor a short time I read comic books when I was very young. My father was a graphic artist but didn't share that talent with me. My brother has artistic talent, but didn't use it. My mother did some painting, but gave it up. My stick figures are pathetic.
My artistic 'skill' is limited to what I am drawn to and can appreciate. I have favorites- like Van Gogh's Starry Night. Like Monet's Les Jardins de Giverny. Vistas of brilliant sunsets and tropical beaches.
As for cover art, there are a lot of covers that don't thrill me (my books included), and some that do.
With this Covid-19 pandemic, I think art will reflect this dark time: not only in pictures, photography, and graffiti, but also on book covers. Writers all over the globe will write stories, fictional and non-fictional, about this time and there will need to be covers for those books. I wonder how they will look, what art directors and cover artists and illustrators will use to portray how we were feeling and dealing with this pandemic, our lives so overwhelmed with the spread, the fatalities, the upheaval, and the pain of it.
The artist's job is to be a witness to his time in history.Robert Rauschenberg
Wishing you all health, safety, and comfort.
March 27, 2020
Cover Hate (or at Least, Dislike)
Since Nancy Cavanaugh blogged about loving her book covers (and I don't blame her one bit--they're awesome!), I thought I'd talk about the flip side.
I was so excited to have my first book published in 2009, but when the publisher showed me the cover design, I was crestfallen. I thought it was...let's just say, unattractive. But don't take my word for it...what do you think?
I didn't want to be a diva because, hey, what do I know about art? But I knew I didn't like it.
The book was reviewed for possible inclusion in Scholastic Book Fairs but didn't make the cut. I didn't know why...until....
The paperback was released. The paperback had a much nicer cover, in my opinion. Do you agree?
Once it was released in paperback, the book was selected for the book fairs, where it did pretty well. I actually somehow wound up with the opportunity to speak to someone at Scholastic about the whole thing, and she confirmed that the sticking point on the first go round was that they didn't think the book would sell with the original cover.
So there you go. Same book, different cover. Art makes all the difference. I still don't know much about art, but I know when I'm thrilled with a cover. I practically did back flips over the Aleca Zamm covers. Here's the first one in the series:
The German version was a totally different artistic concept, but super awesome as well:
I can't draw a stick figure myself, so I'm always impressed by people with this much artistic talent. As an author, I know it makes all the difference between a book kids want to read and a book they pass right by. Like Nancy said, most authors don't have much say in our books' artwork, so when you get lucky like this, it's a wonderful thing. Art matters!
Ginger Rue is the author of the Aleca Zamm series from Aladdin and the Tig Ripley series from Sleeping Bear.
I was so excited to have my first book published in 2009, but when the publisher showed me the cover design, I was crestfallen. I thought it was...let's just say, unattractive. But don't take my word for it...what do you think?
I didn't want to be a diva because, hey, what do I know about art? But I knew I didn't like it.
The book was reviewed for possible inclusion in Scholastic Book Fairs but didn't make the cut. I didn't know why...until....
The paperback was released. The paperback had a much nicer cover, in my opinion. Do you agree?
Once it was released in paperback, the book was selected for the book fairs, where it did pretty well. I actually somehow wound up with the opportunity to speak to someone at Scholastic about the whole thing, and she confirmed that the sticking point on the first go round was that they didn't think the book would sell with the original cover.
So there you go. Same book, different cover. Art makes all the difference. I still don't know much about art, but I know when I'm thrilled with a cover. I practically did back flips over the Aleca Zamm covers. Here's the first one in the series:
The German version was a totally different artistic concept, but super awesome as well:
I can't draw a stick figure myself, so I'm always impressed by people with this much artistic talent. As an author, I know it makes all the difference between a book kids want to read and a book they pass right by. Like Nancy said, most authors don't have much say in our books' artwork, so when you get lucky like this, it's a wonderful thing. Art matters!
Ginger Rue is the author of the Aleca Zamm series from Aladdin and the Tig Ripley series from Sleeping Bear.
March 25, 2020
Ode to the Paragraph: A Visual Work of Art (Holly Schindler)
When my first book was going through edits, I was shocked by what happened to my paragraphs.
This happened fairly late in the editing process--when I got first pass pages. This is the stage during which the interior of the book has been designed. The trim size has been set, along with margins, the fonts officially chosen, line spacing determined.
It really doesn't matter what trim size your publisher chooses (in my experience, the 5x8 or 5.5 x 8.5 seems the most common), the pages will be smaller than the pages in your Word doc. Which means your paragraphs are inevitably longer. Sometimes a lot longer. Which means your work can suddenly seem really description heavy.
Even if it's really not.
Nothing can turn a reader off like long winding paragraphs of description. It's true of adults, and it's especially true of kids!
It really is amazing how the mere appearance of a page of text can turn a reader off--even before they dive in to the actual words.
Do yourself a favor: during the drafting process, make it a point to keep your paragraphs short and tight. During your own editing process (as you're revising before submitting to an editor or agent), try adjusting your margins--make them extra wide. Or, if you're able, compile in an ebook format to read on one of your devices (which will have a smaller screen than a destop or laptop).
Eyeball your paragraphs without reading them--do they look inviting? Like something a reader could speed through? Or do they look like quicksand you might never get out of?
So much of a book's appearance is outside the writer's hands. But the shape of paragraphs is something all writers can use to help give their pages a welcoming appearance.
This happened fairly late in the editing process--when I got first pass pages. This is the stage during which the interior of the book has been designed. The trim size has been set, along with margins, the fonts officially chosen, line spacing determined.
It really doesn't matter what trim size your publisher chooses (in my experience, the 5x8 or 5.5 x 8.5 seems the most common), the pages will be smaller than the pages in your Word doc. Which means your paragraphs are inevitably longer. Sometimes a lot longer. Which means your work can suddenly seem really description heavy.
Even if it's really not.
Nothing can turn a reader off like long winding paragraphs of description. It's true of adults, and it's especially true of kids!
It really is amazing how the mere appearance of a page of text can turn a reader off--even before they dive in to the actual words.
Do yourself a favor: during the drafting process, make it a point to keep your paragraphs short and tight. During your own editing process (as you're revising before submitting to an editor or agent), try adjusting your margins--make them extra wide. Or, if you're able, compile in an ebook format to read on one of your devices (which will have a smaller screen than a destop or laptop).
Eyeball your paragraphs without reading them--do they look inviting? Like something a reader could speed through? Or do they look like quicksand you might never get out of?
So much of a book's appearance is outside the writer's hands. But the shape of paragraphs is something all writers can use to help give their pages a welcoming appearance.
March 23, 2020
Smack Dab in the Imagination: Masks are Beautiful! by Dia Calhoun
We are at war with COVID19. We need to find ways to help the war effort while maintaining social distancing. I had to DO something. So my neighbor and I began sewing desperately needed masks.
When I started sharing photos, many friends asked for directions. Here is a link. to a video with directions. It's not hard, but like anything new, takes making a few before the process feels easy.
If you and your family are isolated at home, this is a project you can do together. One person can cut fabric pieces, another elastic lengths, another iron in the folds, another sew, another iron the final. These masks have a twist tie inserted in the top seam, so the mask can be molded tight over the nose. You can also used pipe cleaners or floral wire. Kids could decorate the masks with permanent marker with words like hope, love, smile, laughter, or even little phrases. And someone else can deliver/mail the finished masks.
Note: These can be washed and reused. Be sure to use a cotton fabric that is prewashed--so when the mask is washed it won't shrink. This design has an open top so a filter piece of non-woven fabric, like interfacing, (think unscented bounce sheet) can be inserted. Those can be tossed.
My neighbor prepares the pieces and I sew them. I can sew one in 10-15 minutes now. We will be mailing them to homeless shelters, senior centers, fire stations,clinics, anywhere in our community the need is urgent.
This feels wonderful. I am DOING something! If you like the social media connection, there is a FaceBook page called Seamstresses Unite who are sewing masks too. They call themselves Rosie the Riveter, ala WW2.
Stay well. Stay home. Stay engaged!
When I started sharing photos, many friends asked for directions. Here is a link. to a video with directions. It's not hard, but like anything new, takes making a few before the process feels easy.
If you and your family are isolated at home, this is a project you can do together. One person can cut fabric pieces, another elastic lengths, another iron in the folds, another sew, another iron the final. These masks have a twist tie inserted in the top seam, so the mask can be molded tight over the nose. You can also used pipe cleaners or floral wire. Kids could decorate the masks with permanent marker with words like hope, love, smile, laughter, or even little phrases. And someone else can deliver/mail the finished masks.
Note: These can be washed and reused. Be sure to use a cotton fabric that is prewashed--so when the mask is washed it won't shrink. This design has an open top so a filter piece of non-woven fabric, like interfacing, (think unscented bounce sheet) can be inserted. Those can be tossed.
My neighbor prepares the pieces and I sew them. I can sew one in 10-15 minutes now. We will be mailing them to homeless shelters, senior centers, fire stations,clinics, anywhere in our community the need is urgent.
This feels wonderful. I am DOING something! If you like the social media connection, there is a FaceBook page called Seamstresses Unite who are sewing masks too. They call themselves Rosie the Riveter, ala WW2.
Stay well. Stay home. Stay engaged!
