Caroline Bock's Blog: Caroline Anna Bock Writes, page 14

POWER. Electricity. Scrabble. Bring Up the Bodies. Christopher Smart.

Two weeks without electrical power and finally, someone, said let there
be light and there was light late on Sunday night here on Long Island – and
heat and television and computers and all the modern conveniences that make our
lives both easier and more complicated. I learned a lot of the last few days: 
-I re-discovered Scrabble – and found at that 12-year-olds
can be as competitive at Scrabble as they are at soccer! I also re-lived the joy of snow through his joy at the Nor'easter of November on Long Island. 
-I read poetry to the kids at night – they liked My Cat Jeoffry  the spiritual poem on cats by Christopher Smart the best and so did I. Our cat, Shelton, liked it
too.  As Smart ends his poem about his cat, we petted our cat. "For he is of the tribe of Tiger... For every house is incompleat without him &/ a blessing is lacking in the spirit." 
-I found the joy of early bedtimes, for the kids, and myself
at 7:30 pm and for waking with the sunrise.
-Historical novels are better settings than contemporary ones when you are living in a cold,  dark surreal setting, I found contemporary settings where people argued over money and politics hard to focus on. For example, I started Richard Ford’s Canada (plan to finish it), J.K. Rowling’s Casual Vacancy (don’t plan to finish in the near future) but I did finish Hilary Mantel’s  Bring Up The Bodies-- about the last weeks of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII set in the brutal fall and winter of 1535. (If you don't recall Anne was the one beheaded and pushed aside for wife number three: Jane Seymour).
And, I worried a lot – about my family in the cold – though we
were better off than many others – and remembered to be thankful for what we
had: an intact house and car and, most importantly, one another. We celebrated
by lighting candles on Friday night and saying prayers, even though we had no
choice but to light candles, the prayers had a special meaning flickering the darkness with grace and calm.  
We live in strange times – between the future that we fear
and the past, which we can’t return to. I just hope we won’t be living in the
dark and cold until we figure out how to truly move forward.    Did the recent storms hit you? Or have you experienced
natural disasters where you live? Did it change the way you think or do things?  Be well out there, my friends.  And when you have time, consider reading my debut novel: LIE.
Truly,
Caroline

Questions and answers on LIE

I’ve been asked so many questions regarding my debut novel LIE that I decided to write up a few the most interesting questions – and my answers. If you’ve read LIE I’d love to hear your thoughts!

On the surface, LIE is about white teens and a hate crime against Hispanics. Was there a particular incident that made you interested in this subject?
In 2008, I became aware of news stories about attacks against Hispanics in suburban areas, including on Long Island, where a group of mostly white teenagers attacked Marcelo Lucero and his brother. Marcelo Lucero ultimately died from the attack. And there were other attacks by suburban teens against Hispanics-- in Brooklyn, New York and in Pennsylvania. I am not saying these were the first, or will be the last, incidences of racism in the suburbs, but it was just the moment when I opened my eyes.
At the same time, after ending a long career in cable television, I started attending The City College of New York MFA-Fiction program in Harlem. I had people from all over the world in my classes. I thought surely some writer, somewhere, should take the idea of racism in the suburbs and run with it. But then I thought: Why can’t this person be me? I started writing, furiously, and finished a first draft in about three months. So, while this story was inspired by true events, it is wholly fictional – all the characters are sprung from my imagination.

But the crime seems to be a launching off for something more. What would you say that ‘more’ is?

The ‘more’ is a key question. The ‘more’ in my head is this: What makes good people follow others who are not? What makes some people followers and other leaders? What makes those leaders be bullies or haters? Ultimately, there’s a famous quote – “All it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing,” (Edmund Burke), and I kept turning that over in my head as created all these characters, who are grappling what they should do going forward, especially Skylar Thompson and Sean Mayer, the two teens at the heart of the story.

Why should teens care about evil triumphing or not?
Why should anybody? We live in a world were we have to make choices every day that affect others in big and little ways. We’re all interconnected, aren’t we? On some level? Though, admittedly, I know I made some pretty bad choices at time because I thought everybody else was thinking the same way.

What kind of bad choices?
I think I’m going to save that for my next novel!

P.S. My next novel, BEFORE MY EYES, is coming out in 2014 from St. Martin's Press! More about LIE at www.carolinebock.com.Lie

SUMMER SOLSTICE Contest! Win a Signed Copy of LIE

The Summer Solstice is tonight and I am feeling open and generous. One winner will be selected tonight -- and sent a free, signed copy of my debut novel LIE .
So today, June 20, the summer solstice, the first day of summer, the longest day of the year,the shortest night, the day the Druids believe is a wedding of heaven and earth, the day that honors Li, the Chinese goddess of Light, email me your name and snail mail address (anywhere in the world) and I will randomly select one winner.  Also, make sure you put  "LIE" in the subject line.  Email me tonight for your chance to win a FREE copy of LIE at:  caroline@carolinebock.com .

Last thought: I found a wonderful set of 10 tips for young writers from author Sue Macy www.suemacy.com/for-kids.
Happy reading!!
Truly, author of LIE
very last thought: Upcoming events for me -- both on Long Island in New York: Valley Stream
Public Library on Friday, July 13 at 6:30 pm and Uniondale Public
Library on Wednesday, July 18 at 7 pm. Hope to see you there!!

Crime and Punishment - Dostoevsky and Me

Re-read Crime and Punishment by Feodor Dostoevsky in the 98 degree heat, which just broke in a lacerating storm of thunder and lightening and downpour. Maybe this is not what others would consider fun summer reading though it's set in the stifling heat of 19th century St. Petersburg in summer and strikes close to the bone -- for me. 

Why Crime and Punishment ?  It's considered the first modern psychological novel -- a portrait of a tormented murderer -- and his redemption -- and my next novel has a character that drew me back to its main character Raskolnikov.  However, my character in my new novel has no ex-prostitute to save him, no exile to Siberia to redeem him, no confession -- only the breakdown of reality and his mind -- and yes, death on his hands too. 

" 'To think that I can contemplate such a terrible act and yet be afraid of such trifles, he thought, and he smiled strangely.  'Hm... yes... a man holds the fate of the world in his two hands, and yet, simply because he is afraid, he lets things, drift -- that is a truism... I wonder what men are most afraid of..."  Raskolnikov in the opening chapter. (I would recommend the "Norton Critical Edition" of this classic over any other).
This blog receives quite a number of "clicks" from Russia (and even recently Romania!) -- is Crime and Punishment still read there?  And to all, is there an answer to Raskolinkov's rant: What are men most afraid of?
Musings for this summer evening...one filled with the darkening threat of more rain. 

If you haven't read LIE, my debut novel, consider it for your summer reading list --

Truly,
Caroline Bock author of LIE 
   

Writing Resources -- Personal and Practical Tips for New Writers

Hope all are having a beautiful summer out there in cyberspace!  I spent my Friday night with this amazing group of teen readers and writers at the Valley Stream, NY public library. For this group I prepared a Tip Sheet of Writing Resources -- it starts off with my disclaimer:

This is by no means a comprehensive list, but represents groups
that I have participated in or taken classes with over the years— from Caroline
Bock, author of LIE.
More for Adults:
 
Society of Children’s Book
Writers and Illustrators – (SBCWI)  National
organization for children’s writers, I’m a member of the NYC chapter with
monthly seminars, annual winter meeting in January in NYC offers critiques,
workshops and panels. www.scbwi.org SheWrites  (for women writers only).  As they note, they are the “premier destination for women
writers, providing services and support for women at every stage of their
writing lives.”  Lots of free
information, sharing here.  Also
writing classes for a fee offered on line.  www.shewrites.com 
MediaBistro (on-line and in NYC, www.mediabistro.com): 
daily free email on the media business,  plus some excellent short-term writing classes.  Class with D.B. Gilles on screenwriting
is very worthwhile.  He has a new
book: The ScreenWriter Within – I
highly recommend it.  
Publisher’s Lunch – daily free email on the publishing business.  Key info for serious aspiring writer
about what books have been sold by what agents to what publisher’s, what books
optioned by film or television, and the scope of the deals.   A subscription component of the
site gives more details on deals.  www.publishersmarketplace.com 
AgentQuery – www.agentyquery.com – “the largest and most searchable
database of literary agents on the web.”   Also the “how to write a query” section is very
helpful (a “query” is a sale pitch letter about your project to a literary
agent).  
Long Island Children’s
Writers and Illustrators (LICWI) - a very inclusive Long Island, NY group
meets once a month at St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue, and features group
critiques of children –young adult work. 
Editor visits. Extremely
reasonable annual membership. www.licwi.org 

Hofstra Continuing Education (high school and adult
education writing classes year round and a well-run Summer Writers Institute on
Long Island).  If you are an
aspiring children’s writer, try a class with Brian Heinz, very worthwhile. www.hofstra.edu/ucce/summerwriting.edu 
More for Teens:
Figment: Write yourself in.  A community to share writing – no fee
to join.  Teen orientated.  Educator section too. Lots of resources
for teen writers here – and for adult writers interested in young adult
fiction,  Find interview with me on
this site!!  www.figment.com 
Stone Soup: It's a magazine written entirely by
children. Ask your librarian whether she has some copies you could read first.  Check out their website at www.stonesoup.com.If you wish to
submit, send to: Stone Soup Submissions Dept.
P.O. Box 83
Santa Cruz, CA 95063.
Include name, age, home address, phone number, and a self-addressed stamped
envelope.
 
Top Writing Competition for
High School students:   The Scholastic Art
& Writing Awards for grades 7-12. 
Top award for high school students in the country for writing.    Dramatic scripts, Flash
Fiction (1,300 words), Personal Essay, Poetry, Science Fiction, Short Story are
among the categories.  DEADLINE for
Northeast regional:  is in early
2013.  Regional and national
winners.  Scholarships for
winners.  More at www.artandwriting.org    Short list of books about
writing on my bookshelf for adults or teens: 
1)    On the art of writing: Bird by Bird by  Anne Lamott about the creative process;
On Writing by Stephen King and The Art of the Novelist by John Gardner.                                                                                     2)    On practical advice:  Immediate Fiction by  Jerry Cleaver, a complete writing course in one book; he Practical Writer from Inspiration to
Publication edited by Therese Eiben and Mary Gannon on the staff of Poets
& Writers Magazine and The Forest for
the Trees: an Editor’s Advice to Writers by Betsy Lerner.  Also, Poets&Writers Magazine and its website www.pw.org are essential
resources (I even worked at Poets & Writers for a short, sweet stint as an editorial assistant!).  
If
your school has a literary magazine, get involved. I truly began to think of
myself as a writer when I became involved in Opus, my New Rochelle High School literary magazine.  

Truly,
Caroline Bockauthor LIEa summer of 2012 must-read

Character Council of Greater Kentucky and LIE review

What a cool thing I discovered -- LIE was reviewed in this monthly educator bulletin for The Character Council of Greater Kentucky.  Now, as a writer, on first glance, I thought this was a writer's journal --i.e. development of fictional people in literature-- I have 10 distinct first person points of view in LIE and maybe someone in the Kentucky area thought this interesting.
But no, it's character as in a way to build ethics and values that we can all agree on like fairness, respect, trustworthiness,  and caring for one another -- themes that are at the heart of my debut young adult novel, LIE.   (We can agree that these are good things, right?  In our current political climate I often wonder!)
Here's the link to the Character Council of Greater Kentucky -- and you will find there a PDF of this amazingly insightful newsletter on building character in grades 1-12 -- www.charactercincinnati.org.

And here's an excerpt from their LIE review:  "This novel is a smart, topical story about a racially motivated hate crime, its far-ranging consequences and the community determined to keep it under wraps..."

Cool, right?
Truly,
Caroline Bock more about LIEat www.carolinebock.com

Advice to a Six Year Old After the Mass Shooting at the Midnight Showing of “The Dark Knight Rises"

Advice to a Six Year
Old After the Mass Shooting at the Midnight
Showing of “The Dark Knight Rises” 
by Caroline Bock 
We send our children off— with sunscreen and antibacterial lotion.With orders to drink lots of waterif it’s hot, and to button up, if it’s cold.I instruct my six year old not to scream—don’t draw attention—if the gunman points his semi-automatic your way—run out of sight, disappear into the air—know where the exits are located.Or if in a classroom, barricade yourself in.Don’t be a hero. Call 9-1-1. Come home from Columbine,West Virginia Tech, the “Congress at your Corner”meet and greet in Tucson, the midnight showing of “The Dark Knight Rises”—come home safe.But at six years old, she insists she is smarter than me:says she won’t leave my sight, she’ll hold my hand.She’ll eat her green vegetables. Go to bed early.We send our children off—mine, contrary to what she promises,breaks away, races across the dying grasses—the scent of apples on the ground—a new backpack slung on her sturdy shoulders—new sneakers tight on her feet.We stand in the autumn fields demandingthe world return our children safely to usand fear our voices can never be loud enough. 
                       ###                       Thoughts and prayers to all the victims and their families In Colorado.  
 
Caroline Bock is the
author of the critically-acclaimedyoung adult novel –
LIE – from St. Martin’s Press.    

Visiting Disney and Finding Writing Inspiration - Tips for New Writers

I recently visited the Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios - Disneyworld in Orlando Florida--and was inspired at every turn -- not by the rides (though don't miss the Star Wars Tour at Hollywood Studios or the newly updated and wildly colorful "It's a Small World" classic at the Magic Kingdom) but by the imagination of the place, by the charm, by the wonder in my kid's eyes at every turn. What fascinated my 12 year old son?  The talking garbage can in Tomorrowland. Was there a real person guiding it by remote control? Was it advanced robotics? Was is something else? Who was behind it (if anyone knows more about the talking garbage can in Tomorrowland - please let me know!). 

At Disney's Hollywood Studios, the theme park tribute to Hollywood and the movies, I stumbled upon The Writer's Stop... of course, I had to stop and go into to this coffee shop and bookstore. Here I found a brief respite from the 90 degree tropical heat, and even more so, I discovered:  The Imagineering Workout: Excercises to Shape Your Creative Muscles by The Disney Imagineers. This book is a gem, written in short chapters, with practical as well as inspiration advice, from those hands-on professionals -- from writers to designers to engineers --  who create for Disney. Here's a few of their suggestions:
"Inspiration comes from things infused with life," John Kavelin, Director, Design and Production, Tokyo Disneyland Resort
"Setting goals before and during the creative process enhances your projects...the key is to make sure the goals inspire and don't detract from your creative journey."  Dave Crawford, Principal Mechanical Engineer Show/Ride Engineering
"Your ability to articulate your likes and dislikes will give you the ability to champion and defend your project... observe what you like for five to ten minutes... observe what you don't like for five or ten minutes..."  --Sue Bryan, Senior Show Producer, Concept Development.
"Use 'What If?" to preface and idea of suggestion... ask and respond to your 'What ifs?' List them.  Stay Positive..."- Steve "Mouse" Silverstein, Principal Developer, Animation Programming Systems, Walt Disney Imagineering Florida.  (I seem to always start a with an idea generated from a question, though admittedly most of mine are a little less positive and more filled with outrage...read LIEto see what I mean!)
"Question: how many Imagineers does it take to change a light bulb? Answer: Does it have to be a light bulb?...Create the magic!"   --Jan O'Connor, Show Writer, Creative Development.


I plan to keep this book near my desk! Here's to a great end of the summer for all. If you haven't picked up a copy of my debut novel LIE now is the time--
Truly,
Caroline

9/11 and the NORTON ANTHOLOGY OF LITERATURE

Today is Tuesday, September 11, 2012, and I'm marking two very different anniversaries in this post: 9/11 and the Norton Anthology of Literature, both which mark turning points in my life -- and maybe yours?
Eleven years ago, I woke up to the same blue, blue skies that I woke up to today.  Not a cloud. Blue.  That day, I was supposed to be in New York City, running a press conference, downtown, until my ace second-in-command, called and ordered, "Turn on the news. Now."  The skies were clear and blue and then they weren't. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The second anniversary, talks about what saves us from despair, at least what saves me: stories and poetry. The Norton Anthology of English LIterature is celebrating its 50th anniversary, having published nine editions so far.  I have carried my edition of the Norton Anthology of Poetry with me since I was a freshman in college, schlepped it from one home to another, at least a dozen moves, brought it with me to graduate school in my 40s, adding notes to its tissue-thin paper, losing the cover, re-reading some poems never reading others in the 1,000 plus page tome. I will never abandon it, for it never abandoned me.

"I wake to sleep, and take my waking show. I feel my fate in what I cannot fear. I learn by going where I have to go." --
opening to "The Waking" by Theodore Roethkep. 1133 in my edition of The Norton Anthology  of Poetry
And lastly, if you haven't read LIE yet -- my critically-acclaimed young adult novel, now is the time.  
Truly,
Caroline Bock

Sharing Meg Medina

Check out the interview with fabulous Latina writer Meg Medina and me at her blog www.megmedina.com.