Jo Knowles's Blog, page 8

My best author day so far :-)

This past Tuesday I was invited to speak, along with three other Vermont authors (S.S. Taylor, Phoebe Stone, and Rebecca Rupp), at the Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award Ceremony. This is Vermont's state award list of children's books. This year's winner was unable to attend, so Grace Worcester Greene invited the four of us to come speak because our books are on the new list. At the end of the year, students all around the state will vote for their favorite books.

The ceremony is really special for the kids because a lot of them have to read a certain number of books in order to attend. Some also get to go by lottery. The point is, the kids who attend love books and want to be there.

The day before, we were informed that over 500 kids had signed up! Here are some of them:



And hey! Do you recognize the two famous authors in the front row? That's Linda Urban and Kate Messner, who kindly came to support us! (THANK YOU Linda and Kate!!!!)

This will shock you, but I was a little nervous. (That is one of the biggest understatements I've ever made.)

But you know what? Something happened to trump my racing heart. As we were sitting at our table waiting for things to start, all these kids started to swarm around us, asking us to sign their books, their bookmarks, pieces of paper, journals. They liked us before we even spoke! I felt this incredible warmth and sense of gratitude filling me up and my nerves went right out the window.

After we all spoke and answered questions, we were asked to sign some books.

Now. I'm usually the author sitting alone at a table while all the other famous ones are mobbed with long lines of adoring fans.

But here, we were ALL mobbed:



I could NOT stop smiling. The kids just couldn't get close enough. They surrounded the signing tables from all sides and we signed and signed and signed. :-)

Then, groups asked to take pictures. Here are a few I got, thanks to my friend Cindy Faughnan, who took all these photos for me.









Before we left, Amy Kolb Noyes from VPR (also a writer!) asked me a few questions. I was still so excited from all that kid love I didn't even have time to get freaked out that I was being recorded!



When I got home, I loaded my photos and discovered a whole series of photos Cindy had taken of kids who had found quiet spots amid the noise to get back to what they love: reading. :-)


This day was a gift I'll never forget. I know how lucky I am to have found a publisher who supports me and continues to publish my books. To a committee who believed in See You At Harry's, and wanted the children in their state to read it, too. To Grace, for inviting us to this wonderful event. To the teachers, who took a day out of school during what is probably the busiest time of year, in order to bring their students to an event that celebrates reading for the pure joy of it.

I sit and look a these photos and think of my own child self, who never in her wildest dreams or farthest reaches of her imagination would have thought that some day, she would be standing in front of a group of readers, sharing her book, her voice, her passion, her love.

Nope, I never would have. But there I am. Here I am. And I'm forever grateful.

Be

In my last entry, I mentioned that I had received some love letters in the mail.

One was from my friend Sarah Corson. The other was from my friend Laura Hamor.



Laura and I have been friends forever, going to retreats in Maine, meeting up at the NESCBWI conferences, and lots of other events, too. Laura is an amazing writer, illustrator, and jewelry maker. She has an etsy store called Silver Freckles where she sells her gorgeous jewlery and art. You can check it out here

Laura made me this beautiful necklace with a message from See You At Harry's (Ran wears the t-shirt):



Thank you, Laura, for this thoughtful gift and reminder.

Whenever I see this word, it reminds me not just to "be" in the moment, it makes me question what I want to be.

How I want to be.

Who I want to be.

And it reminds me to try harder to be that person.

Thank you again, Laura, for this treasure, and mostly for your friendship.

xo

:-)


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Monday Morning Warm-Up:

Write a scene in which your main character experiences a "Be" moment.

On "Reading for the Delight of It"

It's funny that my last post was about love letters and now I have received two(!) and am feeling very thankful not for the objects that accompanied them (though they are precious and I will treasure them), so much as the sentiment and love that came from the sending. I'll share the second for Monday's post, because I think it lends itself to a writing warm-up. So for now, I want to share Sarah.

Recently, I received a beautiful postcard and a tiny old book from my friend Sarah Corson. We first met years ago at the Vermont College novel-writing retreat and have since seen each other at various SCBWI events, always with a big hug and an update on our writing lives.



I saw Sarah last at the NESCBWI conference in Springfield, MA and she told me about reading SEE YOU AT HARRY'S out loud with her husband, sharing tears together as they took turns reading. This picture I see of them, connected in a moment of sadness, comforted by love, makes me feel so... blessed. Blessed to know them, and blessed to think about this wonderful couple reading and sharing books together. Being moved and changed by the same words, the same stories. Growing together. Couples, we should all be doing this!



What I loved about this little package was the tiny pink notes inside, pointing out the connections we had with Simmons College, (her father was a trustee) as well as a caution: "NB Mildew or mold--Don't let it contaminate your books!"



Of Reading Books is a John Livingston Lowes commencement address given at Simmons College on June 9, 1924. Here is one of my favorite excerpts:

"...I meant to talk for a little while, most informally and most unacademically, about reading--a subject which, partly through our fault, I fear, some of you have come to think of in terms of courses and degrees, but which is infinitely bigger than all that. It is not even scholarship that I shall have in mind. It is simply reading, as men and women have always read, for the delight of it, and for the consequent enriching and enhancement of one's life. I have put delight deliberately first, for the rest, I believe, is contingent upon that. 'In general,' said Geothe once, 'we learn from what we love.' And I propose first of all to exhibit some lovable readers--not a Professor or even a Doctor in the lot, I think--and allow them to speak for themselves. And first, then, reading for the sheer delight of it."

We learn from what we love.

How beautiful and true.

Slow down, Lowes repeats throughout the address 89 years ago. Don't get caught up in the madness, the over-energized push of a success-driven culture. Step away from all that and read. Read for the delight of it. Read to enrich your life. Read to enhance your life.

Remember to learn from what you love.

Thank you Sarah, for this treasure.For the book, the image of a loving couple reading together, and for the reminder to slow down and read for the pure joy of it.

Love Letters

This year I am very excited to be a presenter at the Simmons College Children's Literature Summer Institute. There are some AMAZING authors speaking this year, so I am incredibly honored to be included (and even more incredibly intimidated).

Here is a link to learn more: http://www.simmons.edu/institutes/childrens-lit/

I've attended many times and it is an inspiring weekend, with presenters all giving lectures on a similar theme. This year's theme is "Love Letters." Here's the institute description:

“Some letters may take the whole of our lifetime to write”
-Thích Nhãt Hanh

In many ways, “Love Letters” demands that we contemplate romance in literature for children and young adults.

Although love and heartbreak might be the territories of the young adult novel, we find passion in picturebooks, revel in the devotions of early readers, and explore emotional depths in middle grade books. Nonfiction marries both knowledge and narrative.

Institute speakers will consider how books themselves act as letters. How do they declare love for a subject or to an audience? How does a lifetime inform every book written? Every book read?

Doesn't that sound wonderful? I know my journey has included many, many love letters from books that have surprised me, moved me, informed me, and helped me become the person I am. I am thrilled and grateful to be part of this conversation.

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Monday Morning Warm-Up:

Describe how a book of your heart has served as a love letter that felt like it was just for you.

The gift of readers <3

I've had books out in the world for six years now, but I still can't get used to the idea that actual strangers, actual KIDS, are reading them. It's a surprise and thrill every time I hear from one.

But when I got a Google alert and clicked the link to discover these gems, well, my heart just melted. Can't stop smiling.

See You at Harry's book trailer, MANGA Style! :-)



And *swoon* a group of girls acting out two scenes! Wow. (Warning: story spoiler)



I really love the bloopers with the dog!!! Aw.

My Crystal Kite Thank You

This weekend I attended the annual New England SCBWI conference. I have been attending this conference for the past 17 years!

This weekend was particularly wonderful because I received an incredibly special award. The Crystal Kite. I received this award for my third book, PEARL.



Poor PEARL has not sold very well. B&N didn't pick it up, and I'm sorry to say, that made a big difference. I am not even sure if the book is still in print. Despite all this, somehow PEARL found her way into the hands of some really generous SCBWI readers who voted for the book to win the Crystal Kite. And somehow, miraculously, it WON!



SCBWI invited me to the conference to accept this beautiful award and to have the chance to say thank you to the attendees. I want to apologize to the poor women sitting at my table just before I went up to accept this beauty because I was a nervous wreck. But more importantly, I want to thank NE SCBWI for allowing me the opportunity, nerves and all :-) It was one of the greatest honors I've been given, and despite how nervous I knew I would be, I desperately wanted to be able to say thank you to the writers in my life who made this journey possible.

Here is what I said:

"Thank You"

Eighteen years ago I moved to Western Massachusetts and got a part-time job at the Hatfield Library barely making minimum wage. I had no idea what I was doing with my life and was feeling completely lost. My first task at the library was to clean up the bulletin board. It was overflowing with years-old announcements for various town meetings and events. As I peeled back the layers I came to a poster that said, "Do you want to write for children?" It was a flyer for a writing group by something called SCBWI. I had no idea what that stood for. But a small voice said, "Be brave. Go."

The group was a mix of published and unpublished writers and people took turns sharing their work and providing feedback. That night changed the course of my life. The women (and man) in that group became some of my dearest friends. Without them, I would not have finished my first novel. Or my second. Or my third. I certainly would never have had the courage to apply to grants and contests and finally agents and editors.

It took me 10 years from the day I walked into that meeting to sell my first novel. The only reason I stuck with it for so long was because of my SCBWI friends who supported me and believed in me. At the first New England SCBWI conference I attended, I only recognized 2 or 3 people from my writing group. At the second, I knew 5 or 6. Now… please raise your hand if you know me. This is what New England SCBWI does best. It brings even the shyest among us together and creates a community of caring and supportive people. Thank you for your support and encouragement. I wouldn't be here without you.

To those of you here for your first time, who are just starting out, or who are feeling like the path to publication may be taking a little too long: I hope my 10-year journey will inspire you to keep on the path. The journey to publication can be achingly "meandering". But please don't measure time as an indicator of your success. Instead, use each day to improve your craft. Use each conference to make new friends. Appreciate your mentors and be a mentor yourself.

I hope each of you will recognize the person sitting next to you right now as a new colleague and friend. That's how it all begins. That's what makes the journey great, no matter how long it is.
Thank you for giving PEARL your love. And for this beautiful award. I am deeply honored and forever grateful.


Marilyn Salerno presented me with the award, and here we re-enact the moment. Thank you, Marilyn!!!

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Monday Morning Warm-Up:

Who are the writers in your life who help you through the tough and triumphant times? Write an ode to them and share it on your blog. If you do, please leave the link in your comments!

Local event this Saturday! :)

This Saturday, April 27th at 2pm, the Hartland Public Library is hosting a Hartland authors event at Damon Hall. Nine Hartland authors will give short readings of their work, followed by time for questions.

Featuring:

Sharon Blake
Sally Brady
Rob Foote
Mary Holland
Jo Knowles
Stephen Leslie
Jason Lutes
Katie Rawson
Sarah Stewart Taylor

Many authors will have copies of their books available to sell and sign, and refreshments will be served. Hope to see you there!

Where do you find the peace of wild things?

Today is Earth Day. A day to celebrate spring and, in many places, hold demonstrations and work to help educate communities about how we are hurting our mother and how we can hep heal her. If you're like me, and working today, you won't be going to any demonstrations. But you might be able to open a window and listen to the miracle of birdsong. Or you might be able to step outside and feel the sun on your face. Or breathe in deep that glorious smell of earth coming back to life after a long, long winter. No matter where you are, you might be able to find a moment to grasp the peace of wild things, if only fleeting. Grasp it and hold tight. Then think about how you can do better to help care for this world we live in, that gives us these gifts every single day.

The Peace of Wild Things

By Wendell Barry

When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children's lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

Source: Collected Poems 1957-1982 (Counterpoint Press, 1985)

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Monday Morning Warm-Up:

Where do you find the peace of wild things? The grace of the world? Write your own poem and tell us all about it.

What's so important about your local library?

This week is National Library Week.

My mom and sister are both librarians. My husband is an archivist. I'm an author. I admit, I have a personal stake in the survival of libraries.

But you know what?

So do you.

We _all_ do.

Not to be all over-dramatic and everything, but seriously: Without libraries and public access to information, we no longer have a democracy. That's serious stuff.

And yet we keep slashing budgets. Keep cutting librarian positions. Keep hiring people less qualified to do what trained professionals should be doing. Despite all the studies that show how crucial libraries (and especially school libraries) are to the success of a child's education. Instead, we continue to pour money into testing our kids when we all know those tests are a money-making scheme and are hurting our kids and our teachers. It's maddening.

Below is a post I wrote in 2010 as a plea to help save libraries. It seems even more relevant today than it did then.

SAVE LIBRARIES by Jo Knowles
April 12, 2010


(Photo taken from the Meredith Public Library Web site)

When I was growing up, my public library had special bags just for books. Everyone got one.

You could fill it.

I had my own card. My number was 141.

The librarian squealed when we came. She ran out from behind the big desk and hugged us.

The books in the library were covered in clear film and smelled like tape.

They crinkled when you opened them, like some ancient, priceless tome.

I thought they were just for me. But they were for everyone.

Because anyone could go to the library.

You didn't have to be rich. You didn't have to be a certain age. Anyone.

Later, when my mom worked at the library, she used to tell us that a man would come and wash in the bathroom. Then he would spend the day in the warm reading room, catching up on the news. Sometimes he was loud. But they just asked him to talk more quietly. They didn't ask him to leave.

Because anyone could go to the library.

My mother was the children's librarian way up in the renovated attic.

She read to the kids at story hour. And all the young mothers.

Sometimes, the moms talked too loud. But it was OK. This was the one place they could come throughout the year where they didn't have to buy coffee or a book in order to stay. In fact, they could leave with a huge stack of books to read to their kids until the next story hour. And it was free!

Young, young single moms. Grandparents becoming parents again. Moms the third time around. Tired, tired dads. It didn't matter. Everyone was welcome.

Because anyone could go to the library.

And even later, when I got a job in a tiny public library, I would wait for the after school crowd to show up. All the kids who didn't play sports. Or have a parent waiting at pick-up to bring them home. Kids who could go home to a cold, empty house, or come to the library instead.

Which would you choose?

So I waited and made piles of books I thought each kid would like. And I'd hand them over and sometimes help with homework. And give my library "shush" when they got too loud. But they didn't mind. They were at Hogwarts and Terabithia and Narnia. Inside books that I knew would change and shape their lives just like they did mine. All for free. Sometimes they didn't return them on time. Sometimes they'd come back smelling like peanut butter and jelly. Sometimes like cigarette smoke. Sometimes I'd cringe. But I'd still be so glad to know the words of that book were now in the soul of that child. That child that probably didn't own a single book, and yet, owned thousands.

Because anyone could go to the library.

And then later still, when I had my own baby, I would take him to the library in town. He wanted to chew on the board books. He wanted to check out all the Thomas the Tank Engine movies we'd already watched a hundred times. I'd chat with the librarian about YA books that we both loved while E happily crawled on the floor, then toddled, then walked. I made friends with other moms. We started a book group. Anyone could go.

Because anyone could go to the library.

Only now. Now I read about budget cuts. School libraries laying off their librarians. Closing the library doors altogether. City libraries shutting down. Library systems disappearing. New York. New Jersey. California. Pennsylvania. No more free books for people desperate to put a picture book in their child's hand. No more computer access to the kids who don't have them at home. No more wireless for the people who've lost their jobs and need a place to hook up to job search. No more free access to newspapers for the people who don't have TV and can't afford the paper. But want to know what's happening in the world, in their state, in their town. Who want to make informed voting decisions. Who want to understand what's going on.

Libraries aren't just about book lending. They are the heart of most communities. They are the one place in any community that you can go all year, rain or shine, rich or penniless. They are the one place in communities that provide fair and equal access. They don't discriminate. They don't judge. They give over and over and over.

And now is when they are needed most desperately. Now is when they provide the most valuable services. Now is when, even if a state or county is so far in the red they feel they'll never get out, now is when libraries should be getting the green light to extend their hours, not have them taken away. Without libraries, the economic divide in our communities grows even wider. Please. If the library in your community is in danger, speak up. If you can help any library that's in trouble, please do it. This is about kids, babies, new moms and dads, unemployed parents, a lonely retired person who needs weekly or daily interaction and reading material to get them through the week. It's about keeping communities intact. Your community. My community. It matters.

You can learn more here.

Thank you.

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Monday Morning Warm-Up:

Write to the prompt, "I need my library because..."

The smallest gesture. The shortest phrase. The briefest silence. Matter.

I've been thinking a lot about how we change each other in small and big ways, just by being there.

Just by listening. Just by making someone feel real. Heard. Like they matter.

I think most times, we're completely unaware of the profound ways in which we shape each others lives every day. I still remember a comment a teacher left for me on a paper I wrote in the tenth grade. It's likely he wrote the very same thing on everyone's paper. But at that moment, on that day, they were words I needed to settle in my heart. They gave me a sense of importance I had never felt before. They made me feel like I, and my words, had worth.

Just a phrase, that's all, made me turn right instead of left that day.

Of course it works in the opposite direction, too. I remember another comment on a paper, freshman year in college, that confused and silenced me for weeks. I _still_ catch myself, as I'm previewing a post like this, asking if I've done what my instructor criticized me of doing before I click "post." Again, just two words. Two. Have lived with me for 25+ years, shaping how I write.

There are more. More good. More maybe bad. Tiny moments with people that left an impression in my heart, my brain, my being. They come in smiles. Whispers. A hand on my lower back, pushing me forward. A laugh. An elbow to my side. An unexpected hug. Note. Phone call. Snub. Invitation.

Each connection, a change.

Anyway that's what I've been thinking about. How we're often so completely unaware of the deep and lasting ways in which what we say and do impacts each other.

The smallest gesture.

The shortest phrase.

The briefest silence.

Matter.

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Monday morning warm-up:

Describe a brief moment/exchange with someone that changed your life for the better.