Laura Dower's Blog, page 3

Fancy Nancy Drew

So tonight I'm hanging out with my daughter. Our entire house has been sucked into the strange and awful flu zone (some of us have flu, some strep, all tired). Anyway, we're talking about girls at school, books in class, and life in general. She calls herself "Curious Georgette" lately, which is pretty cute, especially when she smirks at me when she says it.

Then she drops the A-bomb: she's reading Nancy Drew in school. My heart stops. Nancy? Fancy Nancy? DREW?!

I know it's not that unusual. Most pre-teen girls dabble in the Drew at least once in their lives; and have been since the 1930s. But my daughter's admission sent my head reeling. Of course that could have been the Nyquil, too.

Nancy Drew for me–only child, library dweller, and mystery nut–was sheer salvation. Anytime I was sick as a child, Nancy was my best company. At age 7, I remember being stuck inside with a fever, reading The Secret of the Old Clock. I scribbled something on the inside cover saying so. I still have that book.

Here are three editions of Secret of the Old Clock. Mine looked like the one in the middle.

Was it possible that some thirty-five years later, my daughter had been reading Nancy Drew when she was sick, too? Yes! Sure, she was reading  Nancy Drew #946 or something, an updated tale, like Movie Mystery Mega-Madness. But still. She knew Ned Nickerson. Imagine that!

Somehow, across time, my daughter and I have been connected again by books. We did it with Pooh. And Jam for Frances. And those ducklings in Boston Common.

And now, how so like Nancy, to show up and save the day. Tomorrow, I am going down to the basement to pull out my old copy of Secret in the Old Clock, the book I held in my hot (literally, hot with fever) little hands back in 1974.

I will now pass it on to my own budding detective, my very own Curious Georgette. Nancy lives!

Hey, before I sign off, I'm just wondering: 

What do you like/not like about Nancy Drew books? What's the best mystery you ever read?

Drop me a note. I'd love to use this blog as a place to answer questions and address comments & thoughts from readers. Thanks for taking the time to check in!

Spring (Almost)

Turn the clocks ahead. Grrrrrrr. I'm already missing that hour.

What do you look forward to MOST when Spring comes? Gimme your top five Spring things. I'll bet $5 that Peeps are on everyone's list. My top 5:

1. Warm breezes

2. The smell of hyacinth (one of my fave flowers)

3. Spring break!!!! (Of course)

4. Green everywhere

5. Okay fine. PEEPS!

Send me your list. I'm waiting. You can send me your Cadbury chocolate eggs, too.

What Are You Writing?

Right now it's raining outside. Some kind of weather has been getting in the way for the past few months. You know what I mean? First it was horridly hot summer temps, then snow that would never end, and now the rains have come. We are all getting flooded.

Sometimes that's how writer brain feels–or at least my brain. Flooded. With ideas, with to-do lists, with a whole lotta busy. And sometimes–no, all the time–those floods make it very challenging to sit down and just write. I find it impossible to put pen to paper (or fingertip to keyboard) and slosh through the stuff on my desk.

I never had writer's block until recently. It's more like stuck. Do you ever get stuck? Like when you have a paper due for school and it's Sunday at 8 PM and your mom is giving you one of those "uh…what do you mean it's due tomorrow?" looks?

The thing is: I have loads of ideas. It's just that about 90 percent of them aren't really working. At least not right now. That's how it goes with being creative. You throw a whole bunch of ingredients into the air and see what lands in the soup pot. And even when you cook it up, it may taste lousy, so you need to find a bunch more stuff to add: sweet, sour, vanilla, chocolate, or whatever else will add the right flavor.

My soup lately: pretty bland. Grrrr.

But.

The most important answer to the question, "What are you writing?" is this one–and it works for published authors (like me, even when stuck) or kid authors (like you):

I'M WRITING. AND THAT'S WHAT MATTERS.

You may be writing lots and not even realize it's all adding up. For example, I'm not doing any new series right now, but I did have the great luck to write an online story for the American Girl 2010 girl of the year, Lanie. 'Twasn't traditional fiction; more like e-mails and chat and letters. But that's right up my alley. Check it out if you like. 

Right now, I'm writing every day: a few new series proposals, a middle grade novel I'm desperate to get done but have barely begun, and assorted other stuff. The life of working writers sometimes involves projects that aren't all pretty in pink or loaded with bells and whistles or destined to land us on any bestseller list. But we must continue to write anyhoo. Case in point: a very good pal who always complained about having no money from writing kept at it for years and had numerous books published. But after all that time he was rewarded with a National Book Award nomination and just this year a Caldecott honor and Coretta Scott King award. I don't know how much you know about awards, but those are like…the big, fat, WOW time. The most major you can get. I say he got that recognition because he stayed focused.

Yup, it's hard to lead a creative life and write your way from day to day. It's hard not to get distracted by hectic pace. But there can be surprises in store: awards, rewards, and most importantly–awesome readers. Or how about just the personal satisfaction you get just knowing that you showed up, you made something up, you just DID IT! I always tell kids when I teach workshops: keep a writing notebook (journal, scrapbook, scribble pad–whatever you call it). Just write.

And then, when I ask, "What are YOU writing?" you will answer plainly:

I'M WRITING. AND THAT'S WHAT MATTERS.

Feel free to drop me a note and tell me what it is you are writing. Inquiring minds wanna know. After all, we're in this together, right? (Or should I say, write?)

p.s. By the way, I love your stories and poems. But oh gosh, please do not email me that 500 page novel about elephants with personality disorders or dwarf planets or your unflagging crush on Justin Bieber. My desk is pretty crowded right now. Thanks a bunch.

The Web Site is Finally Here!

*gasps and whistles and a few detached groans*

I know it seemed like I would never resurrect this web site–or my communication with fans. Seriously, readers (and other bystanders): I owe you a big, fat, hairy apology.

Okay, leave out the hairy part.

But, I am sorry. SO sorry. For not writing back to fans, for not updating the old site sooner, for not getting hip to the blog life before now.

I could rattle off a zillion reasons why I failed. Here are the top 8:

My Nana had it right when she told me, "Don't bite off more than you can chew." (Chomp, chomp.)
I had three kids in a row and slid into mommy land, leaving a lot of writer land behind.
I wasn't paying attention and suddenly four years went by. Jeepers, some of my Madison Finn fans from way back are probably out of college by now.
Kids took up more time and energy than I expected.
Did I mention that I had kids?
I joined Facebook. Oy.
I am easily distracted by just about–Hey! Look! Squirrel!  (Yes, that is an UP reference.)
And the truth: my original "flash" web site was a lotta fun–but I could never quite figure out how to update it on my own and then the person who designed it for me up and moved away to become a musician and not a web site designer and then I just gave up when I should have tried harder. Boo hoo.

But let's face it, we can all beat ourselves up for our mistakes. You know what I mean? End of story: I'm here to start over.

And so, without further ado, may I present this way less flashy but waaaay more informative web site. As the snow from our winter-from-hell begins to melt, I'm coming out of my own huge freeze. There's a big thaw all around.

I like new, don't you? Like a new pair of shoes or the smell of fresh paint. I'm embarking on new projects, new writing workshops, and new everything–and I plan to keep you all updated right here. Click around for all the information. And visit often!

Thanks to each of you who ever read/is planning to read/is reading one of my books. I owe you a very big virtual hug for stopping by and sticking by me. I promise I will do better. Drop me a note and tell me what you think–and what you'd like to see on my page.

Writer, Dreamer, etc.

Laura Dower worked in marketing and editorial in kid’s publishing for many years before taking a big leap to the full-time life of an author. Since 2000, she has penned 90+ books–from picture books to young adult fiction and nonfiction. Along the way, she had two sons and a daughter. Laura and her groovy family of five live in New York.

Of course that gives you no real idea what I am like. It’s the goofy, in-between stuff that really says it all. So here are a bunch of other facts:

Arrival on Planet Earth: I was born in Massachusetts, nearly delivered in traffic on the way to the hospital. Born near Boston means I am a lifelong Red Sox fan. My great-grandfather was an electrician who helped install the lights in Fenway Park. Many pals are Yankees folks, however, which can be a problem during baseball season.

Siblings: I’m an only child. Well sort of. My dad and stepmom adopted a beautiful baby boy when I was in college, so I do have a step-brother. His name is Andrew and he plays drums.

First childhood memory: Back in Massachusetts circa 1972: playing Matchbox cars in the windowsill, catching ladybugs in the kitchen, and singing Karen Carpenter tunes at the top of my lungs.

Grown-up dreams: I wanted to be a writer for Mad magazine or Saturday Night Live (this was back in the late 70s when the show first arrived). I made up my own magazine with jokes and skits and called it COOL. As if! (I guess looking back what I secretly wanted to be was Tina Fey!) As a runner-up ambition, I also considered a lifetime vocation to teach the deaf. This was probably because I was addicted to Helen Keller’s bio. Let’s face it, she and Annie Sullivan were amazing people. Most teachers I know are.

Obscure injuries: Knock wood–I have never broken an arm or a tibia or anything like that. But I do have three cool scars over my right eye from where my face collided with a wall; where I tripped over a chair into a desk (second grade–and hey, I was pushed!); and where a miniature golf club made unfortunate contact with my eyeglasses–and eyeball.

My start as a reader: my mom used to read to me. I still have the Winnie the Pooh book that we read together–and that I now read to my kids. Heffalumps are my favorite.

First book: Hello, Rock. It is about a rock. And some pebbles. I still have the book saved in a Ziploc bag.

My start as a writer: When I was in second and third grade I worked diligently on my very first story called Harry & Me. I have no idea who Harry was supposed to be (many characters we write are inspired by real peeps in our life, but Harry was a mish-mash of everyone I knew). I wrote it during recess.

Most alarming fact about my childhood: I was good in math. An old friend just reminded me of our days in math club. Math club?!!

Wannabe actress: I acted in whatever I could; whenever I could. When I was in high school, I won a Shakespeare recitation competition. A bunch of us competed NYC-wide; and the judging panel included legends Helen Hayes and Rosemary Harris! Can you say STAR STRUCK?! One of the biggest wows ever. I competed nationally in public speaking tournaments/ forensics competitions, too, performing in the category of Dramatic Interpretation. Ahem. Born a ham; always a ham.

When acting and writing met: as a senior in high school I wrote and directed a short play called Lost Until Now.

When did you realize you wanted to be a writer/illustrator for real? Two words: Judy Blume. And seven more words confirmed it: Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret

Some other favorite books as a kid: Blueberries for Sal; Little House books; Charlotte’s Web; T.H. White Once and Future King; and yeah, all those Helen Keller (and other) biographies.

Biggest stumbling block for being a writer: I was a pretty good speller but kind-of, sorta, okay TERRIBLE at grammar, comprehension, etc. which was a problem when those testing years kicked in. Did extra-credit all through high school to make my writing better. Still working at it. Daily.

Strangest talent: uncanny ability to retain useless trivia. Still waiting for the call from the producers of Jeopardy or Wheel of Fortune.

My genes: My mom is such a talented artist. I’m trying to convince her to start painting again. I just signed up for a drawing class. Do you doodle? I can’t help myself. I think I’ve passed down my doodle gene to my kids.

College stuff: Graduated from Columbia College, Columbia University with a B.A. in English. I was the third class of women accepted at the school. It went co-ed in 1983. Most of my best college buds I met the very first week of college. They’re FFL: friends for life.

First job ever: babysitting. Then assorted waitressing, coffee-making, switchboard-operating jobs.

First book ever: Scooby Doo’s Guide to Life

Favorite book(s) I’ve written: Madison Finn and Monster Squad series and whatever I am working on right this very minute…

Inspiration for my writing: eavesdropping on unsuspecting strangers; analyzing dreams; re-reading my old diaries; talking to my kids and their pals; reading anything from the newspaper to junk mail; and MY KIDS (of course).

Best advice I ever got about writing: “Trust Laura and her perceptions of things.” My college adviser wrote that on a file card for me nearly 20 years ago, I still have the coffee-stained and torn card framed on my desk.

Other random tidbit from my past: in high school I was featured in a Seventeen magazine spread. It was a makeover that I was photographed for throughout my senior year. Some fancy haircutters chopped my locks and got my photo taken all over NYC.

Not-so-great-habit: I am often late. It drives everyone I know crazy, especially my kids.

Gets my writing motor humming: rainstorms; highly competitive games of Scrabble and Boggle; crossword puzzles; really good books; really trashy magazines; classical music; and Venti, toffee nut Americanos from Starbucks.

In my spare time: I am a Cub Scout den leader (with 8 scouts) and a Girl Scout Brownie troop co-leader (with 18 scouts). This takes up extraordinary amounts of time, but I love. LOVE. Anyone out there a cub scout or girl scout?

Dreaming big: would like to be able to hike up a very big mountain and camp at the top; play the violin in an orchestra; and train as a gourmet cook. But truth is, I had a dream that I could be a mom and a writer. And I’m doing just that. Blessings counted.