Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Happy Book Birthday for VINCENT and THEO with Author Deborah Heiligman + Giveaway

Dear friends,

Please welcome the always delightful, Deborah Heiligman, and join in the celebration of her new book, Vincent and Theo, the Van Gogh Brothers, released into the world today! Many of you will recall that Deb shared with us several years ago for her book, Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith, a National Book Award Finalist. Deb is generously donating an autographed copy of Vincent and Theo for the comment contest. All you have to do is leave a comment for Deb at the end of the post to congratulate her or share what resonated with you in her post. Now, here's a little about Deb!

Author Deborah Heiligman

Deborah Heiligman graduated from Brown University with an A.B. in Religious Studies. While that might not seem like an obvious major for a children’s book author, it turned out to be a perfect one! Reli stu taught her to ask questions. She now spends every day asking lots of questions, mostly about dead people.  (With whom she also tends to fall in love.) 
Deb counted up her books recently and discovered that Vincent and Theo: the van Gogh Brothers is number 31. Her last few have been: Charles and Emma: The Darwins’ Leap of FAITH;  INTENTIONS (a novel); THE BOY WHO LOVED MATH: THE IMPROBABLE LIFE OF PAUL ERDOS (a picture book) and COOL DOG, SCHOOL DOG (also a picture book). 
Deborah grew up in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and lived in Bucks County, PA for many years. She now lives in New York City with her husband, Jonathan Weiner, an author and professor, and their Cairn Terrier, Ketzie. Her two grown sons live in Brooklyn, thankfully only a subway ride away. For more information, please visit www.DeborahHeiligman.com


Writing from the Inside Out. . . .  Author Deborah Heiligman shares about the research and writing of Vincent and Theo, The Van Gogh Brothers


A writer spends a lot of time in her own head, and the challenge is to take the weird ideas/out-of-the-box conclusions/ connections/ themes/obsessions/aha moments/insights/etc.from inside and find a way to share them with others. Readers love to see themselves in a book, to get that feeling of being known. Readers also love to be stretched—to have a book take them beyond where they thought they could go. 
It is our job as writers to help readers achieve both kinds of connections. And the way to that, I feel, is to, essentially, as someone once said, open a vein and bleed. Writing from the inside out, indeed. 
Fiction writers do this, in large part, by inhabiting the characters they create. I remember while working on a novel about an insecure thirteen-year-old, I walked in a bathing suite from my chaise to the bathroom and thought everyone was looking at me! I confessed this to my non-writer best friend and she said nobody noticed me at all. Right. I was a middle-aged woman in an oversized t-shirt! But inside I was a 13-year-old girl. 
What about when you write nonfiction, when you write about a historical person’s life? How then to write from the inside out? 
It’s not that different. When I write biography, I inhabit real people. Though the process is slightly different--because I cannot make anything up. I can’t change something to suit my storyline or my plot, or even my wishes. I can’t make someone less or more mean. I have to discover who that person really was. 
I do that by using primary sources. What better way to get inside someone that to read his or her journal entries, diaries, letters? How better to understand how a person thinks than to listen to him or her give a speech, answer interview questions and interact with others? It helps to stare at photographs if you have them, or watch video of someone walking down a hallway. 
As you can probably guess, writing about Vincent van Gogh was daunting. He is, arguably, the most famous and beloved artist in the world. Many other people have written about him, have their own ideas and biases about him and his life. How was I to get inside of Vincent van Gogh to make him my own? The phrase elbow grease comes to mind. I first heard about elbow grease when my mother criticized someone for not using enough of it while cleaning. (That someone was me.) For a long time I thought that Elbow Grease was something you could buy in a bottle. Ah don’t we wish? Elbow grease is just hard work. Scrubbing scrubbing scrubbing. 
Writing a book from the inside out needs a lot of elbow grease.
And time. 
And sometimes stepping away.
I spent five years on Vincent and Theo. The first couple of years all I read was primary sources: Vincent’s letters to Theo and to some other people; Theo’s letters to Vincent; and Theo’s letters to his fiancĂ© and hers to him. After a bit I found and read the condolence notes to Theo after Vincent died. 
I took notes while I read. First impressions. Thoughts. Ideas. Questions. Lots of questions. 
Then I reread much of the above. While I was reading, I also painted. When I say painted, I mean I fooled around with watercolors. I am not an artist at all, but I wanted to know first-hand what it feels like to paint. Trying to get inside Vincent. 
I did all of this without reading any books or articles about Vincent or Theo. (I did have a timeline from this wonderful big volume set of Vincent’s letters.)
The secondary sources—and there weren’t that many that I trusted—came much later. This is the best way I know to get inside someone else—to meet my people in their own words, and not anybody else’s. 
Over the years of writing I have discovered this to be the best process for me. It’s not the easiest way to write a book, but it is the only way I can do it so that I achieve my goal.  
My goal is to inhabit these real people so that when I write the book I am inside their heads and souls and lives—to write about them from the inside out.  
But that doesn’t happen on the first draft. Or the second draft. Or the third… 
It takes elbow grease in the form of rewriting, thinking, and also stepping away to get perspective. 
With Vincent and Theo I was only truly inside them during the last big revision, what became the penultimate draft. It was then and only then that I knew those van Gogh boys were mine. And I was truly writing from the inside out. 

For more information and links, please visit my website page: http://deborahheiligman.com/books/vincent-and-theo/research/ 

And now, please welcome to the world, Vincent and Theo, The Van Gogh Brothers Henry Holt and Company, LLC. Books for Young Readers, Imprint of Macmillan Children's Publishing Group. 


"A remarkably insightful, profoundly moving story of fraternal interdependence and unconditional love." —Kirkusstarred review
"A breathtaking achievement that will leave teens eager to learn more." —School Library Journalstarred review

"In fittingly painterly language, Heiligman offers vivid descriptions of Vincent’s artwork and life, which grow more detailed and colorful as Vincent’s own artistic style becomes richer and more refined . . . This illuminating glimpse into the van Goghs’ turbulent life and historical period will add compelling depth to readers’ understanding of the iconic painter. " —Bookliststarred review, on Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers

"A unique and riveting exploration of art, artists, and brotherly love." —The Horn Bookstarred review

"An intensive exploration of their turbulent lives" —Publishers Weeklystarred review


"This title is a treasure for readers who want to immerse in a roiling domestic drama and who don’t back away from a good cry" —The Bulletinstarred review


Thank you so much, Deb, for sharing an inside look at the writing of VINCENT and THEO, The Van Gogh Brothers. Thank you, dear readers, for stopping by to celebrate with us.  The winner of the Comment Contest will be announced next week! In the meantime, please check out these links to learn more about Deb and her books or to follow her on social media:




48 comments:

  1. Congrats, Deborah. Loved this insight into your research process. Can't wait to read the book.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by to leave a comment, Laurie! Your name is entered for a chance to win Vincent and Theo.

      Delete
  2. This looks fascinating! Adding it to my to-read list. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for joining the Book Birthday celebration, Jamie! Your name is entered for a chance to win Vincent and Theo.

      Delete
  3. This sounds like such a good read! Deborah, I love what you say about stepping away to gain a little perspective. It shows the care you put into your craft, and I love the idea of stepping into a historical person. Van Gogh is my favorite artist (and my mom's) so I'll have to get her a copy for Mother's Day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Margaret for sharing what resonated with you. Your name is entered for a chance to win an autographed copy of Vincent and Theo for your mom.

      Delete
  4. Wonderful, informative post. Now that you bring it to light(!)--it makes perfect sense to forgo reading secondary sources until you've exhausted primary sources. I'm just beginning preliminary research on a new nf topic. I'm going to give your method a shot! :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by to celebrate with us and share your thoughts, Katy! Your name is entered for a chance to win an autographed copy of Vincent and Theo.

      Delete
  5. Thanks for the opportunity to win this book. SOUnds fantastic.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by, Carol. Your name is entered for a chance to win a copy of Vincent & Theo.

      Delete
  6. Great post. Love your younger self's belief that elbow grease is something we buy at the store only to learn it's inside each of us -- if we choose to use it. What a great metaphor for life. Can't wait to read VINCENT and THEO!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by to celebrate Deb's book birthday, Susan. I loved the bit about the elbow grease as well, which mirrored pretty exactly my own thoughts about that term when my mother used it. Your name is entered for a chance to win an autographed copy of VINCENT and THEO.

      Delete
  7. I love EMMA AND CHARLES, and can't wait to get my hands on VINCENT AND THEO! Happy book birthday, Deb. Thanks for another great post, Clara.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I loved EMMA and Charles, too, Kathy! And I know you'll love VINCENT AND THEO as well. Thanks for sharing and celebrating Deb's Book Birthday! Your name is entered for a chance to win.

      Delete
  8. Oh...I would LOVE LOVE LOVE this book. In addition to loving books (I'm a librarian), I am also an artist and Vincent and Theo have provided such inspiration for me throughout my life in that their relationship teaches unconditional love and support by Theo for the passion of Vincent in the face of such dire circumstances. I read their letters to each other decades ago and would love this book for my own collection.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Beverly, for joining the Book Birthday Celebration for Deb's new book, VINCENT AND THEO! It's amazing. Your name is entered for a chance to win.

      Delete
  9. Brothers! Brothers! There were never such devoted brothers...
    —Irving Berlin, borrowed and revised for the
    impending movie and play

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for joining the Book Birthday celebration, Melissa! Your name is entered for a chance to win an autographed copy of VINCENT and THEO.

      Delete
  10. Can't wait to read.
    I often wonder how something new can be written - looks like you've aced it.
    And, when I find autobiographies, letters, diaries... rabbit holes! I get lost for days.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Anna, for joining the Book Birthday Celebration for Deb's new book, VINCENT and THEO. I know you'll love it! And thanks for spreading the word on twitter, too. Your name is entered for a chance to win an autographed copy.

      Delete
  11. I want to read this for myself (as a mentor text) and then give it to my artist sister! :) annettemwhipple at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by, Annette, to celebrate the Book Birthday of VINCENT and THEO with Deb. Your name is entered for a chance to win an autographed copy.

      Delete
  12. I posted a link to Clara's blog at BookOrBust.blogspot.com
    How's that for a comment?
    Very excited for you. Look forward to reading your new book. Congratulations!
    Linda Della Donna
    Author of "A Gift of Love"

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fantastic! Thank you, Linda, and thanks for stopping by to join the celebration. Your name is entered for a chance to win.

      Delete
  13. I'm so excited for this book and I'll admit a small part of my excitement is because my own son is named Theo.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by, Shelby, to celebrate the Book Birthday of VINCENT and THEO with Deb. Your name is entered for a chance to win and autographed copy.

      Delete
  14. Thank you, Clara, for hosting Deborah. And thanks to Deborah for sharing the process she uses for researching her subjects. Her book cover is stunning and sounds delightful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Donna, for stopping by to celebrate with us. I know you'd love the book. Your name is entered for a chance to win an autographed copy of VINCENT AND THEO.

      Delete
  15. I would love to read a new perspective on Van Gogh. I've gone to as many shows of his paintings as I possibly could. His work is fascinating.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for joining the Vincent and Theo Book Birthday Celebration, Reine. Your name is entered for a chance to win an autographed book from Deborah Heiligman.

      Delete
  16. I was lucky enough to meet Ms. Heiligman a few years ago at Reading Round-Up, our state's literacy conference. She was a pleasure to have and I'm so excited to read what she has coming out next, as everything she has written has been great so far. Congratulations!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sam, Thanks for joining Vincent and Theo's Book Release Birthday celebration. Your name is entered for a chance to win an autographed copy.

      Delete
  17. I am thrilled that this book is finally out. I've been so looking forward to it. Thank you for this interview!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by to celebrate the Book Birthday, Tina. Your name is entered for a chance to win an autographed copy.

      Delete
  18. Thanks, Clara for bringing Deborah on today! And Deborah, my mom was big on elbow grease too. She was also from Bucks County, PA so maybe it's a regional thing!

    I would love to read (and win)Vincent and Theo! Congrats on all those starred reviews!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for joining us, Joyce. Elbow grease is something we writers know well, isn't it? Yes, Deb has her very own starry night with all those stellar reviews.

      Your name is entered for a chance to win an autographed copy of VINCENT AND THEO.

      Delete
  19. This sounds like another stellar book from Deborah Heiligman! Vincent Van Gogh was humanized for me in a thoroughly ficitonal way on Doctor Who in the gorgeous episode Vincent and the Doctor. I look forward to learning the real story in Vincent and Theo.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Heidi, for stopping by to celebrate Deb's Book Birthday! I know you'll love VINCENT AND THEO. It is a stellar book. Your name is entered for a chance to win an autographed copy.

      Delete
  20. So interesting to read about your research and writing process. Five years?! That gives me hope :D Congratulations on your Book Birthday - I look forward to reading it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Tina, Thanks for joining Deb's BOOK BIRTHDAY Celebration. Yup, five years is a huge investment on many levels, but trust me, it was well worth the wait! Your name is entered for a chance to win an autographed copy.

      Delete
  21. Combining a favorite artist and a favorite author? Nirvana. I cannot wait to press my face into the pages of VINCENT AND THEO. I'm such a fan, Deborah. This book was meant to be yours! PS My younger daughter is graduating in May from the University of Wisconsin. One of her majors is religious studies. Thrilled to know she shares a kindred spirit with the wise and wonderful you. (())

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your wonderful comment, Pamela. I love that image of pressing your face into the pages of VINCENT AND THEO. I know you'll be purchasing a copy, but your name is entered for a chance to win an autographed copy all the same.

      Delete
  22. Hi, Deb -- I too am really looking forward to reading this book! What a terrific topic. I'm also working on a children's biography of an artist, but my subject lived in the 1600s and there's hardly any primary material by or about her. I've finally hit on the idea of using as many quotes by her (describing the insects she painted) as I can, and will see if that voice brings her to life. I really respect and am impressed by your working method and commitment to knowing your subjects, instead of just reading about them. NEXT time, I'm picking someone from the 19th century or later, or at least making sure there's an abundance of primary material from them! Very eager to read your book! Emily Goodman, praxilla@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Emily, for joining Deb's Book Birthday Celebration for Vincent and Theo. I'm sure you'll be purchasing a copy for yourself, but your name is entered here for a chance to win an autographed copy.

      Delete
  23. Thanks for the interview. She has put a lot of research into writing this book. It sounds like a winner.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for doing the Book Birthday celebration! You name is entered for a chance to win a copy of VINCENT AND THEO!

      Delete
  24. A hearty congratulations on your book! Wow, what an undertaking. I look forward to reading your work. Welcome to Vincent and Cleo front stage. Thank you Clara for including me in this exciting work.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank so much for joining the celebration, Charlene. I just know you'll love the book! Your name is entered for a chance to win, VINCENT AND THEO!

      Delete