Clara Gillow Clark

Winners of the Weenie Books for Halloween

2011-10-25T07:08:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

Thank you so much for joining the Halloween party with David Lubar. Wasn't he a perfect guest for getting into the spirit of things? I thought so, too. Be sure to read down past the winners, for another treat and a slightly different side of David. Well, sort of . . .

CONGRATULATIONS to LUCKY WINNER #ONE: Mjolner (the guy in the beret) Please e-mail me (claragillowclark (@) gmail (dot) com) within one week with your mailing address and your autographed copy of The Battle of the Red Hot Pepper Weenies will be on it's way to you asap!

CONGRATULATIONS to LUCKY WINNER #TWO: Janet (Writing in the Blackberry Patch) Please e-mail me with your address, and your Halloween treat will be in the mail asap!

You can purchase a copy of Sleeping Freshman Never Lie by David Lubar from your favorite bookseller! (Available in paperback!) Don't forget to visit David's web-site: http://www.davidlubar.com

FromSchool Library Journal

Starred Review. Grade 7-10 -ScottHudson is the quintessential freshman. He's small, he's lost, and seniors yokehim for spare change. His honors homework keeps him up all night and his gymteacher is trying to kill him. He joins the paper, runs for student council, andtries out for the play, just to be near a girl he likes. This all backfires. Heturns out to be the least athletic sports reporter in school history, andfreshman lackey to the sadists on stage crew. Meanwhile, his mother ispregnant. The plot is framed by Scott's journal of advice for the unborn baby.The novel's absurd, comical mood is evident in its entries, like "ScottHudson's List of Good Things about Getting Beat Up," and jabs at the fetus("I hope we can recover our investment [in baby furniture] when I sellyou."). The author brings the protagonist to three-dimensional life bycombining these introspective musings with active, hilarious narration. Thisformat also breaks up the story for slower readers. Scott's character arc isextremely satisfying as he develops his true strengths over the nine months ofschool and the pregnancy. His interactions with the school delinquent and theheavily pierced new girl are fresh and subtle. Though Scott purposely peppershis journal with SAT words, Lubar's language use and writing style aredeceptively simple. The teen's physical and emotional tumult is as clear,familiar, and complex as high school itself.-Johanna Lewis, New York PublicLibrary

David Lubar

Thanks for joining us! Have a Happy and Spirited Halloween with good friends and good books!

My November guest is Theodore Geisel Honor Winner, the Fabulous Illustrator/Author Suzanne Bloom. See you soon . . .

Creepy Tales for Halloween with Author David Lubar

2011-10-18T06:16:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

No tricks here, just a great treat from a really funny writer and friend, David Lubar. David has treats in store for you. He has generously donated two copies of his Weenies' book, The Battle of the Red Hot Weenies. I know the middle grade crowd will gobble up these stories faster than candy corn.

Read about Author David Lubar's unique sense of humor and imagination in his personal essay, and then meet David at the end of the post and find out how to win one of the autographed copies of his books! Thanks so much for celebrating Halloween with us! David's books are great reads for anytime of the year. Read on . . .

Hats off to the Weenie Guy by David Lubar

For most of my freshman year in college, I wore a black cowboy hat. I had no legitimate reason to do this. I didn't grow up on a ranch, wrangle cattle, or engage the Clanton boys in gunfire. Since this fashion statement occurred in New Jersey during the mid-seventies, nobody questioned, or cared about, my authenticity. When people met me, they'd stare for a moment, and then, as recognition clicked into place, say, "Oh, yeah. You're the guy with the hat." There was a lot more to me than some ratty piece of felt, of course, but that was my identity back then. The guy with the hat. I have a new identity these days -- one that I suspect is far rarer and more amusing than any clothing-inspired description. I'm the Weenie guy. And that's a good thing.

My passion for short stories was spawned during childhood by the fortunate combination of a short attention span and a lack of athletic or social skills. The latter ensured I would have lots of leisure time for reading. The former nudged me away from lengthier works. I devoured short fiction as a kid. I started writing stories when I was in high school. In college, I wrote the typical angst-driven literary pieces that most freshmen feel compelled to inflict on their friends, roommates, and professors. I wanted to be James Joyce. Alas, my eyesight was too strong and my liver too weak to completely emulate my idol's path through life.

Fortunately, after college, I found greater joy in writing stories that were fun to read. I’d made the transition from poseur (and from the sort of person who flaunts words like “poseur” and “flaunt”) to entertainer. Even more fortunately, I found a publishing house that saw potential in my work. Most fortunate of all, my first story collection, In the Land of the Lawn Weenies and Other Warped and Creepy Tales, had hot dogs on the cover. These were not just any hot dogs. These were brilliantly drawn anthropomorphic Weenies who pushed lawn mowers while they stared into space with hypnotized eyes.

In case you're wondering about "Weenie," that's an affectionate term for someone who has a bit too much enthusiasm for something that shouldn't merit much enthusiasm at all.. Lawn Weenies are folks who love to mow and fertilize far more often than necessary. This was just one of thirty-five stories in the collection. The other tales delved into vampires, mummies, killer parrots, overgrown sea monkeys, cow-fearing little brothers, and other horrors.

The book sold well. My publisher asked for second collection. As I assembled the stories, I decided there should be more of those amazing hot dogs on the cover. This time, the Weenies were the joggers who never smile. Three more collections followed, most recently, Attack of the Vampire Weenies and Other Warped and Creepy Tales. As always, the stories range from pure horror to pure humor. There’s a bonus section explaining where I got the ideas for the stories. The title Weenies this time are young people who think vampires are cute, huggable, and sparkly. This is a tragic mistake. Next time, in June of 2012, it will be Ninja Weenies. I just saw the cover, and it is the best one yet. I can’t take any credit for that, but I can take pleasure in it.

There is a down side to my Weenie empire. First, just as being The Guy with the Hat collapses me into a one- or zero-dimensional entity, the Weenies on the cover seem to promise a depth more associated with thin-sliced salami than plump and subtly spiced sausages. That’s not a fair assessment of what lies beneath. I wasn’t just walking around with a hat when I was in college. I was also reading a lot of literature. I might not write like Joyce, Borges, or Hesse, or Chaucer, but I do write like someone who has spent quality time with all of them. So I can’t help flinching just a little when friends pass along eyewitness accounts of parents at book fairs telling Weenie-collection-clutching children to, "Put that down and get a real book."

The other down side is that when I visit schools, odds are there will be hot dogs on the menu. But that's okay. The down side is minor compared to the up side. Millions of young readers have enjoyed my stories, both on their own and in classroom read-alouds. I've had the pleasure of introducing these kids, by way of my fiction, to a wide variety of prose styles, voices, genres, and tropes. (I'm guessing about that last part. I really do need to look up "trope" one of these days, or stop using it.) I can pull off tricks and twists that would never work in a massive novel, but work just fine in the space of five pages. I get to write what I love -- short stories -- and you get to read my work. It's good being the Weenie Guy. As Caesar said, "Weenie,Vidi, Vici."

If you're a fan, please check out the newest collection. If you've never encountered the Weenies, give one of my books a try. Share it with your kids or your students. I promise you that they will love it. And so will you. If not, I'll eat my hat.

David Lubar has written twenty-five books for young readers, including Hidden Talents, Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie, and Punished. His novels are on reading lists across the country, saving countless students from a close encounter with Madam Bovary. His short stories have appeared in a variety of magazines, including Boy's Life, READ, and Nickelodeon. He has also designed and programmed many video games, but he'd much rather spend his time writing books and hanging out with teachers and librarians. In his spare time, he takes naps on the couch. He lives in Nazareth, PA. Read more about David here: http://www.davidlubar.com/

And here's David’s absolute favorite blurb: "There is no doubt about it – David Lubar is the Rod Serling of Middle Grade Fiction." Paul Goat Allen, on his Barnes and Noble Blog
Read the complete article here: http://bookclubs.barnesandnoble.com/

To win a copy of David's book, The Battle of the Red Hot Pepper Weenies, battle-of-the-red-hot-pepper-weenies simply leave a comment by October 26th. The drawing will be on October 27th! Stop by to comment on the blog post, share your favorite creepy or spooky book, or just say, "Hi!" We'd love to hear from you. As Caesar said, "Weenie,Vidi, Vici."

Annoucning the Lucky Winners of JOE and SPARKY early readers

2011-09-28T16:38:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

Thank you, each and everyone, who stopped by to leave a comment for the lovely and talented author, Jamie Michalak. Jamie has graciously donated two books, which she will personalize and mail to the winners. How cool is that?

So, without further ado, Lucky Winner #1 is: LORRIE ZIEMBA! Congratulations, Lorrie. Please e-mail me [claragillowclark (@) gmail (dot) com] with your mailing address, and your book will be on its way to you asap.

JOE AND SPARKY GET NEW WHEELS

A Kirkus Best Children's Book of the Year

A Chicago Public Library Best Children's Book of the Year

A Junior Library Guild Selection

★ “Joe and Sparky are unlikely buddies—turtle Sparky enjoys the safety of his shell while giraffe Joe is up for any adventure. Joe, convinced that he has won a contest, decides to take the prize, a bright yellow sports car, for a spin. . . . New readers ready for the challenge of more words per page will appreciate the humor of the story and illustrations. Children familiar with the Froggy books will recognize Remkiewicz’s distinctively funny style and will laugh out loud at the innocent assumptions Joe (who sports a Carmen Miranda–like fruit hat) and Sparky make as they explore the world outside Sparky’s shell. Utterly charming.” —Kirkus, starred review

Lucky Winner #2 is: Margo Dill. Congratulations, Margo. Please e-mail me [claragillowclark (@) gmail (dot) com] with your mailing address and your autographed book will be on its way asap!

JOE AND SPARKY, SUPERSTARS!

★ "This warm buddy story is just about perfect for new readers who are forging new friendships. Amusing color illustrations on each spread (usually involving sight gags with Sparky's little legs and shell), four short chapters filled with easy sight words and lots of action, plus enough complexity to make it a bit of a challenge, make this a good choice for readers who are ready for chapter books. They will enjoy watching this funny duo, especially when Joe's plans do not turn out as planned. Being in on a joke is a treat for young readers, and this little treasure is one that will get passed around. Like the Hokey Pokey, that's what it is all about." --Kirkus, starred review

Here's a fun book of Jamie's that we are delighted to share with you!

Jamie assisted the legendary Bigfoot hunter, Morgan Jackson Phd, with the writing of this valuable field guide, containing everything you need to know about the furry fugitive, including tips on trapping and releasing your specimen.

I'm sure you all have a special child in your life who would love to track a BIGFOOT! Click on the link to learn more about this and other books by Jamie: http://www.jamiemichalak.com/

Once again, thank you, dear readers, for all those awesome comments! And thank you, Jamie, for sharing your books and writing wisdom with all of us! I'll be back on October 15th with a special guest author and some Halloween Treats!

Interview with author/editor -- Jamie Michalak

2011-09-14T16:43:00.000-07:00

Jamie Michalak

Dear Readers,

I'm pleased to share a very special writer and treasured friend with you this month. I've never met Jamie Michalak face to face, but she was my wonderful first editor at Candlewick Press and worked with me on Hill Hawk Hattie and Hattie on Her Way. In fact, I dedicated Hattie on Her Way to Jamie! Not long after we finished the edits for Hattie on Her Way, Jamie started a new life as a mother and an author.

I'll share more about Jamie at the end of the post along with details about her generous giveaway--two personalized copies of her early readers. But I don't want to take anymore time away from this gifted editor and writer, Jamie Michalak, or the pearls of writing and editing wisdom she has for us!
www.jamiemichalak.com

Interview with author Jamie Michalak

Can you tell us about where the idea for your first early reader, Joe and Sparky, came from?

I wrote the first draft of Joe and Sparky Get New Wheels with my sister, Julie, who was visiting me. She was ill at the time, and so to entertain ourselves we fell back on our favorite pastime as children--we made up a story. Our only plan was to write a picture book tale that made us laugh. As many sisters do, we shared a secret language--a lifetime of private jokes that made sense to no one but us. Making each other crack up was easy.

So that day, I sat at my desk in my bedroom and Julie and I made up Joe and Sparky Get New Wheels as we went along. I read the story aloud as I typed, and Julie lay on my bed throwing out ideas. Whenever I heard her loud laugh, I knew I should keep writing.

We started with the characters. We decided to write about two best friends--an outgoing, adventure-seeking giraffe and his more reserved, safety-conscious buddy, a bird (later changed to a turtle).

The story flowed as we took turns adding to it. The animal friends mistakenly “borrow” a flashy convertible and go on a joy ride. They order flies at a drive-through burger joint, but much to their confusion, get fries instead. They take a bath in a carwash, and cause a hubbub. By the time I was done writing, I didn’t have a picture book at all. I had an early reader. I’d never written one of those before. “Where did that come from?” I wondered.

Honestly, I have no idea. I sat down to write a picture book and just kept going. Perhaps I was influenced by Arnold Lobel’s classics and the early readers I loved as a child. But more likely, I think that something magical can happen when you write a story just for fun--the way children write stories. When I sat down to write that day, I had no expectations. I wasn’t thinking about publication or rejection. I wasn’t thinking about anything really, except creating a little story that would make my sister laugh.

How did your experience writing the second Joe and Sparky book, Joe and Sparky, Superstars!, differ?

Writing Joe and Sparky Get New Wheels was a unique experience for me. With any new story, I try to get back to that same carefree state, but it takes a little longer. Before I write, I worry that I can’t do it. Then I make a sandwich. Then I worry some more. Then I make a cup of coffee. Then I see what everyone is up to on Facebook. Then I wonder if my Facebook author friends are writing or doing things like making too many sandwiches and cups of coffee. (This first step can go on for a few weeks, erm, or months.) Then I get bored of worrying, and at last, write.

The good part of all this procrastination is that my ideas have been percolating for a while and I have a clear vision of my story by the time I finally put fingertips to keyboard.

What from your childhood influences your writing today?

I grew up with a funny, ridiculous family. I often think about writing down my family’s stories, but nobody would believe them. For example, Joe and Sparky’s cageless zoo is based on a real drive-through zoo in Florida that my family visited when I was young. In this zoo, you drive past animals roaming free. Some come right up to your car window.

Now most families who drive through a cageless zoo do a few things beforehand to get ready. Like, say, fill up their cars with gas. This is where my family differs from other families. Somewhere between the lions licking their chops and the approaching tigers, my mom noticed that our gas tank was on empty. Put-put-phhhht. This was just your typical day with the Michalaks.

What are the challenges of writing a humorous early reader?

The greatest challenge to me is revising. Nothing seems funny after I’ve read it a gazillion times. That’s when I ask my sons, nieces, nephews, friends’ children--any available child of elementary-school age--for their opinion. Kids aren’t known for hiding the truth. If they don’t like your nose, for example, you’re going to hear about it. They also don’t fake laughter. So if kids laugh when they read my story, I can feel good about it. (Even if I no longer feel so great about my nose.)

What have you learned about writing humor?

Humor is difficult to pin down. Trying to dissect it is like trying to explain how to fall in love. A funny line is usually spontaneous and surprising. The more you try to force it, the less likely it is to happen. When it’s right, you just know. On the other hand, an unfunny line is like a bad first date -- awkward! But here are a few things I try to remember:

Start with the characters. If you have interesting characters, you can let them go and follow the action. Throw in a conflict. Place them in an embarrassing situation. I like to introduce an object that’s familiar to children, but foreign to my characters. (Think the soda bottle in the movie “The Gods Must Be Crazy.”) Kids take pride in pointing out the silly, erroneous observations Joe and Sparky make.

The characters add emotional depth too. A humorous tale feels thin if it’s merely a string of jokes. It should also have heart.

Write for yourself first. It’s impossible to tickle every funny bone. But I’ve found that if I laugh at something a character says or does, chances are readers will, too. If you’re having fun writing, it will shine through in your story. It still inevitably takes me fifteen minutes of typing before I turn off the internal critic. But once I get this one-page gong show out of the way, I can settle in, relax, and get lost in the story.

Then edit with your audience in mind. Early grade schoolers get a kick out of slapstick, puns, knock-knock jokes, and silly-sounding words. (Try saying "nincompoop" to a group of first-graders and see what happens.) Make sure that the dialogue is balanced with action; too much talking can slow the story's pace and offer little to illustrate. My sons, age five and seven, also frequently advise me to add a scene about Joe and Sparky tooting.

Well, that’s not quite the note I wanted to end on, but thank you, Clara, for inviting me to be a guest on your blog! I’ve had fun stopping by.

More about Jamie:

Jamie Michalak is a children’s book author and editor. Her books include Joe and Sparky, Superstars!, Joe and Sparky Get New Wheels, Fairy Goodnight Kisses, Fairy Tea Party, Larry and Rita, and So You Want to Catch Bigfoot?, as well as numerous TV and movie adaptations. Visit Jamie's web-site: www.jamiemichalak.com

Jamie began writing stories for children after the birth of her oldest son. Her early reader, Joe and Sparky, Superstars!, illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz, was released this March to rave reviews. In a starred review, Kirkus wrote, “This warm buddy story is just about perfect for new readers who are forging new friendships. . . . Being in on a joke is a treat for young readers, and this little treasure is one that will get passed around.”

The first Joe and Sparky adventure, Joe and Sparky Get New Wheels, was named a Chicago Public Library Best Children’s Book of the Year, Junior Library Guild Selection, and Kirkus Best Children’s Book of the Year. You can purchase your copy now by clicking on the brightly colored Joe and Sparky titles underlined above!

Jamie is generously donating a copy of each title, which she will personalize for each of two lucky winners! For a chance to win, simply stop by and leave a comment on the post, even if it's just to drop by and say, "Hello!" We love to hear from you. The winners will be announced on September 29th!

Who won EDDIE"S WAR? It might be you!

2011-08-09T08:08:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

This month there is a special reason why this LUCKY WINNER won the giveaway of EDDIE'S WAR. . .
Read below to find out why!

Kirkus Reviews (starred review):

Eddie’s War

EDDIE'S WAR (reviewed on July 1, 2011)

In her first outing for children, Saller (The Subversive Copy Editor, 2009) provides a poignant look at boyhood before and during the long years of World War II.
The novel in verse is a well-worked concept, but this effort infuses new life into a genre that's become almost trite. Eddie, just 5 years old as the story begins in 1934, lives contentedly in the glorious shadow of his older brother, Thomas. A few brief vignettes capture the flavor of the pre-war years, as Eddie befriends Jozef, an immigrant his Grama calls a gypsy, who carefully scans newspapers at the library, looking for the only word he can read: the name of his home in Poland, where his wife and son still live. Eddie comes to idolize his brother’s friend, Gabe, always the most reasonable of the older boys. Eventually, Thomas and Gabe enlist as the United States enters the war, and Eddie and his parents face the trial of never knowing if Thomas will live to come home. Prejudice against Jozef forces Eddie to make a hard choice to save the beleaguered man. In spare language and remarkably short sketches, carefully selected details effectively portray well-rounded, interesting characters, from Eddie’s abusive grandfather to his evolving love interest, Sarah.

Much more an emotionally resonant coming-of-age tale than a war story, this will be an easy sell for those seeking a quick, excellent read. (Historical fiction. 11 & up)

Sometimes it's all about LUCK & TIMING or being in the right town at the right time. Joyce and I met up for a cup of vanilla latte at a little cafe in my town, Honesdale, PA! So the WINNER of the fabulous EDDIE'S WAR by Carol Saller is none other than the award winning author of BLUE, Joyce Moyer Hostetter:

Joyce Moyer

We had a wonderful chat about books and writing and the writing life. If you're ever in town, let me know. I'd love to meet you, too! Please drop by to Congratulate Joyce or just say, "Howdy!"

I'm taking a month off from blogging now. My next featured author and book giveaway will be coming up in September! Thank you again, dear readers, for your wonderful and thoughtful comments!

BOOK BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION with Author Carol Saller

2011-08-01T04:57:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

Please join me in celebrating the release of Eddie's War with author Carol Saller. This book will be a special treasure for many of you, because it's historical fiction set in the USA Heartland from 1934-1944. I have a copy setting on my desk to giveaway! I LOVE this book!

In this post, Carol shares from the heart about her long journey to publication--I know it will touch your heart the way it did mine! Congratulations, Carol!

Carol Saller

Bio: Carol Fisher Saller copyedits scholarly books at the University of Chicago Press and is the editor of the Chicago Manual of Style’s online Q&A. In the past she has worked as an editor of children’s books and has published several books for children in addition to a book for adults, The Subversive Copy Editor . You can read more about Carol and Eddie's War at www.carolsaller.com.

Review Clip of Eddie's War

Eddie’s War

“A poignant look at boyhood before and during the long years of World War II.... Much more an emotionally resonant coming-of-age tale than a war story, this will be an easy sell for those seeking a quick, excellent read.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

The Writing Journey

Clara, thank you—I’m so happy to be here today! It’s the official publication date of Eddie’s War, nearly eight (yep) years after I began writing it.

I know it seems ridiculous that such a slender novel could take so long to write. I once calculated that I averaged eleven and a half words per day (not including the time I took off to write another book). Although I’m happy with the outcome, I wouldn’t recommend my method to anyone else, and I certainly don’t plan to use it again myself! In fact, that’s what I’d like to share here—one way not to write a book.

Let me explain first that the book consists of seventy-six scenes narrated by Eddie from 1934 to 1944, and they’re written in a spare kind of prose, in short lines like this:

Duck Hunting

Hunkered in the duck blind,

watching,

trying to keep still,

broken reeds

poking through my jacket,

I squirmed.

Long fingers

like barn nails

gripped my neck:

Grampa Rob.

That’s the shortest scene, and it leans toward a poetry style. Most of the scenes are quite a bit longer and read more like regular prose. Here’s the beginning of one:

The Gossips

“Edward Carl, don’t dawdle.”

Grama Lucy gripped my elbow

and lifted

till I was on the tips of my toes

as she hustled us down Main Street.

I wasn’t dawdling,

just trying to read the headlines

of Official Detective

in the five-and-dime window.

(It continues for seventy-three more lines.)

So here’s the main way I made trouble for myself: I wrote the scenes in no particular order, as they popped into my head. They weren’t told in the first person, because I had no main character. I also had no plot, and—for the first four years—no real dramatic tension. That is, for four years I just continued to compile my little vignettes about the townspeople of Ellisville without giving any of the characters difficulties. I wanted to get them into trouble. I just wasn’t able to put them there. Maybe because I’m a mother.

In 2009 I came back to the project after putting it down for a couple of years to write another book, and at that point I nearly decided it was hopeless. All I had was a jumbled mess, like a drawer full of quilt squares that didn’t fit together. Because the historical farming facts and the inspiration for a few of the scenes were drawn from family history, the book was very close to my heart. Feeling that it probably wasn’t publishable, I considered just throwing it all together and printing out copies for my family.

But I decided to make one last try and applied for a spot in one of Stephen Roxburgh’s novel-writing workshops at Boyds Mills. And a miracle happened: Stephen read through my mess, and in the first thirty-minute one-on-one session, he completely sorted me out. He gave me two books to read for inspiration (An Na’s A Step from Heaven, which I had read once before, and Steven Herrick’s By the River, which was new to me), and he encouraged me to simply keep doing what I was doing.

“You have a handful of pearls,” he said, “but it’s not anywhere close to being a necklace.” Still, he somehow had confidence that if I just kept adding pearls, things would start to happen. Over the weekend he gave me assignments: “Write a sentence telling something about Eddie we don’t already know.” That helped me identify Eddie as the main character. Or “Introduce a new character in the fewest words possible.” That ended up being the one about duck hunting with Grampa Rob: I wrote it in forty-eight words; Stephen took a pencil and in about twenty seconds reduced it to twenty-eight and moved the words “Grampa Rob” to the end of the piece. The brilliance of that editing just blew me away! And it also clued me in on how to trim and hone the pieces myself.

I went away with instructions to write a scene a day for a month and see what happened. I didn’t manage to work that fast, but I definitely did more than eleven and a half words a day, and Stephen proved to be right: I began to see connections, threads, developments in my vignettes. I was able to arrange them in an order that made sense. I made a flowchart to see where the holes were, and started filling them in. The character of Grampa Rob introduced drama. On my own, I promoted Sarah’s character in importance to add romance and humor.

I’ll stop there, because I really hope people will read the book to see the end result! I think it’s a minor miracle that a coherent book could have come together out of such a tangle. Next time, though, the first thing I’ll do is outline a plot.

This is actually the first time I’ve spoken publicly about my struggle writing Eddie’s War, so, Clara thanks for the opportunity!

Ah, Carol, thank you for sharing such a personal journey. I know it strikes a chord with a whole bunch of us!

Dear Friends,
Please take a moment to stop by and congratulate Carol on the Book Birthday of Eddie's War. Don't forget to visit Carol here: www.carolsaller.com. Thank you so much for joining us!

Who won NAAMAH and the ARK at NIGHT? Could it be you?

2011-07-29T05:27:00.000-07:00

Look what Naamah’s done!

amzn.to/p2NyxU

Starred review: Horn Book. “A lovely lullaby, in a beautiful, masterfully integrated book.”
Starred review: Kirkus. “This captivating interpretation creates a remarkable partner for Noah, who uses her special talent in a memorable way.”
What others say:
School Library Journal. “In an author’s note, Bartoletti explains the Arabic poetic form, the ghazal, that inspired the structure of her poetry. Young listeners who hear her bedtime verse will be aware only of its soothing rhythm carrying them to the final ‘Hush hush hush, good night.’”
Publisher’s Weekly. “It’s a story of quiet confidence and comfort, during trials of truly biblical proportions, as well as a gentle bedtime book.”

Dear Readers,

Thank you for joining Susan and me for her pre-book celebration and for sharing your intelligent and thoughtful comments! You get **stars**, too, for being so loyal and supportive!

And now the super lucky winner of Naamah and the Ark at Night: Take a bow, SIOUX!

Sioux, Please e-mail me: claragillowclark(at)gmail(dot)com with your mailing address and the autographed book will be on its way to you asap! I hate to part with the book, but my copy will be on it's way August 9th when the book is finally released.

Next up is a book birthday giveaway--Historical fiction, a novel in verse, set in the heartland during WWII. It's splendid, I think!

Don't forget to visit Susan's web-site: www.scbartoletti.com

Interview with Susan Campbell Bartoletti -- Newbery Honor Award Winning Author

2011-07-19T06:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,

It is such a great honor to introduce you to my long-time and treasured friend, the Award Winning author, Susan Campbell Bartoletti. www.scbartoletti.com As Susan says, we were babies together, but what she means by that is baby writers. How lucky for me to grow up with this author!

Susan gives so much of her time and expertise to the writing community and to our children through her books. Please join me now in celebrating her newest title, Naamah and the Ark at Night. amzn.to/p2NyxU

What was the source of the inspiration for your soon-to –be-released picture book, Naamah and the Ark at Night?

A very old wooden ark that sits on a shelf in my dining room.

As a little girl, when I visited my grandmother – my father’s mother – I played with the ark. I lined up the animals, two by two, and boarded them safely. I imagined the falling rain. The rising floodwaters. The ark tossing and turning on the churning sea. The screaming and crying people Noah left behind, pounding the gangway door, begging to be let on.

Okay, I’m just kidding about that last sentence, but this part is true: I was a very impressionable child. To this day, I remember clearly a coloring book illustration that depicted the terrified men and women Noah didn’t allow on the ark. And I was supposed to do what? Color it with my crayons? Colorize their terror? That illustration haunted me.

Can you share something about the character of Naamah, Noah’s wife?

One day, I found that my imagination turned to Noah’s wife.

In the King James Version of Genesis, we’re told Noah was a just man, full of grace.

But what about his wife? Who was she? What kind of person was she? And I began to imagine this woman who spent over a year on an ark filled with animals. I began to ask: what must she have thought when Noah told her his plan? How did she feel packing her house? When the rain began to fall? Surely the neighbors must have noticed. What did they think as Noah hammered and sawed away? When Noah gathered the animals? What did her sons and her daughters-in-law think? How did it feel when the flood waters rose? What was life like on the ark?

These are just some of questions I asked, and the answers led me to write different versions of the story. None of those versions “worked,” and so I put the story away. It sat in my drawer for many years. Every so often, I’d return to it and try again.

What I didn’t realize is that I hadn’t asked the right question yet: What was her name?

Although Noah’s wife is never given in the King James book of Genesis, some people have named her over the years. In 1941, an American scholar named Francis Utley listed 103 possible names for Noah’s wife.

From my research, I learned that some rabbinical legends tell us that Noah’s wife was called Naamah because her deeds were pleasant. These legends also tell of another Naamah whose name meant “great singer.”

So we might ask: what’s in a name? These interpretations helped me imagine Naamah’s personality and her talents. They help me imagine how she inspired and comforted Noah and their three sons and their wives, as well as all the animals. Perhaps Naamah sang.

There. I had found my entry into the story.

amzn.to/p2NyxU

What about her connected to you emotionally?

The urge to tell a story usually begins with an emotional connection, doesn’t it? Something or someone that makes the heart swell or turn over.

This story began with my sentimental attachment to the ark. I never knew my father, who died in a car accident when I was two months old, and that wooden ark is one of the few things I own that belonged to him.

As a writer, I like to look for “untold” stories from history, because wherever there’s a gap there’s a story. And so I found myself drawn to the story of this woman whose name was left out of the story.

The final version of the story also came about as I began to think about being a grandmother. And guess what?

No, don’t guess. I’ll tell you. As soon as Holly Meade agreed to illustrate the book, my daughter became pregnant with twins! I have boy-girl twin grandchildren, named Rocco and Alia who turned two in March. They have a younger sister, Mia, who turned one in June. My first grandbabies came by two and the third came by one.

(And speaking of the illustrations, are they not magnificent? I feel so fortunate to have been paired with Holly.)

You modeled your poem after an ancient poetic structure. What drew you to this form? Can you tell us a little about it? Does your lullaby/poem follow this strict form or did you alter the structure?

A few years ago, I heard my friend and colleague Molly Peacock read a poem that she termed a “sonnet-ghazal.” Her poem was so hauntingly beautiful that it raised the hair on my arms. (Molly and I teach in the low-residency MFA program at Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky.)

Molly and I have talked a lot about poetry. She says to think of a poetic form as a container that you pour the words into. (Er, I mean, into which you pour the words.)

In short: Noah’s wife needed a name and my story needed a container. Once the story had a name and a form, the words poured out on the first draft, with little revision and very few changes after that.

(Of course, that wouldn’t have been possible without all those years of attempts.)

So what is a ghazal?

Strictly speaking, a ghazal (pronounced “guzzle”) comes to us from the Middle East. It’s an Arabic word that means, “talking to women.” (How perfect is that meaning for Naamah’s story?)

Here are the basics:

· A ghazal is composed of five-to fifteen stand-alone couplets. (The usual number is seven.)

· Each couplet should be a stand-alone poem in itself that is not linked in any way. (Some poets describe each couplet as a pearl on a pearl necklace.) The refrain provides the link.

· Each line is the same metric length. The first couplet introduces a scheme: a refrain (a repeated word or phrase) that appears at the end of both lines of the first couplet and a rhyme or near rhyme that precedes the refrain.

· Subsequent couplets follow the scheme in the second line only. Here, the refrain is repeated and the second line rhymes or nearly rhymes with both lines of the first stanza.

· The final couplet usually includes the poet’s name and a derivation of the meaning of the poet’s name.

The traditional ghazal is so beautiful! You can find examples by conducting an internet search online.

That said, many Western poets take liberties with the traditional form, and so did I.

Liberties? What sort of liberties? Do tell . . .

One of the biggest liberties is that my ghazal is a continuous development of one subject – Naamah and the Ark at Night.

What was your writing process for this?

Once I determined my refrain – night – I wrote eleven couplets with rhyming words that moved Naamah throughout the night.

Did the rhyming words come first? No. I needed to determine Naamah’s movement first. Then I figured out the rhymes so that they would be organic to her story.

Finally, is there anything else you’d like to add that I haven’t asked? Advice for writers?

Write and read more poetry. Poetry helps me stretch and grow as a writer. The craft and skill that goes into writing poetry improves the other work I do.

Susan,

Thank you for sharing such rich insights into the writing of Naamah and the Ark at Night. I am, as always, encouraged by your dedication to taking time as time is needed to create not just a new book, but a work of art.

Dear Readers,

Please take a moment of your time to leave a comment for Susan about her new book for a chance to win and receive an autographed copy of the gorgeous Naamah and the Ark at Night, before it's released to the public. The winner will be announced on July 29th. Thank you! We love you for your thoughtfulness!

THE LUCKY WINNER of THE SUMMER OF HAMMERS AND ANGELS

2011-07-09T11:25:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

I didn't intend to lie about WHEN I was going to announce the winner of debut author Shannon Wiersbitzky's www.shannonwiersbitzky.com first novel, the summer of hammers and angels for middle grade readers, but, alas, that's the way it turned out. Sometimes, LIFE makes other plans for us, and I'm sure you are all well-versed in sudden interruptions that delay your best laid plans and goals. But I'm here now, and eager to ANNOUNCE the LUCKY WINNER!

First, I wanted to share a terrific review of the summer of hammers and angels from KIRKUS:

THE SUMMER OF HAMMERS AND ANGELS
Author: Wiersbitzky, Shannon
Publisher: namelos
Angels in the form of members of the First Congregational Church of Christ come to Delia Burns' rescue after lightning strikes her house, leaving her mother in a coma and Delia trying to do the long list of repairs left by the inspector who has condemned her home.

Set in Tucker's Ferry, W.V., this idealized picture of small-town cooperation recalls a simpler time. There are no electronic devices beyond the television in the corner of her mother's hospital room and no chain stores with computerized inventories. There is also little supervision of the children: hard-working, resourceful Delia, her flighty friend, Mae, and mean Tommy Parker, who turns out to be both helpful and handy with tools. Delia’s age is never given, but the first-person narration reflects her innocence and naïveté. Thanks to summer Bible camp she knows something about religion. She wonders about the efficacy of prayer and the existence of angels. She hasn't gone regularly to church like the Parkers, neighbors who take her in after the lightning strike, but her conversion is swift. After two weeks of porch carpentry, ivy-pulling and screen-mending, she’s ready to ask for help, which arrives in true feel-good fashion.

The heartwarming conclusion is an unlikely miracle, but it is entirely in keeping with the flavor of this nostalgic story, which will leave readers hungry for fried chicken and Coke from glass bottles. (Fiction. 9-13)

---Kirkus Reviews www.kirkusreviews.com
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The LUCKY WINNER of The Summer of Hammers and Angels is: KRISTIN GRAY
Congratulations, Kristin. I know you'll give this book a good home! Please e-mail me [claragillowclark(at)gmail(dot)com] with your mailing address, and the book will go out to you asap!

Please take a moment to congratulate Kristin! You, dear reader, may be the lucky winner next time!

And next up will be an interview with the award winning author, Susan Campbell Bartoletti, about the writing of her soon to be released picture book, Naamah and the Ark at Night published by Candlewick Press on August 9th. You'll want to stop by and leave a comment for a chance to win a hardcover, autographed copy of this gorgeous book before it is released! How cool is that?

BOOK BIRTHDAY with Debut Author Shannon Wiersbitzky

2011-07-01T05:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

It's always exciting to introduce a debut author and her first book. To help celebrate her extra special day, Shannon has generously donated an autographed, hardcover copy of her gorgeous book, The Summer of Hammers and Angels, to one very lucky reader who leaves a comment (see jacket and link below). Please give Shannon a warm welcome! She's written a post filled with writing gems just for you!

A brief bio: Shannon Wiersbitzky was born in North Dakota, but grew up in West Virginia, Florida, and Minnesota before her parents finally settled down on the East Coast. Her days have three clear parts, writing, “regular” work, and family. Shannon lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two young sons. This is her first novel. Learn more about Shannon at www.shannonwiersbitzky.com

****

My first novel, The Summer of Hammers and Angels, officially launches today. Hooray! If we were all together, I’d be sure to offer you a drink and an appetizer.

The book tells the story of a young girl, Delia, and a summer that starts off about as bad as any summer could. An inspector threatens to condemn her house and her Mama is struck by lightning. To make matters worse, with no other family to speak of, Delia is forced to move in with her neighbor, Tommy "as-dense-as-a-stump" Parker.

With her best friend, Mae, and Tommy (but only because he seems handy), Delia resolves to tackle the long list of repairs, one by one. What she discovers is that it takes more than energy and willingness to handle some problems. When things go from bad to worse, Delia has to take another tack, one that starts with admitting she just can't do what needs to be done without a lot more help.

I started writing the book back in 2007. Driving home from the SCBWI Pocono Conference, full of vim and vigor and inspiration, I realized there was this voice in my head. Now keep in mind that when I drive alone I usually have the radio on full-blast and can often be spotted singing at the top of my lungs, so this voice had to work hard to be heard. The voice was Delia’s, the main character.

So there I was, driving down the highway, with all these poorly behaved words pushing and shoving, trying to get out and I began saying them aloud. I was fearful of forgetting them before I got home, so I simply repeated them over and over, adding a new sentence at the end each time, then repeating again. I became so engaged with this voice that I completely missed my exit home. The first chapter as you’ll read it today is very close to the way it came to me on that drive.

Easy, you say! Piece of cake!

Not exactly.

I’m a big believer that most authors are collectors. Hoarders really. Over the course of a lifetime, we gather up words, phrases, expressions, habits, experiences, signs, stories, outfits, and anything else that strikes us as interesting, and we store them away in the deep recesses of our brain. Sometimes we don’t even know we’ve boxed them up until we begin to write and then there they come, unpacking themselves and clamoring to be put on a shelf, or in a chapter as the case may be.

http://amzn.to/l2gCWZ

The Summer of Hammers and Angels, is the result of some of my collecting. Since middle-school, I’ve been involved with Habitat for Humanity. I was maybe fourteen when I took a trip to upstate New York with my church. As we spent our days fixing and building, several women from the community made us these huge lunches, fried chicken and baked beans, collard greens with bacon, and macaroni and cheese. I remember saying thank you to one of the women and she responded, “Oh no, thank you! I could never do what you’re doing. All I know how to do is cook fried chicken.”

I can’t recall if I answered her or not, I was so struck by what she said. It was shocking to me, and sad, but I could see that she wasn’t sad. That little bit, is tucked into one of my supporting characters, Miss Martha.

Although the beginning of the story came easily, and I had a clear vision of the end, the middle was a struggle. I had a dad in the story at one point...he got tossed. I had some Habitat-type volunteers in at another point....they got tossed. There were spiritual angels...they got tossed.

The art of writing is the revising. My editor, Stephen Roxburgh, calls it re-visioning, and I think he’s right. Revising implies tweaking words that already exist, but for many drafts, something more dramatic is needed. What if this entire scene wasn’t here? How could my characters learn what they need to know in a different way? What if this person were gone? How could the main character interact with others to still accomplish what they need to?

These aren’t easy questions. Re-visioning takes work, an open mind, and maybe even a doze in the sun or a glass of red wine by the couch. It also requires that an author give up something they thought worked, or words they’ve grown attached to, and try something new.

At its core, The Summer of Hammers and Angels is a story about hope. About hope and faith, family and community.

Because the book was inspired in part by my community work, I’ve committed to giving back a portion of the proceeds to Habitat for Humanity. When you read the book (and I hope you will!) you’ll see this noted near the copyright information.

Thanks so much, Clara, for letting me blog today. I do hope your readers enjoy the book!

Thank you, Shannon, for sharing wonderful insights and the wisdom that went into your writing and revision process. Those questions raised by your editor, Stephen Roxburgh, namelos, are priceless.

Please take a moment to congratulate Shannon on the release of her book, The Summer of Hammers and Angels http://amzn.to/l2gCWZ
And be sure to visit Shannon here: www.shannonwiersbitzky.com

The Lucky Winner of The Summer of Hammers and Angels will be announced in one week!

!!!!! Congratulations, Shannon!!!!!

*CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GRAND PRIZE WINNER - SPILLING INK

2011-05-31T05:41:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

Every now and then you find a special piece of writing--special because it is written with honest emotion and heart. Those are the reasons why this piece by 7th grader Maren Huelsman was chosen for First Place--our Grand Prize Winner. (*Entries were published without correction by me or the teachers who submitted.)

Maren won $25 cash awarded by me, an autographed copy of SPILLING INK by the writing team, Anne Mazer and Ellen Potter, an autographed copy of Slob by Ellen Potter, The Sundown Rule (April featured title) by Wendy Townsend, an Olivia Kidney title from Anne Mazer's series, and publication on my blog. Here now, is Maren Huelsman's winning entry:

Mission Cheetah

By: Maren Huelsman

Teacher: Emily Kling

I love cats. I’ve always dreamed about owning one; but not just any cat, the fastest and most elegant cat in the world, a cheetah. I know it’s crazy to even think a city girl like me would be able to have a cheetah. But they’re so amazing, graceful, and best of all, fast. These quiet animals stealthily stalk their prey while the only sound they make is a quaint chirp, no growl or roar.

I often daydream about ways to get a cheetah. My first idea was to break in at night and steal one from the zoo. The poor creatures couldn’t possibly be happy so I’d be saving them, right? Then I thought I’d go to Africa and rescue an orphaned cub from the wild. Unfortunately, the $200 in my bank account wouldn’t even come close to covering the expenses for that plan. I needed a realistic strategy.

One day my mom showed me an article in the paper about a nearby exotic animal rescue that had just acquired six new cheetah cubs. Could I find my cheetah here? These places had little security. It would take them a while to notice a missing cub. Armed with my best friend’s cat carrier and a strong sense of confidence that I could give one of these cubs a better home, I arrived at the facility. The place was nearly empty except for one of the animal keepers, who quickly noticed my connection with the cubs and invited me into the pen with them. He asked if I would like to volunteer at the facility. I immediately said yes, and came to conclusion that stealing a cub wasn’t the best plan, and I could live with volunteering. I wouldn’t exactly have a pet cheetah; but close enough.

Thank you, Maren Huelsman for a story that shows growth in the main character by becoming part of the solution for the baby cheetah cubs, instead of simply grabbing what she wanted. !!!! HATS Off! BRAVO! APPLAUSE! TAKE A BOW, MAREN !!!!

Please take a moment, dear readers, to congratulate Maren on her winning entry "Mission Cheetah"!

SPECIAL BLOG ANNOUNCEMENT: I won't be blogging again until late June or early July! June is filled up with speaking engagements, but I'll be back! I have an exciting summer/fall lineup of guest authors and book giveaways for all of you! Have a fun and fabulous JUNE!

The FABULOUS 2nd Place WINNER SPILLING INK CONTEST

2011-05-24T04:21:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

Please give a warm welcome to our Fabulous 2nd Place WINNER, **Katharine C. Ruegger**, an astonishing young woman from the mid-west whose entry "A Plataduck is Man's Best Friend" was chosen for its originality and humor. This girl is going to go far! Katharine won $15 cash and received autographed books from Anne Mazer, K.L.Going, and Clara Gillow Clark! Please leave a comment to congratulate this rising star! Please read the special note at the end. THANK YOU!

   !!!!CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU, KATHARINE!!!!

Katharine G. Ruegger, a seventh grader, is an ecstatic little actress who love love loves anything having to do with the arts. Pursuing her dramatic career, she has performed at various professional theatres in shows such as King & I, Seussical, Oliver!, Once Upon A Mattress and Once On This Island. Katharine also enjoys competing in tennis matches, performing in her local Civic theatre's performing troupe "Act One," volunteering at local humane shelters, cooking, and hanging around with her theatre family. Katharine's favorite book is (at the moment) Auntie Mame by Patrick Dennis, though she will always have an absolute obsession with anything and everything Dr. Seuss. Kat's favorite subjects include English, Music, and Drama, which she insists is, despite the excessive arts cutting in schools, is a subject.

Katharine G. Ruegger
Grade 7
Teacher: Troy Cockrum
Prompt #3

                     "A Plataduck is a Man's Best Friend"

    You see, I have a slight problem. My best friend… doesn't exist. He doesn't talk, either. My plataduck Alphie…he's invisible. Well, for right now he is. I intend to change this. Mom says plataducks aren't real, and so does Dad. At school, people laugh at me. The science teacher yelled at me. Once they see Alphie, this will all change.

    I've got a plan. No, I won't go to an exotic breeder, they just abuse animals. I'll do something different. I'll create my own plataduck. Now, I know it sounds outrageous, but a couple days ago at the park, this strange old man in lederhosen gave me some magic beans. No, not like Jack's beans…but wishing beans. I've always been a sucker for magic, and hey, if I get my pet, I'll be happy. It's just a matter of materials.
    I've been working with this theory for over a month now, but I just recently put it into action. Inside the beans… there's a genie. You can probably guess what this means. But it's a bean, not a lamp, so only one wish. And what would I do? My obvious level is bursting. I'll wish for my devious little Alphie. And guess what? There, in mid flying-mid swimming position will stand my wish, my absolute dream...Alfie, the plataduck.

*Special thanks go to Katharine's teacher, Mr. Troy Cockrum for all his help. Thank you, Mr. Cockrum!

SPILLING INK WRITING CONTEST 3rd Place WINNERS

2011-05-19T04:52:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

A Short Note about this contest: All through my school years, I never remember anyone teaching us anything about writing stories. We had to write spelling words in sentences and do book reports and essays. The essays always seemed to be connected to major tests or final exams. However, I did write poetry in high school, and because of that, I think, I received the Creative Writing Award at graduation. I still have the envelope that says Clara Gillow was the recipient. Over the years when the writing days were very hard and publication seemed out of my reach, I'd take out the envelope and read those words again.

I know how hard it is to be a writer and I also know how great it feels to hold a published book in your hands that has your name on it. One of the reasons I persisted through years of rejection came from the generosity of that giver who made a Creative Writing Award possible. My hope is that this writing contest will do the same for all the talented young writers who shared their stories. Congratulations to all of you. Write on!

Without further ado, please welcome and applaud the TWO **3rd Place WINNERS** Luke Mayhew and Emma Borme.

Luke's Bio in his own words: "I am in 7th grade. I don't think I can choose one favorite book, but I really like "Brian's Winter" by Gary Paulsen. My favorite subject in school is Math but I also like History. I love playing board games, and designing my own board games. 'You can be anybody and do anything in a board game,' I always say. I also made my own secret language!

Thanks for everything!" [You are very welcome, Luke!]

Rebellion

By: Luke Mayhew

274 Words

Joshua walked down the street, wondering if the rumors of the rebellion against King Marthael were true. Suddenly a man materialized next to him.

He hastily pulled a small box from underneath his dark cloak. “Here! Take this and don’t let anything happen to it!”

Joshua looked down at a small, crude wooden box with rough edges. He opened his mouth to ask the man what was inside, but he had vanished from sight.

Joshua opened the box. Tucked inside a leather pouch was a golden ring imprinted with the image of a falcon.

“No,”Joshua whispered “Not the king’s ring! If the rebels get their hands on this they can impersonate King Marthael!”

Joshua sprinted through the town square, thinking only that he had to reach the castle as quickly as possible.

A soldier on patrol saw the box. His eyes widened. “Stop!”

Joshua ran behind buildings and through shops until he eluded the soldier and made it to the castle. As he approached the king’s throne room, he was confronted by a guard.

“What are you doing?” The guard asked, noticing the box in Joshua’s hand. “Give me the box!” He yelled, drawing his sword.

Suddenly from out of the shadows, the man with the dark cloak flew through the air and tackled the guard. “Go! Go!”

Feeling his knees might buckle at any moment, Joshua ran into the throne room just as the king spoke.

“Order my people to evacuate. The rebellion has begun.”

Joshua handed the box to the king and said, “Here, you might need this.”

The king lifted the lid and his eyes widened in surprise.

*******************************************

Emma Borme is a 7th grader in the mid-west. I'd like to eat some of those Swiss Rolls she writes about in her story below. Enjoy!

Swiss Rolls

By: Emma Borme

Sunny McFeld was a normal teenage girl who lived in a small town in Oklahoma. Sunny was adventurous and kind-hearted child. She had a favorite snack… Swiss Rolls! Every Saturday, Sunny picks up a packet of eight Swiss Rolls.

It was a nice sunny day. Sunny went over to the pantry to get the package of Swiss Rolls when she suddenly realized she had forgotten to buy them at the grocery store. She quickly grabbed her keys and raced out the door. She grabbed her Swiss Rolls, paid, and raced back home.

Sunny was half way home when she saw a shaggy man in neon blue jogging shorts running after her. She ran franticly to her house! Sunny was getting close when she felt a hand reach into her pocket and drop something. It was a small, light wooden box. The man said, “Don’t let anything happen to this,” as he sprinted away.

Sunny quickly got home, and ran inside her room. She shoved the package under her bed. When she sat down on her bed, the curiosity got to her and she opened the box. Inside the box was a golden key with a beautiful bright red ruby on the end. Sunny quickly threw the box under the bed.

Sunny looked out the window and saw the man in blue shorts go by her house again. This made her curious. Sunny walked outside and went up to the man and asked him, “Why did you give me this key? He said, “ Whomever sees the masterpiece shall live forever.” Then, he vanished. Sunny went to the store each week to purchase Swiss Roles hoping she would see the man again. However, now at 102 years old she often wonders if she will live forever.

************************************

Please take a moment to comment on what you liked about the stories or simply to CONGRATULATE these very special young writers! I'll be back on Tuesday to share the story of the Spilling Ink 2nd place Winner. Thanks again, dear readers, for your wonderful support!

Annoucning the WINNERS of the Spilling Ink Writing Contest

2011-05-09T15:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Young Authors and Readers,

Thank you for your patience while we made our lists and checked them more than twice! We've now come to a final decision.

It was wonderful to review so many wonderful entries for the contest and to see so much promise in the work of the Young Authors who submitted. I applaud the work of each and every one of you. Thank you so much for for being a part of the SPILLING INK WRITING CONTEST!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE OUTSTANDING ***WINNERS!***

First prize: $25 Cash prize and autographed books by Anne Mazer, Ellen Potter, and Wendy Townsend, plus publication on my blog awarded to Maren Huelsman for "Mission Cheetah". Chosen for being well-structured, engaging, and written with heart!

2nd prize: $15 Cash Prize, and autographed books by Anne Mazer, K.L.Going, and Clara Gillow Clark, plus publication on my blog awarded to Katharine G. Ruegger for "A Plataduck is a Man's Best Friend". Chosen for its originality and humor.

3rd prize (2 winners): $10 Cash Cash Prize each, an autographed book by Clara Gillow Clark (that's me), and publication on my blog awarded to Luke Mayhew for "Rebellion". Chosen for being a tight, well-written story; and to Emma Borme for "Swiss Rolls". Chosen for her excellent storytelling skills.

And I decided to give 3, 4th place prizes: $5 dollars each, and an autographed book by Clara Gillow Clark awarded to Anna Lee Hafer, Kate Reifenberg, and Myra Miller.

Honorable mention:

Caitlin Tiger

Delia Novak

Tanner Waltz

Mahalya Roscoe

Jack Quigley

Thank you to everyone who helped spread the word and to all the teachers, parents, librarians, and fellow authors who encouraged the young authors! Congratulations to one and all!

Teachers, parents, students, Please e-mail me with the name and address where the prizes should be sent! claragillowclark@gmail.com

Please take a moment to congratulate these outstanding young authors! Their stories will be published on my blog throughout the month!

SPILLING INK WRITING CONTEST IMPORTANT MESSAGE

2011-05-07T16:11:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

I have to delay announcing the winners of the writing contest. We had so many excellent entries that it's going to take a little longer to make the final decision. The first cut has been made, and the judges have narrowed the contenders to 13. If you're reading this, I hope you're one of the 13.

My very best wishes go out to all of you. Please be patient. We'll get back to you asap! Thank you!

Clara

Spilling Ink Writing Contest for Young Authors

2011-04-15T04:45:00.000-07:00

It's The 2nd Annual SPILLING INK WRITING CONTEST for Grades 4-8

It's spring and we're jumping right into a writing extravaganza using the fabulous book SPILLING INK co-authored by the dynamic writing team, Anne Mazer and Ellen Potter. SPILLING INK is a humorous and inspiring book of advice, questions, and writing prompts for young writers. I'm holding a copy in my hand right now that's been donated by Anne and will be sent to the 1st place WINNER of the Contest (along with other prizes). YOUNG AUTHORS can purchase a copy of their own through Scholastic at a very affordable price!
You'll definitely want to check out the web-site for the book. Here's the link: http://spillinginkthebook.com/ Just click and go! By the way, even if you're not a teen or tween, you'll find a lot of good advice in Spilling Ink that will inspire you. Ever have trouble with sub-plots? Need I say more?

First, you'll read about the authors who are participating, and then you'll learn all the prizes and how to enter this fabulous contest!
Just in case you don't already know the FANTASTIC authors who have donated books for the contest, here's a little bit about them:

Anne Mazer is the author of over forty books for young readers, including the award-winning The Salamander Room, the Sister Magic series, and the bestselling The Amazing Days of Abby Hayes series. Her favorite thing about being a writer is being able to write in the middle of the night in her pajamas. I've known Anne for twenty years, and she is amazing and lots of fun. She sparkles!

Learn more about Anne here: www.annemazerbooks.com

Ellen Potter is the author of the award-winning middle-grade Olivia Kidney series, as well as the middle-grade novels Pish Posh and Slob. Ellen's favorite thing about being a writer is that she gets to spend the day with Mongolian yak herders, psychics, and bank-robbing wood sprites without ever leaving her house.

Learn more about Ellen here: http://www.ellenpotter.com/

K.L. Going is the award winning author of numerous books for children and teens. Her first novel, Fat Kid Rules the World was named a Michael Printz Honor Book by the American Library Association, and was included on YALSA’s Best Books for Young Adults list and their list of Best Books for the Past Decade. K.L. began her career working at one of the oldest literary agencies in New York City. She lives in Glen Spey, NY where she both writes and runs a business critiquing manuscripts. She’s also a mom to the world’s cutest child.

To visit KL on-line go to www.klgoing.com

Wendy Townsend, a graduate of the Vermont College MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults Program, teaches workshops for children’s writing at Empire State College and at the Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence College. She is a lifelong lover of animals and nature and has shared her home with many large lizards since she was eight years old. In 1993 she co-authored and illustrated Iguanas: A Guide to Their Biology and Captive Care. Her first novel, Lizard Love was published by Front Street Books in 2008. Her latest title, The Sundown Rule, was published by namelos this spring!

Clara Gillow Clark--That's me! I write, teach, blog, and make cloth dolls. I studied writing at New School for Social Research in Greenwich Village and SUNY Binghamton. I'm the recipient of International Reading Young Adult Choice Award and Bank Street College Best Books 2004. Read my bio here: http://www.claragillowclark.net/biography.html It's a little out of date, but some things don't change! In case you didn't guess, I LOVE kids!

Now, onto the SPILLING INK CONTEST!!!

To celebrate young authors, I'm sponsoring a Writing Contest for grades 4-8. If you know of a young writer or if you are a teacher, librarian or interested parent, please pass this information along. Thank you!

The contest will run from April 15th until May 1st. The winner will be announced on May 7th. Anne Mazer and Wendy Townsend are acting as judges this year.All cash prizes are donated by me!

First prize: $25 Cash prize and autographed books by Anne Mazer, Ellen Potter, and Wendy Townsend, plus publication on my blog.

2nd prize: $15 Cash Prize, and autographed books by Anne Mazer, K.L.Going, and Clara Gillow Clark, plus publication on my blog.

3rd prize: $10 Cash Cash Prize, an autographed book by Clara Gillow Clark (that's me), and publication on my blog.

All entries must be sent directly to me claragillowclark@gmail.com If you attend a private/public school,

the entry must include the name of your school and your Librarian or English Teacher or Reading Specialist or Writing Teacher. (They may enter for you if your school computers don't allow access) You may enter more than once, but your entry must use one of the writing prompts below in about 200-300 words. Longer entries will be automatically disqualified.

Writing Prompts from SPILLING INK the Book:

Writing Prompt #1: I DARE YOU Rewrite a scene from your life. Think of something that happened today. Something that wasn't perfect--maybe something that was even downright mortifying--and rewrite it as you would have wanted it to happen. (Tip from me: Remember that scenes have a beginning, middle, and end!)

Writing Prompt #2: I DARE YOU Think of two people you admire. Now think of the thing you admire most about each of them. Combine those two qualities into one person and write about that person in the following situation: She or he is walking down the street and a strange man hands your character a small sealed carton and says, "Don't let anything happen to this!" Then the man sprints away. What does your character do next?

Writing Prompt #3 from Wendy Townsend and ME: Is there a pet you wish you could have? Is it a wild animal? Maybe a goldfish, cat, dog, white mouse, a lizard or a snake? Perhaps, your pet is imaginary? You really really want this pet. Write about all the ways you might go about getting this pet. Now write a scene where you put that plan into action.

ALL READERS: Leave a comment here to win an autographed copy of any one of my books--your choice!
YOUNG AUTHORS: Enter the writing contest for a chance to win a $$CASH PRIZE, autographed books by the featured authors above, and a GUEST SPOT on my blog by submitting your writing here: claragillowclark@gmail.com Good luck writers! I look forward to hearing from you soon. Remember the deadline is May 1st!

Interview with SPILLING INK CONTEST judge, Wendy Townsend

2011-04-12T15:21:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

Please join me in welcoming one of the judge's for the contest, my good friend and esteemed colleague, Wendy Townsend. Wendy was recently featured in Kirkus Book Review Journal. Her book garnered a starred review, a personal interview, and her book jacket on the cover of the journal! Congratulations, Wendy! You'll learn more about Wendy in the SPILLING INK WRITING CONTEST coming up right here on Friday! Wendy is donating an autographed copy of her book, SUNDOWN RULES for the Spilling Ink Writing Young Author Writing Contest for grades 4-8.

Your comments are always appreciated! Thanks so much for joining us for this mid-week post!

The Lure of Bare Feet in Mud

by Jenny Brown on March 25, 2011 | Children's

Wendy Townsend spent her childhood summers near Michigan’s Marl Lake, home to 12-year-old Louise, the narrator of her latest novel, The Sundown Rule. Louise is inseparable from her cat, Cash. She also provides food to the nearby crows and rescues baby animals. When her father leaves Brazil on a nature-writing assignment, Louise must spend the summer with her highly allergic Aunt Kay and Uncle Jack in the suburbs—and leave Cash behind. Like Louise, Townsend finds solace in nature. Here the author discusses nature’s profound effect on humans and the dangers of severing that connection.
Check out more books about children and the wild world.
Louise tells readers what she’s thinking through her observations and her senses. Do you naturally write in such a spare way?
I haven’t always liked to write. I started out writing articles for nature magazines and co-authored a care guide [for iguanas] with a veterinarian. I’ve kept large iguanas since I was 8 years old. I thought fiction would be a better way to say what I wanted to say about the value of animals to us as human beings. [My editor] Stephen Roxburgh is a great teacher in terms of economy of language. I wanted to step inside the child character and write as a witness of what was going on—to get out of my head, into a place of seeing and smelling and hearing.
You’re also nonjudgmental when it comes to animals. Louise knows, for instance, that crows steal other birds’ hatchlings but “loved the crows anyway.”
I want people to rethink how they look at animals, especially crows, snakes, bugs and spiders, as if there’s no sentience there and no society. They do have society. They have a lot to teach us. I found my grounding and my security at a very early age with those animals and in nature. When you’re standing in a pond with your bare feet in mud, that’s about as good as it gets and as safe as you can feel.
When Louise becomes friends with Sarah, Sarah’s father also becomes an important ally for Louise. He has that insightful response when Louise describes missing Cash: “Animals give us something special, don’t they? Something people can’t.”
It is an inchoate thing. The word that comes to mind is “wonder.” Animals do look at us as much as we look at them. Maybe even more. As a species, we are alone on the planet in many ways. We’ve put ourselves there. People who have pets or working farms do have companionship with nature. John Berger wrote an essay called, “Why look at animals?” He says that “With their parallel lives, animals offer companionship… to the loneliness of man as a species.” That has always resonated with me.
Louise hints at the spirituality that grows out of her love of nature. One of the great moments in the book is her conversation with Sarah about whether animals have a soul.
When I had the relationship with the real friend [who inspired Sarah], the wonderful thing about this person is that she was able to manage her mother’s extreme religious fanaticism and still go on these turtle walks and frog hunts with me. In my family we weren’t churchgoers. My grandmother was a bird-watcher and gardener, and believed in Mother Nature. I think that what I was pondering was, I was seeing what Sarah gives to Louise in terms of companionship, but what does Louise give to Sarah? I feel like Louise gives Sarah this window into nature.
Louise is as comfortable in solitude as she is in the company of those she loves. Do you think that’s something our society is giving up? Is it a challenge to seek out those stretches of solitude?
Children are used to stimuli, and what happens if they don’t get that stimulus? They have to learn how to be quiet and still and alone. I don’t know how else you can feel grounded and steady with yourself. Nature has that to offer us. It’s emotional safety to be still and quiet, and feeling everything and seeing everything is calming. It’s very hard to find that today.
What’s next for you?
My third novel will center around an incident in May 2008 in the Grand Cayman Islands: people broke into the Blue Iguana Recovery Program and brutally murdered eight of the primary breeding adults. They haven’t caught them yet and they don’t know why. Blue Iguanas are incredible, they’re in the same genus as the [West Indian rhino iguanas] my husband and I have. Blue iguanas are functionally extinct, and there’s been an effort to keep them alive. For me it tipped it, I see snapping turtles who’ve been run over, and I’m heartbroken when an animal is hit and didn’t need to be. I needed to write a book about coming to terms with cruelty to animals. It’s also a road not taken, because I almost became a marine biologist, but realized I’m more of an artist than a scientist. It feels like an important story for me to tell.
Pub info:
The Sundown Rule
Wendy Townsend
Namelos / March / 9781608980994 / $18.95
(Ages 8-12)

Congratulations, Wendy,on all the great reviews for your new book, SUNDOWN RULES!

Who is the Lucky Winner of BLUE -- Plus Upcoming Spilling INK Writing Contest

2011-04-11T05:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

Announcing the winner is always an exciting moment for me, but first I'm announcing the long awaited for news of the 2nd Annual Spilling Ink Creative Writing Contest for grades 4-8. Last year was such a successful and satisfying event, that we're doing it again. All details about the contest, the judges, and the MANY prizes will be announced on Friday, April 15th, right here on my blog. Hope you'll spread the word to the budding authors in your life!

And now, announcing the winner of BLUE by Award Winning Joyce Moyer Hostetter:

BLUE

Joyce Moyer Hostetter

The LUCKY Winner is:
***Lorrie Ziemba***

**Congratulations**

Lorrie, Please e-mail me: claragillowclark(@)gmail(.) com with your mailing address ASAP, and Joyce will have your book in the mail to you this week!

Be sure to check out Joyce's wonderful blog and web-site if you haven't already!
http://joycemoyerhostetter.com http://www.joycemoyerhostetter.blogspot.com

Watch for the details of the Spilling Ink Writing Contest coming your way on FRIDAY, April 15th!
Please take a moment to congratulate the WINNER of BLUE. THANK YOU!

Part VIII Interview -- Discovering America's Past through Historical Fiction

2011-04-07T05:35:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

Wasn't Joyce's confession of her research feeling deliciously sinful a treat? She's back now with more delicious insights about her writing and research process. Joyce learned this past week that her book, Comfort, is being released in paperback this fall! Congratulations, Joyce!

Be sure to check out her links and books at the end of the interview, and please take a moment to post a comment about her interview or to congratulate her on Comfort going to paperback this fall. I know that a lot of you are history lovers, so we'd also love to learn what children's book written or set in the 1940's is a favorite with you! Thanks so much! The WINNER of the autographed copy of BLUE will be announced next week along with details for the "2nd Annual Spilling Ink Writing Contest". Now, here's Joyce . . .

Joyce Moyer Hostetter

1. What drew you to this time period—WWII on the home front? In the American South?

I was raised in the American south so I think it was inevitable that I would eventually write a story set here. But I was actually working on a 19^th century Hawaii story when I met Editor, Carolyn Yoder at a writing conference. After getting her feedback on that manuscript, I signed up for a history writing workshop with her (one of those fabulous Highlights Foundation Founders Workshops!). Before going, I received an assignment to research and begin writing about local history. I contacted my county’s history museum for some ideas, discovered the polio epidemic, and as a result, BLUE was born.

I also have an affinity for the ‘40s. I think that’s because it is the era of my parent’s marriage and the establishment of our family so even though I wasn’t born in the 40’s I do feel rooted in them.

2. What were some of the challenges you encountered when researching and/or writing about a time period that encompassed a World War, a polio epidemic, and racism?

I think my biggest challenge was getting past my own fear of the process. It takes a certain amount of courage to contact total strangers and probe into their painful life experiences. And at that point I didn’t have a strong book to put into people’s hands to demonstrate that I could actually write. I believed I could do it but I wasn’t sure they would have reason to bother with me. From researching BLUE, I learned that people are typically eager to share their experience and knowledge with anyone who will listen. I realized that my interest in their stories is validating for them. Since then, I have practiced probing more deeply and casting my research net more widely. The research trail is endless and I could travel it forever!

3. How did you find your emotional connection (13 years old?) to Ann Fay and the story of polio?

I think it is called Arrested Development! Remembering how I felt at 13 is not all that hard for me. Like Ann Fay, I faced things that were bigger than I was. I felt some of the same social pressures she did. I worked in the family garden. I was part of a strong family and caring rural community and church group. Those are the things I brought to the story.

While working on BLUE and thinking about whom my character would be, I remembered that a friend told me that when he was 14 years old his father died. At his father’s funeral a woman told him, “I guess you’ll have to be the man of the house now.” This friend told me “I didn’t want to be the man of the house. I wasn’t ready for that responsibility.”

So you see I also drew on my friend’s emotion. I wanted to create a character who faced incredible challenges and discovered unexpected inner strength. Maybe that is the part of me that is still like Ann Fay. I want to know if I can do hard things. She now inspires me!

4. Can you offer any research tips or insights into your writing process?

I begin my research by reading as much as I can on my topic and all related areas that might influence my story. This gives me ideas for possible plot points. It also leads me to much more research as one resource tends to lead to another. It’s very much like going down a trail. I just follow along totally delighted by each new discovery. I meet great people who know things I want to know and are pleased to share them with me. I visit fun places, read great books, and watch fascinating movies. I visit museums and dusty archives. If possible, I walk the land where my story takes place. I try to get as close to the subject of my story as I can. I want to feel that I am there and I always find amazing spiritual connections that take me there.

5. What was your favorite book as a child? Hmmmm- I really have trouble choosing one favorite anything. When I was younger I loved Heidi. A few years later I read Anne Frank’s diary and it has remained a very strong favorite. I believe Anne is why I explore tragic themes and why I write historical novels today.

6. What can you share about your current project? I can tell you that it is the story of a German immigrant family to America. That it takes place over a long period of time and that I am going to Germany in a few weeks to get up close and personal with parts of the story that take place over there. Oh, and I’m learning German! I forgot to mention language study in that question about research.

Thanks for leaving a comment!

www.joycemoyerhostetter.com

www.joycemoyerhostetter.blogspot.com

https://www.facebook.com/joycemoyerhostetter

http://www.amazon.com/Joyce-Moyer-Hostetter/e/B000APM03A/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1301761299&sr=1-2-ent

Part VII -- Discovering America's Past through Historical Fiction

2011-03-30T16:15:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

BLUE

Thank you for joining us for this new installment in the Historical Fiction series which features Award winning author, Joyce Moyer Hostetter. Joyce will be featured the next couple of weeks, and she's graciously donating an autographed copy of her award winning book, BLUE, and will personalize and mail it directly to the winner! For a chance to win all you have to do is leave a comment about this post or the interview coming up next week.

Joyce grew up in rural North Carolina. After a brief struggle with Dick, Jane, and Sally in first grade, she became an avid reader. Her middle grade Language Arts teacher told her she's be a great writer some day so she began working hard to live up to that challenge. She is the author of four historical novels with several in progress. Her book BLUE about a North Carolina polio epidemic won the International Reading Association Children's Book Award in addition to other honors. Joyce has always loved history and she's crazy about research. Now, Joyce shares a brief but warm and engaging essay about her research . . .

Joyce Moyer Hostetter

WHEN RESEARCH FEELS SINFULLY DELICIOUS

By Joyce Moyer Hostetter

I sometimes say that my favorite sin is trespassing. You know, poking around abandoned houses, old barns, and vacated mill villages. I love sniffing out history while entertaining the notion that I’m not really supposed to be there. The place I’m entering belongs to someone else. And I don’t just mean who owns that particular bit of real estate (although a certain rush comes with the knowledge that an owner might be watching.)

But in addition, I know that people have lived out entire lives in these places. They woke up in the dark and walked to work and ate off of that chipped plate lying in the corner. A mother drew water out of that well every day, welcomed babies in the upstairs room, and buried loved ones out back.

Old Photo of 1940 vintage

Figuratively and physically, research for my historical novels involves this sort of snooping around. Even when I call people to ask for interviews, I have a certain sense that I’m trampling in personal space. I recognize that anyone who shares pain or even joy with me willingly gives up some privacy.As I glean more and more of the story, the atmosphere around it takes on a sacred quality.

I have in my possession the memoir and letters (copies) of Jim, a WWII draftee who served his country by working in a mental hospital. The letters, written home to his wife, are deeply personal and filled with longing for her and also with much sadness for the confused and often violent patients he worked with. I know precisely how these letters came into my possession but I still wonder sometimes how it happened that a perfect stranger would trust me with personal expressions of his life and love in 1943.

And if he hadn’t?

If he hadn’t, there would be certain informational gaps in the landscape of my story but more important – there would be emotional gaps. This man is one of several great spirits who shape my character for my work-in-progress. Reading and rereading his letters is a huge gift to my story. But doing so, also feels like an invasion of privacy.

Now, I’m working on an East German story – a fictional account of life behind the iron curtain. I’ll soon be going to Germany to do research. I’ll explore a world that no longer exists except in museums, diaries, documents, and people’s memories.

I don’t even know yet, who will share their stories with me. But I am in awe of the idea that some people will. It’s a little scary to think about probing those memories. I go with the sure knowledge that to some (even to me) it may feel as if I’m entering private property.

It’s frightening. But it’s also a thrill. Because, as I said, I do love trespassing!

Readers, I know you'll want to learn more about Joyce and her books and her blog. Check out her links below, and then please leave a comment to share a memory of your own or to tell us what in Joyce's essay spoke to you!

www.joycemoyerhostetter.com

www.joycemoyerhostetter.blogspot.com

https://www.facebook.com/joycemoyerhostetter

and one more link for BLUE, the book: http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Joyce-Moyer-Hostetter/dp/1590788354/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1301526398&sr=1-3

We'll be back soon! Thanks so much for joining us!

Laurie's Writing Meditation and Winners Announced

2011-03-24T04:48:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

A special treat is in store for you today, even if your name wasn't chosen by random.org! In addition to the two autographed books Laurie donated as a giveaway, she's graciously shared her writing meditation, because so many of you asked about it! Here it is:

Author Laurie Calkhoven

Laurie says . . . Thanks for the interest in my meditations. I'm putting together a workshop and would love to present it at SCBWI retreats. The meditations themselves are pretty simple -- I relax, breathe deeply, and envision my character coming near me and eventually taking over.

Then I turn over a card on my desk and freewrite to prompts like -- who named your character and how does he/she feel about the name? Your character is having a strong memory involving a parent--what is it? Your character can't sleep because he's obsessing about something -- what?

The element of surprise is important, so the prompts are face down. The first few are based on the Stanislavsky acting method, and I've added more over the years -- like what's in your character's treasure box? Read more about Laurie and her books: www.lauriecalkhoven.com

You'll also want to check out Laurie's excellent biography of George Washington. It's perfect for middle grade readers and the paperback sells for a mere $5.95! Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/Sterling-Biographies-George-Washington-American/dp/1402735464/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1300794895&sr=1-4
Book description from amazon.com

“First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen”—and first in the minds of schoolchildren, who learn about George Washington as soon as they begin studying American history. From Washington’s Virginia childhood, through his days as a soldier and general, to his inauguration as the first President of the brand-new United States, and into retirement, this biography captures the full breadth and achievements of his life. It covers both the personal and the private, reveals his views on everything from governmental power to the abolition of slavery, and separates fascinating truth from well-worn legend—including that infamous, but false, tale about chopping down the cherry tree.

Now it's time to announce the TWO winners of the comment contest! And the winners are:

First name/number drawn: Irishoma of Donna's Book Blog. Donna, you get to choose whichever title you'd like--Daniel at the Siege of Boston, 1776 or the new, just released Will at the Battle of Gettysburg, 1863. E-mail your chosen title along with your name and mailing address to: claragillowclark(@)gmail(dot)com and the book will be on its way asap! ***Congratulations, Donna!***

The second name/number drawn was Susie Foote. Susie please e-mail me with your home mailing address and Laurie's autographed book will be on its way soon! ***Congratulations, Susie!***

Readers, please leave a comment about the meditations or tell us if you have a special writing prompt or ritual to jump start your writing! And don't forget--the winner might be you, next time! We love to hear from you.

Next week we'll be moving forward in time to the 1940's on the homefront. Award winning author, Joyce Moyer Hostetter will be here to talk about her books, her research, and writing process. Stay Tuned!

Interview with Laurie Calhoven -- PART VI Discovering America's Past

2011-03-16T05:12:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,

Thank you for joining Laurie and me for this informative interview about the writing and research of her books, Daniel at the Siege of Boston, 1776, and her hot-off-the-press, Will at the Battle of Gettysburg, 1863. Teachers, writers, librarians, and readers young and old will discover history coming to life for them in the pages of Laurie's books. They are especially good picks for reluctant readers, as well as filling an important gap in textbooks. Visit Laurie's website: www.lauriecalkhoven.com

Laurie just returned from hosting an American Girl tea party at the University of Arizona Bookstore and speaking on a panel about Boys of Wartime at the Tucson Festival of Books.

Daniel at the Siege of Boston, 1776: Twelve-year old Daniel watches as Redcoat soldiers close the harbor and march through the streets The British have sworn to uphold the king's law . . . and to punish the rebels of Boston. But Daniel knows those rebels: they are Patriots. His heroes have vowed to fight for freedom, whatever the cost. And Daniel is determined to help. Check out the Boys of Wartime page for more info.

INTERVIEW WITH LAURIE CALKHOVEN:

1. Can you tell us something about the historical fiction series you're writing for middle grade readers? What was the catalyst for this series?

I got the idea for the first book, Daniel at the Siege of Boston, 1776, while I was researching a biography of George Washington. If I learned about the siege in school, I had forgotten all about it. It’s a key event in the American Revolution—beginning at the end of the Battles of Lexington and Concord and ending a year later. It was during that year that we declared independence and the various colonial militias came together as an army under Washington. What I really wondered about was what life was like for the people of Boston during that year, and I wanted to find out more. The next thing I knew, a boy name Daniel started telling me about his secret spy work for General Washington.

I didn’t have time to put anything down on paper, but I mentioned my idea to Mark McVeigh at Dutton. He asked me to put together a proposal for that book and three more—each one set in a different war, and the series was born. Book two, Will at the Battle of Gettysburg, 1863 was just published. The third book, set in World War Two France, will follow in 2012.

2. What were some of the challenges you encountered when researching and/or writing in the different time periods—1776,1863, and 1943.

The biggest challenge in researching all three time periods was finding out about regular people. Historians focus on the movement of armies and the lives of generals. I’m more interested in the regular folks–the Patriot boy who is stuck in Boston surrounded by enemy soldiers, the boy who finds himself in the middle of two armies in a small town in Pennsylvania, or a boy who takes on the dangerous job of leading Allied airmen across France. It’s harder to find out about who those boys might have been. It takes some digging, and a lot of imagination.

3. Was there any particular reason that you chose to write about specific battles or time periods?

The Siege of Boston captured my attention immediately. When it came to the Civil War, I was kind of a blank slate. I started out with very broad histories of the war. The Battle of Gettysburg was a key turning point, so it seemed like a good battle to hone in on. It didn’t hurt that Gettysburg isn’t too far from my home in New York City. A lot of the Civil War buildings are still standing. I was able to walk the streets of the town, poke my fingers into bullet holes, and stand under the shade of trees that witnessed the battle.

I approached World War Two the same way – with very broad research into the French Resistance. American and British airmen who were shot down used secret escape routes organized by Dutch, Belgian, and French Resistance units to make their way across France, into Spain, and finally in British hands in Gibraltar. Once I read about those secret Underground Railroads, I knew I had my story. The year 1943 was their most active. It was also the year in which the Gestapo was most ferocious in trying to track them down. So that’s when I set my story.

4. How did you find your emotional connection to the historical material and to each of the protagonists—Daniel at the Siege of Boston, 1776 and Will at the Battle of Gettysburg, 1863?

Up until now I’ve been talking about history and war, but each book begins with a character—a boy who wants to make some kind of a difference in the big, world events going on around him, and who has some kind of inner journey to make at the same time. I’m rooting for my characters. I want them to succeed even when I’m throwing every obstacle I can think of in their paths. I grow to love them over the course of each book to the point where it’s hard to say goodbye.

I’m thinking about that boy the whole time I’m doing my research, waiting for him to tell me who he is and what he wants. I always panic, thinking I’m not going to get there. But at some point in my research an idea for an opening scene comes to me. And that opening scene tells me a lot about who my character is.

Daniel opens with a staring contest, one that he loses. It’s a metaphor for the entire siege, which is like a staring match between the two armies. But Daniel is also afraid in that first scene, and he has to learn how to act in the fact of that fear.

In the opening scene of Will, Will is daydreaming about the glory he’s going to win in battle—if only his parents would let him be a drummer boy. It was interesting for me to find out what he would do when he was face-to-face with a real enemy.

5. Can you offer readers any research tips or insights into your writing process?

I spent a lot of time learning about who my characters are through meditations and freewriting exercises. That’s how I learned what Will keeps in his treasure box, and that his father was involved in the Underground Railroad. I do those meditations for all of my characters. Sometimes it feels tedious, but it’s worth it in the end.

I’m also do very broad outlines before I begin. I have to know what my opening scene and my climax are going to be before I put words on paper. I usually know what the other major plot points are as well. I’m open to letting things change along the way, and often they do. I have to have some idea of where I’m going, or I flounder.

6. What or whom were the early influences that inspired you to become a writer? When did you know that you wanted to write for children?

I always loved books and reading. The first thing I wanted to be was a librarian, because I wanted to be surrounded by books. Then I learned that real people wrote those books, and I wanted to be one of them. I majored in journalism in college, went to work in book publishing, and promised myself I would write “one day.”

Twenty years later, I realized that one day wasn’t going to come along by magic. I had to make it happen. I started writing every morning before I went to work. It surprised me that all of my ideas were best suited to children’s books—I expected to write the Great American Novel. But I went with it. I switched my career from adult publishing to children’s publishing, read a huge number of books, took some classes, and kept writing.

7. I believe that you worked in publishing as well as being a writer. Can you share about your writing background and the different kinds of writing and publishing in which you were involved?

I spent most of my career working for Book-of-the-Month Club. I helped select books for the club, negotiated for book club rights, and helped plan the catalogs. I mostly worked on the main, general interest club. When I started writing, I was Editorial Director of a personal finance and investing book club. Then I talked BOMC into letting me start the Teen People Book Club. It was the most fun I ever had in the corporate world, but it wasn’t a financial success. I later went to the Scholastic Book Clubs, where I probably read a book a day and saw first hand what books kids and teachers wanted in their own libraries. It was a great learning experience.

8. What was your favorite book as a child?

I had lots of favorites. I remember loving Dr. Seuss and the Wizard of Oz before I could read. The Bobbsey Twins series and Nancy Drew followed. I read every Marilyn Sachs book in my school library, and all the Little House novels. One series I read over and over again was the Borrowers by Mary Norton. I still read them every couple of years. I love the world she created. I sat by a heating duct for hours, convinced that I had my very own family of Borrowers living in my house. I never spied them, much to my disappointment.

9. Can you share anything about the next book in the series? Is there anything else you'd like to add about the series and the books?

I think the World War Two book, currently titled Michael at the Invasion of France, 1943 is my best book yet. The story itself is less familiar to American readers, and I think I’ve grown as a writer. But I always think the last book I wrote is the best.

My editor and I are trying to decide what the next book will be. I was originally going to set a book in World War One, but we decided against that. So I’m mulling over the War of 1812 at the moment. I’m doing a lot of reading, and waiting for a character to start whispering in my ear. I wish he would hurry!

Learn about Laurie and her books on her web-site: www.lauriecalkhoven.com
A teaching guide is available for download of Daniel and the Siege of Boston, 1776, and a guide is coming soon for Will at the Battle of Gettysburg, 1863. Check out the Boys of Wartime page for more info.
Laurie has generously donated an autographed copy of each of these titles! Simply leave a comment for a chance to win. Tell us your favorite series from American Historical Fiction or your favorite time period in American history. We love to get comments!We'll be back next week to announce the lucky **WINNERS** Thank you, dear readers, for joining us! WELCOME member #100 and thank YOU--you know who you are!

Part V Boys of Wartime -- Discovering America's Past through Historical Fiction

2011-03-10T04:01:00.000-08:00

Dear Readers,

Please welcome my dear friend, Laurie Calkhoven. She's a veteran in the industry, so you won't want to miss this inside look at how her historical fiction series was born, her background research, her writing process, and much more!
Laurie has generously donated two autographed books that will be featured in the next several posts. As always, simply leave a comment for a chance to win, and random.org will pick the winner!We LOVE hearing from you!

Author Laurie Calkhoven

Bio: Laurie Calkhoven has always loved reading and writing (arithmetic is another story). She’s especially interested in the intersection between big moments in American history and the lives of ordinary people. That’s how the Boys of Wartime series was born. She is also the author of middle grade biographies and other nonfiction books for kids along with contemporary novels in American Girl’s new Innerstar University series.

She watched too many That Girl reruns as a child and decided she HAD to live in New York City. She made a beeline for Manhattan right out of college and has lived there ever since. She doesn’t have nearly as many madcap adventures as That Girl, but she has a nice life.
Read more about Laurie and purchase her books here: http://www.amazon.com/Laurie-Calkhoven/e/B001H6EU2U/ref=sr_tc_ep?qid=1299696322

Laurie Calkhoven shares about her Research:

I love doing research. I love the twists and turns it can take. I love putting on my detective hat to find a particularly hard-to-find nugget of information. And I love that collections of facts can fire up my imagination to the point where I’m creating characters and worlds for them to live in.

I approach the research for each of my historical novels pretty much the same way, so I’ll discuss Will at the Battle of Gettysburg, 1863 as an example. I began with broad historical overviews, books and documentaries, about the entire war.

I decided to focus in on the Battle of Gettysburg for a couple of reasons. It was a pivotal battle that changed the course of the war. It was also fought in the streets and homes of Gettysburg’s citizens. I knew that I could put a 12-year-old boy in the middle of the action without being too unrealistic.

Of course, there are a huge number of books and articles written about the battle, and I think I read them all. One of my favorite things to do is go the library to get specific books and prowl around on the shelves nearby. There are always surprises that jump out – books I didn’t know existed but have exactly the information I’m looking for. I also prowl through the bibliographies of those books, looking for more.

Of course those books tell me what historians have to say about the battle, but ultimately I’m interested in the people. I want as many primary sources – first hand accounts – as I can get my hands on. The people of Gettysburg knew that something world-changing had happened in their town, and many of them put their thoughts down on paper. I was able to find copies of many of them in the excellent New York Public Library, and the rest were on file at the Adams County Historical Society in Gettysburg. These diaries, letters, newspaper accounts, and memoirs told me not just what happened, but how people spoke, what they wore, and how they lived before and after the soldiers came.

Ultimately, the most valuable research I did was in Gettysburg itself. Many of the buildings are not only still standing, but still sporting their bullet holes. Walking the streets Will would have walked, picking out his house and his church, and following his route throughout the battle was invaluable. He came to life for me there, and I hope I was able to bring him to life for the reader too.

Thanks for joining Laurie and me for this first of a three-part post about Laurie's historical fiction series, Boys of Wartime. In the interview next week, Laurie will talk about other books in the series, Daniel at the Siege of Boston 1776, as well as the project she is currently working on, and her writing process!

Stop by often to leave comments for additional chances to win one of the autographed books! The link again for Laurie's books: http://www.amazon.com/Laurie-Calkhoven/e/B001H6EU2U/ref=sr_tc_ep?qid=1299696322

ANNOUNCING THE WINNER OF DEADLY by Julie Chibbaro

2011-03-04T10:58:00.000-08:00

Dear Readers,

What an exciting couple of weeks it's been celebrating with Julie Chibbaro and cheering for her new YA, deadly, getting the inside scoop about her research and writing process, and discovering her first book, Redemption. Just in case you still haven't checked out Julie's web-site, here's the link: www.juliechibbaro.com

I'll announce the winner in just a second, but first I wanted to extend a BIG WELCOME to new members--you know who you are! Thank you so much for joining the book party! In fact, one of you was chosen by random.org this morning. Without further hoopla, the LUCKY WINNER of DEADLY is
new member, ***Elizabeth Mueller!*** CONGRATULATIONS, Elizabeth!

Elizabeth, please e-mail me (claragillowclark(@)gmail(dot)com with your home mailing address and Julie Chibarro's hot-off-the-press Novel will be sent to you asap!

Don't go away yet. My next guest and good friend, Laurie Calkhoven, has generously donated and autographed copies of her MG Historical Fiction from her series: BOYS OF WARTIME. The first book is: Daniel at the Siege of Boston 1776; and the second, just out this month is: Will at the Battle of Gettysburg. Laurie has wonderful insights to share about her research and her writing process, and her series, so please join us next week on March 9th!

Thank you, dear readers! I look forward to hearing from you. Please join us again for the next exciting installment in "Discovering America's Past through Historical Fiction".

Part IV Redemption -- Discovering America's Past through Historical Fiction

2011-03-01T05:01:00.000-08:00

Dear Reader, Thanks for joining Julie Chibarro and me for the promised interview that shares insight into Julie's writing process and research! Be sure to read to the end for details about the drawing for deadly

In the short interview that follows, Julie shares about her first YA novel of historical fiction, Redemption, set in early Colonial America. (Read a review of Redemption below!) Purchase your choice of format by clicking on this very long link: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_14?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=julie+chibbaro&sprefix=julie+chibbaro

1. What drew you to this time period--1524 England and the New World?

Before I started writing Redemption, I felt like I knew big dates in American history from school – 1492,1776 – but I didn’t really know history, I mean, where it began, with Europeans being curious about the New World and what was here in the years after Columbus came, but before the colonies were settled in the early 1600s. In 1524, there were still a lot of Native tribes, and a lot of exploration (and, subsequently, the genesis of white Indians, whose existence started my path to writing Redemption).

2. What were some of the challenges you encountered when researching and/or writing about the 16th century?

There were very few people writing at that time. There were some French trapper notes, and Jacques Cartier’s journals, and ship’s logs, but mostly I had to depend on historians looking back. Historians often disagree with each other about this largely undocumented period in the Americas. I had to decide things for myself.

3. How did you find your emotional connection and entry point into the story of 12 year old Lily?

I didn’t know I was writing a YA novel when I started Redemption. I simply wanted to write from an innocent’s point of view, someone not too spoiled by the prejudice of her time.

4. Can you offer any research tips or insights into your writing process?

Depending on the period, I think it’s always good to get as pure as you can when doing research. I mean, read original texts, come to your own conclusions about what happened. Writing history is sort of like learning a foreign language: immersion is always best.

About my writing process, I have periods of “in” and “out.” I go “in” myself to write, and come “out” to promote my work. Each period can last days or weeks, but I find it hard to do both simultaneously.

5. What was your favorite book as a child?

I’d have to say I return often to Anna Karenina. I read it first in 7^th or 8^th grade, and fell in love with it, and have read it every few years since. Talk about a world completely different from mine! Yet I feel so passionately for Anna. How did Tolstoy do that? I’m still trying to figure it out.

Review of Redemption from TeensRead.com (Five stars!):
In 1524 England, twelve-year-old Lily hasn't felt warm since the baron's men dragged her father away eight months ago. She pictures him dead. However, Frere Lanther, who has come from the Rhineland to lead his own secret and forbidden church, suggests Lily's father may well be alive in the New World. The baron is forcing Lily and her mother to leave their home, which he owns. When Lily begs her mother to accompany her to the New World to find her father, her mother reluctantly agrees.
         The voyage is miserably cramped and filthy. A live pig lives in the room where the poor passengers eat their meals of watery soup and insect-ridden black bread. Lily meets the baron's son, Ethan, onboard and inadvertently blurts that Frere Lanther lives with them. When Lily's mother is raped, Lily is heartsick. She knows her mother's punishment was a direct result of Lily's exposing her family's secret.
        A shipwreck upon the shores of the New World ends the voyage. The castaways stumble upon a gruesome discovery, which increases Lily's fear that her father is dead. When her mother is kidnapped, Lily must set off alone through the forest, starving and terrified. What she finds in the forest is astonishing.
      Multi-layered REDEMPTION is truly unique. Lily's story is a harrowing physical and spiritual quest laden with mystery, filled with unexpected plot twists. The tale is harsh, violent and gruesome --- not for anyone wanting to view history through a rosy haze. Yet the book is also vibrant, riveting and beautifully written. Lily herself is a believable, sympathetic character surviving devastation after devastation.
     If you love history, you'll enjoy this powerful piece of historical fiction. If you snoozed through history class (as I did), you'll love REDEMPTION for a fascinating read that may even turn you --- yes, YOU! --- into a history buff.

Julie is giving away copies of deadly until March 4th. Visit her web-site to learn the details: juliechibbaro.com

Leave a comment here about the interview for a chance to win a copy of deadly. The lucky winner will be announced on Friday, March 4th!

Thanks so much for joining us today!

Book Birthday! Part 3 Discovering America's Past through Historical Fiction

2011-02-22T04:52:00.000-08:00

Dear Reader,
I'm pleased to introduce you to Author Julie Chibbaro and deadly, her hot off the press historical fiction novel set around the turn of the century in New York City. What you'll find in this post is a brief bio about Julie and the article she wrote for YOU, dear reader, along with some special links you'll want to check out. An insightful interview with Julie about her first historical novel and writing process will follow next week. Julie has generously donated an ARC of deadly as a giveaway to celebrate her Book's Birthday! It's easy; simply leave a comment. Your comment will be numbered and random.org will choose the winner! Now, please join me in welcoming Author Julie Chibbaro! Let's all celebrate her Book's Birthday by leaving a comment to congratulate her.

Author Julie Chibbaro

A Short Bio: JULIE CHIABBARO grew up in New York City wondering how so many people could live together without infecting each other with mortal diseases. She is the author of Redemption which won the 2005 American Book Award. Julie teaches fiction and creative writing in New York. Visit her here: juliechibbaro.com
(I'd rush over there if I were you--if you don't win her book here, you have a chance to win one of five books she's giving away!)

And now, Julie Chibbaro shares an inside look at deadly: how do you catch an invisible killer?

Julie Chibbaro:

"I’ve always been interested in other people’s business. Not just their personal business, but their backgrounds as well. Where did they come from, how did they get there, what do they do with themselves all day?

Pretty early on in my life, I found that other cultures fascinated me for just these kinds of human stories – when I lived in Mexico as a 19-year-old, I spent a lot of time learning about the Aztecs and their evolution, their language and history. Every time I visited a new country, I’d explore their story – who conquered this place, how did they settle, why did they stay? Ten years later, after living in the Czech Republic, I came back to my side of the world (I moved to Montreal, where my husband was from), wondering who I was, and what my American history was. That was the genesis of Redemption, my first book.

Deadly by Julie Chibbaro

My second novel, deadly, came when I returned to my hometown of New York City after a seven-year hiatus. I felt surprised by the dense population, the dirt in the streets. It occurred to me (as it had many times in my youth) how easily an epidemic could wipe everyone out. I grew up in New York City, and I’d always thought about how packed together we all lived – but upon my return, it came flooding back to me in memories, how friends and sisters often joked about spreading germs.

While doing research for another book (one I never wrote), I stumbled on the story of a woman I’d only heard about in urban legends, one who tied directly in to my rekindled awareness of germs. I’d always thought that this woman, who most called Typhoid Mary, was an intentional killer, slaying masses with her germ-spreading powers. When I came across her real story, I knew I had to write about her.(Purchase deadly by clicking on this long link: http://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Julie-Chibbaro/dp/0689857381/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1298131294&sr=1-1

The real Typhoid Mary lived at the beginning of the 20^th century in New York City. Her story contained very interesting elements to me – she was an immigrant (which fit with my previous fascination with other people’s business), she spread disease among rich and poor, and she was a real firecracker of a lady (busting the stereotype of the refined “Gibson Girl” of the time). I knew that writing about her would answer a lot of questions I’d always had about the city in general. I wanted to use her real story – the scientists who tracked her down, the way they found her – but of course, I had to figure out a whole fiction around her too. I needed to create a teen with a desire to fight disease. I write for teens, so how could I involve them in this story?

Prudence Galewski, my 16-year-old heroine, shares with me only a love of journaling and a curiosity about the world. Other than that, she is a lot smarter than me, and certainly braver. She helps her mother the midwife deliver babies (an occupation that takes her close to life and death often), and she loses her brother to disease. This makes her need to know why people get sick, and why they die. Prudence’s voice was a struggle for me to find – I rewrote this book from scratch a number of times, first as a boy, then as a series of letters. Once I understood her strong desire, once I could hear her secret whisperings to herself (in the form of a diary), then I could write this book.

My research took me many times to the New York Public Library, where I buried myself in the many tons of microfiche they have of the newspapers of the time (about 20). I read the whole paper, not just the articles about Mary. Newspapers tell you what price apartments rent for, how much salaries are, what people are buying and eating and reading in a time period. I also visited the Tenement Museum in the Lower East Side, a building that is preserved from that time period. And I read historical fiction of the time (especially helpful was A Tree Grows in Brooklyn), and looked at many pictures (my favorite photos were Byron’s). I read a great book called Typhoid Mary by Judith Walzer Leavitt. Imagination was really my best tool.

I think the trailer for Deadly gives you a good sense of the book. Made by the artist Jean-Marc Superville Sovak (supervillesovak.com), with music by Eric Helmuth:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHMFec_e6Vk

I’m currently working with Jean-Marc on another book. It’s about a graffiti artist (though he wouldn’t call himself that) and a poet (though she wouldn’t call herself that) who live in the parks of NYC. That’s about all I can share about it right now.

I love to hear from readers, who can visit me and download an excerpt of Deadly from my website, juliechibbaro.com. I’m also on FB (Deadly by Julie Chibbaro: http://bit.ly/bHtTBx), and twitter (@juliechibbaro). I will be at the Empire State Book Festival (http://empirestatebookfestival.wordpress.com/) in Albany, NY the first weekend in April, and would love to meet readers there.

Thank you, Julie, for stopping by to share with us! Congratulations on your new book, deadly!
Thank you, dear reader, for joining the celebration! We'll be back in a week with more from Julie!

Announcing the Lucky Winner of COUNTING ON GRACE

2011-02-14T15:32:00.000-08:00

Dear Reader, It's always an exciting moment to discover just who is going to be the winner in the book drawing. I'm always wishing it could be all of you, but since it can't be, I rely on random.org to choose for me. Much easier that way! So, who is the LUCKY WINNER of Counting on Grace, so generously donated and autographed by Author Elizabeth Winthrop? www.elizabethwinthrop.com We'll find out after some important news and updates!

In the last post, Elizabeth wrote that she was assisted by Joe Manning when she was on the trail of Addie Card, the child in the Lewis Hine's photograph that you see on the cover of Counting on Grace. Mr. Manning left a comment on the post and shared some links you'll want to check out. Who knows, one of you may be inspired to write about one of the children Joe researched!

This is what Joe wrote:
"I am the author and historian who helped Elizabeth track down Addie's family. I wrote a long story about the search, and it is posted on my website. You can see it at: http://www.morningsonmaplestreet.com/addiesearch1.html

"Thanks to Elizabeth, I was inspired to create what I call the Lewis Hine Project, which is a quest to track down the stories of many other child laborers who were photographed by Hine. I have since completed successful searches for more than 200 children." www.morningsonmaplestreet.com/lewishine.html

Before I announce the winner, I wanted to share this jazzy book by Elizabeth that will get you snapping your fingers and tapping your toes!

The Red-Hot Rattoons by Elizabeth Winthrop illustrated by Betsy Lewin: Grade 4-6: The rats of NIMH have nothing on Benny, Fletcher, Ella, Woody, and Monk, five young jazz- and tap-dancing rats who set out for the fabled Big City in hopes of seeing their names in lights. Making the Big Time turns out to be no walk in the park-well, actually, it does, as the Rattoons escape a misguided and near-fatal debut on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art by diving into Central Park's shrubbery. Escaping hawks, dogs, poison, and other hazards, the troupe then makes its way to Rat Hollow, a bustling subterranean burg whose residents can chow down on tasty garbage provided at the "ratomat" between visits to the Performing Rats Library. Ultimately, the Rattoons ascend to the massively grandiloquent "Crystal" (known to humans as Radio City Music Hall), where an impromptu performance during the Holiday Hullabaloo earns the quintet not only a standing "O" from the stunned audience but a marquee billing with their names in four-foot letters to boot. Lewin's sketches of tiny, high-stepping rats add stylish notes at each chapter's head, and Rat Hollow, which mirrors the thinly disguised New York above ground, provides a side-splitting backdrop to this engaging tale of life on (and beneath) the boards. School Library Journal John Peters, New York Public Library
Click on this link to learn more about the Red Hot Rattoons and purchase it! http://www.amazon.com/Red-Hot-Rattoons-Elizabeth-Winthrop/dp/0805079866/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1297724758&sr=1-1

*****ANNOUNCING THE LUCKY WINNER of Counting on Grace*****

The winner is: ****Linda O'Connell**** Congratulations, Linda! I hope you'll take a moment to congratulate her, too! Linda, please e-mail me: claragillowclark (@) gmail(dot)com with your mailing address and your autographed book will be on its way shortly.

Thank you, Elizabeth Winthrop for sharing insights and inside stories of your books, your writing, and your research.

Our next guest writes historical YA, and I know you won't want to miss her book birthday coming up next week on George Washington's Birthday! The setting of the book is NYC around the turn of the 20th-Century! How exciting is that?

PART 2 of "Discovering America's Past through Historical Fiction"

2011-02-07T15:10:00.000-08:00

In Part Two of our historical fiction series, Author Elizabeth Winthrop shares insight into her research and in the story behind the character of Grace from her book, Counting on Grace, that we learned about in Part One. Leave a new comment at the end of the post for a chance to win an autographed copy of the book! Winner to be announced on Valentine's Day. Thank you, Dear Reader, for joining us!

http://amzn.to/eGYzzZ

Through the Mill

Because of a Lewis Hine photograph, Addie Card became the poster child of child labor. But what became of Addie Card?

By Elizabeth Winthrop

She leans casually on her spinning frame, staring out at the camera, dressed in a filthy work smock. Her bare feet, planted firmly, are slick with black grease. Her left arm rests easily on the huge machinery but crooked at a strange angle, as if perhaps a bone had been broken and never set properly. To keep her hair from the frame's hungry grasp, it is pulled tight and pinned in a style befitting a grown woman. A few wispy strays float around her head like a halo. The elements of her face seem perfectly proportioned: the delicate nose, the small ears tucked back, the curve of her lips, the puff of her cheeks. She is a painter's dream. Or a photographer's.
      I first saw her four years ago in a show devoted to Lewis Hine's pictures of child workers in Vermont. Hine had been hired by the National Child Labor Committee to bolster its written reports with documentary photographs. Records show that he was a traveling man. From 1908 to 1918, he crisscrossed the country by train and automobile, taking pictures that brought home the hard realities of child labor. Because of Hine, comfortable middle-class Americans were forced to look at children embroidering lace in airless tenements on New York's Lower East Side, selling newspapers on crowded streets in St. Louis, cutting sardines in Eastport, Maine. He talked his way into mines in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, where the bounce of his magnesium flash off the whites of a breaker boy's eyes illuminated a blackened, airless landscape. To back up his photographs, Hine scribbled details in a notebook hidden in his pocket. About this sad-eyed Vermont girl he wrote: "Anaemic little spinner in North Pownal [Vt.] Cotton Mill."
      Hine took several photographs that August day in 1910, but the image of the girl somebody named Addie Laird is the one that endured. Who was she? Lewis Hine once said that he was "more interested in persons than in people." The same is true of a novelist. Even though I didn't know what had happened to that child, I decided to imagine a life for her. After I finished my novel about her, I began to search for Addie herself.
I had little hope; the U.S. Postal Service had been unable to locate her in 1998, when officials there put Addie's picture on a 32-cent stamp. But it turns out they didn't look hard enough.
I found her in the 1910 Census when I thought to put "Adelaide" and any logical variant into a database search form. On sheet 12B in Bennington County, Vermont, on May 4, 1910, a Census worker recorded a Mrs. Adalaid Harris, listed as head of household living with six orphaned or abandoned grandchildren, including the Card sisters: Anna, female, white, 14 years of age, single; and Addie, female, white, 12 years of age, single.
So Addie's name was not Laird, but Card. That clue led me and fellow researcher Joe Manning down a trail that twisted through town offices, dusty historical societies, funeral homes and Social Security death records.
     Hine's little spinner lived the dark side of the American dream, according to records and relatives. Her mother died of peritonitis when Addie was 2. She was put to work in the mill at the age of 8. (She had to stand on a soapbox to reach the bobbins.) She renamed herself Pat and married twice, neither time happily. Months after losing custody of her biological daughter in 1925, she adopted another girl, the newborn illegitimate child of a Portuguese sailor. Mother and daughter moved often from the dreary mill towns of upstate New York to the big city itself, where Addie and friends were captured in a studio photo celebrating victory in Europe.
Recently, Manning and I met with two of Addie's adoptive descendants. We learned that by the time she died, at 94, she was living in low-income housing and surviving on a Social Security check. "She didn't have anything to give, but she gave it," Piperlea Provost, her great-granddaughter, told us. "I could not imagine my life without Grandma Pat's guidance."
Addie never knew that her face ended up in a Reebok advertisement or on a postage stamp issued 100 years after her birth, or that Hine's glass plate negative resides in the Library of Congress. Addie Card LaVigne never knew that she had become a symbol.
Like so many of the subjects of his photographs, Lewis Hine also died in poverty. In the 1930s, the work began to dry up, and he was perceived as rigid and difficult; efforts of friends such as fellow photographer Berenice Abbott to resuscitate his career failed. He died at age 66 on November 3, 1940, a widower whose rent was covered by a friend.
And like Addie, Hine seemed to recede into the mists of history. But his child labor images secured his reputation as a documentarian and as an artist. We return to the photograph of Addie again and again because Hine saw her not just as a symbol but as a "person" with a life beyond the mill. For that reason, the "anaemic little spinner" remains as firmly burned into our national memory as she was etched into the glass of Hine's negative almost a century ago.
Elizabeth Winthrop is the author of Counting on Grace, a novel based on the Lewis Hine photograph of Addie Card.   http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-archaeology/indelible-sep06.html#ixzz1BIIs6MMr

Learn more about the author's life and books here: www.elizabethwinthrop.com

Author Elizabeth Winthrop alongside photo of Addie Card (Grace). This Lewis Hine photograph is hanging in the Met Museum right now in a show called OUR FUTURE IS IN THE AIR, Photographs from the 1910's. The show's up until April, 2011

Discovering America's Past through Historical Fiction

2011-02-01T05:18:00.000-08:00

Author Elizabeth Winthrop

Our first featured guest in the Historical Fiction Series that will be running for the next eight weeks, is Elizabeth Winthrop, a veteran author with over fifty works of fiction!

I first met Elizabeth when we were both presenters at the Hodge-Podge Conference in Albany, New York a number of years ago now. I decided to sit in on her presentation and was delighted and enthralled by her stories of childhood. For me, Elizabeth's life was exactly what I had imagined, as a young reader, an author's life should be. I was charmed by her storybook world, and I'm pleased to be sharing her life and work with all of you!

Dear Readers, Please welcome award winning author Elizabeth Winthrop and her featured book, Counting on Grace!

Interview with Author Elizabeth Winthrop

What or whom were the early influences that inspired you to become a writer?

My father was a journalist who worked at home. Every day, when I opened the kitchen door, fresh off the bus from school, the first sound I heard was the banging of his old Underwood typewriter keys. He had a sign on his door which read, PLEASE DON'T KNOCK UNLESS YOU'RE BLEEDING. This was to keep me and my five brothers out of his hair. That was my earliest influence... to have a working writer for a father who was self-disciplined and who loved what he did.

My grandmother also encouraged me to write, in contrast to the dour nuns at school who taught me that grammar should be more important than the love of reading or the musical poetry of language. I had enough influences at home to counter those dictums, thank heavens.

When did you first know that you wanted to write children's books?

My senior year in college. I went to Sarah Lawrence where I was allowed to major in writing starting in freshman year. I studied with the likes of Grace Paley, E.L. Doctorow and Jane Cooper. I wrote a large pile of short stories, mostly about experiences I knew nothing about. Jane wisely pointed this out to me. She noticed that the children in my stories rang very true and steered me in that direction. When I graduated from college, I worked as an editorial assistant in the Harper and Row Childrens Book department under the legendary Ursula Nordstrom. From then on, my fate was sealed. My first boss, Nina Ignatowicz, became my editor.

Do you have a favorite book from childhood?

THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE

Tell us a little about your writing process.

Character and setting are both crucial to my fiction. If I don't feel I know a character well enough, then I often write a diary in her voice to dig deeper into what makes her tick. Or him. And I need to know where that person lives. In Counting on Grace, I deliberately picked a mill near where I live in the summer so that I could walk in Grace's footsteps as often as I needed to. In The Castle in the Attic, the attic itself is the one in my grandmother's house in Connecticut where I spent many childhood hours.

Do you write for other audiences?

Yes, I've published two novels for adults, In My Mother's House and Island Justice. And I am currently at work on a personal history, the story of my parents' love affair in London during World War II.

Is it difficult to switch back and forth between writing for children and writing for adults?

It's a matter of voice. I hear a different voice in my head when I'm writing for adults and when I'm writing for children. And point of view. In a children's book, you stay very tightly in the protagonist's head. It keeps you from getting preachy and moralizing.

I'm glad that I can switch back and forth. When I've been working on a novel for two years, I like being able to write a picture book for young children that might be finished in a week or sometimes, rarely in a couple of days. Picture books bring me back to language and poetry, the short novels for children force me to focus on plot. All of these tools are of course, vital when I work on fiction for adults. It's all writing. Librarians and booksellers need to slot the books into different age groups so they know where to shelve the books. I don't.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Read, read, read. And designate a time in each day when you are nothing but a writer. Turn off all the gadgets that so easily distract us these days and sink into your writing self. There's no other way that I know of to keep the inner stream flowing. Honor that writer within you with uninterrupted time and with a place, even if it's the corner of the kitchen or a table in a local coffee shop.

ELIZABETH WINTHROP is the author of over fifty works of fiction for all ages. Her most recent historical novel, COUNTING ON GRACE was chosen as a Notable Book of the Year by the American Library Association, the National Council of Social Studies, the International Reading Association and the Children’s Book Council and was nominated for state book awards in Vermont, Virginia, Kentucky, Kansas, Missouri, Hawaii and Arizona.

Ms. Winthrop is the daughter of the late Stewart Alsop, the political journalist. She divides her time between New York City and the Berkshires. She is currently at work on a memoir. Learn more about the author here: www.elizabethwinthrop.com

The featured selection for this series, "Discovering America's Past" is Ms. Winthrop's most recent historical work of fiction, Counting on Grace. A teaching guide for the book is available on her web-site: www.elizabethwinthrop.com [Find by clicking on TEACHERS on the menu bar] Read below for what reviewer's say about this important book!

Counting on Grace

To purchase: http://amzn.to/eGYzzZ

"Winthrop's compelling story vividly captures the mill experience. Much information on early photography and the workings of the textile mills is conveyed, and history and fiction are woven seamlessly together in this beautifully written novel. Readers won't soon forget Grace." -Starred Review, School Library Journal

"The most compelling thread of the novel chronicles the mounting tension between Grace and her demanding mother who dominates the other workers. This enlightening novel explores the perils of mill work for children and adults alike. Readers will cheer the feisty heroine when Grace uses her smarts to triumph." -Publishers Weekly

AWARDS and HONORS for COUNTING ON GRACE

*ALA Notable Book

*Notable Trade Book in Social Studies

*IRA-CBC Children's Choice Selection

*NCTE Notable Book for a Global Society

*Jane Addams Peace Prize Honor Book et al

Elizabeth has generously donated an autographed hardcover copy of Counting on Grace. As always, for a chance to win, all you have to do is stop by and leave a comment on this post and/or the follow-up post next week when Elizabeth will share the story behind the book and insights into the research process involved in uncovering Grace's story. The winner will be chosen by random.org on Valentine's Day!

Winners of the Bagful of Giveaways

2010-12-15T11:29:00.000-08:00

Dear Readers,

Giveaway day is both happy and sad. I love giving presents and I felt a lot like a jolly old elf when I licked my pencil and sat down to tabulate the comments and wishes. If only I had a magical bag that never ran out of gifts . . . but after seeing all the wonderful responses, I decided on two things. First, I will offer free critiques several times in the coming year, and second, right now until the end of the year, I'm going to offer a 50% discount on a critique for the first 12 pages of a middle grade novel. That means that instead of $3 per page, the fee will $1.50 per page!!!

MORE GOOD NEWS!!!!! I decided to giveaway two autographed copies of my sister's book, Finding Redemption in Everyday Life, and TWO free picture book critiques.

**************ANNOUNCING THE WINNERS*************

1. Finding Redemption in Everyday Life by Lela Gillow Buchanan (my Irish twin)
    The winners are: Becky Povich and Kris (Integrative Thought)

2. King of the Screwups by K.L. Going
     The winner is: Toby Speed

3. Writing & Selling the YA Novel by K.L.Going
      The winner is: Gayle Krause

4. The picture book critiques were won by:
     Patty Gehlen and Betty Cracken

5. The critique of the middle grade novel (first 10 pages)
     The winner is: Irishoma

******CONGRATULATIONS TO ONE AND ALL******

To claim your prize, please e-mail me (claragillowclark (@) gmail (dot) com) with your name and address no later than one week from today.

Please drop by to leave a comment and congratulate the winners!!! Remember that I already have a stack of autographed books on my desk to giveaway in 2011 and don't forget to keep an eye out for more FREE critiques!

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season. See you in 2011!

Dear Readers, A Bagful of gifts for YOU!

2010-12-01T05:37:00.000-08:00

And what to the wondering eyes should appear, but a bagful of gifts for my wonderful readers--autographed books for writers, books for readers, books for spiritual edification and a couple of free critiques. All you have to do is leave a comment for a chance to win one of these outstanding gifts.
Read on . . .

Please welcome my dear friend K.L. Going an award-winning YA author (Prinz Honor Award for Fat Kid Rules the World), former assistant to literary agents at Curtis Brown in New York and a former manager of an independent bookstore.She's generously donated two autographed books!
Learn more about Kelly and her books here: http://klgoing.com
View her amazon.com author page here: Amazon's K. L. Going Page

Reviews for KING OF THE SCREWUPS

"Going's latest is full of comic moments featuring "Aunt" Pete's glam-rock band buddies and Liam's relentless blunders, as well as his uncommon fashion expertise ("You're like a fashion Einstein," gushes one of Pete's friends). Readers—screwups or not—will empathize as Liam, utterly likable despite his faults, learns to be himself."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

Liam is a multifaceted and resilient character who ultimately learns how to be comfortable in his own skin with the help of his new, makeshift family. Going’s knack for defying stereotypes and creating memorable characters will not disappoint fans of Fat Kid Rules the World (Putnam, 2003) and Saint Iggy (Harcourt, 2006).--School Library Journal, starred review

Writing and Selling the Young Adult Novel -- This book takes readers through every stage of writing for the YA market. Aspiring writers and established authors hoping to move into this flourishing genre alike will find instruction on writing for this special audience as well as tips on getting published. The book covers everything from plot, setting, characters and dialogue to revision and approaching publishers.

Recommended by SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Please give a warm round of applause to my sister and Irish twin, Lela Gillow Buchanan and her debut book, Finding Redemption in Everyday Life. Take a bow, Lela! I have an autographed book waiting here for one of you.
You can purchase a copy of her book directly from her publisher: http://intermediapub.com
View her amazon author page here: Amazon's Lela Gillow Buchanan Page
If you'd like a personalized copy for yourself or a gift, please contact her at: Lela.Buchanan@verizon.net

Review

Lela Buchanan has sifted through the mud to uncover a powerful truth. Although life may be rough on us, we do not have to build a wall around our heart. Refreshing and inspiring story gems told with compassion, humor, and wisdom. ---Allison Bottke, Author of Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children

Here's what Lela has to say about her book, Finding Redemption in Everyday Life:

I wanted perfection, I got life . . .
Finding the redeeming moments amidst the struggles of daily, mundane life is a not an impossible quest. Life is hard. It often hurts. Sometimes you have to dig a little to find the buried gems of goodness. The only tools you need are a teachable heart and mind, and a desire to see the fingerprints of God all over ordinary circumstances. It s far too easy to focus on the clutter of responsibilities, distractions and fears of everyday existence, and completely miss the nourishing, redeeming and often humorous moments hiding just beneath the surface.
As you read you will discover the benefits of:
- Holding onto Faith, even if frail and faltering
- Hope, that is resilient, unable to be extinguished whatever the circumstances
- Love, that may be costly, but worth the price
- Perseverance, never, never, never giving up
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Finally, there's me--Clara Gillow Clark! As many of you already know, I teach a book writing course and also do freelance critiques. In my bag of goodies is a Free critique of one picture book manuscript up to 1250 words and one Free critique of the first chapter of a middle grade novel up to 8 pages.

It's easy to win. All you have to do is leave a comment listing which gifts you'd like to receive. The winners will be selected by random.org and prizes will be announced on December 15th. HINT: You are welcome to leave more than one comment for a better chance of winning!

Dear Readers, we love comments, so even if you don't choose to enter the drawing, you can still leave a comment to cheer us on! Thank you!

The whimsical world of author and poet Toby Speed

2010-11-16T05:07:00.000-08:00

Many of you are friends with Toby Speed on FaceBook or maybe you follow her wonderful blog, "The Writer's Armchair" the way I do, but if you don't, you'll want to do that as soon as you've read through her post below. You'll feel right at home over there, because your favorite tea, a nice armchair and lots of good conversation are waiting http://tobyspeed.blogspot.com

Toby Speed and I have been friends since before her youngest daughter, who is all grown up now, started school. Her three daughters are all wonderful treasures, too. We share a lot of great memories of sitting on the porch of Toby's rented bungalow on summer nights talking about books, writing, and silly things that made us giggle until late in the night with the sounds of frogs and geese, crickets and cicadas in the background at Bunnell's Pond here in PA. Nice memories, Toby!

A few weeks ago, Toby posted an article on her blog about wrapping up the final scene in her work in progress and saying good-bye to a character who has become like a member of the family. Without further ado, here is what Toby (with Kashi her cat in the photo below) had to say about that moment of separation:

Goodbye to Emma

After more than a decade of work, I'm writing the last big scene in my novel, Death Over Easy. The last first draft is almost done.

In 1997 I picked out Emma's car, which later changed. Sometime around the turn of the century I came up with a few characters who were in a book club together. I wrote fifty weak pages and dropped the story. Most of the characters didn't survive. The book club didn't even survive. My first first draft was like the Wicked Witch of the West―no substance, only style.

From that mess I rescued Emma, who was called Carly then, and LaRue Fusticola, who was always LaRue. I wrote a few scenes with them and with some new characters who had more personality than the old bunch. Then three pilots, who were Emma's uncles, walked into the dining room, and I took a hiatus from the novel to learn to fly.

Inez, office manager at Able Editing

Somewhere around 2005 or 2006 I tried again, getting farther with this first draft than I had before. It still didn't gel. I had a clear beginning, which I rewrote a gazillion times to make "perfect," and a clear ending, which I thought I'd never reach. And nothing in the middle. But I had Inez Lipschitz and Pete Zahn and Pearl and Egon and Ronk and the Lizard and a whole bunch of others who were wriggling around impatiently, waiting to get on stage.

Still, it took me until this year, 2010, to write it in earnest. I started from the beginning and revised what I had, which was about 50 pages. As I worked my way into the story, I realized that much of it had to be changed, or at least that other scenes had to be introduced within those pages. I wrote them. I started this blog in March and declared to the world that I was writing my novel. It was too late to go back. It was time to push on. I lost some sleep for a couple days, but I started writing, and I felt better.

Little by little I got into the flow, and the scenes went faster and faster. After a month, I found that I was already warmed up when I started the day's work, so I didn't have to stoke the fires and get the steam going and the wheels turning. The train was already chugging along. Another month, and I had to make a running start and leap onto that train. Another month or two, and I was no longer getting off the train at all. I was on it night and day.

I was literally living with Emma and all of them, looking into their refrigerators, their closets, seeing what they kept in the glove compartments of their cars. They talked constantly, nudging me with ideas, trying to upstage one another, intruding on my carefully planned plot path. They all had back stories, some really amazing, and touching, and very real. I worried about them.

I especially worried about Emma as I got toward the end of the last first draft. Life was getting much more dangerous for her. She was taking chances I'd never take in a million years. And I always knew what kind of trouble was around the corner. Sometimes I joked about her to my friends―"Better her than me"―but when it got down to the wire, I was truly anxious. I had to keep telling myself it was fiction. Not only was it fiction, but it was my fiction.

And now I'm on the penultimate scene. The scene just before the wrap-up. I started this scene before I went to Kidlit Con, and then I didn't get back to it. Partly it was because I got sick, and partly because life happened. But a good part of the difficulty of getting back to it is that I know that this is goodbye.

Most of the characters have finished their scenes in the book. They still whisper to me, but they know they can't come back onstage. And when I finish what's left of the story, and I write those words, "The End," the door will close. They will all go away.

Emma will go away.

I'm dreading that goodbye. It's going to be a very sad day."

Thanks, Toby, for sharing the poignancy of saying goodbye to characters we love. Sometimes that happens when we're reading a book, too. There's a sort of ache that begins in the region of the heart and we start to read slower and slower. Oh, we know that we can read the book again, but it's never quite the same as the first time, is it? We love comments, and we'd love to hear about your reading and writing experiences. For example, when I finished writing Hattie On Her Way and mailed it off to my editor at Candlewick Press, I came home, lay down on the couch and moped. I missed Hattie, the whimsical Horace, Buzzard Rose the cook and Hattie's grandmother. When I was ten I read the Wind in the Willows and I felt the very same way when I came to the last page and closed the book. I didn't want it to be over, and that's one reason why I'm a writer. I want to live inside the story. So please share your thoughts with us or just say, "Write on!"

Learn more about Toby here: www.tobyspeed.com

Sadly, Toby's wonderful books are out-of-print, but Toby has a limited number that she's willing to part with and personalize for you as a perfect gift for a favorite child! To purchase your copies, contact her by e-mail to learn about the one-time special offer for this blog post: toby(at)tobyspeed(dot)com Read about a couple of her books below and go to her web-site to learn about more of her exceptional books: www.tobyspeed.com

TWO COOL COWS review from Publishers Weekly: Those wanting to know why the cow jumped over the moon will find some tweakingly twisted answers in this nonsensical story. "Two cool, too cool" cows from the Huckabuck farm are looking for fresh grass, and they jump to the moon to find it. The moon is cool, too-with cows aplenty beating bongo drums and doing the bunny hop. But the two cool cows are wearing new "black button-back boots" belonging to the four Huckabuck kids, who call them home for milking time. The kids are pleased: Kate plays the fiddle, little Doug laughs and Daisy runs off with Spoon. Speed (Hattie Baked a Wedding Cake) gleefully and rhythmically subverts the nursery classic. And Root. . . plays along zestily, coloring the Huckabuck farm with quiet, pastel tints and the moon with rich, jazzy tones-some of which "return" with the cows. A rewarding romp. Ages 4-8. TWO COOL COWS was an ABA Pick of the List and won an IRA-CBC Children’s Choice Award.

BRAVE POTATOES (From Kirkus Reviews) Speed and Root (Two Cool Cows, 1995) pit a platoon of feisty prize spuds against grimacing chef Hackemup in this gleeful culinary contretemps. Once the sun sets over the county fair's Bud and Bean Arena, the potatoes open their eyes and rumble out to sample the wild carnival ride called The Zip--until Hackemup, chef at the Chowder Lounge, snatches them up, singing delightedly of Idaho and Juliet . . . Romeo and Julienne. . . .Any way you slice it, this tuberous triumph will have readers rolling in the aisles. (Picture book. 7-9)

BRAVE POTATOES was on The New York Times and Publishers Weekly Children's Bestseller Lists and was named a Blue Ribbon Winner for 2000 by the Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books. The book was featured on National Public Radio’s Weekend Edition with Scott Simon and Daniel Pinkwater.

We'd really love to hear from you! Please take a moment now to leave a comment about Toby's post. I'm off to order her books before it's too late!

As a thank you for being such dear friends throughout the year, I'll be back the end of the month for the Season of Giving with lots of presents as giveaways.

Who is the Lucky Winner of MARBURY LENS?

2010-11-09T05:14:00.000-08:00

Happy Book Birthday to The Marbury Lens. The book is officially released in bookstores today. Join the celebration here: http://www.ghostmedicine.com

Before I announce the Lucky Winner of The Marbury Lens, you'll want to find out a little bit about what's coming. We're going from the realm of scary to the whimsical mind of a friend who will share an inside view of the writer's life and what it's like to complete a novel that's been in the works for years. Her words resonated deeply with me, and I wanted to share them with all of you writers, readers, teachers, librarians, friends. Keep an eye on your blog readers. She'll be here on November 16th.

So how do I pick a winner, exactly? I number all the comments with my own excluded, although I wouldn't mind winning every so often, and go to random.org, punch in the number range and see what number comes up. It takes the pressure off when you really really want everyone to win! The winning number was seven (7)!
That's **KEVIN** Kevin, please e-mail me: claragillowclark (at) gmail (dot)com with your full name and address. The autographed ARC will be on its way shortly thereafter. As everyone knows, if I don't hear from Kevin within one week, a new winner will be picked.

Please take a moment to congratulate Andrew Smith and the book birthday of The Marbury Lens! Thank you!

Step with me through the Dark Looking Glass. . .

2010-10-29T06:41:00.000-07:00

It doesn't have to be Halloween for a good scare. Enter here, if your dare. . .

Purchase here: http://amzn.to/d6l5xy

"Andrew Smith's The Marbury Lens will own you, mind, body and soul. You can't put it down, but you'll want to. You'll want to put it down and walk away but that is not happening. The Marbury Lens crawls inside your head and won't leave. Scary, creepy, awful and awesome. What a cool book!" -- Michael Grant, author of Gone and Hunger for The Marbury Lens

Goodreads description: Sixteen-year-old Jack gets drunk and is in the wrong place at the wrong time. He is kidnapped. He escapes, narrowly. The only person he tells is his best friend, Conner. When they arrive in London as planned for summer break, a stranger hands Jack a pair of glasses. Through the lenses, he sees another world called Marbury.
There is war in Marbury. It is a desolate and murderous place where Jack is responsible for the survival of two younger boys. Conner is there, too. But he’s trying to kill them. Meanwhile, Jack is falling in love with an English girl, and afraid he’s losing his mind. Conner tells Jack it’s going to be okay. But it’s not. Andrew Smith has written his most beautiful and personal novel yet, as he explores the nightmarish outer limits of what trauma can do to our bodies and our minds. The Marbury Lens pub month: November by Feiwell and Friends an imprint of Macmillan. Ages 14 and up.

Not so Scary INTERVIEW with ANDREW SMITH

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I think I always wanted to be a writer when I grew up. The problem was, growing up when I did, most families were overly-concerned about having stable futures and working in industries that would always expand – like warfare and stuff. After all, I am a child of the Cold War. So my parents were not very enthusiastic when I revealed my future aspirations to them. In fact, I think I recall them saying something like, “But what do you really want to be?”

When did you realize you wanted to be a writer/illustrator?

I always liked it when my teachers would give creative assignments that dealt with writing stories or illustrating things. And I actually am a pretty decent artist, although I really wish I could paint better. But becoming a writer probably became a certainty for me when I was in high school.

What’s your most embarrassing childhood memory?

When I was in Kindergarten, I sat next to a boy named Chip. Chip had to pee really bad, but he was too afraid to ask the teacher, Mrs. Bailey. So Chip just peed under the table, all over the floor, and, of course, he denied it was his. I was ethically torn by the situation. We were sitting two-to-a-desk, Chip was my friend, and I had an irreconcilably feverish crush on Mrs. Bailey.

As a young person, who did you look up to most?

When I was a kid, I looked up to my brother, Patrick, the most. He was older, and we shared a bedroom (there were four boys in my family) until he enlisted in the Army – when he went off to fight in Vietnam. Patrick drove a 1959 Cadillac – a gift from our aunt – and he used to drive the three of us younger boys around with him and his tough-guy high-school friends on their crazy adventures, and we listened to AM radio stations and daringly used words like “bitchin’” when we talked.

What was your first job?

My first real job – where I actually collected a paycheck – was writing for a local newspaper in Southern California. Beginning reporters are called stringers, and in those days, stringers got paid by the inch of copy we wrote (newspaper columns, typically 2-inches wide, had about 50 words per inch). I often say that getting paid for writing by the inch is very likely the origin of my predilection for big words and long sentences.

How did you celebrate publishing your first book?

It honestly wasn’t much of a celebration for a couple reasons: First, publication takes such an interminably long time. From the time you get an offer to when you actually sign contracts may take several months. Then, when the book is actually in the stores is usually more than a year after that. But the biggest reason for a non-celebration was that I wrote – and continue to write – in secret. Nobody knew what I was up to, so my family and friends really didn’t believe much of anything had actually happened. In fact, I didn’t tell my wife that I had written a book until after I received an offer for representation from my agent. And when I finally told her, she was so relieved because she thought I was having some kind of online affair due to the hours and hours I’d been spending quietly working on my computer. Now, I think my writing is more of a bother to my wife and kids. Maybe they’ll want to celebrate when I decide to quit.

Where do you write your books?

I write my books in my upstairs office at home. It is a perfect writing place. It has a deck and lots of windows looking out at mountains and trees and my horses. When I travel, I carry a laptop with me and I work on my writing by emailing bits and pieces of my work back and forth to myself.

Where do you find inspiration for your writing?

Inspiration is a moving target. If you sit still, you’ll never find it, and you’ll get really old waiting for it to bump into you.

Which of your characters is most like you?

Well, to some extent, all my protagonists are part “me,” but if you had to isolate one individual character, I think there’d be no doubt about it: I am most like Simon Vickers, from In the Path of Falling Objects. He always takes risks without seriously considering the consequences, and I think he has an attitude – maybe due to naivete – that nothing bad will ever happen to him. He likes to push buttons and then acts indignant when the people around him get pissed off. Yeah… that’s me.

When you finish a book, who reads it first?

When I finish a book, I read it first. That’s when I try to read it like I didn’t have anything to do with it’s having been written. I am not a writer who shares what I write with friends and family, though. So, when I finish a book, I usually send it directly to my agent, Laura Rennert, and my editor, Liz Szabla. Then, immediately after that I get sick and start asking, “Why did I send that to them? Why? Why? Why?” And I start calling myself every version of stupid I can think up. Then I get really grumpy until I hear back from them – an interminable and agonizing wait, even if it’s only a few days long.

Which do you like better: cats or dogs?

I am entirely a dog person. Still, we do own four cats who are all very good at keeping down the rodent population around the house and then making little shrines of death on our front walkway.

What do you value most in your friends?

I like my friends for their intelligence and sense of humor. I also truly value the fact that my friends understand that I am a fairly quiet and reserved person who can go for long stretches of time rather quiet and isolated.

Where do you go for peace and quiet?

I live in a very peaceful, quiet location – and I really couldn’t have it any other way. Although there are certain cities that I absolutely love (Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Boston, London, to name a few) my ideal getaways usually take me to secluded places that are not very crowded.

What makes you laugh out loud?

I most often find myself laughing out loud at things we say when I’m hanging out with my wife and kids – or when I’m joking around with my very funny friends: John, Casey, Brian, Steve, and Jeremy.

What’s your favorite song?

I wonder how many people can confidently answer that question. My favorite song changes about every other week. But I can offer, as a means of getting around the question, that if there ever were perfect “soundtracks” made for Ghost Medicine and In the Path of Falling Objects, I would like to have the following artists contribute: The Felice Brothers, Bob Dylan, Bon Iver, and Johnny Flynn. Now, if there were a soundtrack made for The Marbury Lens, I would like to hear what Radiohead, The Cure, and maybe a reunited Pink Floyd would come up with for that monster.

Who is your favorite fictional character?

“My” favorite fictional character is, naturally, one of my own – a kid named Stark McClellan. You haven’t met him yet, because he’s in a book I wrote, called Stick, that is not yet published. But the reason that I like him so much is that he has this really dry (but definitely not cynical or sarcastic) sense of humor in the way he looks at things, and he has this remarkable ability, I think, to see a kind of wonder in everything – even if he’s surrounded by cruelty and ugliness. I admire people who are like that.

What time of year do you like best?

I definitely prefer summertime. Still, there is a lot to be said for sitting by a fire while snow falls outside, reading a great book.

What’s your favorite TV show?

I do not watch television at all. I am incapable of sitting still and having information, noise, and visuals pumped into my skull. I know this is a shortcoming on my part, and that I am missing out on something, but I just don’t ever do it. My friends think I’m a snob, but it has nothing to do with my looking down on the medium. They’re all dumb, anyway.

If you were stranded on a desert island, who would you want for company?

A television. Just kidding. There wouldn’t be anywhere to plug it in. This is a trick, right? You left out the phrase “besides your wife,” right? Okay, so if I couldn’t have my wife OR my kids with me, then I’d probably be just fine by myself. I am an incurable loner at heart.

If you could travel in time, where would you go?

I would very much have liked to live in California during the 1880s. I know that’s a random choice, but I’ve always had a fascination for that time period, which is only part of the reason why I set a portion of The Marbury Lens in California during that decade. There were so many interesting political, social, and religious movements in America at that time, and those tremendous transformations in the ways that people looked at themselves and the universe – coupled with the anxious feeling of being right on the razor’s edge of this incredible twentieth-century future – really made for some potentially amazing adventures.

What’s the best advice you have ever received about writing?

People who make it a practice to give advice about writing tend to give the worst possible advice. Here are my top three pieces of idiotic nonsense people will tell you about writing:

You have to have a thick skin.
“Show” don’t “tell.”
Don’t quit your day job.

Those are all really wrong and meaningless, in my opinion. The only rule in my writer’s code is there are no rules.

What do you want readers to remember about your books?

I want my readers to find some personal connection to what I write. It’s hard for me to say just how much it means to me when I get letters or email from readers telling me how they’ve been impacted by one of my books. That’s the greatest thing in the world, and it seems like every one of those letters always tells me something different about how that connection was made.

What would you do if you ever stopped writing/illustrating?

I would probably be an inconsolable grump, the worst neighborhood grouch in the history of neighborhood grouches. I can’t see myself quitting.

What do you like best about yourself?

I’ll tell you what I like least about myself: I take everything personally. I know that’s a critical weakness for someone who writes professionally, because everyone in the business seems to repeat this you-need-to-have-a-thick-skin mantra (see above), but I can’t help it. I actually lose sleep over the littlest things people say or do.

What is your worst habit?

Evasiveness. When I don’t want to talk about something, I’ll craftily change the subject. My sixteen-year-old son, who is afraid of insects, is far braver than I am when it comes to riding on roller coasters.

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

Here we go again with the “bests” questions. I think I am a good father. I believe my kids will look back on some of the things we’ve done together as a family as some of the greatest memories in their lives. That said, I am also very proud of all the books I’ve published – as well as those that will be coming out in the future.

Where in the world do you feel most at home?

Oddly enough, I feel most at home at home. I am a bit of a recluse, I suppose, and I greatly prefer the quiet of the countryside (where I live). I have never been able to understand the “dream” of living in a house that sits in a tight row of clone-houses, surrounded by row upon row of other houses, in a neighborhood where you constantly hear the sounds of traffic and sirens.

What do you wish you could do better?

I wish I could speak Italian better. When I was a child, my mother could not speak English, and I spent many years in Italy, so I naturally picked up the language when I was young. Now, it’s difficult for me to quickly form the words I want to say, although I still can understand it very well.

What would your readers be most surprised to learn about you?

When I was a little kid, my family lived in a very old house that was actually haunted. And to be completely honest, I frequently saw the ghost of a little boy in it, but never told anyone until after we moved away, and then my mother told me that she saw ghosts in it all the time, too.

Meet Author Andrew Smith.

Read more about him here: http://www.ghostmedicine.com

Andrew has generously donated an autographed ARC to one lucky reader who loves a riveting, page turning thriller. Perfect for older teens and adults! Leave a comment for a chance to win The Marbury Lens. The drawing will take place on November 9th! Thank you, Andrew, for sharing your world with us.

Who is the Lucky Winner of NIGHTSHADE CITY ???

2010-10-21T05:11:00.000-07:00

Thanks everyone who wrote and congratulated Hilary Wagner on her debut novel, NIGHTSHADE CITY. Purchase a copy here: http://amzn.to/bmTOVM

In a moment, I'll announce the winner, but first a reminder about my mystery guest, a brilliant writer, who has a Book Birthday just in time for Halloween. It's not a Halloween book, and it's not for little kids. It's a book for older teens and up, the up meaning old like me. I read the first page and I was spellbound. Here's a little tidbit from Part One: The Amethyst Hour to whet your appetite for more. . .

"I am going to build something big for you. It's like one of those Russian dolls that you open up, and open up again. And each layer becomes something else. On the outside is the universe, painted dark purple; decorated with planets and comets, stars. Then you open it, and you see Earth, and when that comes apart. . ."

Don't you want to read more? Of course you do. Learn all about the mystery author and the book on October 29th!

One more bit of news: Next week I'll be speaking at Keystone Reading in Hershey, PA. Lindsay Barrett George will be there and the award winning author Suzanne Bloom of a Splendid Friend Indeed. If any of you are going, please stop by one of the signing booths, presentations, or the Author Tea on Tuesday afternoon to say "Hello!" Thanks.

Hat's off to the LUCKY WINNER of NIGHTSHADE CITY selected by random.org:

Take a bow, MALLORY! Mallory, please e-mail me: claragillowclark(@)gmail(dot)com with your full name and address.If I don't hear from you in one week, the names go back in for a new drawing. If you haven't checked out Hilary's amazing websites, here are the links again: www.hilarywagner.blogspot.com and www.nightshadecity.com

See you next week!

BOOK B'DAY * Debut Author Hilary Wagner * NIGHTSHADE CITY

2010-10-07T04:44:00.000-07:00

****Please welcome very special guest, debut author, Hilary Wagner!****
Hilary lives in Chicago with her husband Eric, her seven year old Vincent and two year old Nomi. They also have a neurotic Italian Greyhound, Louie, who [Hilary says] is adorable, but very whiny! ;)

I'm sure you've seen her around the social network, and I know that a lot of you have been waiting to get her book, Nightshade City: Purchase now: http://amzn.to/bmTOVM You can also leave a comment at the end of the interview for a chance to win an autographed copy generously donated by Hilary! Read on. . .

“Fans of Redwall and the Warriors series will love this heroic tale of good versus evil in a subterranean society of rats. The world of the Catacombs is so compelling readers will wonder if it really might exist under our city streets. Expect great adventures in Nightshade City.” ~ Rick Riordan, Author of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series

INTERVIEW with HILARY WAGNER

Billycan is the decisive rat scoundrel - fanatical, nasty, ferocious and absolutely disturbing. Was there any particular thing that moved you to write this completely fantastic bad guy/rat?

I've always loved the bad guys! I suppose in some way they hold a place in my heart, because I feel something horrible must have happened to them had to make them so bad. Weird, I know! I married a good guy though, much to my parent's relief! ;)

What do you like most about writing villains?

I enjoy the many layers most villains have. What brought them to their wicked ways? What pinnacle events made them so cruel and nasty? I truly don't know if people (or rats in my case), can be born bad, but I think we all start out with a blank slate. So what did it--horrible parents, parents that spoiled them, no parents at all? Did they witness or were they involved in something terrible? Or did they just always have a mean streak?

Can you name one of your choice villains, and what made you adore them?

I just love the White Witch from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. She is just as cold as they come, literally! She embodied evil, but also had this undeniable coolness about her--someone you love to hate! She stopped Christmas for goodness sake! ;)

What would you say are the vital traits of a villain (or rat, as the case may be)?

Layers, for sure, villains need to have depth. Uniqueness, no one wants to read about the guy with the black hat, cape and mustache, demanding, "You must pay the rent"! History, why are they bad--the fun part about this is a villain's history can be revealed in more than one book!

What, to you, are the most overdone qualities in villains?

Ha! Not to be repetitive, the black hat, cape, and mustache! I like wicked witches, but nowadays I think you really have to have a singular witch. Even if she has a pointed hat and green skin, she darn well better have a good reason why!

Do you think of Billycan as an utterly hopeless bad guy, or are there good qualities in him?

To be revealed in Book II... ;)

Without giving any spoilers, what's your favorite Nightshade scene with Billycan and why?

Oh, gosh, he has an awfully eerie scene with a young rat, wherein he scares the tar out of her--poor girl! For me, it was extremely creepy and even gave me goose bumps as I wrote it. I always try to think how I'd feel if someone did that to me at that age...not good! ;)

Since this is your debut novel, can you share a bit about your writing process and your road to publication?

Hmmm...writing process--I don't do outlines, so I don't have a specific process. I seem to write in a series of scenes, picturing them in my head first and then getting down just right--one scene building on the next. Not too scientific, but it works for me!

Hilary's road to publication: Craig Virden (Nancy Gallt's husband and former president of Random House Children's Division) was the agent I'd been pining away for. I knew he was the one I wanted to represent me. We'd exchanged some lovely letters. He'd requested the full and made me laugh--a real charmer! This progression took about 6 months. Finally I got a letter back from him. My heart beat like a rabbit's. It was yet another rejection, mind you, the nicest rejection anyone could ever get, but a rejection all the same. He said due to the current market woes and competition he just couldn't take it on.

You'd think I'd be crushed, but I wasn't. He offered to read anything else I had "mouldering" in my desk. So, instead of wallowing (which I'd become an expert at), I got to work that day on another MS I'd been wanting to finish. Then, about four weeks later, I got a phone call out of the blue. I didn't recognize the area code, so normally I wouldn't have answered it, but I just had this strange feeling. It was Craig Virden. He said he just couldn't stop thinking about the book and no matter the market, etc, he wanted to take it on if I was still interested...uh...YES! So, long story short, that's how I landed my agent.

Sadly, a month later, Craig passed away. It was a heartbreaking blow to his family and the publishing community at large. He was one of those larger than life men that everyone knew and loved and one and all seemed to have a story about--a truly special person. Marietta Zacker stepped in pronto. She was dear friends with Craig and Nancy and had just started working with them as an agent. Despite her grief, she called me right away and let me know everything was okay and most of all for me not to worry. Shortly thereafter, I had a new agent. Can lightning strike twice? Marietta is kind and funny and pretty much brilliant! She gives me so much insight into the publishing industry and she's as clever as a fox! She is my agent and my friend and I highly recommend her to anyone. She sold Nightshade City in less than two months.

Do you have any advice for writers? Your favorite book on the writing craft? (Or anything you want to add about the writing life!)

I've never read a book on writing, so I can't offer up any good titles. For me, the key to writing is developing your own sense of style. I think once you do that, you're really onto something--more so than just learning "how" to write. A distinct voice means everything in a successful book. When I think of my favorite books, all of them had a unique feel about them--something unforgettable.

NIGHTSHADE CITY is available at Barnes and Noble stores nationwide, Indie Booksellers, Amazon http://amzn.to/bmTOVM and more. Learn more about Hilary Wagner by visiting her blog: www.hilarywagner.blogspot.com and enter the exciting, subteranrean world of NIGHTSHADE CITY here: www.nightshadecity.com

Who will be the lucky winner of a personally autographed copy of NIGHTSHADE CITY? If you leave a comment, it might be YOU! Simply stop by to CONGRATULATE Hilary or to share the title of your favorite anthropomorphic book from childhood! Mine is The Wind in the Willows! The drawing will take place on October 21st!

ANNOUNCING the LUCKY WINNER of Tenth Avenue Cowboys

2010-10-03T07:02:00.000-07:00

Before I announce the LUCKY WINNER of the autographed book, I'd like to invite anyone living in the area of Wilkes-Barre, Pa to drop by and meet Linda Oatman High in person along with Lindsay Barrett George, Patricia Thomas, and yours truly--Clara Gillow Clark! The four of us will be signing books and talking about writing, books, and publishing at the Barnes&Noble Bookstore, Wilkes-Barre Mall on Sunday, October 10, from 2-4 pm. Btw--It's not too early to purchase Christmas gifts!!!

You know that Linda has written and published a lot of picture books, but I know some of you are interested in YA and Poetry as well. Here's a look at a YA book by Linda Oatman High: SISTER SLAM and the Poetic Motormouth Road Trip

Amazon.com Review

Told in the jagged rhythms of rap, with unexpected rhymes and frenetic energy, Sister Slam is a soul sister to Francesca Lia Block's Weetzie Bat. Hip but innocent, sharp but sweet, fresh out of high school in Banesville, Pennsylvania, plump Laura Crapper and her skinny friend Twig ("an indie-goth-hippie chick like me") set out in their '69 Firebird for the Sixth Annual Tin Can, New Jersey Poetry Slam: "We'll be driving/ into the so-cool/ School of Real Life./ The College Of Reality!/ The University/ of Gray Road, Blue Sky,/ and Yellow Lines," exults Twig. As a mark of the importance of the occasion Laura chooses a new name "so hot it sizzled/ and blistered your fingers/ like Crisco-fried ham./ My new name was: Sister Slam!" In Tin Can the new poets bomb when the subject of Sister's angry poem turns out to be one of the judges. And like all road trips, this one has its bad moments (their car is totaled by a collision with a Mustang) and its wild surprises (the driver turns out to be a hunky guy named Jake with "avocado-hotto eyes"). A spontaneous performance at a restaurant catapults the two poets into fame on the slam circuit, with success beyond their dreams as they rant onstage in thrift store chic--until real life intervenes. Teen slammers will snap their fingers along with Twig and Sister in this lighthearted and innovative verse novel. (ages 12 to 16) --Patty Campbell

And NOW, the WINNER of TENTH AVENUE COWBOYS to be personalized by Linda Oatman High,
(generated by random.org) is: SUSAN COUTURE

                              !!!!!!!!CONGRATULATIONS, SUSAN!!!!!!!

Susan, please e-mail me at claragillowclark (@) gmail (dot) com with your address within the next seven days. After that time, the names will go back in for a new drawing!

Thank you everyone who stopped by and left a message for Linda! Thanks, Linda for sharing about the writing and inspiration of TENTH AVENUE COWBOY!

Who's up next? I'm very excited to share a debut author with you. If you spend any time on FaceBook or Twitter, then you'll be familiar with the delightful, Hilary Wagner, author of NIGHTSHADE CITY. Yup, Hilary has generously donated a copy of her book, so be sure to stop by to learn about the writing of her book, and to leave a comment for a chance to WIN a copy of Nightshade City!

Clara Gillow Clark

Winners of the Weenie Books for Halloween

Creepy Tales for Halloween with Author David Lubar

Annoucning the Lucky Winners of JOE and SPARKY early readers

Interview with author/editor -- Jamie Michalak

Who won EDDIE"S WAR? It might be you!

BOOK BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION with Author Carol Saller

Who won NAAMAH and the ARK at NIGHT? Could it be you?

Interview with Susan Campbell Bartoletti -- Newbery Honor Award Winning Author

THE LUCKY WINNER of THE SUMMER OF HAMMERS AND ANGELS

BOOK BIRTHDAY with Debut Author Shannon Wiersbitzky

***CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GRAND PRIZE WINNER - SPILLING INK**

***The FABULOUS 2nd Place WINNER *** SPILLING INK CONTEST

SPILLING INK WRITING CONTEST ***3rd Place WINNERS***

Swiss Rolls

By: Emma Borme

***Annoucning the WINNERS of the Spilling Ink Writing Contest***

SPILLING INK WRITING CONTEST ***IMPORTANT MESSAGE***

Spilling Ink Writing Contest for Young Authors

It's The 2nd Annual SPILLING INK WRITING CONTEST for Grades 4-8

Interview with SPILLING INK CONTEST judge, Wendy Townsend

The Lure of Bare Feet in Mud

Who is the Lucky Winner of BLUE -- Plus Upcoming Spilling INK Writing Contest

Part VIII Interview -- Discovering America's Past through Historical Fiction

Part VII -- Discovering America's Past through Historical Fiction

Laurie's Writing Meditation and Winners Announced

Interview with Laurie Calhoven -- PART VI Discovering America's Past

Part V Boys of Wartime -- Discovering America's Past through Historical Fiction

ANNOUNCING THE WINNER OF DEADLY by Julie Chibbaro

Part IV Redemption -- Discovering America's Past through Historical Fiction

Book Birthday! Part 3 Discovering America's Past through Historical Fiction

Announcing the Lucky Winner of COUNTING ON GRACE

PART 2 of "Discovering America's Past through Historical Fiction"

Through the Mill

Because of a Lewis Hine photograph, Addie Card became the poster child of child labor. But what became of Addie Card?

Discovering America's Past through Historical Fiction

Winners of the Bagful of Giveaways

Dear Readers, A Bagful of gifts for YOU!

Review

The whimsical world of author and poet Toby Speed

Goodbye to Emma

Who is the Lucky Winner of MARBURY LENS?

Step with me through the Dark Looking Glass. . .

Who is the Lucky Winner of NIGHTSHADE CITY ???

BOOK B'DAY *** Debut Author Hilary Wagner *** NIGHTSHADE CITY

ANNOUNCING the LUCKY WINNER of Tenth Avenue Cowboys

*CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GRAND PRIZE WINNER - SPILLING INK

The FABULOUS 2nd Place WINNER SPILLING INK CONTEST

SPILLING INK WRITING CONTEST 3rd Place WINNERS

Annoucning the WINNERS of the Spilling Ink Writing Contest

SPILLING INK WRITING CONTEST IMPORTANT MESSAGE

BOOK B'DAY * Debut Author Hilary Wagner * NIGHTSHADE CITY