COWBOYS by David L. Harrison

I have this magnificent picture book in front of me. Something every kid or teacher would want to own.  And not only that, it's a giveaway.  I'll tell you in a moment how you can enter. 

But first, a glimpse of the book!

This is one gorgeous piece of work - the perfect pairing of poet (David L. Harrison) and illustrator (Dan Burr)  Together these gentlemen paint history so real and heartfelt that the reader wants to go back there.  Back to a time before railroads turned cattle drives into history.

Read this soulful determined poem.  Then I'll link you to the equally beautiful illustration.

SETTING OUT

All my life,
do what Master say.
He say, "Mind my cows,"
I mind his cows.

Cows, me,
my children,
wife-
all his.

No more.
Nobody owns me now.
Signed my X,
agreed to drive this rancher's cows
from Texas up to Abilene-

for pay.
My pay.

I'm on a journey of my own
figuring how it feels
to be free.

Now, take a look at this proud, hopeful cowboy, ready to set out on his new life of freedom.

There's a whole lot of cowboy life in the pages of this book. Each page-spread is one poem with a vivid illustration that shares the viewpoint of a different cowboy or one aspect of life on the range.

 Just leave a comment here. But over at Talking Story we have several giveaways so if you don't win COWBOYS you just might win a consolation prize!

You may have noticed that the theme of this issue of TALKING STORY is Poetry. and also that Highlights Foundation is offering several poetry workshops in 2013.  David Harrison will lead POETRY FOR THE DELIGHT OF IT, September 30 - October 3.  

I could be tempted... 

HIGHLIGHTS WRITER'S WORKSHOP AT CHAUTAUQUA

While reviewing my publishing journey for a presentation I'm working on, I happened on this video clip of the amazing conference where I met my editor, Carolyn Yoder. You too, might want to consider spending a July week in an idyllic community with literary giants and fellow writers.  You never know who you could meet there. 

Did you recognize Jerry Spinelli, Patti Gauch, Suzanne Bloom, Carolyn Yoder or someone else you admire in that fun clip?

This is a magnificent conference for someone who has been writing for awhile, has learned to revise, and is ready to move into publication.  This year the conference is July 16 - 23.  More info at Writer's Workshop at Chautauqua.

PUBLIC SPEAKING: Yes You Can!

A year ago this time I was getting psyched about attending LIFE IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Author Opportunities After Publication.

The workshop is being offered again March 11 -16. So if you're an writer who wants to improve your speaking and presenting skills, I recommend catching a plane and heading for Honesdale, PA. (It's not to late to sign up!)

Last year, I blogged about my experience so I'll repost one of those entries now.

See those two. That's Tracy from Highlights Foundation on the right. She's got a videotape in her hand. And she and Peter Jacobi are scheming against 7 unsuspecting workshoppers.

So here's how it goes. Jacobi gives us an assignment to speak extemporaneously for one minute on a subject of our choosing. We get maybe 60 seconds to decide who our audience is and what we're going to say. Then we stand in front of the group and start talking while Tracy aims the video camera right at us.
When we have all sufficiently embarrassed ourselves, Tracy hands the tape over to Jacobi who pops it into the VCR. We get to watch ourselves, analyze our own performance and give feedback to each other. I suppose it's just as well my next photo is blurry. Because really, I don't look so good!

But Jacobi has made his point. Extemporaneous speeches do not work. Preparation is key!

Okay he has our attention!

And now Jacobi begins to school us in the art of speech making. He makes a number of points!

7 Part Process of Giving a Speech

• 6 Elements to Consider In Developing a Speech
• 12 P's to Avoid
• 8 Questions to Ask As You Prepare
• 4 Knows
• 13 Interest Factors

Oh and how about this formula? E/A + I + I + I = S

For lack of time I will say that it all boils down to one thing. Do not bore your audience!

And the formula that makes the workshop so memorable? It's a simple one, really.

One brilliant jouranlism professor + a roomful of writer friends + 14 fabulous meals multiplied by days of instruction and hands-on experience = phenomenal experience plus a big boost in self-confidence.

Who even cares about that video camera?

THANKFUL THURSDAY: Chautauqua Edition

Carol Baldwin with Carolyn Yoder at Chautauqua

My friend and colleague (we present writing workshops together) Carol Baldwin sent me this pic the other night! When I opened it I felt both joy and jealousy. She's with my editor, Carolyn Yoder. You'd think after working with Carolyn for 7 years (Has it really been that long?) I would have a decent picture of the two of us together. But I don't : (

Carol is at the Highlights Foundation Writer's Workshop at Chautauqua, NY. Every year this time, I sigh and long to be there. And dream of going again some day. But mostly I'm just grateful that I was able to go once. And that I met Carolyn Yoder there and realized she was the editor of my dreams. And that she might even like my writing.

Apparently she did. We've published 3 books together. (Blue, Healing Water, & Comfort)

I now think of my writing life as “pre-Chautauqua and after”. Before Chautauqua, I was stabbing in the dark, exploring countless writing opportunities but not owning any of them. At Chautauqua I discovered for sure that I am a history writer and that Carolyn Yoder could help me become a really good one!

That's why I'm going to her writing retreat in August. To get some intensive input on my work-in-progress. And while I'm there I'm going to get a good photo of the two of us together.

PS: Carol Baldwin is the author of TEACHING THE STORY: Fiction Writing in Grades 4-8. Now she's writing her own historical novel!