ZANE'S TRACE

Last week, my colleague, Carol Baldwin created a Facebook status that read  "Spending the night in Zanesville, Ohio. For those of you who have read Allan Wolf's book, Zane's Trace  you'll be interested to know that Zane's Trace was a real place and the Y Bridge truly does exist."  

Carol tagged me because I'd recently read Zane's Trace, a contemporary story laced with history.  Remembering that Carol had reviewed Zane's Trace on her blog, I clicked over to reread her thoughts and promptly asked permission to post them here. So here's her terrific review.

When Allan Wolf was thirteen, he lost a penny behind the baseboard in his bedroom. He grabbed a pencil and wrote, "Penny lost down here on the night of April 12, 1976 at 2 til 9 PM and 5 seconds by Allan Dean Wolf."

In some ways, that was the genesis of Zane's Trace, a poetic coming of age novel that combines elements of historical fiction, free verse, and fantasy. 

Using a combination of powerful images, prose, real places, events and people, this book documents Zane Guesswind's journey as he wrestles with his painful past which includes his mother's suicide, an abusive grandfather, and his father's desertion. If that wasn't enough baggage for any teenager to carry around, Zane also has epilepsy. 

Up until the story's opening Zane has dealt with his pain by writing on any non-conventional surface imaginable including his bedroom walls and ceiling. Translating his thoughts and feelings this way sometimes has a therapeutic effect on Zane:

Whatever it was, the simple act of writing
on my wall had strengthened me somehow. (p.9)
.............
A red Sharpie made the men bleed. 
And I wrote and I wrote and I wrote.
The worse Mom got, the more I wrote.
The more the old man nagged her,
the more I wrote.
And the more empty spaces I filled,
the better I felt. (p. 12)

But, as a not untypical adolescent, it also gives him more power than he truly has. So, when his grandfather dies in his sleep, Zane thinks,

I did not kill him directly, yet I
was certainly the cause.
                       Last night--
the Zane-atopia scene on my ceiling,
the flash of light at the top of Mount Guesswind
the heaven holding Mom, Stanley, Zach, me
and Grandpa?
                     I smudged the old man out
with a fat, black marker--king size.
Last night I erased the old man from the light. (p. 30)


This book is a quick read, but not a simple one. It is full of powerful metaphors and layers of images--even as the writing on Zane's walls and his thoughts are layered with meaning. The line, "One straight shot" is repeated over and over again with various meanings and nuances. 

Zane's physical journey back to his mother's grave is also his emotional journey as he deals with his own deep grief. In the end, Wolff brings together the disparate elements of this poignant story as Zane reconciles the branches of his family tree. After his grandfather's funeral Zane says:

And all of us there--living or dead, crazy or sane, 
friend or foe, black or white, family or stranger--
we all crowd around and add our own names
to the twisted, crazy-beautiful family branches. (p.177)

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

I would recommend this book for teens, particularly those who are wrestling with suicidal thoughts or have experienced mental illness and suicide in their families. Wolf includes a number of good resources at the end of the book, as well as information on what is historically and geographically accurate.   (Carol Baldwin)

Thank you, Carol for allowing me to post your reflections here.  I handed Zane's Trace off to my hubby who also promptly devoured it.  And hey, dear reader - do check out Allan's website. His slideshow makes me want to take in one of his public appearances.  Looks a little zany to me!  (Joyce)

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... 

MY NEXT BIG THING

Novelist, Katia Raina tagged me in a work-in-progress meme called The Next Big Thing.  (read about Katia's forthcoming novel here).  I'm accepting the challenge and answering some questions regarding the book I'm working on. 

What is the working title of your book?   TRAMPER  (think hobo, world traveler etc.)

Where did the idea for the book come from?  You know that panicky sensation you get when you realize you'll never live long enough or write fast enough to write every story you care about? Basically I got that feeling, followed by this wacko idea to combine several stories into one big family saga.  It was easy to find a common thread (German-American history) and I realized that these various stories I loved could happen to different people in one family line.


One-to two-sentence synopsis of the book:  TRAMPER is five individual stories that build to tell one larger German-American family history. The first character is born to German immigrants in the U.S in 1889. The in-between characters live through German-American tensions of the World Wars and the Cold War. The final character is on hand for the fall of the Berlin Wall.  

What else about this book might peak the readers’ interest?  Romance. I mean you can't produce the next generation if young people don't fall in love.  So, several romances.  And some high drama history - think escape plans, protest marches, and secret police. 

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency? I can't imagine everself-publishing because I don't want the responsibility. Not to mention, I need to work with an editor!

I'm interested in pursuing an agent but oh my, that means polishing up my marketing skills! Any writer friends want to recommend me?    ; )

How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript? Hmmm - 2 years and counting... But then again, during those 2 years I took chunks of time off for family needs and also to work on another manuscript. I've spent probably a year focusing on just TRAMPER.  But I'm not finished researching or writing.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre? Oh, boy, anything I say would just sound pretentious. And honestly, I don't even know. I have yet to read Alan Gratz' THE BROOKLYN NINE but I've read that it covers nine generations within one family and that each story represents the next generation. I guess in terms of generational stories it's something like that.

TRAMPER is a verse novel so I could perhaps compare it to BORROWED NAMES by Jeannine Atkins which uses free verse to tell the stories of three famous mother-daughter pairs. (It's terrific!)

My dream would be to convey history with the soul of Jennifer Roy's YELLOW STAR (a holocaust story told in free verse).

What characters would you choose to play a movie rendition?
Ha!  This question is so out of my league.  But some German actors would be lovely!

I sure hope that TRAMPER is my next big thing! 

What about you, Carol Baldwin, Rosi Hollinbeck, Marcia Hoehne, Clara Gillow Clark, and Vijaya Bodach.

IF, you're so inclined, use the same questions to tell us what your next big thing is. And if you're not so inclined, just keep on writing. The children will thank you!

WEED & FEED: Writing Buddies

Last night I finished War Horse and now I'm preparing to review it.

Meanwhile, my colleague, Carol Baldwin has included some of my "writing wisdom" in her latest blog post.  (something about orange popsicles & wild onions!)  Hop on over to read my thoughts but more importantly to experience Carol's touching poem at the end.

Her post demonstrates how writing buddies feed and weed each other's plots.

Carol & I at one of those school conferences where we co-presented.

Driving Through Henry River Mill: Where HUNGER GAMES was filmed

Last week, I talked hubby into riding with me past the filming location of The Hunger Games. It's close to home and over the years (ahem - decades!) I've spent some time there exploring the property, drooling over the old buildings and imagining their history.

There were once about 34 homes in the Henry River Mill Village.

Since it closed in the 60's or 70's many of the houses have been stuffed with boxes left over from the hill's former life as a sock factory village. If you want more pics go to my guest post at Carol Baldwin's blog.  There's also a link there for a great Henry River Mill website.

I was curious about the filming but not so curious that I would make a fool of myself looking for movie stars. I do love behind-the-scenes operations though and would loved to have seen a little movie making in action. But I didn't expect that. I wasn't sure I'd see anyone since I half expected the road to be closed.

But it 's a public road so after filming for the day they opened it.   Mostly we saw equipment and trucks blocking our view!  I'm sure that was purely accidental! : ) 

They probably thought people like me come by looking for a glimpse of famous people but honestly, I don't even know who's starring. I've seen the names somewhere but it's all Greek to me!

Not the usual abandoned and beautiful sight we're used to around here. Most days you might see an occasional car go by but never will you see them lined along the road like this.

There were people milling about after hours including a policeman - smiling and motioning us on. I did not take his picture! Or anyone's.



The Old Company Story photo by my sister, Joanne Hunsberger

Rumor has it that the company store became The Bakery for the film.

They added a roof to the lower front section.

Photo by Joanne Hunsberger

And yet another view of the store because it is so gorgeous and intriguing. I read (online) that there used to be a school upstairs for the children of the village.

At one time there were dozens - or maybe hundreds - of mill villages scattered across North Carolina.  I can think of three such villages within ten miles of my home. They each had their own personality.  And of course each held its own share of human drama - love and heartbreak, moonshine and murder.  Obviously a mill village would make a great setting for some historical fiction.

Photo by Joanne Hunsberger.  Love the lighting in this pic!

I've met a few North Carolina authors who are working on stories about mill villages. My fingers are crossed for each of them!

And now I see that Kim Church is writing about the 1929 Textile Strike in Gastonia, NC.  (speaking of murder!) She blogged about Henry River Mill Hill recently.  Her work in progress is called Mill Mother's Song.  So if you are intrigued as I am about mill village life - you might want to follow her blog.  And I will definitely be watching for that novel!

If you'd like to see what I saw driving through Henry River Mill hill take a look at this video. I di d not film this - just grabbed it off YouTube.  The author of this movie drove through 3 times so you might want to hop out of the car after the first pass.  Nothing much changes on the second and third times.  But if you're feeling obsessive about Hunger Games, well then enjoy the ride!

CELEBRATING AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY: Alvin Ailey and the connection between story and dance

February is nearly over and I've done nothing to acknowledge African-American History Month. I've hardly blogged at all, actually, but still - what kind of excuse is that?

This morning, my friend, Carol Baldwin unwittingly inspired me.  She'd driven to Chapel Hill last night to see Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater live performance, Revelations.  On her way home today, she called with all sorts of superlatives about the performance -  "incredibly strong, controlled, liquid, amazing use of space".  And more!

So naturally I scurried around to the video sites to get a feel for what I'd missed. Please watch this at full screen! It's not the same as a live performance but it will take you way beyond this tiny box of images. 

Celebrating Revelations at 50 Film from AlvinAileyAmericanDanceTheater on Vimeo.

Since FIX ME JESUS is one of my favorite spirituals, I can't help but share it here.



Want to know more?  View a timeline of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater History.

MEETING KAY WINTERS

I first discovered Kay Winters when I attended an SCBWI workshop near Philadelphia - back before the turn of the century.

And then, a few years later, in 2002, I bumped into her at a history writing workshop led by Carolyn Yoder of Calkins Creek Books.


As an aspiring history writer, I was a bit awestruck by Kay who had published an impressive stack of books. (And yes, envious, too.) I haven't seen Kay since then - probably because she's been busy researching and writing books about Abe Lincoln, the Boston Tea Party, Ancient Egypt, and more!


I decided it's time to catch up with her a bit and fortunately she agreed to answer a few questions for me here.  So, join me, please in welcoming the lovely Kay Winters.

It's so great to have you here, Kay. Maybe we could begin by hearing a little about the themes you feel compelled to write and some accomplishments that you're most proud of.


I am drawn to people in history who focus on overcoming obstacles instead of complaining about them. In Abe Lincoln: the Boy Who Loved Books, we have someone who came from a very poor family, a father who did not understand or appreciate him, who went to school for less than a year. And yet he walked out of the wilderness into the White House. Again and again as a private citizen and as President he failed.He ruled this country at a time of the greatest divisions we have ever known. ( Even worse than current politics!) But he persisted. I was so delighted to discover that books made the difference to Abraham Lincoln, and this is a message I am delighted to relay. I was proud to be invited to sign Abe at the National Museum of History in the Smithsonian and to find the title included on a number of state reading lists.


In Colonial Voices: Hear them Speak, I wrote about  the townspeople in Boston at the time of the Boston Tea Party. I described their occupations, their  politics, their struggles, their hopes. This  book won the  Carol Hurst Children's Book Prize for the book which  “best exemplified the highest standards  of  research, analysis and authorship in its portrayal of the New  England Experience.” The local theater  did a  reader’s theater production of the book at the Colonial Harvest  day in Westfield, Massachusetts.  My  husband and I and several others also did a reader's theater  presentation of Colonial Voices at Old South in Boston where the tea party meeting took place.


Ah, nothing like seeing your work embraced and interpreted by the artistic community. Congratulations on both the reader's theater and on the Carol Otis Hurst book prize.  What an honor! Now I'm impressed (and envious) all over again!


I know you get to mingle and compare notes with other history writers.  And you must have a few that you really admire.  Can you tell us who your favorite history authors are?

• My favorite author of historical picture books is Pam Munoz Ryan.  I love When Marian Sang because of the details Pam chose to bring Marian Anderson to life. The book is both poignant and compelling,  irresistible combination. Pam paints a portrait of a young girl who  is incredibly talented and determined to pursue her dream. When she is turned away from the Music School in Philadelphia because of her  race, she finds a teacher. When he is about to refuse her, she  opens her mouth and sings. When the  Daughters of the American Revolution reject a possible  performance at Constitution Hall, after she has  sung to royalty  in Europe, she sings to a mega-crowd at Lincoln  Memorial. I think this is an example of a  picture book that  should be in every classroom from K-8. Unlike  history text books this picture book and  many others, captures  personality, setting, a  time period in history in a way students are not likely to forget.

• For Middle Grade Students and anyone in fact - Chains by Laurie  Halse Anderson is an forgettable historical  novel about a 13  year old slave and her sister and their harrowing journey to freedom during the time of the American Revolution. Only the 13 -year old survives.  This meticulously researched book is based on fictional characters but Anderson used letters, diaries, runaway  ads and military reports to develop her characters.  When I  finished reading Chains, I  thought this book is so  much better than many so called adult historical novels.I hope it  finds a wide audience with both students  and adults.

I love both of those books.  And now what is your favorite method of research?
My favorite method is on site research. When I did Voices of Ancient Egypt I went to Egypt twice, visited tombs and sites of ancient habitats. I sailed in a felucca, rode a  horse around the pyramids and a donkey in the Valley of the  Kings at Luxor.For Colonial Voices we went to Boston a number of times. We  also travelled  to Sturbridge and Williamsburg. I needed to check  out shopkeepers and their wares in these historic villages.   For my new book Voices on the Oregon Trail My husband and I  took that  journey by car, stopping to stand in wagon wheel ruts, visit  Trail Centers and Museums with dioramas, films and  artifacts, and photograph the prairie and the mountains. In  general,  I haunt the library, read diaries, journals,  letters, ads,  use film and on line sites and interview specialists in  the field.


Two trips to Egypt?!  History writers have the most fun, don't you think, Kay? And after you gather all that information, how do you weave fact into fiction?


In Abe Lincoln: the Boy Who Loved Books  all the quotes from him were authentic. None were invented. In Colonial Voices: Hear Them Speak, the characters were invented, so were their quotes, but in that book  almost every line on each page is packed with fact. I searched old books for samples of objects  that were used  at that time and mailed pictures of them to my wonderful illustrator Larry Day. So you see how he included  Whisper Sticks, for the Dame School, Wag on the Walls, for the Clockmaker, an old Tavern sign for the Tavern Keeper.  In this book I included a blacksmith’s slave and a Native American because they are often left out of accounts of the Revolution.


Thank you Kay, for sharing so many wonderful details and for introducing to several other amazing historicals!  And thanks to you, dear reader, for stopping by. 

Please visit Kay's website for more info on her and her numerous books.  But first, I want to mention that she has a new picture book out!

And she's giving away a copy via Talking Story, an E-newsletter co-produced by Carol Baldwin and me. Click on over to the current issue of Talking Story. Then visit the sidebar for instructions on joining the book giveaway contest!



TALKING STORY: May issue

The May issue of Talking Story E-Newsletter is out!  Carol and I had fun with this one - in fact the theme is fun. We figure that, for many of you, the school year is winding down. 

This means that teachers and librarians need to keep those students productively occupied until say, June 11 or so.  We share a few ideas for survival, one of which is that both Carol and I are giving away a Skype visit (video chat with author). Click over to the Talking Story site and visit the Giveaways Galore article in the sidebar.  Please follow the email link as instructed to get in on the contest.

Other giveaways include:

• Maupin House Publishers is giving away a copy of Rainbows, Head Lice and Pea Green Tile by Brod Bagert
• Recorded Books is giving away an audio of the acclaimed Wild Things by Clay Carmichael.

That's 4 chances to win, folks!  But you can't do it here at my blog - you've got to visit our newsletter site where you'll find some great suggestions for summer fun and some good reads too!

American Association of School Librarians

Last week I searched Google Images for a pic of this statue across the street from the Charlotte Convention center. Didn't find it anywhere. Now, I have a feeling it is about to show up all over Facebook with images of smiling media specialists.

That's because American Association of School Librarians' Conference is meeting in Charlotte. I spent the day at the conference. And Carol Baldwin and I fulfilled a wish to get a picture of ourselves with these books.

I attended one of several workshops Carol presented this weekend. I love watching Carol present which is a good thing since I'll be spending next week teaching with her at NCCAT. Carol and I co-lead seminars for teachers and also co-author the Talking Story e-newsletter.

From Carol's workshop I dashed to the exhibit floor where I signed books at the Author Pit Stop.

What a great event. Authors were assigned to various stations across on the exhibit floor and librarians tracked us down or just bumped into us. It was a leisurely way to connect and I saw lots of old friends.

I was honored to share a table with Jennifer Jabaley, author of the brand new Lipstick Apology. Here she is with one of her fans. I haven't read this book but the premise is intriguing and the enthusiastic response from librarians tells me this is one I want to read!

Jennifer and I had fun with Tessa, an effervescent librarian who I met on a school visit to South Carolina last year!

Stephen Messer, introduced himself to us also. Don't have a pic but he seems like a super swell fellow who wrote this forthcoming fantasy novel. Windblowne is due out in May 1010 from Random House. Does this look like fun, or what? Congratulations, Stephen! I hope you and your book fly high!
I signed books at my publisher's booth. And connected with readers there. But oh, the day was a blur and now I've forgotten who's in this pic with me. Maybe she'll speak up and tell me. (Please!)

TALKING STORY: A Newsletter on Reading and Writing.

The second issue of Talking Story is out!

Co-publisher, Carol Baldwin and I focused on Networking in this issue. In it, we introduce some :

• Tips for networking effectively
• Authors we know who network well
• Ways that classrooms can connect with authors (besides a pricey school visit)
• Tips for online social networking and link to a helpful class on the subject
• Some of the librarians who have helped us
• Jan Broadfoot who helps NC teachers and librarians connect with local authors
• An opportunity for a teacher to win $ 150.00 worth of educational books
• A link to a book trailer contest with $ 1,000.00 scholarship prize.

Networking is a constant learning curve. At Talking Story we try to help you round the curve without embarrassing incidents.

E-NEWSLETTER: Another Sharp Learning Curve

Carol Baldwin and I holding each other's books.

My latest writing-related venture is to create an e-newsletter with my writer friend and colleague Carol Baldwin. We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. But we're learning that between us we can pull off whatever hard thing we decide to do.

And besides, MyNewsletterBuilder provided a webinar. How hard could it be?

The webinar was good. We took notes. We got the gist of it.

But of course, some things can only be learned by trial and error. We've been working on the newsletter off and on since Friday. Mostly on, for me, because I get obsessive about such things and enjoy doing them in my sleep.

But I don't actually love doing the same thing repeatedly if I'm not sure why I lost it the last time. And quite frankly, who knew that clicking on the word "DONE" would send a whole newsletter spinning out into the nether regions?

Started over, then.

By now I am feeling mostly comfy with the newsletter program. This happens when newsletter Tech Support believes Labor Day is for picnics. A writer has to sort things out for herself.

Carol and I are clogging each other's inbox and using up our unlimited cell phone minutes but as a result, the September issue is almost ready to go.

If, we can figure out how to upload hundreds of email addresses before October.

Let me know if you want to be on the list.

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!

TODAY, YESTERDAY, LAST NIGHT

Healing Water was inspired by Father Damien who volunteered to live in Hawaii's leprosy settlement.

1. Today is Damien Day. May 10 is the anniversary of the day that Father Damien began his ministry to Hawaii's leprosy patients.

2. Yesterday, I thought I was meeting friends, Carol Baldwin and Shelley Worman at El Paso's for some great Mexican food before we attended the Blue play. Then, Shelley's grandchild decided to come a month early so it turned out to be just me and Carol. At least that's what I thought. But when I arrived I found a small crowd. The core group were NC school teachers and media specialists who took an NCCAT class Carol and I taught last fall. There were a few spouses and other family members. Great folks! I was slightly flustered by this unexpected gathering in my honor. And humbled that each of them drove 1 - 3 hours to get here. It was so fun to be with them again but there wasn't nearly enough time to catch up! Thank you! Thank you! And Shelley, I missed you, but congratulations on the grandchild!

3. Last night, when I came home from the play, there was a rose bush on my kitchen table. And cards from the grandchildren. You've got to love it when the two year-old dictates a card to his grandmother that says Happy Birthday, BopBop! I don't blame Solomon for being smitten with his grandpop. (After all, I am too.) But still, the way I see it, that little fellow owes me a Father's Day card!

AWARD NOMINEE: Teaching the Story: Fiction Writing in Grades 4 -8

WooHoo! Teaching the Story is a finalist in the picks for 2009 Association of Educational Publishers Achievement Awards!

In case you're wondering, I did not write this extraordinary book. Carol Baldwin did.

Teaching the Story is chocked full of exercises for various aspects of writing. The books opens with an overview on creative writing. From there it moves into a series of mini lessons on setting, plot, characters, dialogue and more!

And the bonus? It comes with a CD that contains printable exercises for students to use!

The second edition of Teaching the Story (the first editon is subtitled Fiction Writing in Middle School) is more inclusive in that it brings in the 4th grade level. In North Carolina, where 4th graders take writing assessments, this is absolutely a PLUS!

Also in this edition, Carol collaborated with technology instructor, Steve Johnson. Together they developed and beta-tested writing sessions that use technology such as wikis and virtuals worlds.

It's no wonder this book is getting the attention of award committees!

Carol, by the way, is an excellent writing teacher. She brings energy, affirmation, critical thinking and a boatload of expertise to the classroom writing experience.

She's conducted writing sessions with teachers at NCCAT, NWRESA, at school and library conferences, and with students in the classroom and in homeschool groups.

Do visit her literacy focused blog and do explore the idea of bringing her to your school for a day or more of writing!

Carol enjoying a story with friends at the library.

BLUE MONDAY: The Business Side of Writing

Display belongs to Studium Education Resources. Teaching the Story: Fiction Writing in Grades 4-8 is a terrific classroom resource by Carol Baldwin.

Today I take a box of Blue to the UPS store because I messed up last week. I had two school visits in VA and failed to take enough books along. Yes, I sold more than expected. But I also failed to double check my order numbers and then allow for last minute orders on top of that.

Sometimes I feel foolish carrying way more books along than I need but it just doesn't pay to guestimate low!

This means I have to order more books from my publisher today too. Hmmm... with 3 school visits next week I should probably order two cases. I don't love the business part of my job. It's a gamble either way!

I absolutely couldn't do it without the help of my family. (Many thanks to hubby, Chuck and sister, Jeannie who helped me out last week!)

My sister Jeannie went along on my Friday visit. She wanted to observe but willingly let me put her to work handling book sales and keeping track of details. She also chauffered me around on the weekend and facilitated delivery of books to the school that I shorted.

That girl has got herself a head for business!

WHAT I'VE BEEN UP TO (Or One of My Excuses for Not Blogging Lately)

In my last post I mentioned Carol Baldwin, author of Teaching the Story. Here she is on the left. The two of us are showing off Kathleen Scotcher's display of our books at NWRESA (North West Regional Educational Service Alliance.We did a workshop there last week. See Carol's vlog about that!

I did not make a video blog of the day but I did snap a few pictures of workshop participants!

These gals are writing their memories stirred by the various sensory stimuli we provided.Others are waiting their turn at the tasting table.

And here is the lovely and delightful Stephanie Kelly who teaches 3rd grade at an elementary school just a few miles from my home. I'm looking forward to reading to her students during READ ACROSS AMERICA in March.

COLLABORATING WITH CAROL BALDWIN

Carol reading over a friend's shoulder at Gaston County, (NC)Library.

My friend, Carol Baldwin and I decided to post each other's pictures, blog about our day yesterday, and then compare notes. We did this about a year ago without plan and our reflections were similar in spite of the fact that we barely knew each other.

We met last June at MidSouth Reading and Writing Institute in Birmingham. Turns out we live about an hour and half apart. So we stayed in touch and somehow developed the idea of offering workshops together.

Carol is the author of Teaching The Story: Fiction Writing in Middle School Her book is chock full of writing tips and exercises for use in the classroom. Any language arts teacher would be wise to keep it handy at all times!

Carol and I began combining her expertise in leading writing workshops with mine in talking about fiction writing.

Who knew this could work?!

We have similar personalities in that we're both straightforward and like being in charge. But Carol is more confident and assertive in situations where I hold back. So, a year ago when we were planning our week long writing semiar for NCCAT (North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching) there were moments when our collaboration felt a bit stressful for me. I was use to doing one kind of author event and she, another.

We had to figure out a new way of being.

When we presented at NCCAT, Carol kept me on time, always knew what was next on the schedule, and articulated it to our class. (I can be so spacey!) I was grateful to let her be the spokesperson but at one point I laughingly accused her of being bossy.

Carol has more experience conducting writing workshops and is gifted at quickly pointing out the strengths in a piece of writing. Me? I tend to get hung up on typos, grammar and point-of-view when I should be telling the writer how fresh and original their work is!

Yesterday, we met to plan an event for NWRESA (North West Regional Educational Services Alliance) and I realized how much our relationship had changed in one year.

Carol is still confident and quick to speak up. But I am too. I've discovered I am safe with her. If she expresses an idea and I don't love it I can squint just so and she'll ask me to explain my hesitation. We give and take ideas without getting defensive and we create a stronger program because we each bring our own strengths to the discussion.

Like a pair of sisters swapping clothing we've become comfortable batting ideas around, accepting and rejecting them, and finding the best plan of action.

Carol and I planning our next event!

In addition to Carol's professional book & workshops and her publication in magazines such as Highlights for Children, she's also working on a historical novel and is having great fun doing research!

Did someone say research!?

Suffice it to say, the two of us never run out of things to talk about! I feel so blest by this happy connection. We both feel it is truly Providential.