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kmessner recently had a reading for her new picture book, Over and Under the Snow. But not only did she have a reading - she suggested to the store managers that she offer a free two-hour class directly after the reading for people who were interested in learning how to write picture books. And the event neatly sidestepped the biggest drawback I've seen in these free classes - people who attend but don't buy a thing - by addressing it up front.
Kudos all the way around!
You can read more here.
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By: April Henry,
on 10/17/2011
Blog: So many books, so little time (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: kate messner, Add a tag
It's about Gianna, a 7th grade girl who has a lot going on. Her family is slightly nutty, she is dealing with a mean girl at school, she sort of has a procrastination problem which means she might not be able to run at her track meet, and she has this HUGE leaf project that is basically ruining her life. And she needs to pull it all together, like, now.
BRILLIANT FALL is a wonderful story -- warm and funny and full of heart. If you are the parent or teacher of 9-12 year olds who like family stories and school stories, you really ought to know this book. And hey - it's seasonal. AND you can't beat the price, hello paperback!
So here's the deal. I have a box of these rascals to give away. I think that they would be best off either in a couple of mother-daughter book clubs, or in a classroom or other literature-circle type situation.
If you want to win a set of Giannas, here's what you do:
Write an email to: GiannaContest at gmail.com
Contest ends at 8pm Monday, 9/26. Judgement rendered by me, based on my own whim. Creativity might help you. There may be more than one winner.
For more info about the book, and to see how some famous kids book authors answered The Tree question, click here!
By: Betsy Bird,
on 9/4/2011
Blog: A Fuse #8 Production (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Encyclopedia Brown, Roald Dahl, Eoin Colfer, A.A. Milne, Scots, Kate Messner, Darcy Pattison, book sculptures, Book Festivals, apps, library design, labor unions, haggis, Scooby Doo, App Reviews, Fusenews, Voyage of the Dawn Treader, New Blog Alerts, Moxy Fruvous, Rainbow Fairies, Robin Etherington, The Girl With the Silver Eyes, Willo Davis Roberts, music, Uncategorized, Add a tag
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By: April Henry,
on 10/17/2011
Blog: So many books, so little time (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: kate messner, Add a tag
By: Literaticat,
on 9/22/2011
Blog: Jennifer Represents... (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: contests, kate messner, gianna, Add a tag
Blog: Jennifer Represents... (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: contests, kate messner, gianna, Add a tag
There's this book I represent, by Kate Messner. It's been out a couple years... it won the EB White readaloud award... it's super good. It's called THE BRILLIANT FALL OF GIANNA Z and it looks like this:
BRILLIANT FALL is a wonderful story -- warm and funny and full of heart. If you are the parent or teacher of 9-12 year olds who like family stories and school stories, you really ought to know this book. And hey - it's seasonal. AND you can't beat the price, hello paperback!
So here's the deal. I have a box of these rascals to give away. I think that they would be best off either in a couple of mother-daughter book clubs, or in a classroom or other literature-circle type situation.
If you want to win a set of Giannas, here's what you do:
Write an email to: GiannaContest at gmail.com
Include your name & contact info, the kind of group you are, age of kids and number of kids participating. And what you would do with the books if you won.
And answer, in any way you choose, the famous question, IF YOU WERE A TREE, WHAT KIND OF TREE WOULD YOU BE?
Contest ends at 8pm Monday, 9/26. Judgement rendered by me, based on my own whim. Creativity might help you. There may be more than one winner.
For more info about the book, and to see how some famous kids book authors answered The Tree question, click here!
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By: Betsy Bird,
on 9/4/2011
Blog: A Fuse #8 Production (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Encyclopedia Brown, Roald Dahl, Eoin Colfer, A.A. Milne, Scots, Kate Messner, Darcy Pattison, book sculptures, Book Festivals, apps, library design, labor unions, haggis, Scooby Doo, App Reviews, Fusenews, Voyage of the Dawn Treader, New Blog Alerts, Moxy Fruvous, Rainbow Fairies, Robin Etherington, The Girl With the Silver Eyes, Willo Davis Roberts, music, Uncategorized, Add a tag
Happy Labor Day! I’ve no special post of my own but I know someone who has created the ultimate list of Labor Songs. That would be Professor Phil Nel and at this point I’ve only seen the first of three posts but it is truly fantastic. For one thing, he includes Moxy Früvous on his round-up, and they were a band I adored back in the days of my youth. I’d forgotten all about “I Love My Boss” until now. Go! Look! It’s worth your time.
Now I’ve been amiss in not mentioning the speaking engagement I have at the upcoming Kidlitosphere Conference. I won’t be there in person, but through the magic of technology I’ll be Skyping alongside the hugely talented Mary Ann Scheuer of Great Kid Books and the simply marvelous Paula Wiley of Pink Me. Our topic? Mary Ann came up with the notion of covering book app features. What we like, what we don’t, what to look for, etc. And if you cannot attend, we may be able to put something on our blogs afterwards. Stay tuned or read more about the talk here.
New Blog Alert: Speaking of apps, ever wonder why there isn’t a children’s literature blog dedicated to the digital realm? Turns out, there is and it’s called dot.Momming. Children’s author and founder of the Hyde Park/South Side Network for SCBWI-Illinois, Kate Hannigan, provides reviews as well as multiple interviews with folks working in the field. I’m a fan, and not least because an app I helped advise (Hildegard Sings) shows up as number one on her Top Picture Book Apps list.
I like to see good work rewarded. And Kate Messner’s efforts to bring attention to the libraries devastated after Hurricane Irene certainly qualifies as more than simply “good”. The fact that School Library Journal highlighted her work in the piece Author Kate Messner Helps to Rebuild Local NY Library Devastated By Hurricane Irene is just icing on the cake. And much to my astonishment it include a photograph of a Paddington book that I apparently read as a child but had entirely forgotten about until I saw it in the article. Wow! It’s been a long time since that happened.
Need a good website for writing exercises? Have you seen the delightful They Fight Crime? Try it. Then try again and again. My current favorite is, “He’s a globe-trotting drug-addicted hairdresser on the edge. She’s a tortured belly-dancing vampire operating on the wrong side of the law. They fight crime!” Hours of time wasting fun to be had there.
Every other day an adult author gets it into their head that writing for children is a snap (sometimes with horrific results). Children’s authors rarely go the other way around. Now Eoin Colfer has decided to change all that. A comedic crime thriller called Plugged is 5 Comments on Fusenews: Haggis and Hash Browns, last added: 9/5/2011
By: Jason Boog,
on 9/1/2011
Blog: Galley Cat (Mediabistro) (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Libraries, Kate Messner, Add a tag
Today author Kate Messner shared heartbreaking photographs of Wells Memorial Library in New York, a small town library virtually destroyed by flooding from Hurricane Irene.
Her long post also explained how publishers, authors and readers can help this library rebuild its collection.
Here’s more from the site: “They lost virtually their entire children’s collection. All of the picture books. ‘They were all on the lower shelves,” library director Karen Rappaport explained, “so the kids could reach them.’ She looked at the heap of books in the yard, then out toward the river, quiet in the background today, and shook her head. ‘We’ve just never seen anything like this.’ She let us walk through the building to see just how devastating the flood waters had been. Old books and documents from the library’s special collections were spread out on tables to dry.”
New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.
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By: Bianca Schulze,
on 8/11/2011
Blog: The Children's Book Review (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Andy Rash, Giveaways, School, Kate Messner, Back-to-School, Add a tag
Blog: The Children's Book Review (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Andy Rash, Giveaways, School, Kate Messner, Back-to-School, Add a tag
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: August 9, 2011
Starting school is a big job! Kick-off with some giggles with Kate Messner’s and Andy Rash’s Sea Monster’s First Day—an enthusiastic and encouraging picture book. We have one (1) copy to giveaway to one lucky reader! Giveaway begins August 11, 2011, at 12:01 A.M. PST and ends September 8, 2011, at 11:59 P.M. PST.
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 36 pages
Book overview: Sea monster Ernest is starting his first day of school. But starting school is a big job! Fitting in when you’re a sea monster is tough enough, and there’s so much to learn and do—reading, singing, playing hide-and-seek with the fishermen, lunchtime in the algae patch….This funny, charming twist on the worries and joys of starting school will reassure and delight the smallest children and the largest sea monsters alike.
About the author: Kate Messner is the author of the E. B. White Award-winning The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z. She lives in Plattsburgh, New York.
About the illustrator: Andy Rash is the illustrator, and author, of several hilarious children’s books. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.
Critical Acclaim:
“Bold and lively cartoon artwork provides genuine enthusiasm and humor.” – School Library Journal
“With ample aquatic puns and boisterous, mixed-media artwork, it’s a splashy story about fitting in.” – Publisher’s Weekly
How to enter:
- Fill out the required fields below
- Maximum entries: Three (3)
Giveaway Rules:
- Shipping Guidelines: This book giveaway is open to participants with a United States or Canadian address.
- Giveaway begins August 11, 2011, at 12:01 A.M. PST and ends September 8, 2011, at 11:59 P.M. PST, when all entries must be received. No purchase necessary. See official rules for details. View our privacy policy.
Sponsored by Chronicle Books.
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©2011 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.
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By: Bianca Schulze,
on 8/10/2011
Blog: The Children's Book Review (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: School, Chapter Books, Laura Ljungkvist, Kate Messner, Back-to-School, Harry Bliss, Hanoch Piven, Dan Gutman, Ages Four to Eight: Books for pre-school to second grade, Ages Nine to Twelve: Books for Third Through Sixth Grade, Teens: Books for young adults, Book Lists: Specialty picks, Judy Schachner, Lynne Avril, Picture Book - Wordless, Andy Rash, Jacqueline Harvey, Herman Parish, Eric Litwin, Tommy Greenwald, J. P. Coovert, Jenny Hubbard, Jim Paillot, Winifred Conkling, Add a tag
Blog: The Children's Book Review (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: School, Chapter Books, Laura Ljungkvist, Kate Messner, Back-to-School, Harry Bliss, Hanoch Piven, Dan Gutman, Ages Four to Eight: Books for pre-school to second grade, Ages Nine to Twelve: Books for Third Through Sixth Grade, Teens: Books for young adults, Book Lists: Specialty picks, Judy Schachner, Lynne Avril, Picture Book - Wordless, Andy Rash, Jacqueline Harvey, Herman Parish, Eric Litwin, Tommy Greenwald, J. P. Coovert, Jenny Hubbard, Jim Paillot, Winifred Conkling, Add a tag
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: August 10, 2011
It’s that time of the year again: school time! Whether it’s the first day of school or the first day of a new grade, there is always an adjustment period. Excited, nervous, or shy, reading books about school, or stories that revolve around the classroom, can be a great way to begin switching gears from the vacation mindset. In this book list, you’ll find picture books, chapter books for the early fluent and fluent readers, as well as a novel for young adults.
Picture Books
By Harry Bliss
Reading level: Ages 3-7
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Press (August 1, 2011)
Source: Publisher
Add this book to your collection: Bailey
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By Kate Messner (Author), Andy Rash
(Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 36 pages
Publisher: Chronicle Books (June 22, 2011)
Add this book to your collection: Sea Monster’s First Day
____________________________________________________________
My Best Friend Is As Sharp As a Pencil: And Other Funny Classroom Portraits
By Hanoch Piven
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade; 1 edition (May 11, 2010)
Source: Publisher
Add this book to your collection: My Best Friend Is As Sharp As a Pencil: And Other Funny Classroom Portraits
____________________________________________________________
By: Betsy Bird,
on 7/19/2011
Blog: A Fuse #8 Production (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Scholastic, Kate Messner, Brian Floca, early chapter books, 2011 reviews, Best Books of 2011, 2011 early chapter books, Uncategorized, Add a tag
It’s high time “tomboys” rescued their term from its negative connotations. One very rarely runs across parents who use the word with pride. It happens, sure, but more often than not it’s paired with a complaint. Same goes for tomboys in children’s books. They exist but they tend to appear in works of historical fiction more often than not. The contemporary tomboy is, oddly enough, relatively rare these days. Maybe that’s one of the reasons I loved Kate Messner’s Marty McGuire as much as I did. Not only do you have a genuine one-of-a-kind 21st century tomboy on your hands, she’s rejecting the princess culture too! Finding great early chapter books can be an enormous chore. Now Marty makes my job as a children’s librarian that much easier.
Second grade was fine. Marty had no beef with second grade. But for all that her second grade teacher made third grade sound like a bed of roses, Marty is having a rough time of it. Her best friend Annie has been stolen by princess-loving girly girl Veronica Grace and now she won’t go frog hunting or do any of the other fun things she used to with Marty. So when the school play is announced (The Frog Prince) guess who’s shocked and appalled when she ends up with the role of the princess? That’s right. Marty has to be seriously convinced that this is a good plan and even then she’s reluctant. Fortunately, actors always have little tricks to make their roles their own. And Marty has a trick up her sleeve that’s a doozy.
The rise of the princess culture is a relatively recent phenomenon. I’m referring to the abject shameless marketing to little girls of anything and everything princessy. It didn’t really exist when I was a kid, only hitting its stride in the last decade or so. The result in the literary world has been a veritable cornucopia of pink and sparkly princess books for girls of every age. If a girl isn’t into princesses and their omnipresent pinkness they may sometimes find the literary pickings (at least in some bookstores) few. Marty McGuire’s brave rejection of all of that comes as a breath of fresh air. Here we’ve got a girl on the cover reaching for a frog in jeans and sneakers. Pink sneakers, sure, but you go with what you’ve got. The tiara falling to the side seems like more of an afterthought than anything else. I mean clearly this is a different kind of book.
Which makes the story all the more difficult to pull off. In a way, you’re rooting for Marty and her anti-princess stance. The idea of her forced princessing is tricky territory. But Messner somehow manages to walk a fine line, never making this a book about “embracing your inner princess” or similar dreck. Instead, this is very clearly a story about trying something new and making it your own, even if it pulls you out of your comfort zone. That’s actually a very useful, if rare, lesson tha
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By: Caroline Starr Rose,
on 6/30/2011
Blog: Caroline by line (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: TEN free books, May B. Book Club Kit giveaway, contests, Kate Messner, book clubs, skype an author, MAY B., Add a tag
As happy as I am to be writing full time, I miss spending regular time with students. I hope as my book makes it into the world I’ll have opportunities to talk with kids during school visits, library talks, and book club discussions.
Come January
If you are a part of a children’s book club (or know anyone who might be interested), I’d love to work with your group. If you’re local (somewhere in New Mexico), I’ll make every effort to meet with your readers in person. If you’re anywhere else, I’d be happy to Skype with you during your meeting. All I ask is that your kids have read my book beforehand.
If you’re a teacher, go to my Skype an Author page to learn more about classroom or book club discussions. As part of Kate Messner’s Author Skype Tour, I’m also willing to give a few copies of my book away for those interested in a virtual author chat. Stop by to learn more!
7 Comments on Book Clubs for Kids: Win a MAY B. Book Club Kit!, last added: 7/3/2011
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By: Literaticat,
on 6/23/2011
Blog: Jennifer Represents... (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: kate messner, book b'day, Add a tag
Blog: Jennifer Represents... (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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Brilliant author Kate Messner could have been discouraged. But instead she rooted around till she found the 'kid-friendly' piece. And the book turned into ERNEST McSEAMONSTER WANTS TO GO HOME, about the anxiety of a first day at school. This is the version Kate's editor bought.
But then together, they turned the main character into a bit less of a scaredy-monster. In the version you'll see in bookstores starting this week, Ernest is lively and adventurous as he encounters life in his new school (of fish). And look at what a difference a year or two makes. SEA MONSTER'S FIRST DAY is absolutely gorgeous, thanks to the lively artwork of Andy Rash.
SEA MONSTER'S FIRST DAY is a great book for the new kindergartener or entering first grader in your life. Here's a bit more about the book.
You can buy the book from your local bookstore, or from Kate's.
Congrats, Kate! <3
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By: Kathy Temean,
on 5/4/2011
Blog: Writing and Illustrating (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: awards, Author, Contests, writing, illustrating, Competition, Kate Messner, Brian Lies, Betsy Devany, Crystal Kite Awards, Kathryn D. Erskine, Add a tag
Betsy Davany e-mailed me yesterday to let me know she won the New Voices in Children’s Literature: Tassy Walden Award for her middle grade manuscript titled, Savannah’s Mountain.
She was quite excited, because ever since the news broke yesterday she has had newspapers and editors contacting her about the win. We are quite excited too for Betsy. Even though Betsy lives in Connecticut, she really is a New Jersey member and belongs with us, well at least that is how we feel.
New Voices in Children’s Voices in Children’s Literature: Tassy Walden Awards program is sponsored byEvergreen Woods and Barnes & Noble with additional support from Helen H. and J. Sanford Davis. The Tassy Walden Awards ceremony is scheduled for May 18, 2011. It will be held at the Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT at 7pm and is free and open to the public. So if you live in the area, it should be enjoyable to attend and hear the winners read selections from their manuscripts.
Betsy says, “Savannah’s story started as a first page, read at the very first SCBWI event I attended. Kathy Temean took me under her wing and encouraged me to sign up for the March 2007 Mentor Weekend. When she told me there would be a first page session, I decided to venture away from writing picture books to follow the voice of Savannah, an eleven-year-old girl. The writing caught the attention of the two editors present, one asked me to send her the first fifty pages of the novel. At that time, only the one page existed. Guided by belief in the work, and with much patience from the editor, I completed fifty pages, and then went on to finish writing Savannah’s story. The novel is currently with several editors at this time.”
In case you didn’t notice. The Crystal Kite Awards were announced this week. New Jersey had two members make the finals, but they were up against some stiff competition with the winning book. I’d like to point out how valuable it is to win this contest. I already have ordered four of the winning books. Books I would have not thought to order. Isn’t that what an author wants? I think, “Yes.” So don’t stick your nose up or take for granted these contests. They can really make things happen for you. I have listed three regions below:
Pennsylvania/Delaware/New Jersey/Wash DC/Virginia/West Virginia/Maryland
Kathryn D. Erskine – Mockingbird (Philomel Books – Penguin Young Readers Group)
10 Comments on Kudos – Contest Winners!, last added: 5/7/2011
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By: James Preller,
on 4/28/2011
Blog: James Preller's Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Dana Reinhardt, april Pulley Sayre, Donna Gephart, Candace Fleming, Carol Lynch Williams, Diane Muldrow, Barry Moser, Devin Scillian, Annie Patterson, Brian Pinkney, Ann E. Burg, Around the Web, Debbie Levy, Adam Gidwitz, Andy Mulligan, Bystander, Andrea Pinkney, Mo Willems, Justina Chen Headley, Jarrett J. Krosoczka, Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, James Dashner, Margaret Mahy, Jim Murphy, Kate Messner, Loren Long, Polly Dunbar, Patricia Polacco, Julie Danneberg, Marilyn Singer, Nic Bishop, Jill S. Alexander, Margaret Stohl, Kami Garcia, Jon Muth, Preller Bystander, Laura E. Williams, Josee Massee, Margie Palatine, Michael Tunnell, New York State Reading Association, Roseann Thong, 2012 Charlotte Awards, Audrey Couloumbis, Charlotte Award Ballot, Charlotte Awards, Tricia Tusa, Eleanor Davis, Tim Bowers, Ellen Potter, Thad Krasnesky, G. Brian Karas, Geoffrey Norman, Steven Sheinkin, Vicky Alvear Shecter, Add a tag
This is amazing good news. Great news, in fact. I’m happy and proud to say that my book, Bystander, is included on the ballot for the 2012 New York State Reading Association Charlotte Award.
To learn more about the award, and to download a ballot or bookmark, please click here.
The voting is broken down into four categories and includes forty books. Bystander is in the “Grades 6-8/Middle School” category. Really, it’s staggering. There are ten books in this category out of literally an infinity of titles published each year. You do the math, people.
For more background stories on Bystander — that cool inside info you can only find on the interwebs! — please click here (bully memory) and here (my brother John) and here (Nixon’s dog, Checkers) and here (the tyranny of silence).
Below please find all the books on the ballot — congratulations, authors & illustrators! I’m honored to be in your company.
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GRADES pre K-2/PRIMARY
Bubble Trouble . . . Margaret Mahy/Polly Dunbar
City Dog, Country Frog . . . Mo Willems/Jon J Muth
Clever Jack Takes the Cake . . . Candace Fleming/G. Brian Karas
Lousy Rotten Stinkin’ Grapes . . . Margie Palatini/Barry Moser
Memoirs of a Goldfish . . . Devin Scillian/Tim Bower
Otis . . . Loren LongStars Above Us . . . Geoffrey Norman/E.B. Lewis
That Cat Can’t Stay . . . Thad Krasnesky/David Parkins
Turtle, Turtle, Watch Out! . . . April Pulley Sayre/Annie Patterson
We Planted a Tree . . . Diane Muldrow/Bob Staake
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GRADES 3-5/INTERMEDIATE
The Can Man . . . Laura E. Williams/Craig Orback L
Emily’s Fortune . . . Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Family Reminders . . .
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By: Literaticat,
on 4/27/2011
Blog: Jennifer Represents... (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: kate messner, book b'day, Add a tag
Blog: Jennifer Represents... (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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This was one of the first books I ever sold, waaaay back when. I am not gonna lie - it was not always the smoothest of journeys to bookdom. Three editors and three years later, there were times when I truly did not know what would become of little Marty. But she a PERFECT illustrator in Brian Floca, and a WONDERFUL home at Scholastic, and everyone there is treating her like a princess - muddy shoes and all. :-) She's out in stores a week early... and I'm so excited to introduce you to her!
MARTY McGUIRE by Kate Messner (Scholastic)
Marty McGuire would much rather spend recess pretending to be a scientist like Jane Goodall than dressing up as a floofy pink ballerina. When her third grade puts on a play and Marty is cast as the reluctant princess lead, she realizes that there are some things a lot scarier than a wild gorilla. But after a special lesson in the art of improvisation, Marty comes up with her OWN plan to IMPROVE the play... with semi-disastrous results. But in the end, Marty's one-of-a-kind performance makes for an unforgettable show. Maybe Marty CAN live happily ever after, after all!
Marty has a unforgettable comic voice, perfect for 7-10 year olds, and Brian Floca's illustrations are a joy. (If you've only seen the ARC, you must look at the finished book - it is gorgeous!)
Kirkus says: "Believable and endearing characters in a realistic elementary-school setting will be just the thing for fans of Clementine and Ramona."
Simultaneous hardcover-paperback launch. Further adventures of Marty will come early next year, with MARTY McGUIRE DIGS WORMS.
Check out the first few chapters on audio!
Buy the Paperback! or the Hardcover!
More about Kate
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By: James Preller,
on 2/8/2011
Blog: James Preller's Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Mitali Perkins, Kate Messner, Darcy Pattison, School Visits, Bystander, Author Skype Visit Advice, author skype visits, Author's adventures in Skype, Bystander Preller, classroom skype, Hyde Park Elementary, Preller Skype Visits, tips for Skype author visit, Fan Mail, Add a tag
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Okay, this is pretty terrifying . . .
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Yes, that’s my giant gob projected on a viewing screen. The picture was taken during a recent Skype visit. Quick, here’s a couple of other shots:
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I’m still in the early stages of figuring out this Skype business. I’m not even sure how I feel about it yet, or whether I can (or should) fit them into my schedule. That said: It is undeniably cool to connect with kids from far-away places, schools I’d never visit if not for this amazing technology. So I’m leaning yes.
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And it is amazing, as tired and cliched as that word sounds. Suddenly we’re looking at each other, waving, laughing, talking, snorting. It’s craziness and I think students really do feel a thrill.
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The photos are from my first-ever Skype visit. Since I didn’t know what I was doing, just fumbling around, I didn’t charge a fee. And I still don’t. Though that might change down the road if I decide to pursue this in any kind of organized fashion. The visit was a result of an enterprising teacher, Tyler Samler, who reached out to me after reading Bystander with his class. We decided on a 20-minute Q and A session. I enjoyed it, despite having to comb my hair. However, I found it difficult to read the audience. In person I’m pretty good at glancing around the room, know when to sit down and when to start flapping my arms, recognizing when I’ve got their full attention or when, perhaps, it’s slipping away. With Skype, I was less certain. Hopefully I’ll get better at that with practice.
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Tyler wrote to me after the session:
The Skype session was awesome! You’ve acquired some life long fans here at Hyde Park Elementary School. After the session we went around and had each student give imput and share their opinions. It was a really good response. They enjoyed your sense of humor and your kindness. I think they were greatly enriched to have this opportunity. You’re a wonderful storyteller!By: Literaticat, on 12/7/2010
Blog: Jennifer Represents... (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: kate messner, client books, book b'day, Add a tagHappy book birthday to SUGAR AND ICE by Kate Messner.
Here's what I say: I love this book a lot. It has that star-is-born, behind-the-scenes feel that I am a total sucker for. It will make a perfect gift for any girl who likes skating, theatre, dance or other competitive athletic or artistic endeavors. Buy it! And read Kate's great blog post about what she's doing for her book release day - hint: there may or may not be unicorns and caviar involved.
Here's what the publisher says:
For Claire Boucher, life is all about skating on the frozen cow pond and in the annual Maple Show right before the big pancake breakfast on her family's farm. But all that changes when a charismatic Russian skating coach offers Claire a scholarship to train with the elite in Lake Placid. Tossed into a world of mean girls on ice, where competition is everything, Claire realizes that her sweet dream come true has sharper edges than she could have imagined. Can she find the strength to stand up to the people who want to see her fail and the courage to decide which dream she wants to follow?
Winter 2010-2011 Kids Indie Next List
Junior Library Guild Selection
Amazon Best Books December 20100 Comments on Book Birthday: SUGAR AND ICE by Kate Messner as of 1/1/1900Add a CommentBy: Jama Rattigan, on 12/7/2010
Blog: jama rattigan's alphabet soup (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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"The pace of the music picked up as she gathered speed, and everything left her except the feel of the cold air on her face, her blades on the ice, her movements in time to the music." ~ Kate Messner, Sugar and Ice
It's time to put on our sparkly skirts, lace up our skates, and do a triple toe loop and a couple of flying spins to celebrate the official release today of Kate Messner's brand new middle grade novel, Sugar and Ice (Walker, 2010)!!
Last year, Kate gave us The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z (Walker, 2009), which won the E.B. White Read Aloud Award, definitely enhanced my appreciation for autumn leaves, andgot me hooked onintroduced me to a delicious distraction called Nonna's Funeral Cookies (nom nom).
And now, with Sugar and Ice, we have a small town maple farm, the fascinating world of competitive figure skating, a bit of beekeeping, a Thai restaurant, a Fibonacci school project, a cast of interesting, fully-realized, believable characters, and a highly palatable menu of enticing edibles: hot chocolate, corn chowder, egg salad and turkey sandwiches, pad thai, pizza, PopTarts, and *wait for it* -- blueberry pancakes!
PANCAKES PANCAKES PANCAKES!
Ricotta Hotcakes (recipe here) from michelle une-deux senses/flickr.
Mmmmmmmmmmm. Tall stack dripping with melted butter and maple syrup. Want. (You will soon want, too. Trust me.)
Seventh grader Claire Boucher leads a busy life helping out on her family's maple farm and coaching kids at a nearby community rink. She loves skating on the frozen cow pond and looks forward each year to performing in the local Maple Show, never dreaming that one day a Russian skating coach would be impressed enough with her skills and natural talent to offer her a summer scholarship at the Lake Placid Olympic Center.
Old sugarhouse, Parker Family Maple Farm.
The Parker Family Maple Farm, which offers pancake breakfasts and horse-drawn carriage rides during sugaring season, provided much of the inspiration for the setting of Claire's story.
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Blog: A Fuse #8 Production (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Uncategorized, middle grade fiction, Kate Messner, middle grade novel, ice skating, 2010 reviews, 2010 middle grade fiction, middle grade realistic fiction, Add a tag
They say to write what you know. We’ve all heard that line. It’s bounced about countless writing groups. But there’s an unspoken rule amongst children that’s as pervasive as it is harmful: Read what you know. If you’re a soccer fan, only read soccer books. If you like ballet, get a whole bunch of ballet books. Librarians, teachers, and parents can spend countless hours fighting against the sometimes innate understanding some children have acquired that dictates that they can’t read about anything outside of the realm of their own (limited) experience. This might be understandable if you were dealing with a writer that played by his or her own rules and failed to let child readers in on the fun, but it’s absolutely ridiculous when you’re dealing with a book like Kate Messner’s Sugar and Ice. Authors that commit to creating worlds that are outside the experience of your average everyday kid and yet are accessible enough for ALL children to enjoy are rare, but they’re out there. Sugar and Ice is out there. And you don’t have to be a fan of ice skating, Fibonacci, beekeeping, or sugar tapping to enjoy it (though it probably wouldn’t hurt if you were).
For Claire Boucher life is pretty simple. Practice skating on the local cow pond. Help out at the small ice skating rink when possible. And for fun, do a segment during the local competition’s Maple Festival. All that changes when Claire’s routine for fun catches the eye of big-time muckety muck trainer Andrei Groshev. Groshev has a deal for Claire. He’s offering her a scholarship to train with other students like herself for huge ice skating competitions. In return, Claire will have to sacrifice the life she’s always known. Not a natural competitor, Claire accepts then almost immediately wonders what she’s gotten herself into. Most of the kids are nice, but some are jealous of her talent. She hardly has time to do schoolwork as well as training, and worst of all someone is sabotaging her equipment and confidence. In the end, Claire needs to determine if she’s got what it takes to be a serious contender, or if she’s just gonna go back to her cow pond and forget any of this ever happened.
Let’s go back to what I was saying earlier about authors who commit to distinct, one-of-a-kind worlds. In the case of this particular book, Ms. Messner has brought the world of competitive ice skating to real and vibrant life. I think a lot of kids have shared in the experience of watching ice skaters during the Olympics leap, and often fall, in their attempts to nab the gold. There’s a very real drama there. But even if you’re dealing with a child who has only the haziest understand of ice skating, Claire’s life is going to ring true for them. That’s because Ms. Messner commits to the bit. She’s going to use emotional situations that everyone can relate to and then work in real facts about skating in the gaps. The result is that even though I don’t know a triple lutz from a double axel, I can follow this story. The result is that the reader gets the same experience they would have if they read something like Jane Smiley’s The Georges and the Jewels about horse training. You don’t have to know, or even be interested in, the material
2 Comments on Review of the Day: Sugar and Ice by Kate Messner, last added: 11/4/2010Display Comments Add a Comment
Blog: jama rattigan's alphabet soup (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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Source: Cakes.KeyArtStudio.com.
Heartfelt congratulations, *Kate Messner,* on winning an E.B. White Read Aloud Award for The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z (Walker, 2009)!!
We're so thrilled and excited that your wonderful middle grade novel has received this well-deserved honor!
Friends, check out Kate's beautiful post about her reaction to winning the award and the important role reading aloud has played in her life -- as a child, a parent, and a teacher. So inspiring!
Way to go, Kate!!
More Random Cuppie-o-Grams here.
Copyright © 2010 Jama Rattigan of jama rattigan's alphabet soup. All rights reserved.
By: Beth, on 12/2/2009
Blog: YALSA - Young Adult Library Services Association (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Authors, Justine Larbalestier, John Green, Maureen Johnson, Melissa Walker, Class of 2k9, Kate Messner, Youth Participation, Economy, Skype, Sarah Ockler, Class of 2k10, 31 Days of Dollars and Sense, Add a tagAdd a Comment
With budgets being frozen and cut, it can be hard to find the money to host a traditional author visit. Here are six tips to connect with authors – virtually and in person – for little to no money.
1. Piggyback: When you book an author, you don’t just have speaker fees. You also need to pay for travel, lodging, and other expenses. One way to cut costs is to piggy back on book tours. When Jeff Kinney came to our local Border’s, one of our elementary librarians contacted his publisher who put her in touch with his agent. She was able to schedule a school visit between his other engagements. While this visit was not exactly cheap, it was cheaper than it might have been.
2. Buy Local: Another way to avoid travel fees is to book a local author. YALSA has a wiki which lists YA authors by state. Local authors may be more willing to work with your budget constraints since it is a way for them to support their community.
3. Skype: Author Kate Messner wrote about Skype visits with authors recently for SLJ. As she points out, many authors will do a Skype visit for free as long as the participants have read the book.
4. Let Teens Ask the Questions: At my library, I have started a blog to provide a forum for teens to interview authors. Another way to facilitate interviews is via podcasts. Check out the ones by the librarians at the Mount Kisco Public Library for good examples. How do you get interview subjects? Ask them. Most author websites list their contact information. For the AuthorView blog, so far I’ve made two interview requests. One said he was too busy. Another, Sarah Ockler, gladly agreed, and you can read her interview online now.
5. Promote Author Sites: Individual authors offer opportunities for readers to connect to them via their websites. The most involved site I know of is Nerdfighters, a community started by John Green and his brother Hank. Community members chat, share pictures and videos, and blog. The content ranges far beyond Green’s work, but does have a literary focus. Other authors, such as Maureen Johnson, Melissa Walker, and Justine Larbalestier have lively blogs which encourage comments and participation from teens through contests, advice columns and more. Link to these blogs and communities on your library site.
6. Take Advantage of Author Group Offers: Authors are joining together in groups to reach out to readers, including teachers and librarians. The Class of 2K9 has a program called Authors2Go. They plan on offering the program through the end of this school year. You’ll get a signed copy of the book, plus the opportunity to interact with an author online or in person. The Class of 2K10 plans to offer a similar program in the coming year.
There are six tips to get you started. What would you add to the list?
By: Mary Hershey,
on 8/31/2009
Blog: Shrinking Violet Promotions (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Kate Messner, The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z, Add a tag
Congratulations to Kate Messner launching her new middle grade title tomorrow!
The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z
Walker Books, September 1, 2009
Gianna Zales is a star runner with one more hurdle to jump before she goes to cross-country sectionals a monster leaf collection project. To get it done, she'll have to survive a rival who desperately wants to take her place at sectionals, a grandmother who leaves her false teeth in the refrigerator, and a best friend whose feelings about her are changing like the leaves.Gianna Z needs a stroke of brilliance to make it work!
"Gianna Z. is total best friend material full of energy, humor, and heart." ~Linda Urban, author of A Crooked Kind of Perfect
"Laced with humor and heart, this is an insightful and affecting read,offering a compassionate portrayal of a family member's illness and the discovery of beauty and inspiration in nature and poetry." ~Booklist Review
Kate's bookstore launch will be held at The Flying Pig Bookstore in Shelbourne, Vermont this Saturday, September 5th. In addition to reading and signing, they will be serving Nonna's famous funeral cookies from the book, and the kids will be taking the Great Tree Identification Challenge. And, the Flying Pig will be hosting a virtual book signing for Kate through Friday. If you'd like your own personalized book, you can call the store at (802) 985-3999 and place you order. The book will be mailed to you. This is a fabulous way to let remote your FFF (family, friends, friends) participate in the festivities.
Kate is generously donating a signed copy of her new book to one of our reader's local library. We'll hold a drawing at the end of the week. All SVP followers will be automatically entered, or you can leave a comment to get entered as well. Best of luck to you each!
...............................................
As we mentioned a couple of posts back, as a *new* feature to Shrinking Violets, we want to celebrate our readers' launch days this year. Whether it is your first book or your fifty-first, a launch day ought to be celebrated. If you'd like your title to be featured this year, please email me! We can post a simple shout-out, introvert-style with no actual shouting, but we'd also love to post your book cover, a photo of you, your blog and/or website info, and any special plans you have to celebrate your launch. If you don't have any plans, and would like some ideas, let us know that as well. :-] Finally, we invite you to share a signed copy of your book to be raffled off one our readers/followers for donation to their local public library in their name.
And, on the day of your launch, we'll also sent out a ShrinkngViolets tweet in your honor!
As follow-up to last week's post New York v. Introverts, I want to let you all know that I will phone my editor this very morning at 11:00 a.m. And I swear I won't hang up on her like I've been known to do a few (read forty) times in my life when the mere answering hello sent me into a lather. I did email her Friday and asked if I could talk to her on Monday. So this isn't exactly a breezy Gosh, I need to run something by my editor-- I think I'll give her a ring-a-ding. It's completely pre-meditated and I've had all weekend to perseverate about it. But the Bellagio was not built in one day! Casual and breezy bound to be next on my list.
In the random but interesting category, I recently read an interview with actor Ryan Reynolds, who co-starred in the film The Proposal with Sandra Bullock. He was describing the challenges he faces being in the limelight.
"I feel like a flesh-covered antennae processing way too much information, reading into everything. As I get older, I've learned to control that better."
Ryan is the winner of today's Shrinking Violet "Oh Yeah, Probably an Introvert" Award. We'll be sending Ryan a gas card to drive up from Los Angeles to take Robin and I out to lunch. Afterwards, we'll head and over to our local indie where Ryan will be given the opportunity to hand-sell our books in front of the store. Congrats, Ryan! If you'd like Ryan to hand-sell any of your books, just let us know.
Lastly, for those of you looking for some tips for handling Big Talkers at parties and social events, here are some great ready-to-deploy tips from Ellen DeGeneres.
Here's to a great September to us all--
Mary Hershey
8 Comments on Happy Launching to Kate Messner!, last added: 9/1/2009
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By: Jama Rattigan,
on 9/2/2008
Blog: jama rattigan's alphabet soup (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: kate messner, soup of the day, Add a tag
Three Cheers for Kate Messner!
Her second historical novel for middle grade readers, Champlain and the Silent One (North Country Books, 2008), is officially out today!
The Innu call him Silent One, because he hasn't spoken a word since his uncle was killed by the Iroquois. In the winter of 1609, Samuel de Champlain and his men befriend the Innu and promise to help them fight their enemies. For the first time, Silent One must join the war party, journey far from home, and find his voice in order to save his brother and his own spirit.
The gorgeous cover was painted by Kate's mother, artist Gail Smith Schirmer, who, as you may recall, also painted the cover of Kate's first novel, Spitfire (North Country Books, 2007), winner of the Adirondack Literary Award. Storyteller and writer, Joseph Bruchac, says of Champlain and the Silent One:
Kate Messner's sense of American history and human nature is as strong as her clear, evocative prose. Her multicultural cast of characters truly comes alive in this wonderful little novel that gives one of the best pictures I've yet seen of that period of early contact.
Definitely sounds like another winner for uber talented and prolific Kate :)!
Today, especially in her honor, we are serving Champlain Chowder with a Cracker Canoe. I know once you taste this, you'll want to loudly slurp and burp your congratulations.
Thanks for writing another great book, Kate, and best of luck with it!
Sssshhh!!
Find out more about Kate and her books by visiting her website and blog.
By: Laurel Snyder,
on 8/15/2008
Blog: Laurel Snyder (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: links, Blog, soft skull, kate messner, darcy pattison, Add a tag
If you don’t know Darcy Pattison’s Revision Notes, you should!!!! I’m up there today, rambling like I do…
The brilliant Kate Messner (one to watch!!!) gives me a shout out!
And the Soft Skull Blog breaks with tradition and goes cutesie-poo with a peek at my book trailer!
Thanks so much, everyone!
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By: Emily,
on 2/6/2008
Blog: Deliciously Clean Reads (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: tween, realistic fiction, Kate Messner, adventure, historical, teen, realistic fiction, tween, Kate Messner, review by Emily, review by Emily, The Spitfire, The Spitfire, Add a tag
Blog: Deliciously Clean Reads (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: tween, realistic fiction, Kate Messner, adventure, historical, teen, realistic fiction, tween, Kate Messner, review by Emily, review by Emily, The Spitfire, The Spitfire, Add a tag
SPITFIRE by Kate Messner
Review by Emily of Whimsy Books and Whimsy Daisy
Spitfire has great voice, two great voices actually.
Abigail, who is nearly 13, disguises herself as a boy to fight against the British in 1776. She never was a very good girl, so she set out to see if she would make a better boy. Abigail joined the battle at Lake Champlain in an attempt to find her uncle, her only remaining relative.
During her adventures, she finds friendship in Pascal.
We follow these two young fighters through their battles on the ship, the Spitfire.
The book is well-written and the characters are enjoyable. Spitfire, the name of the book, is also a fitting description for the characters who fight for their country and to prove themselves in a tough world.
Spitfire is a quick, easy read. Excellent for young people learning about history. The way the story is told, it is easy for the reader to put themselves into the battle scenes and imagine life as a young soldier on the Spitfire.
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By: Mayra Calvani,
on 11/2/2007
Blog: Mayra's Secret Bookcase (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: kate messner, spitfire, historical, young adult novel, spitfire, kate messner, civil war, young adult novel, civil war, Add a tag
Kate Messner's first book, a historical novel set during the time of the Revolutionary War, combines real life and imaginary characters. In this interview, Kate talks about her book, Spitfire, her writing habits, and her favorite young adult authors. She also offers advice to aspiring writers.
Do you consider yourself a born writer?
A born writer? Unfortunately, no. I love the idea of children showing up in the world with beautiful language just spilling from their crayons, but I’m afraid it’s not much of a reality - at least not for this writer. I’ve always loved stories and books, and I’ve always found magic in literature. When I was a kid, I’d escape into Beverly Cleary and Judy Blume books for hours on end, and after a while, I decided I wanted in on that magic, and I started writing. Like most writers, even though I liked it, it took me lots of practice before I was any good at it (and some days, I’m still not very good at it!).
When did you decide to become an author?
When I was seven. School was over for the summer, and I missed the research and the writing, so I started assigning myself these little reports. The rain forest. Gorillas. Sharks. The shark story was my favorite. My parents put it on the refrigerator, and that’s the first time I was “published.”I’ve always loved learning about history and digging into the past, so historical fiction is a favorite genre for me. I absolutely love having a license to ask zillions of questions and explaining that I’m working on a book. (The truth is, I’d probably be asking the questions anyway, but it sure sounds a lot better this way!)
Tell us about your historical young adult novel, Spitfire. What is it about? What inspired you to write such a story?
Spitfire is about a girl who disguises herself as a boy and fights in a Revolutionary War naval battle on Lake Champlain — the Battle of Valcour Island. If you visit my website, you’ll see some pictures of Valcour Island, which is truly a stunning place. I live on Lake Champlain, not far from there, and I’ve always been fascinated by the fact that an important Revolutionary War battle took place right out there on the lake. Then in 1997, the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum was doing a survey of the lake bottom and discovered the last remaining gunboat from Benedict Arnold’s fleet in 1776 on the bottom of the lake. That’s when my fascination turned into a bit of an obsession, and I did everything I could to learn more about that battle. The most exciting thing I learned was that there was a 12-year-old boy involved in the battle. His name was Pascal De Angelis, and he came to the Champlain Valley with his stepfather, who captained one of the ships. The Battle of Valcour Island went on for three days because the Americans escaped from a British blockade and got away for a time before the British caught up and the fighting started again. This boy, Pascal, celebrated his 13th birthday on the lake in the middle of the battle. I knew that was the story I wanted to tell, and I knew that I wanted to connect his story with the story of the missing gunboat, which was identified as the Spitfire.My book is historical fiction, so it’s a mix of historical fact and fictional characters. There are two narrators - the real historical figure, Pascal, and his fictional friend, a girl named Abigail who joins the fleet disguised as a boy so she can search for her uncle. Researching and writing this book was a joy for me, and seeing kids who live in this region read it and appreciate the history of their lake is just incredible.
When working on a novel, what is your schedule like? How long does it usually take you to finish a full-length book? Do you edit as your write or do you cough up the first draft and leave the polishing for later?
Oh boy... the schedule question. I teach middle school English full time, and I have two kids of my own, so it seems like there’s never enough time in the day. I generally write from 9pm to midnight. I’ll turn in earlier if I’m really tired or later if I’m on a roll, but that’s my usual schedule.I’m a spill-out-the-first-draft kind of person. I like to have that draft done so I have an idea where I’m going. Once it’s down on paper, I can settle down and revise. I’m much better at revising than actually writing.Who are your favorite young adult novelists?I have too many favorite middle grade and YA novelists to count, and I read a huge variety of genres. But I love the work of Laurie Halse Anderson, Rick Riordan, JK Rowling, Ellen Klages, Nancy Werlin, Joseph Bruchac, Cynthia Lord, Sonya Sones, Sarah Dessen, John Green, Lisa Yee, Bruce Covillle, and Lois Lowry, to name a few. I’m always discovering new authors, too, and I love reading a book by a brand new author and introducing it to my 7th graders. Some terrific new voices I’ve discovered in the past year are Linda Urban, Sarah Miller, Melissa Marr, and Carrie Jones. Fledgling writers often try to emulate their favorite author's style.
Did you experience this when you first started writing? If yes, who was your role model?
I try to learn from every author whose work I read and admire, but I can’t say that I really emulate any particular style. Voice is tough to fake, and if you’re not writing in a voice that authentically yours, it doesn’t sound true. I worked in broadcast journalism when I graduated from college, and I remember an older anchorman at the NBC affiliate in Syracuse, New York, chewing me out because I admitted that I was trying to sound like another well-established reporter in one of my stories. “You can’t be Sheryl Nathans,” he told me. “Because that job is already taken... by Sheryl Nathans.” It’s advice that I remember to this day - the only voice that will work for you as a writer is one that’s uniquely your own.
With so many books published, how do you promote your work and still have time to write, or vice versa? Do you follow a planned writing/marketing schedule? Any tips you would like to share with other authors?
Juggling marketing and writing with teaching and family is a delicate balancing act for me. I think I make a good go of it, but I’m certainly not in a position to be giving advice!
Any upcoming books in the horizon?
I’m finishing revisions on another historical novel set on Lake Champlain — this one during the 17th century — and I have a middle grade contemporary novel that’s out with a few agents right now. I’m just starting work on a humorous chapter book and polishing up a few picture books.
Do you have a website where readers may find more about you and your work?
http://www.katemessner.com/. Teachers will find the site especially useful, since the full study guide for Spitfire is available as a free downloaded pdf document.
If there was one book you'd recommend as absolute read for aspiring young adult fiction authors, what would that be?
Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird. It’s not about YA fiction but about writing in general and the life of a writer. I love this book and recommend it to everyone who will listen. It has lots of great, concrete advice, but more than anything, Anne Lamott has a way of making you laugh and then believe that this whole writer thing will work out. That, for me, is what it takes to stay in my chair and keep working.
What advice would you give to those young adult fiction authors who are trying to break into print?
Read a lot. Write a lot. Join SCBWI and hang out at Verla Kay’s Children’s Writers & Illustrators Discussion Boards. You’ll learn a lot there. Find a critique group with people you enjoy who will challenge you to make your writing stronger. And don’t try to be Sheryl Nathans or anyone else, no matter how much you admire his or her work. Those other jobs are taken. Work to find the voice that belongs to you and let it shine.
Do you consider yourself a born writer?
A born writer? Unfortunately, no. I love the idea of children showing up in the world with beautiful language just spilling from their crayons, but I’m afraid it’s not much of a reality - at least not for this writer. I’ve always loved stories and books, and I’ve always found magic in literature. When I was a kid, I’d escape into Beverly Cleary and Judy Blume books for hours on end, and after a while, I decided I wanted in on that magic, and I started writing. Like most writers, even though I liked it, it took me lots of practice before I was any good at it (and some days, I’m still not very good at it!).
When did you decide to become an author?
When I was seven. School was over for the summer, and I missed the research and the writing, so I started assigning myself these little reports. The rain forest. Gorillas. Sharks. The shark story was my favorite. My parents put it on the refrigerator, and that’s the first time I was “published.”I’ve always loved learning about history and digging into the past, so historical fiction is a favorite genre for me. I absolutely love having a license to ask zillions of questions and explaining that I’m working on a book. (The truth is, I’d probably be asking the questions anyway, but it sure sounds a lot better this way!)
Tell us about your historical young adult novel, Spitfire. What is it about? What inspired you to write such a story?
Spitfire is about a girl who disguises herself as a boy and fights in a Revolutionary War naval battle on Lake Champlain — the Battle of Valcour Island. If you visit my website, you’ll see some pictures of Valcour Island, which is truly a stunning place. I live on Lake Champlain, not far from there, and I’ve always been fascinated by the fact that an important Revolutionary War battle took place right out there on the lake. Then in 1997, the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum was doing a survey of the lake bottom and discovered the last remaining gunboat from Benedict Arnold’s fleet in 1776 on the bottom of the lake. That’s when my fascination turned into a bit of an obsession, and I did everything I could to learn more about that battle. The most exciting thing I learned was that there was a 12-year-old boy involved in the battle. His name was Pascal De Angelis, and he came to the Champlain Valley with his stepfather, who captained one of the ships. The Battle of Valcour Island went on for three days because the Americans escaped from a British blockade and got away for a time before the British caught up and the fighting started again. This boy, Pascal, celebrated his 13th birthday on the lake in the middle of the battle. I knew that was the story I wanted to tell, and I knew that I wanted to connect his story with the story of the missing gunboat, which was identified as the Spitfire.My book is historical fiction, so it’s a mix of historical fact and fictional characters. There are two narrators - the real historical figure, Pascal, and his fictional friend, a girl named Abigail who joins the fleet disguised as a boy so she can search for her uncle. Researching and writing this book was a joy for me, and seeing kids who live in this region read it and appreciate the history of their lake is just incredible.
When working on a novel, what is your schedule like? How long does it usually take you to finish a full-length book? Do you edit as your write or do you cough up the first draft and leave the polishing for later?
Oh boy... the schedule question. I teach middle school English full time, and I have two kids of my own, so it seems like there’s never enough time in the day. I generally write from 9pm to midnight. I’ll turn in earlier if I’m really tired or later if I’m on a roll, but that’s my usual schedule.I’m a spill-out-the-first-draft kind of person. I like to have that draft done so I have an idea where I’m going. Once it’s down on paper, I can settle down and revise. I’m much better at revising than actually writing.Who are your favorite young adult novelists?I have too many favorite middle grade and YA novelists to count, and I read a huge variety of genres. But I love the work of Laurie Halse Anderson, Rick Riordan, JK Rowling, Ellen Klages, Nancy Werlin, Joseph Bruchac, Cynthia Lord, Sonya Sones, Sarah Dessen, John Green, Lisa Yee, Bruce Covillle, and Lois Lowry, to name a few. I’m always discovering new authors, too, and I love reading a book by a brand new author and introducing it to my 7th graders. Some terrific new voices I’ve discovered in the past year are Linda Urban, Sarah Miller, Melissa Marr, and Carrie Jones. Fledgling writers often try to emulate their favorite author's style.
Did you experience this when you first started writing? If yes, who was your role model?
I try to learn from every author whose work I read and admire, but I can’t say that I really emulate any particular style. Voice is tough to fake, and if you’re not writing in a voice that authentically yours, it doesn’t sound true. I worked in broadcast journalism when I graduated from college, and I remember an older anchorman at the NBC affiliate in Syracuse, New York, chewing me out because I admitted that I was trying to sound like another well-established reporter in one of my stories. “You can’t be Sheryl Nathans,” he told me. “Because that job is already taken... by Sheryl Nathans.” It’s advice that I remember to this day - the only voice that will work for you as a writer is one that’s uniquely your own.
With so many books published, how do you promote your work and still have time to write, or vice versa? Do you follow a planned writing/marketing schedule? Any tips you would like to share with other authors?
Juggling marketing and writing with teaching and family is a delicate balancing act for me. I think I make a good go of it, but I’m certainly not in a position to be giving advice!
Any upcoming books in the horizon?
I’m finishing revisions on another historical novel set on Lake Champlain — this one during the 17th century — and I have a middle grade contemporary novel that’s out with a few agents right now. I’m just starting work on a humorous chapter book and polishing up a few picture books.
Do you have a website where readers may find more about you and your work?
http://www.katemessner.com/. Teachers will find the site especially useful, since the full study guide for Spitfire is available as a free downloaded pdf document.
If there was one book you'd recommend as absolute read for aspiring young adult fiction authors, what would that be?
Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird. It’s not about YA fiction but about writing in general and the life of a writer. I love this book and recommend it to everyone who will listen. It has lots of great, concrete advice, but more than anything, Anne Lamott has a way of making you laugh and then believe that this whole writer thing will work out. That, for me, is what it takes to stay in my chair and keep working.
What advice would you give to those young adult fiction authors who are trying to break into print?
Read a lot. Write a lot. Join SCBWI and hang out at Verla Kay’s Children’s Writers & Illustrators Discussion Boards. You’ll learn a lot there. Find a critique group with people you enjoy who will challenge you to make your writing stronger. And don’t try to be Sheryl Nathans or anyone else, no matter how much you admire his or her work. Those other jobs are taken. Work to find the voice that belongs to you and let it shine.
Thank you, Kate!
Thanks for having me!
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By: Jennifer Weiner,
on 6/14/2007
Blog: SnarkSpot (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: romance, need a better pseudonym, living dead white men, The New York Times Book Review, Add a tag
So I’m having my own little Kanye West “George Bush doesn’t care about black people” moment over on the New York Times’ book blog.
As regular readers know, I am a regular, and frequently disgruntled, reader of the New York Times Book Review. I'll typically spend a part of each Saturday morning totting up the number of women who get reviewed, or who get to write reviews, muttering things like, “Three pages on the new Ian McEwan? That’s almost as long as the freakin’ book!” and “I can’t believe the only coverage The Thirteenth Tale is getting is a one-liner about how the author’s last name sounds like another author’s last name,” and “Three weeks without a piece by, or about, or even mentioning Gary Shteyngart? How can I go on?”
Things started on Tuesday TBR senior editor Dwight Garner posted a roundup of what other newspapers were reviewing: Michael Chabon, Woody Allen, your typical assortment of Living Dead White Men who the Times routinely covers to death and beyond, leavened with a review of Tina Brown’s take on the ten-years-dead Diana.
I posted a comment pointing out that it was interesting that the Times itself has reviewed all of those titles (in Chabon and Brown’s cases, twice), and wondered whether book review editors the world over got some kind of top-secret list as to which books to write about each week.
Garner replied and said that Book Review czar Sam Tanenhaus had addressed the question of who gets reviewed in the TBR during an email Q and A with readers
I responded that I’d read the Q and A, and that it didn’t answer my question: telling us the number of ‘previewers’ it takes to plow through the week’s advance copies and give their thumbs-up or thumbs-down doesn’t tell us much – or, really, anything -- about what goes into their decisions.
And some of those decisions are nothing less than mystifying.
There are entire genres that the Times’ editors ignore. They run round-ups of mystery and sci-fi and horror, but they never cover romance. On the infrequent occasions when they deign to notice chick lit, they only notice roman a clefs that take place in New York City and/or the publishing world, and typically feature a thinly-veiled but completely recognizable villainess (Anna Wintour, Judith Regan, Rosie O’Donnell).
Why no romance? Why only one kind of chick lit? Why review the new Michael Chabon in the daily paper, then again on Sunday? Why tell romance readers that they can get their fix elsewhere, while lavishing two reviews upon Tina Brown, whose book has already been excerpted in Vanity Fair, written up in Newsweek, and discussed on The Today Show and Good Morning America? Why review a memoir about anal sex, while refusing to even mention the vast majority of big bestsellers?
You can follow the thread here. Some of my questions got answered, and some, not so much. (I’m the one posting as ‘Jen.’ Yes, I am that creative). Then you can head over to Smart Bitches, Trashy Books as they answer the question, Where is the love?
I’m enjoying Garner's blog, and I appreciate his willingness to engage with not-entirely-satisfied readers.
But I would still be thrilled to see an editor pull back the curtain and spend a Monday morning going through Sunday’s Book Review, choosing examples to explain how books and reviewers got picked and paired.
Now I’m torn:
He’s a sword-wielding Republican dwarf with a secret. She’s an artistic goth opera singer with the power to see death. They fight crime!
vs.
He’s a world-famous white trash astronaut on a search for his missing sister. She’s a mistrustful Bolivian fairy princess from a different time and place. They fight crime!
If only the TV producers would visit this site. Thanks, Betsy!
I vote for the latter. It’s the “mistrustful” that does it for me.
Thanks, Betsy, for mentioning the Rainbow Fairies post. I have had several kids come in to ask for that dang Kate the Wedding Fairy book. The British Rainbow Magic site desperately needs a North American section as there are many “gems” on there that kids come in begging for, but just ain’t available over here. You think I would have an in with Ms. Meadows as I am a Canadian – and therefore a loyal subject – but no.
I have serious adolescent love for Moxie Fruvous. (Also, go Canada!) In fact, my friends declared “Video Bargainville” to be the official Jonathan Auxier theme song … probably because I was impossible to pick a rental with …
Ha. We must be sharing brainwaves again. I just sent ‘I Love My Boss’ to a co-worker (via Spotify) on Friday.