When Jane Knight at Bear Pond Books in Montpelier, Vermont asked me if I’d like to be part of an author event especially for teachers and librarians last weekend, I jumped at the chance. Bear Pond is a terrific indie bookstore, teachers and librarians are some of my favorite people, and some of my other favorite people were part of the event, too.What’s not to love?
Author Linda Urban shared writing stories and some great thoughts on point of view in novels. She told us how she came to write her wonderful middle grade novel HOUND DOG TRUE in third person. Author Jo Knowles talked about her latest and much-acclaimed SEE YOU AT HARRY’S as well as her other titles. Jo also showed everyone the storyboard strategy she uses to revise her novels, drawing a little thumbnail picture to represent each chapter.
And this…is my only photo from the event, even though I am usually a big picture-taker. You know how sometimes you get so wrapped up in the conversation happening that you forget you meant to snap a few visual memories of the day, too?
It was one of those days – and such a great one. It was absolutely energizing to be in the company of so many teachers and librarians who are concerned with Common Core Standards, for sure, but even more concerned with getting great books into their students’ hands and creating a community of readers. I’m so thankful I got to share my morning with them, with Jo and Linda, and with the great folks at Bear Pond. Read on!
Brilliant! I never thought of doing a visual storyboard for revision of my novel. I’m definitely going to try this one!
Hi-I must say that must have also been a fabulous time for the teachers and librarians. As I am fond of all your books, and those of Linda Urban and Jo Knowles, I am so envious. Do you ever come out west? We have a wonderful indie bookstore named The Tattered Cover. Anyway, your time sounded great.
Terrific presentation! I bet those teachers and librarians left empowered with a renewed belief in their ability to put books in the hands of their students.