From Idea to Picture Book - Historical Fiction version
This behind-the-scenes look at bookmaking focuses on my book Twenty-One Elephants and Still Standing. I reveal a book's journey from idea to bound book, including:
- how writers get ideas - the research involved - the writing process, including beginning-middle-end and sensory details - revision, revision, and more revision - the submissions and editorial process - the sketch stage - how the final art was created - the print/production stage Visuals include research notes, marked up manuscripts, sketches/artists' dummy, a piece of final artwork, and press sheets from the book. In discussing how one particular book came to life, I forge connections between my writing process (and struggles!) and students' own brainstorming, research, organizers, drafts, and revision. I ask many questions as I go, inviting student participation. The program concludes with time for Q&A before a final wrap-up of key points to remember. This program lasts about 45 minutes, which includes time for questions. The presentation can be scaled up or down for grade 1 through adult audiences and supports Common Core Language Standard 5, Reading Literature Standards 5 (grade 2), and Reading Informative Text Standards 6 and 7. I have worked as an editor at HarperCollins Children's books and as a children's bookseller and reviewer. I currently work at Studio Goodwin Sturges, a representative for children's book illustrators in Providence, RI, so I bring an informed, well-rounded perspective to the bookmaking process. |