“That’s what it’s about!”
It’s book fair time in Texas, for me, a very busy time
of the year. Jessica Prigg, CRM, Barnes & Noble the Parks at Arlington, and
I partnered in a very unique program. It has become a phenomenal tool for our
local schools. I think it’s safe to say
that when we started this program, though we hoped we’d make a difference, we
had no idea of the impact that we would have on the schools that we visit. Book
fairs within the Barnes & Noble store are a norm; the way that we do it, is
not. We decided we wanted to make a difference. Raise money for local schools,
yes, and yet motivate, hopefully inspire, and teach the children what writers
really do.
Children have a vision of what they think a writer
does, but truth be told, they really don’t have a clue. They don’t really
understand the role of the author either, until discussed in depth. What it
really takes to bring a creative thought to life, most kids believe you simply
sit down and write. I know, I’ve asked
them, but it’s a beautiful thing as a writer, presenter and author, watching
their eyes sparkle as they suddenly ‘get it.’ Every now and then, you
find a child that loves to write as much as you did at that age. It truly is a
privilege, being able to share with them and I can honestly say that it never
gets old.
When visiting a school, it’s not unusual to speak all
day long. We fill the library with every grade level, several times if need
be. I always take a manuscript with me;
shocks the kids every time, ink on paper versus the book in my hand, 68,420
words looks completely different. Throw in ‘slice & dice’ (cuts writers
make before the editor touches it), and the gasps fill the room. Kids often
refuse to think before they write, don’t believe me, ask their teachers, so I always
discuss my thinking process. In the evening we meet at Barnes & Noble, the
kids perform, I sign books, visit with parents, and we raise funds for the
school that I visited.
Last week when I walked into Barnes & Noble, the
librarian from Bebensee greeted me; she had something to tell me. “You
wouldn’t believe it,” she said, “The kids can’t wait until Monday to write,
(I’m teaching a workshop for 4th graders), they wanted to write as soon as
they got back to their classrooms.” I smiled, couldn’t help it, “That’s
what it’s all about,” I said, and she agreed. She went on to say that
kids had brought their writings to her already, at the store, and how happy
this had made her. This book fair was very special for me and for the kids. I
spoke all day as usual, but at the signing three of my characters from ‘The
Ghost of Whispering Willow’ signed copies of the book (Ally Collinsworth,
Kendall Lipscomb and Krista Thrasher), my cover artist, Kinsy McVay, signed as
well. Having the kids get it, “That’s
what it’s all about!”
