"That's what it's all about!"

“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 4^th 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!”