by Bethany | Oct 18, 2017 | Courage to Create, Podcast
Disclaimer: This episode contains some distracting paper shuffling. Nothing too jarring. We wouldn’t be serious writers without some paper shuffling every once in a while anyway. Thanks!
Sheryl Scarborough, author of debut novel To Catch A Killer and forthcoming sequel To Right a Wrong (February 2018) by Tor Teen. Sheryl is award-winning writer for children’s television and holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, lives in Washington state, and has always had an obsession with forensics.
In this Porchlight conversation Bethany and Sheryl talk about looking at the “why” of their writing and how that adds depth to the work. They discuss how the writer might not immediately see their personal connection to their story, but they can find power in connecting the emotionality between themselves and the work itself. Sheryl talks about the differences between writing for television and writing books and how the three act structure is paramount. She explains how “structure creates your pace” and how “the genre chooses the writer”. She shares the support in her writing community and what can be learned from reviews.
Thank you for listening. Please share your comments and thoughts on the podcast with us. Rate us on iTunes, Google Play or Sticher—share the Porchlight with others. And remember to retreat, create and celebrate.
Show Notes:
(book covers & author photos) – all available on Sheryl’s website: www.sherylscarborough.com
Sheryl’s social media: www.sherylscarborough.com Twitter | Instagram | Tumblr | Facebook
by Bethany | Oct 4, 2017 | Courage to Create, Podcast
This episode features the sparkly, Sarah Aronson. Sarah began writing for kids and teens when someone in an exercise class dared her to try. Since then, she has earned an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, and published three novels: Head Case, Beyond Lucky, and Believe. Titles forthcoming include her first nonfiction picture book, Just Like Rube Goldberg (Beach Lane Books, TBD) and a new young MG series about the worst fairy godmother ever, The Wish List (Scholastic, 2017). When Sarah is not writing or reading (or cooking or riding her bike), she is talking to readers about creativity, writing, and of course, sparkle power! She loves working with other writers in one of her classes at Writer’s on the Net* or the amazing Highlights Foundation. She is also the cofounder and organizer of the Writing Novels for Young People Retreat at VCFA, now approaching its fifteenth year. She has served as an SCBWI mentor in both Illinois and Michigan. She overuses exclamation points. When she’s excited, she talks with her hands.
This Porchlight conversation is full of humor and light. We discuss talent vs. hard work, world building, writing a series, and of course, sparkles! “There are three things you need to write a book, inspiration, intuition (which includes a lot of luck), and the hard work.” Sarah shares how she uses the Pomodoro Technique as well as her own personal take on the word, mentor. “A writing teacher is a friend who gives you keys to a car.”
Links:
Sarah Aronson’s Blog
Monday Morning Motivations
Writer’s on the Net
by Bethany | Sep 6, 2017 | Courage to Create, Podcast
In this Writing Barn Words and Wine event, Program Manager Claire Campbell talks with author and illustrator Misha Maynerick Blaise about her new book, This Phenomenal Life (Lyons Press, 2017). The book explores the beauty and humor of science through surprising facts about the world around us and our connection with the universe. Misha discusses her process of making art, writers and illustrators who have influenced her and sources of inspiration.
Publishers Weekly gave This Phenomenal Life a starred review, saying the lovely graphic book “offers a sweet-spirited reminder that all human beings are more alike than different, and that the entire cosmos is interconnected in ways we’re only beginning to comprehend.”
Her next book, This is Texas, Y’all, is due from Lone Star Books in October.
Misha’s Website
Publishers Weekly Review
by Bethany | Aug 23, 2017 | Courage to Create, Podcast
Episode Thirteen features Jason Gallaher, author of Whobert Whover, Owl Detective, Margaret K. McElderry Books, July 2017. Jason’s debut picture book solves the mystery of what happened to Perry the Possum. Whobert Whover, Owl Detective, is on the case to keep his woods safe in this hilarious who-who-dun-it. Jason Gallaher is a children’s book writer who fell in love with detective work while watching episodes of Blue’s Clues. He solved the mystery of what to do when he grew up and became an author when he learned being a merman is impossible (at least for now). Jason lives in Austin, Texas, with his Pomeranian, Pom Brokaw, who is a super sleuth when it comes to finding treats.
In our Porchlight conversation, we discuss not only how Whobert Whover leaped from idea to published book, but also how Jason leaped from awkward jobs, to behind the scenes publishing, to writer, to published author. “If you’re doubting yourself, sometimes you’re the person who’s standing in the way.” Jason shares what he’s currently working on, including his spectacular merman videos, a Whobert story kit, and how he connects with everyone whether on social media or school visits. “I’m just a person and you’re just a person so let’s connect on our humanity together.”
Links
by Bethany | Aug 10, 2017 | Courage to Create, Podcast
Episode Twelve features Jessixa Bagley, author & illustrator of Boats for Papa, Before I Leave, and Laundry Day.
This Porchlight episode was recorded live when Jessixa led our last Picture Book Intensive. In this conversation we discuss Jessixa’s fondness for anthropomorphic creatures and the rich imagery they provide in her own picture books. Jessixa sheds light on the struggle of writing about the difficult theme of an absent parent in Boats for Papa. She also discusses the challenging yet rewarding process of writing a new picture book with her husband, also an author & illustrator, and their different roles in this new partnership.
Thank you for listening. Please share your comments and thoughts on the podcast with us. Rate us on iTunes, Google Play or Sticher—share the Porchlight with others. And remember to retreat, create and celebrate.
Links:
Jessixa Bagley
Picture Books That Deliver Eureka Moments
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