Collage Crunch #scbwiArtober

Collage Crunch et charles

 

In response to #scbwiArtober, October 17, 2022 - prompt, Crunch.
 

Interview with Laura Roettiger: Aliana Reaches for the Moon

 

With Aliana Reaches for the Moon, Laura Roettiger has written an entertaining book about the moon, environmentally friendly art and family relationships. Illustrator Ariel Boroff and publisher Eifrig Publishing, facilitate Ms. Roettiger’s STEAM story. The backmatter includes references and an illustration of the moon’s phases.  

 

Three Question Interview with Laura Roettiger

Hello Laura, Thanks so much for being with us.

         ETC: What was the best piece of advice that you received when you first started writing picture books?

         LR: I hope it's okay to list some best pieces of advice because it's difficult to choose just one! 

• Join SCBWI. 
• Read widely in the genre you are writing in and focus on newer books. Classics are great, but they don't reflect the current market. 
• Find critique partners that ask questions, challenge you, and don't be afraid to keep trying new things even if they don't end up working. Listen to all feedback; think about what resonates with you and don't be too quick to dismiss feedback that isn't what you want to hear.

         ETC: What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were beginning to write picture books?

 

         LR: After the Letters and Lines Conference (SCBWI Rocky Mountain Chapter held September 2022) I found myself thinking over and over, 'I wish I had known that 5 or 6 years ago,' but in reality, I wasn't ready to know all of the information at that point in time. I think the most important thing is to work on craft, rewrite, revise, change the point of view, and don't be afraid to try.  

         ETC: Are you writing in any other categories or genres such as middle grade?

 

         LR: My first manuscripts were picture books but I wrote a YA novel in 2016 that broke a lot of rules and will likely never see the light of day. I wrote the beginning of an adult novel in 2017 that made it to a few writing conferences but also got pushed aside as I worked on picture books and getting ALIANA REACHES FOR THE MOON polished for publication. During Covid, I moved three times and struggled to focus on writing. I have a second picture book that will be announced as soon as an illustrator is secured for the project. I have a detailed outline for a middle grade contemporary novel but there's a fatal flaw in the plot so, you guessed it, it's on hold until I figure that out because the draft is at the point where I need to address the flaw or start again.

Thank you so much.

         ETC: It has been my pleasure.

Visit author: Laura Roettiger

Visit illustrator: Ariel Boroff 

Learn more about the moon: Moon Phase and Libration 2022 

    A slightly different NASA site: Moon Phase and Libration, 2022

    Earth's Moon phases and eclipses: https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/moons/earths-moon/lunar-phases-and-eclipses/

Visit your local bookstore: The Wandering Jellyfish 

Review Interview with Beth Anderson: Revolutionary Prudence Wright

 

The inimitable Beth Anderson has written another children’s picture book about an important and influential, yet less known historical figure, Revolutionary Prudence Wright: Leading the Minute Women in the Fight for Independence, published by Calkins Creek. Ms. Anderson vividly describes Prudence Wright’s spirited childhood and indoor and outdoor education which helped Prudence in her strategic military action. Ms. Anderson writes of women working together in order to thwart the enemy. Using traditional water color and computer software, Susan Reagan has illustrated 30 different Revolutionary women, men and farm animals. The vibrant illustrations complement and enhance Ms. Anderson’s writing. As always, the back matter includes primary sources, secondary sources, and websites.

One Question Interview with Beth Anderson

ETC What recommendations would you give to those under the age of 12 who would like to write children's books?

BA: I would recommend three things. First, read. Read a lot. Read widely. Because with every book you are soaking up language, voice, expression, structure, story, and getting a sense of how it all works together. Second, write. Write a lot. Because as with any skill, practice matters. Write widely. Different kinds of writing will help you discover what you enjoy, your voice and style. Most importantly, write about what you care about. Investing yourself adds strength to writing. And finally, when you’re ready, share your work with others. Take in the encouragement and the feedback others offer—positive and negative, and use it all to push forward and improve your craft. 

ETC Thank you for your advice.

Previous posts about Beth Anderson Tad Lincoln's Restless Wriggle

Visit author Beth Anderson

Visit illustrator Susan Reagan  

Learn more Boston 1775 

Visit National Women's History Museum

Visit your local bookshop The Wandering Jellyfish 

 

Review and Interview with Beth Anderson: Franz's Phantasmagorical Machine

 

I first heard of Franz’s Phantasmagorical Machine in 2019 and have been waiting for it to be published and finally this year I read it and loved it. Beth Anderson has written a beautiful story about dreams and creativity with an oh so subtle message of how fortunate most of us are to complete K-12 public school education. Colorful cats dance across the pages, accompanying Franz on his journey. Caroline Hamel who lives and works in Montreal, Quebec has won numerous awards including Palmares Communication Jeunesse/Choix des jeunes 2017-2018. Ms. Hamel rendered her vivid illustrations on a digital tablet. Kids Can Press published Franz’s Phantasmagorical Machine which is about the life and creation of Franz Gsellman, a farmer and tinkerer. This story depicts perseverance, joy and STEAM concepts. As always Ms. Anderson includes facts and additional sources in the back matter.

 

One Question Interview with Beth Anderson

What recommendations would you give to those under the age of 12 who would like to write children's books?

BA: I would recommend three things. First, read. Read a lot. Read widely. Because with every book you are soaking up language, voice, expression, structure, story, and getting a sense of how it all works together. Second, write. Write a lot. Because as with any skill, practice matters. Write widely. Different kinds of writing will help you discover what you enjoy, your voice and style. Most importantly, write about what you care about. Investing yourself adds strength to writing. And finally, when you’re ready, share your work with others. Take in the encouragement and the feedback others offer—positive and negative, and use it all to push forward and improve your craft. 

Visit Beth Anderson

Visit illustrator Caroline Hamel

Visit your local book store The Wandering Jellyfish

Previous Posts about Beth Anderson: An Inconvenient Alphabet, Lizzie Demands a Seat!, "Smelly" Kelly and His Super Senses, Tad Lincoln's Restless Wriggle

Guacamole Tacos: Guacamole with Yellow Tomato and Mandarins

 

Yellow Tomato by ET Charles

1 large avocado

1 yellow tomato, medium

2 Mandarins, small

½ of a 4 ounce can chopped green chiles, medium heat

For Tacos:

2 cups grated cheddar cheese

10 corn tortillas

Olive oil

Directions for the guacamole:

Wash and dry all produce. Chop yellow tomato and place in a bowl.

Peel and dice the two Mandarins, a small, sweet citrus fruit, and add to the bowl with the yellow tomato.

On a cutting board, slice the avocado in half. Wash the knife. Remove the pit. Score the fruit in each half vertically and horizontally. Using a spoon, scoop the fruit out of each half shell and add to the bowl with the tomato and the citrus. Smash avocado with a fork and mix the three ingredients together.

Add 2 ounces or to taste of canned chopped chiles to the avocado, tomato and mandarins and smash and mix again.

Directions for the tacos:

Pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil into a cast iron skillet and heat the corn tortillas as singles or groups of three until warm, turning the tortillas so both sides are moistened with olive oil. Place tortillas on plates, spoon guacamole on tortillas and top with grated cheddar cheese.

Yields: 10 guacamole tacos

Notes: Guacamole variation 6