Why Write for Kids & Teens?

Writing for kids, ain't as simple as it sounds.Writt

As I get ready to launch my second book and first young adult novel, I am fielding a series of questions, that have been asked of me before. 

They go a little like this:

"Why do you stick with this kid stuff? You're pretty good, so why don't you step up your game and write for adults. You do realize there is a much bigger market for adult fiction? Are you too scared it will be too hard?"

Notice, how it is almost a stream of consciousness where the questioner can't imagine why I do what I do.

I find it strange and usually quite entertaining, how honest people feel they can be, when you are in the arts. 

Unless I am feeling a bit hormonal. Or over-tired. Or it's Wednesday.

Then I have an inner seething moment while I grit-smile and nod my head in rhythm to their great epiphany of how I should begin my writing career do-over. It is all I can do to restrain my fists of fury and punch them in the throat. 

Whoa, there! Before your shock-bulging eyes seriously gross me out, you have to admit there are some people you would like to punch in the throat. You probably don't have to think too hard to picture their face. Or their throat. If no one pops to mind, you are a saint, and all hale you. You are FANTASTIC. And you get a gold star for being the BEST. For the rest of us lowly scum, read on...

Truth.

The thing is, I would NEVER come up to a teacher and say, "Hey, you know, you're pretty good at this math, maybe you should kick it up a notch, return to university and become an architect. Really go for the big leagues instead of sticking with this kid stuff."

And why? Because, teachers rock. Obviously. 

But also, and more importantly, what they do matters and it is much harder than it looks. 

I have examined them up close, and they are a talented, brave lot, who have alien-like amounts of patience. Just sayin' some kids are pretty darn rude. 

But not your kid. Your kid is perfection. A joy to teach. Never speaks out of turn or lips off. And has likely never burped the alphabet. Backwards. (At least not in your presence.) My offspring can do that while in a handstand, in both English and French. They are multi-talented, biligual rule breakers. 

So here's the deal with us writers of "kidlit"; whether that be picture books, early readers, chapter books, middle grade novels, young adult novels, or graphic novels. We don't write for this audience because it is easy. We write because that is what we are meant to do. The readers matter to us. Their lives, their hopes, their fears, their dreams matter to us in a way that may not be found in writers of adult fiction. Of course, I don't know that for sure, because my muse lies with the under 18 crowd. 

And who knows, maybe one day, I will take the leap into adulthood and write for grown ups.

But I sure hope it's not for a long, long time.

Writers, looking to get inspired? Readers, want more deets on this "kidslit" deal?

Please read this excerpt from Kate Messner's poem. Follow this link to read it in its entirety:

 http://www.katemessner.com/what-happened-to-your-book-today/

What Happened to Your Book Today

by Kate Messner (Copyright 2011)

"Somewhere, a teenager who thought she was alone

Opened your pages and discovered she’s not.

And somewhere, somebody who thought about giving up

will keep on trying,

keep on hoping.

Because of that book you wrote."

Good Book Reviews Never Get Old

If only I was like dear Wolfgang and could ignore book reviews, but I will never be Mozart and so for me reviews never get old. 

Every time one comes to my attention, I get the same thrill of excitement, the same zing of joy that shoots from the top of my head to the tips of my toes. 

I found this one on Amazon after receiving a wonderful message from an occupational therapist friend who works in The Pembina Trails School Division. Yesterday she was at a meeting with two resource specialists who had a bunch of books on their reading list for teachers. Both of them put Spaghetti at the top of the list!

I shall coast on the fumes of all this good news for the rest of the week.

You can order your copy here.

School Visits

As the kids return to school so do I! 

Both to my awesome job at Linden Meadows School and to schools around Manitoba to read from my chapter book, Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food and Other Life Lessons and to discuss the writing process.

I am currently booking into the fall and if you'd like to contact me about visiting your school, please email me at jodi@thecarmichaels.ca.

Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food and Other Life Lessons, is a humorous chapter book about an eight-year-old boy with Asperger's Syndrome. Connor struggles to make his way through a typical school day and in his attempt to be as cool as everyone else, he leaves a hilarious trail of destruction. But, by the end of the day, and despite many miscommunications and misunderstandings, Connor realizes that he is exactly as cool as he is supposed to be.

My presentations are varied and completely flexible. You can learn more about what I offer by clicking on the School Visits Tab of my webpage or simply click HERE.

Made McNally's Bestsellers List for 9 Weeks!

Marvellously Melodious MagicBlox

I can never pass on an awesome alliteration opportunity, even when it results in nearly nauseating results. Sorry, peeps.

This past weekend while relaxing at Stone's Throw Cottage, along the sandy shores of Lake Winnipeg, I set up my very own recording studio in my front porch. Well, sort of.

My marketing guru, Cameron Crane, of Little Pickle Press arranged for me to read the first few chapters of Spaghetti on the fabulous online talk radio show and kids book site called, MagicBlox.


I dialed in and hooked myself up to my cell phone, wearing ear phones that NASA would envy. For the next 20 minutes I read, in my most slow-paced and animated voice, into what sounded like dead air to me.

It was all a bit strange and a few times I wondered, "What if they've lost connection with my cell? What if I've been reading the past chapter only to myself?"

"Can you hear me, Major Tom?"

But it all worked as planned and here is the link to the show:

MagicBlox Rocks!

(Yes, I did make that up. Thanks for noticing.)

I even squeezed in a plug about the FREE LESSON PLANS that can be downloaded from my publisher's site.

What?  You too would like these plans?


Follow this easy-peasy link and you too can use them at home or in your classroom:

 FANTASTICALLY FREE LOVELY LESSON PLANS FOR STUPENDOUSLY SPELLBINDING SPAGHETTI!

Again, my apologies if you are feeling queasy.  

I blame Dr. Seuss.

 

Try saying that three times fast.
(I double dog dare you.)

Three Cheers for Readers!

Pretty sure I blew some sort of blogging gasket during my week long BBT.

I needed a few days of rest to refuel my blogging mojo.

Currently, I'm outlining a series of posts aimed at writers.

Yes, I know the title of this post suggests it will be all about the readers. And it is. In a round about, circling my brain, and finally out to you - The Reader, sort of way. You know, my typical way of thinking.

My hope is that this "writing series" of blogs, will not only be helpful for developing writers, but it will give readers a glimpse into the writing process. To see how a story takes shape.

But today, in this very post, I wanted to shine all the attention on The Reader and say, 

"Thanks!"

Your support of kind words and emails have made my heart soar to places I only day-dreamed about.

My current ranking on Amazon, and the success of my digital launch, is a direct result of readers being interested in Connor and the story he has to tell. So, Merci, Danka, Graci!

Here is my most favourite "review" that I received from a parent of a child who has Asperger's Syndrome:.

"I am so happy to have a glimpse into how my son thinks and why he does some of the things he does. Simply put, reading this book helped me to know my son better. I can't wait to share this with his teachers and family members. Thank you Ms Carmichael, from the bottom of my heart." - DB, Virginia, United States

P.S. This is why I write for children. 

Calling all Tweeters #Spaghettiparty is ON!

Oh, so Purpley.

Happy St. Stephens Day! Happy Boxing Day!

You're invited to my very first Twitter Party! It promises to be a hilariously tasty time.

 

When: Today from 10am to Noon CST

Where: On The Twitter

How: Follow us using #spaghettiparty

As you can see from my photo, I dressed up in all my finest purple attire. (It is a party, after all.) And as my eldest daughter announced this morning (ala Will Ferrel - Buddy the Elf)

"Good Morning Mommy, that's a nice purple top, its very purpley."

I'll take that as a compliment.

New to twitter, or looking to make following the Spaghetti Party easier?

Click here http://tweetchat.com/ and get setup on Twitter Chat. When asked for the hashtag to follow, simply type in #spaghettiparty.

 

Hope to get tweeting with you soon!

First Review of Spaghetti - a Hit!

http://amzn.to/VmKP08

I have to admit, I was terribly nervous when I opened Little Pickle Press' site this morning.

The first Friday of every month is a big day for the LPP blog. It's when they feature a review of a children's book - either one of their own, or another title that has caught their interest.

My heart leaped at the first few sentences and when I got to the following section of her review, I shouted to Drew to come and read along with me. (It's always best to share your most joyous moments with your best friend.)

"The story kept me interested and audibly laughing all the way through. I fell in love with Connor's honesty and desire to share his passion with everyone he meets on his journey. I couldn't wait to see what challenge he would face next, from dealing with peers to his teacher in the classroom."

 

Karen Wesley Weaver reviewed Spaghetti and is an Autism Advocate, Writer and full-time Mother to two boys on the autism spectrum, who are now in middle and high school. She blogs about her journey raising them at http://confessionsofanaspergersmom.blogspot.ca/ She also administrates an online support community for Autism and Asperger's Parents on Facebook.

Karen, and her boys are exactly who we're looking to reach with Connor's story. Karen seeing her own sons' journeys reflected in Connor's day, is exactly what I dreamt would happen.

You can read the whole book review by clicking on this link: http://blog.littlepicklepress.com/2012/12/book-review-spaghetti-is-not-finger.html

Here's the link to Amazon, so you too can purchase a copy of Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food and Other Life Lessons: http://amzn.to/VmKP08

Looking for an autographed copy of Spaghetti?

 

Please click on the Authorgraph button on the side bar and send me a request. I will happily write a personalized note that you can keep with your Kindle books.

Book Reviews and Big Thanks!

www.orcabook.com

Are you looking for a great book for a 7 to 9 year old boy?

One that will keep him turning the pages?

Then look no further than, Ben the Inventor, by Robin Stevenson. Click here to read my entire book review:

http://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/editorial-2833/Jodi-Carmichael----Night-Table-Recommendations

And a huge thank you to John Toews of McNally Robinson for allowing me to take a crack at my very first online book review. John is a key figure at McNally's and a strong advocate for every writer who walks into the bookstore.

We, The Anitas, (my writing group) refer to John as "The Voice", as we hear his voice eloquently introduce book launchs and special events, every time we're in the store. It is every Anita's dream to have John introduce our own books. McNally's just wouldn't be the same without him.

Another enormous thank you to my friend, Alexei Russell, for being so supportive of Connor's story. Alexei graciously introduced me to John and voila, new opportunities presented themselves. Alexei is a talented author and his young adult novel,Trueman Bradley - Aspy Detective, is engaging and lends further insight into the unique world of Asperger's Syndrome. Follow this link to explore his dynamic book website: http://www.truemanbradley.com/.

Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food and Other Life Lessons

www.littlepicklepress.com

"On the 12th day before my book launch, I get to introduce to you -  Connor my favourite eight-year old boy!"

Yes, you were to sing that line to the tune of The 12 Days of Christmas. Work with me people, I am tone deaf after all.


Finally, I can show the world my book cover and show off Connor's baby blues.


The illustrator, Sarah Ackerley, captured the true essence of his personality and with the guidance of art director, Leslie Iorillo, my story has been brought to life.

There are oodles of book launch-type parties and events in the works and I'll keep my blog, face book, and twitter updated with news as it rolls in! We're still working towards a December 3rd eBook launch date and over the next week I'll post the link so you have easy access to Amazon.

And we're hammering out the details, so I will be able to sign your eBook. Isn't technology wonderful? (Even if I truly have no idea how it works.)

Still not sure what Spaghetti is all about? 
Here's my elevator pitch:  

Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food and Other Life Lessons is a humorous chapter book about an eight-year-old boy with Asperger's Syndrome. Connor struggles to make his way through a typical school day and in his attempt to be as cool as everyone else, he leaves a hilarious trail of destruction. But, by the end of the day, and despite many miscommunications and misunderstandings, Connor realizes that he is exactly as cool as he is supposed to be.

Serene, peaceful, writing retreat weekend...ear plugs required.

Months of anticipation and planning are almost over. Finally our writing retreat weekend is less than two weeks away. Two solid days of lake-side writing; no phone, no kids, and no interruptions, unless you count the dawn to dusk scheduled jack-hammering of the paper mill they're demolishing down the bay.

Seriously.

Planned deconstruction times: 7am to 7pm Monday to Saturday.

The owner of the B&B actually said, it's so loud, you can't think. A possible hurdle for five writers looking to find their inner zen and tap into a flowing stream of words.

All, is not lost, for we are a resourceful bunch and I have suggested, what I like to call, "Carmichael's Cozy Cottage and Camper Plan B." Five eager writers, one six hundred square foot two bedroom cottage, and a mondo camper in the back yard.

So, when your dream retreat in the wilderness turns into an ear-piercing power tool nightmare, I suppose you could use the complementary ear plugs (found next to the elf-sized shampoo bottles in your bathroom), grin, and pretend you are such a dedicated and driven writer that can work through even a sonic boom, or...you could graciously accept the offered deposit refund, pick up a crisp bottle of chardonnay, and flee to the relative calm of Chez Carmichael.

Fingers crossed the neighbours decide to postpone their deck building party.