Lately I have been working towards visiting more schools and libraries. Next year I have two picture books coming out for young children and now is the time to start thinking about what I can do to help promote them, including school visits and workshops. I live in a rural area of Central Maine and reaching out is important, especially with cut backs on art and creative time in schools and libraries in my area. So I have been thinking about what it is I can offer and how important that is to children.Which got me to thinking about my own experience of author and illustrator visits in schools when I was a child. I racked my brain and I came up with virtually nothing! I keep thinking we MUST have had visits, people MUST have come to speak to us, but nothing stood out. I don't think I even knew what an illustrator did until I got to college. (And not hardly then). We had school trips to museums and (possibly) art galleries, but most of my knowledge came from wandering around museums and galleries on my own. And, of course, the wonderful old library in our town.
I say virtually, because I do remember ONE visit to my school by an author. I think I was about 14 years old. At that time I was constantly drawing and writing, making little comic books and newsletters. Working on the school magazine. Making up plays. So I was interested to see what a REAL author did.
In my memory she is somewhere between 35 and 85. Wild grey hair, no makeup (possibly), hippy clothes and baggy cardigan. We gathered in the library, myself and my best friend up at the front of the crowd. She must have told us something about her life as an author for adults, but I only recall that she read us some of her writing. And I was appalled. This was writing?? The story, I believe, was about a woman's life. Except all I remember was a long, long list. A list about everything in her kitchen, her cupboard, her fridge, her closet. And it went on and on and on. I am sure it was a good idea, experimental, deep, 1970ish. Anyway, she was published so I respected that. But I preferred my Bronte, CS Lewis and pony books.
In the library the author gave our stories back to us. I turned excitedly to the last page to see what she'd written. 'Good Try'. Oh. My heart sank. I peered over at my best friend's story. Her last page was covered in flowery writing. She grinned widely and showed me. 'Natural writer, what a voice, you are a born story teller!' I smiled and offered congratulations. Then I sank down in my chair and hunched my shoulders.
My best friend stood at the front of the class and read out her story.
I went home. I got out my drawing pad and I drew. And I drew and drew, because this much I knew - I could draw! And if they noticed nothing else, they would notice that!
I stopped writing. Or at least I stopped thinking about it as much and enjoying it. I still read voraciously. Gradually ART took over my life.
Later, in my twenties and thirties, I started to pen little stories. I never did anything with them. They were just scribbles. Drawing was how I made my living. And then, finally, in my late 30's, the urge to storytell begin to re-emerge. I sent off a few chapters to agents .. I got some hand written rejections which I cherished. And then, mid 40's I realized there was nothing else I wanted to do with the rest of my life than to follow my dream and illustrate and write - for children. My writing is coming on, it has a ways to catch up with my drawing, but it will.
I tell you this story because it is a reminder to me, and to us all, that the children ARE listening. When I do a visit to a school I will bear in mind that every child is important - not just those with the talent that shines most brightly. And as I do more of these visits I realize that one of the most important sessions is the Q&A. Because that's when you really get to talk to the children ... not just tell them about you. I am going to sit up and pay attention to what THEY have to tell ME.Thanks for listening and if you have any links about school visits or your experiences, would love to read your comments.
Toodles
Hazel
PS. I still love my best friend. She has a fabulous family, is a great cook and performer. But she has not, as far as I know, yet written and published a novel. Of course, there is still time!
Hazel, I loved your sad personal story and am so glad that when time permits you are busy writing as well as illustrating now. I have no memories of authors visits at all at school, though I do remember our yearly trek to Stratford to see some Shakespeare! I mentioned on a post this week how I WAS NOT among the many writers whose grade 2 teachers encouraged them that they would be an author one day! Judging by teachers' comments you would think I spent my days acting!
ReplyDeleteI love the opportunity we have on school visits to affirm children's dreams and encourage them. I am always amazed how many think they might want to be writers and/or illustrators!
Joanna ... even if they don't become writers and illustrators, to nurture their dreams is the thing. In a round about way that author inspired me to be determined. The thing is, I KNEW my friend was (and is) a good writer. I just wanted it more. I was a tryer ;-)
DeleteI think back to the time we were growing up and contact with the arts seemed to be much less, and much less important than it is now. I also feel that the artistic community is much more aware of what they can bring to the table - even with funding at a such a low.
I DO remember we had much more theater and music participation ... apparently art and writing was something you did in a closet.
You are a wonderful inspiration to children, and I know, KNOW you have a lot to share with them.
I completely agree that you should nurture their dreams. A child's mind is like clay... it is molded and nurtured. I learned from my grandmother the power of an encouraging word. AND I passed that on to my children. NOT to the point of telling them that they "did good" on everything. When they drew something, they would come to me and ask me what I thought. I would say "do you want me to tell you it looks good or help you see ways to make it better". I also told them to dream big. Have those OMG dreams that seem impossible to reach, then those huge dreams that are doable but takes A HUGE amount of effort and then those dreams that .... if things just doesn't happen the way that you hoped that you would still be happy.
DeleteI have told them that you have to do your best to reach those dreams.. work extremely hard. BUT, in the same respect that sometimes opportunities happen that you don't plan OR that difficulties happen that you don't forsee. SO, you have to work hard to be ready for those opportunities if they should happen. AND to learn how to go out and make opportunities happen for yourself.
My oldest daughter has always said that she is going to be the President of the United States. My youngest wants to do animation at Disney or Pixar. I tell them "well, someone else has done it so why not you". You have to see it happening and believe it. AND do everything in your capability to make it happen.
I came from a rural town where I was just expected to graduate and get married. Noone ever VOICED to me that "you know .. you can go to college" Deep down, I knew that I could because others had, but there is just something about telling a child that out loud !!
I love that you became a writer/illustrator DESPITE that awful-sounding childhood author visit. This is a good reminder to me of the importance of our words and the feedback we give young writers. There's always something positive we can say to children, especially, about their creative efforts, so we don't squash their spirits during those early creative years.
ReplyDeleteRight Laura ... sometimes the body language of a child can give you a clue too. That creative spirit is so precious.
DeleteHazel, wow this was powerful. How true it is that the tongue is able to create or destroy, evident in the fact that God spoke the world into existence rather than building or thinking it that way.
ReplyDeleteI don't remember ever meeting a published author in school. I was told to pursue writing in second grade when I won a state writing competition, but even without that, I couldn't help but write.
How would that have changed if I had received negative criticism from a 'trusted' adult?
Today, I am privileged to teach the craft of writing to both homeschool students and the Future Problem Solvers of Suntree Elementary School. They teach me more about creativity and boundary less writing then any book or published author ever has. I consider it an honor to build on each of their strengths before suggesting ways to improve their weaknesses. Why? Because this is what I expect others to do when they critique my writing. A professional critique consists of both the bad and the good, always with concrete examples, and never a vague statement such as "Good Try".
Thank you for sharing this very personal story. It is inspiring to me and a reminder of how important my words are to those I am mentoring; the ability to create or destroy the seed of imagination in the kids I am so blessed to know and to help shape.
Thanks Jaimi ... sometimes it's hard to bear your soul! I did have some engaged teachers - but until I was 16 no one that lit a fire under me ;-). So glad you had encouragement at school and that you are passing it forward now. Keep on doing what you are doing. And thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts. Have a great weekend!
DeleteSo glad you found your way back to the written word as well...this is a good reminder for all adults. We have the power to encourage or deflate creative energy. We must always encourage, while giving constructive advice on ways to improve and grow.
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree with Jamie (above) we receive way more than they we give. It's a wonderful cycle!
Thanks Charlie ... and you are right, it is a cycle. Story telling has always been that, right? A gift from one generation to the next from those cavemen to us. So let's continue the tradition.
DeleteHazel, thanks for letting me and other members know about this in the Christian Poets & Writers page on Facebook. I'll repost the URL and lead shortly, so check http://christianpoetsandwriters.blogspot.com to make sure it's there in time to savor by lunch. :) But I wanted to add here that I love your drawing from experiences and connecting the dots with kids. They need all the artistic help we can give to schools, young families, and our family in Christ. Thanks and blessings - Mary Sayler, Director, Christian Poets & Writers
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome Mary, I am glad you enjoyed it. I will check out the link - thank you! I think it is important to draw from our experience and in that way we can understand what we needed as children, and then relate in a more down to earth way to the young people we meet. Because, inside, we are still that unsure child looking for a way to relate to the world and to others.
DeleteHazel, such a poignant piece. I am so glad you turned from that "Good Try" comment and delved into your art. The schools I attended in my youth NEVER had author visits, or anyone at all. Writing equaled Penmanship! The Palmer Method in fact. But I wrote stories and in my diaries and I also drew, knitted, sewed, made stuff. Creative kids will find ways to express themselves.
ReplyDeleteI teach Art one day a week now at a Homeschool Center. I have no formal Art training, but I know how to learn. For every hour of class, I spend 3 or more hours teaching myself. Loving it!
Our Homeschool Center teaches the kids to ask Smart questions, i.e. questions that can't be answered by a yes or no. So in Art, I hitchhiked onto that. The kids don't ask,"Do you like my picture?" but instead ask "What about this picture do you like?" As well as, "What do you think it needs?" My students from Kgn to 8th grade are very comfortable with this type of peer-critique. Thanks again!
Linda, thank you for reading and commenting, much appreciated. Isn't it amazing how creativity will out, whatever obstacles we face? Your homeschool centre sounds fantastic and also your teaching methods. I taught homeschool kids in SC for a while and enjoyed it very much. I always feel humbled when a child gets down to the real nitty, gritty of what we do and asks me a hard to answer question. They see much more clearly than we do!
DeleteHazel, this got me thinking as well, and I don't remember ever having an author or illustrator come to my school. But it also made me remember how much I loved to write and that I had wonderful teachers who encouraged me. Thank you for taking me back to that time, and for reminding me that we can make a difference to our young audiences.
ReplyDeleteThanks Marilyn. Sometimes really looking deep can spark emotions that have been buried a long time - happy and sad! It's all relevant.
DeleteGreat article Hazel. I spend so much time in schools and I insist on having enough time to spend even a little with every child, it is so important and incredibly empowering for the child. It is such a privilege to meet the children, my audience.
ReplyDeleteThanks very much Paula ... It's hard when the schools want to get as many in front of you as possible ... I am sure that author did her best back at my old school. You have a good policy.
DeleteI guess i forgot to hit publish...So this is from this morning around 4:30am.
ReplyDeleteI wish everyone would think back to their turning points...moments when some nice person gave them a small validation or a big inspiration. The world would be such a better place if we did this everyday.
Thank you Hazel for a wonderful article.
Thanks Craig. It's easy to be a critic ... Harder to encourage sincerely and pay attention.
DeleteThanks for sharing this, Hazel. I was lucky, I overheard a teacher tell a colleague what a good writer I was. That casual comment meant the world to me. The children ARE listening!
ReplyDeleteHurrah! And that teacher was right!
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