The children are listening!

Jack_Roberts · Oct 17, 2006

I debated about whether I should put this in Goals and Accomplishments or Writing Novels. I chose the later because I have a question for published authors at the end.

I’m going insane.
After I finished Book One of the Night Children series I gave it to an English teacher to look it over. He teaches 6th grade (the age I’m gearing towards for the novel).
He marked it up and I did the changes. It’s gone through more edits, been improved and now it’s with a potential agent for judging.
JESSICA! WHERE AAAARE YOOOOU? Do you like it? GAHH!

Anyway, so that teacher, the one I gave to first? Well he liked it so much he wanted to read it to his 6th grade class! Now, after a short wait, he’s begun. Today his reading my novel to his class! It’s 89,000 words so it’ll be awhile before he’s done. WOW! I mean, this has never happened to me before.

I’m to speak to his class the second week of November. What do I say? How do you speak to kids about your book? I’m sure a lot of you have spoken to an audience about your books. What did you say?

What a strange planet I find myself on. I get this feeling that it’s only going to get stranger.

Maprilynne · Oct 17, 2006

That's awesome . . . and I can't believe she hasn't gotten back to you yet . . . .????
Hopefully that's a good sign. <shrug>

Maprilynne

Jack_Roberts · Oct 17, 2006

Maprilynne said:
That's awesome . . . and I can't believe she hasn't gotten back to you yet . . . .????
Hopefully that's a good sign. <shrug>

Maprilynne

Yeah, still nothing. It's not like her, from what you and others have said. I'm keeping up and positive. If she didn't like it, it would have been sent back in it's SASE. She must be having others look at it.

I'm thinking of asking her about it in November, since it’s exclusive.

RhinoMom · Oct 17, 2006

First, congratulations! I'm sure you're thrilled.

I've daydreamed about this very scenario (I write middle-grade mystery and I've often fantasized that kids love my book and I'm asked to speak to a class about it...of course, I'm not published yet...)

I'm sure if the kids have read the book, they'll want to know the "whys" behind the characters, plot, etc. You could talk about where idea came from, why you chose the characters you did, etc., using anecdotes (if you have them.). Kids love stories, as I'm sure you know.

I often think that I'd want to leave children with a desire to be creative -- to read and write themselves. It may be fun to have them go through an activity, where you ask them to pick up where your book left off and to write a page based on your story. Or, give them a fun writing prompt and have them write for a bit...

All in all, I'm sure you'll be great. Your book is very close to your heart and that's where you'll be speaking from...

And again, congratulations! Good luck with the agent!

Debbie

Jack_Roberts · Oct 17, 2006

RhinoMom said:
I'm sure if the kids have read the book, they'll want to know the "whys" behind the characters, plot, etc. You could talk about where idea came from, why you chose the characters you did, etc., using anecdotes (if you have them.). Kids love stories, as I'm sure you know.

I often think that I'd want to leave children with a desire to be creative -- to read and write themselves. It may be fun to have them go through an activity, where you ask them to pick up where your book left off and to write a page based on your story. Or, give them a fun writing prompt and have them write for a bit...

Thanks Debbie! Those are good ideas. I'm not very good at public speaking so I think I'm just worried I'll goof up.
I have lots of stories about how this book came about so the answers to thier questions won't be hard. Just speaking to these kids without seeming like a dork. LOL

Evaine · Oct 17, 2006

David Kossof, who had been an actor for years and wrote several lovely adaptations of Bible stories, came to my friend's school. He asked for one thing - a comfortable chair with a high back, without which he didn't feel able to face the audience.
He was wonderful, of course, but if he was nervous, with all his experience, it's only natural for you to be nervous too.
If you remember to speak clearly and not too fast, you should be fine.

Shadow_Ferret · Oct 17, 2006

That is so cool. Although my experience hardly compares to having an entire novel read, when I wrote an essay in college the instructor asked if she could use it as a teaching aid on how to write a perfect essay. So I was a little pleased with that.

I can't imagine how exciting it must be to have the whole novel read. And good luck with hearing back on things.

Jack_Roberts · Oct 17, 2006

Thanks guys.

Carrie in PA · Oct 17, 2006

YAY JACK!!!!!!! That's so cool!!!!

Jack_Roberts · Oct 17, 2006

It would be even cooler if I had a way of finding out what Jessica the possible agent thinks.
Can someone please invent a way to teleport across the country and read minds?
It can't be that hard to do, right?

K1P1 · Oct 17, 2006

Jack - that's wonderful.

There's a thread on school visits here that you might want to look through, although not all of it is applicable to your situation: http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12621&highlight=schools

At least, it may give you some ideas.

NeuroFizz · Oct 17, 2006

Good news, Jack. I take it you haven't spoken to sixth graders before. It doesn't take much to get them thrusting their hands into the air, in fact, you could spend an hour just answering their questions. But, use it to your (and the teacher's) advantage. Ask them how they would change the story if they could (good info for you in future projects). Get them interested in writing a story of their own, either in class or at home. Ask them for ideas on what interests them in books (and be prepared for some surprising answers). Read a funny part or two to them. My guess is you won't have many quiet moments. But it all depends upon the personality of the class--each one has its own.

Jack_Roberts · Oct 17, 2006

NeuroFizz said:
Good news, Jack. I take it you haven't spoken to sixth graders before. It doesn't take much to get them thrusting their hands into the air, in fact, you could spend an hour just answering their questions. But, use it to your (and the teacher's) advantage. Ask them how they would change the story if they could (good info for you in future projects). Get them interested in writing a story of their own, either in class or at home. Ask them for ideas on what interests them in books (and be prepared for some surprising answers). Read a funny part or two to them. My guess is you won't have many quiet moments. But it all depends upon the personality of the class--each one has its own.

GREAT ideas! I'll run some of these though with Jeff the teacher.
Man I'm going to be scared that day!

Jack_Roberts · Oct 17, 2006

K1P1 said:
Jack - that's wonderful.

There's a thread on school visits here that you might want to look through, although not all of it is applicable to your situation: http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12621&highlight=schools

At least, it may give you some ideas.

Thanks! I'll check it out.

c2ckim · Oct 17, 2006

Congrats Jack. That is aawesome. One thing to remember about kids is that you probably won't have to say much at all, if they liked the book(And I'm sure they will) they'll bombard you with questions. Just play with it and have fun.
Good luck

Jack_Roberts · Oct 17, 2006

Cool. Questions I can handle.

I hope.

expatbrat · Oct 17, 2006

Jack,

Congrats on getting this far. Year 6 kids consider themselves pretty grown up. Speak to them like adults and you will get their respect; respect them and they will respect you back. They can be pretty smart.

Ask them the stuff you would ask any adult. You will surprised by some of their answers. If you have time get them to respond on paper so the strong personalities don't dominate - you want a whole class load of opinions not just the loud confident ones. If this is not possible pick people out so you get the whole class involved.

A good ice breaker is taking a bag of mini chocolates in with you. Only take one type to avoid the "can I have a Mars Bar, can I change this for the Twix" comments taking over time you want spent talking about your book. Throw the Mini Mars across the room at the person who answers or asks questions. It will make the entire interaction with you a more positive one which they will link to a positive experience with your book. If there is something you could use that would better relate to your book, plastic glasses etc if your character is Harry Potter, you could use these instead.

Have fun with it. They are kids, they are not that scary. They want to impress you – let them. Smile a lot, be friendly and approachable and enjoy it.

JBI · Oct 17, 2006

Talk about what writing is like. Talk about how if you work hard you can achieve anything, and talk about writing down all good ideas you think of because you never know when they will be of use to you. Also talk about the beauty in books, and the advantages to reading. Also answer questions. Kids love questions.

Jack_Roberts · Oct 17, 2006

Thanks guys! More great ideas!

Soccer Mom · Oct 17, 2006

I frequently speak with children (I treat my sunday schoolers and my own kids groups as my own personal little betas). I like to challenge them. At the end, challenge them to write their own story. They can work from a prompt, like an opening sentence. If they write one page a day, they can have a short story in a week. (kid sized of course.) If your friend is willing to do this with you, have him send you the stories at the end of the week. It's cool to see what their imagination can come up with.

Haggis · Oct 17, 2006

Jack, I think that Fizz had some great ideas. If they don't work, beat the crap out of the damn kids. After all, they're only kids.

Seriously, congrats. That's a really neat thing. Keep pushing. Keep pushing...

Del · Oct 17, 2006

I'm with Haggis, take a cattle prod. I REMEBER sixth grade.

Seriously, It is so cool. I can't think of a more positive validation on your writing ability.

I don't do public speaking very good, but I always know I'll get through it. The energy you put into your craft will surface and you'll go with the flow.

Advice wise: Keep it moving, keep the energy high, and I think giving them the challenge of an asignment is a good idea. My suggestion would be; since the beginning and endings are the hardest parts, write a short middle and let them do the tough stuff. It might be interesting to see where they each take it.

PeeDee · Oct 17, 2006

Talk to sixth graders like you' talk to any book audience. Be polite, be as charming as you can. Be funny. Answer questions, answer them amusingly enough to be interesting, and never overstay your welcome. If you want to read something, read something humorous if you can. It helps.

Inkdaub · Oct 18, 2006

Awesome news for sure. I would be nervous as well but I'm sure it'll be more fun than you might expect.

Jack_Roberts · Oct 18, 2006

I’m getting psyched up, guys! Thanks a lot!

The children are listening!

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