The Write Marbles

Jump into Science is something I’ve wanted to create since my kids were in elementary school. Science fairs are such a wonderful venue to teach the scientific method along with exploring science and developing writing and presentation skills, too. I think kids enjoy science fairs because they’re SO MUCH FUN, they’re not aware of how much they’re learning.

But what bugged me about general science fairs is that they seem so scattered—everyone is experimenting with all different types of science without any focus. So I created Jump into Science to add another dimension to science fairs. Specifically, Jump into Science shows how to create “themed” science fairs. This resource presents 30 experiments in each of 4 areas of science: earth science, ecology, life science and physical science. By focusing an event on a single area of science, teachers can address specific science standards at the same time kids are learning the scientific method and developing writing and presenting skills.

You've written non-fiction articles for magazines like Appleseeds. Tell us a little about that...please:)

Writing for magazines is awesome because a writer naturally reaches such a larger audience. Not that we’re in this for the fame and glory…

I’ve written some historical non-fiction articles and activity articles. All were tremendous fun to research and write. Ultimately I found I was spending huge amounts of time on short articles and then had little time left for larger projects. So I let the magazines go (for now anyway).

But I’d urge writers to absolutely explore writing for magazines. Magazines have a wonderful, ongoing need. It’s a fabulous way to earn publishing clips. The biggest thing writing for magazines did for me was help solidify my writing focus for larger book projects.

One piece of advice: Avoid publishing snobbery. Too many book writers look down on writers who “only” write for magazines. If your heart calls you to write books, then write books. If it beats in rhythm to magazines, then bang that drum as loudly as you can. It’s all good.

What is the very first book you ever attempted as writer? Possibly a childhood endeavor you’d like to share?

Although I always loved writing, I never sat down to actually write a book until I was all grown up. My first book was a middle grade novel called “Saving Belleterre.” The first 10 drafts were horrible. But after 7 years of learning and revising “Saving Belleterre” is now even good! The first line is: “The day I learned I could fly was the worst day of my life.”

What was it like getting that first “yes” email. How long was the process from email, to contract to published book?

That email was lovely! And a surprise. When I started writing for publication, everyone said that you should not expect to get published for 5-7 years. I got my first contract after 1 year which goes to show that you shouldn’t listen blindly to everything you hear. Plus you shouldn’t mix metaphors such as “listening blindly” because ears don’t have eyeballs; but you get my meaning…

What advice do you have for writers who wish to familiarize themselves with using curriculum standards in certain aspects of their writing. Where should they start?

Everything in this world starts with an idea. Then do your research. Look at the curriculum standards for your state and as many other states as you can find. If you can’t find yours online, call your local school which will probably be able to direct you. Then analyze the standards and see where your idea fits. Then use that information on the specific curriculum standards when submitting your proposal. Editors are not just looking for good ideas. They know that a book for teachers will sell better if teachers can also use it to address curriculum standards.

Do you work on more than one project at a time?

Absolutely. Some days I just wish I could shut my muse in a box. Perhaps she simply has had too many cups of coffee that day. For whatever reason, various projects perk their heads up and yell at me. It’s a matter of either patting them on the head and addressing them or shoving a sock in their feisty little mouths.

Not all writers use them, but I love writing exercises. What about you? Do you have a favorite one you’d like to share?

I absolutely DO NOT do writing exercises. I’ve got much too left-brained a head for that. For me, writing starts with an idea. But then it quickly becomes an outline – often numbered, color coded, and laminated. I only let my writing free when it’s been lassoed tightly so I know where it’s going. I find great freedom in that. If I try to force freedom before I know where I’m headed, I end up sitting for long periods of time and going “uh” while my muse drums her fingers on my shoulder and yawns.

Who is one of your favorite writers and why?

My favorite author is Patricia MacLaughlin. My all-time favorite book of hers is “Baby.” I’ve read that book a hundred zillion times and every time I get to the last page I bawl my eyes out! I know it’s coming and still it gets me! What I love about her writing is her mastery of metaphors and similes. Pure genius.

What words of advice would you give to aspiring writers, especially in terms of coping with the rejection that comes with the field we work in. How do you keep putting one foot forward?

Let’s face it: Rejections are tough. I have 2 pieces of advice. First, always, always have a plan. If you’ve only got one manuscript and you’ve only sent it to one editor, then you’re putting all your chocolate Easter eggs in one basket sitting in the sun. So develop a body of many projects and do your research so that you know what house to send a manuscript to if one house declines.

Second, if it’s a form-letter rejection, then simply look at it as heading you in a different direction. And then take a step in that new direction by sending it somewhere else! If it’s a personal rejection, written by an actual person, then celebrate that you’ve made an impression and take to heart what that editor says.

One day when I was feeling low about a rejection, I sat myself down and got out all of my personal rejection letters. I read through them and picked out one line from each letter that was encouraging. I typed those one lines on a single sheet of paper and hung it on my wall. It reminded me that loads of editors saw something in my writing that was good. So celebrate those rejections big time!

How do you find a balance between your non-fiction writing and your fiction, picture books in particular? Do you organize your writing week between both?

Balance? What’s that? From time to time I try to organize my writing week, but ultimately it comes down to life. If I have a contract deadline, then of course I organize my week to give that priority. Then whatever time I have left for new projects gets sifted into the cracks.

But as a general rule, I set goals. At the beginning of the year establish my writing goals for the year – what projects I want to work on and when I want to have them completed. Then I review those goals quarterly and adjust them as new ideas come up or as I finish projects. Generally then, within those parameters, I work on what I feel most passionate about at the time.

Did you play Marbles when you were a kid? Were you very good? Did you have a favorite Marble? Did you ever have your marbles taken away by a teacher who just didn’t understand the importance of having your marbles with you at all times?

No, I never PLAYED marbles as a kid. But I did OWN marbles and loved them. They were like a treasure. I’m basically attracted by small, shiny objects. There’s something comforting about those little, smooth, pretty balls.

Do you have a picture book/s that is a particular favorite that you could read over, and over and over again? Why?

You mean a picture book other than my own? Heh-heh…I love humorous picture books and books with word play. One that comes to mind is “Click, Clack, Moo...Cows that Type.” There are so many picture books that are genius. I could name a couple dozen books by Marbles authors!

How do you write your picture books? Do you always think in terms of the illustrations first, then write. Or do you write the story first then shape it into a picture book?

I am very visual when I write picture books. I start with story but am always looking at it in terms of what side-story the illustrations could tell. One of the hardest parts of writing picture books is not having enough scenes. So I work at that. I’ve had a couple of books where the text was really quite good – the story involved character growth, humor, voice – but when I visualized the book in its printed form, all of the pictures looked the same. That realization required the story to change. What’s so marvelous about picture books is the cohesion between the story and the illustrations. If you’re going to write picture books, you have to write them not just based on story, but so that they can BE what picture books are meant to be.

When did you know that this was going to be your work. Being a writer, that is.

I always loved writing. As an adult, it took the form of college papers, business writing, and manuals. Finally, after 20 years of my sweet husband’s nagging, I sat down to write a story simply for my kids’ enjoyment. I learned so much about myself in the process. And our family grew closer through a discussion of the book and the characters. It was then that I knew I had to write forever. And I’ll tell you something interesting. Writing is such an important part of “me” that if I go for 3 days without writing, I become CROTCHETY! Even more crotchety than usual…

How do you gather and manage the ideas you get for books?

Ideas come from everywhere. Frankly, many days I wish I could turn off the idea fountain that’s sploshing out my ears. Sometimes I ask teachers and librarians what there’s a need for and then brainstorm how I could fill that need. Other times I’ll see or hear something that’ll spark a story. Lots of times I’ll come up with a title that I can’t let go of until a story forms around it. But the very best ideas just come. Like little whisps of magical inspiration. When those ones come, you gotta get out your butterfly net and scoop ‘em up real quick!