Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Inside the Shell: Future talent discovered. Turtle Back Publishing #6


 inside the shell
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Turtle Back Publishing

 

Future Talent Discovered
 

I have been honored to help out at Kpace Afterschool Learning Program a couple times. I first visited this group during my book the author event for approximately 60 eager students grades 2-6. As usual I loved it but there was something different with this group, they were hungry to create something. Noticing the inspiration, Darcy Moss, the amazing director of this program came up with the idea of a creating a writing contest for the children. Rules were established and deadlines were set, I came back a second time to introduce the contest.  I even suggested my favorite way of creating a cover for a book. Take an empty cereal box (and yes I did stress the word empty) and cut a seam open. Fold the box back gently and on the inside you have a blank cardboard surface on which to create a cover, spine and back. The children's eyes were on fire with ideas and thoughts, I left that day wondering just how many cereal boxes were about to be destroyed for the greater literary good and prayed they remembered to ask their parents before doing so.

 Last week, Darcy and I got together to "judge" the books, we laughed out loud at a few and yes I got a bit teary with others knowing the context from which the story was being told. Children innately come up with the best and most unique way to tell a story and these books were proof! They were a gift to read. On Wednesday April 10th- the winners were announced; sadly I was otherwise engaged as I would have loved to be in the room for that moment.

Milani Oliver- over all winner!


 
 I would love to introduce you to the overall winner, Malani Oliver and the winner for best artwork Kendal Pierre. They both received a gift bag of prizes (one of which was an autographed copy of I Can't Sleep- of course) Darcy was able to make sure all who entered received a prize for their efforts; I told you she was fabulous! Stay tuned to Turtle Back Publishing  I would guess that in the next 10 years or so you might find one of these young authors/illustrators at work on a book with us!


 

                                                                   

 

 

 

 


 


 















We want to hear from you!
Be sure to send us questions or ideas you have and we will try to include those in our upcoming newsletters.
Remember these newsletters are only for those who sign up for it, so share this newsletter with a friend, family member or colleague so they can sign up as well.
 
Turtle Back Publishing is owned and operated by the MacPhail family, Turtle Back Publishing is a total family operation. From the initial conception of a book all way to the marketing and distribution, Turtle Back Publishing is proud of every book they publish.
Copyright © 2012, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
turtlebackpublishing@live.com
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Friday, April 12, 2013

What inspires you? Inside the Shell: Turtle Back Publishing Newsletter #5

 inside the shell
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Turtle Back Publishing

 

What inspires your writing?

I am so curious about this question. I have been asked it many times but believe I give different answers almost every time according to the writing in reference. So I have challenged myself to seek that which primarily inspires me.  Here is my long complicated answer that in the end I think still circles the question with too many responses.
 

  • Inspiration for me,comes from my faith, that I am not alone in this world, that I belong to something bigger than  myself, that I am loved.

  • I find inspiration in the beauty of this world and the complex way in which we relate to those around us and make sense of those we have not yet met.

  • People's stories inspire me, we are all so different and yet in the same world, getting to know their perspective inspires me. I love the way people interact with the world.

  • I love sitting back and wondering in the grand scheme of things what am I missing?

  • I love elevating the simple things of life to the profound by suggesting meaning in the very action of the mundane.


See, I told you there is no quick answer.

 I guess in a nutshell I love the process I go through when I write. Mostly, my inspiration comes from the process of writing itself. The process of making clear the foggy in my mind, in finding purpose in things, the clarifying of ideas. I love the energy I get from writing and the satisfaction of clicking save when I am finished.  The struggle to find words, to move sentences and to create images by arranging letters of the alphabet into words, sentences and ideas.

  My question to you is this: "Do you know what inspires you?" What sends a surge of creative energy through your body when you take the time to enjoy it or the thought of it? I think it is a vital question to any writer, the task of sitting to write is not enjoyable without inspiration. If you are failing to find your inspiration, stop and take the time to find your it. Your writing will thank you.

shine on my friends
Allie

We want to hear from you!

Be sure to send us questions or ideas you have and we will try to include those in our upcoming newsletters.
Remember these newsletters are only for those who sign up for it, so share this newsletter with a friend, family member or colleague so they can sign up as well.
 
Turtle Back Publishing is owned and operated by the MacPhail family, Turtle Back Publishing is a total family operation. From the initial conception of a book all way to the marketing and distribution, Turtle Back Publishing is proud of every book they publish.
Copyright © 2012, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
turtlebackpublishing@live.com
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Wednesday, April 10, 2013

The egocentricity of a Writer. Inside the Shell: Turtle Back Publishing Newsletter #4


 inside the shell
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Turtle Back Publishing Newsletter

The Egocentricity of a Writer

 I believe to be a writer one must be somewhat egocentric because in the moment of our writing we feel, whether true or not, that we are creating something that no one has ever before put to paper. Writers must  believe; the idea coming to life through their pen is a true original, and something that will make people think like they never have before. Writers, myself included, tend towards egocentricity believing we can change the world or at the very least interrupt the readers lives with our very words. But I am questioning this lately. Does my writing need to touch more than myself?

 I would like to claim that I write, not because I am self-important because there is something within me that needs to take shape so I can better understand it, and if others benefit (should I publish) then that is a bonus. Writing just to sound good, important or unique is not appealing to me. However, either way I look at it, writing for me always begins with a process within myself, and therefore is egocentric and  introspective. But just as the process starts,there  it can also end. It does it have to end in world change. No, not in the slightest, you know why? Because the change that should be sought after first  should be the change that occurs in myself  as I edit, revise and clarify my ideas. I should come away from my work somewhat altered. If I am not, how can I expect the readers to be so moved?  Egocentricity, in the way that that an idea needs to be ruminated, played with and sought after is important to writing. Once however the process is done, check your ego at the door, no one needs to be moved, touched or altered by your words but you -to believe differently would be to set yourself up for disappointment. So write, clarify and ponder all you can, you will benefit from it, but ensure it is a product you want others to interact with before you put it out for publication. 


Allie

We want to hear from you!

Be sure to send us questions or ideas you have and we will try to include those in our upcoming newsletters.
Remember these newsletters are only for those who sign up for it, so share this newsletter with a friend, family member or colleague so they can sign up as well.
 
Turtle Back Publishing is owned and operated by the MacPhail family, Turtle Back Publishing is a total family operation. From the initial conception of a book all way to the marketing and distribution, Turtle Back Publishing is proud of every book they publish.
Copyright © 2012, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
turtlebackpublishing@live.com