Monday, October 21, 2013

Ducks in a Row -- Keeping Reference Material Organized - Or Not

I must confess that my flush of ducks (that's what they're called) are rampaging across the fields, squeezing through fences, and leaping out of my arms. In other words, I stink at keeping my reference materials organized. I try, I really do. I even used index cards this time. Each little fact and quote on a card, organized chronologically, then by subject, or by larger theme, then collage-style all over the floor.

I use a notebook or two or three, sometimes a loose leaf one, I photocopy like crazy, and this time, even scanned in texts and images, so I had references on file. I especially need to have everything in my possession, which means I buy books, lots of them. So, with all of this paperwork and digital files, why is it still such a chore organizing everything to send to my editor? I've spent days shuffling through papers trying to find a specific reference that I had my hands on minutes before.

I think a lot has to do with the way I collect everything, and yet can only include a small amount of that info in a 48 page book. But if I didn't research deeply, I wouldn't know the background behind the Louisiana Purchase and not just the date it happened. I wouldn't make connections between TJ's early life and what he did later on, or find just the right detail or quote to make the idea come to life.

So, I guess I'll live with my dysfunctional organizational style as long as I get the story right.
I think I got the story right.
Did I get the story right?
That's another blog post altogether.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

A Passion for the Real Thing at Easy Read



This week I wrote a guest blog post at Easy Read System about a few of my favorite nonfiction books for kids. Check it out. http://www.easyreadsystem.com/news/a-passion-for-the-real-thing/





Monday, October 7, 2013

Get Caught Reading!
at the
Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013, 
10am - 4pm

MEET
• Amelia Bedelia
• Curious George
• Over 40 popular authors and illustrators
• local celebrities

FREE
• Admission
• Parking
• Face Painting
• Crafts
• Give-aways

Monroe Community College,
1000 E Henrietta Rd,
Rochester, NY. Follow signs to the Flynn Campus Center!
Visit www.RCBFest.com for more information!

 HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!