Had a ball these past few weeks visiting classrooms in Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire.
This 3rd grade class (in the pictures) read my book last fall and loved it so much they ALL wrote me letters. I spent a morning answering all their questions about writing and being a writer.
We had a great time talking about books, what makes a good book and why.
And, I was able to treat them to a reading of the first chapter of my next book,
the sequel to The Christmas Village.
Another day I visited with 150 4th and 5th graders in NH. I read from The Christmas Village and we used it to SHOW how a writer's choice of words can make stories come alive.
I had them act out little scenes to illustrate the difference between Showing and Telling.
These kids were so enthusiastic and engaged, and they seemed pretty excited about the book!
I wore a special microphone so that a hearing-impaired boy in the 5th grade could hear me. Afterward, he came up to me, thanked me again and again, and gave me TWO big hugs.
Best thing that's happened to me in ages, and the nicest thing that could ever happen to a writer!
These pictures are from my visit with the 3rd graders.
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| "Some of you said you wanted to know if there will be another book, because you want to know 'what happens next.' Well, SO DO I!" |
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| We were talking about "bad guys" in stories and why they are important! |
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| So many great questions and wonderful insights from these kids! |
So nice to see young people with active inquiring minds.
ReplyDeleteDon't let anyone tell you that kids aren't interested in good books!
DeleteNow who was having the best time...the kids or you? Love how electrified you look and the kids are so into it too.
ReplyDeleteNo kidding - I had a ball!
DeleteIt sounds wonderful. Nothing better than inspiring young children.
ReplyDeleteThey inspired me to get cracking with this sequel!
DeleteHow wonderful--for you and the kiddos!
ReplyDeleteHi Donna, it was a real treat. Can't wait to do more :)
DeleteWhat a wonderful thing! I love the encouragement of reading.
ReplyDeleteMe too. Books are a beautiful thing :)
DeleteHow lovely that you got to visit those kids and share the magic of your stories with them. I love that the hearing-impaired boy was especially grateful and shared his enthusiasm by giving you two hugs, how utterly adorable :)
ReplyDeleteP.S. I want to read the first chapter of the sequel too!
Megan @ Storybook Love Affair
Megan, he was so sweet - I was really moved. I can't wait for you to read the first chapter, and when you hear the title of the book, I KNOW you will squeal with delight!!! But I can't tell you yet ...
DeleteDear Melissa, I am so impressed with a number of things about your writing and your book: 1) that you had the marvelously imaginative idea that became the book; 2) that you wrote and published it; 3) that you have a plan for promoting it and you do this steadfastly; 4) that you have such creative ideas about how to share your writing with children; 5) that in your sharing you are teaching them so much about writing and encouraging them to write. All this inspires me to continue. Peace.
ReplyDeleteThank you Dee. I'm humbled. You should definitely be inspired to continue because you are a very fine writer. I loved your book and I will review sometime in the near future!
DeleteLovely, lovely pictures. Thanks so much for sharing about your journey. The children must have been impressed and I'm sure your visit will impact on their lives in a positive way!
ReplyDeleteI hope so Nas - I think it did! Some kids said they don't like to read, but by the end, I think they wanted to read my book! So if I can get non-readers interested, that's huge :)
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