NaNoWriMo for Kids

NaNoWriMo YWP

If you think writing a 50,000 word novel in a month is hard, try NaNoWriMo as a 6th grader. For homework!

Granted, the goal for the kids is only 50 pages, but I have plot nightmares just thinking about it. (Even if it does make me secretly wish I could go back to middle school.)

Imagine a library full of kids chattering, bouncing ideas, patching plot holes with dragons. Their fingers fly as they click away on their netbooks, focusing on the assigned foreshadow or flashback.

Five hundred kids. Writing.

I had the chance to witness this because (via WNBA Charlotte) I helped Monika Schroeder arrange an author visit as part of the NaNoWriMo event at Marvin Ridge Middle School. (All made possible by a grant from North Carolina School Library Media Association, and Brita Mann, our awesome Media Coordinator. Union County Weekly ran a half page article with more details.)

Over the course of the six week program, other authors are Skyping in too, giving the kids plenty of inspiration. John Claude Bemis was there last week, which was when I visited.

John gave a presentation and ate lunch with some of the kids. (How cool is that?)
He took fan questions about his books, and questions every aspiring writer/author asks, like:

What happens if I'm coming to an end, and I still don't have enough words?
Answer: Be mean to your character. Create more problems.

AND

Did people think you wouldn't be successful as a writer?
Answer (paraphrased): It was more me telling myself I couldn't do it.

Ouch! That hit close to home.

In between sessions, I spoke with John about good reads, and good writing workshops. He was very encouraging. (Former teachers can be like that.)

Anyhoo. The moral of the story:

The whole experience kicked me out of the "Woe, is me." tailspin so fast, I sat down to my writing again the very next day. Also, I have a feeling my list of acknowledgements will be very long, someday. In the meantime: BICHOK, people!

And Happy Thanksgiving!

A Rajasthani Treat

Indian Sweets for @WNBA_Charlotte

Last week I ran into the Indian market, looking for authentic treats. I used to frequent markets like it when I lived in Abu Dhabi, so the aisles full of spices, rices, and chapati flat breads were tempting.

The kids were off from school, so I dragged them along with me. They had a different experience. As they wandered, they noticed people noticing them. 

Later, at the Women's National Book Association's international event, author Monika Schroeder made the comment: "Tourists come to look at India, but really India is looking at you", and my boys understood what she meant.

The rest of her presentation opened all of our eyes.

Monika explained the extensive field research she used for Saraswati's Way, and gave examples of how she "Fit reality into the story."

• An article by the Telegraph about "British patios fueling child labor" turned into Akash's obstacle.
• A tour of the New Delhi train station with a social worker, and a glimpse of the street children's hiding place turned into the Akash's temporary home.

I could go on and tell you more about the book, but you should read it yourself, and don't miss the chance to hear Monika speak, if you get one.

Praise for Saraswati's Way:

“This rare combination of math and culture is a boon for discussions and makes this stand out.”

KIRKUS REVIEWS

2010 SCBWI Crystal Kite Award for Asia/India/Middle East

CCBC Choice (Univ. of WI)

NCSS Notable Social Studies Tradebook
for Young People

A Bank Street College -
Best Children’s Book of the Year

Selected for North Carolina's Battle of the Books