Behind-the-Book Tidbits and Writing Process Thoughts for If You Want to Knit Some Mittens

Thank you so much to those of you who were able to come to my online launch event last week with Red Balloon Bookshop! It was just lovely to see some familiar names in the Chat–really warmed my heart.

Since I had gathered info and thoughts in preparation for the event, I thought I’d create a little behind-the-book video that I could make public. The first 3 or 4 minutes are some quick thoughts regarding directions, hairstyles, my knitting abilities, and research. The rest of the time is my thoughts on 3 big concepts that play a role in ANY artistic endeavor: transformation, patience, and collaboration. I talk about how those three played out specifically in If You Want to Knit Some Mittens. I hope young writers and readers as well as teachers and librarians will find it fun. Please share with your friends–thank you!

 

More reviews and resources here, by the way :>)

[My Classroom Connections posts share a way to connect one of my books or poems to a classroom topic–often something timely that you might be covering in the next month or so. Please share this post if you have educator friends who might be interested–thanks!]

4 Responses

  1. I’m so glad I got to see this video, Laura. It’s so well done. You make such a great case for honoring each of the concepts in one’s creative process, especially patience! Recalling my writing workshops with students week in and week out, there was gradual acceptance that first drafts were just that, with transformations of the initial impulse or spark to follow and having the patience to keep at it both crucial as was feedback from fellow students and me (the editor) along the way. So, I can see this behind-the-scenes look from a professiona—by a real writer—will make a big impression as kids write their own poems and stories. The pace is great, too, as are all the visuals.

    1. Thanks so much for watching, Tunie! Yep, I think young writers have to hear the truth about first drafts many, many times before it really sinks in ;>)

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