Giant public congratulations to teacher and children’s writer Barbara S. Alpert, who has two books coming out with Capstone Press next year. Barbara took my online class on Writing Children’s Nonfiction Books for the Educational Market a couple of years ago, and she just finished revisions on two science books for K-1 kids. Fun! I’m sure her writing is electrifying, with a mysterious, even magnetic quality to it! (Guess what topics she wrote about:>)
And Lisa Willman, who bought my textbook to do the above course in a self-paced, independent manner, recently got a writing contract. She sent an introductory packet and writing samples to Carson-Dellosa, and they loved her samples and contracted with her to write some math materials!
There are a lot of things I like about teaching, and of course it’s also part of the way I make a living with writing-related stuff. I like meeting writers, answering questions, watching writers become more confident in their own skills…but by far my favorite thing about teaching (even through a textbook rather than interactive form) is hearing writers’ success stories! In my classes and book, I lay out the steps clearly and simply. But…it’s still a lot of work. To break into and get work in the educational market requires persistence and really making the effort. Doing the research. Sending out the packets. So I’m always so impressed when someone takes what she’s already worked on through the class or workbook and turns it into practical success.
Way to go, you guys! You should be really proud of yourselves.