 20 years of Master Class to Masterpiece |
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III. ON A PERSONAL NOTE… Undoubtedly, you love many children’s books, both classics and contemporary. Please cite three favorites, including at least two MG/YA. What makes each unforgettable? I know many people are Anne of Green Gables fans and while I appreciated Anne, I adored Emily of New Moon. She had relatable flaws (pride, selfishness) combined with aspirational qualities (loyalty, imagination, determination), and of course L. M. M. Montgomery’s writing is superb. Non-client books that I’ve read lately and loved include I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson (so heart-breaking and a fascinating family dynamic as well as an intriguing narrative timeline that leaves you wondering how the characters wind up the way they do in the later timeline with a nicely-earned ending), Dear Martin by Nic Stone (soul-searching in an unjust world that prods you outside your comfort zone to examine your own life and what you’d do or think differently now that you’ve read this powerful book) and Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World by Ashley Herring Blake (well-intentioned people can make mistakes too, and a girl’s journey to accept herself as well as an ending that’s hopeful without being too pat and neat). How does meeting writers at workshops (or elsewhere in person) affect you, your perspective, your work? What do you enjoy about participating in writers’ events? I enjoy meeting writers and finding out what inspires them and their stories and what works for them in terms of process. I find retreats are a more relaxing way to get to know people and better understand their perspectives, and it’s so rewarding to see questions or suggestions I’ve posed snatched up by a writer and resolved in a whole new, exciting way. I’m looking forward to this PCCWW retreat as it’s focused on genres I love, and because authors seeking full manuscript critiques are primed and ready for the next stage of revision! What would you like writers to know about you, the individual who scrutinizes (and may reject) their literary labor of love? Agents (and publishers) are all seeking that project that they are excited about and want to share with everyone in the world! We are not looking to reject, and read with an open mind. Don’t be disheartened if agents pass on your project, as there can be a slew of reasons your story didn’t spark for them—from premise to genre to humor (so subjective!) to an unclear vision of how to sell it to a similar project already being on their list. I’ve had projects where the writing is gorgeous, but I know I’m not the best match to bring those particular stories to publishers. Or I’ll like the writing, but the premise doesn’t sweep me away, so I may ask to see future works if the author doesn’t find an agent with this manuscript. I always mean it when I say that, but I understand if the author wants to continue shopping that manuscript first and may find another agent. It’s important for writers to find an agent who is a passionate champion of their work, so I may step aside if I merely like something as I want the writer to find the agent who will fight for this book to get onto shelves. What we all ultimately want are great books to get out there, so readers find whatever it is they need at that moment. Contact us to join Kari and other fine faculty and writers |
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