I'm excited a writing friend, Debra Goldstein, author of Maze In Blue, has invited me to participate in a blog tag. For those of you looking puzzled, a blog tag is sort of like the childhood game of tag, but you're picking someone in cyberspace rather than the playground. Each person tagged answers 10 questions about one of her WIPs (works in progress). I say 'her' because this is to promote female writers!Anyway, the answers will give you a sneak peek into what I hope will be a future published children's book. Here goes:
1) What is the working title of your book?
So far, I'm calling it, The Anvil Is My Instrument, which is a quote from a speech given by the subject of the book.
2)Where did the idea come from for the book?
I learned about Philip Simmons, a master blacksmith, during a visit to Charleston, S.C.
I learned about Philip Simmons, a master blacksmith, during a visit to Charleston, S.C.
3)What genre does your book fall under?
It is a nonfiction picture book.
It is a nonfiction picture book.
4)Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Yikes, this is tough since nonfiction picture books are rarely Hollywood material. But, since I'm pretending, I'll dream big....Denzel Washington would be awesome.
Yikes, this is tough since nonfiction picture books are rarely Hollywood material. But, since I'm pretending, I'll dream big....Denzel Washington would be awesome.
5)What is a one-sentence synopsis of your book?
The Anvil Is My Instrument tells the story of a humble man, blacksmith Philip Simmons, who went from simple beginnings to world wide recognition for the craftsmanship of his ironworks, and he became one of the the first individuals in America to receive the National Heritage Fellowship award from the National Endowment for the Arts. With this award, the recipient is viewed as "a national treasure."
The Anvil Is My Instrument tells the story of a humble man, blacksmith Philip Simmons, who went from simple beginnings to world wide recognition for the craftsmanship of his ironworks, and he became one of the the first individuals in America to receive the National Heritage Fellowship award from the National Endowment for the Arts. With this award, the recipient is viewed as "a national treasure."
6)Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
I hope to find an agent and publisher with a passion for the story that matches mine. However, I wouldn't rule out self-publishing. I'm open to options. Oh yeah, there's also that movie we were talking about earlier!
I hope to find an agent and publisher with a passion for the story that matches mine. However, I wouldn't rule out self-publishing. I'm open to options. Oh yeah, there's also that movie we were talking about earlier!
7) How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
I know this will sound crazy, but it took me about a year. Since Mr. Simmons still has living relatives and friends with whom I spoke, they wanted to see the manuscript. That brought about changes. I had two professional critiques done on the manuscript, bringing more revisions. I think I'm on draft number 7 now. I feel good about this version, and 7 is my lucky number!
I know this will sound crazy, but it took me about a year. Since Mr. Simmons still has living relatives and friends with whom I spoke, they wanted to see the manuscript. That brought about changes. I had two professional critiques done on the manuscript, bringing more revisions. I think I'm on draft number 7 now. I feel good about this version, and 7 is my lucky number!
8) What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
When I read It Jes' Happened: When Bill Traylor Started to Draw by Don Tate, illustrations by Greg Christie, I felt in my heart that this was the type of book I wanted my Philip Simmons' story to aspire to be. It's heartfelt and shows the character of the man it portrays.
I want to do that too.
I want to do that too.
9)Who or what inspired you to write this book?
I took a bus tour in Charleston that showcased the African-American history of the city. Something about Mr. Simmons touched me. So I went to the Charleston Preservation Society and purchased a book about him. That night on PBS, there was a program on Craftsmen in America. Of course, I turned the program on just as they began to speak about and with Philip Simmons. I knew it was a sign that I needed to write his story.
10) What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest? I took a bus tour in Charleston that showcased the African-American history of the city. Something about Mr. Simmons touched me. So I went to the Charleston Preservation Society and purchased a book about him. That night on PBS, there was a program on Craftsmen in America. Of course, I turned the program on just as they began to speak about and with Philip Simmons. I knew it was a sign that I needed to write his story.
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| Tulip Gate by Philip Simmons |
Well, there you have it; a peek into my writing world. You'll have to excuse me now; I need to go back to my manuscript. Lucky 7, I can feel it.
I asked several writer friends if they wanted to continue this blog tag. One said she didn't have a "next big thing" right now and the others must be busy writing because I haven't heard from them yet! I'll go ahead and post this then add an addendum when I hear from them!
Addendum for week of Monday, Nov 19th:
Watch for a posting here by children's author, Jo Kittinger and Cathy C. Hall at this link
Can't wait to read The Anvil is My Instrument. Sounds like it is a true work of love.
ReplyDeleteUm...how come I got such small billing???:-)
ReplyDeleteYour WIP sounds amazing, Gail, and I'm sure it won't be long before we see The Anvil is My Instrument on the shelf! Go, #7!