class notes

I've been entrenched in the writing of my new novel ("Dumpling Days") and while it's always roller coaster, every time the ride feels different. What's interesting this time is when I mention the age range (7-11) I am writing to non-book people, I get a distinct feeling of disappointment in my ambitions. As if by now I should have graduated to writing real books, older books or at least cooler or hipper books that could rival "Twilight."

I always smile politely, as I do understand their idea of success. And who knows, maybe someday I will. But I have a feeling, in terms of writing, that the young middle grade novel will be the book I will never graduate from.

Part of my "lecture" for the Pine Manor class I taught about writing the Middle Grade Novel:

Why write middle-grade novels, especially young middle grade? One can say you have more restrictions in terms of subject matter, audience and even respect than the other genres. But I think it is one of the most important forms,if not the most important form, of children's literature. These are the books that change a child that can read books to a child that LOVES to read books. What they call a "reader," a true life-long book lover. The picturebook is rarely read independently and the YA reader has already decided whether he or she likes books. The middle-grade novel is the one that can create a transformation.

loveliness

I had a hectic but pleasant weekend teaching and reading at the Pine Manor Solstice Creative Writing for Children and Young Adults MFA Program. That is a long name for a lovely MFA program that I am delighted to be a part of.

I taught a class that I called "The Read Aloud Novel" with this description:

One of the difference between a middle grade novel and a YA (or even adult) novel is that the middle grade novel is multifunctional. While it is a book a child can read to themselves, middle grade novels are often books that are read aloud in a classroom or at home after dinner or before bedtime. Words and sentences must be complex enough to have rhythm and interest but not so much that they would discourage a young reader. In this class, we'll discuss the key elements of a middle grade novel and consider them in our own writing.

It was a fun class where we talked about overwriting and writing tightly, though during it I realized how guilty my own work-in-progress novel is of those same issues!


However, what was more fun was that between my class and reading I was able to go to my dear friend Elaine's daughter's wedding. The apparent happiness of the bride and the mother of the bride was loveliness defined.

And the cake was really good too!

(I had two pieces.)

can I be called professor?

I just finished teaching my section of the Solstice low-residency MFA program in YA/Children's lit and I can't say enough good things about it. I wish I had gone to a program like this before publishing, it's such a smart group of people--students and staff (including the very sharp and funny co-teacher Laban Hill), all passionate about writing.

They were especially kind to green-horned teachers, such as myself. I caught myself telling stories like an old grandfather ("I remember when I learned there was no such thing as a brontosaurus...") and their eyes did not glaze over once--true signs of real writers, who know that they can find something interesting in the most mundane of incidents.

If you are at all serious about writing for children, get thee to a program such as this!

me, teacher

In between the election and visits, I have forgotten to tell people that I have accepted a teaching position at Pine Manor College for the their Low-Residency Creative Writing Program. Even though I am a bit delayed in announcing this, it is in no way a reflection of the great honor it is to be a part of their program. They boast of a diverse student body as well as an impressive faculty (An Na! Jacqueline Woodson! Laban Hill!).

So if you have ever thought about writing children's literature, consider looking into this program. If you end up being my student (I am only going to take 3), I promise to guide you with best I have within me.

The Solstice Low-Residency MFA in Creative Writing Program of Pine Manor College (www.pmc.edu/mfa) is now accepting applications for the winter residency/spring 2009 semester, with a deadline of November 15, 2008. We offer concentrations in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and writing for young people.

Designed for writers wishing to pursue their writing goals while balancing the demands of work and family, the Solstice MFA in Creative Writing Program offers affordable tuition, small classes, third-semester internships, the most diverse faculty in the country, and one-to-one mentoring in a friendly and non-hierarchical environment.

For more information, visit www.pmc.edu/mfa, email mfa@pmc.edu or call the MFA Office at (617) 731-7697.