It was on March 12, 2012, that I began this blog about writing, reading, and the writer’s life. Since that time, usually twice a week, I have put in entries. The goal has been, not to set down rules (I rather suspect there are no hard rules for writing) but to share my experiences as a writer from my many years of work writing books for young people. My hope was to encourage other writers, as well as make available thoughts that teachers and librarians might find useful to share with students as a starting point for discussion.
From time to time people have commented, or have indicated that they have read and find the notes interesting. I have been grateful to receive such a response.
That said, after almost two years of doing this blog I am wondering if folks find my notes of interest, and/ or of use. Should I continue? Have I written enough? Too much? Are there topics you would like me to write about? In short, I would much appreciate hearing from those who have followed these notes. (Adding a comment here or on Facebook will be gladly heard.)
As always, when one writes, one wants—needs—a response.
Thank you.
45 thoughts on “An Anniversary Request”
Please continue, Avi. I don’t comment often here, but I always read them and often repost them on twitter etc.
Oh, yes! I do hope you will continue writing. My children (4th and 7th grade) and I appreciate your thoughtful entries. Often, your entries will spark many a conversation while we are in the car or at the dinner table. They love your books, and your blog is inspiring to them as avid readers. Your blog makes you as a person seem more accessible and real. Many thanks for writing. And for thinking.
Avi,
Though I believe I’ve only commented once or twice on your posts over the time I’ve subscribed (at least a year I believe) I do read each post. And very often I find nuggets of wisdom or things from your perspective that help me with mine. I’m a writer, too, but not with your experience with the craft. Quietly I’ve learned things from you. I hope you continue — I wouldn’t presume to direct you as to what I’d like to see because I’d rather read what moves you at the moment–what popped in mind you wanted to share. When I post on my own site, to my own email list, I rarely get comments. (I do get a good bit of feedback from Google+ the social media venue/platform I use to help create visibility for my work.) that being said, I believe many are here… and will continue to learn, quietly, from what you share with us.
Regards,
Dennis Lowery
Dear Avi, I’ve only been reading your posts for the past six months or so (thanks to my friend Patty Lakin) and I have definitely not had enough. I look forward to them and would be disappointed if you stopped.
Lucy Frank
I am always excited to see your latest blogs in my Facebook feed. As a young, amateur author, your tips either strike a cord with me or reveal areas in which I have a need for improvement. I would love it if you continued to provide your insights!
I get an e‑mail for each post you make and enjoy reading them, though I don’t always comment on the blog. I love insight from literary heroes, no matter the timing, and you’re at the top of my list. There’s always room for more for this reader, but weekly or bi-weekly would be fine, too. Thanks for sharing a bit of the magic!
I enjoy reading about the twists and turns of how your stories come to be, your experiences and perceptions of the publishing industry, and I especially enjoy following where your mind ranges when it travels into historical fiction. Maybe some additional tidbits of research that didn’t make it into some of your stories would be interesting.
You’ve been observing and writing about people for a long time. What have you learned about human nature that has made its way into your stories? Also, I often feel like the setting of your stories really come alive and that gives your characters an extra energy. Show me how you follow a thread of observation or research and then what emerges from that.
Keep on sharing your blog. Even if I don’t leave a comment, I’m reading every one!
I love your posts Avi! I think you offer an invaluable point of view and perspective for authors at all stages of their careers. I would very much like to see you continue with these posts, and will continue to share the with my colleagues and clients! Your expertise and your concise way of expressing things of such importance are so precious to our children’s book community!
I love your blog, Avi. I read every one. I especially like your brevity and clarity in explaining various writerly things. It is fun to hear about the places from which your books sprang. I appreciate the elements of craft you illuminate for us. Your openness and honesty about your writing/creativity process and the winds and changes in the publishing process are fascinating. I would be sad, indeed, if you stopped writing it.
Yes, please! Like other “lurkers,” I don’t comment back to you in writing every time I make a verbal comment (“Ahhh…” “I need to share this,” “So that’s how it works!” “Of course, that makes sense.”). You remind me of the need for response and I promise to do a better job letting you know the value of your concise, thought-provoking posts. Keep ’em coming!
I love your posts. It is my only contact with the writing world right now and it reminds me that I am a writer and part of a writing community, even if I am more visible in my other more obvious roles. I learn from every post. Thank you
The enjoyable thing about this blog is that it feels very real, and when you talk about certain things it gives me a window into a world which I am still deciding whether I want to join. I keep track of lots of other people, too, who can show me what my eventual choice may mean.
Reading the blog is great–I guess I do not leave comments because I don’t know the sort of response to leave. There aren’t usually questions to follow up on or clues to start a discussion. Without indicators like that, I stay silent.
Silent, but waiting for more.
As a fourth grade teacher of a class of gifted students, I want to say thank you! Both for the blog, which we just started following, and for the marvelous books you have written. So while you may feel the weight of a two year anniversary, we have only been following your blog for two months. In partnership with a local independent bookstore, our school brings authors to talk to the students at least twice a year. It is so important for young writers to hear how many times a page is edited or how illustrations for graphic novels are created. But the visits give students real insight into the creative process, the trials, the failures, and the successes. Students who cannot ask questions of authors at their school need your blog, and my students enjoy getting to know you better Also, my students keep sketchbooks/writers journals and your blog is an inspiration for that discipline. We say “rock on” Avi! Questions from the class include how you research all the realistic details (John Ball) about life in the Middle Ages from the Crispin series? How do you hear the dialog of your characters in your head? Finally, in our class, we write for each other. We receive feedback by sharing our drafts on a Smart Board, because feedback is so important to the writer. Does the blog give you enough feedback or do you rely on friends or editors for that?
Please keep writing! I read every word and learn something new from each post. I also think writing twice a week or even once a week is enough. If you get tired of it, we all loose out on your wisdom. No one wants that–grin.
I read your blog at least once a week. Last year I taught NBT to my 8th graders and they absolutely loved it. I will teach it again this year. We would love to do a Skype session with you. Thank you for inspiring writers.
Barbara
Sierra Vista Middle School
Irvine, CA
I often read your posts on my cell phone and it isn’t quite easy to comment using this medium. Last summer my daughters and I decided to take a road trip to the American girl doll store in Colorado, an eight hour trip from Utah. Before Leaving we went to the library and picked up an audiobook called “The true confessions of Charlotte Doyle” we listen the whole way there and when we arrived at our hotel we didn’t want to leave the car because we were curious to see what happened to Charlotte. I have followed your blog since then and wouldn’t want you to quit now because I find all of your posts very interesting. Not sure why there have been so few comments but I understand what you mean. In my own life, I rarely get comments on my blog. Please keep going! You are one of the few writer blogs I follow!
Please continue. I read every post and always come away with some food for thought. Your work is much appreciated.
Dear Avi: It is my hope that you continue. As a published children’s author myself, I find your posts so valuable in terms of craft, patience, perseverance and professionalism. Often, you post on a Tuesday when our writing group meets–again—we’re all published children’s writers in that group and invariably, several of us says, “Did you read Avi today because it’s a MUST read!” And, to further convince you, there have been numerous posts of yours that I share when I do a school talk. By the way, Brian Floca illustrated four of my books…just another link that has nothing to do with your posts.…simply a link. Please keep posting!
I believe a lot of us are readers as well as writers even though we don’t comment often. I have read most all of your books and look forward to seeing your blog continue because there is always an interesting message in your postings.
Please continue writing them. I do go on your website and love your Readers theater scripts. We are using the Charlotte Doyle script for our grandparents day event this spring.
I read every post. Thank you so much for your insight into writing and the publication process. Please continue posting.
Please continue! This blog is on my bookmark tab. As a starting-out writer with an upper-middle-grade manuscript in the editing and revising process, your blog posts help me with many aspects of writing. Thank you for both the books and the blog posts you write!
My husband and I read every single one. We love your insights to the writing process and publishing world. As teachers and parents, we enjoy hearing what some of your children readers have to say about your books. Keep blogging if it helps your processing, too!
More. More. More! I love reading your blog posts! Please continue! There’s so much wisdom to be gathered from your posts. Thank you for writing them.
I have just begun reading your site and am enjoying your writing.
Thank you all for your kind and generous comments. I am truly grateful, so glad that I can be supportive of what YOU do.
I love the fact that all of us share in this great community of writing and reading, this wonderful desire to add good stories to the world.
Please, if there are aspects of writing and reading upon, which you would like me comment, do not hesitate to let me know.
For my part I promise to turn the page and continue.
Sincerely,
Avi
Dear Avi, as your #1 fans (my son and I), the blog comes close to having a conversation with our favorite author. Please continue your blog. We really enjoy reading your posts. 🙂
I have enjoyed all your books and the fact that you can write about so many different things and be right on target. I look forward to the blogs. Connie Currie
Avi, I enjoy your blog very much. I’m particularly interested in reading more about your experiences with the struggles of authordom and the writing life… fear, rejection, disappointment, whatever… and how you overcome them. Thank you!
I was in Grad School for my Library Science degree when I took a Young Adult Lit class during the summer. I picked your book “Nothing but the Truth” as one of my book talk books. I absolutely loved it and read it every year. I love to read your blog and hope you’ll continue with it. I make sure my library has all of your books!
Yes, please continue! I’ve enjoyed all your posts. Appreciate your experienced, thoughtful take on all writing issues.
My students and I LOVE your blog…I have copied quite a few and used them in Reading, as reading material, and in writing, as great habits of writers!
Writers, as you know, are alone on many occasions during their pursuits and projects, and a “hug” break (in the form of encouragement and advise) is much needed from time to time! Thanks for your insights and wisdom!
I love your blog and I read every single one of them! I find it very useful to hear tidbits of knowledge from a wisened author. Please continue!
I enjoy and benefit from your blog as a long-time writer of books for children. I gain inspiration, understanding, information, and most of all, the will to slog through those times when the idea’s a bowl of mush, the writing — if I’ve been able to write a word — stinks, and I wonder, why on earth am I even trying? I look forward to the continuation… and I’d love to hear from time to time what you are reading.
Please continue. Your posts are perfect for me and kids. They are the right length and they each are valuable and encouraging. Thank you for this blog.
Dear Avi, I read every post, and marvel at your generosity, expertise, and insight. I often feel moved to leave a comment, but then I don’t, because I’m still not quite comfortable with the public nature of social media. But, you share of yourself, and I should try to share more of MYself, even if only to say: thank you.
I would be sad if you stopped writing your blog. Not only are you an amazing writer but your knowledge of the industry and camaraderie and relationships with your publishers/editors is invaluable information for those of us dabbling in writing. My wife, kids and I love your books, reading often together as a family, so we all hope you continue your writings and your blog.
Dear Avi,
I joined your blog recently and have found it inspiring, helpful, comforting and insightful. I always look forward to reading it when I see it in my “in box”.
Thank you for your generosity. I hope you will continue to write to us, but I don’t know how you have time, with all the writing you do for you books.
You are appreciated by so many people!
I follow your blog and use it frequently to inspire my 13 year old son to write as he has so many ideas but lacks confidence in his writing ability. Your detailed blog offers so many insights into how the process works and helps in countless ways. My son and I read “Sophia’s War” together after enjoying your visit to the Texas Book Festival. My favorite part of your books is the fact that you can hook a reader with the action they crave while also sneaking in great details about historical events that inspire them to seek out more information. The blog itself is absolutely important because we can share a bit into how you are inspired and what feedback you get from children reading your books. I just ordered “The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle” after you mentioned it in a blog post and cannot wait to share it with my son (I had my local independent bookstore order it for me). As an aside, the cashier at the bookstore who was in his twenties mentioned how much he enjoyed your books and recommended another of your books as his favorite. I would like you to continue to share those insights about writing that show our kids that writing stories is an amazing way to express ourselves. I also like the posts that reference your older works so that those of us who are newer to your work can discover those gems that we may have missed. Most importantly I would like to say thank you because I know that writing this blog is a large commitment and I would like you to know that the fans of your work are absolutely grateful to you for your work and your continued blogging that inspires both children and their parents.
I hope you will continue. I appreciate your honesty about the writing experience. Your blog is an honest and fresh perspective that is hard to find (at least where I have looked!)
I love reading your blog. I do hope you will continue. It’s just the write length, concise and to the point. I appreciate your honesty and clarity.
After reading your blog entry on your favorite book as a child, I checked out Wind in the Willows from the library and I am reading it. It is a buried treasure I would not have found otherwise.
In working with children, I have found a good number of people who choose this profession either want to help or be heard. Weirdly enough, this seems to be the case with bloggers as well. Let me say yours is the only blog I follow because it helps me with my writing. So please continue, Avi. I value your helpful voice as I continue working on my book.
Just started diving into the blog, but I’ve admired your books for years. This gives me a chance to pick your brain and understand the idea of writing. Totally agree with the kid who asked about symbolism and love your response — sometimes we teachers (and more importantly testing companies and politicians) want kids to beat a text to death to find hidden meanings and so forth. Reading for the joy of it gets squeezed out in the testing craze, and that is a shame.