Tales from the Rushmore Kid

Armadillos - Old Manuscript Art.

Like many authors and illustrators, I have a ton of sketches and old manuscripts living in my flat file just waiting to become a story again. This is a piece I did for a manuscript called "Bowling Armadillos."  It is about a family of armadillos who travel to New York by becoming bowling balls.  No takers yet, but the story still makes me laugh.

First Book - Holiday book drive

I am a big fan of the charity FIRST BOOK. This great organization is dedicated to putting children's books into the hands of needy kids.  During this holiday season, up to December 31st, Random House will match, book-for-book, every donation to FIRST BOOK.  Check out the following information and see if you can contribute.

At First Book, every $2.50 donation funds one new book for a child in need. For less than the cost of a cup of coffee, you can introduce a child to the joy of books and reading.

Carla Killough McClafferty

 I met some remarkable authors at the SCBWI National Conference this year.  Carla Killough McClafferty is one of them. Her just released non-fiction middle grade novel, In Defiance of Hitler: The secret Mission of Varian Fry, is the true story of an American Journalist who risked his life to help others escape the Nazi horrors.  It is my pleasure to interview author and SCBWI Regional Advisor, Carla Killough McClafferty.

When and why did you first start writing for children?

My first book, published in 1995, was an adult Christian book titled Forgiving God. It is about the spiritual battle I faced after the death of my youngest son, Corey.

Chains - Laurie Halse Anderson

I have seen Laurie Halse Anderson speak on several occasions.  Not only is she an inspiring speaker, she is a masterful storyteller.  I was so pleased to pick up an advance copy of her new book, Chains, at BEA this year.  I was even more pleased to find out this fabulous book has been nominated for the National Book Award.

In this day and age it is hard to imagine slavery.  Chains tells the story of the injustice suffered by thirteen year old Isabel and her little sister Ruth at the start of the Revolutionary War.

Sketchbook art - Hawaii

Sketching gives me the freedom to be a real ham. Hawaiian beaches are always loaded with people, so finding a private place to draw was next to impossible. Art is a magnet for all sorts of folks. Sometimes they are shy about talking to me, but I enjoy gabbing it up. This sketch is one of a series of five.  I actually got a portrait job from sitting on this beach, sketching and just being goofy me.

Daphne Grab

As I was researching book trailers, I came across a great one for Daphne Grab's first book, ALIVE AND WELL IN PRAGUE, NEW YORK. I immediately contacted Daphne and asked her to interview for the blog.

When and why did you start writing for children?

Long after I’d left my middle grade and teen years behind, I was still reading teen and middle grade books.  I read adult books, too, but I was always drawn to teen stories and couldn’t seem to kick the habit.  I’d ride the subway hiding the cover of my book so no one would see that the thirty-something woman across the aisle was reading a book for twelve year olds.

The Cypress Inn

What's the number one place for doggies to vacation? Carmel, California.  This is the most dog friendly, pooch happy, puppy loving town.  Dogs are allowed everywhere, including restaurants, hotels and stores.
There is a gorgeous, off - leash, two mile dog beach that overlooks  Pebble  Beach golf course.  We  like to stay at Doris Day's hotel, the Cypress Inn.  Star loves the soft dog bed in the rooms. 

Susanna Reich - Blog Tour - Painting the Wild Frontier

I am so pleased to be part of Susanna Reich's blog tour for her new book, Painting the Wild Frontier: The Art and Adventures of George Catlin.  I love non-fiction and this story about frontier artist George Catlin is just fascinating.  I give you Susanna Reich.

When and why did you start writing for children?

It took me a long time to find my voice.  My creative energies were going in a different direction--a nonverbal one.  I used to be a professional dancer.  Then I worked for ten years as a floral designer.

Blog the Vote - Why I vote - Kidlit Bloggers

My buddy Greg Pincus and a few other kid-lit bloggers recently started a discussion on "Blogging the Vote."  Now each one of us has blogged about why we vote.  Here's my short video explaining why I vote, plus the link for the master post where other kid-lit bloggers have weighed in. http://www.chasingray.com/archives/2008/11/blog_the_vote_2008.html