Tales from the Rushmore Kid

May Pang & John Lennon

A few weeks ago, we were invited to a book signing of May Pang's beautiful new book, Instamatic Karma, photographs of John  Lennon.  May Pang was John Lennon's girlfriend for the two years that he had split from Yoko.  May lived with him in L.A. and spent those years photographing their lives. My husband Al Coury, who ran Capitol Records, had worked with John Lennon during that time.  May included a picture of Al with John in the book.

Carol Heyer - US Orphan Work Act 2008

My buddy, illustrator and author Carol Heyer, has alerted me to a disturbing new bill in the Senate that is going to basically steal art from illustrators.  Carol has agreed to explain this for the blog.

What is the Orphan work Act? 

Basically it will be a law that allows companies to take any existing images, illustrations, photos, personal movies or even photos such as those that exist on Flickr and Picasa and use them in any add campaigns, t-shirts etc. that they want to without paying the artist any money or royalties. 

Dandi Daley Mackall

Every now and then I'm in contact with an author who is a fan of the blog.  Dandi Daley Mackall is one.  She emailed me about an interview I did on her buddy and after a few inquiries I found out that we share the same editors and an a illustrator.  Not to mention a whole lot of friends.  I am delighted that award winning author Dandi Daley Mackall agreed to be interviewed.

When and why did you start writing for children?

Not knowing any better, I began my writing adventure by writing for grown-ups. I wrote articles for national mags when I was in college, and my first book, an adult inspirational/humor, came out in 1980 (yes, I was 4 at the time….).

Caroline Hatton

I have known Caroline Hatton for many years.  She is what I consider a "Brainy."  A pharmacist, Ph.D. chemist, anti-doping sports scientist, French - English translator, children's writer and a tireless  volunteer for the SCBWI.   I am so pleased that the remarkable Caroline Hatton agreed to be interviewed.   

When and why did you start writing for children?

Maybe when I was ten years old, growing up in Paris. I ran out of school library books to read, so I started writing (what must have been awful) novels. Since I spent ample time rereading and admiring my prose, and I was ten, wasn't it writing for children, or at least for one child?

Flat Ethan

If Flat Stanley ever visited your home you will appreciate my new You Tube effort,  The Magical Adventures of Flat Ethan.

John Stewart Memorial

An American Icon passed away earlier this year.  Singer and songwriter, John Stewart, entertained us for generations.  He was part of the Kingston Trio, had a successful solo career, and wrote songs for many other performers.  My husband, Al Coury, had worked with him as part of the Trio and during his solo career.  We were touched to be invited to the private memorial concert held in his honor. Actors,  musicians and artists filled the stage to perform his songs and reminisce about John's remarkable life.  The talented John Stewart will be miss by all.

Bart King

Author Bart King has made a successful writing career with such hit books as The Big Book of Boy Stuff , The Pocket Guide to Mischief and The Big Book of Girl Stuff. I am delighted that Bart King agreed to be interviewed for my blog.

When and why did you start writing for children?

I was afraid of being called out by my students.
As a second-year teacher, I remember surveying my classroom and thinking, “It’s only a matter of time before one of these kids looks up and wonders if the bald guy giving out all the writing assignments has any game of his own.”
 

Cinco de Mayo

Happy

Cinco De Mayo!

Grand Champion Golf Course

Golf courses are built in some bizarre places.  Sometimes when you play you have to watch out for alligators, rattlesnakes or the dead!  This spectacular course in Palm Springs is built in between Indian burial grounds.  If your ball flies into one of these fenced off areas little signs are posted requesting that you do not retrieve it.  Creepy.