When and why did you start writing for children?
I knew at age six, while playing “Library” with my sister and friends, checking in and checking out our shared treasured books, I wanted my name on a children’s book someday.
Fast-forward lots of years, past college and teaching and journalism degrees, past years as a classroom fifth grade teacher, past years on staff of a suburban Chicago newspaper chain, to the arrival of my one-and-only son. At 2 ½, Jon sat cuddled on my lap as we watched Mr. Rogers explain all about fog – how it suddenly arrives, like a gift from above, magically making the whole world disappear, then just as suddenly, disappears itself, magically showcasing the world in all its glory.
No surprise that my very first picture book, titled “Catch a Patch of Fog,” told the tale of a little boy (curiously named Jonathan!) who needs to catch a patch of fog, to cover that piece of him that’s always hanging out, that piece that helps friends find him whenever playing Hide-and-Seek. Though empty-handed and fog-less at story’s end, the little boy is satisfied. Maybe, he thinks, he’s somebody worth finding.
It took my oh, so long writer’s journey to learn a similar truth. I count my blessings daily for the gifts my writing brings.
What is the most valuable advice you can give to a newly published writer?
All writers, but especially newly-published writers, need to connect with SCBWI.
The recently-introduced Speakers Directory will soon allow website visitors from around the world to not only read about an author, his books and programs, then link to his website, but view a video of an actual presentation.
A member’s local Chapter offers published authors valuable connections to city and state schools, libraries, bookstores and community events as well as city and state related professional organizations. Local low cost or no-cost Chapter programming can also teach new authors what they need to know – about speaking in public, presenting to schools, creating effective PR, balancing life, a career and writing.
A member’s local Chapter’s Listserv, Facebook page, newsletter and public events – each gets an author or illustrator out there, establishing an identity – easily, safely, in the comfort of colleagues.
What is one of your favorite children’s books that you'd like to recommend?
A heartfelt reading of William Steig’s Brave Irene concludes most of my writing workshops; and I personally reread my well-worn copy every four months.
In short, Irene is my Heroine. She struggles on, despite the snow, the wind, the hilly terrain, determined to deliver the boxed dress her ailing mother sewed for the Duchess. At one point she wonders, “How much longer can a small person keep this struggle up?” Nearing the story’s climax, the narrator shares, “She very much needed to be held in someone’s arms.”
The story’s resolution arms me for anything: Irene’s burden – that cardboard box, proves to be her ticket out! She simply climbs aboard and sleds down the hill, arriving in the nick of time at the Duchess’ front door. And, her foe, the wind, proves to be her friend, pinning the dress that had sailed away two scenes earlier against the duchess’ tree, waiting for Irene.
For Heart and Hope, Brave Irene can’t be beat.
What are you working on now?
A little more than a year ago, I came upon a little known truly nameless figure in American history while reading an obituary notice in my daily Chicago Tribune. I was instantly Googling, placing books on hold, wanting to know more so I could share this hero with children. A picture book biography seemed the perfect vehicle.
For years I’ve helped students write successful picture book biographies. Now it’s my turn to practice what I’ve preached.
The character grabbed my heart and wouldn’t let go, which is always a good sign. And I’ve become quite taken with writing non-fiction since writing S is for Story. There’s a concreteness to the process, a do-ability. I like the way I can proceed taking measured steps. I’ve especially enjoyed researching this period in America’s history, the early 19th century when our country was so new, as well as coming to know this man who might be kin to Brave Irene.
What is your favorite dessert and why?
Alas, I cannot resist a profiterole: a delicate pastry puff filled with rich vanilla ice-cream, topped with a drizzle of dark chocolate sauce, a crisp caramel glaze and a mountain of whipped cream. The bistro Mon Ami Gabi in Lincoln Park creates profiteroles to die for. Each time I eat one I feel like I’m in Paris.
Esther Hershenhorn spends her days doing what she loves and loving what she does: writing picture books and middle grade fiction, teaching Writing for Children classes at the University of Chicago’s Writer’s Studio and Chicago’s Newberry Library and coaching writers of all ages to discover and tell their good stories well. A member of SCBWI’s Board of Advisors, Esther recently concluded her seventeen-year term as the Illinois SCBWI’s Chapter Regional Advisor. Sleeping Bear Press released her latest book in September, S is for Story: A Writer’s Alphabet, an A-to-Z journey through a writer’s life and process. It’s the book she wishes she’d own as a little girl, when she tucked away her dream of writing children’s books someday.
Lovely interview. It sounded like I was sitting with you and Esther, enjoying a profiterole in Paris, watching the fog roll in, and talking about Brave Esther, pursuing her dreams!
Thanks,
Namaste,
Lee
Posted by: Lee Wind | October 25, 2009 at 04:57 PM
Esther makes everything she says sound like a story. Her description of Brave Irene practically had me in tears. Tina, thanks for featuring this interview, and Esther, good luck with the new book!
Posted by: Heidi Estrin | October 20, 2009 at 07:16 AM
It's so nice to Esther showcased here! Not only is she a terrific writer (all of her books have such heart), but she is an amazing and generous champion of children's writers & illustrators everywhere!
Posted by: Alexis | October 19, 2009 at 11:38 AM