OK, the low first. I’m getting slaughtered in Round Two of March Madness at Think Kid, Think, where Kathryn Apel’s very clever medieval poem is leaving my vegetarian (or not) ogre in the dust. Oh well. It’s OK to lose to such a worthy opponent! Voting on Round Two ends tonight, so drop by and vote on my matchup and all the others, too. There are some really great offerings!
Now for the highs. When Stampede came out in 2009 and was only reviewed in a couple of journals, and one of the reviews was unmentionable, you guys were incredibly supportive and encouraging. I’m happy to say that BookSpeak is getting more exposure, which is wonderful! I have no idea how well or if it’s selling (I’m not due my first royalty statement until…hmmm…I guess not until this coming October?), but I at least know it’s getting in front of people! It’s on the NCTE Notables list, Librarians’ Choices list, and was named a Gelett Burgess Honor Book (I know–I’d never heard of it either, but it’s lovely, brand new award). And it’s a Finalist for the Minnesota Book Award.
And here are a few excerpts from review journals:
“Salas’s polished verse demonstrates a deep love for all aspects of books, from their content to their creators…” –Publishers Weekly
“The poems are, by turns, philosophical, humorous, and even instructional…This is an appealing offering that will be especially popular with librarians.” –School Library Journal
“With its mix of poetic forms and wry twists on language-arts terms, this is a natural choice for sharing in classrooms and young writers’ workshops.” –Booklist
Pardon me while I run around the house screaming and waving Captain Jack Sparrow (our beagle) above my head! Yippee! No, none of these are starred reviews, and it could be that the reviewers are the only people reading the book (and they get free review copies)! But at least it’s getting in front of more people who decide which books to put in front of young people, so that’s a good thing, and I’m celebrating.
When royalty statement time comes, I might again need your shoulders to cry on, but I’m trying to think optimistically:>) Thanks for letting me brag today.
Yippeee!
I always love to hear good news… especially from authors.
I am so glad to see BookSpeak getting the attention it deserves; it’s a delightful book. Wish you could have been at the Charlotte Huck Children’s Literature Festival at the University of Redlads earlier this month because Marilyn Carpenter gave it a terrific review in her roundup of favorite books.
Thanks, Kristine! That makes me so happy. Your Emma Dilemma is delightful, by the way. It’s always fun to see a poet go in a different direction than I’m used to. I love your observant, nature-based poems! But your poem-cycle-story is a blast, too, and so many big sisters will relate!
Laura- at least you made it to Round Two so far! How embarrassing to be a one and done girl like me. The only good thing was that I lost to an excellent poem that deserved to win! Don’t give up yet, some of us are still voting! : )
You’re poetry is first-class, I am so proud to know you and hope to work with you again soon. Congrats on the good reviews and honors your books are receiving. You’ve found your niche, I’m still searching. You’re making a difference in the lives of others through your words. That is a very meaningful way to live your “wild and precious life.” Linda
Oh my gosh–so many excellent poets were knocked out in the first round! Some of the match-ups were really tough. I hope you’re not really embarrassed. It was just for fun! You are a gifted poet, and I hope you know that.
Thank you for all your kind words, Linda. We all make a difference, good or bad. I know you affect so many kids’ lives!
I can’t help but wonder if Stampede sales will rise as you become more widely known with each new book.
And thank you for leading your readers to the poetry competition. All the poems have been fabulous, which makes choosing nearly impossible. Of course, I have been impressed with both of yours – especially the ending of the first one.
ellie
Ooh, what a happy thought. I like that. I haven’t sold a new poetry collection in several years now. I keep hoping.
The knack poem I was really happy with. It just fell into place. The ogre one was ok, but it deserved to lose:>) Kathryn’s poem was more concrete and skillful–even if I did prefer my premise. It’s a great competition–you should be in there. Next year!
Aren’t you kind, Laura! I honestly would never have considered jumping in there with you pros.
ellie
My kazoo-tootling Frenchie with a head cold had a tough run, too. Alas! Perhaps it’s for the best as poetry was becoming stressful.
I’ve been trying to figure out why Ogre is lagging. I don’t get it! Is it the “violent” image, you think? But fairy tales are even worse. Huh. Well, I loved the ogre, vegetarian or not! Tweeted!
And CONGRATS on the BookSpeak reviews! I’m really looking forward to featuring the book on No Water River. I’ve got you scheduled for April 6.
I hear ya! I’m going out of town Thursday and am kind of relieved I lost, especially since Kathryn did such a good job on her poem.
Thanks for the nice words about Ogre. I loved your beret-wearing Frenchie. Tough match-ups–yours was even closer than mine!
And thanks to you, I am going to have two videos on blogs in April (I just sent off another one to a blogger who’s featuring poetry all April). Yay! And I’m terrified. It’s always hard to be incompetent in yet another area!
Laura, that’s great about the video! I assume you’ll be posting a link when the time comes. And for heaven’s sake, you’re not incompetent. Your video is lovely, and as you do more of them, you’ll just get better and better. I sound like a creepy, saccharine kindergarten teacher on my first one — so not me! I’m starting to figure it out now and finding it easier to be myself…