“To read well, that is, to read true books in a true spirit, is a noble exercise, and one that will task the reader more than any other exercise which the customs of the day esteem. It requires a training such as the athletes underwent, the steady intention almost of the whole life to this object.”–Henry David Thoreau* (1817-1862)

Thoreau and others like him are why we push forward with our writing, dig for the better idea, the best conclusion, the most surprising and satisfying endings. They, too, are why we suffer through revisions–including hurtful critiques and difficult rewrites. We must strive to create our best work so readers will have something worthy of their steady intention.

Those of us writing for children must try even harder. Writers of adult literature create for an audience already committed to the “noble exercise.” Childrens’ authors, however, must convince young people that learning to read well enough “to read true books in a true spirit”  is worth the rigorous training.

*Henry David Thoreau’s given name was David Henry Thoreau. Figures that he was a writer; his father was a pencil maker.

Dance, Y’all, Dance Teacher’s Guides and Activity sheets are now available for your enjoyment on my website. You’ll find them by clicking on the Activities Tab. Including!

Published by Bright Sky Press, 11-2009

Dance, Y’all, Dance Texas Teacher’s Guide, created by author, teacher, creative goddess, fellow VC grad and hostess of the Simple Saturday Craft Days (which are grand fun for everyone!), Debbie Gonzales!

Dance, Y’all Dance puzzles, mazes, word searches of varying difficulties so children of all ages can enjoy them, created by author, poet and puzzle diva Doris Fisher

Dance, Y’all, Dance Teacher’s Guide–Even More To Explore, created by Author and Literary Specialist Tracie Vaughn Zimmer. Tracie has a grand website with interviews for writers, book reviews for readers and Teaching Guides to hundreds of books, from picture books (Including Not Norman, Spider Spins a Story, and Sherlick Hound and the Valentine Mystery) to young adult which are created especially with teachers and book clubs/groups.

I just finished being interviewed by Naomi Giroux  for her podcast “Coffee with An Author” which will air at 10:00 am central time February 15th, 2010.  It was an hour-long  interview during which I discuss writing, my books and read Dance, Y’all, Dance. Those of you who know me may not be surprised to know how easy it was for me to blabber on for an hour….there are lots of “ummmmms” in there, and mid-way through we lost the connection between Bryan, Texas and Jakarta, Indonesia–go figure! So there are a few fun moments of “are you there????? Kelly??? Hello, Kelly???” All in all,  Naomi made it easier than I ever expected. The best part is that mid-way through I read Dance, Y’all, Dance–so if you like to hear an author read her/his stories, forward to the middle, open the book to scene one and read along as I read aloud!

“Coffee with an Author” is an interactive, live Internet talk-radio show that focuses on authors and writers of all genres and mediums, and a feature on Ijustfinished.com. Host Naomi Giroux explores the careers, advice, writing style and personality of each guest. Callers are encouraged to call  (646) 716-9724 to listen or ask questions. The stream and archives are available at http://blogtalkradio.com/i- just-finished . “Coffee with an Author” is live every Monday at 10am (CST). The show is hosted on BlogTalkRadio, by Ijustfinished.com, and available on iTunes as well.