Before the Internet, writers began their research at libraries. They patronized these meccas of knowledge and adored librarians who de-mystified the world of Dewey Decimal numbers and microfilm.

 

In the age of Google, Joyce and I still love the librarians (now appropriately named media specialists) who have helped us in the process of writing our books and bringing them to the public’s attention.  Here are a few we’d like to thank:

 

It would be great if every school could afford an author visit each year. But since it isn't likely, there are other ways for students to connect with authors.

 

Some teachers blog about classroom reading experiences and encourage their students to leave comments on the books. As an author it's really fun to look in on these online conversations.

 

And of course, many authors blog. I've had exciting conversations with students via my blog.  Last year before I visited H.H. Poole Middle School in VA, Media Specialist, Julia Goll sent me questions about BLUE that students had submitted.  I answered them on my blog and Mrs. Goll sent me updates regarding their excitement about our online conversations.  By the time I visited their school, I felt as if the students were old friends.

 

Carol also blogs and welcomes interaction with teachers and students at www.carolbaldwinblog@blogspot.com

 

 

Recently, Randy Seldomridge, a language arts teacher at Granite Falls Middle School invited me to join a Facebook page created by his 7th Grade Team. He's working on a grant to sponsor me for an author visit. Naturally I joined the FB group!  A cool opportunity for "mingling" with students before the visit.

 

Each of my books now has its own Facebook page.  And lots of other authors create FB pages for their books. Students can always become fans and join conversations about their favorite books. 

 

Using SKYPE is another inexpensive way to connect with authors.  Carol and I both have SKYPE capabilities and are open to doing visits via webcam.

 

For more info on a SKYPE Author Visit read this article in School Library Journal.  Kate Messner, who wrote the article teaches 7th grade and recently published a book.  So she has used SKYPE both as an author and as a teacher.  She blogged about a SKYPE visit her class enjoyed with Laurie Halse Anderson. Lots of great info in these two articles, including a list in SLJ of authors who do SKYPE visits for free!

 

 

According to my guideline #2, (above) you can’t be shy if want to network effectively.  Networking takes you out of your comfort zone and opens doors of opportunity.

 

One of the first reading conferences where I presented was in Greensboro, NC. I was scared. But I remembered advice from a seasoned pro, "Smile at everyone you meet."  So I reached out beyond myself and I think it paid off. One of the attendees was Nancy Polette, an education professor at Lindenwood University and author of over 150 educational books. That night over dinner, she gave me good advice about creating handouts and speaking at conferences. Of course, I gave her a copy of Teaching the Story!

Later that year, I was back in Greensboro for the NC Middle School Association Conference. I shared a booth with Jane Kiester, a fellow Maupin House author, (pictured above) who took me under her wing and shared many tips on creating PowerPoints. The following year we were co-presenters at the South Carolina Reading Association conference.

 

Not every contact leads to someone else. Some are just interesting people who I remember.  At a South Carolina Teachers of English conference I sat next to a teacher who was from Florida. While talking we found out that her children and my publisher’s children played together in Gainesville. I doubt I’ll ever see her again, but it was a fun connection.  On my flight to Texas for the National Middle School conference I sat beside a man who shared his concerns about literacy as an employer seeking qualified employees.  We exchanged business cards and although I never heard from him afterwards, I blogged about him.

 

I’m still nervous when contacting strangers, but I remember the motto which I use to autograph my book. “Everyone has a story.” By swallowing my self-consciousness I focus on the person I’m meeting. At the Reading Matters booth at the 2007 Keystone Reading Association conference I met Kent Brown, executive director of Highlights Foundation, who encouraged me to attend the Highlights Writers Workshop in Chautauqua. At the same conference, Lynn Orlando, a professor at Holy Family University invited me to speak to her students on Reading, Writing, and Technology.  

 

 

 

When it comes to social networking, author Susan Taylor Brown, is one of the most accomplished!  So I asked her a few questions. 

 

Thanks, Susan! 

 

Susan is offering an online social networking class in November. But if you can't take the class, do visit her website.  She offers a Teacher page which leads to a boatload of useful links, including literature resources, writing info, and author websites.

 

In July 2008 I reviewed Susan's touching middle grade verse novel HUGGING THE ROCK which, by the way, was a 2007 ALA Notable Children's Book! She intends to have a book trailer for it in the near future and you, dear reader, have a chance to pass this info on to your teen who could win a $ 1,000.00 scholarship for continuing education.

 

Susan makes school visits via SKYPE!  And not only that - one of her characters, a Rhino named Oliver, will visit your school for only the cost of his transportation (that is, postage!)  Check it out!

 

Two years ago at the first NCCAT workshop which I led with Joyce, I met Steve Johnson, a technology facilitator in North Carolina. Thinking about adding the process of creating digital portfolios to my book, I asked him if his school would be interested in piloting a trial program.

 

Steve said more than “yes.” He suggested that there were many ways in which digital technology could facilitate the process of writing short fiction. He rattled off a list and I excitedly e-mailed my publisher relaying that I had met someone who had great new ideas for Teaching the Story.  

 

Steve submitted a list of possible technology mini-lessons, tested them in his classrooms, and less than a year later the second edition of my book was released including almost twenty additional lessons which he wrote.   

 

He was right. Infusing technology into the writing process allows for more differentiation and personalization and gets kids excited about writing. Plus, I learned a lot about the technologies that are fast becoming a part of classrooms.

 

Steve is now working on his own project with Maupin House. Engaging All Learners with 21st Century Tools is scheduled to be published in summer of 2010. The book contains over forty cross-curricular technology projects and activities that target the multiple intelligences found within every student.  "It will help teachers activate their students' minds, bodies, and voices by incorporating the technology they already have at their fingertips in new, progressive ways," Steve said.

 

Each of the eight intelligences identified by Howard Gardner  in his 1983 book, Frames of Mind  (linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal,  intrapersonal, and naturalist), will be addressed with at least five technology projects. Steve assured me that “real-world examples will be provided to help teachers make that connection.”

 

 

It's difficult to network perfectly.  Here are a few mistakes we've made.

 

1. In September I spoke at SCBWI Carolinas Fall Conference.  I knew that Carol has been collecting email addresses from folks at conferences so she can update them with info such as this newsletter. But did I think to send a notepad around for those who would like to hear from me again?

In a word, NO! Still regretting that.

 

2. Joyce has shown me the value of always taking my camera wherever I go. Recently I interviewed three women who lived in Charlotte during the time period I am writing about. I brought the camera but forgot to take their pictures--which would have been wonderful for a blog about the process of writing historical fiction.