tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48523189707896685412024-03-13T05:44:47.878-07:00Fouling Out AuthorGREGORY WALTERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059330265523106450noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852318970789668541.post-35292548019768673232011-05-11T17:44:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:30:06.355-07:00A VISIT TO AUBREY ELEMENTARYI'm a school principal and a writer. The problem, however, is that during the school year the role of principal ALWAYS trumps that of writer. So it was a genuine pleasure to visit Aubrey Elementary in Burnaby, British Columbia this afternoon as a guest author.<br /><br />I took off my tie before driving over. <em>Too principal-ish. </em>Upon arrival, a student in the hallway asked, "Are you Gregory Walters?" Not Mr. Walters, but Gregory Walters. It made me smile. For one afternoon in a school building, I did not have to investigate who clogged the boys' toilet, I did not have to mediate a dispute between archrivals (best friends only a day earlier) and multitude of <strong>URGENT</strong> emails had to sit neglected next to SPAM. <br /><br />I was grilled, but in a good way. "Who is your favorite author?" "Why did you have Tom throw worms?" "What's your favorite Gordon Korman book?" "Have you written anything else?" "What made you come up with the Richmond Racist?" "Why do they change things in movies that are based on books?" "Do you get rich as a writer?"<br /><br />The grade 5, 6 and 7 students were inquisitive, respectful and informed. Hard to say, but maybe I inspired one audience member to read more or write more. What I know for certain is that they inspired me to get back to my writing.<br /><br />Right after I deal with those emails...<strong> </strong>GREGORY WALTERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059330265523106450noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852318970789668541.post-1036685039162110272010-05-21T15:17:00.000-07:002010-05-21T15:28:59.364-07:00AXE MURDERERS: A NEW SHORT SHORT FOR READERS<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><u><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></u><span style=""><span style="font-style: italic;">I completed a collection of short stories, written for boys aged 12-14 and now I'm looking for a publisher. Seems there isn't an established market for this sort of thing, yet I'm convinced boys would enjoy short pieces of fiction that they could skip around and read in brief sessions. The topics range from funny to serious--different flavors for different days. In all cases, I've striven to make the characters and situations compelling and memorable.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""><span style="font-style: italic;">Here's one as a preview. I'd love to read reactions in the Comments section!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">AXE MURDERERS</span></span> </span><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Leon Bennett was pulling an all-nighter.<span style=""> </span>He’d gone to Shawn Randall’s house for a birthday sleepover along with Hunter Bibby, Ray Leung and Dallas MacLeod.<span style=""> </span>With full reign of the basement, they planned to stay up until dawn.<span style=""> </span>It was clear by the snores that only <st1:country-region><st1:place>Leon</st1:place></st1:country-region> had kept his word.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Not that he particularly wanted to.<span style=""> </span>Sleep would be a good thing if <st1:country-region><st1:place>Leon</st1:place></st1:country-region> could be sure he’d dream about going fishing or saving his family from a menacing but relatively harmless ogre.<span style=""> </span>Even<span style=""> </span>a freefall off a cliff would be acceptable.<span style=""> </span>Trouble was <st1:country-region><st1:place>Leon</st1:place></st1:country-region> knew exactly what would be in his dreams.<span style=""> </span>Axe murderers.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>No, <st1:country-region><st1:place>Leon</st1:place></st1:country-region> wasn’t a psychopath, as far as he knew.<span style=""> </span>He’d never thought of axe murderers until Shawn’s birthday.<span style=""> </span>Out of all the DVDs crammed on three shelves, Hunter picked <i>Hack.</i><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in; line-height: 200%;">Never let a guy named Hunter pick the movie.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span><st1:country-region><st1:place>Leon</st1:place></st1:country-region> wasn’t the squeamish type—didn’t even tear up when he broke his leg in a mountain climbing accident last year.<span style=""> </span>However, he lived a sheltered life.<span style=""> </span>There was a strict ban on video games in the Bennett home and the only movies he saw were sports-themed or comedies fixated on flatulence.<span style=""> </span><i>Hack </i>was his first horror movie.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>What a baptism!<span style=""> </span>No matter how many times he told himself there must have been barrels of tomato juice on the set, it made no difference.<span style=""> </span>Each death involved severed body parts with blood spewing all over the screen.<span style=""> </span>Hunter and the others guffawed and roared in approval.<span style=""> </span><st1:country-region><st1:place>Leon</st1:place></st1:country-region> found every minute excruciating.<span style=""> </span>At one point, he excused himself to go to the bathroom, hoping he’d be spared at least two killings.<span style=""> </span>To his mortification, they paused the film so he wouldn’t miss a thing.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>If the bad guy had had two heads or a half-severed arm of his own, <st1:country-region><st1:place>Leon</st1:place></st1:country-region> could have handled it.<span style=""> </span>Or if his fiancé had been executed by terrorists or the guy’s dog had been run over, it would have been okay.<span style=""> </span><st1:country-region><st1:place>Leon</st1:place></st1:country-region> kept waiting for a motive, maybe something to redeem, or at least explain, the character.<span style=""> </span>Nothing.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>He kills because he can.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Were all horror movies like that?<span style=""> </span>Who came up with this movie?<span style=""> </span>Did the guy’s family attend the premiere and, at the party afterwards, gush, “We’re so proud of you!”?<span style=""> </span>Or did they pay the extra fee to get a twenty-four-hour locksmith to change the locks?<span style=""> </span>Stat!<span style=""> </span>Maybe the whole premise came to the writer after a bad reaction to eggplant.<span style=""> </span>But then who jumped up and agreed to direct?<span style=""> </span>And to star in the thing?</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style=""> </span>Apparently, <st1:country-region><st1:place>Leon</st1:place></st1:country-region> was the only one disturbed.<span style=""> </span>They slept blissfully.<span style=""> </span>They’d probably welcome a nightmare with an axe-wielding maniac.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></p>GREGORY WALTERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059330265523106450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852318970789668541.post-58758676750418759712010-03-15T12:19:00.001-07:002010-03-15T12:23:41.310-07:00TOM SPEAKS!<span style="font-style: italic;">As promised last week, here are Tom's opening remarks from the original manuscript of Fouling Out. Perhaps it will provide more insight into his character. Any feedback is welcome. Leave a comment if you'd like.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span><p class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style=""> </p><div class="Section1"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New";" lang="EN-GB">Life is supposed to be a lot of fun, isn't it?<span style=""> </span>I mean, I'm a kid so that's what it's all about.<span style=""> </span>I don't know about adults.<span style=""> </span>They seem to spend all their time making sure people don't have fun.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New";" lang="EN-GB">I guess they let some people have fun as long as it's the quiet, boring kind of “fun” that I have no interest in.<span style=""> </span>Like reading.<span style=""> </span>Or playing Rummy.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New";" lang="EN-GB">Maybe adults all had bad childhood experiences so they want to make sure I go through my share of them, too.<span style=""> </span>I'm certain I've already had more than enough.<span style=""> </span>Somebody else out there must be getting a free ride.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New";" lang="EN-GB">My name's Tom Hanrahan and I'm twelve years old.<span style=""> </span>In just three months, I'll be transformed from a child to an adolescent as I enter my teen years.<span style=""> </span>I don't usually care much for birthdays, but this one's gonna rock.<span style=""> </span>It'll be a whole new start for me.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New";" lang="EN-GB">I wish you could move out when you're thirteen.<span style=""> </span>I could manage just fine.<span style=""> </span>I don't really see why society would want to fight so hard to keep me with my family.<span style=""> </span>What's that saying about walking a mile in another person's shoes?<span style=""> </span>If some government person or earnest social worker walked even a couple meters in my Nikes, I'm sure they'd tell me to toss the shoes and walk barefoot.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New";" lang="EN-GB">I'm not going to tell you about my family 'cuz I just don't know how to explain it all.<span style=""> </span>My folks are still together, but I wouldn't say that's a good thing.<span style=""> </span>I'm the youngest of four kids.<span style=""> </span>Don't go calling me the baby of the family.<span style=""> </span>I hate that.<span style=""> </span>Who came up with that stupid expression anyway?<span style=""> </span>It must have been someone who's an older brother or sister who wanted the satisfaction of branding the youngest one for life.<span style=""> </span>How can any sane, educated person call a twelve year old the "baby of the family" and not stop to question the sense of it?<o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Courier New";" lang="EN-GB"><br /> </span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New";" lang="EN-GB">See, that's what I do.<span style=""> </span>Anytime someone asks me about my family, I find a way to stray off subject until the person forgets what was asked in the first place.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New";" lang="EN-GB">For a person like me, school should be a welcome retreat.<span style=""> </span>It's not.<span style=""> </span>If I make it through grade twelve, I'll shock not only every teacher that's ever had me, but myself as well.<span style=""> </span>I'm not exaggerating.<span style=""> </span>My teacher last year, Mr. Osmond, actually said to me in front of the whole class that I was "just plain stupid" and that I'd "never amount to anything."<span style=""> </span>Funny how I can't remember anything else he said or taught during the whole year.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New";" lang="EN-GB">He's probably right.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New";" lang="EN-GB">I think teachers get ticked off 'cuz they get stuck with students like me.<span style=""> </span>I wouldn't want to have to teach me.<span style=""> </span>Anyway, school's not really about numbers and verbs.<span style=""> </span>I'm the most popular kid by a long shot.<span style=""> </span>Everyone knows me.<span style=""> </span>Everyone wants me on the same team in P.E.<span style=""> </span>I’ve been the best basketball player in the school for at least the last three years.<span style=""> </span>That makes me extra cool.<span style=""> </span>Everyone wants to be seen with me at lunch and recess.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New";" lang="EN-GB">Too bad they don't give you grades for recess.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New";" lang="EN-GB">My best friend's Craig Trilosky.<span style=""> </span>We've been in the same class together since grade two.<span style=""> </span>We've always done everything together.<span style=""> </span>If he ever moved, I don't know what I'd do.<span style=""> </span>He's the only cool guy in the whole school.<span style=""> </span>(Of course, he's not as cool as me, but I wouldn't want anyone to be cooler than me anyway.)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New";" lang="EN-GB"> Lately, he's been acting a little different--like he's too good for me or something.<span style=""> </span>Sometimes he bows out of hanging out after school so he can do, get this,…homework.<span style=""> </span>He's not the homework type.<span style=""> </span>We haven't had a fist fight for two years, but I think that's what it's coming to.<span style=""> </span>It's up to me to remind him that we're supposed to be having fun.<o:p></o:p></span></p>GREGORY WALTERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059330265523106450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852318970789668541.post-14094614152957943952010-03-09T17:16:00.001-08:002010-03-09T17:16:51.985-08:00THE FIRST CUT IS THE DEEPEST<p class="MsoNormal"><i>Fouling Out</i> was originally written from the first-person perspective of <b>both</b> Tom and Craig.<span style=""> </span>In the beginning of the manuscript, they often wrote about the same incident while having wildly different takes on what happened.<span style=""> </span>Then, as the plot evolved and their relationship changed, their alternating accounts chronicled entirely different events.<span style=""> </span>Toward the end of the tale, the accounts referred to similar circumstances once again, keeping in tune with the arc of the story.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">And then a funny thing happened on the way to publication.<span style=""> </span>Well, not funny at all.<span style=""> </span>Frankly, it was painful.<span style=""> </span>I’d only submitted the manuscript to one publisher and, while there was initial interest, my work did not fit within Orca Book Publisher’s word count limit.<span style=""> </span>(I’d presented it as a young adult novel, thereby allowing a greater word count, but the editor saw it as juvenile fiction.)<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I had the option of either cutting my manuscript by 25,000 words (without any certainty that Orca would ultimately accept it for publication) or shopping it around elsewhere.<span style=""> </span>Since I’d received at least something positive as a response—it wasn’t one of those dreaded form rejections, after all—I decided to whittle the text down.<span style=""> </span>The obvious, if not easiest, thing to do was eliminate one character’s point of view.<span style=""> </span>Tom’s version of events was left on the cutting room floor.<span style=""> </span>Much more had to be done, of course, in terms of deleting but also in adding some essential aspects of the plot that had only been in Tom’s account and ultimately, long story shortened, <i>Fouling Out </i>got the green light.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">That was my dream.<span style=""> </span>Every aspiring author longs to be published and I am still proud of that accomplishment.<span style=""> </span>I have no regrets about the compromise I made and, while Tom’s account could certainly shed more light on the personalities of both of the main characters and some of the events that occur, I am thrilled with <i>Fouling Out</i>, as published.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Still, every so often, Tom’s character nags at me.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i>Why’d you cut me?<span style=""> </span>Why not Craig?<span style=""> </span>You like him better, don’t you?<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i><o:p> </o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It’s not a bad thing when your characters talk to you.<span style=""> </span>During the writing process, they have to come to life.<span style=""> </span>In fact, the plot and the dialog for <i>Fouling Out </i>often changed from what I’d initially envisioned because, as the characters become more fully realized, they took control over their thoughts and actions.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Whenever that happens, I’ve hit that sweet spot.<span style=""> </span>The writing flows better and, when I go astray, my characters let me know.<span style=""> </span>And believe me, a character like Tom did not hold back in telling me something was lame.<span style=""> </span>(He used other words, but I did modify his language in deference to the younger target audience—and their parents and teachers.)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Next week in this blog I’ll publish Tom’s opening remarks from the original manuscript.<span style=""> </span>For interested readers, I hope it will provide more enlightenment into a character whom some have misunderstood.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Look for it on March 15.<span style=""> </span>Tom will finally have his moment!</p>GREGORY WALTERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059330265523106450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852318970789668541.post-91476772441349777112009-07-06T15:11:00.000-07:002009-07-06T15:28:15.084-07:00Fouling Out Makes the List for Best Books for Kids & Teens 2009I got a letter from my publisher last week, informing me that <span style="font-style: italic;">Fouling Out</span> is included in The Canadian Children's Book Centre's <span style="font-style: italic;">Best Books for Kids & Teens 2009</span>. According to the Centre, the criteria for inclusion is as follows: "excellence in writing and illustration; quality of production and design; relevance of subject matter; and entertainment and enrichment value." The publication is for purchase and you can go to <a href="http://www.bookcentre.ca/">Centre's site</a> for more information. As so many outstanding children's books are coming from Canadian publishers, I am honoured to have my first novel receive recognition.<br /><br />In other news, today is my first day of my yearlong sabbatical to pursue writing more seriously as a craft. You can follow my experiences on my new blog, <span style="font-style: italic;">Day Job Gone--It's Time to Write! </span>Click on the link in the top right corner of this site.GREGORY WALTERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059330265523106450noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852318970789668541.post-86765396239567851232009-05-06T19:44:00.001-07:002009-05-06T20:13:44.461-07:00How can you be a writer when you're a school principal?How can anyone be a writer when working full-time at any other occupation? Sadly, that is the reality for most authors. Very few make enough money to quit their day jobs. <br /><br />When I get that question, it sometimes comes with bit of a sting. It's as if principals are rule enforcers, stuffy folks with ties tightly wound around their necks. (Okay, I do admit to some discomfort whenever I must do up the top button and sport a tie. I imagine ties were invented by the wife of the man who invented girdles.) <br /><br />Before becoming a principal, I worked as a teacher. I became a teacher because I loved marking papers. Just kidding. I chose the teaching profession because I love working with kids. It is still a treat to create lessons and work them out in the real world of a classroom. Teachers (and principals) can be some of the most creative folks on the planet. They just need to make sure the paperwork doesn't overwhelm them!<br /><br />I must admit that, after a day at school, I do not feel the energy or the creative spark to write. I have read about authors who schedule in the time to write each day and stick to this commitment. I, however, am not one of those people. Yes, I could sit in my home office and write for the sake of writing. Maybe after an hour I'd have a sentence or two I could salvage, but more likely I'd have a pile of mush that begs for the delete button.<br /><br />Everyone has his or her own style. I write when I am motivated, just itching to explore some ideas. I am most refreshed and motivated during summer, winter break and spring break. Beginning this summer, I am taking a year's leave of absence from being a principal. I will get to experience a full year of being a full-time writer. No more excuses about fatigue. No more distractions (other than my two schnauzers). Of course, I'll have to live a simple life given that I won't have a steady income. The idea makes me nervous--and excited about the opportunity!GREGORY WALTERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059330265523106450noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852318970789668541.post-32044376531222653562009-04-26T19:53:00.000-07:002009-04-26T20:06:24.960-07:00Ask the AuthorEvery occupation or pastime generates common questions. It's not that our curiosity has limits; rather, certain queries get the conversation started. Sadly, we often don't have enough time for deeper discussions. I shall devote the next blog entries to some of the questions people ask when they discover I have a book in publication or, better yet, after they read <span style="font-style: italic;">Fouling Out</span>.<br /><br />Some of the questions I will answer include:<br /><ul><li>How can you be a writer when you're a school principal?</li><li>Are you more like Tom or Craig?</li><li>Are the characters in <span style="font-style: italic;">Fouling Out</span> based on real people you know/knew?</li><li>Do you really think the responses of the two mothers are realistic?<br /></li><li>Is there going to be a sequel?</li><li>Are you writing anything else?<br /></li><li>How rich are you now?<br /></li></ul>GREGORY WALTERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059330265523106450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852318970789668541.post-75248792014679466212009-02-25T18:51:00.000-08:002009-02-25T19:03:50.697-08:00Seeking Student FeedbackI received an email today from a teacher I'd worked with at Ferris Elementary in Richmond. She informed me that <span style="font-style: italic;">Fouling Out</span> is one of six titles on a Readers' Choice list for students at the school. I am pleased and honored to hear the news! (I am also a little worried about what the other books might be nominated. Oh, I hope I'm not up against works by J.K. Rowling, Stephanie Meyer and Darren Shan! I'm not worthy!) It is particularly special to know that students at Ferris are reading the book since I began writing the book during Spring Break in 1998 while I was a teacher at the school. <br /><br />Since I am a school principal elsewhere in British Columbia, I don't have enough opportunities for school visits to hear about student reactions to <span style="font-style: italic;">Fouling Out</span>. I would be thrilled to have students post questions and comments on this blog. I will answer as promptly as possible.<br /><br />Regards,<br />GregoryGREGORY WALTERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059330265523106450noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852318970789668541.post-149559851131367292009-02-01T15:13:00.000-08:002009-02-01T15:26:35.328-08:00The Twit on TwitterThis week I listened to a podcast interview of author Neil Gaiman on Just One More Book. The interview focused on Gaiman's use of blogs and twitter to heighten his profile among readers. Although I have a few blogs, I have never explored twitter. With the podcast still in mind, I created a twitter account for Gregory Walters. (I had to go with the obvious. Why make things obscure when you are trying to be noticed?)<br /><br />Who knows if I will maintain the twitter profile?! I have already reached a stumbling block in that all the photos of myself take up too much memory to be successfully downloaded. Yet again, I am perplexed my technology--this time the obstacle involves my digital camera and twitter. Why is it that I can download the same photos to my blog, but not to twitter?<br /><br />I suppose the answer has something to do with the fact that everything is smaller on twitter. Wordy guy that I am, it seems trivial to post one-sentence remarks for browsers. "I am cutting my toenails." "I successfully cut a slice of bread and left all fingers intact." Hmm, this might be amusing after all!<br /><br />Neil Gaiman has +17,000 followers on twitter. How about me? Anybody? Anybody?GREGORY WALTERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059330265523106450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852318970789668541.post-51440482189051636492008-12-30T19:08:00.000-08:002008-12-31T19:13:09.727-08:00Things I Learned This Year About Getting a Book Published2008 will always stand out for me as the year my first book, <span style="font-style: italic;">Fouling Out</span>, was published. The editing and final decisions that involved me were completed in 2007. Still, it was fascinating to experience the unveiling of a new book. I did not know what to expect and treated the process as a learning experience. That said, here are the most important things I learned:<br /><br />1) A publisher is not a pseudo-agent. The fact that someone holds a position related to marketing does not mean an author can sit back and let the publicity stumble upon him.<br /><br />2) A publication date is only an estimate. People kept asking me when the book was coming out and all I could say was, "Spring 2008." Then, through some online ego-surfing, I discovered that Target and Amazon had projected a March 1 release date. It turns out they jumped the gun. <span style="font-style: italic;">Fouling Out</span> hit shelves during the first week of April.<br /><br />3) Ask for help when throwing a book launch. I pride myself in being independent and I find it difficult to ask anyone for help since I do not want to be a burden. On the day of my launch, I put in a regular day at work and gave myself a little over an hour to get from work to the launch site to set up. I would not have managed without my cousin and a family friend who surprised me by showing up. They quickly took control of the food and the setup while I greeted early arrivals. (Imagine, <span style="font-style: italic;">early arrivals</span>. I'd wondered if anyone would show up at all!)<br /><br />4) A launch can be big news in a small town. An article made the front page of Community Arts section of the local paper, complete with a color photo of me at the launch. Too bad small newspapers don't have the budget to airbrush photos like they do in <span style="font-style: italic;">Vanity Fair</span>.<br /><br />5) There seems to be no rhyme or reason as to which libraries will carry your book. <span style="font-style: italic;">Fouling Out</span> is on the shelves in Salisbury, Australia and there are seventeen copies within the Brooklyn library system. (If the Canucks do not go far in the playoffs, I'll cheer for the Rangers. Heck, they've got Naslund anyway!) There's a copy in Ypsilanti, Michigan and four in Gwinnett County, Georgia. Regina carries seven and Calgary surfaced early on with five copies. Quite a while later, the first copies appeared in Vancouver and there are still no copies in Richmond, B.C. despite the fact that the entire novel is set there. That's my biggest disappointment. I think it's extra special for readers to get their hands on a novel that takes place in their hometown.<br /><br />6) Podcasting is a way to generate a little press and, perhaps, a little buzz. I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Mark and Andrea of Just One More Book while on a visit to Ottawa. (Just One More Book is my website find of the year. This industrious couple posts 3-4 podcasts a week, promoting children's books for people of all ages.) I also had a live phone interview which aired as a podcast on Book Bites for Kids, based in Kansas. Before getting my book published, I knew as much about podcasts as I know about Olympic rifle shooting. My greenness is wearing off (at least with respect to the podcasting).<br /><br />7) Blog away to promote your book and to chronicle your current writing. I am really not sure if anyone reads my posts (comment anyone?), but blogging presents a periodic distraction when the creative writing isn't flowing (or when vacuuming doesn't seem that exciting).<br /><br />8) Don't quit your day job (unless you win the lottery or come into wealth by some other means). "He must be rich," one student at my school commented. By my calculations, I have earned a couple of pennies per hour in writing and editing my first book. I think I treated myself and bought a new t-shirt.<br /><br />9) Celebrity fades fast. I had my fifteen--no, five--minutes of fame and now it's back to being special only in the eyes of my dogs. (Thank you, Lincoln and Hoover! You were there before all the fame.)<br /><br />10) I am still on the outside looking in. A month after <span style="font-style: italic;">Fouling Out</span> hit stores, I took a group of students to the Red Cedar Book Awards ceremony. I saw eager readers line up for autographs from the nominated authors. I heard the enthusiastic applause as accomplished writers like Richard Scrimger and Irene Watt paraded into the gymnasium for the award presentations. I was just as excited to see and hear these authors. In August, I attended the Festival of the Written Arts on the Sunshine Coast and spotted greats like Elizabeth Hay and Michael Ondaatje. I listened to a humble, yet charismatic new writer, David Chariandy, talk about his delightful <span style="font-style: italic;">Soucouyant</span> and rushed to buy a copy for signing (even though I'd read a library copy). To be feted like these amazing author remains but a dream. When you work away for months--okay, years--on a book, it's rewarding to witness genuine appreciation. I've had a small taste. I am driven to continue writing. Maybe bigger things are ahead of me.GREGORY WALTERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059330265523106450noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852318970789668541.post-41317342274438480902008-12-18T10:24:00.001-08:002008-12-26T09:31:46.476-08:00A Mother's Actions - Believable or Not?Reading a review of one's work requires a thick skin. Over the years, I have read many articles spotlighting actors and musicians wherein the celebrity states that he/she never reads reviews. I always thought that was astonishing. You put something out there and hope that people will like it, but you shield yourself from critical feedback?! It hardly seems plausible. Curiosity gets the better of me. I have read many complimentary reviews, but I also have come across ones by (female) adult readers who were not impressed. They typically comment on one of the female characters, Craig's mother.<br /><br />If Mrs. Trilosky were inspired by any real person, I suppose my own mother comes to mind. Mrs. T is a do-gooder, a volunteer extraordinaire. A few adult readers have felt that her actions at the end of the book are not believable. (One reviewer further insulted young readers, flippantly saying that readers will overlook this aspect.)<br /><br />I designed the characters and the plot to make the reader think for himself? <span style="font-style: italic;">Would I hang out with Tom? After (Because of) all they've gone through, should Craig do anything for Tom? </span>Both mothers in the story are also faced with dilemmas that relate to the ending of <span style="font-style: italic;">Fouling Out</span>. Because the book is told from Craig's point of view, the conflicts the mothers face are only alluded to; however, they are intended to be characters that generate further thought and discussion. Because Mrs. T's actions represent a shift in character, they should surprise the reader. Nonetheless, I believe her decisions are entirely plausible, if not what the majority of parents would choose. She acts in a way that is consistent with her strong feelings of hope and of the possibility that positive change can occur, especially if supported by brave, committed members of society.<br /><br />Of course, that is the nature of reviews and of reader reactions. We can agree to disagree. We can form wholly different feelings about a work. If you have read <span style="font-style: italic;">Fouling Out</span> and care to post a comment reflecting on Mrs. Trilosky (or Mrs. Hanrahan), please do!GREGORY WALTERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059330265523106450noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852318970789668541.post-18429776470990715512008-12-14T10:17:00.000-08:002008-12-14T11:12:49.355-08:00Books for Boys for Christmas: Lump of Coal or Treasured Gem?Okay, I have a confession. When I was a boy, I hated getting books as a birthday or Christmas present. It was like getting a rake or a dust cloth; books were work. I don't recall getting many books as presents. I am sure the sour, can't-fake-a-smile expression was more telling than the niceties of a follow-up thank you note.<br /><br />I will admit that, while in grade two, I loved receiving Thornton W. Burgess books like <span style="font-style: italic;">The Adventures of Poor Mrs. Quack </span>and <span style="font-style: italic;">The Adventures of Chatterer the Red Squirrel<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">, </span></span></span>but that's when the excitement stopped. Like many boys, I failed to find books that resonated with me. I was not into science fiction or fantasy and the Hardy Boys seemed entirely old-fashioned. Frank and Joe Hardy seemed a little stiff as characters and I could not connect them to people I knew.<br /><br />I do think there is more choice for boy readers now. (Of course, I still hear boys say the same thing I did when I was their age: "There's nothing in the library I like.") When I wrote <span style="font-style: italic;">Fouling Out</span>, I was intent on creating realistic characters, flaws and all, that boys might identify with. I knew that I could possibly sell more copies if I made Craig a wizard or had the boys living inside a secret society within a dormant (or active!) volcano. Just think of the ways Mr. Hanrahan might face his comeuppance in either scenario! Easy entertainment, but not the discussion springboard I was attempting to achieve.<br /><br />I do hope that boys will receive one or two books as gifts this Christmas. (Obviously, I would feel all the merrier if <span style="font-style: italic;">Fouling Out</span> ended up in a few stockings.) However, I hope the gift givers make picks based on what the boy will read, not what he <span style="font-weight: bold;">should</span> read. While many adults would find no joy in reading about Captain Underpants, a Wimpy Kid or even Craig Trilosky, these characters may help boys see life in books again. The right book in the hands of the right boy can lead to a treasured experience! (If you are interested, I do have a few book recommendations if you scroll down to the end of my blog.)GREGORY WALTERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059330265523106450noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852318970789668541.post-58836641797179154042008-09-10T18:39:00.000-07:002008-09-10T19:09:47.665-07:00Fouling Out Gets Endorsement of the Educational Resource Acquisition ConsortiumThroughout the time that I worked on <span style="font-style: italic;">Fouling Out</span>, I envisioned the novel being used as a springboard for discussion in classrooms and as a key resource for reluctant readers. "Every author thinks his book would be perfect for schools," a colleague of mine said, not meaning to offend. The comment nonetheless caught me off guard. Maybe I was too close to the work to have any objectivity.<br /><br />I received word last week that ERAC (the Educational Resource Acquisition Consortium), comprised of British Columbia teachers who review novels to determine if they are suitable for use in classrooms, was recommending my book for grades six and seven. Today I was able to read the review online at the <a href="http://www.bcerac.ca/Novel/customNovelCatalogue.aspx?catalogue=2&type=g&g=7&lang=1">ERAC website</a>. As I have consulted this site in the past before selecting novels for class study, I knew that some of the recommended books do not always receive glowing reviews. Thus, I paused and played with my dogs for a few minutes before reading ERAC's analysis of <span style="font-style: italic;">Fouling Out</span>.<br /><br />I am thrilled with the review! At last, a teacher review committee has confirmed what I'd hoped all along. You can read the entire review by clicking the ERAC Review link in the Book Review section at right. What follows is a portion of the review:<br /><br /><table class="MsoNormalTable" style="width: 570pt;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="4" width="760"> <tbody><tr style=""> <td style="padding: 0in; width: 50%;" width="50%"> <p class="MsoNormal"><b>Recommended for Grade(s):</b> 6,<span style="font-weight: bold;"> 7<br /></span></p> </td> <td style="padding: 0in; width: 50%;" width="50%"><br /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="display: none;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <table class="MsoNormalTable" style="width: 570pt;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="4" width="760"> <tbody><tr style=""> <td style="padding: 0in;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><b>Estimated readability:</b> At Grade</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b>Plot / Reasons for Recommendation:</b><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Craig is an intelligent, but isolated grade seven student whose long<br />time friend, Tom, is the bad boy of the classroom. Tom comes from<br />a dysfunctional family. He is fun to be with but can also be<br />annoying, violent and cruel. Craig is at a stage in his life where he<br />is finding the friendship more of a hindrance than a help but he<br />can't seem to break way. When a crisis occurs and Tom runs away<br />from home, Craig is forced to really look at his relationship with<br />Tom and decide what friendship really means.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> The main character in this book is funny and engaging, yet gives<br />the reader insights into the isolation and confusion that often<br />plagues adolescence. The book is especially good at portraying<br />the dynamics involved in cliques and groupings in classrooms.<br />The plot is simple, but keeps the reader's interest. The short<br />chapters and humourous writing make it an easy read that could<br />work for reluctant readers. While the main characters are young<br />men, the character driven nature of the book means that it may<br />appeal to girls as well.</span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <span style="font-style: italic;"></span>GREGORY WALTERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059330265523106450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852318970789668541.post-75137390076068739852008-08-25T19:50:00.000-07:002008-08-25T20:06:44.664-07:00Tune in to Book Bites for Kids!Thank goodness for the Internet! Earlier this month I participated in a podcast interview with <a href="http://www.JustOneMoreBook.com">www.JustOneMoreBook.com</a>. On Thursday, August 28, I will chat about <span style="font-style: italic;">Fouling Out </span>with Suzanne Lieurance of Book Bites for Kids on Blog Talk Radio. Suzanne's show provides a terrific forum for children's authors to discuss their books. I enjoy listening in to gain insights from other authors and to feel part of a virtual community of writers. You can tune in for the live airing at 2 p.m. Central Time (3 p.m. Eastern; noon Pacific) at <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bookbitesforkids">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bookbitesforkids</a> or check out the site at your convenience after the half-hour show wraps up. As well, you can link to the interview through Suzanne Lieurance's website at <a href="http://suzannelieurance.com/category/author-interview/">http://suzannelieurance.com/category/author-interview/</a>.<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>GREGORY WALTERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059330265523106450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852318970789668541.post-41311596336089775922008-08-14T09:05:00.000-07:002008-09-01T10:08:26.339-07:00Virtual Power<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Dq-H-FjAmSM/SKcSFCXwg3I/AAAAAAAAABo/pYzN6euTZd8/s1600-h/Just+One+More+Book.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Dq-H-FjAmSM/SKcSFCXwg3I/AAAAAAAAABo/pYzN6euTZd8/s200/Just+One+More+Book.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235172969586656114" border="0" /></a><br />I recently sat down for an interview at the Wild Oat Bakery in Ottawa with Mark and Andrea of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Just One More Book!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">!</span>, a website devoted to children's books. What a pleasure! The site regularly posts book conversations between Mark and Andrea, parents of two young girls. They take picture books (and some novels) that have been field tested in their own home. If the book is a hit with the girls, Mark and Andrea talk about the book as they sit down for a morning coffee. The background noise of other patrons at the coffeehouse only adds to the ambience. I have often said that one under-celebrated aspect of reading in schools is the social conversation that can arise. When we see a good movie or hear a great song, there is an urge to tell someone about it. The same with books. That is why book clubs have become so popular. (Okay, Oprah may have something to do with book club fever as well.) <div><br /></div><div>While <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Fouling Out</span> is for older readers (ages 10-14) than the books featured on <a href="http://www.justonemorebook.com/">justonemorebook.com</a> I really wanted to feel the process of the making of Mark and Andrea's podcasts. We talked about my roles as teacher, principal and author and how I promote and teach reading and writing with children. Check out the site. If you want, you can go to <a href="http://www.justonemorebook.com/2008/08/page/2/">http://www.justonemorebook.com/2008/08/page/2/</a>, scroll down and find my interview, posted August 11, 2008. (I love the fact that I am on the same page as the podcast on <span style="font-style: italic;">Dirty Dog Boogie</span>. Lincoln and Hoover think I'm cool.) Of course, there is so much more to explore. The site is well archived with author and illustrator interviews and book chats that can keep a browser entertained.</div>GREGORY WALTERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059330265523106450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852318970789668541.post-83574937341155454842008-07-30T09:10:00.000-07:002008-07-30T09:33:23.140-07:00Finding an AudienceI have been very fortunate to get so much positive feedback from readers of <span style="font-style: italic;">Fouling Out</span>. As it is summer and I am not working with children at the moment, the current batch of praise is coming from adults, particularly people ranging in age from their thirties to their eighties. One person from Colorado emailed me to say, "I guess I've finally found the right reading level." <br /><br />When I wrote <span style="font-style: italic;">Fouling Out</span>, I intended for it to be a quick read. The short chapters provided ample opportunities for reading breaks to stop and think about the characters and plot or to wolf down a bag of barbecue potato chips. (Hopefully readers remember to wash their hands before returning to the book. Orange-colored smudges in the margins create an unexpected mystery for the next reader. People who solve the mystery find it a little bit gross.) The thrill for me is that so many people keep on reading. When someone says, "I couldn't put it down", that is high praise.<br /><br />Adults, keep reading the book and recommending it to others. I am so grateful! As well, I would love to hear more reactions from readers between the ages of 10 and 14. Are the characters realistic? Can you make connections with them or with events in the book?<br /><br />I believe <span style="font-style: italic;">Fouling Out</span> makes a wonderful summertime read. Read a chapter while in the car en route to the pool. Read another while waiting for a friend to come over. Talk about it. (I think talking about books adds to the pleasure of reading. I am referring to casual conversations, not stilted talks based on teacher questions.)<br /><br />As teachers get ready for a new school year, I also hope they will consider using <span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Fouling Out </span>as a novel study or a read aloud in grade six, seven or eight. I would love to share my email for students and teachers to send questions and comments. Of course, any reader is welcome to post a comment here on the blog.<br /><br />Read on!GREGORY WALTERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059330265523106450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852318970789668541.post-43670739931707199742008-07-01T11:24:00.000-07:002008-07-18T22:49:24.077-07:00Getting the Word OutStep 1: Write<br />Step 2: Submit<br />Step 3: Publish<br /><br />As anyone who has ever dabbled in creative writing knows, the above steps are an atrocious oversimplification. I have left out such memorable stages as Yell at Laptop and Eat Tub of Ice Cream While Figuring Out How to Rescue Character's Dog. (A temporarily satisfying process that required double time on the treadmill. Must not repeat.)<br /><br />Initially, my goal in writing was to complete a novel. It was a (usually) pleasurable hobby. The goal evolved and I dreamed of getting published. I thought I'd be satisfied. Truth is, while I know I'm fortunate, I want more. I'd like to sell more than a few copies. I've tapped the shoulder of every friend and acquaintance, but I want others to read my book. Buying it would be nice, but checking it out of the library would be a good thing too.<br /><br />I have discovered that I love writing. I enjoy my summers of getting into a focused, productive writing routine. Unfortunately, I can't make a living off a novel that sells a few hundred copies and I fear that publishers may not give a second chance to an author whose debut generates lukewarm (or cold) sales.<br /><br />It is difficult to promote myself. I was raised to be modest. What's more, calling or talking to bookstore owners is awkward and a bit humiliating. Seems they'd be happy to promote your book and create a lovely window display if you're J.K. Rowling or Jerry Spinelli, but when you're Gregory Walters,...not so much. I have sent off many emails and received a little press in free community papers in a couple of areas in British Columbia. Last week I had a phone interview with a reporter in Texas who writes for <span style="font-style: italic;">TCU Magazine</span>. However, most of my shot-in-the-dark efforts generate nothing.<br /><br />I would love a decent review in a publication with a significant circulation. I believe many readers will enjoy following the struggles of Tom and Craig, but I fear too few people will ever know about these characters. There is strong word of mouth from the people who have read the book, but I wonder how far that word can reach.<br /><br />This summer I'd love to try some creative ways to promote <span style="font-style: italic;">Fouling Out</span> and I welcome any suggestions. Feel free to post a comment.GREGORY WALTERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059330265523106450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852318970789668541.post-10708616767137271812008-06-07T21:02:00.000-07:002008-11-15T00:46:22.437-08:00My First Book Signing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Dq-H-FjAmSM/SH7kmQvOSOI/AAAAAAAAAAk/skzS8H4jsVM/s1600-h/Book+Signing+%40+Chapters,+June+7,+2008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Dq-H-FjAmSM/SH7kmQvOSOI/AAAAAAAAAAk/skzS8H4jsVM/s320/Book+Signing+%40+Chapters,+June+7,+2008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223863963775551714" border="0" /></a><br />My first children's novel, <span style="font-style: italic;">Fouling Out</span> (Orca Book Publishers, 2008), has been on the market for two months. I had a successful book launch in Sechelt, British Columbia on May 1. That was a relatively controlled event with a list of invited guests. Nothing like a familiar audience to give you a false sense of importance.<br /><br />A book signing is an entirely different beast. It's basically a table in a bookstore. If you're lucky, the manager puts you near the entrance. If you're really lucky, the manager will even remember that you're coming and will have the table set up. The awkward part is sitting and looking happy as people take sweeping detours to avoid anything close to eye contact. Perhaps having a book to sell (and autograph) is a greater annoyance than offering a trial newspaper subscription or having people fill out an instant credit application for a store credit card. At any rate, two hours can pass quickly. It's only one hundred twenty minutes of smiling and staring at random objects.<br /><br />My book signing turned out to be better than anticipated. (Sometimes there are benefits to being a fatalist.) The site was the large Chapters store in Richmond, B.C. Since the setting of my novel is in Richmond, it only took two requests to get a manager to okay the event. I'm not sure what I'd have to do to have an event in Victoria or Seattle or Half Moon Bay, California.<br /><br />Yes, I was lucky. Really lucky. A table was set up with several copies of <span style="font-style: italic;">Fouling Out</span> nicely displayed. And they had me at the entrance--right beside the table with two guys offering newspaper subscriptions. No kidding! The guys even tried to get me to sign up, but I already receive the <span style="font-style: italic;">Vancouver Sun</span>, thank you very much.<br /><br />Thank goodness for friends! Three former colleagues were waiting for my arrival. Before the official beginning of the book signing. My fans, my groupies! Okay, just some friends will lots of other things to do on a Saturday afternoon.<br /><br />For over two hours, people stopped by. Former students whose names I, thankfully, remembered. Teachers and staff members from three schools where I'd worked in Richmond. Yes, I remembered all their names, too. Friends who came by as they waited for a load to finish in the dryer cycle so they could change into something more fashionable and go somewhere else. I autographed books, exchanged hugs and handshakes and got caught up.<br /><br />It was completely painless. Pleasant even. As I packed up, I realized I'd only sold one book to a complete stranger. It was a mother who stopped by with her fifth grade son. We talked about the boy's school, his reading interests and his teacher. When Mom asked if the boy wanted a copy of my book, he said no without the slightest bit of hesitation. He was here to get the second book in a fantasy series. <span style="font-style: italic;">Grrr</span> to all those fantasy writers who can't shake off their popular characters to leave a little shelf room for the rest of us! The mother awkwardly picked up a copy of my book and asked me to sign it for the boy's teacher. At the end of the year, he'd give her the real present: chocolate. Mom would unload a copy of <span style="font-style: italic;">Fouling Out</span>.<br /><br />Hey, it's a sale.<br /><br />And as part my first book signing, I'll take it.GREGORY WALTERShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08059330265523106450noreply@blogger.com14