Building Empathy in a Broken World

We have a great responsibility as children’s authors. That's the message I took away from Gary D. Schmidt's closing keynote at the SCBWI summer conference in Los Angeles several years ago. His speech moved me to tears, and I’m remembering it this week when the news has been so jarring and upsetting that it feels odd to be going about my normal routine. So many of us are asking what can we do, how can we change the hate that lurks behind doors and spills into our streets. 

Empathy is at the heart of Gary Schmidt’s stories and it’s the message that he shares with other writers. "Kids need to know how to express empathy in a broken world. Write the stories and poems and drama that will give your readers more to be human with.” A great responsibility indeed.

If you haven't read any of Gary's books yet, you have plenty to choose from. I'm re-reading LIZZIE BRIGHT AND THE BUCKMINISTER BOY right now, and it remains one of my all-time favorites.

Gary Schmidt will be teaching at the SCBWI-MI Gathering on the Grand in September in Grand Rapids, MI. Learn more about him in several posts over the years on the SCBWI blog

and in this interview: http://stories.gordon.edu/gary-schmidt-79-the-ultimate-empathy-of-childrens-literature/

If you’re unable to attend the upcoming SCBWI-MI fall retreat or would like to spend more time learning from Gary, here’s an opportunity in Concord, Massachusetts. This is not an SCBWI event, but Gary Schmidt is teaming up with Patti Gauch, esteemed author, former Editorial Director of Philomel Books, and popular Highlights Foundation teacher. Sondra Soderborg wrote a post here on the SCBWI-MI blog about voice and her experience working with Patti. Learn more about the Gary and Patti (Gatty!) workshop at: https://www.whalerockworkshops.com/.

Here are three upcoming events featuring SCBWI-MI authors and more. Please stop by and spread the word! And don't forget about our monthly Shop Talks. Follow the SCBWI-MI Facebook page for reminders and info about topics/presenters.

This Saturday, August 19th, Barnes & Noble, Green Oak Township, MI:

Saturday, August 26th, 10am, IN THE WRITER'S KITCHEN: Stirring Up Books with Shutta Crum. (Writing tips & tricks.) Ann Arbor District Library (Main building, 3rd Floor) Q & A afterward.

Sunday, August 27th, Book Beat 35th Anniversary Party, Oak Park, MI:

http://www.thebookbeat.com/backroom/2017/08/14/book-beat-celebrates-35-years/

September 10th, Kerrytown Book Fest, Ann Arbor, MI:

https://www.kerrytownbookfest.org/

Coming up on the SCBWI-MI blog: Another lesson from our Grammar Guru, recaps of PAL author events, and another round of Hugs and Hurrahs. We want to trumpet your good news! Please send your writing, illustrating, and publishing news to Patti Richards by September 25th.

Namaste,
Kristin Lenz