Book Birthday Blog with Debbie Taylor

 

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!

Where we celebrate new books from Michigan's authors, illustrators and translators.

 

Congratulations to Debbie Taylor on the release of Step it Up! The French Dukes

 

Please share a little about this book's journey. How did you come up with the idea?

I was introduced to the team’s history by a French Dukes member, Kenny Mitchell at a dinner party.  Our conversations led to the book project which is inspired by Kenny’s experiences and an actual event. I held two focus groups and zoom sessions to gather more information. I also spoke to many people by phone. Kenny passed away before seeing the final draft of the book, but I hope the story reflects his love for the community of French Dukes. The book was accepted for publication during the first year of the pandemic, so it was a bright spot for many.

What was the most difficult part of writing the book?

It was a challenge to focus on just one aspect of the French Dukes. The founding of the group was dramatic and every person I spoke to had very compelling stories to share. Some were actual members or simply family members, some were participants in their offshoots including the Dukettes, Continentals, El Torah’s and other teams. I wanted to introduce readers to the French Dukes and to honor the legacy of this legendary group. Once I realized that my book couldn’t contain a fraction of the excitement, drama and adventure associated with the team and its community, I was content to focus on the simple fictional story I wanted to tell. The author’s note allowed me to share background information that didn’t belong in the main text of the picture book.

What is something you hope your readers will take away from your book?

I hope readers will appreciate the talent and discipline required to make it into the French Dukes Precision Drill Team. I believe it will encourage others to be resourceful and resilient as they aim for their goals whether it is riding a bicycle or making the soccer team or learning a new language. Since this is basically historical fiction, I encourage readers to explore their local histories for information and possible story ideas.

What are your marketing plans for the book and where can we find it?

I plan to share it during local literacy events and when possible, during events that feature performances by the newest French Dukes spin-off, the Salt of the Earth Drill Team. The book is available at the local Ann Arbor District Library and is also available at Black Stone Bookstore in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

What's next for you?

I am working on a holiday sequel to my first book Sweet Music in Harlem. My sister, artist and second-grade teacher, Rouxanne Brown and I wrote Over in Nashville, and we are committed to completing a dinosaur counting book before the Cenzoic era is over.

More about the book . . .

Ten-year-old Kenny Mitchell longs to be a member of the French Dukes Precision Drill Team. When he fails to make the team, he tries harder. With the help of his older brother, he learns to "step it up" just in time to help the French Dukes win an important talent competition. Set in the 1960s Ann Arbor Kenny’s story is inspired by the real-life French Dukes Precision Drill Team.

Publisher: Fifth Avenue Press

More about the author . . . 

Debbie’s short stories appear in magazines including Cricket, Spider, New Moon and Pockets. Themes of her stories include the value of family and the importance of community. Taylor’s first picture book, Sweet Music in Harlem (Lee and Low 2004) was inspired by Art Kane's famous 1958 photograph of jazz musicians and illustrated by award-winning artist, Frank Morrison. A musical arrangement of the book was commissioned and performed by the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra in 2007. Her recent publications include the Junior Library Guild selection, Over in Motown and Step it Up! The French Dukes. Her passions include botanical gardens, museums and her family.

Website 

 

 

 

Diversity Dialogue: A Taste of Holidays

The Diversity Dialogue is a monthly feature on the SCBWI-MI Chapter Blog. Learn more and meet the committee members HERE.

Artwork by Rebecca Howe

This Holiday season, let your light shine. Debbie Taylor and I teamed up for this blog post. Read below for her words of inspiration on how light is reflected through this season.

There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.

- Edith Wharton

Photograph by Buffy Silverman

The winter months are the setting for many holidays and celebrations, some familiar and some less so.  Hanukkah, Christmas, Winter Solstice, Three Kings Day, Kwanzaa and others. A theologian pointed out that many of these holidays celebrate the defeat of darkness with light, citing the candles in the menorah and kinara, the star of Bethlehem, floating candles and the Yule log.

Consider that we, creators of stories, poetry, comics, books and more for children, have the opportunity to bring light to a reader’s life. Your touching poem, hilarious picture book, insightful comic, fearless young adult novel or illuminating non-fiction article can raise the curtain, ignite passion, dispel fear or provide respite. Whether your words or illustrations move your audience for a moment or touch a heart for a lifetime, you are bringing light.

This might be good time to write down some of your personal holiday or winter season memories. You can also rewrite the “happy” holidays that may never have existed for you. Explore the origins of existing holidays or create completely new celebrations for any time of year.  From those you may discover the gem of an idea that may become some reader’s shining light, dystopian ritual, dark-dispelling candle or holiday star.

Light tomorrow with today.

-Elizabeth Barret Browning

So gift yourself time to tap resources that may lead you to insight, satisfaction, and pride in your work.  Some of my favorite resources include these four:

1) Cynthia Leitich Smith’s website: A site featuring a range of children’s and YA literature resources      

2) Reading Rockets: A literacy site featuring insightful interviews with authors and illustrators      

3) Brainpickings: A blog that often features references to children’s books  

4) Publishers Weekly: A site featuring articles and reviews of children's books and more

Somedays I’m a candle, somedays I’m a mirror and somedays a waxy ball of fret…

-Debbie A. Taylor

As Debbie mentioned, the idea of light is present as a tradition in many celebrations. The Hanukkah celebration includes candles as well as the Kwanzaa celebration. To shed a little light on the tradition of Kwanza, I'll share a few facts.

• Kwanzaa is not associated with a religion; It is based on seven principles
• Kwanzaa means "first fruits of the harvest" or "first fruits"
• Kwanzaa is a celebration of community, family, and culture that was established as a way for African Americans to reconnect with their roots and heritage
• Festivities usually involve dancing, singing, gifts, and a large feast

Photograph by Buffy Silverman

Our family celebrates Christmas, however we do recognize some of the things that go along with the festivities of Kwanzaa. We create family traditions in our own special way.

Dashing through the store, with an empty shopping cart, up the aisles we go, searching with our heart (sung to the tune of Jingle Bells). And that begins the Holiday season in my family. From acquaintances to friends, to family, we are all diverse in our traditions. What traditions have you established during the Holiday Season?

Searching for white elephant gifts - any goofy, odd-ball, or knick-knack item, brings a smile to my son's face. It’s all in preparation for the annual Christmas dinner hosted at my house. We play the “Gift” game. Everyone pulls a number from a bag and that’s the sequence in which they choose a gift from the tree or take an opened gift from someone.

One year my brother went home with a toy ukulele that he hadn’t a clue how to play. He re-gifted it to his grandson, but the look on my brothers’ face when he opened his gift…priceless. The evening ends with me faking a yawn, stretching, then inviting everyone to stay longer if they want, but to lock up when they leave.

The day after my Christmas dinner begins what I’ll call my Kidlit Holiday. It’s my time to work on writing projects, think about writing goals for the New Year, and to read. Speaking of reading, I’ve started reading Ghost by Jason Reynolds. It was exciting meeting Jason at NERD Camp this past summer. Do you have a suggestion for a book that reflects diversity or written by an author/illustrator who identifies as reflecting diversity?

What does a taste of the holidays look like for you?

Let your light shine in all that you do.

- Angie Verges

Special thanks to Buffy Silverman for sharing her winter photographs. You can enjoy more of her nature photography on her website.

Photograph by Buffy Silverman

Coming up on the Mitten Blog:

Two weeks of vacation! But first, our final Hugs and Hurrahs of 2019! Come back this Friday to celebrate all the good news from our SCBWI-MI members. Today (Tuesday, Dec. 17th) is your last chance to send your writing and illustrating news to our new Hugs and Hurrahs editor, Sarah Locascio. 

Photograph by Buffy Silverman

Michigan Publishers: Fifth Avenue Press by Debbie Taylor

The Mitten Blog is launching a new series to explore local publishing options right here in Michigan. First up is Fifth Avenue Press - an interesting venture run by the Ann Arbor District Library. They're celebrating their Fall 2019 list this weekend, and here to tell us more is one of their newest authors, Debbie Taylor. You can read Debbie's Book Birthday interview to learn more about her new picture book, Over in Motown, but read on below to learn more about her experience working with Fifth Avenue Press.

Celebrate with Debbie and the other Fifth Avenue authors this Sunday in Ann Arbor!

Here's Debbie:

Debbie's first picture book published by Lee and Low in 2004

The differences in my experiences with a trade publisher and Fifth Avenue Press range from minor to profound. Each one provided magic. My first picture book was published in 2004 by a trade publisher. My most recent book, Over in Motown was published by Fifth Avenue Press, a publishing imprint of the Ann Arbor District Library dedicated to publishing local authors.

In 2017, a critique group member encouraged me to submit Over in Motown to Fifth Avenue Press. In just two weeks after I submitted the manuscript, I received an invitation to meet to discuss the book with Erin Helmrich, an editor and librarian, and Amanda Szot, the graphic designer. Erin asked if I was willing to make some revisions. I agreed and was immediately informed that Fifth Avenue Press would like to publish the manuscript. When I worked with my wonderful editor at a trade publisher I received an offer by phone after six months of revisions. During the process, I met with Erin and Amanda in person to discuss revisions, while in the past, my interactions with an editor were by e-mail and telephone.

My trade publisher selected an illustrator my book. The artist selected was without a doubt, a great choice. I certainly did not expect to be asked for input. Fifth Avenue Press identified an initial illustrator immediately, but eventually decided to move in a different direction with a new illustrator. Erin and Amanda scoured the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators directory and solicited my suggestions for an illustrator. In short order they settled upon Keisha Morris and requested some sample sketches based on the manuscript. Erin and Amanda shared a few of Keisha’s sketches and we agreed she had captured the essence of the book. Fifth Avenue Press paid the illustrator's fee just as trade publishers do.

My trade publisher managed the printing and distribution of the book. As a Fifth Avenue Press author, I was responsible for selecting a printer and also choosing the book size, format and paper. Fortunately, they had a great relationship with a local printer, McNaughton-Gunn. I met with a representative who provided book samples with various styles of paper. I felt out of my depth, but after talking with Erin and Amanda, I made my selections.

My trade publisher published the book in hardback for almost nine years and released it in paperback a few years ago. With Fifth Avenue Press, I had to make those decision since I would be paying for the printing. After conferring with other authors and having a lengthy conversation with my sister, a first grade teacher, I settled on paperbacks for the initial run.

The most unusual feature of Fifth Avenue Press is that authors retain the rights to their books. Any profit, after paying sales taxes, is mine. With my first publisher, I received an advance and I receive a royalty check every six months.

Both of my publishers secured the ISBN and provided graphics for websites and other purposes. Fifth Avenue Press has provided opportunities for the authors to meet, mingle and share information and resources. It also generously hosts a book launch for each crop of authors.

At a Fifth Avenue Press book launch in May of this year, I ran into a critique group member who asked if I knew that Spider Magazine had reprinted a story of mine. We rifled through back issues of Spider and found the reprint. The illustrations were different from the original and captured different elements of the story. I peered at the illustrator’s name. It was Keisha Morris. Neither Erin nor Amanda had known that of all the illustrators who could have been chosen to illustrate a reprint, it would turn out to be the illustrator they would select to illustrate Over in Motown!

Working with my first publisher was a great experience. Working with Fifth Avenue Press was remarkable. Having personal access to a "dream team," my terrific editor and our splendid graphic designer, provided  a unique and truly rich experience. I would urge anyone with a good manuscript and a dream to visit the Fifth Avenue Press website. 

Debbie Ann Taylor is a picture book author and magazine writer. Her work has been published in children's magazines including Spider, Cricket, New Moon and Pockets Magazine. Taylor is the author of the acclaimed picture book, Sweet Music in Harlem (Lee and Low 2004) and books for the Toggle Talk educational series. She contributes to local, regional and national literacy efforts as an author, speaker and volunteer. Her hobbies include visiting museums and botanical gardens with her family. Taylor and her husband live in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Learn more at https://sweetmusicinharlem.weebly.com/.

Coming up on the Mitten Blog:

All about book reviews, the upcoming non-fiction mentorship, Book Birthday celebrations, a Writer Spotlight, and our quarterly round of Hugs and Hurrahs. But first, come back next Friday to meet the new SCBWI-MI Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Committee!

Book Birthday Blog with Debbie Taylor

Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog! 

Where we celebrate new books by Michigan's children's book authors and illustrators

Congratulations to Debbie Taylor on the release of her new book,  OVER IN MOTOWN!

Congratulations on your new book release! What inspired Over In Motown?

The text for Over in Motown was inspired by the thrill of listening to the music of Motown and by my affection for the classic Over in the Meadow book. I was moved by the interactions of the creatures in the original poem and recent versions. The parent gives loving instruction and encouragement to her little fishies, turtles, foxes, sea horses, etc. Each mother or father urges the young ones to be themselves, appreciate their abilities and use their unique gifts.

Throughout my middle school years and teen years in Columbus, Ohio, my sister and I, along with the whole neighborhood listened to the local radio stations, WCOL and WVKO, for long stretches hoping to hear Motown music. We could scarcely wait for Motown to release the new Supremes, Temptations or Jackson 5 singles.

Several years ago, I began jotting down words and phrases in an art journal during one of my many journeys by train. After doodling “o”  and  “Mo” for  multiple pages, I started generating stanza after stanza. Revising is a critical part of my process.  At least half of the original stanzas didn’t survive the revision process and others were drastically altered. At one point I resorted to using colored pencils and index cards to keep track.

You’ve spoken before about how family and community are often themes in your
writing. Do you see these themes in Over In Motown as well? 

Yes, indeed the themes of family and community are reflected in the book. The Motown entertainment enterprise has been described as a family venture. The success was not only due to the actual blood ties of the Gordy family, but the family of musicians, coaches, technicians, business professionals, fans and others.

In this book, you highlight not only performers, singers, and musicians, but also
other aspects of Motown and Detroit. You mention record pressing, church choirs,
marching bands, even car assembly lines! What motivated you to talk about all the
different aspects of the musical life in Detroit? 

I wanted to provide a more complex, rich picture of the influences on the development of the music. The rhythms and beats of those people and places all contributed to the Motown sound that was enjoyed and appreciated by fans around the world.  I included the physical production of the actual record because it was an interesting element. The first and last stanzas frame the interior stanzas and reflect the influences, universal appeal and appreciation of the music.

You mention in the author’s notes that Motown music was a part of your
childhood. How was the experience of taking that nostalgia and love of Motown music and writing a story about it? Has it changed the way you listen to the music now?

The music pulled me back to simpler days, happier times and sweeter moments. I found the ballads by various artists very soothing and the bouncy rhythms of other performers energized me. Writing the text and revising the drafts was a very enjoyable and satisfying experience. (I have always appreciated the music, but I now listen to certain songs more often. These days, I also find myself lip-synching to the Supremes' Stop in the Name of Love.)

What’s something you hope your readers will take away from Over In Motown?

I hope readers will appreciate the talented creators of this accessible and upbeat music.  I also would like readers to consider writing their own versions of the Over in Motown. I'd love to have young writers use that structure as a jumping off point for some of their own writing. Readers could use various natural environments, schools or cities. I'd encourage them to think about the elements, features or characteristics of that setting. Consider how multiple voices, creatures or characters could interact, then flesh out the stanzas with descriptions and choose the most effective ones.  I also hope readers will just have fun reading the book and enjoy counting the figures on the pages.

What’s next for you? Where can we find Over In Motown, and how can people
connect with you? 

My sister, a country music fan and I are finishing up Over in Nashville. I am also revising a young adult novel set in Idlewild, Michigan. The book can be ordered through my website and can be found at all of the Ann Arbor Public libraries at the end of the month. Several bookstores, including the Source Booksellers in Detroit, will carry the book as well. Starting mid-November, it can be ordered through my website Sweet Music In Harlem.

A little bit about the book: 

This counting book features studio singers, dancers and choir members as well as guitarists, pianists and drummers making the music of Motown.  These and others, including the automakers and record-pressers who put the "Mo" in "Motown," reflect the energy and influence of Detroit, a distinctive, historic, music-producing city. A timeline of Motown highlights is included.  

A little bit about the author:

Debbie Ann Taylor is a picture book author and magazine writer. Her work has been published in children's magazines including Spider, Cricket, New Moon and Pockets Magazine. Taylor is the author of the acclaimed picture book, Sweet Music in Harlem (Lee and Low 2004) and books for the Toggle Talk educational series. She contributes to local, regional and national literacy efforts as an author, speaker and volunteer. Her hobbies include visiting museums and botanical gardens with her family. Taylor and her husband live in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Check out Over In Motown's Book Release at Ann Arbor's Downtown Library November 10th!