Welcome to SCBWI-MI's Book Birthday Blog!
Where we celebrate new books by Michigan's children's book authors and illustrators
Congratulations to Rhonda Gowler Greene on the release of her new book, THE FIRST MEN WHO WENT TO THE MOON!
1) How did you come up with the idea for THE FIRST MEN WHO WENT TO THE MOON?
I got the idea because of three of my previous books. Those books are in a ‘House That Jack Built’ pattern, but I adapted the format to be circular instead of cumulative. Their topics are Thanksgiving, the nativity, and creation. A few years ago, I was trying to think of another nonfiction topic that would work well within that same pattern. That’s when I thought of the first Moon landing. Many of my books are rhyming and whimsical, but the pattern I used for these nonfiction books is more ‘serious.’ As one reviewer put it, the pattern has a ‘stately structure.’ One day, my editor said the Apollo 11 manuscript felt ‘majestic’ to her. That was great to hear because that’s exactly how I wanted the text to sound for such an important event as the first Moon landing and walk.
This year is the 50thanniversary of Apollo 11. I didn’t write the story with the 50thanniversary in mind, but luckily, the manuscript sold in 2017 and the publisher hurried the book along to get it out in time.
2) What was the most difficult part of writing this book?
The most difficult part was the research. Revision deadlines were a close second. Since the publisher wanted to get the book out quickly, I ended up having to work on revisions right at Thanksgiving and Christmas.
In the first half of the book, I include side notes with facts about the mission, or the Moon. Also, in the back matter, there’s a two-page spread of lots more facts. My editor left it up to me regarding what facts to include. I researched a ton on NASA’s site. It’s a huge site! Too, I read First Man, the biography of Neil Armstrong. I read Buzz Aldrin’s No Dream is Too High. I read a stack of great children’s books regarding Apollo 11. I had pages and pages of notes and whittled them down to which facts I thought might be the most interesting to readers. I feel like I’m an Apollo 11 expert now! Too, for the back matter, I asked if they could include some NASA photos, which are in the public domain. I researched photos and sent six. They’re included in the back of the book.
And, I just want to add because I think it’s totally cool— I asked my editor if maybe they could get a blurb from an astronaut, and maybe even from an astronaut who walked on the Moon. (Only four out of twelve who walked on the Moon are still living). The publisher contacted at least a couple of astronauts, maybe more. Harrison ‘Jack’ Schmitt agreed to read over the manuscript to make sure all the facts were correct and also write a blurb for the back cover. Dr. Schmitt was the Apollo 17 lunar module pilot. In 1972, he and Eugene Cernan were the last two astronauts to walk on the Moon. I was so grateful the publisher contacted some astronauts! And, wow, how nice of Dr. Schmitt!
3) What are your marketing plans for your book? Where can we find it?
On Sunday, March 24th (2:00-3:30), I have a book launch at Oak Park Library, hosted by Book Beat bookstore. Everyone is invited! Denise Brennan-Nelson will also be presenting that day and launching her new book Goodnight, Library. We’ll have prize drawings!
I had postcards made of the book cover and sent them out to local schools, libraries, and some U.S. space museums. I’ve also worked very hard on a new powerpoint program for schools, libraries, etc., which is mostly about the Apollo 11 mission. I have some school visits coming up where I’ll be presenting this new program. And, of course, I’ve been promoting the book on social media—Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
On Sunday, July 21st, I’m presenting at the Armstrong Air & Space Museum. It’s in Wapakoneta, Ohio, where Neil Armstrong was born and grew up. The town and museum are having a weekend celebration regarding the 50thanniversary. I’m honored to be one of the presenters!
My book can be found at bookstores and online.
4) Who is your author idol and how have they influenced your work?
Cynthia Rylant has always been my favorite children’s author. Her writing is amazing and all her books have such a warm feel. I loved her Newbery Award book, Missing May. I love the Henry and Mudgebooks. And I absolutely love the Mr. Putter & Tabbyseries. I have all 25 Mr. Putter books. Now, my three little grandkids LOVE Mr. Putter, Tabby, Mrs. Teaberry, and Zeke! I can’t begin to count how many times we’ve read the whole series together! Have you read Mr. Putter & Tabby Write the Book? Every writer should. It’s so funny!
Many years ago, before I was published, I drove five hours to Indianapolis to hear Cynthia Rylant speak. She was wonderful (and so humble!). It was very inspiring to hear her speak and get to talk to her afterwards. I even got a postcard from her (I treasure it!) after that trip. She wrote—“I have a feeling you are going to be published.” I don’t know if her writing has actually influenced mine (she’s a waybetter writer than me!), but if it has in any way, I hope it’s a warm feeling that comes through my writing.
5) As an author who has published over 25 books and has a few more due to come out, what advice would you give to aspiring authors?
The main advice I’d give is read, read, read children’s books. Immerse yourself in them. That’s what I do. Especially read (and study) the genre/s you want to write in. And especially read children’s books published within the last few years.
I highly recommend Ann Whitford Paul’s Writing Picture Books. (Most of my copy is underlined!) I think it’s the best how-to book regarding writing picture books. Actually, I think it’s beneficial for whatever genre you write in. I totally agree with her comment—“The key to improving your writing is to learn how to be your own critic, develop ways to pull yourself back from your story, and become an outside reader.”
Even though I’ve had several picture books published (I feel very lucky!), I still get lots of rejections. It’s hard to sell a manuscript. It’s extremely hard. But it’s not impossible. I just keep writing and plugging away. And I keep reading reading reading new children’s books, from picture books to novels. Also, I keep revising new stories of mine over and over, trying to be that ‘outside reader.’ And, oh yes, if you’re writing a picture book manuscript, and if it’s not a picture book biography (they’re usually longer), I’d say cut cut cut to around 500 words or less.
Good luck to everyone! And thanks so much for having me!
A little bit about the book: In 1961, President John F. Kennedy issued a challenge to the nation: land astronauts on the moon by the end of the decade. The Apollo program was designed by NASA to meet that challenge, and on July 16, 1969, Apollo 11 lifted off from Kennedy Space Center carrying astronauts Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Edwin Aldrin. Apollo 11's prime mission objective: "Perform a manned lunar landing and return." Four days after take-off, the Lunar Module "Eagle," carrying Armstrong and Aldrin, separated from the Command Module "Columbia," and descended to the moon. Armstrong reported back to Houston's Command Center, "The Eagle has landed." America and the world watched in wonder and awe as a new chapter in space exploration opened. Through verse and informational text, author Rhonda Gowler Greene celebrates Apollo 11's historic moon landing.
A little bit about the author: Rhonda Gowler Greene is the author of over twenty-five children’s books. A former elementary learning disabilities teacher, Rhonda holds a Master’s in Educational Media. She currently resides in southeast Michigan.
Website: https://rhondagowlergreene.com
