Yesterday, boys in several classes were treated to a visit by writer Elise Broach (author of
The Masterpiece Adventures featuring the first novel in that series
The Miniature World of Marvin and James). Elise met with first and second graders in the morning and, after a lunch with our librarians and writing teachers, she spoke with the boys in the fifth and sixth grades.
Elise engaged both groups of boys in a discussion about the ideas behind her picture books and novels; how she generates them and the journey from concept to printed book. Imagination, family stories, pets, sports, experiences, dreams and "what if" questions were all discussed as great sources for book ideas.
She encouraged the boys to write about something they are passionate and excited about, and spoke about the decades-long shelf lives of classic books. Her sessions also focused on the editing component to writing, and the importance of revision in the book writing process. "The most important part of my job is correcting my stories to make them better and good enough to be published books," she said.
In their writing classes, our boys do extensive revising and peer editing of their work, so to hear that even a professional writer needs to go through multiple drafts, was of great interest to them.
Ms. Broach's visit to Saint David's was sponsored by our wonderful Parent Association's Author Series Committee.
The clip below is from the morning session with first and second graders.
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