Mel’s Video Interviews with Children’s Book Professionals

A wonderful conversation with Harold Underdown about his life and chosen profession – editing children’s books. Harold talks about his favorite children’s books growing up, his original plan of becoming a school teacher which morphed into an unexpected role as assistant editor. He discusses the importance of reader response (including those responses unanticipated by the author). Harold explains why during his career he preferred helping hundreds of authors publish children’s books rather than write his own and how his career as a teacher helped him understand the needs of children to see themselves in the books.

Facebook video – Harold Underdown

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“Nothing is impossible if you can imagine it.” Vivian turned from a shy, timid, young girl into a kindergarten teacher and from there to a self-assured ice-cream loving published author (check out her recent wonderful book on Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe). She was crazy about the Hardy Boys (and Nancy Drew)! Her first hand drawn story: The Balloon Man (we need to publish it on Ourboox, it has mice in it!). In 2005, she wrote a textbook for teachers and parents called “Show Me How”.  And then on to a remarkable career as a traditionally published author. “Passion, patience, productivity, practice, perseverance and participation.”

Facebook video – Vivian Kirkfield

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Julie Hedlund: You have to just keep producing new work. You are changing as a writer all the time. No writing is ever wasted. When I write I want to make progress, get the manuscript from here to there, and then I lose much of the joy in the process. There is no ‘getting there’. You are always there. Writing will eventually turn into something. The process changes you. Keep going.

Facebook video – Julie Hedlund

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Facebook video – Annette Whipple

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Facebook video – Lydia Lukidis

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Facebook video – Dr. Rajani LaRocca

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Facebook video – Amy Murrell

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Facebook Video – Nancy Churnin

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Facebook Video – Chana Stiefel 

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Facebook video – Ellen Leventhal

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Facebook video – Rotem Omri

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Facebook video – Debra Shumaker

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Facebook video with Melissa Stoller

Youtube video with Melissa Stoller