For many teenagers, reading loses its appeal. There are so many other forms of entertainment, especially media that attracts the visual senses. Video and computer games head the list, while DVD's bring the movie experience into the home.
The front lines in this battle is the libraries, both public and school, while the warriors are the librarians, especially those who specialize in books for young adults. The struggle is intense, but can be very rewarding, but every reader should take the time to support their local libraries. That goes for authors too, because libraries train people to appreciate the power of books.
During elementary school, children's reading habits are heavily mandated and advanced reading is rewarded and touted. Both of my dragon books are welcomed by the nearby school media center, and teachers read them aloud in certain classrooms, while I am invited to speak to 4th and 5th Graders about reading and writing.
Once they reach middle school (or junior high school), things start to drop off a bit. There's a lot of homework and reading becomes less for pleasure and more for research and projects. By the time teens reach high school, reading a novel takes a back seat to homework, dating, football games, Xbox, going to the movies, and the list goes on and on.
Yet the librarian keeps looking for creative and innovative ways to reinforce how wonderful the imagination can be and that many movies come from books, as do video games. My son often prefers his own imagination, to having the images and voices defined up on the big screen.
Sure, I think the dragon books would make great movies and pretty entertaining video games, not to mention cool action figures and a graphic novel would work too. Yet I want people to envision their own Thaddeus Osbert, or how Gavin, Bunty, and Emily look and speak, within the descriptions I provide. Actually seeing the North Cornish Coast in a movie might spoil their imagining it for themselves.
So, the next time you go to a library (By the way, when was the last time you went to the library?), you might want to take a look around. Lots of space is set aside for computers now. There are DVD's, CD's, and all sorts of media to check out. Wander into the children's section and there are still lots of books. Yet the teen or young adult section might not even exist. If your library has a young adult librarian, you should give him or her a hug. A big hug. Thank them for their efforts, because it's not any easy fight.
If you still love to read, how did that happen? What was the catalyst and why does it still work for you? I write, but I love to read. I love movies too. And video games. And action figures. I take it all in balance.
This is a call to support your libraries, to fundamentally instill in young people the wonder of reading. It's not going to be easy, but it is necessary. Yes, the publishing world is changing very rapidly and books right along with it. Reading, however, better never die, for with it will go all great learning and thinking. The civilization will die.
So, here's a tip of the hat to every librarian in the world. Keep at it. Never give up. For each person you help steer towards reading a book, is like saving a mind and a soul.
Technorati Tags:
librarian, teenagers, dragon, elementary school, library, young adult,
Friday, February 8, 2008
Thursday, February 7, 2008
History Lessons in Disguise
I've always loved history. I read lots of history books, especially about WWII, the American Civil War, ancient Roman, Egyptian, and British cultures, as well as political history. Much of that interest drives what I write.
Now with the Dragon series, I wanted to be able to write about some critical moments during WWII, but from the eyes of a teenager living in England. It helps to have a dragon who can cloak himself and fly all over the place, but it still needed to be events that shaped the outcome.
In Secret of the Dragon's Breath, it turns out to be the Sinking of the Bismarck, the mighty German battleship. Conducting extensive research, I crafted a simplified version of the historical battle at sea, hoping to entertain, as well as inform.
I also wanted to set the stage for the next critical incident for the next book, the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich, the vicious Nazi henchman terrorizing innocent Jews throughout eastern Europe.
Remember, I'm writing for all ages, and while I want to present historical accuracy, I don't want to bore my readers either. In the middle of this terrible war is a dragon and three teenagers, who see things from their perspective, which centers on rationing, interrupted schooling, no fathers or brothers, because the men are all in uniform. Perhaps this is something the typical teenager can't relate to readily, but I feel obligated to try.
Without diminishing the courage and sacrifice of the generation who fought and died during WWII, I insert a little dragon intervention into the story, because it fits into certain mysterious or unexplained hiccups in much of what unfolded during those days. That way the reader knows what happened, with a little assistance from a dragon.
Technorati Tags:
battleship Bismarck, Roman, British, Egyptian, American Civil War, Reinhard Heydrich, rationing
Now with the Dragon series, I wanted to be able to write about some critical moments during WWII, but from the eyes of a teenager living in England. It helps to have a dragon who can cloak himself and fly all over the place, but it still needed to be events that shaped the outcome.
In Secret of the Dragon's Breath, it turns out to be the Sinking of the Bismarck, the mighty German battleship. Conducting extensive research, I crafted a simplified version of the historical battle at sea, hoping to entertain, as well as inform.
I also wanted to set the stage for the next critical incident for the next book, the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich, the vicious Nazi henchman terrorizing innocent Jews throughout eastern Europe.
Remember, I'm writing for all ages, and while I want to present historical accuracy, I don't want to bore my readers either. In the middle of this terrible war is a dragon and three teenagers, who see things from their perspective, which centers on rationing, interrupted schooling, no fathers or brothers, because the men are all in uniform. Perhaps this is something the typical teenager can't relate to readily, but I feel obligated to try.
Without diminishing the courage and sacrifice of the generation who fought and died during WWII, I insert a little dragon intervention into the story, because it fits into certain mysterious or unexplained hiccups in much of what unfolded during those days. That way the reader knows what happened, with a little assistance from a dragon.
Technorati Tags:
battleship Bismarck, Roman, British, Egyptian, American Civil War, Reinhard Heydrich, rationing
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Cover Art
David M. Burke created the cover art for Secret of the Dragon's Breath (as well as all the other Derek Hart novels). I was very pleased with the final outcome, but I should explain how this process comes about.
Once I'm finished with the draft of a novel, I sent an email to Mr. Burke, with an outline of the plot, some high points, and my vision of what the cover might look like, if I've thought about it.
At his end, David laughs a lot, because I usually have all sorts of scattered thoughts, and begins playing around with images, colors, backgrounds, fonts, and all manner of graphic art stuff. I may be a writer, but an artist I am NOT! I can close my eyes and visualize certain elements, but it's Burke's (the accepted nickname for David is his last name - Burke) skills that pulls it all together.
So far, the dragon books have presented lots of challenges for us both. It took several versions of Secret of the Dragon's Eye to get it right and Secret of the Dragon's Breath was no different. In the end, however, we come to a meeting of the minds and visions. I will be talking more about Burke's brilliance on my other blogs, but he deserves tremendous credit for making the covers to my book shine.
Thanks, my friend.
Once I'm finished with the draft of a novel, I sent an email to Mr. Burke, with an outline of the plot, some high points, and my vision of what the cover might look like, if I've thought about it.
At his end, David laughs a lot, because I usually have all sorts of scattered thoughts, and begins playing around with images, colors, backgrounds, fonts, and all manner of graphic art stuff. I may be a writer, but an artist I am NOT! I can close my eyes and visualize certain elements, but it's Burke's (the accepted nickname for David is his last name - Burke) skills that pulls it all together.
So far, the dragon books have presented lots of challenges for us both. It took several versions of Secret of the Dragon's Eye to get it right and Secret of the Dragon's Breath was no different. In the end, however, we come to a meeting of the minds and visions. I will be talking more about Burke's brilliance on my other blogs, but he deserves tremendous credit for making the covers to my book shine.
Thanks, my friend.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Now That You've Read Secret of the Dragon's Eye
Greetings!
You've found the Second Book. Well done.
Secret of the Dragon’s Breath continues the adventures of Gavin Kane, Emily Scott, and Bunty Digby, thirteen-year-olds who continue to struggle with their daily lives, during the spring of 1941. While relatively safe on the north Cornish coast, the teens are well aware that England is under constant threat, as the Germans continue to bomb London and the surrounding industrial cities. While these friends have learned to cope with air raid sirens and strict rationing, they’re soon faced with another sinister attempt to bring Britain to her knees.
Yet with the addition of several new characters, the teenagers discover the true meaning of friendship from these unusual allies.Secret of the Dragon’s Breath also marks the return of that high-spirited dragon, Sir Thaddeus Osbert, who not only breathes fire, but also craves sugar. Faced with danger and intrigue, the teens call upon their dragon friend to help them battle the Nazis, who are determined to win the war, no matter what the cost.
With a terrible new force threatening their beloved England, it’s up to Gavin, Bunty, and Emily to seek out a magical solution. When their favorite dragon unleashes yet another secret power, you can be assured the outcome will not only be exciting, but full of long-lasting implications as well.
You've found the Second Book. Well done.
Secret of the Dragon’s Breath continues the adventures of Gavin Kane, Emily Scott, and Bunty Digby, thirteen-year-olds who continue to struggle with their daily lives, during the spring of 1941. While relatively safe on the north Cornish coast, the teens are well aware that England is under constant threat, as the Germans continue to bomb London and the surrounding industrial cities. While these friends have learned to cope with air raid sirens and strict rationing, they’re soon faced with another sinister attempt to bring Britain to her knees.
Yet with the addition of several new characters, the teenagers discover the true meaning of friendship from these unusual allies.Secret of the Dragon’s Breath also marks the return of that high-spirited dragon, Sir Thaddeus Osbert, who not only breathes fire, but also craves sugar. Faced with danger and intrigue, the teens call upon their dragon friend to help them battle the Nazis, who are determined to win the war, no matter what the cost.
With a terrible new force threatening their beloved England, it’s up to Gavin, Bunty, and Emily to seek out a magical solution. When their favorite dragon unleashes yet another secret power, you can be assured the outcome will not only be exciting, but full of long-lasting implications as well.
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