Interview – Write Non-Fiction Picture Books
Selene Castrovilla on Historical Picture Books for Older Readers
Nov 3, 2009
Children’s writer Selene Castrovilla shared the challenges of writing historical non-fiction for children in an interview with Suite101 writer Jennifer Jensen.
About Selene Castrovilla
Selene Castrovilla is the award-winning author of By the Sword and Upon Secrecy, historical picture books for older readers about George Washington, soldier Benjamin Tallmadge, and the Culper Spy Ring. Her new contemporary YA novel, Saved by the Music, is being released this month.
Writing Background Before First Book
I [received] a BA in English from NYU, and an MFA from New School University in creative writing. But there was a long gap between the two degrees. You see, I always knew I was a writer, but lacked the confidence to pursue a career. But I hadn’t published anything more than a couple of pieces in women’s magazines.
Getting First Book Published
It was more like I wrote it to suit my editor. I’d met Carolyn Yoder at Chautauqua, a writing conference run by Highlights Magazine/Boyds Mills Press – who she works for. She edits American history, so we were paired because I was attempting to write a rambling historical novel about Washington’s spies. When I looked at my work, she’d penned it into a sea of red ink! I put my head in my hands and moaned, “I can’t do this!”
She asked, “Why not?”
I signed up for Carolyn’s biography workshop, and I had to have something to write about. I’d come across the story of Benjamin Tallmadge saving his horse at the Battle of Long Island, and known I’d write it someday. With the deadline of Carolyn’s workshop looming, “someday” arrived.
Middle Grade Picture Book vs. Historical Novel
I tried to write a historical novel about Washington’s spies, but I wasn’t any good at it. You have to be really devoted to a novel in so many ways, and I found it overwhelming to worry about every detail, and especially dialogue. Mine never sounded natural. “Hark! Who goes there?” You get the idea. No, when it comes to novels, contemporary is the way for me!
A while back I read the middle grade picture book John Blair and the Great Hinckley Fire, by Josephine Nobisso. It was just the type of book I wanted to write: a picture book telling a narrative about a little-known and dramatic moment in history. The humanity of this man’s story pricked at my heart. When you write a picture book in this style, it’s almost like a poem. Every word counts. It’s compact, precise, moving. It’s packed with sensory details, and emotion. It works for me. Funny enough, Josephine became a mentor of mine!
Advice for Aspiring Historical Writers
I’d say you have to decide what kind of historical writer you want to be, because it has to be a style you’re comfortable with. For me, picture books work. Read different styles and find the one that hooks you.
Novelists have to sustain the “back in time” effect way longer than picture book writers. But, they can make up all kinds of things. Historical picture books tend to stay steeped in accuracy.
Either way, make sure you’ve done enough research. You have to become your own expert on the subject. It’s the only way to write about history authentically.
For more advice from Selene Castrovilla and other children’s writers, read How to Write Children's Books: Top Authors Give Tips
 |
 |
