Monday, March 23, 2015

Meet Author Darlene Beck-Jacobson ~By Suzy Leopold

When not writing, she is baking or sewing. Even though she's never 

had a ride in a carriage like the one in her story, she hopes to one day. 

I would like to introduce to you:

Darlene Beck~Jacobson

Q1: Tell us about your book Wheels of Change.
Racial intolerance, social change, sweeping progress. It is a turbulent time growing up in 1908. 

For twelve year old EMILY SOPER, life in Papa’s carriage barn is magic. Emily is more at home hearing the symphony of the blacksmith’s hammer, than trying to conform to the proper expectations of females. 

Many prominent people own Papa’s carriages. He receives an order to make one for President Theodore Roosevelt. Papa’s livelihood becomes threatened by racist neighbors, and horsepower of a different sort.  Emily is determined to save Papa’s business even if she has to go all the way to the President.
Wheels of Change


I am thrilled to announce that the book recently received two honors: 

Wheels of Change has been chosen as a Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2015 by the National Council for Social Studies (NCSS) and the Children’s Book Council (CBC). And, it was also chosen as one of this years 2014 Mighty Girls Books.

Q2: Tell us about the research that you did for your book.
A:   The story began with two facts I discovered while researching my family tree: My grandmother received an invitation to attend a reception at the White House under TR and got to meet him.  Her father made carriages in and around DC at the turn of the Twentieth Century.  The idea for WHEELS OF CHANGE sprang from there.
    
Once I had a story idea it was then a matter of setting the scene to make it as authentic as possible.  I visited a working carriage factory, spent time watching a blacksmith work his magic, and corresponded with experts regarding historical tidbits.  Since the story is set in Washington DC, I contacted the Smithsonian, White House Historical Society, DC Historical Society, Henry Ford Museum, and other places to get answers to the many questions I had.  Everyone I asked was more than willing to assist me; if they had no answer, they referred me to someone who did.  That part still amazes me.  There are many passionate experts in various fields that are thrilled to share their knowledge.  Never be afraid to ask.

I’ve done a blog tour last fall with more than twenty stops, attended the American Library Association (ALA) Midwinter Conference in Chicago last month, Presented at conferences, and was a featured author at An Open Book Program in DC.

I am also doing numerous school visits and guest blog posts.  It is an ongoing process.  I am learning a lot and meeting so many wonderful people in person and online as well.
Darlene Beck-Jacobson
Q3: What is your current WIP or what is your next project?
A:   I’ve written a historical PB that is out for consideration.  TOGETHER ON OUR KNEES tells about the childhood of Matilda Joslyn Gage – a suffragist and abolitionist from NY – whose childhood was filled with anti-slavery activity and whose house was a stop on the Underground Railroad (URR).
Q4: If you could invite five authors to dinner who would you choose?
A:   Harper Lee (To Kill a Mockingbird), John Green (The Fault in Our Stars), J K Rowling (Harry Potter Series), Mo Willems (PB books), Kate DiCamillo (Flora and Ulysses, and many others).  I think it would be a lively and provocative discussion as well as fun filled evening.

Q5: How do you come up with ideas to write about?
A:   Ideas are everywhere. It could be a photo or a great phrase or quote from another book I’ve read that sparks an idea.  Sometimes a quirky character or person I’ve met or seen begs to have a story told.  The more I read, the more ideas pop into my head.  I doubt I’ll ever be able to write about them all.
Q6: What inspires you to write?
A:   I’m inspired by a love of history, family stories, and wanting to share something unique with young people.
Q7: What words of wisdom or best piece of advice do you have for aspiring writers?
A:   Be persistent.  Never give up.  If you honestly work at writing and desire to be the best you can be, listen and use critiques to improve your craft.  Write something everyday – even if it’s just an idea or character sketch you’ll flesh out later.  As with anything else we set out to master, good writing takes practice and effort to make it better. And, Read! Great! Books! Nothing inspires me more than reading the best children’s literature.
Q8: Where can readers find out more about you? 
Blog: GOLD FROM THE DUST: Bringing Stories to Life
You Tube:  A Book Trailer for Wheels of Change
Finally, followers and readers of our GROG Blog, Darlene Beck~Jacobson has generously offered to share a signed copy of Wheels of Change with one winner. Please make a comment on this blog post and visit our Facebook page GROG:Collective Curiosity for chances to win.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

28 comments:

  1. Thanks so much for hosting me on your wonderful blog!

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    1. My pleasure to do so, Darlene. What fun to get to know you and Emily Soper. Thank you for your generous offer of the book giveaway, WHEELS OF CHANGE.
      ~Suzy

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  2. Suzy, this is a great interview with a super lady. I love Darlene's blog and her book - and most of all her energy! Glad to hear she has more projects in the pipeline. (BTW Darlene, I'd like to be part of that dream-author dinner party. I'm happy to cook and serve!)

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    1. Hi Katey! I agree with you. Emily Soper is a character that depicts what a mighty girl is all about in Darlene's book Wheels of Change.

      BTW, I am happy to decorate, cook, bake serve and clean up after the author dinner party.
      ~Suzy

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    2. Thanks Kathryn...Wouldn't it be a great party!? Maybe there's a story in there about who comes and what takes place. If it ever comes about, you'll get the first invitation...xo What's on the menu?

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  3. Wonderful interview. I really enjoyed it and think I will really enjoy Wheels of Change. I would love to be a fly on the wall at Darlene's dinner party!

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    1. Thanks for commenting Rosi. If the party ever takes place, You'll be the first "fly" I invite...Doesn't THAT sound like the title of a story..." I Was a Fly on the Wall at the Author Dinner"...

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    2. Everyone wants to dine with Darlene and five divine authors.

      Rosi, you ou must read WHEELS OF CHANGE and learn all about the story of Emily Soper. Thank you for your comments. Such fun to get to know Darlene.
      ~Suzy

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  4. This sounds like a great book! I'm putting it on my reading list. And I just put it on order. Thanks for highlighting!

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    1. It is a great book, Jilanne. The main character, Emily Soper finds Papa's carriage barn magical. I know you will too. Thank you.
      ~Suzy

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    2. Thanks for you kind words Julianne. I look forward to hearing what you think of the book and appreciate your support. Good luck with the give-away...wish I could give a book to everyone!

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  5. Congratulations on your awards, Darlene! I'm so glad that you're Mighty Girl endorsed -- one of my favorite go-to spots. I'm looking forward to reading Wheels of Change!
    And thanks for introducing Darlene to us, Suzy.

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    1. Patty, Emily Soper the main character in Wheels of Change is truly a might girl. I know you will enjoy reading the book as much as I did.

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  6. This sounds like a really good book. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on it to read...and to get my kids to read it as well. Fun interview, Suzy! Thanks so much!

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    1. Hi MaDonna, I'm sure you and your *Fusion Family* of four beautiful children will enjoy reading the book together. Thank you for reading this blog post about Darlene Beck~Jacobson and her book Wheels of Change.
      ~Suzy

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    2. Thanks for the kind words MaDonna. I wish I could give everyone a copy! Good luck!

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  7. Suzy & Darlene -

    Appreciations for an entertaining & info-packed conversation between two great folks.
    I am blown away Darlene with your grandmother's invitation & your personal path to this award-winner. It sounds so magical. Ever'one, get going on those family histories. Who knows what you will find.
    What were you in your life before children's author Darlene & did that help prepare you?
    Hope you will get that carriage ride.
    I haven't read this one but so much looking forward to finding it.

    Great good luck with your novel - sounds equally appealing.

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    1. Jan:

      Your kind words are always appreciated.

      Recently I came across a black and white photo in my Mom's photo album. It is a picture of President Dwight D. Eisenhower standing inside a vehicle. Circa 1955. There are other individuals in the convertible car with him. I note aircraft in the background which makes me think the location is on an air base. Gosh, how I wish I could ask Mom more about the photo. Just might be a nugget for a great story.

      Enjoy reading all about Emily Soper in Wheels of Change.

      ~Suzy AKA Prairie Garden Girl

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    2. Hi Jan,

      I was a fun discovery regarding the invitation and it recently came full circle when I got to meet the great-great grandson of TR. Kermit Roosevelt provided a blurb for WOC and I wanted to thank him with an autographed copy of the book. He's a law professor at U Penn and agreed to meet me one day at his office in Philadelphia. A kind and gracious man! I even got a photo to commemorate the event!
      I've been in education as a Special Ed. teacher and Speech Correctionist for 30 + years and recently retired. I am a firm believer that everything we do in life prepares us for what lies ahead.
      And...with regards to your wonderful suggestion...I do a workshop on "mining our own history" as a way to tell stories.
      Good luck with the contest and thanks so much for stopping to comment!

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  8. WOW, Suzy! Brilliant interview of a stellar author. Fascinating to find out how each person discovers their golden nuggets.
    Thank you, Darlene, for sharing your journey...we should all look back at our roots...who knows what gems we might find...yours is incredible. ;)

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    1. The story about Emily Soper in Wheels of Change is a fantastic story, Vivian. I agree with you, the nugget that Darlene found in her family history is truly golden.
      ~Suzy

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    2. I agree Vivian, and thanks so much for the kind words and support.

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  9. So..."Drum roll please"...WHO IS THE WINNER?!

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    1. Hip, hip, hooray for you, Vivian! You are the winner of the amazing book Wheels of Change by Darlene Beck~Jacobson. Check your email box for a message from me.
      ~Suzy

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  10. Oh my goodness...hip hip hooray for the generosity of Darlene and for Grog Blog hosting the giveaway, Suzy! I'm always thrilled to be able to add another quality book to my collection. :) Thank you all so much!

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    1. Your book shelves must be overflowing with great titles just like mine. Congratulations, Vivian.

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  11. I will mail out your book sometime this week Vivian. Thanks for your interest and happy reading! Thanks to everyone who commented and said so many kind things. And Thanks to you, Suzy, for inviting me onto this great blog.

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    1. As a writer, your book, Wheels of Change, encourages me to consider looking for the inspiration that may spark a family story idea. Thank you, Darlene.

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